[PbP Gameday VIII][SFS 2-03] The Withering World (GM Gustavef) (Inactive)

Game Master Andrew Harasty

*frowns at the decapitation, then pulls the spike out, gets the head down, and buries it with proper reverence*

He then pauses. To be honest, would I be violating my Oath as a Healer to do something lethal to a member of the Cult of the Devourer?

He also carefully tries to reconstruct the records in order to photograph the results. Photos are also taken of the menhir and it's equations. The ingredients for the ritual are also collected for analysis,

"No more so than if you remove a tumor from an otherwise healthy patient," replies Gulkyn.

You are able to discover what you need and return to the Loreseeker

End of mission

Venture-Captain sends you the following

Marker

The Devourer cultists who’ve already spread across this planet seem intent on corrupting the markers that keep the planet from falling into the nearby black hole. Your next assignment is to prevent the cultists from destroying more markers with their foul rituals. Based off what we’ve learned from the locals and our own reconnaissance, the easiest way to do so is to swap out some of the cultists’ ritual components for extremely similar substances you can find in this jungle. We’ve identified a site the Devourer cultists are using to store their ritual components. Go into the nearby jungle and retrieve some pollen from a baneflower, crushed nightvine fruit, and the secretions from a tanisk. Use these to pollute the Devourer’s cache of components. I’ve attached coordinates to the Devourer cultists’ cache. Be quick to complete this, as you’ll need to add these pollutants before the cultists return!

Enereth-7’s crystalline jungle is cool and damp, water dripping slowly from the leaves overhead. Local wildlife moves through the trees around the area, rattling the crystalline leaves and filling the area with a soothing melodic sound.

The trail widens to about ten feet. Rough roots emerge from the ground, making extended travel bothersome. Local fauna squawks through the foliage. Washed-out colors fill the sky almost to a blue white, and the great orb of the sun rises towards its zenith.

"Alright, who knows what these plants look like?"

AMOSU moves forward, "I believe I may be able to identify the appropriate flora."

Leaving these here in case their useful...
Survival: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5 or
Life Sciences: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25

survival: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20
life sciences: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20

Suppose so, Doctor Conway replies to Gulkyn but my Oath says basically "Do No Harm". It seems to me though that these Cultists intend to do harm on a planetary scale. Still hopefully, at least their Quorlu recruits can be saved.

Different Jungle

You can place yourselves anywhere on the map

Baneflowers: Baneflowers can be found all along the paths in this portion of the forest. Life Science check to collect enough samples

Nightvines: The nightvines can be harvested from any of the nearby trees, though this plant grows only at a higher elevation, requiring that you successfully climb up at least 20 feet to harvest some of the vine. Then you will need to do fire or slashing damage to secure a sample

Tanisk Secretions: Tiny frog-like creatures known as tanisks meander around the stream along the southern edge of the map. You have to catch a tanisk to get the ingredient. The tanisks aren’t aggressive or overtly dangerous, but they move quickly when Threatened. Acrobatics or Survival to catch, then a Survival check to safely get the extract

You may each attempt one task before...

Collects some baneflowers
life science: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28

Find some tanisks.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9
Survival: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20

Gus grabs his knife and climbs a tree to harvest some nightvines.

Assuming I'll need to make an athletics check to climb.

athletics: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

slashing damage with survival knife: 1d4 ⇒ 2

RAY will hover nearby. He'll use his laser to harvest some.

fire damage: 1d4 ⇒ 2

Gulkyn follows Gus and climbs a neighboring tree with his laser pistol at the ready in one hand.

Athletics: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8
Laser dmg: 1d4 ⇒ 4 F

Seeing the others gathers the plants, AMOSU attempts to acquire the tanisk secretions.

Survival/Catch: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20
Survival/Secretions: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19

Dr. Galen safely gets enough of the flowers. And AMOUS is able to quickly and easily extract the tanisk secretions while Analog just flops in the water.

Neither Gulkyn or Gustav are able to climb up the trees get to the vines, but the drone Ray stars to cut one when...

PLOP!

Three small creatures fall from the canopy and land on you

Falling attack, Analog: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18 v KAC
Claw damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5 S

Falling attack, Gulkyn: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18 v KAC
Claw damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3 S

Falling attack, Gus: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5 v KAC
Claw damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5 S

Everyone can now react to the frog crab like falling creatures.

CONTACT -- Current Time (0:00)

Group conditions:
Round 1

Gulkyn -- 5 SP dmg
AMOSU
Dr Gaelin Conway
The Analog Affair -- 5 SP Dmg
Gus --

Critter, Red
Critter, Yellow
Critter, Orange

I moved my critter and I closer to a tree. Should I have 5 SP damage?

"Gah, get off me," exclaims Gulkyn as he grabs his mote and swings at the critter.

Photon attuning
Solar Weapon: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25
Damage: 1d6 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 5 + 1 = 12 (B) + 1 (E)

"New species identified, Frabs. Interesting, accumulating data and initiating defensive protocols. Do you think their sentient?" The android begins its usual babbling as it draws its dart rifle and targets the YELLOW frab in front of Gus.

Move-Draw weapon, Move-activate combat system

The creatures fell from the canopy which covers the whole area. So yes. It did fall on Gulkyn

I knew I got hit - just looks like 3 SP not 5 SP on your earlier post. The move was just to correct not moving when I went up a tree.

Resets his static arc pistol to 'organics' and attempts to stun the one on Analog

v EAC: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15
electricity: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Bah. Read the numbers too fast. Yes. only 3 SP damage

Gus takes a step back and unshoulders his rifle.5' guarded step

At the same time, he orders RAY to shift positions and fire at the creature that was near him (yellow).

RAY's to hit: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14
fire damage: 1d4 ⇒ 3

Gulkyn's strike just bearly explodes critter in a combination of shell and guts.

Dr. Gaeling and Ray both hit their respective targets.

The Analog affair finds itself in a Null Subroutine Delaying

The bug on him not liking the metallic taste moves over to the next warm body of Dr. Gaelin

While the other one continues to follow Gus

Falling attack, Gaelin: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20 v KAC
Claw damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3 S

Falling attack, Gus: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14 v KAC
Claw damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6 S

Everyone can act. As you hear more rustling above you.

CONTACT -- Current Time (0:00)

Group conditions:
Round 1

Gulkyn -- 3 SP dmg
AMOSU
Dr Gaelin Conway 3 SP dmg
The Analog Affair -- 5 SP Dmg
Gus -- 6 SP dmg

Critter, Red -- DEAD
Critter, Yellow -- 3 HP dmg
Critter, Orange -- 3 HP dmg

AMOSU levels its rifle, "I am sorry new life form, but I cannot allow you implement a natural selection protocol and consume my friends."

AMOSU then fires on the frab attacking Gus.
Attack/KAC: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15
Damage/P-A-F: 1d8 ⇒ 7
It then moves to a better position to target either creature.

Gulkyn moves towards Dr. Gaeling, striking at his new visitor.

20' move & photon attuning
Solar Weapon: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25
Damage: 1d6 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 5 + 1 = 9 (B) + 1 (E)

Dr Gaelin looks at his new companion "You, my friend, are going in a specimen jar", then shoots it.

v EAC: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
electricity: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

The Analog Affair wakes from his null subroutine, and fires his pistols at the nearest crab-like creature.

BLAM! : 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24 Dmg: 1d6 ⇒ 5
BLAM! : 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10 Dmg: 1d6 ⇒ 2

Once again Gus will continue to back away from the creature near him. This time his rifle is ready.

to hit: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11
non-lethal electrical damage: 1d6 ⇒ 1

RAY hovers in place and fires at the same creature.

to hit: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9
fire damage: 1d4 ⇒ 3

You quick attacks deal with the ones on the ground just in time for another three to charge from the canopy

Target: 3d5 ⇒ (2, 3, 4) = 9
Falling on AMOSU, DAelin and Analog

Falling pounce attacks!

Falling attack, AMOSU: 1d20 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (8) + 4 - 2 = 10 v KAC
Claw damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6 S
Falling attack, AMOSU: 1d20 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (7) + 4 - 2 = 9 v KAC
Claw damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6 S
Missing completely it slams in to the ground
Falling damage: 3d6 ⇒ (6, 1, 1) = 8

Falling attack, Gaelin: 1d20 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (5) + 4 - 2 = 7 v KAC
Claw damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4 S
Falling attack, Gaelin: 1d20 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (19) + 4 - 2 = 21 v KAC
Claw damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5 S
One claw hits

Falling attack, Analog: 1d20 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (10) + 4 - 2 = 12 v KAC
Claw damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5 S
Falling attack, Analog: 1d20 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (16) + 4 - 2 = 18 v KAC
Claw damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5 S
Just snags Analog Affair on the way down

Everyone can act.

CONTACT -- Current Time (0:00)

Group conditions:
Round 1

Gulkyn -- 3 SP dmg
AMOSU
Dr Gaelin Conway 8 SP dmg
The Analog Affair -- 10 SP Dmg
Gus -- 6 SP dmg

Critter, Green --
Critter, Blue -- 8 dmg
Critter, Purple --

"Sorry Doc, are dead specimens okay?" asks Gulkyn as he steps up again and swings at the new critter.

Move & photon attuning
Solar Weapon: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
Damage: 1d6 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 5 + 1 = 8 (B) + 1 (E)

The Analog Affair pivots and aims his pistols, firing both barrels!

BLAM! : 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19 Dmg: 1d6 ⇒ 4
BLAM! : 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4 Dmg: 1d6 ⇒ 2

Just needs to be intact. Gaelin replies as he shoots at the new arrival that attacked him.

v EAC: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
electricity: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Gus moves a few steps to get a clear shot and levels his rifle.

to hit: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
non-lethal electrical damage: 1d6 ⇒ 2

RAY also fires, though it struggles to find a firing solution through fellow Starfinders.

to hit, cover penalty: 1d20 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (17) + 4 - 2 = 19
fire damage: 1d4 ⇒ 4

AMOSU takes a guarded step back, "I am sorry new life forms I also cannot allow you to initiate natural selection protocols on me."

With a sad expression on its face it fires on the PURPLE frab.

Attack/KAC: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17
Damage/P,A,F: 1d8 ⇒ 4

Gulkyn, Gaelin and Gus all miss. One of Analogs shots hit. As well as Ray and AMOSU

Falling attack, AMOSU: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11 v KAC
Claw damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6 S

Falling attack, Gaelin: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11 v KAC
Claw damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4 S

The Purple one pulls away and retreats
guarded step than move

Everyone can act.

CONTACT -- Current Time (0:00)

Group conditions:
Round 1

Gulkyn -- 3 SP dmg
AMOSU
Dr Gaelin Conway 8 SP dmg
The Analog Affair -- 13 SP Dmg
Gus -- 6 SP dmg

Critter, Green --
Critter, Blue -- 8 dmg
Critter, Purple -- 12 dmb

AMOSU scans the area... Anymore of the in the trees?
Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27

It then locks its targeting system onto the BLUE frab near Gus before firing.

Attack/KAC: Blue: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
Damage/P,A,F: 1d8 ⇒ 6

Gulkyn continues to try and assault the nearest critter. Green

Solar Weapon: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14
Damage: 1d6 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 5 + 1 = 9 (B) + 1 (E)

takes another shot

v EAC: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15
electricity: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

The Analog Affair targets the nearest creature!

BLAM! : 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5 Dmg: 1d6 ⇒ 6
BLAM! : 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16 Dmg: 1d6 ⇒ 3

Gus and Ray fire at the nearest creature.

to hit (Gus): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12
non-lethal electrical damage: 1d6 ⇒ 1

to hit (RAY): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12
damage: 1d4 ⇒ 2

With your collective attacks you take out the remaining bugs. Ray is able to get the vine segment.

Once you manage to defeat or drive off the tree hoppers, you proceed with your mission without much problem. Continuing on the path they arrived in the area from, you can eventually reach the temporarily abandoned lair of the Reddened Eye cultists in the area. The lair is a partially collapsed cave that contains three containers filled with ritual ingredients.

You quickly pollute the collected ingredients by adding in their retrieved ingredients into each of the containers. Then you are able to head back safely.

We will break here between missions and pick up Monday

MESSENGER

The communications array aboard the Loreseeker chirp to life. The image of Venture-Captain Arvin, a middle-aged damaya lashunta man, appears and begins to quickly speak. “Starfinders, it appears we are not the only ones interested in this planet. Another group, worshippers of the entropic Devourer, have aggressively interfered with our efforts here. It seems our successes haven’t gone unnoticed, as we’ve just have detected the launch of a starship from Enereth-7’s surface. This is not one of our ships, so it must be whatever the Devourer cultists used to get here. You must intercept the ship at these coordinates.”

As promised, data appears on the ship’s navigational array, Venture-Captain Arvin continues, “The Devourer ship must not escape the system to call for reinforcements. I’m surprised it hasn’t already entered the Drift, but it may be in enough of a state of disrepair that it’s not yet ready to exit the system. You are the only ones close enough to intercept their vessel before it escapes the system. Intercept and stop that ship at all costs!”

Do you have any questions

No questions here.

As the communication closes, AMOSU takes its position at the Engineering station and sets up secondary science station accesses. "It would seem speed is of the essence. I am prepared to initiate launch sequences once all report being in position and secured for take-off."

The Analog Affair immediately finds the pilot seat and sits. He swivels the chair from side to side, activating the ship's context sensitive helm controls. His fingers glide over the console.

A deep thrum begins, low in the bowels of the Loreseeker. It quickly intensifies as the Pegasus-class starship's engines begin to powerup.

"We're leaving, sentients. AMOSU, passing engines to you. We'll need engines at 100% in 32.4 seconds from now. Doc, close up the hatch. It'll be dusty as we lift and you bio-types tend to get your air filters clogged if the doors are open on takeoff. Everybody else, grab a seat."

His voice sounds much more comfortable now, still him, not another personality, but... at home in a role he's played before.

The Analog Affair starts reviewing the data sent over from Venture-Captain Arvin. What kind of ship is it? Armaments? Defensive capabilities? Piloting?: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15 "Can somebody find information on that ship? We will require targeting data to better destroy it."

"Somebody get to the turrets now. We probably won't have time to strap in once we're out of atmo and the pull from the black hole may make this a rough ride."

Without turning his head, he states flatly, "AMOSU, count us down to lift, please."

Who is doing what? TAA and AMOSU are pilot and engineering, it seems. Who can Captain?

Yes this is the Starship combat encounter. So you will need to figure out roles. Though there is some pre-amble before the guns go blazing

Gus can do a poor job at guns (only managing a +1). He'll be okay as an engineer or a science officer. Probably not a good choice for captain. It may be best to let him float--if we really need to hold the ship together I can join AMOSU doing engineering checks. I could use a computer and have a shot at hitting something with a gun, though I should be strictly secondary. My computer bonus is decent for a 1st level character, so I can science pretty well.

*closes the hatch and makes sure it's secure*

(only role that Dr Gaelin is good at is Captain - +7 Diplomacy)

*closes the hatch and makes sure it's secure*

(only role that Dr Gaelin is good at is Captain - +7 Diplomacy)

Then that makes you... CAPTAIN GALEN!

Dr Galen Conway wrote:

*closes the hatch and makes sure it's secure*

(only role that Dr Gaelin is good at is Captain - +7 Diplomacy)

Then that makes you... CAPTAIN GALEN!

Or CAPTAIN DOC? DOCTOR CAPTAIN GALEN?

Gustav finds his station, and punches up science and scanning. Secondarily, he makes sure gun controls are handy should this encounter become violent.

((Captain Conway for now))

OK. Let's clear atmosphere and find some cultists. Engage