[GM Rhetorical Action] SFS 1-02 Fugative on the R e d Planet (PBP Gameday VIII) (Inactive)

Game Master Anxa

"Let's hurry," Sen says, trying to move past where the turrent is and into the southwest tunnel. "Before that laser decides to use more of us for target practice."

Moving quickly, Sen tries to get into a position to where the turret hopefully cannot target him if it activates once again.

I'm guessing in our group of soldiers, no one is super great with tech. I don't know how many actions we have available before 'other things' happen, but Alejandro will start moving towards the turret to attempt to disable it. Probably next round? I'll spoiler his actions and rolls in case he doesn't get a chance at it.

Alejandro quickly disables a motion sensor trigger for the trap as Minea injects the healing serum.

A passage heads west and then turns north into a T-shaped room. The ceiling is higher than other chambers, cut to fifteen feet in height. Permanent light fixtures set in the ceiling provide brighter light. The mine cart tracks that have run throughout this mine hug the south wall, turn north, and run along the west wall before coming to a dead end at the north end of the room. A single mine car stands on the tracks. Across from the cart is a small office fashioned from two out-of-place plastic walls set into the stonework. An open door provides access to the room within a room.

But before you can explore it fully two armed humans approach, shouting at you to leave.

------
Round 1
------
Varanus
Miner RED
Miner BLUE
Talbot
Bud
Minea
Sen
Alejandro
BOLD characters can act/NPCs are acting. Characters have acted.

The first RED miner turns the corner and levels a pistol at Varanus.
Attack/KAC: Varanus: 1d20 ⇒ 1
Damage/P: 1d6 ⇒ 3
And misses horribly.

Varanus, still prone, broadcasts his thoughts to the miner that shot at him "That was not the right action." He then fires off two shots.
Attack 1 of 2: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22
Damage/Fire: 1d10 ⇒ 7
CRIT/Burn: 1d6 ⇒ 4
Attack 2 of 2: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19
Damage/Fire: 1d10 ⇒ 7

Don't forget Varanus, crits still do double damage.
Varanus Crit Damage: 1d10 ⇒ 8

The RED miner collapses into a smoldering heap as Varanus' laser fire tears through him.

------
Round 2
------
Varanus
Miner RED (DEAD)
Miner BLUE
Talbot
Bud
Minea (-7SP, -2HP)
Sen
Alejandro
BOLD characters can act/NPCs are acting. Characters have acted.

The other BLUE miner rounds the corner, a low "F&!% me...," escapes his lips as he passes the ashy remains of his partner. With the realization he isn't leaving alive, he fires on Varanus.

Blue Attack/KAC: 1d20 ⇒ 1
Damage/P: 1d6 ⇒ 3

Apparent, they were both better miners than thugs as his shot also goes wide in the same arc as his partner.

As the miner fires a mine cart comes barreling down the track, as it turns the bend a man (who you assume is Talbot) pops out shouting "Not today Starfinders!" and fires at...
Target: 1d2 ⇒ 1 By distance, 1=Varanus and 2=Minea
Trick Attack/Acrobatics: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (1) + 15 = 16
Attack/EAC: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17
Damage/E: 1d6 ⇒ 5
Trick Damage/E: 1d4 ⇒ 1
His flashy firing style doesn't leave Minea vulnerable, but the shot still scorches her thigh. Trick not successful, still a hit

Correction - Thank you Varanus - Talbot fires on Varanus, trick doesn't work. I'll correct damage on the next round listing.

Alejandro moves up, now sure who they need to keep alive. He turns to the remaining underling waving over at the scorched pile of ash that used to be his buddy, ”You see that? I’d just drop my weapon and surrender if I were you.”

Move, Intimidate to Demoralize blue.

Intimidate: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26

Minea moves forward and prepares to hack the miner in two if he keeps fighting.

Move, Ready to attack if the miner does not surrender.

Sen moves up past Alejandro and Varanus and gets into a position on the the mine cart tracks just behind Minea.

"Where do you think you're going, you happy porthole?" Sen shouts to Talbott as he spies the former Starfinder agent in the mine cart. "Give us back the charlatan stone and we'll let you live, Talbott," the kasatha says, emphasising his words with his two lower arms, knowing the group's intent is to capture him and give him to the Abadar Corp representatives.

Bluff: 1d20 ⇒ 7

Sen will ready an action to jump into the mine cart if it moves into a threatened square.

Readied Action: Acrobatics(Jump): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

Going to bot Bud (hope all is well!)

Bud raises his rifle and fires on the miner.
Attack/KAC: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19
Damage/P: 1d8 ⇒ 4

As the cart continues to barrel forward it plows into Minea.
Minea - Ref save DC 12 to avoid all damage
Damage/Cart SMACK!: 4d4 ⇒ (2, 1, 1, 2) = 6

Sen holds his ground and leaps effortlessly into the cart just before it strikes him. He lands face-to-face with Talbot.

------
Round 3
------
Varanus
Miner RED (DEAD)
Miner BLUE (DEAD-ish)
Talbot
Bud
Minea (-2SP, -2HP)
Sen
Alejandro
BOLD characters can act/NPCs are acting. Characters have acted.

The miner swears again under his breath, a shake hand draws a club from his belt and raises it up... Only to have Minea strike him down.

As his remaining ally falls, Talbot looks increasingly desperate. "No, I'm OWED this! I won't let you take what I EARNED!" He draws a knife, hitting a button on his belt as he does so.
WHAT?: 1d4 ⇒ 1
Suddenly there are two Talbots shimmering in the cart.
When attacking Talbot, roll a d2 first. 1=Talbot, 2=Image. Once the image is attacked it will disappear removing this affect for others.

"You took something that wasn't yours to take," Sen says. "That's stealing in my book. And the only think you're owed is the butt-kicking you're about to get," Sen says.

As Talbott presents his knife, Sen brandishes his doshko. "That's not a blade. This," he says, as he winds up, "is a blade."

Sen will use the flat of his doshko and attempt to deal non-lethal damage to Talbott with it.

1d2 ⇒ 2

Tactical Doshko: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9
Damage: 1d12 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

The double image pops up as Sen swings. Surprised at the double, his doshko goes right through it, causing it to disappear. "Nice trick, but your hologram will not save you."

Quickly assessing the situation, Varanus changes aim and targets the wheels of the minecart in attempt to stop it.
Attack 1 of 2: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22
Damage/Fire: 1d10 ⇒ 6
Crit Damage/Fire: 1d10 ⇒ 2
Crit Burn: 1d6 ⇒ 6
Attack 2 of 2: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16
Damage/Fire: 1d10 ⇒ 3

Reflex DC 12: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

She turns to Talbot and attempts to backhand him upside the head, "GIVE UP YOU IDIOT!"

Unarmed vs. KAC: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7 for Bludgeoning/Nonlethal: 1d3 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Alejandro points to the punk, "Take him alive, but that doesn't mean he can't have a few scars and broken bones!"

Move to use Get 'Em on Talbot (+1 to hit for a round), Standard to Demoralize Talbot.

Intimidate: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18

battle field is small, Bud moves and hold position.
Can I shoot Talbot? it's sounds risky tho.

You can always do nonlethal damage with a lethal weapon, you just take a -4 penalty, Nonlethal Damage.

Sen quickly dispatches Talbot's defensive hologram.
EDITS
Varanus fires on the wheels of the cart, scorching one but not damaging it much. The hardness of the metal wheels is going to soak up most of the damage. Varanus, if you can make a DC 15 Engineering or Physical Sciences check, I'll switch the shots to Talbot, you'll realize your weapon isn't likely to take out a wheel quick enough to stop the cart.

Talbot seems shaken by Alejandro's sudden threat.

Minea is hit solidly by the cart and shoved aside.

------
Round 3/Round 4
------
Varanus
Miner RED (DEAD)
Miner BLUE (DEAD-ish)
Talbot (EditShaken 1rnd; Get'em +1 to be hit)
Bud (2 actions, Rnd3 and Rnd4; Alejandro is correct any weapon can do non-lethal with -4 to hit)
Mineap (-8SP, -2HP)
Sen (-5SP)
Alejandro
BOLD characters can act/NPCs are acting. Characters have acted.

Talbot turns his attention to Sen. "It isn't fair! I can make us all rich! Just drop your weapons and let me go."

He lashes out against Sen using the rocking of the cart to help disguise his attack. The cart plows into Bud pushing him aside.
Bud, round 4 DC 12 Ref save to avoid cart, failure takes...
Cart SMASH!: 4d4 ⇒ (2, 2, 4, 1) = 9

Sneak Attack/Acro: 1d20 + 15 - 2 ⇒ (6) + 15 - 2 = 19
Attack/KAC: Sen: 1d20 + 8 - 2 ⇒ (13) + 8 - 2 = 19
Damage/Knife:P: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Trick Damage/P: 1d4 ⇒ 2

While he fails to trick Sen, he is able to draw a deep slash across Sen's abdomen.

EDITS - Thank you Alejandro. Corrected post to reflect Varanus targeting the wheels.

Talbot shouldn't be on fire or nearly as damaged as much, Varanus targeted the wheels of the cart.

Alejandro drops his engineering kit and pulls out a stun-gun, "You aren't helping your own case at all, buddy. Getting rich taking advantage of poor people and pissing off major corporations is not what pathfinders are all about. Finish em off."

Free to drop, Move to draw weapon, Move to refresh Get 'Em.

Minea again attempts to rock their target in the jaw, striking towards his head with her elbow.

Unarmed vs. KAC + Get 'Em: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 5 + 1 = 19 for Bludgeoning/Nonlethal: 1d3 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Watching Talbot zoom by in the car, unhindered by his assault, he jumps up from prone, and he bolts after the cart. After slinging his heavy weapon over his shoulder, he grabs onto the column and attempts to sling himself into the cart.
Acrobatics: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15

Moved Minea closer to cart and into melee range.

Varanus dashes after the cart and hurtles himself in. Varanus, Talbot and Sen jostle and press awkwardly trying to jockey for position and not fall out.

Varanus, Sen and Talbot will count as 'squeezing' while in the cart. No one else will be able to fit inside.

From SRD - Squeezing: In some cases, you have to squeeze into or through an area that isn’t as wide as the space you take up. You can squeeze through or into a space that is at least half as wide as your normal space. While squeezing, you move at half your speed and are considered to have the entangled condition.
Entangled: You move at half speed, you cannot run or charge, and you take a –2 penalty to your AC, attack rolls, Reflex saving throws, initiative checks, and Dexterity-based skill and ability checks.

"I like money but I like it real," Sen says. "That charlatan stone can make something valuable, but only temporary. It's why AbadarCorp's looking for you. They think you double-crossed them," he adds.

Sen tries to swing his doshko at Talbot, although the tight quarters make it extremely difficult to hit him without permanently hurting him.

Tactical Doshko (Get 'Em, Non-Lethal & Squeezed): 1d20 + 4 + 1 - 4 - 2 ⇒ (17) + 4 + 1 - 4 - 2 = 16
Damage: 1d12 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Bud move and punch him. twice.
punch: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 3 + 1 = 23
damage: 1d3 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

punch2: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 3 + 1 = 11
damage2: 1d3 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

Minea lands a solid punch to the side of Talbot's head, giving Sen an opening to slash Talbot's leg with his doshko. Bud follows with a solid punch to Talbot's chin. Beginning to look worse for wear, true panic sets into Talbot's face.

"You don't know what you're throwing away! Infinite wealth. You think the Starfinders can give you that, GIVE YOU ANYTHING?!"

------
Round 5
------
Varanus
Miner RED (DEAD)
Miner BLUE (DEAD-ish)
Talbot (-21HP; Get'em +1 to be hit)
Bud
Mineap (-8SP, -2HP)
Sen (-5SP)
Alejandro
BOLD characters can act/NPCs are acting. Characters have acted.

Talbot continues to use the shifting and rocking motion of the cart to his advantage, and lashes out at Sen again.
Trick Attack/Acrobatics: 1d20 + 15 - 2 ⇒ (9) + 15 - 2 = 22
Attack/Knife:KAC: 1d20 + 8 - 2 ⇒ (1) + 8 - 2 = 7
Damage/P: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Trick Damage/P: 1d4 ⇒ 3
Talbot is able to catch Sen off guard, but is too weak from his wounds to connect.

Heroes are up, someone just needs to sneeze close to Talbot and we move to end game...

"I have the wealth of content," Sen says, an uncharacteristic note of pity in his voice as he replies to Talbott. "That's something no magical rock will ever be able to replicate. It's sad you can't see that. The charlatan's stone has fooled even you."

Sen temporarily chokes down his sympathy for the wayward Starfinder agent to focus on rendering him unconscious with another swing of his doshko.

Tactical Doshko (Get 'Em, Non-Lethal, and Squeezed) vs. KAC: 1d20 + 4 + 1 - 4 - 2 ⇒ (19) + 4 + 1 - 4 - 2 = 18
Damage: 1d12 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Sen's quickly shifts to use the blunt of his doshko, and strikes Talbot in the neck. With a choked gasp, "not... fair...," he passes out. The cart continues to the end of the track, hitting the stop.

A quick survey verifies that there are no combatants left.

Alejandro laughs, "Fair? A lying cheating thief crying about fair? Oh that's just funny. I'm sure he'll have a great time with Abadar Corp."

He checks to see if anyone on his team needs medical assistance and then checks the thug that isn't still burning to see if they are going to survive.

Medicine First Aid DC 15: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

The first miner is charcoal at this point, the second miner could be saved if you want. Talbot is unconscious but overall ok.

Alejandro sighs as the tiny spark of morality inside him rears its ugly head. He reaches into his pack and pulls out an expensive self-healing patch, slapping it onto the wound as suggested, "Listen here now, this patch might save ya, it might not. Either way, it's up to you now."

Using a Medpatch to attempt First Aid again, Medicine First Aid DC 15 + Medpatch bonus: 1d20 + 1 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 1 + 10 = 28.

Minea shoulders the dead weight of their target after searching the body for valuables. If the trinket they were sent to recover is not on his person, she asks her allies to look around for it.

Save the Medpatch Alejandro. He's alive, and inconsequential.

The team searches Talbot, the miners and the cavern. On the miners you find two each of second skin armors, tactical semi-auto pistols with 5 rounds each, clubs. On Talbot you find freebooter armor I, a static arc pistol with 1 battery, a survival knife, the charlatan’s stone , a MK1 ring of resistance, and 6 credsticks (100 credits each).

In side the mine there's a small office and living space which contains scattered living items, like extra clothes and some nutrient food packs. One of Talbot’s ongoing passion projects, a recently completed but uninstalled armor upgrade, lies on the desk in the office (this is a brown force field armor upgrade).

You're satisfied that there's nothing left of interest in the mine, and have secured the surviving miner and Talbot. As both regain consciousness Talbot begins trying to broker any kind of deal to secure his release, while the miner is resigned to his fate.

What do you do with Talbot?

As they search Alejandro confirms, "We are going to turn Talbot over to Abadar Corp, right? I don't want to mess with them and our mission directions don't indicate we need to bring him back."

When the miner wakes, he leans down over the gent. "Hey, easy there, you are quite hurt. Look, I'm not going to say we are sorry or anything stupid like that. We had a job to do and we did it, you all just got in the way. But I respect your convictions to defend what you thought was going to be a miracle to save your community. I know things look pretty bleak right now, but we need people with that kind of fight in our organization, now more than ever. And I can promise you this, with the six missions I've completed, I've never been sent to do anything that goes against my convictions. Most of the time I'm out here to fix bad things that have happened. Just think it over."

Literally no purpose here in recruiting this guy other than to RP and maybe build a nice background for a new PC I may eventually create.

As they leave, unless his allies have all changed their minds from earlier, they will drop off Talbot with their new Abadar Corp allies and book it out of town as quickly as possible.

"Sight is not similar to my home, but smells. smells so...I don't like this place...let's get back."
Bud looks like exhausted, but relieved a little.

During the walk back, Varanus keeps his artillery laser trained on Talbot, just in case he attempts to make a break, with intent to stun, not kill.

The team is able to bring back Talbot without any issues, though he continues to plead for his release until the town comes into view. Philt arranges to meet with you in a secure, private location just outside of town... To avoid any misunderstandings with the residents.

Making a reasonably good impression ith Philt and managing to capture Talbot, you have an opportunity to do some good for the citizens of Tasch. As the prisoner exchange occurs Philt discusses future plans with the team, "...the drive and loyalty the townsfolk demonstrate—however misguided—inspires me. AbadarCorp has long considered the construction of a shipping hub outside of Maro. Such a facility would keep cargo destined for transport throughout the Pact Worlds away from Maro’s local gangs and criminal organizations."

Philt believes that Tasch could serve to staff this shipping hub and provide infrastructure for guards, pilots, and corporate employees. Such construction would also mean gainful employment for all the townspeople. By returning Reynald Talbot to the custody of AbadarCorp, you have secured Tasch’s future.

Returning with the Stone and leaving a positive impression on AbadarCorp, Arvin offers to pay for a round of drinks at a bar popular with many field agents. Before he departs, "Make sure to get some rest after your night of enjoyment, I'm confident I'll have another assignment for you all soon."

Thus concludes the advanture. Feel free to continue to post some RP as you like. I'll prep the sheets and reporting for early next week. Keep on eye on the Discussion tab for updates.

Alejandro claps Philt on the back as they head out, "Thanks buddy! See, you were worried about us but we took care of business. I'll be honest, I was worried you all wouldn't give us a chance either, I'm happy you did. Maybe this can be the start of a decent relationship between our organizations. I'm sure we can help each other more than hinder. I also appreciate your willingness to dump a chunk of investment into this town, they need a legit break."

Back at Absalom station he enjoys his drink and the rewards from an completed mission. He makes a toast to the group as they relax, "To more successful missions!"

Maybe this life can be one for me, it's starting to actually feel normal. A new start? Could it really work?

Back at Absalom station, Bud says so impressed by the team's skills and will.
It's makes him feel confident. confidence that things not going bad.
He thanks to all.
Also he says, both in name and reality, Alejandro is boss. good leader to us.

Death of people who follows Talbot is so unfortunate. but I have no regret. because they shot us? no. because I trust team and we tried for put things right.

As the group turns Talbott over to the Abadarians, Sen nods at Philt's assessment of helping the people of Tasch.

"Hope is hope. If that is what you can provide these folk, I'm sure they would be grateful."

When the group returns to Absalom Station and meets with Arvin, Sen smiles at Venture Captain Arvin's words. "To a successful mission and may there be many more! It's been good to know all of you and hopefully we'll see each other again in future missions."

The kasatha quaffs his drink and parts ways with the group. "Be seeing you!"