For the Glory of the Veskarium!

Game Master Zizazat

well pre-flight checks should be pilot checks. .... since that is what I used to do IRL

Otosh gets to moving those spools.

Vralakosh says to Sleestack, ”Well, there is certainly work for us to do. If I run some diagnostics on the ships navigation computers, will you be able to test them for flaws?”

Irritated with his ability to make any sort of connection during the last combat but without emotion he replies to the Captain, "Sir yes, Sir!" And moves quickly to find a suitable place to strip down his weapon and inspect it.

Kartarsi will find a weapon repair station or the designated area in which to strip down his Light Reaction Cannon, inspect it, and then go to the onboard ship shooting range or equivalent to test fire it. With his expertise in Heavy and Small Arms, along with his military training, he would be instructed to do basic weapon strip down and cleaning. Anything that requires tools normally not carried by soldiers, that would to be done by a weaponsmith to make those changes and fixes. In fact, Vesk Soldiers are train to strip down their weapons in 1 minute or less because time is essential in the military even though it is wasted at times. He will be searching for any dirt or failed parts that are causing issues. Then apply any preservation oil or fluids on all of the parts to insure good operation and protect the weapon from deterioration. If he finds something he can not or allowed to fix, he will take it to the weaponsmith to repair. Then after he gets the LRC back, he will make sure everything is good to go, then take it to the range for test firing and concentrate on good shooting practices just in case it was him causing the misses. While at the range, he will restock his spent rounds and add more so as not to run out quickly during the operation and not waste further time.

"These spools get lighter every time I move them."

"Thanks for the diagnostics Vralakosh. Everything looks normal. Preflight checks are complete. Want me to double check them or get to something else?"

The crew of the Jioh's Spine sets off to their assigned tasks, Captain Zumanka heads aboard the ship and his quarters.

Otosh, despite being injured, sets to his task of unloading the spools.

Please make 4 Athletics checks.

Sleestack performs a visual inspection and walkaround of the ship, and then heads to the bridge to verify the computer flight systems.

Please make 2 Pilot checks, and 2 Computers checks which I will task as assists on Vralakosh's checks.

Vralakosh heads to the bridge and beings the preflight computer systems check out, including star chart updates, security patches, and firmware upgrades in addition to all the normal system and subsystem diagnostics and reviews.

Please make 4 Computers checks and I'll apply Sleestack's aid on the worst two results.

Sullen with his performance during the live-fire drill, Katarsi sets out to make sure there is not a problem with his LRC.

Please make 2 Wisdom or Intelligence checks, your choice followed by 2 ranged attack rolls.

Slightly better Wisdom wise than Intelligence ... LOL ... so ... I will go with Wisdom checks. Uh oh, I am rolling again ... ugh!

WisdomCheck1: 1d20 ⇒ 14
WisdomCheck2: 1d20 ⇒ 2

LMAO, my luck and and karma are spent! At least the first one is over 10 unlike the battle... lol

Vralakosh gets his personal computers running. Tracking several starship interface diagnostics wasn't easy, but he could handle it.

Computers: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12
Computers: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19
Computers: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21
Computers: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

Otosh gets about moving the spools.

Athletics: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19
Athletics: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17
Athletics: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Athletics: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Piloting(C)(1): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18
Piloting(C)(1): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21

Computers(C)(1): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8
Computers(C)(1): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8

computers suck on this ship

Roll Supplemental - Range Attacks

Oops, I forgot the range attacks ...

Attack1: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11
Attack2: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

The LRC sucks too! ... lol

Otosh starts off strong, moving the spools at a steady pace. His wound catches up with him though and his endurance for the task falls off rather sharply. Otosh has moved 33 of the 37 spools, without the aid of a grav-sled per Captain Zumanka's previous instructions, by the time the rest of the crew has completed their tasks.

Otosh needs to make two more Athletics checks to complete the task, but now there is a chance you may injure yourself doing so. Anyone else of you may attempt to help Otosh complete the task (either as an Aid task, or as skill check in your own right), or not. Vesk society is strange, personal honor can be a tricky wicket.

Sleestack performs an inspection of the outer hull and systems of the ship, finding nothing amiss or out of place. Once she comes inside to help finish the computer diagnostics, she struggles quit a bit with the new interface of vOS 13.1, which has apparently moved everything familiar to unfamiliar locations, unhelpfully renamed several things, and straight up removed her two favorite features.

Vralakosh is quite proud of his handy work with the computer systems, having successfully upgraded the system to vOS 13.1 with minimal effort. All systems appear to be ready, reporting green, and ready to depart station for up to three months at current readiness.

Katarasi streams a VTube HOWTO video to his helmet display while he field strips the the LRC and cleans it. During a key portion of the video, the ship's computer system disconnects the stream while the entire system reboots as part of an upgrade. Katarasi knows this weapon and has performed this task in the past, but the interruption of his workflow is enough to fluster the vesk solider who seems to be having a bad cannon day. He is halfway back to the ship's weapons locker before he realizes the forgot to test fire it. He setups up the range simulation for high impact, high penetration rounds and summons several target drones. Their exploded remains please him.

I will wait to completely resolve Otosh's task before moving on to the next scene.

Athletics: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17
Athletics: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16

Otosh stretches.

As the rest of the crew completes their tasks, Otosh begins an ancient work-chant to Damoritosh which helps him power through the rest of his task. Going back and forth between the cargo hold and the hanger, Otosh can see the other three have started their celebrations...

Zumanka's promised keg of vrahana has been tapped and mugs of the fermented berries from Vesk-4 are being enjoyed as the captain recounts a space battle between a scout ship he was assigned to previously and a drow weapons merchant ship.

"...so I says to the captain, 'I can fix the torpedo launcher, sir!' The captain nodded the briefest of confirmations and I ran down three desks to the torpedo launch bay. It had already taken a direct hit from those sneaky drow. I had to manually reconnect the secondary fire control circuits to the bridge. The weapons officer was able to lock on and fire two torpedos at close range as the drow craft swept in to finish us off!" Captain Zumanka holds up his mug and bellows, "For the glory of the Veskarium!" he then quickly drains the mug, refilling it from the keg.

Everyone except for Otosh is 1d3 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4 drinks in at this point. If you fail on a DC 12 Fort Save, you will apply a -2 penalty to all rolls during this scene.

"Now, my First Field crew, who will wrestle me for the honor of piloting the ship out of the Diaspora tomorrow?" the Captain sets his full mug down next to the keg, and rolls his head to the side, his neck making a cracking noise as he does. He takes a few steps away from the keg to a more open area of the hanger bay.

This is a kind of king of the hill style theater of the mind combat maneuver brawl.

fort_save: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

"I'm not feeling so good. I think the new operating system on the computer has infected me with a virus!!! We should purge it and go back to the old, verified operating system!"

Sleestack feels the gaze of disappointment from Captain Zumanka burn into her.

"Is there room for a latecomer at this table?"

Wow Sleestack, bad die roll and then looked at as a woman by the captain. You are having a really bad day ... LOL!

Katarasi seated at the Captain's right, raises his mug and after the Captain, he also bellows, "For the Glory of the Veskarium!" Later on his fourth drink, which he also rapidly drinks the Vesk spirit replies to the Capatain, "I will accept your challenge, Captain, Sir!" And walks out to where the captain is, making sure the captain is facing him, he then charges with a WAR CRY! ... and attempts to grapple for a pin ...

Vesk Spirit Fort Save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

Grapple Attacks(Charge-2/-2 AC): 1d20 + 4 - 2 - 2 ⇒ (12) + 4 - 2 - 2 = 12

The big question, is he sober enough to connect on that grapple? ...

I was thinking that the Vesk should be on their toes at all times so this charge shouldn't be dishonorable especially since Katarasi stated he accepted the Captain's challenge and made sure the Captain was facing him before charging.

Before moving on to the wrestling, the Captain acknowledges Otosh and cheerfully invites him to join in the fun!

Katarasi drunkenly telegraphs his moves as he charges Zumanka, hoping to grab and pin the experienced warrior. Zumanka is able to easily sidestep the clumsy attempt though.

Dirty trick(sicken): 1d20 + 9 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 9 + 4 = 27 vs. 20 (KAC 14+8-2 for charge)

As the Captain moves aside, his fist slams into Katarasi's stomach like a hammer causing the fledgling warrior to throw up a little in his mouth!

Combat
1. Katarasi - tipsy (-2), sickened (-2, 2 rounds)
2. Zumanka

Katarasi is up!

"well <hiccup> it's about damn time we start seeing who has the strength and agility around here!"

Not really feeling up "to it", Sleestack doesn't charge but does join the wrestling fray.

Sleestack sneaks into position hoping to catch her foe off guard. yes the pregen is female I believe

Stealth (C)(1): 1d20 + 8 - 2 ⇒ (12) + 8 - 2 = 18 if successful, Captain is flatfooted for this awesome grapple check!!

Grapple: 1d20 + 3 - 2 ⇒ (18) + 3 - 2 = 19

Katarasi spits out any remaining bile and watches Sleestack move in. And since it is King of the Hill, he moves in to punch the Captain in the stomach.

Unarmed Combat: 1d20 ⇒ 6

Katarasi goes to bunch the Captain but his stomach cramps up from the last punch and it throws his punch way off.

Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4 vs 18 Stealth *flat-footed*

Busy with Katarasi, the Captain does not notice Sleestack's stealthy approach! She moves in and tries to grab the Captain, trying to immobilize his right arm without success.

19 Grapple vs. 21 (KAC+8-2)

Captain Zumanka uses Sleestack's momentum against her and tries to trip the trixy operative! Zumanka roars with laughter as Sleestack easily dodges his clumsy leg sweep.

Trip: 1d20 + 9 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 9 + 4 = 19 vs. 24

Round 3
1. Katarasi - tipsy (-2), sickened (-2, 1 round)
2. Sleestack - tipsy (-2)
3. Zumanka

PCs are up!

Seeing how the alcohol is messing with my head... I'm almost certain I should have grabbed the middle one instead of the one on the left… Sleestack maneuvers into a position opposite Katarasi to flank the Captain.

"turn about is fair play Captain..."

trip: 1d20 + 1 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (10) + 1 + 2 - 2 = 11 normal +1 melee and +2 flanking and -2 tipsy

Well hell...this isn't working. Sleestack looks around the room for something to gain an advantage.

Is there some sort of computer equipment that perhaps controls a forklift or mechanical claw that I could hack given my specialization to do my grappling for me? or at least create a distraction?

And don't forget Katarasi...you have flanking for 1 rd

Sleestack - absolutely! I'll take a move equivalent action for a Computer check for a distraction, or a standard equivalent action for a Computer check for a grapple that attacks at +1 for each point over DC 16 you beat as a one time use. Just to clarify if you make a Computer check with a total of 19, the grapple attempt would be d20+3

Otosh watches the adolescent activities of his compatriots.

Katarasi focuses on his balance more waiting for the captain to look at him, then he goes for a punch trying to knock him off balance for a take down like the Captain did to him. Katarasi swings ...

Punch(-Tipsy-Sick+Flank): 1d20 + 4 - 2 - 2 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 4 - 2 - 2 + 2 = 21
NL-Damage: 1d3 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

And maybe he connected this time ...?

Katarasi punches Zumanka right in the face with a thud! The Captain gets a sort of wild-eyed look an grins. He then steps forward and tries to connect his forehead with Katarasi's face!

Dirty Trick(blinded): 1d20 + 9 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 9 + 4 = 32

There is a thud and a crack as the bony ridges of Zumanka's face solidly connects with the bride of Katarasi's nose. The pain centers of his face scream as fluids begin to freely flow everywhere. Snot, tears, blood. The poor house solider is unable to see clearly!

Round 4
1. Katarasi - tipsy (-2), blinded (3 rounds)
2. Sleestack - tipsy (-2)
3. Zumanka (6 non-lethal damage)

PCs are up!

Before the Captain can evade or take a step back, Katarsi immediately fires a left back at the Captain, and then wipes the blood and sweat from his eyes with the right trying to get his vision back.

Punch: 1d20 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (19) + 4 - 2 = 21
NLDamage: 1d3 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

He grins with his mouth closed having satisfaction for hitting the Captain's flesh some where. Although in bad shape, Katarsi seems to be in good spirit for doing much better in this fight than the last ... so far?

Otosh is a little concerned for everyone involved, knowing that at times, such games can accidentally cause great damage to a combatant.

Vralakosh limits his celebration to drinking with Otosh. Though he was decently skilled in hand combat, he was nowhere near as good as the current wrestlers, and certainly would regret the bruises and hangover in the morning.

Sleestack searches for the controls to the cargo mover in the overhead ceiling. "You must have spiked my drink and blinded Katarasi, so let's see if I can even the odds."

Computers(C)(1): 1d20 + 7 - 2 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 7 - 2 + 4 = 25
computers check for grappling captain; -2 tipsy; +4 for specializing in using computers as a trick attack

WOOT!

grapple with cargo claw: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22
25 check - 16 DC = +9 grapple with claw

”That hardly seems fair, or in the spirit of things,” observes Otosh.

LOL ... the cargo claw ... I love it?! Not Kartarasi's choice as a warrior but I personally still like the idea.

"Some are born with pure brute strength...but others are born with the knowledge of how leverage surprise to its fullest measure. So, it is completely in the spirit of things, especially since we are battling over who gets to pilot the ship. I'm using the same skills that will be needed to be the pilot," retorts Sleestack.

and I'm hoping that since I'm doing this as an operative trick attack, the captain is flatfooted / denied dex contributions to KAC. Which may mean I actually have him grappled in the claw!!!

Katarasi has a 50% miss chance due to blindness. 1-50 is a miss. 1d100 ⇒ 50.

Katarasi definitely hits something.

Sleestack uses her wrist computer to create a strobe light pattern directed at the Captain as she moves over to control panel for the massive overhead claw. She selects a grid point on the display and hits the 'emergency release' override button. The claw moves swiftly over the Captain's location and then slams down into the floor below! Captain Zumanka is knocked over and pinned under the weight of the massive cargo claw!

From under the claw you here a short grown and cough, which then turns into a raucous laughter. "Well done. Very well done! Zumanka continues to laugh, clearly pleased with the performance of Sleestack and Katarasi. "Now let me out of this contraption, we've a keg to finish!

Out of combat!

Sleestack executes a few commands to reset the claw and free the Captain feeling vindicated.

"Surprise and innovation are the keys to victory! <hiccup> She returns to the drinking table for another round or three.

Otosh had been enjoying the food, so he was disappointed when the others returned and he had to share.

Before we move on to the next scene, please feel free to do any gear shopping you can afford up to level 2 items. You are all geared out at a decent level and have a few credits to your name. I'll be getting a next scene up later today.

Katarsi a little disappointed and pleased that the fight is over. He nods his head, wipes the various fluids off his face on to the ground, and at first heads in the wrong way until he hears the group in another direction. Then awkwardly walks in the direction of his fellow crew. Even when someone does not want to telegraph their pain, the body does not always want to comply. When he gets to table, he first lets his vision come back before sitting at the table and drinking more to numb the pain but not get a hang over.

The evening winds down, there is more drinking, a few tests of strength and dexterity, eventually there is food. Stories abound. Zumanka has served a long and colorful career, and seems to genuinely enjoy training First Field soldiers such as yourselves. Eventually it is time for sleep, and the morning launch comes way, way too soon.

Everyone takes their positions and readies the ship for departure. Sleestak has the honor of piloting the ship out of the hanger, and out of the Diaspora into open space if she chooses.

Sleestak please make a Pilot check for departure, and a Pilot check for navigation in the Diaspora if you would like that honor as well. You may use the +2 bonus from the ship computer in both instances.

Sleestack acknowledge the honor Capt Zumanka has extended her. "Thank you Captain for the honor and I hope to show you great respect by flawlessly getting us in to space and all the way to Diaspora."

skill plus the ship computer bonus
Piloting departure: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 8 + 2 = 23

skill plus the ship computer bonus
Piloting navigation to Diaspora: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 8 + 2 = 18

Sleestack skillfully navigates the ship out of the hanger and clears the Diaspora! Returning control of the ship back to Captain Zumanka, he checks his wrist computer, enters new coordinates into the navigational system, the drift engines pulse with a growing thrum, and you feel the lurch as Jioh's Spine enters into driftspace.

Zumanka motions you all to come closer. “Damoritosh be praised! The fine folks at Field Ops Command have this mission briefing package.” He gestures his right hand over his wrist computer swiping toward each of you in turn, a data transfer to your own devices. He then touches a few buttons, pivots toward the main bridge display wall and swipes again. The display comes to life with a star system map, orbital scan, and several shipping manifests.

“A data analyst over in IntOps has flagged something interesting and Field Ops has assigned us to follow up. This little slice of raskha is designated as Leshto Vesk four two six, located in the near space system Zeta Radii. It is a pretty nice planet, if these scans are accurate. Long range scans picked up a single communication satellite in orbit a few months ago. No defense grid. No indiginious sapients No predators larger than klaven warbeasts. But there is this…” he spreads his index finger and thumb several times in a reverse pinch motion as the orbital scan display zooms into the planet, showing an aerial view of a building in an otherwise open area. “This is a prefab research slab. Suitable for orbital drop deployment. These images are from a follow-up probe that was deployed a few weeks ago. IntOps dug into some Abadar Corp. affiliates and flagged some interesting materials orders being placed over the last 7-14 months. Looks like our scientist friends have significant interest in gen-mod materials. Field Ops has designated this a Jioh’s Journey operation, with clear and secure research workstation or server memory cores to be your primary goal. Whatever they are cooking up down there, the MilSci group would love for you to collect it and share it with them.”

“After we take up orbit around the planet, you will each program your individual drop sleds and begin your Journey. Once planetside, you will travel a short distance to the research facility and assault it. Once you recover the objectives, I’ll be happy to send down a recovery rocket and bring you all back up to the Spine.” the Captain smiles. “Questions?”

Both in character and out of character questions are appropriate. :)

Program my own drop sled? I'm no pilot!

Gravity does most of the work, tbh. You could always ask someone else to do your homework for you I suppose. :D

Katarasi quickly and painfully snaps to attention, "Sir, No Sir!"

”Sir, do you want scientist prisoners? Lethal force is authorized?”

”Doesn’t sound tremendously complex. Find info, take prisoners, and get back.”

"And what is to become of the computers once we collect the information, sir? Are we to destroy or leave in place?"