The Dire GM's [SFS] Skitter Shot (PbP GameDay VIII) (Inactive)

Game Master CanisDirus

Dakoyo's shot meets some resistance despite his expert aim, as does Nako's solid hit, but Gazigaz's arc pistol seems to fry the circuits, and before Quonx can even get close, the second table shuts down, and is disabled. You are now out of combat!

It only takes a few seconds for Nakonechkin to wake up, slightly groggy as he sits up on the table, ruffling the fur on your heads a bit as he speaks in his typically gruff manner.

“Quasar’s light, that machine nearly massaged me to death! Thanks fuzzballs, you really saved my tail.” Nakonechkin snorts. “We aren’t done here, though! If you’re up to it, you should head to the bridge and see if we still can’t bring this hunk of junk home. Trendsetter will probably fork over a sizeable chunk of credits to keep this quiet.”

As he stands, he winces a bit as you can hear some of his tendons popping. "Ugh...I'm exhausted though. I don't think I'll be much help coming with you. In fact, I'd probably only get in your way."

He will, however, pull out his two Mk 1 Serums of Healing for Dakoyo and Quonx, seeing that the two of you are more seriously hurt.
Dakoyo: 1d8 ⇒ 5
Quonx: 1d8 ⇒ 4
Well look at that! You're both back to full hp!

What now, Skittermanders?

Does Nakonechkin have his armor? Have we seen any signs of space suits so far?

"Thanks, boss! I see you're learning to help too."

"Quonx can get this ship moving again, I am sure. But maybe we should get you and the passengers on board the Clutch, just in case there's more trouble. The ship seems to have gone crazy."

Nakonechkin is wearing armor and a (module-undefined) holdout weapon. You have seen no other space suits or suits of armor other than what you and Nakonechkin are wearing since leaving the Clutch.

"Passengers? I didn't see any, so you know more than I do. The Clutch was only built for 4-5 people though...no room for more than that. Plus, when I boarded, I saw the docking clamps were disabled so anybody wanting to head out would have to spacewalk. I could head back to the ship and try to do scans to help you all from there, if you want?"

"Going back to the ship and scanning would be a great help, boss. The passengers are behind the door on the left in the hall on your way back to the airlock. They're pretty spooked so maybe you shouldn't look in on them. They wanted to shoot us when we opened the door, but we were able to convince them that we just wanted to help. We'll try to get the ship moving again."

I vote we try the bridge next.

Great idea

"If Quonx can fix that ship, I could try to bring it back home... I have a bit of experience in the field"

Quonx cocks her head and takes a good look at Nakonechkin.

"Aren't you still a bit weak to do a spacewalk all by yourself? We wouldn't want you to get hurt again, boss!"

The blue-furred skittermander then turns to her friends and nods quickly.

"Gree, I'm sure I can get it in working order. Once we've found the root of the problems, that is."

Bridge works for me

Nakonechkin agrees that maybe he's a little out of it to deal with panicked people, so he lumbers his way back to the airlock and slowly makes his way back to the Clutch. He wishes you luck over your comms, and lets you know that he made it safely back aboard and to the bridge of your small salvage vessel.

You make your way to the bridge, to find it locked. It takes some doing, but a combination of Quonx working on it with Engineering and Nako putting her shoulder into it with Strength eventually gets it open.

Consoles and monitors line the walls and the ceiling of this small bridge. Viewscreens show various angles of space just outside the exterior of the ship, and displays note the ship’s oxygen levels, internal temperatures, power output, hull strength, and the status of other systems.

However, a more pressing sight stands before you! An electrical fire-blackened person covered with numerous cybernetic augmentations lumbers to its feet from a bridge chair and begins to groan and lurch in your direction!

Track 09: Bridge Horror - YouTube Link: Outlaw Star - "Energy"

ROUND 1
Gazigaz (0 Damage)
Quonx (0 Damage)
Kenjaro (0 Damage)
Nako (0 Damage)
Dakoyo (0 Damage)

Gazigaz and Quonx are up!

Map is Updated!

Mysticism Checks to Recall Knowledge:

Mysticism: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 15 I am sure getting my money's worth out of mysticism. That's got to be my 5th or 6th roll.

"Kenjaro! We're here to help." Dakoyo says cheerfully, but the blackened thing's lack of response immediately puts him on guard.

"Skitters, I think he's a cyber-zombie. They can smash you good, and blow up when you kill them. But electricity will hurt them good."

"There is no way we can help him? Bring him back to his normal state?", asks Gazigaz as he looks at his Static Arc Pistol.

"Uuuurrrr" the thing that used to be Kenjaro groans as he lumbers closer, fists raising to attack...

"urrrr...arrrrg..."

[b]"Right now his natural state is dead. On the floor. And not moving!"

Knowing that it's nearly futile, but feeling that a symbolic statement is important at this point, Dakoyo holds up his needle pistol and fires over everyone's head at the zombie.

Ranged needler pistol v KAC: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11 ... damage: 1d4 ⇒ 4

Quonx pulls out the Pulsecaster he took from the Observer bots and aims at Kentaro.

"I'm sorry Gaz... But I won't let him hurt you!"

Pulsecaster: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22
Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 1 Electric

(Botting Gazigaz)

Gazigaz shouts out, "There's nothing for it, we need to Get'em, gree?"

(+1 to Attacks)

He then takes a shot with his static arc pistol.

Attack: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 1 = 6 vs. EAC
Electricity Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5

But the shot goes wide.

Quonx's nonlethal weapon hits Kenjaro right in the face...but it seems to do no damage at all!

Kenjaro lumbers forward a step and fires back at Quonx!

Integrated Static Arc Pistol: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (1) + 11 = 12 vs. EAC
Electricity Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

The zombie's shot also goes wide!

Dakoyo (out of turn but I'll insert it here) fires a needler, but that shot also deflect off of a wall and misses!

ROUND 1
Nako (0 Damage)
ROUND 2
Gazigaz (0 Damage)
Quonx (0 Damage)
Kenjaro (0 Damage)
Dakoyo (0 Damage)

Nako is up, followed by Gazigaz and Quonx!

Map is Updated!

Track 09: Bridge Horror - YouTube Link: Outlaw Star - "Energy"

"Sorry zombie cybery thingy we didn't get here in time to save you" Nako will move up and swing with the doshko.

Atk!: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14
Dmg: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Tiny favor to ask (odd to ask now since this is the 2nd to last combat but w/e lol) - please put the damage type when you can. That not only tells me whether to apply resistances/weaknesses, but also helps me know if you're targeting EAC or KAC. Thanks!

Nako's flame doshko comes biting down and cuts a nasty gash in the zombie, dealing full damage!

Gazigaz and Quonx are up!

Quonx clicks her tongue and looks at her pulsecaster before whipping out her Azimuth Laser Rifle.

"This should work better!"

Azimuth Laser Rifle vs EAC: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 4 + 1 = 19
Damage, Fire: 1d8 ⇒ 7

"Sorry mister zombie, but I won't let you hurt my friends!", says Gazigaz as he shoots

Static Arc Pistol: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19

Damage, Electricity: 1d6 ⇒ 5

Quonx and Gazigaz both hit! Gazigaz's shot seems to do even more damage than it first appears!

Kenjaro takes a swing at Nako, catching her square in the chest!

Slam: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19 vs. KAC
Bludgeoning Damage: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

He then takes a guarded step, trying to get closer to the blue-furred skittermander who shot him with electricity!

ROUND 2
Nako (7 Damage)
Dakoyo (0 Damage)
ROUND 3
Gazigaz (0 Damage)
Quonx (0 Damage)
Kenjaro (19 Damage)

All Skittermanders are up!!

Map is Updated!

Track 09: Bridge Horror - YouTube Link: Outlaw Star - "Energy"

"You no get to hurt my friends!"

Atk!: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23
dmg: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5 Fire

Ranged needler pistol v KAC: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14 ... damage: 1d4 ⇒ 2

Dakoyo try another shot with his pistol.

"Nako, stay back from it! When we kill it, it will explode!"

Both Nako and Dakoyo hit the zombie! (26 Damage)

Gazigaz and Quonx are still up!

"Nako, get back!", shouts Gazigaz as he takes a step back and shoots at the cyber-zombie.

Static Arc Pistol: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11

Damage, E: 1d6 ⇒ 6

Gazigaz misses, (Botting Quonx)

Quonx takes a guarded step back and also fires!

Laser Rifle: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11 vs. EAC
Fire Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 2

...but misses as well.

Kenjaro takes a swing at Nako, but follows the last two attacks and misses, too!

Slam: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10 vs. KAC
Bludgeoning Damage: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

ROUND 3
Nako (7 Damage)
Dakoyo (0 Damage)
ROUND 4
Gazigaz (0 Damage)
Quonx (0 Damage)
Kenjaro (26 Damage)

All Skittermanders are up!!

Map is Updated!

Track 09: Bridge Horror - YouTube Link: Outlaw Star - "Energy"

"Working on that." Nako says while swinging, and taking a guarded step back. "I move too fast he goes after all of you!"

Atk: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20
dmg-Fire: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Nako hits again, but the zombie stays upright! (32 Damage)

Gazigaz, Quonx, and Dakoyo are up!

Ranged needler pistol v KAC: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22 ... damage: 1d4 ⇒ 2

Edit: Ooo crit damage: 1d4 ⇒ 2

"Be careful!" Dakoyo reels off another shot, then steps back.

Move as shown.

"Let's go guys! Let's get him for good!" Get 'em (+1 Attack)

Gazigaz shoots again.

Static Arc Pistol: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 4 + 1 = 21

Damage, E: 1d6 ⇒ 4

Dakoyo's critical hit makes the zombie reel back, and Gazigaz's static shot hits a key electronic system, which makes the undead explode in a 10-foot radius!

Electricity Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

DC 12 Reflex Save for half damage!
Nako Reflex Save: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16
Quonx Reflex Save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20

You each take 2 damage, avoiding the worst of the blast, and can then recover Kenjaro's static arc pistol.

A moment or two after the smoke (and body parts) clears, a pleasant female computerized voice comes out of the bridge computers, but not the PA system like before:
M2 Bridge Conversation

Immediately after speaking, the lights in the bridge turn red and the screens return to normal. M2 refuses to answer any questions and the bridge’s systems remain inactive and locked-out. Not even Quonx can find a way to bypass them from here.

Want to do anything else before heading to the lower deck, my furry friends?

"That don't sound good, and NuFriends and boss not up for a fight." Nako will look around and realize she can't do much here. "Perhaps we should keep going before NuFriends get hurt."

“Perhaps you aren’t really someone’s escaped pets after all. Than you are new passengers? You must be aboard the Emerald Empyrean to relax! That’s the only reason for anyone to be here! Unless… if you aren’t here to relax, then you are an impediment to the relaxation of my true passengers, and you must be eliminated!”

Immediately after speaking, the lights in the bridge turn red and the screens return to normal. M2 refuses to answer any questions and the bridge’s systems remain inactive and locked-out. Not even Quonx can find a way to bypass them from here.

Dakoyo raises his right hands as the lights turn red. "We're just here to help?..."

"That don't sound good, and NuFriends and boss not up for a fight." Nako will look around and realize she can't do much here. "Perhaps we should keep going before NuFriends get hurt."

"Maybe if we get to engineering we can cut off computer lady's power."

(For the sake of keeping us moving)

Quonx and Gazigaz 'gree, and the four of you move downstairs, following the wide marble staircase that spirals beneath a crystalline chandelier hanging from the ceiling.

Starting at the bow, you find the Crew Quarters. Three sparse cots occupy the three niches in this room, each with a locker built into the wall at one end.

Two of the lockers hang open and are empty, but the third is secured with a digital lock. (Engineering to open, trained-only)

While Quonx (presumably) looks into the closed locker, the rest of you can peek in a circular window to the south: This sparse chamber has functional steel walls that are slightly scratched and dented. A large airlock door leads starboard. A display panel next to the door flashes red.

It appears this is the cargo loading bay and airlock and also where emergency supplies are kept. The door to the room is magnetically sealed and under M2's control. Even if you opened it, you think that the AI might be able to trap you inside.

Go ahead and make your Engineering roll, Quonx, and then everyone please place your markers in marching order at the black diamond on the map. Thanks!

Quonx lightly taps the locker with a screwdriver, thinking out loud.

"I can do this! Just give me a moment...

Engineering: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (12) + 12 = 24

"Take all the time you need, Quonx. We'll watch for more crazy robots."

"Oh My Nebula! I would not enjoy sleeping in these creepy quarters... Its design is not fashion AT ALL! It can't even be considered Vintage, Avant-Garde, Distressed or Immodest. It's just plain ugly and it gives me the creeps... And what is it with all those red lights? Everybody knows that red has been last on the list of fashion colors for lights for the past 10 years! It isn't flattering for any fur or skin tones, even red ones. This red in particular, what an horrible choice! They could have chosen a better shade like Crimson or Munsell, but noooo, they chose one of the most unaesthetic ones! They should have opted for orange or blue lights if they wanted to stay in a great vacation thematic... A mix of Amber and Maya could have given drift kick to this place..."

Gazigaz keeps criticizing the design of the room as he walks around the Crew Quarters, pointing out every detail with disdain. He stops his monologue abruptly when he hears Dakoyo suggesting that there could be more cyber-zombies.

"Take all the time you need, Quonx. We'll watch for more crazy robots."

"More crazy robots???? No, no, no!! I refuse to cross path with another one of these hideous monsters!"

Gazigaz runs behind Dakoyo (as shown on the Map) and starts looking around with upright hairs, obviously frightened and worried. After taking a few breaths and observing that no threat could be seen in the area, he seems to calm down a bit.

"I wonder what drift thing could be hidden in this locker... "

Lifting her gaze from the locker, Quonx looks at Gazigaz with a sly grin.

"Maybe that's where they store those Drift red lights, Gaz."

Quonx succeeds, and finds an infrared sensors armor upgrade, a blasting fusion seal (2nd), and two batteries (which your GM will note won't be terribly useful aside from the batteries, but if you want to take 10 minutes before moving on to let Quonx install the upgrade in one of your suits of armor, feel free to do so).

You cautiously advance down the hall in the marching order given...and then when you reach the positions on the map, Dakoyo notices that the air vents all around the guest quarters are starting to open all at once...

Track 10: It's a Trap! - YouTube Link: Outlaw Star - "Fear"

Dakoyo noticed the trap only seconds before it goes off. You can each take 1 round's worth of actions from your current spot on the map!

To disable would require running up to the vents and making an Engineering (trained-only) check to jam them shut!

"The vents! Seal up your suits."

Dakoyo activates the environmental seal on his armor.

"Eek!" Nako seals up her suit. "Crazy robots! Not Gree! Not Drift! Crazy Robots give back ship!"

yep still here, still defending all six to her friends. Just not an engineering type.

This is Quonx's floor so far. We must be suitably grateful if she prevents the trip springing.

A scream of surprise escapes from Gazigaz's throat as he quickly reaches for the environmental seal of his suit.

"Why are those robots hating us so much?? We didn't do anything wrong!"

This is Quonx's floor so far. We must be suitably grateful if she prevents the trip springing.

That's one of my only big complaints about this module. There are lots of Engineering-only or Mysticism-only checks, but only 1 Skittermander is trained in each of those.

From our current spots; means I can't move to deactivate the vents, right? Let me know if I'm wrong. Also since nobody seemed interested, I'll install the infrared sensors on myself

Quonx, heeding Dakoyo's advice, presses a button to activate her environmental protection.

"No! We need to close those, fast!"

You could have moved up to the vents and tried to disable them, but...

Thanks to Dakoyo's sharp eyes, and your quick decisions to turn on your environmental seals, your armor's sensors inform you of a hissing sound softly filling the air around you, and these same sensors note that it is lavender-scented.

Can't be incapacitated by a Blue Whinnis-like sleeping-gas trap if ya'll have your spacesuits on, so we can just move on with our adventure! :P

No longer under a time crunch, Quonx can take her time to disable the vents. The four foremost cabins appear on your map as executive guest quarters, and the other eight ones as luxury (industry code for "standard") guest rooms. Each door is locked, but the guests did tell you that they took everything useful up to the bar with them.

That only leaves the secret compartment to the engine core that Locke told you about. You remember that Locke told you about the Security Robot defending the area and gear up for a fight! Nako presses the hidden button that opens it once you're set.

The ship’s power core hums pleasantly in the center of this wide room. To the port and starboard, banks of conduits and wires line the walls. The tang of ozone fills the air and the lighting overhead makes shadows dance across the floor. A dead human woman in Trendsetter Excursions uniform slumps against the wall next to Nako.

Inside is the patrol robot you were expecting. Seeing you, it gives off a burst of static, as if trying to say something, but otherwise takes no actions...yet!

But, since its weapons are armed, we move into...

Track 11: Main Engineering Fight - YouTube Link: Outlaw Star - "Gravitation"

ROUND 1
Nako (2 Damage)
Security Robot (0 Damage)
Gazigaz (0 Damage)
Quonx (2 Damage)
Dakoyo (0 Damage)

Nako is up!

Map is Updated!

Nako will take up a defensive position right inside the door.
Perception: 1d20 ⇒ 15

"I don't think it's going to talk." Nako will go up and swing.

doshjo: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9
fire: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11

"Oh Nako. I wish you'd waited until we could shoot it first. Help us to help you."

Dakoyo follows his fellow into the engine room and fires his pistol at the robot.

Move as shown.
Ranged needler pistol: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18 ... damage: 1d4 ⇒ 1

My apologies - today kind of got out of hand for me... I meant to post like 12 hours ago.

Nako rushes in but misses her swing. The robot responds in kind, trying to slam Nako!

Slam: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14 vs. KAC
Bludgeoning Damage: 1d6 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

...but it misses as well. It follows up with a guarded step.

Dakoyo then takes a shot (out of turn - fortunately the robot did not move in that direction or else your shot would have provoked an AoO) after the robot attacks, denting its plating a tiny bit.

ROUND 1
Gazigaz (0 Damage)
Quonx (2 Damage)
ROUND 2
Nako (2 Damage)
Security Robot (1 Damage)
Dakoyo (0 Damage)

Gazigaz and Quonx are up, followed by Nako!

Map is Updated!

Track 11: Main Engineering Fight - YouTube Link: Outlaw Star - "Gravitation"