GM Cellion's Dawn of Flame AP (complete) (Inactive)

Game Master Cellion

Nib grins "Well you won't be going into that heart of darkness without our help! You'll have everything we can do for the Breath, and whatever funds we can scrounge up. It'll be dangerous, but I wouldn't give up a chance to get a look at bubble generator tech. It might even be what's needed to help heal the Corona bubble!"

Taeress looks far less enthusiastic at the mention of eldritch beings and black spherical jails, but at Nib's excitement she just shrugs. While you continue working out the details of your trip, she investigates how much money the DCI has left and available to fund another expedition.

So, anything else for Otlo? In addition to whatever credits you get from selling gear, you'll have the following from the DCI: The helpful drone Sunspy, 6 bulk of siccatite for the Breath's specialized shields, and 12,000 credits to split between you.

You should also set about upgrading the Breath of Embers to Tier 7! This means you have 25 additional build points to spend! Note that you have the same special rules for ship building as before.

Sammad cracks a small smile at Bel's words of encouragement. "If we survive this all, old friend, we've got to start a motivational speech business. Captain could get in on it too, if he wanted," he finishes with a toothy grin towards Flint.

"I'll pilot your flagship for your known universe tour," offers Flint, "And I can play a pretty ornery customer your facile words can pacify."

At the mention of upgrades for the Breath of Embers, Flint smiles and gets out the schematics, working with Mari and asking the others for their input (see discussion).

Flint is also excited to go armor shopping with Belmarniss. Though he wants Advanced Iridshell Armor, he is finding the Lashunta Ringwear IIi like Ordyt is buying looks like it will be more in his price range.

I like to envision the force fields looks like Sentinel armor from Mass Effect. Also I went back and got the medical supplies!

Ordyt retreats to his quarters to meditate on the tribulations ahead. The next morning, he emerges feeling calmer as the Everlight's familiar warmth and certainty of purpose fills him. He assists in selling off most of the weapons and armor the group had acquired, though he's conscientious enough to not end up third-wheeling when Bel and Flint go shopping. He makes a solo trip before lunch instead, bringing home his gleaming new armor and a large to-go bag with food for anyone who texted him their order in time.

Culture Aid: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21

Culture: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (15) + 15 = 30

Belmarniss leads the charge in locating a buyer for the mysterious objets d'art they'd recovered from Noma, reaching out to some of her parents' business contacts who could then reach out to their contacts, but she makes a point to avoid talking to anyone directly involved in any Apostaean company...in her mind, these things belonged in a museum, not some corporate-executive-matriarch's boardroom.

She also joins Flint in armor-shopping, making sure he knows what to look for in a warsuit and the ins-and-outs of getting fitted for one. Once Flint is all sorted out with his new armor, she begins shopping around for herself.

After parting from Otlo and the DCI science team, you head off to shop and arrange for upgrades to the Breath of Embers. It takes Bel no time at all to locate a buyer for the ancient otherworldly art objects from Noma. She ends up with a rich collector who seems to have interest in displaying the mithral pieces in his own collection - one open to the public at least.

(Yep, you get full price for them!)

Flint is awed by Belmarniss' connections in selling the rare items and quite happy that she helps him find the perfectly fitting and rakishly stylish Lashunta Ringwear III. He also replenishes his used healing serums and offers to take her out for dinner before their next life-threatening escapade, arguing it is his turn to pay, after all...

Book 4 Part 2:
After a whirlwind shopping trip, you settle in for a couple of weeks as the DCI gathers supplies and works on upgrades for the Breath of Embers. Before you know it, the morning of your departure arrives. After some last minute adjustments from the ever-cantankerous Lu, Taeress pops into the ship's bridge briefly to speak with you.

"As blind as you were flying to Noma, it seems like Ezorod is going to be a lot worse. I talked with Otlo a little more after our meeting with him - the way he describes the place makes it sound like the darkness itself is incredibly dangerous there. So I went ahead and bought a few extra battery powered lanterns for you. They're in the hold." She pauses, an anxious expression growing across her face "Turn back if you have to. Nib really hopes you'll find our bubble tech, and the Legion is certainly up to no good, but none of that will matter if you get yourselves trapped or killed out there."

"Good luck. And..." She gives a weak smile "See you back soon."

Specifically, you've gained 4 Lanterns, and one Beacon to use as you see fit.
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The Breath of Embers glides out of the Asanatown bubble, systems fully online and no evidence of any new stowaways. You enter in the intra-stellar coordinates for Ezorod, and with a visual flourish from Popoko, you start on the long journey through the star.

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Four days into your journey, a sudden blip appears on your scanners a few moments before you receive a hail to your ship's comms system. Without even accepting the hail, the main screen on the bridge switches to display another bridge - one almost an exact duplicate of your own. Standing, or rather floating, in the center of the frame is a gaunt efreeti in crisp military dress uniform. He speaks common in a deep voice.

"Attention, crew of the Breath of Embers. I am Captain Hamat of the warship, the Ashen Rain. We have no record of any scouting parties authorized for this sector other than ourselves." He pauses "What brings you so far off-course?"

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 10 + 1d6 ⇒ (2) + 10 + (6) = 18

Looking to his crew for any timely advice, Flint flips the switch to broadcast their signal to the other ship. He starts off with a rather bland response, attempting to play for time as his allies do their own investigations as they see fit.

"Greetings, Captain Hamat of the Ashen Rain. I am Captain Flint, and it seems you are already familiar with the Breath of Embers. We are indeed on a journey of exploration, though not scouting on behalf of any military organization."

Diplomacy if needed: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (5) + 16 = 21

Nothing like continuing the die-roller of SUCK into the new section...

Ordyt gives Dr. Taeress a reassuring smile and a pat on the shoulder. "Thank you for looking out for us, you and Nib and all the others. Your lanterns will shield our bodies from the darkness as surely as the Everlight will guard our souls. We'll be back before you know it."

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Sense Motive: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (13) + 13 = 26 Aw, dang!

Mari, are there any other ships on the scanner? The odds of this not ending in a shootout are pretty damn low if you ask me. Ordyt telepaths over, the swivels the particle beams in the direction of the Ashen Rain, ready to power up and fire at the first sign of hostilities.

Flint looks over to Sammad as he prepares to introduce him as the Ambassador, the unspoken question in his eyes—what do you know about this captain and his ship?

Sammad stands to attention as soon as the hail comes through, listening to the other Captain with a composed expression.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (12) + 11 = 23 oh come ON

He clears his throat before beginning to speak, "Greetings, Captain Hamat. I am this scout ship's Ambassador, acting on behalf of the Al-Fayir Cooperative," he finishes with a quick gesture towards the lapel on his badge.

His expression becomes concerned as he continues, "It appears the surprise is mutual-we were not aware that there would be a military patrol in this sector. May I ask who you serve under?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (12) + 19 = 31

Belmarniss says nothing, but readies herself for evasive maneuvers.

Aid Another (Sense Motive)?: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (17) + 0 = 17

"I see, Captain Flint, Ambassador." Captain Hamat's face is an unreadable mask, at least as far as your team is concerned, but his tone betrays a hint of condescension. "May I inquire as to where you obtained your current ship? It is quite... unusual to find it in civilian hands. You are likely unaware, but it is stolen property."

Sammad notes that his question was completely ignored.

Mari's screens blip with warnings that the Breath of Embers is being scanned. She realizes she has a few moments to attempt to jam the scan with the ship's instruments. She also sees the Ashen Rain at the very edge your own ship's scanning range. Though tricky, you might be able to scan it back.

An attempt to jam or return scan requires Computers. Picking to return scan gives up the possibility of jamming (unless a second person rolls)

"Of course you may inquire, as you have already done, Captain Hamat. A reasonable question, and one I will answer concisely once you have shown the reciprocal courtesy of answering the Ambassador's previous question," responds Flint with a veneer of gentility but an undertone of iron resolve.

Intimidate: 1d20 + 16 + 1d6 ⇒ (12) + 16 + (2) = 30

Into his captain's chair readout, Flint types rapidly for the crew to see, "Prepare for battle and see what we can learn about this captain and his ship--can we outrun them?"

(Flint does NOT like being talked down to...)

Good odds there's more than one ship out here, Captain. I prefer to take them one on one rather than let this Hamat get reinforcements.

Captain Hamat narrows his eyes at Flint's rather glib response "With respect, as a scouting craft working on behalf of the Al-Fayir Cooperative, the inner workings of my organization are none of your business. On the other hand, the theft of military hardware certainly is my business. And as the current operators of said hardware, I am afraid it is yours as well."

Holding here for a moment to give Mari or anyone else a chance to take a scan or jamming action.

Seeing the potential threat, Belmarniss ditches the pilot seat to try and give the Ashen Rain's probing signal the raspberry.

Computers: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (2) + 17 = 19

Sammad narrows his eyes for a moment in turn at Captain Hamat, . "Well, we have nothing to say about this ship's theft. We acquired it as legitimate salvage, by my right as a blood member of the Al-Fayir. In fact, I've been most curious as to its provenance...perhaps we could help each other get to the bottom of the issue?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (9) + 19 = 28

Well that's rude, Mari thinks, already scanning the Ashen Rain right back. The trajectory of the conversation seemed obvious enough to her, may as well learn something useful.

Computers: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (10) + 19 = 29

Bel's jamming strategy is quickly outpaced by the science officer on the Ashen Rain. Meanwhile, Mari's own scanning attempt yields surprisingly little information considering the skill with which she attempts it. Its almost as though the other ship is particularly well prepared to halt her scans. Nevertheless, she digs up some info.

While Sammad is talking, Captain Hamat glances away from the camera, face tightening for a moment before nodding. He interrupts Sammad before he can finish "I'm afraid we don't see it that way. You can surrender the stolen craft - we will escort you back to a safe location - or we will have to disable you and take it forcibly. Which would you prefer?"

Ordyt's anger boils over as the efreet's aggressive posturing pushes the Sarenite mystic over the edge. "Come and take it then if you can. We've seen the collars your people wear, and what it does to them. You can leave us in peace, or we can blast you to dust. Everlight forgive me, but I'd love nothing more than to have you give me an excuse."

”We would PREFER you leave us alone and not embark on an unprovoked and illegal att….” starts Flint, then Ordyt gives his impassioned response.

”Well said, Ordyt, the time for conversation is done,” responds Flint. Turning to the enemy captain, he says, ”Leave us alone or face the consequences.”

Flint closes the communication channel and says, ”Mari, Belmarniss, what did you get on their ship? Popoko, let’s use those high end sensors to lay their capabilities bare!”

Diplomacy to aid Mari’s computer sensors roll: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (10) + 16 = 26 versus DC 15.

(+2 from Popoko, +2 from Flint, +4 from Advanced Long-range sensors).

Good point on the sensors - you get one additional bit of info on your initial scan. Unfortunately, the bonuses won't make a difference on the jamming roll.

The Ashen Rain starts to close with your own ship, coming into greater relief on the scans as it does. The shape of the craft is very similar to the original Breath of Embers, but you notice the heavier armor and collection of hardpoints that could be hiding weapons all over the front, rear and sides.

Swirls of stellar plasma tug and pull at both ships as you face off. Bel gets the sense that piloting predictably in this region of the sun is going to be tricky. (Its possible for the Sci Officer to analyze this phenomenon as their action - takes a Physical Science check)
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Piloting - Round 1
Bel Piloting: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (7) + 12 = 19
Ashen Pilot: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (12) + 11 = 23
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You move second. I've moved them already.

"No one is beyond redemption, Captain Hamat--but you have to want to be redeemed. The Everlight will not, can not, suffer an unrepentant slaver." Ordyt swivels the particle beam cannon to track the Ashen Rain, waiting for the firing solution to give him a readout. "Go. Pharasma waits."

Sorry for jumping the gun but it's a slow morning here.
Particle Beam: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23 Damage: 8d6 ⇒ (5, 5, 6, 1, 4, 3, 2, 3) = 29

Now in combat, Flint starts issuing orders.

(Assuming Flint’s action for Diplomacy and one of Popoko’s +2 bonuses is already committed to Mari on sensors—per previous post. If that was prior to combat, we can do something else).

Seeing Sammad head to the other tactical station, Flint says, ”Belmarniss, maintain our distance and do your best to make us hard to hit—try to keep them in our forward arc for the gunners. Sammad, try to coordinate with Ordyt to punch through their shields. Ordyt, use Popoko’s telemetry to aid you or Sammad with your shooting and fire at will.”

(With Ordyt already rolling, we should probably randomize which gunner gets the bonus to avoid metagaming…

"Don't get us killed!" Mari adds helpfully, as she finishes securing herself in her chair. From there, she turns the sensors to examining the swirls of stellar plasma in the area, hoping to learn something that will help Bel keep them all alive.

Physical Science: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (16) + 20 = 36 I'm assuming the bonus from our long range sensors still applies here. -4 if not.

Where'd the stats for the Breath go? I don't see them in the Handout anymore.

Bel, see discussion.

Flint, the bonuses (and your action) are freed up and you can use them however you like.

Marisol scans the surroundings and determines that this region is intrastellar plasma is densely packed with unpredictable solar eddies. These eddies form and dissipate on such an irregular basis that any particular region might suddenly gain one. Ships caught in one could get spun around to face a different direction, or could use them to maneuver far more tightly than normally possible for their ship.

Now that you know they exist, here's how they work: Whenever the pilot takes an action that results in a ship moving at least one hex, they might be caught in a solar eddy. This happens whenever they roll an ODD number on the die when making the check. If they succeed at the check by 5 or more, they may make the movement as if their maneuverability was one step better. If they fail the check by 5 or more, their ship is turned to face a random direction at the end of their movement.

The maneuverability bonus is straightforward enough. If you get the random direction, roll a d6. On a 1, your ship ends up facing directly north. For every number after that, you end up facing one direction clockwise from north.

If you hadn't succeeded on the Physical Science check, you ALWAYS get spun around! It's pretty nasty.

In that case, Flint will give his bonus of +2 from the diplomacy to Belmarniss’ piloting check once Mari informs them of the risky solar eddies. The two +2’s from Popoko can go to both the gunners.

With Marisol's warning about the solar eddies and Flint's encouragement, Belmarniss kicks the Breath of Embers into gear!

Piloting (Maneuver): 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 12 + 2 = 19

Going to wait for the results before moving us. I presume we're gonna try and flank it to attack from behind?

Bel, you know the DC you're trying to hit - its in the Starship Combat rules. For maneuver, its a DC of 15+1.5xTier or DC25. Since this is a fail by 5 or more, at the end of your movement, roll your d6 and rotate your ship to the direction indicated by the d6.

I didn’t think it took a roll to move unless you were trying to reduce your turn radius:
Maneuver (Helm Phase)
You move your starship up to its speed. You can also attempt a Piloting check (DC = 15 + 1-1/2 × your starship’s tier) to reduce your starship’s distance between turns by 1 (to a minimum of 0).
What exactly is Belmarniss trying to do?

Flint didn’t give you specific movements to do or checks to make, he just stated the goals and let you choose what you thought best. If you want player advice on what that means, we can go to discussion.

I was trying to take evasive action so our AC and stuff would be up for when they try to shoot at us.

Failure Roll: 1d6 ⇒ 4

Belmarniss tries to take evasive action, but the solar eddies foul her steering and while they move in the direction she wanted, by the time she's done, their aft is pointed towards the enemy.

"S***! S***S***S***! I GAVE THEM AN OPENING!"

"Evade
The ship moves up to its speed and can turn as normal, but it gains a +2 circumstance bonus to its AC and TL until the start of the next round. To perform this stunt, you must succeed at a Piloting check (DC = 10 + 1-1/2 × your starship’s tier). If you fail, the starship moves as normal. If you fail the check by 5 or more, the starship moves as normal, but it also takes a –2 penalty to its AC and TL until the start of the next round."

Good news--Evade is only a DC 20.5, so your 19 didn't fail by more than 5. We don't get the AC boost, but at least we are pointed in the right direction.

Then the DC was 10+1.5xTier or DC20. So still a fail, but not a fail by 5 or more, so no random spinning afterward. I'll take your movement as shown on the map.
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Round 1 - Open Spoilers for Details

Current Ashen Rain Status:
Shields (F/P/S/A): 0/25/25/25
HP: 81/85
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Round 2 Init:
Belmarniss Piloting: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (4) + 12 = 16
Ashen Piloting: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (3) + 13 = 16 tie

Belmarniss Piloting: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 14
Ashen Piloting: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (14) + 13 = 27

You guys move first!

Belmarniss tries to pull the Breath around again to flank the Rain, beads of sweat forming on her brow despite the ship's climate-controlled cockpit.

Evade (Maneuver): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29

Solar Eddy: 1d6 ⇒ 6

Captain Flint’s eyes get big as they suddenly get much closer to the other ship than he was hoping. He keeps up the orders, saying indignantly to his engineer/science officer, ”Mari, get them out of our systems!”

Turning to his pilot, he adds, ”Belmarniss, their close-range weapons are nasty—let’s get more separation from them! Ordyt, Sammad, let’s hit them hard if we can line them up in our front arc!”

Continuing to give +2 each to the gunners from Popoko. Indignant that the computer is getting hacked, he perhaps is a bit too harsh on Mari…

Demand: Intimidate versus DC 25 to give Mari a +4 on top of the computers bonus to kick them out of our systems: 1d20 + 16 + 1d6 ⇒ (6) + 16 + (5) = 27

"They're stealing my gimmick!" Mari shouts angrily, trying to throw the interlopers out before they can do any real damage.

Computers: 1d20 + 19 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 19 + 4 = 43

You've definitely cleared the hacking with that roll :).
Botting Sammad and Ordyt

Round 2 - Open Spoilers for Details

Current Ashen Rain Status:
Shields (F/P/S/A): 10/25/25/25
HP: 81/85
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Round 3 Init:
Belmarniss Piloting: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29
Ashen Piloting: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (5) + 13 = 18

The Ashen Rain moved first.
You watch as the Ashen Rain zips past your ship, repositioning in anticipation of your own movement.
Ashen Rain Piloting (evade): 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (14) + 13 = 27

Flint swears as Breath of Embers is rocked by Ashen Rain’s weapons, but he smiles grimly as Belmarniss gets the upper hand in maneuvering.

”Mari, good job with the computers—get our shields back up!” calls Flint.

”Belmarniss, back us off—let them overshoot us and we’ll unload on them from behind!” he adds.

“Ordyt, Sammad, now is our chance! Coordinate your shots!” he concludes.

Backing off goes straight in reverse for half speed (six hexes) DC 20 piloting check, should give us clean shots in our forward arc.

”Popoko, give our gunners their best chance at a firing solution!” he directs.

Diplomacy to add 2 to Belmarniss’ piloting roll: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (17) + 16 = 33

"Damn, that thing's fast!" Ordyt swears steadily as he swivels the particle beam turret to try and track the efreeti gunship.

I'm going to spend 1RP to try two shots with both Particle Beams, using the Fire At Will gunnery action.
Fire at Will!: 1d20 + 8 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (5) + 8 + 2 - 4 = 11 Damage: 8d6 ⇒ (2, 6, 3, 1, 1, 5, 2, 6) = 26

Fire at Will!: 1d20 + 8 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (3) + 8 + 2 - 4 = 9 Damage: 8d6 ⇒ (5, 3, 1, 4, 1, 2, 3, 3) = 22

ugh

"Already on it!" Mari replies, coaxing more power from the ship's core.

Computers to Divert to Shields: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (15) + 19 = 34
5% of 500 is 25, all of which I'll put into our Starboard shields.

"Right, better part of valor, betterpartofvalor!" Belmarniss replies, yanking the Breath around so they can rocket away from the Rain!

Piloting (Evade): 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 12 + 2 = 32

Seems like we might've lost Sammad? No posts from him in a week without anything in discussion.
Also, based on the discussion posts, I'll assume you went with a 'back off' stunt as Flint described.

Round 3 - Open Spoilers for Details

Current Ashen Rain Status:
Shields (F/P/S/A): 10/25/25/25
HP: 81/85
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Round 4 Init:
Belmarniss Piloting: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29
Ashen Piloting: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (2) + 13 = 15

Ashen Rain moves first!
Piloting: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (20) + 13 = 33

The Ashen Rain takes a broad arc around to point in your direction. It weaves from side to side as it does.

(Last Round)

"Sammad, do you have a firing solution? They are in our forward arc!" calls Flint, encouraging the Ambassador to take a shot!

Last round Ordyt fired both weapons, so Sammad again didn't have a chance to fire one.

Ah, got it.

"The dual-gun thing isn't working out! Sammad, I could use a hand here--smooth and steady, Bel, I think I'm getting the hang of this again." Remembering to wait for the firing solution this time, Ordyt times his shot far better.

Partical Beam: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 8 + 2 = 28 Damage: 8d6 ⇒ (4, 6, 1, 6, 6, 4, 3, 1) = 31