Elfa Amberridge |
After Deloran's very helpful administering, Elfa is feeling good. She turns to Fexia, "You won't find anyone braver than a Dwarf. And thanks for the assist there. You really know what you're doing." As the others are healing up and resting, Elfa takes her time exploring the room and machinery.
Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13
Game Master S |
The party spends a moment to catch their breath and check out the massive room.
The computers here consist of many valuable parts, including numerous ones that consist of precious metals and expensive crystalline capacitors. The value of some of these components is readily apparent from the damaged computers’ exteriors, and several broken circuit board casings reveal hints of the valuables within. With 1 hour of systematic dismantling, you think you could retrieve nearly a thousand credits worth of materials.
The forge spurned’s chains look like they could function as immolation flame spinners. Given their origin though its hard to tell if that's a good idea.
The real find is in the databanks themselves. You find two types of files written in Dwarven: production documents and personnel rosters. The production documents cover a variety of projects such as weapons, armor, and starship components, all of which combine magic and technology in ways that would have been cutting edge a few centuries ago. Although the projects are largely obsolete compared to modern technology, there are nonetheless unconventional and potentially innovative techniques among these blueprints and diagnostics. These files also describe the machine, the "Solarian Stone", noting the basics of how it can control light and gravity in ways that facilitated ongoing scientific experimentation.
The personnel rosters include extensive lists of duergar, trox slaves, and a few miscellaneous captives. The last recorded date is the 327th day of 40 AG—corresponding with the uprising—with numerous duergar and trox labeled as deceased that day, and more
duergar slated for evacuation. Of note among the captives is a male dwarf wearing a boar-headed pendant, whose limited dossier notes that the duergar didn’t know how he entered the station. However, his records note that he was tied to a slave uprising, is a spy, was tortured for information, and was to be executed “by fiery submersion.”
That MUST be Avaldur, the storied investigator!
After the rest, the party is confident this room has given up its secrets.
Teka Teach |
Teka will take a moment to breath herself and rests herself on the ground while looking to account for everyone else. "Everyone did excellent work. It pained me to see you all injured, but I'm glad to see everyone still up and going."
After the minutes of rest she joins Malaak in the examination of the room. "Oh that poor man. Rhols bust have been the man they captured. He did a good thing to help all those trapped here and only wish that was rewarded. Maybe we can find scraps and fragments of the good he did and build off of it."
Culture: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11
Malaak Goodman |
Malaak downloads the datas on his data pad.
Culture: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19
Seems to me that's Avaldur in disguise! says Malaak before adding May be, this fact will make the dwarf less eager to destroy this place?
After a last look in the area he asks Where next?
Teka Teach |
Teka glances toward the pair of bodies and the furnace for signs of the boar-headed pendant as she ponders on Malaak's discovery. "Possibly, but Avaldur may have destroyed this place himself if there were no slaves. Maybe if he left some of his own musings, his words would give more reason to stay their hand." Teka looks back toward the entrance and the fragments of the lens strewn about the entry way as she winces from a phantom pain.
After a second she steadies herself on the conveyor before pointing back, "those paths we passed by hopefully may have more answers. We should stay together, lest these rapscallions catch us off guard." She directs toward the western passage near the southern edge of the map.
Perception for Traps: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16
Elfa Amberridge |
After rummaging through the computers and hearing Avaldur's name, Elfa is ready to find more of this legendary Dwarven hero. She hefts her hammer and follows Teka towards the unexplored passage.
Game Master S |
It seems safe enough for the party, so down the western tunnel everyone goes. You find the remains of several
large monstrous humanoids with sturdy chitinous plating and
fearsome mandibles.
These are trox, massive, insectile, and generally peaceful beings native to the Liavaran moon Nchak. If you got a 17+, check the spoiler below
You remember that trox performed early albeit rudimentary space travel throughout the Pact Worlds, which led to small pioneering populations being enslaved in some cases. The combination of their good natures and having been exploited for labor historically means that trox are vehement opponents of slavery.
However, the trox being partly buried here seems uncharacteristic, given their durable forms and burrowing skill.
You may also now roll a Medicine check DC 13 to open the spoiler below.
You spot three key factors that contributed to the trox’s
demise beyond falling rubble. First, each of the trox show signs of having been electrocuted several times, after each instance having had time to recover (a product of the duergars’ cruel treatment). Second, most of the trox have small wounds near their necks or heads, where they painfully removed duergar-made augmentations (some of which pacified the trox); only two of these trox still have these augmentations installed. Third, several of the trox have combat injuries (sustained during their rebellion). Collectively, these almost certainly left the trox weakened, such that the modest cave-in was more than they could escape.
Deloran Starrunner |
CULTURE: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22
looking at the large monstrous humanoids.
"Those are Trox, a massive, insectile, and generally peaceful beings native to the Liavaran moon Nchak. They performed early albeit rudimentary space travel throughout the Pact Worlds, which led to small pioneering populations being enslaved in some cases. The combination of their good natures and having been exploited for labor historically means that trox are vehement opponents of slavery. However, the trox being partly buried here seems uncharacteristic, given their durable forms and burrowing skill."
MEDICINE: 1d2 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7
Teka Teach |
Medicine: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15
"Poor dears," Teka adds as she looks over the bodies. "they were all severely weakened before the collapse. Both from electric torture from the duergar and battle wounds from when they fought to free themselves. Most also have removed the horrible duergar implants that were forced onto them."
"We should try to find some better place for their bodies at least and, as unkind as it may be, we should take the implants that are left. At least some good might come from the Starfinder Society studying them or at least recovering their parts."
Elfa Amberridge |
Elfa seethes at the treatment of these creatures at the hands of the duergar, "What I wouldn't give to have one of those damned vile creatures here and be able to watch the life drain from their eyes as I push my pick through their body."
Game Master S |
The party recovers what they can, though its not as much as they'd like. Where to?
Elfa Amberridge |
To the east!
Expecting to find much of the same depravity, Elfa moves out of the tunnel, across the raised floor and down into the tunnel on the opposite side.
Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11
Game Master S |
Elfa directs the party to the final corridor. The east tunnel shows similar damage, though there is only a single dead trox here near two dead and partially-buried duergars and a message scrawled on the wall in the Nchaki language
It reads, "The Star Margrave has changed. Just as I thought a creature could not be viler, he, no it, is. Its eyes sear, its breath chokes, but worse still is its burning chain. It stalks us, and takes us one by one to that damnable furnace, and there it takes my clan and severs the link between the Forever Queen and us. Cry for our salvation, I can no longer reach their souls, their spirits do not heed my calls, I fear they are lost forever in those burning links. Hinchin-Kuran, Hylax hive caller
In the message is a lesser-used symbol for Hylax, the Forever Queen. This trox wears numerous simple adornments marked with this same symbol, suggesting that this might have been a spiritual leader.
You can make a specific Culture DC 15 check to see the spoiler below:
The trox wears an electrum-and-gold pendant inscribed with a charging boar on one side. IT's clearly quite valuable.
Elfa Amberridge |
Not at all familiar with the language scrawled on the walls, a single glyph sticks out that she recognizes as a symbol for Hylax. "Not sure what all this means, but I would hazard a guess that it was something to do with Hylax. That trox is adorned with the symbol as well. Probably some sort of priest or leader of the faith. Can anyone read this stuff?"
Mysticism: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20
Teka Teach |
Culture: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9
"I'm afraid I'm not familiar with that writing, but it looks to be the same symbol that Avaldur was recorded as wearing." She looks to Malaak for more assistance as she adds, "can you make more of the writing Malaak with your magic? My eyes aren't as sharp as they used to be it seems. I do have this spell gem that might aid you however."
Teka has a spell gem of comprehend languages she can offer Malaak if he doesn't have a way to read the Nchaki writing.
Imperator Fexia |
Fexia looks over the writing and contemplates. "I am not versed in these languages, however if we are able to get a signal through to the surface, I have a battle-mate with more extensive training."
I have the pro-hireling slotted with culture camping out somewhere topside, although I think our comms are shut down at the moment.
She begins to work with the nearby scrap, attempting to boost her comms in order to get at least a short message out.
Priority 2 - Unknown language, require assistance. Close on present position or prepare link for visual data transfer.
The hireling has +8 I believe. If I can get a message through for her help, let me know and I'll make the associated rolls.
Malaak Goodman |
Culture: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22
Malaak knowledge is enough for him to translate the Nchaki.
Interesting
Mysticism: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10
Culture: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27
When Elfa points Malaak about Hilax he adds Oh yes. I remember that trox are often enthusiastic worshippers of Hylax, whom they consider a protector of the weak.
Game Master S |
The party decides that time is running low, and that they've found about all they're going to find....
Elfa Amberridge |
"Let's back to the ship. Give them that amulet and let them know what we found here. While there is definitely stuff down here worth saving, I wouldn't blame them for wanting to destroy such a den of evil. But I'll leave that to them. Come to think of it, maybe someone else should talk." Elfa leaves the tunnel to head back towards the platform.
Teka Teach |
"You are right, we should get moving. Hopefully we can convince them to aid with the collection of the artifact at least."
It has been a bit, but I'm curious as to the final resting place of Avaldur. I don't recall seeing his body during our travels aside the note about his planned execution. Is there any sign of his body among the two undead or anything within the furnace down here?
Imperator Fexia |
Culture: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18
After finishing the image uploads, Fexia ponders all they came across. "We should inspect the lava pits near the entry... execution by fiery submersion... that seems as though it could be a likely final resting place for Avaldur."
Game Master S |
To the lava tubes? Feel free to retroactively take a 10 minute rest if need be.
Trying to eek out as much exploration as time allows, the party follows Fexia's lead. A twisting series of bridges comprised of a glassy strands of hardened magma arches above the asteroid’s outer core of congealed magma, which bubbles 30 feet below. About 20 feet above the bridges, the walls slope outward to create a large cavern Large amounts of smoke, steam, and heat distortion make it difficult to see in this area giving all creatures in the area concealment and providing total concealment to creatures more than 60 feet away. The second of the two crucibles was here, before the party rebuilt the machine. It's hard to make out from your position, but there is a hazy dark spot where the crucible was resting. It's conceivable that these are the crushed remains of a humanoid.
As the party moves in to inspect a strange group of alien creatures emerge from underneath the cooled bridges. It looks like you won't get to expect the area without a fight! Life science to ID
Game Master S |
Hostiles: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19
Elfa: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9
Fexia: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
Xenal: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16
Malaak: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Deloran: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18
Teka: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9
Teh creatures each look like some kind of giant louse. The one in the back White looks more developed than the others. Indeed, that one squeezes a spray of acid at Fexia!
Acid: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19 the glob hits and eats away at her armor! Acid: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Round 1:
Hostiles: Move
Deloran: Go
Xenal: Go
Teka: Go
Elfa: Go
Fexia: Go
Malaak: Go
Elfa Amberridge |
Elfa pulls out her pick and holds back waiting to hear from the others. "Any ideas what these things are. Seems strange to find bugs amidst all this heat"
Game Master S |
Malaak has learned about asteroid lice before! The normal ones aren't that scary, though the abilities of the one who squirt acid are beyond him. Ask 1 question.
Deloran Starrunner |
Life science: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 4 + 1 = 20
Spotting giant bugs rush out at the party.
"Please stay calm, we don't want to hurt you."
Then the giant bug sprays Fexia. Deloran ducks next to the wall using it as what cover he can while drawing his Static Arc pistol and fires at the bug.
Attack vs EAC on green: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25
If full round, Trick attack: 1d20 + 8 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 8 + 4 = 14
DC20+target’s CR
Non-lethal damage, Elec: 1d6 ⇒ 3
Malaak Goodman |
any vulnerability?
Malaak says These are asteroid lices!
After recognizing the creatures and knowing about their vulnerabilities he tries to zap one. green
Ray of <insert vulnerability energy or cold by default> vs EAC: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16
Damages: 1d3 ⇒ 2
Game Master S |
Malaak can't think of anything these lice are particularly vulnerable to.
Deloran's shot really jars the louse, and it already looks pretty injured. Perhaps this won't be as bad as the forge spurned! Malaak easily follows it up with a ray of frost!
Deloran can as 2 questions
Round 1:
Hostiles: Move
Deloran: Hit
Xenal: Go
Teka: Go
Elfa: Go
Fexia: Go
Malaak: Hit
Green: 8
Imperator Fexia |
"Xenal, I shall take the rightmost path, and you the left? Keep between the foe and our mission specialists."
She advances slowly and fires her artillery laser.
Attack vs Red EAC: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
Concealment: 1d100 ⇒ 82
Damage (F): 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13
Teka Teach |
"A far better sight than the horrible undead and monsters, but still we need to drive them away to get to that poor soul." Teka moves up behind Fexia while taking a shot into the smoke with her electric pistol. "I'll be right at your side Fexia."
Attacking Green
Static Arc Pistol Attack vs EAC: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20
Concealment: 1d100 ⇒ 15
Nonlethal Electricity Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
Move, shift pistol to stun, attack
Game Master S |
The lice prove to be easy pickings mostly. Teka's shot misses due to the obscured vision though.
Fexia's shot blasts a louse to oblivion though!
Deloran knows tha tthere things have no special defenses, but their unique biology makes them really good at destroying objects They have some potent sundering ability
Round 1:
Hostiles: Move
Deloran: Hit
Xenal: Go
Teka: Miss
Elfa: Go
Fexia: Kill
Malaak: Hit
Green: 8
Xenal Doshbinder |
Xenal nods at Fexia's suggestion and breaks left, smashing into the lice with her pike while keeping the firing lane clear for those behind her.
Pike: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26
**CRIT**Piercing: 2d8 + 14 ⇒ (7, 1) + 14 = 22
Coordinated Shot is active
Game Master S |
Xenal hits the louse so hard it practically explodes on the thrust!
Round 1:
Hostiles: Move
Deloran: Hit
Xenal: Kill
Teka: Miss
Elfa: Go
Fexia: Kill
Malaak: Hit
Elfa Amberridge |
Elfa moves up next to Fexia and Teka and flicks her wrist as a piece of rubble hurls at the blackened louse. The stone flies wide of the creature.
Telekinetic Projectile
Rubble: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
B damage: 1d6 ⇒ 1
Game Master S |
Elfa's aim is way off, and the remaining lice skitter forward. Black draws from Xenal
Their mandibles clacking and clicking:
Black: 1d100 ⇒ 2MISS
Blue: 1d100 ⇒ 57Blue v. Fexia: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23 for BITE DMG: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
The larger louse hurls another glob of acid at Elfa!
White: 1d100 ⇒ 12but misses!
Round 2:
Hostiles: ATK
Deloran: Go
Xenal: Go
Teka: Go
Elfa: Go
Fexia: Go
Malaak: Go
Imperator Fexia |
Fexia lashes out at the lousy louse, hoping to break a hole in the frontline.
Claw vs Blue KAC, Full Attack: 1d20 + 8 - 4 ⇒ (12) + 8 - 4 = 16
Concealment: 1d100 ⇒ 73
Damage: 1d3 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 15
Claw vs Blue KAC, Full Attack: 1d20 + 8 - 4 ⇒ (15) + 8 - 4 = 19
Concealment: 1d100 ⇒ 78
Damage: 1d3 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 14
"Open fire on the large one in the rear. I shall advance."
Game Master S |
Fexia's FIRST claw attack is more than enough to destroy the louse! Only two remain as the formian gives battle direction.
Round 2:
Hostiles: ATK
Deloran: Go
Xenal: Go
Teka: Go
Elfa: Go
Fexia: Move Action
Malaak: Go
Teka Teach |
"I'll try Fexia. It is a might hard to see through the smoke, but I'll see if I can scare it off."
Teka moves up and takes a shot toward the distant vermin, but the attack is lost into the the billowing smoke.
Attacking White
Static Arc Pistol Attack vs EAC, +CS: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 7 + 1 = 15
Concealment: 1d100 ⇒ 9
Nonlethal Electricity Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Move, attack
Elfa Amberridge |
Following Fexia's lead, Elfa steps up to the blackened vermin with pick in hand and swings down upon it.
Pick: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22
Concealment: 1d100 ⇒ 65
So damage; critical hit: 2d4 + 4 ⇒ (4, 2) + 4 = 10 (DC12 Fort; Deafen for 1d4 minutes)
Game Master S |
Elfa's swing is potent. There is It's not quite enough to kill the louse, but it's clearly about to turn and run! FORT: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23
Unfortunately, Teka's shot is foiled by the shimmering air.
Round 2:
Hostiles: ATK
Deloran: Go
Xenal: Go
Teka: Miss
Elfa: Crit
Fexia: Move Action
Malaak: Go
Black: 10
Imperator Fexia |
I do believe that in starfinder once you declare a full attack you've committed to the full round action.