Zoomba's Stumbling Society [SFS 2-06 & 2-08] (Inactive)

Game Master Zoomba

Yeah, but that's round 5. I'll probably roll a 1 in round 5

Bugface tries to boost power to the shields.

Engineering Divert: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (15) + 16 = 31

"Consider it wrapped up."

Torpedo Turret: 1d20 + 10 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 10 + 3 = 30
Damage: 5d10 ⇒ (1, 6, 10, 4, 10) = 31
Damage Rerolls: 1d10 ⇒ 4 So 34

And that it is!

Brock's shot slices through the drone's shields to strike at the hull. You can see it's guns get sliced by the shot, but the true impact is that without shields Lucky's torpedo is able to encounter no resistance before it smacks into the drone's hull. The ship explodes!

SPACE COMBAT OVER!!!

As the pieces of the drones float off into space, the launching platform continues to maneuver around, but is unable to launch any of its reserve fighters. You can easily approach the slower platform, and scanning it reveals multiple caches aboard that pings with Starfinder Society transponders.

While you make preliminary scans, Saivessa's ship pops back into the planet's orbit as they detranslate from the Drift. They immeadiately ping your comms. Hey, are you guys okay? Your weapons are hot and...is that fighter debris I'm seeing? What happened?

Someone use our own technology against us! says Eselar.

But we take care of it. Nobody will be hurt by it now.

Nothing we can't repair. And by we I mean I.

Brock nods. "Nice fightin' crew. Let's get down there, before Datch can cause even more trouble." He glances at Data. "Hey, can you access the platform's computer information about any other ships they've seen come past here? If we could get a timetable or something from its logs, might help us out ..."

If Data can do what Brock suggested computers: 13 + 2 + 1d20 ⇒ 13 + 2 + (14) = 29

Data gives some initial scans of the platform. Unfortunately, the stealth field and plating on its hull prevents the android from getting full access to the structure's databanks remotely. Data is able to get some good scans of the design though, and it seems strangely familiar...

One thing that Data is able to acquire is the launch data of the platform's most recent drop down to the planet below. You pull up the coordinates as Saivessa hails you and advises. Glad to see you're all ship-shape then. I'm sure you could do the work up here too Data, but I'm Hells of a lot worse in a fight than you six but can hack apart a device just fine. Head down to the planet and try to get that recent drop before its picked up by anyone, then see if you can get the rest of our gear back too. I can secure all the good up here that haven't been launched out yet. We can keep the comms open: I can be your 'uisha-in-the-chair!

So the platform itself is the thing performing the drops? Do we know when the most recent drop was made?

Brock does a quick check of his equipment. He mounts a smoke grenade into his quick-release sheath, loading the rest of his weapons into his starfinder backpack. Cedona, the android Steward friend who tags along with him, stands quietly and unobtrusively nearby.

"For all we know, Datch's plan is to get video of Starfinders slaughtering native denizens. If we have nonlethal engagement weapons, we should probably focus on those ..." He pats his taclash. "Being able to subdue or disarm them would also be good. We don't appear to be a particularly stealthy crew, so I'm thinking our best bet is to be as upfront as we can when we meet these people. Moxie, I assume you'll take point in the diplomatic engagement. Any other thoughts or suggestions?"

Responding to Saivessa, "You just missed a little dogfight with some drones. Nothing we couldn't handle."

Responding to Brock, "I think that's a sound tactical assessment. Lets be ready to defend ourselves with our non-lethal weapons but we'd be better off approaching them openly. Diplomacy is my specialty, so let me take the lead and try to figure out what we're dealing with. I'm guessing they might try to use us to get an advantage over the other tribe, so we don't want to jump in and commit to anything. Let's just take it slow and cautious. And no sudden movements. We don't know much about these people and we don't want to do something to inadvertently insult them."

Moxie upholsters her static arc pistol and sets it to "stun".

This is a solid 12% of a plan.

I agree. As Moxie, my travels gave me the knowledge to not make too big mistakes when meeting for the first time someone.
Between her and me, I really hope we can manage to find a peaceful first encounter with the locals.

With some of you preparing nonlethal armaments and tactics, you are able to guide the Drake towards Stabrisis-14 as you lock onto the latest drop's coordinates. Scans from orbit indicate that the world has lighter gravity than normal 1/3rd Absalom Station Standard but breathable atmosphere. Much of the planet is covered in lush jungles, but you are able to detect an open space large enough to land the Drake about a half-mile from the cache's location.

When you disembark, the hot tropical air immediately buffets you. Looking around, the sights and sounds of life are all around you. Animals and birds chirp in the distance while the jungle itself teems with verdant plant life. In fact, the sheer variety of flora and fauna present is remarkable, as are the predominance of bright and vibrant colors amongst the plantlife.

The trek to the cache is made with little difficulty. While quite fecund, the jungle's trees are often spread apart enough for you to travel without needing to bushwhack. And only a few minutes into the journey you come across a few partially cleared paths through the jungle that make your movements even easier. You eventually spot your target near the intersection of three of these trails - a metal box sitting just off in the jungle growth.

New map added, feel free to place yourselves on it.
Also: are any of you dressed in or wearing symbols/insignia of the Starfinder Society?

mysticism: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15

Mysticism: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (16) + 15 = 31

I sense Fey influence here. The First World Chaos touch is everywhere...

I have the symbol of Iomedae, not the one from the Starfinder, but I can show it.

Eselar is tense and looks in every direction as he knows the mischief of fey creatures.

I plopped myself next to it. Feel free to move me if I don't make it that close before something happens, of course. If it's daylight, then I wouldn't have my hand implant glowing, and that's the only starfinder insignia I have on me. My starfinder backpack, however, does have the Pact Worlds Warriors logo.

Brock advances toward the supply cache, checking to see if it has been acquired by anyone yet.

Moxie's suit has a symbol of Abadar splashed across it, but she only uses her insignia implant on her hand for identification.

"Careful, Brock. Knowing Datch there's probably some kind of trick or trap on that crate."

Brock nods and inspects it for any possible trap.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18

Eselar moves next to Brock and looks for any traps too.

Never too prudent.

Perception: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (16) + 14 = 30

Brock approaches the crate with caution, but doesn't notice any trap set to the opening latch. There is however a small device on the latch that appears to be a modified holographic projector.

Brock pulls out his Idaran force training baton and stands back a bit, using it to tap the activation button or switch or whatever on the holographic projector.

Ah, clever thinking with the force baton.

Brock taps at the device with his baton and the interaction seems to bring it to life. A hologram of a white-furred ysoki woman appeas above the crate. A woman you've seen before: Datch.

Hello there, Starfinders! the ysoki's image says with a smile. I see you’ve found my little present. I must say, I’m ever so grateful to the Society for providing me with all these fun weapons to bestow upon those poor species that haven’t developed modern technology yet. Perhaps I’ll have to make that more widely known... It would be a pity if the Starfinders didn’t get some recognition for their role in all this!

I hope I get to meet such clever folks in person one day! Perhaps we can share some food and laugh about all the fun we’ve been having.

Datch's arm comes to her face as she takes a large bite out of an apple just as the holographic image fades. The projector itself crackles with electricity as it self-destructs, and as it does so the latch to the crate opens and the lid slides off. Within you can see dozens of rifles and pistols, high-tech armor, and other technological gadgets resting within, all emblazoned prominently with the Starfinder Society's sigil.

How far was our hike back to the ship? Could we possibly carry this, with it being 1/3 gravity, or do we need to call in Saivessa to pick it up?

Eselar inspects the material to see if all come from the Starfinder arsenal or if there is other weapons have been that have the Starfinder Society sigil added.

Perception: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (16) + 14 = 30

Moxie calls Saivessa over her comms. "We have our first weapons cache. I'm sending you the coordinates now."

You think you could carry it back to your shuttle with two or more of you working together (as much do to the size as the weight, though even in lower gravity it is still fairly heavy)

Eselar scans the items. The gear inside does match the Exo-Guardians' missing equipment: the branding on them likewise appears genuine - an at-the-time good idea to help track the gear in question when it was in the field.

Saivessa replies back on the comms That's great news! I've got a few dozen more caches up here that haven't shot off yet, and ma hoping to kyrczaht the rest soon. Sorry, kyrczaht is a Nchaki term for...well hard to translate. But traces are running on the other recent drops, so if you can secure that one -

The maraquoi keeps talking, but your attention is pulled away as from the north a trio of creatures emerge from the jungle. Resembling moths the size of a ysoki, the three creatures all flit about on brightly colored winds as feathery antennae twitch above their eyes. The moth-things' back four legs end in jagged claws, while their front two each have three finger-like appendages - appendages that are currently holding handcoils bearing Starfinder logos!

The three creatures begin moving towards you, but as they do another set of three moth-things brust through the jungle from behind you. While similar in form, this second trio has red paint daubed upon their foreheads, and their clothing is of a starkly different style to those of the three to the north. Further, the southern three beings each hold a Exo-Guardian gun, but their weapons seem to have undergone several crude modifications.

Both groups see each other, and you standing near the open crate, and begin moving forward drawing their weapons!

Intiative

Moxie
Bugface
Brock
them
Lucky
them
Data
Eselar

"Acid doesn't have a 'nice' setting guys, and I'm not giving them unlimited time to shoot us..."

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 11 + 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 11 + (1) + 1 = 33

Damn telepaths! I need to get myself one of those magic circlets. Well, I'm sure they still use some kind of body language.

"Hey, guys, these folks are telepaths. And I'm not. I'm going to see what I can do to calm them down but I'm probably going to need your help Bugface."

Moxie uses her diplomatic skills to assess the situation and demonstrate that while her group is armed and capable of defending itself, they do not wish to cause any harm.

Moxie can try to improve a creatures attitude even without knowing their language using her Universal Diplomat ability.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (2) + 15 = 17

Moxie also has Slick Customer, which lets her reroll Diplomacy instead of getting her Inspiration dice. I can roll first before deciding and that is a low enough roll for me to use this ability.

Diplomacy; Reroll: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (6) + 15 = 21

And not much better. Yikes.

{Bugface bets that they can still hear. Bugface will transmit your message however.}Though I can only do so within 30 feet.

Bugface sets their rifle to stun and gets ready.

Let's see if anyone can do some talking first. I'll ready an action to shoot at any enemy that shoots us first.

Brock holds his hands up, making a show of being unarmed. He smiles pleasantly in an attempt to help Moxie's diplomatic efforts. "Hey there. Just coming here to claim some of our lost stuff ... Not lookin' to get into any fights."

Diplomacy(assist): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21

Brock and Moxie try to appear as non-threatening as possible . In response, the six of you hear a flurry of sounds in your head, though none of you recognize the language. Bugface however finds it strangely familiar.

While none of you speak the actual language being thought to you, Bugface realizes that whatever tongue it is has several linguistic similarities to Gnome.

Despite your quick pleas, one of the northern creatures - which each are garbed and painted in green clothing and chest paint - scrambles closer and fires at Brock as he stands net to the crate with a handcoil! The shot hits hard, but an arcing secondary surge fails to reach Moxie.

Attack v EAC: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26 for Electrical damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
more from the crit: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

From the south, two of the 'red-garbed' ones move forwards as well, one purple circle shooting past you at the handcoil alien blue triangle while the other flies through the jungle in a flanking maneuver.

Attack v KAC: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24 for damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

Intiative

Moxie
Brock 43/59 SP
Bugface - your readied action can go off on 'blue' now
blue, purple, pink them, blue 4 damage
Lucky
them
Data
Eselar

Would it be Life Science or Mysticism to try to recognize any traits/abilities of these creatures? We've got the telepathy & wings, obviously ... I'll roll both just in case

Life Science: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
Mysticism: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17

If possible to use a belated swift action when they fire at me, I'll bring my smoke grenade into my hand from my quick-release sheath.

Over the comms, Brock says, "Have your seals up ... about to get a bit smoky round here." I would say that even if I have to wait till my next turn to get the grenade

Specifically, I'm interested in any resistances or immunities I might be able to suspect they have.

Culture: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21

Can I try to talk back with a culture check maybe?

Rifle Stun Attack: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25
Nonlethal Damage: 1d12 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

Yes you can Bugface, with no extra roll needed beyond the one you just did

As Bugface buffets Brock's attacker with a stunning shot, Brocktries to sizze up the newcomers. The dwarf can tell that they are some sort of fey species. Their feathery-furred skin doesn't seem enough to resist any element, but the dwarf does note that even though they don't seem to need to use them for speech their mouths seem overdeveloped to produce loud noises anyway. No resistances or immunities. You think that if the fey are next to someone, they could emit a powerful sonic burst that might stagger an adjacent target.

Intiative

Moxie
Brock 43/59 SP
Bugface
blue, purple, pink fey, blue 15 damage
Lucky
fey
Data
Eselar

Bugface sends their voice to their companions only, {Their language is similar to gnomish. They apparently think these guns are a gift from their god. Any ideas what Bugface should say?}

Lucky dives for cover, cursing that she's stuck with a peacemaker's job. "Tell 'em we're here to test them. Show 'em an insignia so they know we're the angels they should've been waiting for!"

While Lucky heads for cover Didn't see you seem to move, were you intending to? more of the fey continue to converge. One of the northern group green fires back at Bugface, while its companion takes a shot at the closest other fey.

Attack v EAC on Bugface: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18 for Electrical damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Attack v EAC on Pink: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22 for Electrical damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

To the south, the third fey there advances to a stream
s edge and shoots at Data with its modified weapon

Attack v EAC on Data: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18 for Electrical damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

Intiative

Moxie
Brock 43/59 SP
Bugface
blue (15 damage), purple, pink (9 damage) fey
Lucky
fey
Data 31/40 SP
Eselar

Brock looks about to act, but then hears Bugface. He holds up his hand, which begins to glow with the Starfinder emblem. He rotates so that all of the enemies can clearly see the glowing symbol. "Stop shooting!"

Swift action to activate the implant. Free action to speak. If they do not immediately react with some sort of hesitation, let me know, and I'll use my move/standard actions.

Doing the same as Brock, Eselar shows his symbol of the Starfinder Society and holding his hands as for peace.

Stop fighting! Stop fighting!

He tries to tell it in gnomish

Culture: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (13) + 12 = 25

And now to try something different.

Moxie raises her hand high in the air, flashing the symbol of the Starfinder Society. For effect she fires her static arc pistol in the air and lets out an angry warcry in Vesk, then cycles through all the other languages she knows, using her voice modulator to alter her voice to say these different tongues perfectly.

Simulating talking in tongues.

"Bugface, tell them we are angels sent from the heavens and we wish for them to here our Word! Tell them to lower their weapons before we strike them down."

Bluff and or Intimidate: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (7) + 15 = 22

My character was shoot, so my character isn't going to passively wait for the fighting to stop or wait for a peace-treaty, my character is going to come after the one that shot me in full force.
full round magic missile the one that shot me: 3d4 + 3 ⇒ (4, 3, 4) + 3 = 14

Sigh...way to be a team player.

Moxie shouts in surprise as Data X sends lethal bolts of force at one of the humanoids, possibly killing it outright.
"Data X, you murderous psychopath! We have orders not to use lethal attacks! You are ruining a diplomatic mission!"

Eselar turns, shocked, at Z Data Z actions!

What are you doing! You known the risk of coming here and the goal of this mission!

Brock grumbles, "Hold your fire, private! You're playin' into Datch's hands. We're not here to escalate this conflict. Daze them or put 'em to sleep or somethin' else!"

Fortunately, I'm assuming 14 damage won't kill this thing.

Sigh...way to be a team player.

Moxie shouts in surprise as Data X sends lethal bolts of force at one of the humanoids, possibly killing it outright.
"Data X, you murderous psychopath! We have orders not to use lethal attacks! You are ruining a diplomatic mission!"

Okay, okay, maybe I'll stop, but I can't undo the missiles.

Saivessa's voice crackles over the comms Hey guys, I'm picking up some gunfire sounds. Do you mind if I hack the vid--oh! Well, that's interesting. Be careful! I mean try to stun or just knock them out if you can, but if you have to defend yourselves you have to do it.
Just to step in: you were explicitly ordered to aim for a diplomatic solution, and to not seize the weapons and gear by force if that failed. However, defending yourselves from direct attack is a different matter: the way you handle things will likely have an impact on further things, but the Society also understands that their agent's own safety is important too.

Moxie yells as Data's missiles barrel into the fey that shot at it. The creature certainly takes damage from it, but still seems relatively well on its four feet.

With Brock's projection of the Starfinder symbol being shone in the air the fey look on it with surprise. Moxie's twisting voice seems to give them a moment's pause, and when Eselar yells in basic gnome you all hear in your heads a myriad of reactions. Bugface and Eselar realize the basic gist of what they are saying, though precise translation is a bit iffy.

The three approaching from the north The 'triangle' shaped ones seem to be saying You, fellow faithful! Those that Build are insulting the new God by tearing apart its gifts! Help us stop their heresy before It is angered and attacks us all!
While the trio form the south Circles call to you with equal fervency Strange newcomers! See them: they insult the God by not taking Its gifts something to be studied to advance us! Your arrival is a sign that we must continue to Advance into the new. Join us to show them how much more the God's gifts can do!

While both parties turn their guns from you for the moment after your display, they seem as intent as ever at attacking the other party.

Intiative

Moxie
Brock 43/59 SP (for standard and Move)
Bugface
blue (15 damage), purple, pink (9 damage) fey
Lucky
orange (14 damage), red, green fey
Data 31/40 SP
Eselar

Was I able to get the smoke grenade earlier? If so, I will continue to hold it, and bring the called taclash into my other hand.

Brock stands imposingly in front of the crate, trying to make it clear with his body language that the two groups are supposed to stand down. To augment this, he barks out - loudly - "STOP!"

Intimidate, expertise: 1d20 + 9 + 1d6 ⇒ (20) + 9 + (5) = 34

Oh, wow ... I think a couple of them wet themselves. That roll includes my voice amplifier bonus, so this is an impressive shout. ;)

Was holding off a bit to see if Bugface wanted to do anything.

Brock stands up as tall he can and from his dwarven frame emerges a bellowing yell at all the approaching fey to halt. All six of the moth-creatures pause as they look at the soldier and the rest of you, and you hear in your heads a flurry of invectives and boasts from each ;side; against each other.
From the 'triangles', roughly See, the new faithful want you to stop your blasphemous mocking of the God's gifts.
From the 'circles', roughly Ha! You should stop, for by just reflecting the old you cannot stand against the new!

All six of the creatures begin to retreat back into the jungle, though despite your motions they still take a few potshots at each other as they withdraw. Before the last fly away and disappear into the jungle, you hear a message in all your head. From both sides: Come, meet with us. Together we can crush the heretics!

You have discouraged the fey creatures from continuing to fight over this cache. However both sides retreat for now rather than engage in a long negotiation.