Level 1 Fitch shows the PCs some of the inner workings of the Master of Stars, which help the PCs better understand other starships. Once during the adventure, the PCs can gain a +4 bonus to any non-gunnery skill check during a starship combat.
Level 2 When using the reward above, all the PCs' non-gunnery skill checks made during the same round gain the +4 bonus.
Level 3 In place of the level 1 reward, the PCs can force the crew of an enemy ship to take a –2 penalty to all non-gunnery skill checks made during the round. The use of this ability must be declared at the start of the starship combat round.
PRAYER AND REFLECTION
Level 1 The PCs gain significant insight into Iteration-177's understanding of the divine and share a portion of his intuition. A PC can gain a +2 bonus to any one Mysticism, Perception, or Sense Motive check within the Scoured Stars. This allows the PC to count as being trained in Mysticism for the duration of the adventure.
Level 2 In place of the reward above, a PC can add a +1 bonus to any one saving throw while within the Scoured Stars.
Level 3 When using either reward above, the PC can double the bonus.
ROOKIE TRAINING
Level 1 The PCs improve their allies' morale, making them more reliable in combat. Once during the adventure, the group can gain the benefit of aid another (+2 bonus) to all skill checks for 1 round.
Level 2 When using this reward, the benefit applies to both skill checks and attack rolls.
Level 3 In place of the level 1 reward once during the adventure, when the table uses an Aid Token, they gain two benefits instead of one. They cannot choose the same effect twice.
STARSHIP PRIMING
Level 1 Pleased with the PCs' review, Celita outfits the Starfinder fleet with better weapons-tracking software for targeting jinsul ships. Once during the adventure, the PCs gain a +2 bonus to any one starship combat gunnery roll, and that attack does not consume ammunition in the case of a weapon with the limited fire property.
Level 2 When using the reward above, all of the PCs' gunnery rolls during that round gain that benefit.
Level 3 In place of the level 1 reward, a PC can select any one successful starship weapon attack to count as critical damage if it deals Hull Point damage, even if the die result isn't a natural 20.
SUPPLY RUN
Level 1 Zigvigix grants the PCs priority access to some Starfinder Society equipment. Once during the adventure, each PC can requisition a weapon with an item level up to the PC's level for the duration of one mission. The group must use this ability prior to starting a new encounter, and this ability cannot be used during Part 4. The weapon comes with a full battery or magazine.
Level 2 In addition to the reward above, the PCs can also requisition a single consumable item with an item level up to the PC's level. These consumables cannot have permanent effects, and PCs who don't use them during the course of the scenario must return them at the end of the adventure.
Level 3 When using the level 1 reward, the weapon can have an item level up to the PC's level + 1.
TACTICAL PREPARATIONS
Level 1: The PCs assist overviewing the Society's default plan of engagement. The PCs can reroll any one skill check while in the same location as a fleet.
Level 2: Once during the adventure, while in the same location as a fleet, the PCs can instead activate this reward to gain a +2 bonus to each of their initiative checks for that mission.
Level 3: During a single encounter in the same location as the jinsul fleet, the PCs can activate this reward to remove any extra enemies or challenges provided by the jinsul fleet.
High Society Influence (Iteration-177) Ally boon:
Ailuros grants the PC some of their little remaining magical energy. Up to three times during the encounter, the PC can cast dimension door as a spell-like ability, using their character level as their caster level.
Iteration-177's Attention Ally boon:
The divine herald suffuses the PC's memory with divine power, manifesting as a magical effect for the duration of the encounter.
Melancholic memories grant all of the PC's weapons the benefits of the frost weapon fusion.
Phlegmatic memories grant the benefit of shield other, with Ailuros taking half the damage (up to 100 damage before they collapse).
For sanguine memories the PC can gain the benefits of greater remove condition at the start of their turn up to three times during the combat.
Surviving Companion boon:
The alien creature accompanying you decides to curiously inspect the devices. You can reroll one skill check to interface with the devices during the course of this encounter, as your alien companion inadvertently assists you with its meddling.
Venture-Captain Naiaj’s face appears on a communication screen, her features even paler and more somber than usual. She pauses for a moment before speaking. “A group of elite jinsul starships ambushed one of our scout flights near the starship graveyard orbiting Agillae-5. None of our agents responded to my summons. I assume they’re all dead. The jinsuls have left, but we need to know where they’re going next or we’ll be cleaning up another massacre. Check the remains of our ships for anything that might tip us off about their next target.”
Your starship sensors point you toward a relatively intact Starfinder wreckage drifting among the debris.
Culture 23 on the Starship:
You recognize the craft as the Parting Glance, a veteran Starfinder ship captained by a highly ranked flight leader named Jessyn.
Computers 18:
You detect no signs of life aboard the craft.
As you enter into the ship from the breach in the hull, it's obvious that Jinsul weapons ripped through the vessel, rendering all its major systems inert. Until emergency power is restored, the entire ship is dark, with no atmosphere or gravity. You can board the wreckage from their starship without difficulty and survive inside using your armor's environmental protections, although movement within the ship might prove challenging until gravity is restored.
You appear to be in the Power Core. The power core is heavily damaged but still capable of accessing emergency power with some jury-rigging.
Engineering 28 to fix things:
Congratulations! You get the ship's backup systems online, restoring artificial low gravity and dim illumination onboard, but not atmosphere (since the hull is so severely breached). This also allows access to the locked computers on the bridge.
Tell me where you want to explore next, or better yet, draw a path so that I can narrate you through the various rooms. Our map is at the top of your map slideshow!
Male CN Ysoki Mechanic 8 | SP 56/56 HP 50/50 | RP 10/10 | EAC 26 KAC 27 | Fort +7; Ref +11; Will +2 | Init: +5 | Perc: +14, SM: +0 | Speed 30ft | Laser (14/20) (8/20) Pulse (17/20) Disintegrator (40/40) | Active conditions: Fire Resist (8), DR 5/-, +2 vs spells/spell-abilities
"What an unfortunate turn of events. But maybe... just maybe... there are survivors? Perhaps it's just their comms got knocked offline?"
Culture:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25
As the party approaches closer to the ship, Raatchet exclaims, "Ohmigosh!!! I'd recognize that ship anywhere! It's the Parting Glance!! How do I know? Because her captain, Jessyn, has had a crush on me for YEARS!!! She (he?) practically stalked me! I mean it wasn't too creepy. It was an honor really... She's (he's?) a pretty highly ranked flight leader afterall.... and kinda smokin'!!"
Computers:1d20 + 19 ⇒ (13) + 19 = 32
As we get in closer, Raatchet initiates a scan. Reviewing the results, he says sadly, "Oh no. My hopes have been dashed! No life signs detected." Then the realization dawns on Raatchet, "Jessyn?!?! JESSYN!!!!! NOOOOO!!!!"
Three seconds later, "Well okay then! Shall we move on???" Raatchet bounds along cheerfully.
Engineering:1d20 + 21 ⇒ (9) + 21 = 30
Upon boarding the ship, Raatchet immediately gets to work on the core. "Tech support, comin' right up!!" Moments later, low G and dim lighting comes back on.
"Well, that's the best I can do considering the damage. But hey, this also means the bridge computers are unlocked. Shall we go there first and see if we can find the data we're looking for?"
I'd suggest heading to the bridge first. I've drawn a green line on the map but I'm not sure if that's a clear path. If not, I've drawn an alternate blue path. But happy to proceed with a different plan if others prefer!!
LN Nuar Mindbreaker Mystic 7| | SP 16/56 HP 41/41 FF: 10/10 FH: 3| KAC 24 EAC 22 | Fort 4 Ref 4 Will 9 | Speed 30 | Active Conditions: None | Shirt Reroll: Not Used | RP 7/7 | Kinetic Resistance: 5, Acid/Fire Resistance 5, Reflecting Armor
"Your an impressive little scamp, brother." Duhm Kaoh admits to Raatchet. "Sorry to hear about your... Fan..." He pulls on his Hellknight helmet and his voices changes to a reverberation style, then Duhm Kaoh draws his axe.
"I've been in situations like this before. Always expect something to try to kill you and your band." Duhm Kaoh starts making his way on the suggested route.
As long as it is a valid one we can do.
He looks in each room that he passes along for any immediate signs of hostilities.
Perception:1d20 + 14 ⇒ (19) + 14 = 33
Male Vesk Icon Soldier 6/Vanguard 3 | SP 36/81 HP 69/69; DR 9/-, resist 5 fire, 5 cold, 10 electricity | RP 6/10; EP 1 | EAC 24*; KAC 26* (*-1 if no EP) | Fort +10, Ref +9, Will +8 (+2 Fear) | Init +2 | Perc/SM +0 | Speed 30 ft. | Charges pike 36/40,U2; caster 38/40,U2
The little amphibious Champ burbles softly as Ivok regards the ship. "Wish we could have been here earlier to offer our own strength." The vesk readies his cryopike as heads forward toward the bridge. "Good work Raatchet, you got those bits fixed faster than I could get a stretch in. Hopefully we will be able to get the answers Fitch was looking for quickly."
"As dour as it soudsn, I agree with Duhm Kaoh. Being lax with your expectations is likely to get you hurt. True for both missions and exercise."
The direct path to the bridge looks good to me. Once we get there we could clear the ship going around the ship in a clockwise order through the rooms. The blue path will work if the green path is blocked.
Android Envoy 8HP 51/52 RES 9+1/10 STAM 48/48 Speed 30ft Init 7 KAC 23 EAC 22 Fort 3 Ref 9 Will 6 Resistances: E10, F5, C5
I SHALL REITERATE MY PRIOR STATEMENT. IT HAS BEEN TOO LONG SINCE OUR LAST MISSION TOGETHER RAATCHET. I HAD NEARLY FORGOTTEN HOW EFFECTIVE YOU ARE WITH THAT KIT.
He pauses and remembers the 'I win' button on the bridge of the Pegasus. NEARLY.
He looks around cautiously before adding, WHILE IT IS PRAGMATIC TO EXPECT NO SURVIVORS, WE SHOULD RETRIEVE ANY BODIES. THEY MAY NOT BE TOO FAR GONE FOR RESUSCITATION BY MYSTICAL MEANS. SHOULD THIS INTERFERE WITH THE PRIMARY OBJECTIVE OF DATA RETRIEVAL HOWEVER, THE PRIMARY OBJECTIVE MUST TAKE PRECEDENCE. WE MUST AVOID ADDITIONAL CASUALTIES.
Considering the ship layout he suggests, RECOMMENDATION, DEPTH-FIRST SEARCH TO OBTAIN ACCESS TO BRIDGE. SUBSEQUENT TO PRIMARY OBJECTIVE, FULL BREADTH-FIRST SEARCH OF SHIP FOR SURVIVORS AND/OR RECOVERABLE REMAINS.
He snaps his fingers and a clipboard appears in his left hand. In his right hand he draws a small firearm with the price-tag still on.
TL;DR: Seconding the recommended route. Also, the clipboard is an axe with a glamered fusion.
Acrobatics +13, Athletics +7, Bluff +14, Comp +13, Culture +13, Diplomacy +14, Eng +13, Intimidate +14, Life Sci +7, Med +12, Perception +9, Piloting +16, Profession-Writer +12, Sense Motive +6, Stealth +11
Stats and Abilities:
Str 9 : Dex 22 : Con 12 : Int 16 : Wis 12 : Cha 18 | Corona Laser Rifle +12 (2d6+7 F) : Static Arc Pistol +11 (1d6+3 E) : Survival Knife +11 (1d4+2 S) | Get 'Em, Clever Feint, Inspiring Boost, Clever Attack
On the way to the ship graveyard, Jindam changes from his everyday clothing to his zero-g environmental outfit. As they approach he stands a bit agog at the talents of Raachet. "Keep up the good work. I think that's an excellent path." He then looks at the vesk, "Ivok, you want to take point? I'll get your back."
Six corpses—three humans, a shirren, a ysoki, and a korasha lashunta identifiable as Captain Jessyn—float in the bridge, their bodies and faces mangled by decompression following the destruction of their ship and environmental controls. As gravity comes back on, the bodies slowly settle to the floor. A cracked screen on the communications station flickers in standby mode.
Computers 28:
the Parting Glance shared all its data collected about the jinsuls' movements and numbers with a system-wide transmission tower the Starfinders hastily assembled on the twelfth moon of Bastiar-8. Furthermore, disarmed countermeasures indicate the jinsuls who boarded the ship also retrieved this info, likely flagging the transmission tower as their next target.
LN Nuar Mindbreaker Mystic 7| | SP 16/56 HP 41/41 FF: 10/10 FH: 3| KAC 24 EAC 22 | Fort 4 Ref 4 Will 9 | Speed 30 | Active Conditions: None | Shirt Reroll: Not Used | RP 7/7 | Kinetic Resistance: 5, Acid/Fire Resistance 5, Reflecting Armor
Duhm Kaoh looks at the gruesome scene with a grim stoicism. "Hell of a way to go." He goes to inspect the dead bodies. "Their loved ones are going to want them back." He looks at Raachet. "Which one is your... Fan?"
N Host Shirren Mystic (SF Data Jockey) 4/Soldier 1/Biohacker (Medic) 2 | DR 5/- | SP 22/50 HP 49/49 RP 4/7 | EAC 19; KAC 20 | Fort +7; Ref +7; Will +10 | Init: +6 | Perc: +15, SM: +13 | Speed 30' Fly 30' (Average, Jetpack) | Biohacks: 1/5 Spells: 1st 4/4, 2nd 0/3 | Active conditions: None.
Thri-Kreen unshoulders his dart riffle and follows the team through the ship. On reaching the bridge he switches his rifle to one hand and begins scanning the bodies with his custom micro-lab before turning his attention to the computer. "Here Raatchet let me see if I can help you with that comm console."
Android Envoy 8HP 51/52 RES 9+1/10 STAM 48/48 Speed 30ft Init 7 KAC 23 EAC 22 Fort 3 Ref 9 Will 6 Resistances: E10, F5, C5
Buff-Bot looks over at Raatchett and remembers with great clarity the last mission they were on together. With a mix of stoicism and paranoia, he inspects the corpses to ensure that they are safe for retrieval.
Male CN Ysoki Mechanic 8 | SP 56/56 HP 50/50 | RP 10/10 | EAC 26 KAC 27 | Fort +7; Ref +11; Will +2 | Init: +5 | Perc: +14, SM: +0 | Speed 30ft | Laser (14/20) (8/20) Pulse (17/20) Disintegrator (40/40) | Active conditions: Fire Resist (8), DR 5/-, +2 vs spells/spell-abilities
Buff-Bot 9000 wrote:
He pauses and remembers the 'I win' button on the bridge of the Pegasus. NEARLY.
haha! I had forgotten about that! Good times....thanks for the memory!
Raatchet's ears droop downwards as he responds to Duhm. "That's her (him?)." as Raatchet points to the body of Jessyn.
"If you all don't mind, I'm going to say a few quick words....
"Jessyn, you were great. Really great. No one cooked up a cheese fondue quite like you. Or rubbed the back of my ears the way you did. Or that time that we..." Raatchet stops, looks around at his present company and decides to abruptly cut things short.
"You were really, really great. And you'll be missed."
While Buff-Bot moves to examine the corpses, Raatchet heads over to work on the computer with Thri-kreen.
Computers:1d20 + 19 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 19 + 2 = 35
"Got it! Well done, Thri-kreen! Starfinder transmission tower on the twelfth moon of Bastiar-8. That's where the jinsul are headed!!!"
Male Vesk Icon Soldier 6/Vanguard 3 | SP 36/81 HP 69/69; DR 9/-, resist 5 fire, 5 cold, 10 electricity | RP 6/10; EP 1 | EAC 24*; KAC 26* (*-1 if no EP) | Fort +10, Ref +9, Will +8 (+2 Fear) | Init +2 | Perc/SM +0 | Speed 30 ft. | Charges pike 36/40,U2; caster 38/40,U2
Ivok lowers his weapon and head in silence for a moment before the scene of death and then follows by making a token effort to hold at the door for any attackers.
"We should let them know as soon as possible, get the message out the fleet to get strong bodies to protect the tower. I agree their loved ones will want the bodies treated with respect. This seems to be most of the crew, but we should still check the rest of the ship to make sure they are accounted for. I do not wish to leave anyone, living or dead, in this place."
LN Nuar Mindbreaker Mystic 7| | SP 16/56 HP 41/41 FF: 10/10 FH: 3| KAC 24 EAC 22 | Fort 4 Ref 4 Will 9 | Speed 30 | Active Conditions: None | Shirt Reroll: Not Used | RP 7/7 | Kinetic Resistance: 5, Acid/Fire Resistance 5, Reflecting Armor
Duhm Kaoh, out of a somber respect, lifts up Jessyn's body with both arms and returns the axe to its holster. "At least the gravity will be light enough to get a few out at once."
There is a burst of dark energy. A voice, that some of you might identify as Dhurus, says chillingly in your minds, You want to bring these Starfinders back? Join them in their eternal unrest!
In response to the surge of energy, some of the slain Starfinders as undead. The one in the yellow armor is Jessamyn, but there are two other staff members in light blue and pink who raise as well. They moan and stare at you.
As this happens, all of you feel a pressure in your lungs.
DC 18 Fortitude on your turn or this happens:
The nihilis have hit you with their Decompression Gaze. The dead stare of a nihili makes those around the undead feel like their own lungs are starting to violently collapse. You take 2d6+7 bludgeoning damage.
Mysticism 22:
These are powerful variants on Nihili, chaotic evil undead. Jessamyn is by far the strongest of the three.
Mysticism 27, same creatures:
They have a constant spider climb effect and decompression gaze.
Decompression Gaze (Su) The dead stare of a nihili makes those around the undead feel like their own lungs are starting to violently collapse, mimicking the nihili's demise. A living creature that can see and breathe that begins its turn within 15 feet of a nihili must succeed at a DC 18 Fortitude save or take 2d6+7 bludgeoning damage.
"Jessyn! It's me! Remember? The rat you love to pat? Fwuffy bwuffy?!?! Coochie coo?!?!? Okay granted you never said those things but c'mon! Take a good look! Raatchet!! Whenever we'd meet, you always declared I was such a tool!!! You KNOW me!!!"
IMPORTANT GM RETCON. I READ THE WRONG TIER's WORTH OF DECOMPRESSION GAZE. THESE NIHILI ARE WIMPIER.
The Fortitude Save DC 17 for Yellow. (Raatchet still failed. However, her damage each round is only 1d6+5 So Raatchet only took:
Bludgeoning Damage:1d6 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11
Duhm Kaoh is closer to Blue, whose gaze is Fortitude Save DC 15, as is Pink's. If you fail their fort save, and are within 15 feet, their decompression gaze damage is only 1d4+3 Bludgeoning.
Apologies to everyone!
★ --- ★ --- ★ --- ★
Raatchet easily fires on Blue, setting the undead Starfinder on fire. It moans.
"Yesss.... I remember you. Raatchet, I will kill you LAST!" Jessamyn says. "For old times, coochie coo."
LN Nuar Mindbreaker Mystic 7| | SP 16/56 HP 41/41 FF: 10/10 FH: 3| KAC 24 EAC 22 | Fort 4 Ref 4 Will 9 | Speed 30 | Active Conditions: None | Shirt Reroll: Not Used | RP 7/7 | Kinetic Resistance: 5, Acid/Fire Resistance 5, Reflecting Armor
Duhm Kaoh resists some of the damage, thanks to his strong durability. After getting smacked by blue, he turns his head and looks at it. No one knows what is going on under that helm for certain, but its safe to guess that the bull is mad.
"Coochie coo! You finally called me coochie coo! Hey, I can get used to that. I mean, I'm not diggin' your new living dead look so much but hey, for 'coochie coo,' I can get used to it!
"Guys! Do we HAVE to kill Jessamyn?"
Raatchet activates combat tracking on blue and fires again!
Laser Rifle vs EAC, combat tracking:1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 12 + 2 = 21 Fire Damage, overcharge:1d8 + 8 + 2d6 ⇒ (6) + 8 + (5, 6) = 25
Male Vesk Icon Soldier 6/Vanguard 3 | SP 36/81 HP 69/69; DR 9/-, resist 5 fire, 5 cold, 10 electricity | RP 6/10; EP 1 | EAC 24*; KAC 26* (*-1 if no EP) | Fort +10, Ref +9, Will +8 (+2 Fear) | Init +2 | Perc/SM +0 | Speed 30 ft. | Charges pike 36/40,U2; caster 38/40,U2
Fortitude:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25
Ivok bares his fangs and his armor strains against his muscles. Shifting his pike in his hands against the reanimated Jessamyn, Ivok holds his own against the crushing gaze. "Your own punishment will come Dhurus for this. They worked hard training their bodies, and now you turn them to your puppets!"
Charging his cryopike in his claws he calls back to the party, "I'm sorry Raatchet, it is time for Jessamyn to take a well deserved break." With his full weight behind each blow Ivok drives forward with a barrage of freezing blows at the former captain.
Android Envoy 8HP 51/52 RES 9+1/10 STAM 48/48 Speed 30ft Init 7 KAC 23 EAC 22 Fort 3 Ref 9 Will 6 Resistances: E10, F5, C5
GM:
FYI, I in my infinite wisdom, took the Unfriendly Fire feat. If somehow the situation happens to arise where I'm shot at and missed while next to another foe, and my reaction is available, I absolutely will be using it. Feel free to roll it on my behalf to keep flow going. My bluff bonus is +17
Acrobatics +13, Athletics +7, Bluff +14, Comp +13, Culture +13, Diplomacy +14, Eng +13, Intimidate +14, Life Sci +7, Med +12, Perception +9, Piloting +16, Profession-Writer +12, Sense Motive +6, Stealth +11
Stats and Abilities:
Str 9 : Dex 22 : Con 12 : Int 16 : Wis 12 : Cha 18 | Corona Laser Rifle +12 (2d6+7 F) : Static Arc Pistol +11 (1d6+3 E) : Survival Knife +11 (1d4+2 S) | Get 'Em, Clever Feint, Inspiring Boost, Clever Attack
Jindam attempts to ignore the decompression in his lungs.
Fortitude Save:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18DC17
Having just made it, Jindam takes a guarded step and moves up next to Buff-Bot. "Hey. Wanker. Want an apple?" He says, attempting to distract the nihili before firing again from point blank range.
Clever Attack with Laser Rifle Bluff vs 10 + SM or 15 + 1-1/2 CR:1d20 + 14 + 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 14 + (4) + 1 = 33As before. Attack with Corona Laser Rifle vs Flat-footed EAC:1d20 + 12 ⇒ (12) + 12 = 24 Fire Damage:2d6 + 7 ⇒ (1, 5) + 7 = 13
Male Vesk Icon Soldier 6/Vanguard 3 | SP 36/81 HP 69/69; DR 9/-, resist 5 fire, 5 cold, 10 electricity | RP 6/10; EP 1 | EAC 24*; KAC 26* (*-1 if no EP) | Fort +10, Ref +9, Will +8 (+2 Fear) | Init +2 | Perc/SM +0 | Speed 30 ft. | Charges pike 36/40,U2; caster 38/40,U2
Question on the damage, I have 15 damage when the hit dealt 20. With DR 8/- that would bring that to 12 damage. Is that right?
Also does the DR help resist the damage from their gaze?
Fortitude:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12
Struggling to breath rasps out a roar as he tries to deliever a finishing blow to the poor soul.
Android Envoy 8HP 51/52 RES 9+1/10 STAM 48/48 Speed 30ft Init 7 KAC 23 EAC 22 Fort 3 Ref 9 Will 6 Resistances: E10, F5, C5
Looks like Jindam and Duhm didn't factor in RP'd Improved Get 'em, so looks like an additional 6 damage via Bardic Audit (Sp). Ivok and Thri-Kreen used it last round.
Fort:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
Buff-Bot takes advantage of the opening granted by Jindam and swipes with his axe twice.
"Oof! That hurts!!" Cries Raatchet as he takes more decompression damage.
Realizing that there is no redemption for Jessamyn, Raatchet moves into position to get a clear shot and says, "It brings me great pain to say this, but hasta la vista, baby!!"
Raatchet fires on yellow!
Laser Rifle vs EAC:1d20 + 12 ⇒ (6) + 12 = 18 Fire Damage, overcharge:1d8 + 8 + 2d6 ⇒ (1) + 8 + (3, 5) = 17 No get'em or flat footed penalties on target applied.
