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.
Each defense can only be used once per round, and requires a standard action to activate. All tower doors automatically open when approached unless locked from area H7, and the whole structure has normal light.
H1. Terrain Cannon
Here a PC can load chunks of stone into the purple vault on the southeast wall, which launches them outside with deadly force. Loading the cannon requires a successful Average Athletics check and deals 5d12 damage to the horde.
H2. Barrier Pulse
A PC who sits in the contraption in the room's eastern track can overcharge the force field and expel the excess energy in a lethal blast of electricity. Using this device requires a successful Average Computers check, and it deals 7d8 damage to the horde.
H3. Computer Terminal
A PC who uses this computer can attempt a Hard Computers check to add one die to the damage inflicted by all other tower defenses activated that round. A jinsul in this room can increase the DC to use all the tower defenses to Hard for one round with a standard action.
H4. Stone Supply
This room contains stones that supply ammunition for the cannon in area H1. Any jinsul in this room can disrupt the automated supply as a standard action, rendering the terrain cannon inoperable for one round. A Medium or smaller creature can squeeze through the narrow passage to H1.
H5. Atmosphere Control
This room maintains the tower's atmosphere, including the supercooled gases that power the freezing spray controlled by the reactor in area H6. If the jinsuls get to this room, its possible that they could sabotage the machine with a standard action, rendering the spray inoperable for one round.
H6. Freezing Spray
The reactor in the northwest corner of this room can be set to envelope the entire area surrounding the tower in dangerously cold mist. A PC can use this device against the jinsuls with an Average Engineering check, dealing 9d6 damage to the horde.
H7. Security Mainframe
The screen along the southern wall of this room provides manual control over the tower's internal security protocols. A PC who uses the screen can see the occupants of every room in the tower via security cameras, remotely close any door such that the door requires a full action to open (or a move action with a successful Average Athletics check) using a move action, and make ranged attacks against jinsuls inside any single room using their ranged attack bonus to fire a laser rifle set into the room's ceiling (2d8 F in Subtiers 7–8.) A jinsul in this room can use it the same way.
H8. Power Core
This room holds the central power cell that fuels the tower's outer force fields, its surface visible as a flat green plane. A jinsul in this room can interfere with the power supply as a standard action, rendering the barrier pulse in area H2 inoperable for one round.
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
"Excellent work!" Ivok cheers as he sees the energy filled display put on by his companions and that pushes him to match their exploits as he lifts the heavy ammunition into the weapon.
Using Reroll on the Athletics check. Ivok is encouraged! Athletics Reroll - CANNON!!!:1d20 + 15 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 15 + 2 = 21 Somewhat...
Still Ivok struggles with the weight of his gear. "I had gotten careless with how easy it was to move out of my armor! I am not putting half the error I need!"
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
Talking to the freeze spray controls, Raatchet says, "C'mon! If you're even half as cold as my date last night, this jinsul horde won't stand a chance!"
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.
Seeing the explosion on the monitor, Thri-Kreen hits the lock controls on the door next to Duhm. Unless the GM rules otherwise, I see no reason why Thri-Kreen can't do this as a move action every round, effectively locking down the action economy on the jinsuls in room 9. I also see no reason why Thri-Kreen should not be able to hold and have this action take place after Duhm's turn so as not to interfere with Duhm's offense. He then fires the laser again at Buff-Bot's target. Orange
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
Reflex Save:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
Between the magic protecting Duhm Kaoh and his force field, the mad bull is unharmed. The barrier swiftly recovers the break that it took. Fire resist 5 and Fast Heal 3
Before the door locks, Duhm Kaoh gives the purple Jinsul a Nuar Middle Finger. ”Come up to my face and try that.”
Since purple isn’t right up against the door, can’t really attack when it’s going to shut again. I’ll ready an action to attack. If purple is supposed to be within melee range for opening the door, use the attack below.
If Thri-kreen can’t close my door as a move action, Duhm Kaoh steps forward and swings his axe with the attack below.
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
If attacked...:
If red shoots and misses me and orange is still up, then I'll attempt to use Unfriendly Fire as a reaction to make him reroll the attack and shoot his buddy orange in the back.
Bluff:1d20 + 17 ⇒ (4) + 17 = 21Only succeeds if it's CR4 or lower
Also, if anything strikes me in melee... Electric Damage:2d6 ⇒ (1, 2) = 3
Buff-Bott engages hostiles, and with the assistance of the flank, he hits the flat-footed Orange! Thri-Kreen follows up with a shot of his own on Orange!
Duhm, Purple was totally next to that door, so I am applying your attack!
Just before the door shuts again, Duhm who is totally on the other side of the door, crits Purple!
Ivok still struggles with the cannon, but is getting slowly better! Raatchet freezes the horde with his chill puns! Jindam zaps the horde while dissing them in Jinsul!
Ivok is starting to wonder if that stupid cannon was already sabotaged by the jinsuls! Jindam manages to reactivate the barrier pulse, frying a bunch of the jinsul horde outside!
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 watches the monitor and coordinates the door lock controls with Duhm's attacks. They then turn their attention back to Buff-Bot's room and fire the laser again.
"They're sneaking in faster than we can knock em down. We're holding the line but if you could, finish that horde quickly." They warn the others over comms.
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 relaxes a bit, which sounds rather odd with his Jinsul voice still enabled. "The corridor is preventing a significant advance in this section. I should be able to hold out a while longer."
He opts to maintain his present position, taking advantage of the cover provided by the winding passage.
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 pauses a moment and stretches his arms as he looks about the weaponry before throwing his strength about again. "Come on Cannon! Show the jinsul your strength and power!"
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 tries to coordinate the door with Duhm again, then fire on the jinsul in Buff-Bot's room. If Orange is still alive after Buff-Bot's turn, Thri-Kreen will shoot Orange, if Orange is dead Thri-Kreen will shoot Red.
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 send good vibes to the group with a quick, "You can do this!" over comms. He then attempts to send bad vibes to the Jinsul with a quick, "Аль хэдийн үх!" over comms.
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 leans around the corner and fires off a shot from his graviton pistol. What we need is time, not aggression. Slow their advance until the defenses take care of the horde...
Lean around the corner and Get 'em + shoot red with graviton gun.
Attack vs EAC:1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 9 + 2 = 16 Ref save DC 17 or be pushed 20 ft back
First Seeker Elsebo sounds a bit forlorn as she hangs her head low on the screen with an almost defeated look. "Bad news team. A jinsul captive revealed that we have a traitor in our midst! A double-agent has been feeding sensitive information to the jinsul data center on Agillae-4. We need Starfinders adept at hunting fugitives to track this turncoat down and stop them from leaking any other valuable data."
Table GMs, the Captive Interview mission is closed, and the Stop the Mole mission in Part 2 is now unlocked.
The Starfinder fleet heads to Bastair-6 to cut off the Jinsul ships and deliver crucial supplies. The Jinsul fleet retreats over to Agillae-4 to protect the mole.
Using the flood of crucial intelligence about the enemy, the Starfinder leadership strategically divides responsibilities to afford everyone some rest.
Table GMs, the Change of Guard condition is now in effect. (Once during the adventure, the group can take an 8-hour rest between missions prior to Part 3. May want to use this soon.)
Duhm Kaoh eyes flare with rage at the Jinsul. ”It’s time for you to meet a real god of pain.” He threatens. Having taken some damage, Duhm Kaoh reflects it back with his Reflecting Armor spell 10 damage, DC15 reflex save halves. Then he steps backwards and lets out a loud death metal scream at purple.
Mind Thrust Rank 2 (Will Save DC16):4d10 ⇒ (5, 5, 8, 2) = 20
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
Thri-Kreen continues to work with Duhm Kaoh by trying to force the doors closed before the jinsul intruders and focuses his fire on the jinsul standing before Buff Bot.
Attack vs Red If Get 'Em does not apply to attack, -2 to attack and damage. Laser Rifle:1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 12 + 2 = 16 Fire:2d8 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (7, 8) + 7 + 2 = 24
Pink and Yellow fall through a rift in the Space-time Continuum as the GM rereads how often these creatures were supposed to spawn, and makes an adjustment! Fortunately, neither of those extras got to attack!
★ --- ★ --- ★ --- ★
Ziggy shoots one last time. "WOOOOOOT!" Then they say.... "I got the last of the horde outside, now all that is left is CLEAN UP! Leave your battle stations, and clean up the base!"
★ --- ★ --- ★ --- ★
Round 6
Active conditions: NO HORDE, JUST CLEAN UP!
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
23-5-3=15 Stamina Damage.
Duhm Kaoh takes advantage of Purple's terrible movement with a swing of the axe.
Duhm Kaoh Juke Box Hero Attack(I.S Axe Slashing):1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24 Duhm Kaoh Juke Box Hero Attack(I.S Axe Slashing):3d6 + 9 ⇒ (6, 5, 5) + 9 = 25
Duhm Kaoh then turns to the green Jinsul. "HOWS IT FEEL TO BE TOO LATE, A******?! NOW YOU GET TO FEEL THE PAIN OF KNOWING YOUR FRIENDS DIED WHILE YOU FAILED MISERABLY!" The bull is frothing mad.
GM's please immediately end your Missions and return to the fleet. Go ahead and use your 8-hour rest if you have not done so already.
At this stage, the Starfinder fleet gains the upper hand, forcing the jinsuls to retreat and circle their remaining forces around their defensive focus: Bastiar-5.
First Seeker Luwazi Elsebo communicates to the fleet. “Starfinders, the jinsuls are on the run and retreating to surround Bastiar-5. They have concentrated all their remaining forces around this planet, which is exuding a high level of mystical energy. We suspect that Dhurus is here, harnessing Kadrical’s energy for its as-yet-unknown endgame. We must descend on Bastiar-5 and stop whatever Dhurus is planning, but to do that we must first pierce through what’s left of that jinsul fleet. Starfinders, abandon your missions and prepare for our final offensive!”
The Starfinder fleet converges as it approaches Bastiar-5, forming an arrowhead pointed directly at the barren planet. Between the Starfinders and the planet gathers a swarm of waiting jinsul ships, from small tactical strikers to an ominously large capital dreadnought. Writhing shapes are visible along the jinsul command vessel’s prow, each impaled by a vicious, violet metal spike. Smaller jinsul ships move to take up supporting positions around the immense vessel.
First Seeker Jadnura broadcasts to the allied fleet. “Every minute that goes by, Dhurus grows stronger, and the jinsuls seem intent on slowing us down. Strap in for some intense combat, Starfinders. We should have enough strength left if we play it smart and—” He trails off as the colossal Master of Stars breaks from the Starfinder fleet to confront the jinsuls alone.
Fitch appears on the viewscreens. “That’ll take too long. I’ll take on the jinsul fleet on my own, and while they’re busy, you slip past with the smaller ships!” She types in several commands before adding, “Guess I’m glad I left the kids back on Absalom Station” and signing off.
Jadnura clasps one fist and nods appreciatively at her bold strategy before Luwazi Elsebo interrupts. “Jadnura, no. There are too many jinsuls, even for the Master of Stars!”
But Jadnura only shakes his head before responding solemnly, “Luwazi…the choice to depart the known, to witness the unknown, to risk everything so that others might persevere— you know as well as anyone that being a Starfinder is always about choices. And now that choice is ours.”
Players please cast your votes to your GM. Do you attack Bastiar-5 immediately, or help Fitch and the Master of Stars destroy the jinsul fleet. @GM's once your tables votes are in report the tables vote into the reporting tool.
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 communication comes in as Ivok uses his cardiac accelerator to immediately join Buff-Bot in his combat.
Will have spent 2 RP to get there, but will be resting after anyway.
...
Taking his rest after the battle, Ivok readies himself for the upcoming battle and preps both pike and armor for a final confrontation. Hearing the plan come down the soldier thinks for a few moments before stating, "I've seen other Starfinders sacrifice much for the mission. So much that no amount of time at the gym will fix." After shaking off the the memory he turns his gaze toward the starscape again.
"As much as I want to strike at Dhurus and fear what he plans, I will always say we are stronger together. I say we fight alongside the Master of Stars united!"
Ivok votes to help Fitch and the Master of Stars destroy the jinsul fleet.
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
Upon pondering I've changed my mind. I would like to instead vote for attacking Bastiar-5 immediately.
If that makes it or causes any problem at all, feel free to ignore this post and go with with my previous vote. I can honestly be fine voting for either.
Ivok grits his teeth and bangs on his armor. "Even as the answer seems as clear as starlight, it feels like this will tear a muscle thinking that, if we hesitate, that Dhurus will end up hurting those races who escaped from the Scoured Stars many years ago. It would be much easier if I were the one at the helm, but I'm not. If Fitch thinks that this is the way we save lives, she is probably right."
"If it were just about the Starfinders, but the actions we take will hit harder than a dozen weights. We can't go in with anything else than full dedication now that we are hear at the end."
