GM TK-421 {SFS 2-15 The Infernal Gallery} CLOSED (Inactive)

Game Master CtotheZ

Hans eyes light up at the mention of a ghost and he moves closer to get a good look. Ooohh, hello! I have never met a ghost before. Vaht is your name, i am Hans, it is a pleasure to meet you. How did you you end up here?

Asterion carries Opal above the surface of the swamp, keeping her as dry as possible.

As the group approaches the white stone and the trapped ghost creature, he steps up towards it while setting the small girl down.

"You seem unhappy. Would you like to be freed?"

Opal clears her throat and gets Asterion's attention.

"How about we leave the creepy ghost where it's at for now? Ok?"

She then turns to the creature.

"So, start talking. Who are you, where are you from, who did you piss off that decided to leave you pinned to that stone? etc etc."

She gestures impatiently for the elf to respond

Of course! Of course! See!? Don't you see!!?? They ARE just pretty little lies sent to torment you with the possibility of freedom!!! But they just stand and talk and do nothing!!! NOTHING!! What real, honest and true person would you find here of all places?? And why would they leave you impaled as you are!? This trick has been tried so many times of the years, centuries.... eons?

Incorporeal presence, it will allow expediency for me to assume you are possessed of some level of sentience and if you consent, I will continue in this communication method with the prestated assumption factor applied. It is not an exaggerated expectation fallacy on our part when interpreting the exclamations you present that are indeed extreme and without context. Not to allow you to erroneously interpret an empathy gap of any kind on our part, we desire to comprehend the state of your condition and solicit understanding in exchange for assistance.

diplomacy + skill expertise: 1d20 + 11 + 1d6 ⇒ (11) + 11 + (1) = 23

You're... you're real!!? Really real!?! Yes, yes, yes ask away, away.... I will answer as best I can, but please free me from this torture!!

We do not possess a desire to emancipate what could possibly be a rightfully incarcerated prisoner. If you would consent to present your explanation and background of how you came to your current situation, we can assert a simplistic model of a congruence bias to proceed with further interactions that may or may not include your freedom.

mysticism: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10 Hans stares at the ghost and appears deep in thought before being distracted by an insect on a leaf

While Hans observes the bright and strange color pattern on an insect that flits passed his face, it lands gently on a leaf. The insect attempts to feed on the leaf, which then closes on and feeds on the insect. Hans has never seen such interesting interactions between flora and fauna...

The spirit is confused about who they are and how long they have been trapped. All I can tell you of who I am has to do with this scepter... I died long ago and am paying for my sins in life. This scepter is the one I wielded in life, and I used it to maintain power and control over others. Now it maintains power and control over me...

Can we take a look at the scepter, what more can you tell us about it DX-IX will get closer to try to take a closer look.

Cerebreiac directs his telepathy towards only his Starfinder teammates.

Ah, as I surmised with a 59.746 percent probability, an incarcerated criminal. I did not desire this particular availability heuristic to be correct but the entity admits to its situation.

Shall we engage energy weapons simultaneously so as to minimize further suffering? My insular cortex is agitated by this entity's condition.

Zis is not a very compelling arguement to free you. Von could make zee argument zat you have earned zis fate, ya?

Culture: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20

DX-IX recognizes the scepter as a symbol of office, elven in nature, most likely used by a minor noble on Castrovel who was given a position of power such as a ministry seat. This scepter likely falls into the category of items the VC wants you to collect.

If you believe that eternal pain and torment are just punishments for misuse of power, then you'll find your attitudes are reflected by my tormentors and you do indeed belong here...

DX-IX will step in front of the ghost and get closer. Are you from Castrovel? A scepter like that is normally used by Nobility.

That name... it is familiar. I... I cant remember. Its been too long. All I remember is this was my blessing and now it's my curse. Remove it! Release me from this torment... Please...

Guys we can't let him just be tortured like this. It's barbaric, I am going to take this out of him to set him free.

Cerebreiac resets the safety of his pistol back on with an audible click and pivots as he hovers slightly closer to the white stone platform.

I detect monetary distinction in our colleague's notation of nobility appraisal of the item holding you in place, incorporeal entity. You should now experience rejoice and then mentally give gratitude to the powerful alien wizard of extraplanar nature you have a preference to as this is now your day of positive probabilities! We will separate your energy form from its immobilizing effect in exchange for the item providing the effect.

Cerebreiac examines the platform and sceptre but without touching anything.

perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

Seeing that this is in pain and tortured I say free it but be on our guard.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23

After scrutinizing the pedestal and platform, the Starfinders don't discover anything new.

Opal stamps her foot on the solid surface of the platform.

”Just go get the stick already. If this ghost thing causes any problems, I would hope that between the six of you, it shouldn’t be an actual issue.”

Asterion steps forward and tries to pull the scepter free.

The silver scepter which pierces the spirit is driven directly into the stone pillar. It is solid, and functions as a silver tactical baton. Removing the scepter from the pillar is easy. With the scepter removed, the spirit is free.

I take it from your direction of travel, you are headed towards His house... I would warn you not to go there. It is full of nightmares.

The spirit gestures off in the direction you have been traveling.

Thank you for what you have done for me.

With your consent, please provide a descriptive biography of your personage into this recording device before you cease your supernatural activity and depart to the Pharasman "River of Souls" or nearest convenient parallel dimension . We represent an organization that prioritizes a cognitive belief of history, an almost veritable "availability cascade" if you prefer.

At the mention of Pharasma, the Starfinders see a look of abject terror cross the incorporeal visage. The spirit then makes all due haste back the way the Starfinders came from.

Was it a connotation I projected? I estimated that incorporeal forms were elated to be part of so-called "Pharasman" rituals and inclusions. Have I unwillingly participated within a bias blind spot? I realistically acknowledge having no experience in interviewing the deceased.

perhaps he does not look forward to zee afterlife he has earned? Alzo is anyvon else concerned at all zee silver veapons vee keep finding? Shall vee continue on?

Slide #7

The gnarled trees part, revealing a series of mud hills that rise five feet above the deep water. Ahead, towering above them, is a single mud mound a full 15 feet higher than the rest.

Bold may act!
DX-IX
Ilyich
Hanz
Cerebreiac
Asterion
Green
Blue
Red

Three insectile creatures appear at the top of the tall mud hill and approach the Starfinders aggressively!

This is also posted next to the map for your reference while moving. And keep in mind you are all fatigued.
The green spaces on the map are a deep bog four feet deep. Rules for deep bogs appear on page 398 of the Core
Rulebook. Swimming through the deep bog requires a successful DC 12 Athletics check. The brown spaces on the map are mud hills that rise five feet above the water. Climbing atop or moving along a mud hill requires a successful DC 13 Acrobatics or Athletics check. The tallest mud mound (marked with a ! ) requires a successful DC 18 Acrobatics or Athletics check to climb or
move across. Failure on any of the Acrobatics or Athletics checks results in the PC failing to make much progress, moving only a single five-foot space. All mud spaces count as difficult terrain. The log rising up out of the mud on the east edge of the map is slick, but solid ground.

Cerebreiac floats upwards and towards the insectile creatures, drawing his subzero hail pistol as he advances.

Double move, floating 15 feet above the ground

life science check: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13

Ooo, now sings ah getting interesting i sink. acrobatics: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17
Hans nimbly moves through the mud. As he moves towards the insects his taclash seems to begin glowing with black energy.
life science: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
1 ep generated

Ilyich moves forward along the path.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16

He readies a a daze should any hostile creatures get within 30' of him.

Accidentally moved Remy, as he's using the same avatar as my 1st edition wizard Byron. That's going to get confusing.

DX-IX will move up and take a shot at the closest one.

Acrobatics to move: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (11) + 11 = 22
Acrobatics for Trick Attack: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15
Attack with Laser Pistol: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21
Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 1
Trick Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 1

Asterion moves forward and pulls his Azimuth Laser Rifle taking a shot at green.

Athletics: 1d20 + 7 - 1 ⇒ (10) + 7 - 1 = 16

Ranged bs EAC: 1d20 + 4 - 1 ⇒ (19) + 4 - 1 = 22
Fire damage: 1d8 ⇒ 1

added fatigue penalties

Remy movies toward blue bug Stander action draw weapon Hail Pistol Subzero

acrobatic: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11

Cerebreiac is able to identify the creatures:

Slithermaw Hatchlings (NE Small Vermin) Ensnaring Spit (Ex) As a standard action, the slithermaw hatchling can spit sticky, caustic mucous as ranged attack against the KAC of a single target within 60 feet. If struck, the target is entangled for 1d4 rounds.

The Starfinders leap into action and close the distance, keeping their footing on the slippery mud hill. Cerebreiac avoids the obstacle all together by using his vast intellect to levitate. Asterion and DX-IX take shots at the vermin, winging them for minimal damage.

The hatchlings creep to the edge of their hill and spit at the approaching Starfinders!

Asterion is hit, and entangled for 2 rounds by Red. The others miss their Mark's.

DX-IX
Ilyich
Hanz
Cerebreiac
Remy
Asterion (entangled 2 rounds)
Green (-1)
Blue (-2)
Red

ROUND 2!

Now covered in bug goo, Asterion bellows loudly as he fires his laser at green again.

Ranged vs EAC: 1d20 + 4 - 1 - 2 ⇒ (20) + 4 - 1 - 2 = 21
Fire damage: 1d8 ⇒ 8

crit damage: 1d8 ⇒ 2
Plus green catches fire
Crit Burn: 1d6 ⇒ 2

Green drops dead, oozing black ichor on the mound.

acrobatics: 1d20 + 6 - 1 ⇒ (10) + 6 - 1 = 15hand scampers forward and dives into the bog heading for the remaining insects. athletics: 1d20 + 3 - 1 ⇒ (17) + 3 - 1 = 19 and starts climbing the hillacrobatics: 1d20 + 6 - 1 ⇒ (7) + 6 - 1 = 12 +1 ep gained, 2 total

Move action acrobatics check to hover, standard action shoot at red, fatigued modifiers factored in

acrobatics check: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (5) - 1 = 4

subzero hail pistol + get em vs red eac: 1d20 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 + 1 = 7

cold & piercing damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

battery 19/20

DX-IX is going to move up and shoot at blue.

Acrobatics to move: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (13) + 11 = 24
Acrobatics to Trick Shot Blue: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (13) + 11 = 24
Attack vs Blue EAC: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 1
Trick Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 3

By the eternal dysfunctioning groupthink of Akiton! Were my physical form not beset by depleted norepinephrine neurotransmitters upsetting my conscious thermoregulation, I would be precisely and gravitationally bouyant!

Asterion turns one of the bugs into a crispy critter. DX-IX moves very gracefully, but misses his shot. Hans goes for a brisk swim and a quick climb. Cerebreiac attempts to hover, but a light breeze causes his prodigious cranial capacity to wobble, sending him off course to the ground.

Fall Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5

DX-IX
Hanz
Cerebreiac (-5 SP, prone)
Asterion (entangled 1 round)
Ilyich
Remy
Green (dead)
Blue (-2)
Red

No reason to use any resources here.

Ilyich draws his pulsecaster and fires at blue.

Unlikely: 1d20 + 3 - 2 ⇒ (2) + 3 - 2 = 3 Cover not factored.

Acrobatic acrobatic: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Shoot attack: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21

cold & piercing damage damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
if Critical Bleed damage critical: 1d4 ⇒ 4

Ilyich fires and misses, Remy fires and causes bleed damage.

Red and blue both burrow undeground and surface where Hans is climbing and attack to occupied dwarf.

Red vs FF KAC: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16
Blue vs FF KAC: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15

They lash out with tendrils that try to pierce Hans' armor but they bounce off harmlessly.

DX-IX
Hanz (climbing, FF)
Cerebreiac (-5 SP, prone)
Asterion
Ilyich
Remy
Green (dead)
Blue (-2)
Red (-7)

Starfinders are up!

DX-IX moves and takes a shot at Red.

Acrobatics to Move: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13
Acrobatics to Trick: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (20) + 11 = 31
Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 2
Trick Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 4

Hans taclash flares with dark energy as it strikes out at red spending 1 ep to boost damage of entropic strike 1 ep remainingentropuc strike vs EAC: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 171d3 + 3 + 1d4 ⇒ (2) + 3 + (2) = 7

Red erupts bodily fluid which splatters across Hans' face before it goes limp.

How distinctly ignominious to be in direct contact with this soil surface that is positively saturated with a verisimilitude of bacterium genera.

Starfinders, take note of the granulation tissue area on that slither maw, it has been injured there before and will easier to injure again if you GET THEM!

Staying prone for now, move action for get 'em on last slither maw, standard action to shoot, fatigued condition modifiers added in, not accounting for any cover the bush/tree/shrubbery between Cerebreiac and blue

subzero pistol + get em vs blue eac: 1d20 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 + 1 = 5

cold & piercing damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

battery 18/20

Ilyich fires with his pulsecaster pistol.

vs. EAC: 1d20 + 3 - 2 ⇒ (3) + 3 - 2 = 4 Cover not factored
Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 3 nonlethal