No objections here. I wonder what will be I store for us next?
Which slide are we on?
Slide 2. I see your token near the door to lab Oma (area B3. The new action is in area B4.
Hmm... I posted last night, but it seems to have been lost to the Matrix.
A bit short on time right now, but will try to post later today.
I will detail the corridor tomorrow.
The "weird" is just beginning...
Thought I would throw a couple of tantalizing previews out to all of you:
The next couple of rooms are going to change some things. You have the chance to receive some precious commodities.
The first is information--and not just a little. You will suddenly feel like there just -might- be a glimmer of reality out there somewhere.
The second is at least one good piece of gear for each of you. You'll have the opportunity to do some shopping, and you will have reasonable resources to do it with. Be thinking about what your character would desire. Level 2 or 3 items should be easy. You might be able to afford a level 4 item. Basically, you'll be able to turn all of those UPB's and comm device crystals and wiring into some good stuff. EDIT: GOING TO DO SOME ACCOUNTING WORK AND SEE IF WE CAN GET ENOUGH FOR LEVEL FOUR ITEMS FOR EVERYONE (OR POSSIBLY A COUPLE OF LOWER LEVEL ITEMS).
Of course if the facility is crawling with teleporting dinosaurs (and whatever big thing is stomping around (a troll?), it might not be easy to make it out of here.
One thing I think I will let you know is that I have made some minor changes to a few of the rooms. It seems like EVERY room has some sort of significant encounter, and not all of them move the plot forward. I have thrown out a couple, and changed at least one (the book had more robots in the last room).
The robot in the experiment lab ran just as it was supposed to. It would have gotten surly and violent if you all had not participated. Seeing as how you did, it had no reason to do anything other than shut down following the experiments.
In the near future I'll be doing some more flashback scenes as well. I would love to write one this week, probably for Beauregard (though I am working on ideas for everyone I haven't done one for yet). I did a short one for Rar'gul back in the last book (the one with him riding down a corridor in a hospital gurney), so he'll be at the tail end of these, and of course T'sorkel already had his (though there may be a surprise for him soon as well).
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Awesome!
Assuming, of course, that we survive that far.
So, this book has been a lot more combat heavy than I expected and I'm sure everyone else is feeling the resource strain. Yariel definitely didn't really have a major plan for regular damage through so many battles in a row.
Early on, no big deal as she could just move in and provide a flank or try to buff an attack. But her ability to survive that kind of thing is lessening. Plus, the benefit is also getting to be less useful as we go along.
Her spells are nice, but definitely not enough to burn one per round. Plus, they are quite situational. Her AoE really needs to hit two enemies and avoid all her allies. Her melee touch spell really needs to be vs. a metal wearing or made of target, plus with a flank and get em to maximize chances to hit. Her ranged damage spell also really needs to be lined up perfectly with the most possible buffs.
So all that to get to this, I think she should look to get a better pistol. And the best option at or under level 4 is a Tactical Rotating Pistol. 2d4 + Half Level from Weapon Specialization isn't bad. Usage is limited to four shots before reloading, but four shots and a calculated spell use here or there each combat should pretty much be the extent of most of our fights.
I'm also definitely open to suggestions for gear options. I don't play a ton of Starfinder and this is my first technomancer, so I definitely don't know that much.
Sort of the same here -- not sure what a Mystic should be looking for.
I like the idea of leaning into T'sorkel's psychic abilities, though I think that's more the area of feats rather than equipment other than something that just boost the range of his telepathy. If anyone knows of something interesting, let me know.
I could also try to upgrade the living weapon, but I don't know if that's the best use of resources.
There's always armor. Level 4 armor tends to be a big step up with regard to environmental dangers.
I've got a ysoki technomancer. He likes his pistols as a backup, but his main combat gig is supercharging the weapons of good shooters. I started with a combat automatic, but quickly added a shock pistol to be able to attack EAC.
Spell gems can come in handy for casters too.
I certainly don't know it all. I'm still working out of the core rulebook.
That's quite the preview!
Very exciting. Will need to think a little on Rar'gul's shopping list. He has been blessed with his loot so far - the armour is lvl 4 and the hammer lvl 3.
Happy to share some of the wealth too, should anyone need a few extra UPB.
I have to share something EXTRA kewl with all of you.
I believe I may have mentioned long ago that I worked at a fairly large downtown library. I'm not a "book librarian" (I work for our community television station), but I do try to be involved and cognizant of what goes on here in general.
One thing our teens department has done in the past are Dungeons and Dragons events. Earlier this Spring I heard an inspiring podcast about the personal growth that a therapist had noted in kids who play these games. That caused me to reach out to the head librarian of that department and volunteer my services.
Long story short, I am going to get paid to run Dungeons and Dragons every Tuesday night this summer for local teens. We're playing socially distanced out on our library plaza, a big outdoor space in front of the building.
I am now a professional Dungeon Master. I'm concerned about my amateur status moving forward. There could be certain contractual obligations... :)
By the way, here's a link to the podcast. It's the official Dungeons and Dragons podcast. It's fairly well done, so you might enjoy a listen. The interview starts at 34:23.
That's great GMQ - livin' the dream!
I've heard some good episodes of Dragon Talk discussing D&D in education, etc.
A friend of mine runs ongoing weekly D&D sessions and week long workshops during school holidays at his FLGS for high school students. Many have learning/other needs and I know they spend some time on social interactions, resolving conflicts, in addition to reading/writing/art activities related to their game.
BTW, I'm really digging this latest twist!
We'll pick things up tomorrow night. I work one weekend a month, and this was it. I was in charge of live-streaming what is usually a fairly large in-person event. I've been working at it since this past Thursday.
Things worked out today with nearly no problems (just a couple of glitches in a couple of the pre-produced videos).
I have a day off tomorrow. We'll head toward the eastern room tomorrow.
Haven't forgotten all of you.
I'm busy with Paizocon this weekend. I'll be back on this tomorrow with some details about this unusual room...
Ugh.
Shoulder injury and soreness.
Hoping to feel good enough to type tomorrow.
Ah man, that sucks.
No rush. Hope you feel better soon.
Rar'gul's mentally projected items for quantum synthesising (pending authorisation):
- Synaptic accelerators, mk 1 1400 Lvl 3
- Weapon Fusion (Throwing) 300 Lvl 3
- Weapon Fusion (Called) 300 Lvl 3
- thrower arms (armour upgrade) 1000 Lvl 2
- Weapon Fusion (Throwing) 300 Lvl 3
- Weapon Fusion (Called) 300 Lvl 3
To clarify, the fusions are Lvl 2 and Lvl 1, respectively. The Lvl 3 stated was to determine the price for use with a Lvl 3 weapon.
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Yariel's purchases will depend on if someone is not able to find something for their last few credits and gives/lends/whatever her 300 credits.
If she has 3300 to spend she buys:
Synaptic Accalerator MK 1 (INT) - 1400
Tactical Rotating Pistol - 1900
Total = 3300
If she does not she buys:
Synaptic Accalerator MK 1 (INT) - 1400
Ring of Resistance MK 1 (Fort) - 735
Starfinder Backpack - 750
Total = 2885 (115 donated to whomever needs it)
T'sorkel's wish list is:
Lashunta Tempweave armor (1950cr)
Xenobiologist’s Field Kit (450cr)
That's a total of 2400cr. I'm happy to donate my extra 600cr. I have my eye on a higher priced item later.
Wish list? I'll go look at the rule book.
Seeing that we might be dealing with a reactor, I think a spell gem of Resist Radiation would be smart to get too. It costs 450cr, so it can come out of T'sorkel's portion.
A couple spell gems of Detect Radiation might also be useful, but they don't have a great duration.
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A couple spell gems of Detect Radiation might also be useful, but they don't have a great duration.
Wearing armor with the environmental seals up grants a +4 bonus to radiation. We could manufacture some radiation buffers (a measly 200 credits a pop) for an additional +2
Can someone add up our party loot that we've got (from, like the telepathy comm units components and whatnot and other UPBs we've got) and see how many 'party UPBs' we have? That could help us see if we can get what we want.
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I think my plan then is to throw my gun in the hopper for 25 upbs, which will get me enough for a personal upgrade and Golemforged Plating II, which will slightly increase my AC. I'll return the Hidden Soldier armor to whoever gave it to me (Rar'Gul?) and that'll leave me with 15 UPBs to give to someone else. Golemforged plating isn't great armor, but it's better than what I have.
1. The UPB's that previously existed in the machine.
2. Any UPB's you have previously found in this adventure.
3. Wiring and crystals from the gray comm units.
I decided that this would get you all to roughly 3,000 each.
Any other party or personal treasure can be thrown into the machine for 10% of its value.
Tonight we'll try to make a final accounting of things so we can move on at some point this weekend.
T'sorkel will throw in his Second Skin armor and tactical semi-auto pistol to get a measly 51cr. And I think he will get a radiation buffer like Beau suggests.
Lashunta Tempweave armor (1950cr)
Xenobiologist’s Field Kit (450cr)
Radiation Buffer (200cr)
Spell gem of Resist Radiation (450cr)
Second Skin (-25cr)
Tactical Semi-auto pistol (-26cr)
Thanks Beau. I'm happy to scrap Rar'gul's old gear if anyone needs a bit extra.
Hidden soldier armor 46
Assault hammer 9
Glamered weapon fusion seal (lvl1) 13
For a grand total of 68 UPB.
The radiation buffer does sound like a prudent idea. But I'm really wanting to try out a concept. And I only have funds and slots for the one upgrade. Lucky Rar'gul has a decent Fortitude...
I don't suppose the synthesizer has aome sort of credit to UPB EFT interface? ;p
Sure. There's a coin slot! Put your credits in for full value.
Sweet!
In that case I'll add the radiation buffer and 4x healing serum mk I, taking total purchases to 3400.
That'll leave me with 400cr to forward on to anyone who can use them.
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Well, with the ability to throw in credits, let's see what I can get.
Let's see, I can get a personal upgrade + A Kalo encounter suit (set for air-breathers, +7/+8), but if I got a loan of 600 Credits I could upgrade all the way to a Mining Jack III (+8/+11). Sadly, no room for a radiation buffer, but then again, I don't think I'll be running in the room to fix the reactor anyway (no engineering.)
Also . . . people are aware that Flint-Bardge can make us serums of healing anytime right? Her custom micro-lab allows her to make them.
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For gear:
* 1400 Synaptic Accelerator (INT)
* 750 Static Arc Pistol
* 200 Radiation Buffer
* 300 Tier 1 Sedative x4
* 300 Tier 1 Serum of Healing x6
* 120 Spare battery x2
That's a total of 3070 credits. She'll add 70 credits through the coin slot for her purchases.
If anyone is short on funds, Lilly has a little over 1,050 credits in cash she can shove into the coin slot.
” Also . . . people are aware that Flint-Bardge can make us serums of healing anytime right? Her custom micro-lab allows her to make them.”
That's true, but it takes UPBs (normal credit cost) and time (4 hours). I don't think I get any special benefits from the lab for that (like cost discount or faster crafting) but if I do, I'd love to know about it!
GM Quirk
* According to her character sheet, Lilly has 500 UPBs but I don't know if that's her personal stuff or if that's part of the party treasure you included in our "3000 each". Could you please clarify that?
* Have we taken a 10 minute rest lately? I've lost track. I know that time is not on our side, but she could use one before we continue to the reactors to regain SP and restock biohacks.
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For gear:
* 1400 Synaptic Accelerator (INT)
* 750 Static Arc Pistol
* 200 Radiation Buffer
* 300 Tier 1 Sedative x4
* 300 Tier 1 Serum of Healing x6
* 120 Spare battery x2That's a total of 3070 credits. She'll add 70 credits through the coin slot for her purchases.
If anyone is short on funds, Lilly has a little over 1,050 credits in cash she can shove into the coin slot.
” Also . . . people are aware that Flint-Bardge can make us serums of healing anytime right? Her custom micro-lab allows her to make them.”That's true, but it takes UPBs (normal credit cost) and time (4 hours). I don't think I get any special benefits from the lab for that (like cost discount or faster crafting) but if I do, I'd love to know about it!
GM Quirk
* According to her character sheet, Lilly has 500 UPBs but I don't know if that's her personal stuff or if that's part of the party treasure you included in our "3000 each". Could you please clarify that?
* Have we taken a 10 minute rest lately? I've lost track. I know that time is not on our side, but she could use one before we continue to the reactors to regain SP and restock biohacks.
Nono, that's all true, just saying, when we get some downtime we can make as many as we have UPBs for just using your microlab. Something that many Biohackers miss. Secondly, when we hit level 6 you can level 1 serums in 1/2 the time (2 hours) so, there's that.
If no one else wants any I'll borrow 600 credits from Flint-Barge (I'll even mark it down as a debt) to get my good armor.
I will loan anyone any amount they wish. My weapons and armor are about as good as an operative can have at this level, and I hate shopping.
Seems my last post didn't take. I suggested radiation environmental clothing -- 100 credits, +1 to saves v radiation - no armor slots used. Made a couple other contributions too, but can't remember what they were.
After loaning money to anyone who wants it,
John will buy radiation environmental clothes (10), a radiation badge (100), Mk2 healing serum (425), jump jets (1000, if he has enough left), and a credstick with the balance of the 3000.
So we have all our new equipment, yes? I will make updates to my sheet.
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I'll have an update tonight about the rooms you are exploring.
Meanwhile, I have to share a brief story with everyone:
I work at a busy downtown library. On Tuesdays this summer I will be running D&D for our teens department. This is for middle school and high school kids.
Tonight was week one. We have 90 minutes to play, so I made a quick adventure where the characters have to escape from an orc jail. Here are three highlights:
1. The ranger used her speak with animals ability to get a bird to come through the window and get the keys off the hook while the wizards set stuff on fire to distract the two orc guards.
2. Nobody had their equipment, so they had to use spells or unarmed combat at first. One player, a boy of 11 or so, said "on my turn I run out of the cell and run up to the orc and KICK HIM IN THE BALLS!" Of course all 8 kids just cracked up.
Sigh. I did too.
3. For 90 minutes, none of the 8 kids had their noses in their phones. They sat with me at a table and talked to each other and rolled dice.
This sounds awesome! I recently ran a short session for a completely new player too. I love giving them some basic framing and just seeing what they do with it. New players think of lots of unique and weird things to do that experienced players would never try or just not describe in the same way.
Sounds like you'll have an eager group returning next week!
For the record (and confirmation), I have equipped both weapon fusions and the radiation buffer (10 mins each, for total of 30 mins).
The personal upgrade remains unused as it requires an hour to use.
Bleed bypasses DR in Pathfinder. I expect it also does in Starfinder.
Thank you. That's good enough for me. If anyone finds out differently, we can adjust later, but for now the bleed is going to happen.
I just realised that I have taken some ranks in Culture without adding any additional known languages.
I was wondering - we've been examining these symbols and the like on the walls and terminals, etc throughout the complex... is there a particular language associated with these that we are able to learn?