GM Quirk's Threefold Conspiracy

Game Master Quirk, Private Eye

Rar'gul lowers his hammer to rest the head on the floor while he catches his breath. The trox is looking a little worse for wear.

He nods to T'Sorkel's words. "Glad yourr okay. We'd thought the worrrst."

Rar'gul cocks his head as he considers the crate. "If you werre lockkked inside, how did you get out? The damage appearrs to be on the outside..." He hoists his hammer again and looks around, suspicious.

Sense Motive: 1d20 ⇒ 11

"Don't approach her!" From the forward doorway John covers her with his pistol. He takes a quick look around the hold.

"We've no time to, to trifle with you, 'Algiada,' and your story of pirate collusion hardly inspires confidence. I offer you this bargain. Lie on the floor and I'll stun you with this. We'll sort you out later."

John waves his arc pistol to indicate what will do the stunning.

Perception, anyone hiding out there: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

”Guys, guys, there’s no way a security chief would do that. We’d be killing someone for doing her job.” he then turns to the woman in question, gun in one hand and axe in the other, his voice taking on a harsher tone.”However, we do know there is at least one more shapeshifter aboard, so if you would be so kind as to tell me the issue you have with Brodent Benjam, we will be able to get on with saving the ship.“

"She be no security chief. She be a pirate. She may or may not be a shapeshifter. In any case I don't want her at my back while we fight the last of the pirates. I put her to sleep with this, or she sleeps eternal. We can sort out her and Benjam later."

Beauregard leans over to T’sorkel and whispers next to him.

”I would prefer not to leave a shapeshifter-one predisposed to subterfuge, and one capable of at least sometimes fooling out Doctor, free to roam the ship with naught but out best judgement that they are unconscious. Your issue with the professor, ma’am, if you please.”

The Shirren makes a quick nod with his head before flooding the group with psychic speech. Beauregard has an idea. He wants us to follow his lead. He has a plan. T'sorkel glances at the others.

Rar'gul gives a slight nod of his massive head and looks from Beauregard to Algiada.

Adjusting his grip on his hammer, the trox remains vigilant.

Perception (signs of trouble): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24

John keeps his pistol pointed in the direction of Algiada, and waits for developments.

Two pretty sweet perception rolls. At least we're unlikely to be totally blindsided.

Algiada seems puzzled by Beauregard's query. "The....professor? I'm not sure what you mean. I just met him when he boarded the Chimera"

BOTTLECAP awarded to Beaurgard!

”Yeah, see, the real Algiada would know that years ago he plowed his hovercar into hers and got off scott free from his university connections. She hates him.”

Bluff: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Ugh, dice, why you hurt me so?

”Light her up!

Rar'gul replies to T'sorkel's telepathic message.

Nice work, Beauregard!

Yariel moves up into the doorway, "Right away, boss!"

She levels her pistol and fires!

SA Pistol Harrying (+2 hit) Fire AC 15: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9 (13 rds remain)

T'sorkel relays messages from the group, trying to keep a telepathic channel open with each of them. Rar'gul has spotted someone else in the room. Somewhere behind the crates! Beauregard is trying to keep up the farce in case there are other shapeshifters here. The shirren is excited at this subterfuge, hoping his boys can observe the skill among the group.

I have decided to handle the open of this combat creatively. While the apparent shapechanger and the other lurking pirates have been somewhat outsmarted by all of you, they were ready for a fight. I have decided that neither side will surprise the other, but you all will receive a bonus to your initiative rolls to reflect your team communication and putting the shapechanger back on its heels.

Beauregard, unsatisfied with Algiada's response and highly suspicious of this situation yells "light 'em up!" Yariel responds with an off-balance shot that misses, and the firefight begins.

Bold may go
1. T'sorkel
2. Beaurgard
3. Blue pirate
4. Rar'gul
5. Dr. Flint-Bridge
6. Red pirate
7. John
8. "Algiada"
9. Yariel

I moved Dr. Flint-Bridge's token near John. I did send a PM. I will continue to bot as necessary.

Beauregard moves around the crates to in front of the vending machine and throws his handaxe
Attack roll: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
damage if hit: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Why have the dice turned on me?

T'sorkel steps forward to take cover behind some crates. He flicks his hand and a loose wrench flies out at the shapeshifter.

Telekinetic Projectile: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 2

Beauregard and T'sorkel move toward cover while attempting to attack "Algiada". Both miss.

Meanwhile, one of the pirates (blue) stays where she is, but tosses a grenade toward Rar'gul and T'sorkel.

Taking a range penalty on this toss. I think I still only a need a 2 to hit.

to hit with frag grenade: 1d20 + 8 - 2 ⇒ (2) + 8 - 2 = 8
damage: 1d6 ⇒ 1

Placing a red X for target intersection. This will affect Yariel, T'sorkel, and Rar'gul. A DC 14 reflex save will halve the damage.

Bold may go
1. T'sorkel
2. Beaurgard
3. Blue pirate
4. Rar'gul
5. Dr. Flint-Bridge
6. Red pirate
7. John
8. "Algiada"
9. Yariel

I will bot Dr. Flint-Bridge later tonight if we don't hear from her.

Reflex Save: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

T'sorkel is just finishing up his motion as the grenade explodes near him.

Not bothering to roll reflex save since it makes no difference here.

+1 EP for 1st round of combat. EP: 1/3

Unable to avoid the grenade lobbed by the pirate, Rar'gul leans into the explosion in an effort to shield his companions from harm. For flavour purposes only, given the damage.

"I've had enough of this. It's time to end it!" the trox says, then charges forward, hammer raised high, closing on the two nearest pirates.

Planting himself within reach of the two intruders, hisnweapon crackles with stored electrcial energy as he attempts to pulverise "Algiada".

Diamagnetic storm hammer (vs KAC): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17
Bludgeoning & Electricty Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Reflex Save: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12

Doc simply shakes her head at the cat-and-mouse subterfuge. As soon as the shooting begins, she levels her caustolance and sends the last of her pharmaceuticals towards the faux Algiada.

Move action: draw weapon. Standard action: Use the caustolance to deliver a specialty inhibitor biohack to Algiada. If it hits, she becomes encumbered (no saving throw) and possibly entangled (DC 13 Fortitude save) for 5 rounds. Caustolance battery is at 9/20; biohacks at 0/3.

Attack vs. EAC w/ Caustolance: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16

Rar'gul batters the imposter, and Dr. Flint-Bridge's caustolance hits home.

fort save: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9

FAIL. "Algiada" is encumbered and entangled. Wow. She's screwed.

One of the pirates attempts to help, moving forward until Beauregard comes into view. He attacks with his pistol.

to hit: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27
damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Looks like a solid hit.

Bold may go. I'll work Algiada's turn in at some point tomorrow (Monday)
1. T'sorkel (-1)
2. Beaurgard (-4)
3. Blue pirate
4. Rar'gul (-1)
5. Dr. Flint-Bridge
6. Red pirate
7. John
8. "Algiada" (-4, encumbered, and entangled)
9. Yariel (-1)

Yariel darts into the room and overloads the ac unit above Algaida, spraying painful coolant at her.

Energy Ray vs. EAC: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5 for Cold: 1d3 ⇒ 3

I can't get to Algiada to flank. Just as well cause John's down 7 sp.

John ducks through the door and turns left, looking for the other pirates. Rounding a crate he spots one and shoots it in the back.

How's this guy armed and armored?

trick attack, stealth v DC20+ CR: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20
static arc pistol v Red's EAC: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24 ... damage: 1d6 ⇒ 4 critical Arc 2 ; Nonlethal)
If trick attack worked, target is flat-footed and takes extra damage: 1d4 ⇒ 1

Crit damage!: 1d6 ⇒ 1

Nobody's within 10' so no arcing.

Both pirates are wearing off the shelf second skins. Well, if by "off the shelf" you mean worn every day for the past two years, patched where needed, and laser scorched (and possibly carrying space herpes), then you have it....

"Algiada" seems puzzled and agitated by the effect Doctor Flint-Bridge has her under. She cranes her neck toward the pirate behind her and yells "get 'em!" toward Rar'gul.

She then produces a knife and slashes at Rar'gul. "It didn't have to be this way. We'd already be out of here, with minimal deaths, if you would have stayed out of the way!"

to hit with entangled penalty: 1d20 + 8 - 2 ⇒ (14) + 8 - 2 = 20
damage: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Bold may go. I moved blue pirate down in the order to make this a little easier.

1. T'sorkel (-1)
2. Beaurgard (-4)
3. Rar'gul (-1)
4. Dr. Flint-Bridge
5. Blue pirate
6. Red pirate
7. John
8. "Algiada" (-4, encumbered, and entangled)
9. Yariel (-1)

+1 EP for taking damage >2x level. EP:2/3

"I'm getting sickkk of hearring that," Rar'gul rumbles in reply to "Algiada". "You'rre rright; you didn't need to boarrd this ship. And now you and your frriends will pay for your pirracy!"

And with that, the mighty trox punctuates his statement with a rapid double strike at the shape-stealer.

Diamagnetic storm hammer 1 (vs KAC): 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 - 4 = 18
Bludgeoning & Electricty Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9

Diamagnetic storm hammer 2 (vs KAC): 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 - 4 = 12
Bludgeoning & Electricty Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

T'sorkel move towards "Algiada". You murdered the Captain! And you would have thought nothing of killing others too. Don't talk to us of no one getting hurt! He flicks his hand and container lid flies at her.

Telekinetic Projectile: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 2

Beauregard throws his axe at the fake security chief then books it.
Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
damage if hit: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Doc steps lightly as she enters the cargo hold, picking a protected position behind a large crate next to the nuar. "Detective, you will be pleased to know that your injuries are entirely superficial. Do be a dear and take care of these bloody pirates so I can go find someone to pour me a drink."

Move action: relocate as shown on map. Standard action: inspiring boost envoy improvisation, targeting Beauregard.

Detective! You regain up to 5 SP, which should take you back to full.

The shapechanger posing as Algiada takes a beating from Rar'gul as he takes advantage of the fact that she is entangled. T'sorkel adds insult to injury as as he launches a piece of debris that finds its mark.

Though Beauregard misses, the Doctor does manage to help him get over any minor wounds he has.

Unfortunately, there are two other pirates in the room who have vengeance on their mind.

The one near Rar'gul hears Algiada's "get 'em", steps back, and fires her pistol at Rar'gul.

to hit with get 'em: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 8 + 1 = 18
damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

The pirate on the other side of the hold has John and anyone else near him in his sights. He lobs a frag grenade your way.

to hit: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14
damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5

John, Doc, and Beauregard may all take DC12 reflex saves for half damage.

Bold may go. I moved Algiada down in the order to make this a little easier.

1. T'sorkel (-1)
2. Beaurgard
3. Rar'gul (-7)
4. Dr. Flint-Bridge
5. Blue pirate
6. Red pirate
7. John
8. Yariel (-1)
9. "Algiada" (-21, encumbered, and entangled)

reflex save: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19

Yariel glances at her allies and then sighs, "Fine! I'll go do it then."

She darts into flanking position with the big guy and punches at Algaida.

If we can take out the boss, maybe the others will surrender!

Glamered Cestus Battleglove vs. KAC + Flank: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17 for Bludgeoning: 1d4 - 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 = 1

Reflex save : 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

Confined between crate and bulkhead, John can't avoid the blast. He feints a step forward as if to lunge with the sword, but pulls up short and shoots at the pirate's face.

Trick attack, bluff v DC20+ CR: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (13) + 11 = 24
static arc pistol v Red's EAC: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19 ... damage: 1d6 ⇒ 2 critical Arc 2 ; Nonlethal)
If trick attack worked, target is flat-footed and takes extra damage: 1d4 ⇒ 3

Still need a reflex save from Doc.

Algiada, still slowed by Dr. Flint-Bridge's concoction, lashes out with knife after yelling at her fellow pirates to keep fighting. "This big one here--KEEP GETTING HIM!" She nods toward Rar'gul as she makes this exclamation.

attack with get 'em and entangled penalty: 1d20 + 8 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 8 - 2 + 1 = 9
damage: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Bold may go.

1. T'sorkel (-1)
2. Beaurgard (-2)
3. Rar'gul (-7)
4. Dr. Flint-Bridge
5. Blue pirate
6. Red pirate (-5)
7. John (-5)
8. Yariel (-1)
9. "Algiada" (-22, encumbered, and entangled)

"Well, evidently taking cover isn't doing me any good."

Beauregard runs out and throws his axe again.At Red

Attack, c'mon roll above a 5 this time.: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20
damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Oh hush, you. T'sorkel flings another piece of machinery at the shapechanger with his mind.

Telekinetic Projectile: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 3

Reflex save against grenade: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14: Success vs. DC 12 for half damage.

Doc throws up her arm at the past moment, hissing in pain as a few fragments of hot metal tear through the sleeve of her jacket. Undeterred, she moves across the room, trying to track the flow of combat. Seeing Rar'gul under assault, she shouts out encouragement to the trox.

"Ignore the mosquitoes, Rar'gul. End this!"

Move action: move 30 feet as shown on map. Standard action: inspiring boost envoy improvisation, targeting Rar'gul.

Rar'gul! You regain 5 SP.

Rar'gul is struck by a round as the pirate fires upon him. The mighty trox seems unaware of the hit as stored energy forms a protective shield at the point of impact, absorbing some of the force, and Doc's words bolster his spirits.

Reaction: Mitigate (-2 dam) 4-2=2 dam; -1 EP, EP:1/3

"I was trrrained in the Forreverrr Halls," he rumbles. "You will need morre than yourrr frriends to save you."

The warrior launches into two double-handed swings with the massive hammer, electricity crackling around the weapon's head as it descends on "Algiada".

Diamagnetic storm hammer 1 (vs KAC): 1d20 + 4 - 4 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 4 - 4 + 2 = 15 + flanking
Bludgeoning & Electricty Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Diamagnetic storm hammer 2 (vs KAC): 1d20 + 4 - 4 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 4 - 4 + 2 = 7 + flanking
Bludgeoning & Electricty Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9

T'sorkel and Rar'gul relentlessly batter the shapeshifter, while Beauregard gets the attention of one of the other pirates. Meanwhile, Dr. Flint-Bridge does her best to keep Rar'gul fighting.

Blue fires her pistol at Rar'gul.
to hit with get 'em: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 8 + 1 = 19
damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Looks like a hit, noted below

Meanwhile, red steps behind some crates (taking temporary cover from Beauregard) and fires his pistol at John.

to hit: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19
damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Another hit, noted below

Bold may go.

1. T'sorkel (-1)
2. Beaurgard (-2)
3. Rar'gul (-2)
4. Dr. Flint-Bridge (-5)
5. Blue pirate
6. Red pirate (-10)
7. John (-12)
8. Yariel (-1)
9. "Algiada" (-26, encumbered, and entangled)

The shot rips through John's shoulder. He barely hangs on to his pistol and sword.

"Give it up pirate. There's a Steward's ship on the way here now." He fires his sagging pistol from the hip.

Trick attack, bluff v DC20+ CR: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26
static arc pistol v Red's EAC: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11 ...
damage: 1d6 ⇒ 3 critical Arc 2 ; Nonlethal)
If trick attack worked, target is flat-footed and takes extra damage: 1d4 ⇒ 3

Then he staggers forward to take cover behind the crate closest to the pirate.

Move as shown. John came into the fight down 7 SP. The last hit came off his hit points. He has 9 left.

Edit: Have to move before attacking with trick attack. I'll skip the trick attack because I really want the cover.

Updated SP to reflect current level.

John's shot -just- manages to hit its target before he scampers behind cover.

Meanwhile, the shapechanger presses her attack! Once again turning toward Rar'gul, she yells,"He's going to fall, any second now. GET 'EM!"

to hit with get 'em and entangled penalty: 1d20 + 8 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 8 - 2 + 1 = 27
damage: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Oh my. I could feel it in my bones that this was coming.

additional crit damage: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Waiting for Yariel, but I'm pretty sure it shouldn't affect the shapechanger, so I went ahead and moved on. Yariel can of course, still go at this point.

Bold may go.

1. T'sorkel (-1)
2. Beaurgard (-2)
3. Rar'gul (-17)
4. Dr. Flint-Bridge (-5)
5. Blue pirate
6. Red pirate (-13)
7. John (-12)
8. Yariel (-1)
9. "Algiada" (-26, encumbered, and entangled)

The little rat punches again, not expecting to do much but at least she is distracting the target.

Glamered Cestus Battleglove vs. KAC + Flank: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11 for Bludgeoning: 1d4 - 1 ⇒ (3) - 1 = 2

”Blocking yourself into a corner, poor decision” John Says as he moves up and swings his hatchet again.
Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17
damage if hit: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Another bolt whips out from T'sorkel towards "Algiada." It's all over. Your other shapechangers are dead and the other pirates have turned.

Telekinetic Projectile: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 1

Watching John stagger slightly out of the corner of her eye, Doc moves closer to get a better look at his injuries.

"Rawlins! Put some pressure on that shoulder; you'll be fine!"

Move action: move 30 feet as shown on map. Standard action: inspiring boost envoy improvisation, targeting John.

John! You regain 5 SP.

+1 EP: damage >2x level, +1 EP: crit = +2 EP; EP:3/3

Rar'gul is jostled as the shapechanger lands a massive hit. With John and now himself taking wounds, it was time to draw this business to a close. Rumbling ominously, the trox clasps his hammer, drawing himself to his full height.

"You will not hurrt my frriends anymorrre! he bellows at the shapechanger. Launching at their opponent, Rar'gul swings at the creature twice more with his hammer.

Activate Frenzy: Rd 1/10

Diamagnetic storm hammer 1 (vs KAC): 1d20 + 4 - 4 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 4 - 4 + 2 + 2 = 16 Flanking and Frenzy
Bludgeoning & Electricty Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Diamagnetic storm hammer 2 (vs KAC): 1d20 + 4 - 4 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 4 - 4 + 2 + 2 = 20
Bludgeoning & Electricty Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9

Watching John stagger slightly out of the corner of her eye, Doc moves closer to get a better look at his injuries.

"Rawlins! Put some pressure on that shoulder; you'll be fine!"

"Thabbe easy for you to say!" John holds up his pistol and sword. He settles for leaning his shoulder against the crate, and gives the doctor a smile.

Thanks. 9 HP and 5 SP left.

The shapechanger succumbs to Rar'gul's battering, blood spattering across the floor from the final blow as she falls to the floor.

The other pirates attack desperately, looking for a way to retreat.

One (blue), creeps along the wall before turning to take one last shot toward Rar'gul.

to hit: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17
damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Looks like a hit.

The other carefully steps toward the airlock doors before shooting Beauregard (guarded step).

to hit: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11
damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Miss.

Bold may go.

1. T'sorkel (-1)
2. Beaurgard (-2)
3. Rar'gul (-20)
4. Dr. Flint-Bridge (-5)
5. Blue pirate
6. Red pirate (-19)
7. John (-12)
8. Yariel (-1)
9. "Algiada" (DEAD)