GM Quirk's Threefold Conspiracy

Game Master Quirk, Private Eye

Yariel coughs as the gas seeps into her nostrils. She is about to beat feet back out when (I'm assuming) Beauregard points out the control panel. She quickly bolts over there and tries to find an interface point.

Round 2 Fort + Life Bubble: 1d20 + 2 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 2 + 4 = 24

Went ahead and rolled Fort for the second round of exposure. Just let me know what skill is needed here to start shutting down the hazard, I'm tired of guessing wrong. :P

Yariel finds the control panel sparking and broken.

HOWEVER,

It may be possible to repair it.

An engineering roll should do the trick.

Yariel is about to take a deep breath to calm herself then remembers the air is crap, "Well, let's hope I get lucky quick! Now is it the blue wire or the red? Oh who am I kidding, it's never that simple."

Engineering (t): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (5) + 12 = 17 (+4 disable traps with kit, +2 Microgoggles)

Yariel makes some headway on her repair, but the caustic gasses continue to spew into the room. Need just a bit more on that roll.

The four of you who are in the room continue to experience discomfort from the gasses. causing coughing fits and irritated skin.

damage: 1d4 ⇒ 3

Save as above for half.

T'sorkel advances toward the three bodies. They have been badly burned, perhaps by a higher exposure to this caustic gas.

”Almost got it!”

Engineering (t): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (20) + 12 = 32 (+4 disable traps with kit, +2 Microgoggles)

Fort Save: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15

Hurry up! T'sorkel sends telepathically, as he coughs with his physical lungs. The Shirren looks back down at the three bodies, trying to see what they might be.

Culture?: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (17) + 11 = 28

Perhaps Doc could assist Yariel's first Engineering check?

Engineering check to aid another: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8

Well, never mind me. Just rolling my third consecutive Nat1 over here...

Fortitude save (+ life bubble): 1d20 + 5 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 5 + 4 = 22: success vs. DC 12 for half damage.

Immediately aware of the danger, Doc stays in the room anyhow, determined to fix the problem at hand.

Engineering check to aid another: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14: there's a +2 bonus to Yariel's second Engineering check, not that she needs it.

Rar'gul coughs as they search for the source of the gas.

Making his way over to the damaged pipe located by his companions, the trox stands close by, ready to employ some 'percussive persuasion' should their more refined attempt prove unsuccessful.

Fortitude + environmental protection: 1d20 + 6 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 6 + 4 = 25

Yariel manages to shut down the leak, and the air begins to clear.

It's safe for John and Beauregard to enter now!:)

The burnt forms of these three small humanoids are not familiar to T'sorkel. Perhaps they're children?

Culture is not what we're looking for. Probably life science.

"Before we move on we need to learn as much as we can about what is going on. Doc, can you tell what species those bodies are and how long ago they died? Yariel, can you tell from these devices how long ago this," he motions to all the damage "happened? It would be easy to assume whatever caused the damage to this equipment killed these guys but you know what they say about assumptions."

Beauregard continues scanning the area with his broad spectrum analyzing kit, hoping to pick up some more clues.

perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13

"All of this seems entirely technological in origin. If outer planes aklo-speaking creatures were involved, you'd assume this would all be magical, or at least hybrid stuff. None of this is adding up."

Life Sciences: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

Doctor, these are not species that I am familiar with. But I am an archeologist, not a biologist. Perhaps, you can identify them? I certainly hope they are not children. He turns to the smashed controls to see if he can determine the purpose of the room.

T'sorkel's theme gives him a reduced DC to identify rare/alien tech. He'd be looking at any labels or markings on the controls or wall panels.
Engineering: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8 Nevermind

Could have sworn I had a post in there where John successfully aided Yariel. !&#*!&%#)W*% board monster. John failed his save, and so stands at -3 SP.

John looks around the room, and steps past the middle control panel to examine the bodies.

He's looking for gear, primarily and cause of death. And general impressions of them and the room.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9
Medicine: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24
Engineering: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

Yariel glances at the bodies, "Oh, sure. Let me help doc a second then I'll look at the tech. Your all welcome, by the way, for removing all the poison gas in the room."

She casts a spell, scans the bodies, then points out an oddity or two to the doc.

Cast Detect Affliction to scan the bodies. Can't fail DC 10 to Aid Doc on Life Sciences.

__________________________________

After that she inspects the damage to the room. Was the damage randomly caused by explosions/power surges or systematically intentional?

Engineering (t): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (12) + 12 = 24

Doctor, these are not species that I am familiar with. But I am an archeologist, not a biologist. Perhaps, you can identify them? I certainly hope they are not children.

"Perhaps I can." With a flick of her wrist, the halfling summons a holographic display that wraps around the back of her hand and climbs nearly to her elbow. With quick, even motions she waves her palm several inches above each corpse, collecting data.

Life Science check to identify creature (w/ custom microlab, + aid): 20 + 9 + 2 = 31

John notices something sticking out of one of the pockets on one of the bodies. It seems to be some sort of key card, though it appears to be broken or damaged.

Yariel, what you observe is quite interesting. The cause of the leaks and other damage in the room is due to bombardment from the outside, perhaps from a passing ship attacking the complex.

Dr. Flint-Bridge figures out the MOST interesting fact.

These bodies belong to grays--small humanoid aliens who are known to be quite mysterious. Some question their existence at all, but everything you can see is consistent with eye witness reports.

John gingerly extracts the key-card from the pocket, turns it over and back in his hand.

"Yariel, you might be able to do something with this."

"No." Doc frowns, repeating the scan. Unhappy with the results, she scans again. "No, no, nonononono..." She starts pacing, clearly agitated by the results, and muttering, "chan urrainn seo a bhith... cha chreid iad gu bràth mi..."

Yariel looks it over, "It's broken, won't work on a door."

"Oooh, you want me to fix it. Hmm... maybe we have enough time"

She sits on the floor and pulls out a soldering kit and set of very tiny tools. Ears perking up while she works, "What won't we believe doc?"

Engineering (t) = Microgoggles to fix the keycard: 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 12 + 2 = 33

Yariel can't fix the card, as it's too damaged, but she has figured out how it works, and if an additional card can be acquired somewhere in the complex she may have the correct parts to make it operational again.

She sits on the floor and pulls out a soldering kit and set of very tiny tools. Ears perking up while she works, "What won't we believe doc?"

Doc jumps a little, not expecting someone to reply to what she thought was her internal monologue. Taking a deep breath, she regains her composure.

"Yesterday. Back when the Chimera was still in one piece, we discovered a mismatched bulkhead - stamped with the moniker Stardream II, if you'll recall." She sighs and pinches the bridge of her nose. "The Stardream II is somewhat of an infamous ship, having disappeared without a trace near some of the busiest space lanes in the Pact. Obviously, rumors and speculation abound. Of the least credible and least original theories is that the ship was absconded by... little gray humanoids. Grays. I know, patently ridiculous. So cliché as to be a joke. Unfortunately..."

Doc thrusts a finger in the direction of the corpses. "Grays! Small in stature, heightened mental faculties, uniform and spongey flesh without any bones or organs to speak of! They shouldn't exist, and yet they are right here in front of us!"

She throws her arms in the air, pacing again. "Abducted by grays! Even if we do get outta here, no one will ever believe us. All that work to get credible, right down the drain!" To the observant ear, Doc's posh affectation seems to be slipping.

"Calm down doc. First we focus on getting out of the cockamamie sideshow. Then we'll worry about credibility." Beauregard surveys the area. "Well we've got our who most likely who. Now we need to figure out why and how. Something still troubles me, how, or why, did a bulkhead from the Stardream II get installed on OUR ship? Even if we were both abducted by these gray guys."

Beauregard gives one last look around the area. "We need more information. And hopefully better gear. I'm sorry to say that six civilians with hatchets and injection guns aren't going to do well here. Let's see if we can find an armory . . . or at least a workbench."

Hey we gave you a semi-auto.

John looks up from watching Yariel work on the card.

"Beauregard is right. Credibility is like money in stocks, you only lose it if you sell at the wrong time."

Perhaps aware of the imperfect simile, perhaps not, he lowers his gaze and continues watching Yariel.

The ysoki sighs, "To bad, maybe if I had another card I could combine them."

She stands and looks at the two doors, "Alright, keep an eye out for more key cards, I need more parts to make one that will work. Or... we could just find one that is undamaged. Either way, let's keep moving. Which door out? Don't forget to make sure they are safe."

She turns to the doc, "You want to be considered credible? Bring a body with us. Might not be a bad idea anyway, retinal and dna scans are a thing that exist."

Beauregard will move to the ‘north’ door and scan it.
Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12

”Stupid thing’s jammed” he says as he starts trying to restart it.

The Shirren stares at the bodies. Grays? I mean, I guess they are...but that's a weird name. He has a thought and looks around. Doc, if no one knows anything about them...we're likely in one of their facilities.

There could be a lot here to tell us about them. To prove they do exist.

John moves to the south door and has a look at it for traps.

perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21
Engineering: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9 I should probably make clear that John doesn't have an engineering toolkit, just his hacker's kit. That's why he'll be borrowing tools from Yariel from time to time, or until she loses patience with him.

Neither Beauregard or John see any traps on their respective doors. In fact, both doors slide open after they stand in front of them for a few seconds, revealing rooms beyond (and will slide closed again should you step away. Also, I have revealed these rooms on the map, and nobody notes any movement in these dimly lit areas.)

I need add some additional information about the gray corpses:

The cause of death for the grays is not clear. They exhibit severe head trauma, as if something blew up INSIDE of them.

”Some kind of big rock in here, ovoid, maybe 2 meters by three. And some kinda . . . Stuff on the wall.” Beauregard will stick his head through the door and scan with his kit but not step inside just yet.

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26

I wonder if that big rock is a hole in the floor?

John looks through the other door. "Empty room. Two doors on the far wall here."

This is quite the group we have here, Rar'gul thinks with satisfaction as he watches his companions at work. We could have hardly had a more complementary team if we'd planned it... He trails off, unsettled by the thought in light of recent discoveries. He wanders over to join the others in an effort to distract himself.

"Grreys?" he asks, walking over for a closer inspection. "I've hearrrd storries but neverrr knew if they werre true."

Seeing Beauregard begin preliminary scans of the area, Rar'gul moves to a protective position beside the nuar. "Got yourr backkk," he rumbles, hammer ready to meet any trouble that may lie in wait.

Doc will divulge the manner of death.

”What the hell? What is wrong with this place? Well, at least that’s consistent with how the pirates died back on the ship. Didn’t you say massive brain problem? Leaves us with two options. Either these Grays killed their own for whatever reason, or they aren’t the ones in charge.”

"Yes, detective," Doc regains her composure quickly, "it does seem that whomever runs this place likes to plant kill switches in both their experiments and their employees. Whether the overlords are pulling the switches themselves or the system has been compromised by whomever is bombarding the place is anyone's guess."

Doc poked her head in the room to the north, catching up with Beauregard's assessment.

Perception check: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22

Unless she or someone else notices a hazard within the room, she will step inside to study the odd rock. "Now, how did this get here? It seems to be larger than any of the doors."

Physical Science check: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22

The ysoki glances into the north room as well, "Perhaps we are on a planet or asteroid and they just built around an existing rock? Could someone super brave go in there and see if anyone is hiding behind it? I learned my lesson about rushing ahead with this room being full of poison gas."

Unless Doc alerts him to a reason not to, at Flash's comment Rar'gul shrugs and steps forward into the room, looking around for anything unusual as he does so.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10

T'sorkel follows Doc and Rar'gul into the room. While Doc examines the rock, he searches for any other readouts, displays, or controls in the room.

If these grays were killed in the same manner, then perhaps they are prisoners too? Or even more simulations? Could they been fake and part of an area we never saw?

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18

Here's some information from the book on this room:

This wide corridor runs east to west, with one door in the
middle of its southern wall and two spaced evenly along its
northern wall. Panels, tubes, strangely shaped metal boxes,
and thick cables cover the southern wall. Bright red lines
make complex, circuit-like patterns on the north wall. The
ceiling is dull gray stone riddled with cracks, and dust drifts
down from the fissures. An enormous chunk of rock sits in
the western end of the corridor beneath a gap of similar size
in the ceiling.

Seeing as how Rar'gul and T'sorkel have indicated they are entering the room, I will arrange their tokens appropriately. Also, I have added some interesting artwork of this room in the slides (#3).

A dark, aqueous form reaches for Rar'gul.

Dr. Flint-Bridge and Beauregard, both standing near the doorway, notice it.

I'll set up initiative tomorrow. There will be a surprise round where the creature, along with Beauregard and Doc may act. Sit tight, it's late, so I'll set it up tomorrow.

"Ah, that explains it, chunk of the ceiling fell dow-WHAT IS THAT!?"

Beauregard and Doc are the first to see the creature.

A glittery black blob reaches out from among the fallen sections of the ceiling. Some sort of pseudopod strikes out at Rar'gul, who is otherwise occupied looking at the piping and conduits along the south wall.

to hit: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28
damage: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

As you all begin to reach for weapons, you all feel a strange pull on them, as if the magnetic field in the vicinity is somehow shifting.

Everyone must make a DC 11 strength check each round you wish to attack the creature with any sort of technological weapon, or you'll have a -2 penalty to hit.

You'll note that the creature is listed as last in the initiative order. Technically, it's supposed to be at least in front of Beauregard and tied with Doc. I'll take it's surprise action first this round, then banish it to the end of the turn to make this a little easier.

Bold may go--surprise round.

1. T'sorkel
2. Yariel
3. John
4. Rar'gul
5. Dr. Flint-Bridge
6. Beauregard
7. Aqueous puddle

Mysticism to identify if it is mystical in nature?: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16
Beauregard will mutter something, and behind the creature will appear a black and white version of himself that makes clumsy punches at the creature. They are easy to dodge but quite distracting.

Casting Wisp ally. The creature has a -2 to its AC vs. the next attack someone makes against it.

With the rapidity of the creature's strike, Doc only has time to bark orders. "Combat positions! Rar'gul, tighten up your six and give it hell!"

Standard action: inspiring boost envoy improvisation, targeting Rar'gul.

Rar'gul! You regain 7 Stamina Points. Back to full!

Beauregard, your mysticism will not help here. Think life science.

Beauregard and Dr. Flint Bridge both respond to the creatures attack on Rar'gul. Beauregard's tiny version of himself flashes into reality and momentarily confuses the blob, possibly leaving an opening for Rar'gul to counterattack.

Doc is sure to remind Rar'gul that his injuries are only temporary.

All of you are up! Hope your Christmas was great!

Bold may go.

1. T'sorkel
2. Yariel
3. John
4. Rar'gul
5. Dr. Flint-Bridge
6. Beauregard
7. Aqueous puddle

Life Science: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

Rar'gul, look out! T'sorkel pushes on his psychic senses at the creature, trying to overwhelm it for a moment.

Cast Daze (Will DC 14)

Life Science (t): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12

Yariel tries to figure out what type of energy would hurt this slime the most, and then tries to apply her knowledge.

Energy Ray vs. EAC: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6 for Fire, Cold, Acid, OR Electricity: 1d3 ⇒ 2

Fire is the default if no info gained on the knowledge checks

Is it within 10 mins of the combat with the bots? If not, Rar'gul will spend 2 charges to reactivate the hammer.

EP +1 >2x lvl damage. EP: 1/3

Rar'gul grunts as the unexpected blow strikes home. Bolstered by his allies' words of encouragement, the trox stands firm and unleashes a double swing of his hammer at the strange glittering blob.

EP +1 1st action of combat. EP: 2/3

Strength DC11: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15

Diamagnetic storm hammer 1 (vs KAC): 1d20 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (3) + 6 - 4 = 5
Bludgeoning & Electricty Damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

Diamagnetic storm hammer 2 (vs KAC): 1d20 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (19) + 6 - 4 = 21
Bludgeoning & Electricty Damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

Thanks Doc! That undid all the damage the blob just hit him for.

John hurries around the control console. "Stand back, Doc. Let me through."

Beauregard will throw his handaxe, though between the doorframe and his friends, and the funky magnetic thing is he knows he is unlikely to hit.

Strength: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Attack roll with ALL the penalties: 1d20 + 4 - 4 - 2 ⇒ (17) + 4 - 4 - 2 = 15
Damage if hit: 1d4 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

The whisp ally will again provide harrying fire, -2 to the creature’s AC for the next person that attacks it.

John hurries around the control console. "Stand back, Doc. Let me through."

Doc obliges, taking cover behind the center console. "Focus fire! Send that thing back where it came from before it can swing again!"

Move action: move as shown on map. Move action: get 'em envoy improvisation, targeting the big blob.

...and a quick Life Science check to see if Doc needs to take the time to scan:
Life Science check to identify a creature: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16

Everybody gains a +1 morale bonus to attacks against the blob on their next turn.

T'sorkel looks toward the creature in front of Rar'gul and knows immediately what it is: it's a blob called a Ferrofluid Ooze--a creature with several abilities that can affect magnetic fields in its vicinity.

T'sorkel's spell has no effect on it (the description of daze indicates it only affects humanoid creatures).

While Yariel's energy ray goes wide, Rar'gul and Beauregard both manage to land hits, though Beauregard's hit seems to minimally affect the creature.

John rushes forward, as Dr. Flint-Bridge slips back behind a desk.

The creature's pseudopod reforms and strikes out at Rar'gul.

to hit: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23
damage: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

Please let me know if there is anything else you would like to know about the creature, as T'sorkel and Doc can know three additional things between them.

Bold may go.

1. T'sorkel
2. Yariel
3. John
4. Rar'gul (-7)
5. Dr. Flint-Bridge
6. Beauregard
7. Ferrofluid Ooze (-12)

"Well, if a slashing weapon doesn't work, let's try fisticuffs."

Beauregard will step forward and punch at the thing with his natural nuar attacks.

Attack around a door: 1d20 + 4 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (9) + 4 + 1 - 2 = 12
lethal damage if hit: 1d3 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

GM, doesn't DR/Slashing mean that slashing get through the DR? Beauregard's attack should have done regular damage?

A Ferrofluid Ooze! I've never seen one for real! But texts on them say that fire will destabilize their magnetic abilities. And Electricity will do near to nothing to it. He draws his laser pistol and fires at the creature.

Strength Check: 1d20 ⇒ 10
Attack: 1d20 + 3 - 2 ⇒ (9) + 3 - 2 = 10
Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Yariel nods in agreement as the thought conversation bounces through her head, ”We’ll keep it off balance with fire, you all slash and stab it to pieces. This is a fight for survival, give it your all!”

Energy Ray vs. EAC: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20 for Fire: 1d3 ⇒ 3

That should hit and being fire damage it will negate the need for strength checks this round.