[SFS_GM DocDoc] 2-13 Storm of the End Times (author-run) (Inactive)

Game Master Nick Wasko

A9 +1

A9 it is!

A9! A9! A9!

You steer the CHERAV over to area A9 (called "The Needle" by your computer). Of all the pillars this one has the steepest point, and the only safe spots for a starship or vehicle to land are a handful of narrow cliffs left over from where chunks of stone calved off the pillar. The Freehold ship seems uniquely structured to take advantage of the landscape, though you can tell some of the ship's occupants are still struggling to set up their recording equipment. The sheer, uninterrupted stone makes it impossible to explore this site without damaging the column.

Your first inquiries among the Freehold delegation reveal that their leader is a syngnathrix named Tsisitra, and though you glimpse her milling about the site your attempts to approach her are frequently interrupted by banal questions or bureaucratic interruptions from staffers. You also hear harsh whispers from another syngnathrix scolding the aide who pointed Tsisitra out to you, all while casting your group a wary eye. You may be able to bring Tsisitra's to you by causing a scene, but reaching her will require some cunning. A successful Culture check will allow you to navigate the seemingly arbitrary roadblocks between you and the Freehold leader. You can also describe your actions to reach Tsisitra below.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17
Culture: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21

Cavaler, used to hours and hours of banal questions and bureaucratic interruptions, skillfully answers all the queries and attempts to approach Tsisitra.

perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16

Guli shouts at bureaucrats that ask him stupid questions, seeming not to understand them, and eventually frustrating them into leaving him alone.

culture, aid untrained: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Culture: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20
Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25

Helix tries to connect with the strange creatures as a new member of the Society, who joined after his people were benevolently saved from civil war thanks to the Society's efforts. Don't BELIEVE all that BALONEY you heard. Their SOURCES are bogus and their SMEARING is AMPLIFIED by media ECHO chambers. You're BETTER than that!

"Starfinders came to my planet too, made peaceful contact, and in fact they did us a whole pile of favours - don't take that infotainment too seriously"

Culture Aid 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17

Vecro looks at the sky, aurora taking more and more of his attention. He looks at the aliens, Cavaler and Dr. Helix finding their ways to actually be able to talk to Tsisitra.

Vecro finds syngnathrix fascinating, but so is the aurora. And the aurora will not last for long time.

Culture, aid another: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

Vecro spots a few behaviors that are recurring that he shares with Cavaler through telepathic link shared via Dani.

He signs to Dani

"It is beutiful" looking at the sky

So beautiful, Dani signs back. But I need to talk with these people a moment.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12
Culture: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26 (+1 Yaraesa to recall knowledge)

GM, I think that high enough for Dani to have heard about the events of another scenario...

I am new to the Starfinders, Dani says, but even I have heard tales of how the Freehold and the Starfinders have met. The Starfinders had a mission to gather information that they diverted to selflessly mount a rescue to save and evacuate a Kreiholm Freehold hospital. Are those the actions of a selfish group out only for conquest? No, we explore, cooperate and report. Instead of making this phenomena our exclusive domain, we invited you and other scientists to participate. As scientists, will you believe base rumors, or the evidence of our actions?

Cavaler's charm eases Dr. Helix's and Dani's arguments into the Freeholders' minds, and soon they arrange a private meeting with Tsisitra. The syngnathrix hosts you in her private chambers (or more accurately, at edge of the water that fills her private chambers within one of the ship's bulbous appendages).

"My aides told me about your inquiries, and I'm sorry you had to learn why we were keeping our distance from rumors among the crew," Tsisitra apologizes as her head bobs above the water's surface. "For what it's worth I didn't mean it as a personal slight. With the jinsul threat behind us, the Freehold's future now hinges on a positive relationship with the rest of the Pact Worlds. Our presence in Pact politics is barely a year old, and has been entirely dependent on networking through the Starfinder Society. I don't actually know enough context surrounding the media reports to comment on their veracity, but as a representative of the Freehold abroad I must try to create some distance between our organizations if I am to shield our prospects from collateral damage. I hope you can understand."

She swims over to a panel in the wall and types in a few codes. "I'm certainly willing to share the data we collect from the aurora, as long as you can assure me that our cooperation will not become a public spectacle."

Your successful Culture check earned you 1 Data Set from the Kreiholm Freehold. If you would like to earn Tsisitra's Favor as well, you can emphasize the value of the Freehold-Starfinder alliance by succeeding at a Diplomacy check.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28

We certainly don't want the Freehold to be hit with the collateral damage of the attacks that assailed us. It isn't our desire to turn you into a pubic spectacle. On the other hand, I believe strongly that standing with the Society has its advantages. Not just for us, but for you as well. Other than this most recent onslaught -- mostly on disreputable third party news sites -- the Society has built a reputation of being a solid partner and helpful friend. Many cultures first inroads to the Pact Worlds has been through us. Organizations as varied as the Xenowardens, the Knights of Golarian, and the Stewards have all sought our counsel and help.

Dani gestures to Dr. Helix and Benny. Both of my friends had their first contact with the Pact Worlds through the Society, and when my home town was under siege, and no one else would pitch in, the Society helped us out. I do think that it's not a bad idea to use your time here to make other contacts. There are so many groups here that could help the Freehold. So widen your connections and build your alliances! We're not asking you to cleave to us alone. But please don't forget that this opportunity too came from us. If you break from the Society, perhaps you will reduce your risks... but won't you reduce your opportunities as well?

Meanwhile Beran turns to Vecro and signs, This is how you sign 'yadayada'. He shapes his hand like a puppet that is endlessly opening and closing its mouth, then points to Dani and signs, 'yadayada' again.

Dani's generosity of spirit and appeal to the strong history between the Freehold and the Starfinder Society leave a powerful impression on Tsisitra. She converses with your group a while longer, and takes your advice to use the aurora to reach out to other groups. Seeing how successful you have been at building bridges among the other spectators, the Freehold representative decides to fully embrace her association with the Society during her diplomatic overtures. Nice roll - Dani successfully secures the Favor of the Kreiholm Freehold.

---

Data Sets: 7; Favor: 5; Findings: 4; Setup Periods remaining: 2

The wind picks up as the lights grow brighter in the sky, and your timepieces indicate the aurora will hit its zenith in less than two hours. You make your way out of the Freehold ship, where you are greeted by the sound of a thunderous explosion. Everyone turns towards the south, where plumes of smoke rise from the base of column A10 - a few moments later, the pillar crumbles into the ocean.

"Starfinders, I'm relieved to see you were not investigating the pillar that just collapsed. However, I fear the loss of that column was not an isolated incident." The shatori speaks with a pained voice. "The most recent arrivals to the planet toppled that column intentionally. Their ship does not have much in the way of identifiable features, but our long-range scanners identified some iconography associated with something called 'Groetus.' They are from the Pact Worlds, do you recognize that term?"

When you explain Groetus to Orvoll, their frown deepens. "Those vandals likely believe that destroying the pillars responsible for this planet's unique aurora would please their entropic deity - and if they succeed in destroying enough of them, we may be witnessing the last aurora of its kind. Given our history, we are exquisitely sensitive to the irreversible loss of something like this. I must implore you, stop their wanton destruction before the damage cascades too far. Our scanners indicate the Groetans are heading west, please intercept them before they can do more irreparable harm." It appears the Groetans are targeting area A4 next! Let me know if you want to make any preparations en route, and then give me Initiative rolls so I can hit the ground running on the next combat encounter.

Vecro would wield his weapons as they head towards the confrontation

Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21

Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20

"I see four hovercrafts departing from the explosion. Anyone know what Groetus is?"

Mysticism 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24

"Yeah, God of the apocalypse - but frankly all I see is a bunch of people who need to walk the plank" Benny spits. The large walrus starts heading for the CHERAV

"Does anyone know if there were people on that pillar? I want to chase those idiots but I am concerned there might be people in the water drowning"

***
What does the CHERAV actually look like?

Cavaler attaches the light bayonet bracket from his laser rifle to the zero rifle he borrowed from the Azlanti. He then snaps his syringe stick into place on it.

"Only one way to find out. Prepare for action Starfinders."

Initiative: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20

Cavaler is wearing the borrowed suit of graphite carbon skin armor, but he gave the hydrojet to Guli to use.

Init 1d20 ⇒ 8

"Does anyone know if there were people on that pillar? I want to chase those idiots but I am concerned there might be people in the water drowning"

***
What does the CHERAV actually look like?

A CHERAV resembles an open-concept platform with seating, a windshield, and a guard-rail positioned atop a hexagonal frame, with the each point of the hexagon containing an anti-gravity displacer. The displacers are staggered, resembling the "chair configuration" of a cyclohexane molecule. As for occupants of A10, it looks like the people who were at that site were the same ones who destroyed it - there are no additional civilians in the water.

Cheers thanks :) funky looking molecule

initiative: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (11) + 0 = 11

"What? Destruction of natural wonders?! I won't stand fer that!"

Helix shudders, releasing a cloud of glittering powder. We CAN'T let them DESTROY another PILLAR! Let's GET 'EM!

Botting Dani & Dr. Helix for Initiative.

With the wind howling all around you, Dr. Helix steers the CHERAV back towards A4 in pursuit of the Groetans. However, as you careen over the roiling waves, you notice that you are not alone - a dorsal fin knifes through the ocean's surface, hot on your trail!

See slide 5 for battlemap; CHERAV is depicted as a gray hexagon, currently facing West - see Discussion post for vehicle statistics.

Windstorm-force winds impose a –4 penalty on non-energy ranged weapon attack rolls, while attacks with archaic ranged weapons are impossible. Perception checks that rely on sound take a –8 penalty due to the howling of the wind. Small characters are protected while within the CHERAV, but might be knocked down if they leave.

Additionally, the churning surf might jostle vehicles and disrupt their occupants’ actions. Any creature driving a vehicle must use a DC 18 for Piloting checks. If the driver fails a Piloting check, a wave rocks the vehicle back and forth, and all creatures within the vehicle must succeed at an Easy Reflex save or become off-target for 1 round. If the driver fails this check by 5 or more, the motion becomes distracting, and creatures within the vehicle cannot cast spells for 1 round.

Vecro would delay for after the attacker, He only has starknife which is unusable in that weather.

Life Science: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16

"A hostile creature appears to be approaching us from our aft. Prepare for combat Starfinders."

Cavaler aims his borrowed zero rifle at the creature's dorsal fin and fires.

He applies Get'em on the approaching creature.

Zero Rifle + Get'em vs. EAC: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 7 + 1 = 22
Cold Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11

The wind pulls Cavaler's shot slightly off-course, but the supercooled projectile freezes the water's surface, gouging the predator as it continues its high-speed chase.

Round 1 - Bold may post
Vecro
Cavaler
Attacker - 11 damage
Guli
Dr. Helix
Dani
Benny

Windstorm-force winds impose a –4 penalty on non-energy ranged weapon attack rolls, while attacks with archaic ranged weapons are impossible. Perception checks that rely on sound take a –8 penalty due to the howling of the wind. Small characters are protected while within the CHERAV, but might be knocked down if they leave.

Additionally, the churning surf might jostle vehicles and disrupt their occupants’ actions. Any creature driving a vehicle must use a DC 18 for Piloting checks. If the driver fails a Piloting check, a wave rocks the vehicle back and forth, and all creatures within the vehicle must succeed at an Easy Reflex save or become off-target for 1 round. If the driver fails this check by 5 or more, the motion becomes distracting, and creatures within the vehicle cannot cast spells for 1 round.

LS 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Benny starts gesturing at whatever it is "Shoo shoo! We're busy, I'll come back and play later!"

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

Helix takes his hands off the controls as the storms toss the vehicle about. A BETTER pilot than ME should take the REINS! He pulls out his injection pistol and pops Cavaler with a booster shot.

Move draw weapon, standard booster to Cavaler (+1 AC for 4 rounds).

I would imagine that the flyby attack does not provoke? Does it allow us to attack it with a melee weapon via a readied attack?

Kasatha reaches with his one hand for the mote that begins spilling on his armor, he channels the energy of the sun in order to burn his foes.

Move action: solar armor, Entering photon attunement: 1/3

@Vecro The ability the creature uses to sail away after its attack does provoke an attack of opportunity, and the Get'M bonus put your AoO right on the money for a hit. A readied attack would also work prior to it's attack against you or your allies.

Vecro's lightning reflexes, combined with the forewarning from Cavaler, allow him to gash the fish across its belly as it tries to sail away.

Round 1 - Bold may post
Vecro
Cavaler
Attacker - 18 damage
Guli
Dr. Helix
Dani
Benny

Life Science: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10 +1 Yaraesa to recall knowledge)
Reduce the DC by 5 for Culture, Life Science, or Mysticism checks to identify creatures or opponents with psychic or magical abilities -- though with that roll, even if it has them, I likely still have NO idea.

Dani shoots at the creature. Go away!
Zap (merciful azimuth laser pistol)+Get ‘em: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 3 + 1 = 21
Non-Lethal Fire Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 3

"Get ready, it's going to make another pass on us," Cavaler yells over the roar of the wind and waves. He brings his zero rifle around and fires again.

Get'em again on the creature.

Zero Rifle + Get'em vs. EAC: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 7 + 1 = 15
Cold Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

Guli studies the creature with his exocortex and readies his doshko.

Tactical Doshko, readied attack, combat tracking, get em: 1d20 + 4 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 4 + 1 + 1 = 15
piercing: 1d12 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 1 = 5

Nice rolling, folks - this went considerably quicker than the ooze encounter.

Guli strikes the airborne predator with his doshko, and Dani's laser shot hits its fin as it floats back towards the surface of the water. The sudden pain causes it to retract its fin and crash into the surf; you see its tail lashing as it dives below the surface, clearly dissuaded from viewing you as easy prey. Since Dani landed the "killing blow" with her merciful pistol, leaving the beast alive - something the Xenowardens would likely appreciate. I'll keep the same initiative counts for the next combat.

I will post the introduction to the Groetans in an hour or so.

Benny looks a bit disappointed that the enormous dinner has disappeared beneath the waves, whilst he appreciates that the Xenowardens would be happy with the result, his stomach is in a near riot - the endless monotony of tinned fish could have finally come to a brief pause.

The crash of white-capped waves against the base of the basalt pillar punctuates the steady howl of Wealdriad’s omnipresent gales. Overhead, a shimmering, multicolor ribbon of light dances among the stars as the aurora approaches its peak brilliance. Red warning lights flicker ominously at the base of the stone column as several crude explosive charges are primed for detonation. See Slide #6 for map.

Amidst the howling wind, you hear the sputtering hum of two hovertrikes as they rush off the edge of a shallow ramp calved off of the pillar's side. A pair of vandals in worn suits of second skin armor rides each trike. Once they stabilize above the turbulent water, they see your approach and start whooping and hollering. "Hooooowhee, looks like we got ourselves some admirers! Sorry lads 'n lassies, we won't do autographs until after the fireworks show is over, though you're welcome to count down with us if you like!"

One narrows his eyes when he sees that you are armed. "Careful boys, I think these ones are here for the light show and don't want the kabooms for added effect. Shall we show them what they're missing?"

Windstorm-force winds impose a –4 penalty on non-energy ranged weapon attack rolls, while attacks with archaic ranged weapons are impossible. Perception checks that rely on sound take a –8 penalty due to the howling of the wind. Small characters are protected while within the CHERAV, but might be knocked down if they leave.

Additionally, the churning surf might jostle vehicles and disrupt their occupants’ actions. Any creature driving a vehicle must use a DC 18 for Piloting checks. If the driver fails a Piloting check, a wave rocks the vehicle back and forth, and all creatures within the vehicle must succeed at an Easy Reflex save or become off-target for 1 round. If the driver fails this check by 5 or more, the motion becomes distracting, and creatures within the vehicle cannot cast spells for 1 round.

Cavaler realizes this isn't the time or the place for words. He levels his borrowed zero rifle at one of the vandals (green) and lets it do the talking.

Get'em on green.

Zero Rifle + Get'em vs. Green EAC: 1d20 + 7 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 7 - 2 + 1 = 22
Cold Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Vecro will delay again

Round 1 - Bold may act

Cavaler
Green Vandal - 9 damage
Vecro
Guli
Dr. Helix
Dani
Benny
Red Vandal
Teal Vandal - off-target for 1 round.
Yellow Vandal
Windstorm-force winds impose a –4 penalty on non-energy ranged weapon attack rolls, while attacks with archaic ranged weapons are impossible. Perception checks that rely on sound take a –8 penalty due to the howling of the wind. Small characters are protected while within the CHERAV, but might be knocked down if they leave.

Additionally, the churning surf might jostle vehicles and disrupt their occupants’ actions. Any creature driving a vehicle must use a DC 18 for Piloting checks. If the driver fails a Piloting check, a wave rocks the vehicle back and forth, and all creatures within the vehicle must succeed at a DC 14 Reflex save or become off-target for 1 round. If the driver fails this check by 5 or more, the motion becomes distracting, and creatures within the vehicle cannot cast spells for 1 round.

Dr. Helix looks nervously out at the winds. Not seeing any other takers for steering the CHERAV in these turbulent waters, he sticks himself with a booster and tries to hold the craft steady in the waves.

Standard booster on self (+2 skills for 4 rounds), move pilot the CHERAV.

Piloting (CHERAV, booster): 1d20 + 2 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 + 2 + 2 = 26

Guli pulls out a frag grenade and his plasma bolter.
I really need to get him a pistol for when his best option is just harrying fire

Benny takes a potshot at one of the vandals

Attack 1d20 ⇒ 12 vs EAC
Damage 1d6 ⇒ 4

Vecro feels like they are close enough for his starknife, he aims and throws it as strong as he can

Attack vs KAC@green, wind penalty, get'em: 1d20 + 5 - 4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 5 - 4 + 1 = 3
Damage, photon attunement: 1d4 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 3 + 1 = 6

The wind rips out starknife from Vecros hand which flies in a random direction. But soon comes back to his hand
Returning fusion.

@Benny, did you add the Get'em bonus to your roll?"

Dani looks at the Groetus followers. So... I have heard that you want the world to end, and you wish to start by blowing up a unique natural treasure and endangering scientists and knowledge seekers whose only crime was to come to admire a unique moment of beauty? She glances at the Green pilot and applies the pain. So, let's start by blowing things up, starting with your HEAD.

Mind Thrust: 2d10 ⇒ (2, 7) = 9 DC14 for half

Ooops I didn't - so should have been EAC 13

Unimpeded by the wind, Benny's static arc pistol fires a jolt of electricity into the Groetan driving the southern hovertrike. His body seizes, and he collapses on the handlebars. Benny, did you set your pistol to stun or kill? With the trike suddenly driverless, its remaining passenger grabs for the handles and banks it to a stop, facing the CHERAV's port flank. However, the maneuver distracted him long enough for Dani to work her way into his mind, causing him to scream in agony.

The northern crew takes advantage of your focused fire to speed into the CHERAV's prow, ramming into your vehicle at full force. CHERAV takes 11 damage, reduced to 5 if Dr. Helix succeeds on a DC 11 Piloting check, reduced to 2 if Dr. Helix also spends a Resolve Point to chair-flip. The passenger creates a point of absolute blackness between his hands, then swings it around like a flail tethered to his hand by a thin graviton stream. He attempts to bludgeon Dr. Helix with this graviton flail, cracking the CHERAV's windshield but leaving the kiirinta unharmed.

Round 2 - Bold may act

Cavaler
Green Vandal - defeated
Vecro
Guli
Dr. Helix
Dani
Benny
Red Vandal
Teal Vandal - 9 damage, off-target for 1 round
Yellow Vandal
Windstorm-force winds impose a –4 penalty on non-energy ranged weapon attack rolls, while attacks with archaic ranged weapons are impossible. Perception checks that rely on sound take a –8 penalty due to the howling of the wind. Small characters are protected while within the CHERAV, but might be knocked down if they leave.

Additionally, the churning surf might jostle vehicles and disrupt their occupants’ actions. Any creature driving a vehicle must use a DC 18 for Piloting checks. If the driver fails a Piloting check, a wave rocks the vehicle back and forth, and all creatures within the vehicle must succeed at a DC 14 Reflex save or become off-target for 1 round. If the driver fails this check by 5 or more, the motion becomes distracting, and creatures within the vehicle cannot cast spells for 1 round.

Spending 1 RP to chair flip.

Piloting (CHERAV, booster): 1d20 + 2 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 + 2 + 2 = 15

Dr. Helix steers the CHERAV away from the charging hovertrikes, while snapping his injection pistol into his hand and firing a loaded sedative dart. His one-handed grip exposes the vehicle to a big wave, however.

Move pilot the CHERAV, swift draw called pistol, standard fire sedative dart at red hovertrike pilot (+2 skills for 3 rounds).

Piloting (CHERAV, booster): 1d20 + 2 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 + 2 + 2 = 13 Reflex DC 14 or off-target; no spells this turn.

Reflex DC 12: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12 Off-target.

Attack vs Red KAC (wind, off-target): 1d20 + 4 - 4 - 2 ⇒ (17) + 4 - 4 - 2 = 15
Damage (sedative - nonlethal): 1d4 + 1d4 ⇒ (3) + (4) = 7

Reflex: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14

Dani barely makes her reflex to avoid being off-target, and then frowns as she realizes that with these choppy waters, the effort of staying in the Cherav is preventing her from doing spells.

You're in luck. I can't blow up your head right now, but nothing says I can't shoot you, she tells Teal, cheerfully. She targets Teal again with her laser pistol.

Zap (merciful azimuth laser pistol): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22
Non-Lethal Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 3

Do we have a second pilot? If we get rid of the jerk in the Teal jacket, we could have another vehicle to work with.