Against The Aeon Throne - Visiting The Colonies (Inactive)

Game Master Luke_Parry

It was supposed to be a straight-forward job: Transporting a load of mundane supplies on behalf of AbadarCorp to Nakondis, a new colony planet out in the Vast. The supplies themselves aren’t worth much except to the colonists, and the colony’s head administrator, a lashunta priest of Abadar named Madelon Kesi, is contracted to pay you 4,000 credits upon delivery of the supplies to Madelon’s Landing. Of course, there was a personal connection as well: An old friend of yours, an Android by the name of Cedona, had opted to retire from life as a Steward, and settle on the new planet.

The trip itself was unremarkable, taking 4d6 ⇒ (1, 3, 2, 5) = 11 days via the Drift, but upon arriving at Nakondis, you found yourself unable to raise the colony - a sensor sweep revealing that the area of Nakondis where Madelon's Landing is located has been blanketed with a 200-mile-wide burst of modulated static that interferes with any communications.

C-3PO: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20.

C-3PO is aware that the source of the interference is within the settlement itself.

Nakondis is a forest planet draped in perpetual fog; you can’t visually see the settlement of Madelon’s Landing as you fly above the landscape. By using the ship’s sensors, you can detect the general layout of the settlement and determine that it contains just over 100 humanoid life forms, most of which are human.

C-3PO: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16.

C-3PO also identifies a large, incongruous structure in the middle of the settlement. The structure is a prefabricated building with sweeping curves that resembles a fortress more than a colony dwelling. Two starship-scale heavy laser cannons are mounted on the building’s roof. These weapons are positioned to defend against approaching starships and can’t fire at targets on the ground.

C-3PO: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10.

C-3PO is positive that this is *not* a part of the colony's original design; moreover, it is located in the only spot near the settlement large enough for a starship to land, forcing C-3PO to land a few miles away...

C-3PO, who had been looking forward to a quite run, and a chance to put up his feet for a spell after he had dropped off his cargo, frowns.

This... isn't good...

He carefully lands then ship, then heads in the direction of the settlement, weapons at the ready.

Although the forests of Nakondis are dense and misty, the fungal undergrowth is light and doesn’t impede overland movement.

About 10 minutes into his journey, C-3PO comes across a trio of young humans dressed in matching uniforms, and wielding rifles.

Upon spotting C-3PO, one of them calls out:

"Citizen of Madelon's Landing: You will surrender to righteous Azlanti authority now! Lethal force has been authorised..."

So saying, they prepare to fire.

AGC: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13.
Rimmer: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19.

Azlanti Patrol, Round 1:

C-3PO (-)
AGC (-, -, -)

"This unit does not recognise the legitimacy of your mandate..."

C-3PO then starts firing!

Trick: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (11) + 14 = 25.
Static Arc Pistol: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8, for 1d6 ⇒ 1 Electricity damage.

Light Reaction Cannon: 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 - 4 = 13, for 1d10 ⇒ 5 damage.
Light Reaction Cannon: 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 - 4 = 19, for 1d10 ⇒ 5 damage.

C-3PO heavily injures one of the fighters.

All three stubbornly unload at him...

Imperial Pacification Rifle: 1d20 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (15) + 6 - 4 = 17, for 1d8 ⇒ 3 damage.
Imperial Pacification Rifle: 1d20 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (20) + 6 - 4 = 22, for 2d8 ⇒ (8, 8) = 16 damage.

Imperial Pacification Rifle: 1d20 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (13) + 6 - 4 = 15, for 1d8 ⇒ 3 damage.
Imperial Pacification Rifle: 1d20 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (18) + 6 - 4 = 20, for 1d8 ⇒ 7 damage.

Imperial Pacification Rifle: 1d20 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (12) + 6 - 4 = 14, for 1d8 ⇒ 1 damage.
Imperial Pacification Rifle: 1d20 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (14) + 6 - 4 = 16, for 1d8 ⇒ 4 damage.

...messing him up pretty badly.

Azlanti Patrol, Round 2:

C-3PO (-26)
AGC (-10, -, -)

"Frell!"

C-3PO frantically keeps firing.

Trick: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (20) + 14 = 34.
Static Arc Pistol: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16, for 1d6 + 1d4 ⇒ (2) + (3) = 5 Electricity damage.

Light Reaction Cannon: 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 - 4 = 20, for 2d10 ⇒ (6, 10) = 16 damage.
Light Reaction Cannon: 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 - 4 = 20, for 2d10 ⇒ (6, 9) = 15 damage.

C-3PO gives as good as he got, frying the injured warrior, and then putting a bullet through the forehead of each of the other two.

Combat over.

Searching the bodies:

Troop Ceremonial Plate x3, Hunting Rifle x3, Survival Knife x3.

C-3PO: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11.

Even after viewing them close up, C-3PO has no idea where these people have come from.

C-3PO reloads his cannon, then has a brief kip to regain stamina, before continuing on his way.

Continuing on...

While crossing through an oblong clearing with high grasses, you start hearing some angry, high-pitched bellowing, which soon resolves itself into three distinct sources: a trio of blue-furred ape-like creatures, who *really* don't care for C-3PO's presence in the area...

H: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16.
C-3PO: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14.

All three suddenly crackle with electricity, sending small bolts arcing in C-3PO's direction...

Electric Ray: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9, for 1d3 ⇒ 3 Electricity damage.
Electric Ray: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6, for 1d3 ⇒ 3 Electricity damage.
Electric Ray: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19, for 1d3 ⇒ 1 Electricity damage.

...but only one hits.

Native Pests, Round 1:

H (-, -, -)
C-3PO (-1)

Realising that his pistol is not going to be of much use here, C-3PO focuses on taking them down with his cannon.

Light Reaction Cannon: 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 - 4 = 9, for 1d10 ⇒ 5 damage.
Light Reaction Cannon: 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 - 4 = 13, for 1d10 ⇒ 2 damage.

C-3PO wounds one of the little beasts, slightly.

All three keep firing bolts at him...

Electric Ray: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11, for 1d3 ⇒ 2 Electricity damage.
Electric Ray: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8, for 1d3 ⇒ 2 Electricity damage.
Electric Ray: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7, for 1d3 ⇒ 2 Electricity damage.

...and all miss.

Native Pests, Round 2:

H (-2, -, -)
C-3PO (-1)

"Go away! I have no quarrel with you..."

Light Reaction Cannon: 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 - 4 = 8, for 1d10 ⇒ 3 damage.
Light Reaction Cannon: 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 - 4 = 13, for 1d10 ⇒ 2 damage.

The three little monsters keep chattering angrily, and fire more bolts!

Electric Ray: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10, for 1d3 ⇒ 2 Electricity damage.
Electric Ray: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5, for 1d3 ⇒ 3 Electricity damage.
Electric Ray: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17, for 1d3 ⇒ 2 Electricity damage.

...this time, one hits.

Native Pests, Round 3:

H (-4, -, -)
C-3PO (-3)

Groaning in annoyance, C-3PO keeps firing...

Light Reaction Cannon: 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 - 4 = 10, for 1d10 ⇒ 10 damage.
Light Reaction Cannon: 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 - 4 = 7, for 1d10 ⇒ 1 damage.

...then reloads.

C-3PO misses.

Electric Ray: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6, for 1d3 ⇒ 3 Electricity damage.
Electric Ray: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18, for 1d3 ⇒ 3 Electricity damage.
Electric Ray: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4, for 1d3 ⇒ 1 Electricity damage.

...this time, one hits.

Native Pests, Round 4:

H (-4, -, -)
C-3PO (-6)

I am glad that no-one can see how badly I am faring here...

C-3PO keeps firing.

Light Reaction Cannon: 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 - 4 = 15, for 1d10 ⇒ 2 damage.
Light Reaction Cannon: 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 - 4 = 11, for 1d10 ⇒ 9 damage.

C-3PO drops the injure one with a glancing hit, then puts a bullet through the skull of another.

The final simian shrieks, and brachiates off into the jungle.

Combat over.

Good riddance!

C-3PO breathes a ragged sigh of relief, tops-up his cannon, and continues on his way.

About 10 minutes later...

C-3PO hears a series of loud crashing noises, and then a frantic-looking, lanky human man in his forties with a wide, gap-toothed grin and short, dark hair just starting to turn gray, nearly runs into C-3PO.

"I surrender!"

He then does a double-take.

"Oh, hang on; you're not one of the Azlanti! Please, help me! They are after me..."

As the man says that, two more of the uniform-wearing soldiers rush into the clearing...

"Surrender now."

AGC: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5.
C-3PO: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18.

The Fugitive, Round 1:

C-3PO (-6)
AGC (-, -)

"Awww, heck! Not more of them..."

With a sigh, C-3PO opens fire.

Trick: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (2) + 14 = 16.
Static Arc Pistol: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13, for 1d6 + 1d4 ⇒ (2) + (3) = 5 Electricity damage.

Light Reaction Cannon: 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 - 4 = 3, for 1d10 ⇒ 6 damage.
Light Reaction Cannon: 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 - 4 = 2, for 1d10 ⇒ 10 damage.

C-3PO scorches one of the soldiers slightly.

They respond by trying to put him down!

Imperial Pacification Rifle: 1d20 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (15) + 6 - 4 = 17, for 1d8 ⇒ 1 damage.
Imperial Pacification Rifle: 1d20 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (20) + 6 - 4 = 22, for 2d8 ⇒ (8, 5) = 13 damage.

Imperial Pacification Rifle: 1d20 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (1) + 6 - 4 = 3, for 1d8 ⇒ 6 damage.
Imperial Pacification Rifle: 1d20 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (9) + 6 - 4 = 11, for 1d8 ⇒ 5 damage.

The Fugitive, Round 2:

C-3PO (-20)
AGC (-2, -)

"Frell!"

Throwing caution to the wind, C-3PO frantically keeps firing.

Trick: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (7) + 14 = 21.
Static Arc Pistol: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11, for 1d6 + 1d4 ⇒ (5) + (3) = 8 Electricity damage.

Static Arc Pistol: 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 - 4 = 15, for 1d6 ⇒ 1 Electricity damage.
Static Arc Pistol: 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 - 4 = 12, for 1d6 ⇒ 3 Electricity damage.

C-3PO drops one of the soldiers.

The other responds by trying to kill him...

Imperial Pacification Rifle: 1d20 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (12) + 6 - 4 = 14, for 1d8 ⇒ 7 damage.
Imperial Pacification Rifle: 1d20 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (17) + 6 - 4 = 19, for 1d8 ⇒ 1 damage.

...but only manages to barely graze him.

The Fugitive, Round 3:

C-3PO (-26)
AGC (-)

Breathing a sigh of relief, C-3PO tries to drop the other one.

Trick: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (6) + 14 = 20.
Static Arc Pistol: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10, for 1d6 + 1d4 ⇒ (2) + (4) = 6 Electricity damage.

Light Reaction Cannon: 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 - 4 = 4, for 1d10 ⇒ 8 damage.
Light Reaction Cannon: 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 - 4 = 1, for 1d10 ⇒ 7 damage.
Light Reaction Cannon - RP: 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 - 4 = 16, for 1d10 ⇒ 8 damage.

C-3PO heavily injures the remaining soldier, but they stubbornly refuse to fall.

Imperial Pacification Rifle: 1d20 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (9) + 6 - 4 = 11, for 1d8 ⇒ 5 damage.
Imperial Pacification Rifle: 1d20 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (2) + 6 - 4 = 4, for 1d8 ⇒ 5 damage.

...luckily, they are badly damaged enough that their aim is completely off.

The Fugitive, Round 4:

C-3PO (-26)
AGC (-8)

C-3PO concentrates, and tries to take down the final soldier.

Trick: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (6) + 14 = 20.
Static Arc Pistol: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11, for 1d6 + 1d4 ⇒ (4) + (2) = 6 Electricity damage.

Light Reaction Cannon: 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 - 4 = 2, for 1d10 ⇒ 10 damage.
Light Reaction Cannon: 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 - 4 = 20, for 2d10 ⇒ (8, 4) = 12 damage.

C-3PO scorches the soldier, then puts a bullet through her forehead.

Combat over.

Searching the bodies:

Troop ceremonial plate x2, hunting rifle x2, survival knife x2, Motion-Detection Badge.

The man who was running away ducks out from behind a tree, and smiles broadly.

"Thanks friend! I thought that I was a gonner for sure! Name's Jellik Fulson, by the by.

The woman in charge asked us about the crashed ship; turns out, it’s old Azlanti technology. She was very interested in what Cedona found. They rounded up Madelon, Cedona, and a few others and jailed them in the garrison. The large ship went away, but all the soldiers stayed. They’ve instituted martial law in town; we’re basically prisoners. We try to make do just as before, but anyone stepping out of line gets punished. When I got the chance, I ran. I didn’t know there were soldiers in the forest waiting to catch escapees. Three of them found me. I killed one with a lucky shot, but the other two chased me. And that brings me up to where I met you."

He then looks at C-3PO hopefully.

"Say - you did pretty well against those two. Why don't I take you back to town? My ex-wife is pretty good at plans; I bet she could hide you, and we could come up with a way to get us all out of this mess!"

C-3PO nods.

"I think I could see my way to helping you with that."

He then winces.

"I think I will need a bit of a rest first, though..."

"Okay!"

Jellik leads C-3PO back to town, and specifically around to the rear of Aibretta's junk shop, where he opens a concealed panel, before waving you inside.

This mechanic’s workshop consists of three interconnected, prefabricated modules, each the size of a shipping container. The central module is open on one side and appears to be a repair bay, although the tool chests, spools of wire, and broken equipment stacked haphazardly around the area imply that the repairs are slow going at best. Storage crates, broken furniture, and scrapped engines litter the yard around the junk shop. A short metal fence surrounds the yard, separating the chaos within from the orderly paths and shrubs of the surrounding colonists’ modules.

The building's only occupant is an older, tawny-skinned, thickset woman with long fingers and a piercing gaze. Her wavy brown hair is pulled back in a messy bun to keep it out of the way.

She is initially quite unimpressed to see Jellik, but swallows her annoyance, and listens to what he has to say. With a heavy sigh, she instructs Jellik to go into the kitchen and get snacks and drinks.

Aibretta then makes C-3PO welcome in the large living room of her personal module, clearing away a few busted datapads to make room on chairs and couches. She then gets down to business.

“The Azlanti don’t know it, but a few of us have been coordinating a resistance to their occupation. I’ve been in charge of that. We don’t have all the pieces we need yet, but with you on our side, perhaps we do.

The first step is to weaken the Azlanti. A few targeted strikes around town can reduce their numbers, weaken their defenses, or both. In between, you’re welcome to hide out here. After that, a direct attack on the garrison can flush the Azlanti out and free our prisoners. We’re not equipped for that, but it looks like you might be. The rest of us will round up any survivors, disarm them, and take back our settlement.”

There are several 'missions' that you can try your hand at:

Storehouse Ruse: The Azlanti recently sent a cadet to the settlement’s storehouse, and Aibretta fears that the colonists’ goodhearted supply clerk, Rendell Tace, might have attempted some ill-advised heroics.

Hobgar Liberation: The colonists have been consistently plagued by hobgars, but they keep the creatures contained in a trap at the top of a tall pole near the center of town. If C-3PO can open this trap, the hobgars are sure to cause trouble at the closest buildings, including the Azlanti garrison.

Cemetery Showdown: A group of three cadets patrol the settlement, bullying colonists. Aibretta suggests eliminating this patrol. Their route takes them near the settlement’s small cemetery, which provides ample places to hide.

Moisture Collector: The settlers don’t have a well, since they’re able to draw water from the fog directly with a moisture collector at the east end of the settlement. The Azlanti are rationing water to keep the colonists in line, and liberating the moisture collector will boost morale. Aibretta informs C-3PO that she has recently heard rumors of strange occurrences at the moisture collector.

In the Administrator’s House: Although Aibretta doesn’t know much about the technomagical relic Cedona described to her, she suspects Madelon has more information. Although Madelon is imprisoned, he may have hidden some notes or other valuable information in his private residence. Aibretta has the passcode to the personal entrance to Madelon’s module, and she asks C-3PO to look around there.

"In the mean-time, you are welcome to crash on my couch."

C-3PO nods.

"Sounds like a plan."

He then heads out to deal with the patrol.

Stealth: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12.

The colony’s cemetery is not large, consisting of only a few headstones and a heavy wrought-iron fence in a clearing hacked out of the forest. A stone plinth near the center of the area is carved with a list of names. A gravel trail near the cemetery is covered with fallen leaves, and a thick mist surrounds the graves.

Eventually, a trio of Azlanti soldiers comes out of the mist...

Perception: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (20) + 0 = 20.
Perception: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (17) + 0 = 17.
Perception: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (18) + 0 = 18.

...and all three immediately spot C-3PO!

Aeon Guard Cadets: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21.
C-3PO: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7.

Imperial Pacification Rifle: 1d20 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (1) + 6 - 4 = 3, for 1d8 ⇒ 2 damage.
Imperial Pacification Rifle: 1d20 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (19) + 6 - 4 = 21, for 1d8 ⇒ 3 damage.

Imperial Pacification Rifle: 1d20 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (6) + 6 - 4 = 8, for 1d8 ⇒ 7 damage.
Imperial Pacification Rifle: 1d20 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (16) + 6 - 4 = 18, for 1d8 ⇒ 3 damage.

Imperial Pacification Rifle: 1d20 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (14) + 6 - 4 = 16, for 1d8 ⇒ 5 damage.
Imperial Pacification Rifle: 1d20 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (1) + 6 - 4 = 3, for 1d8 ⇒ 5 damage.

...but thanks to the partial cover, only one hits.

Cemetery Showdown, Round 1:

Aeon Guard Cadets (-, -, -)
C-3PO (-3)

Cursing loudly, C-3PO opens fire.

Trick: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (11) + 14 = 25.
Static Arc Pistol: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6, for 1d6 + 1d4 ⇒ (5) + (4) = 9 Electricity damage.

Light Reaction Cannon: 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 - 4 = 4, for 1d10 ⇒ 6 damage.
Light Reaction Cannon: 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 - 4 = 5, for 1d10 ⇒ 4 damage.

C-3PO misses completely...

Imperial Pacification Rifle: 1d20 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (2) + 6 - 4 = 4, for 1d8 ⇒ 7 damage.
Imperial Pacification Rifle: 1d20 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (11) + 6 - 4 = 13, for 1d8 ⇒ 3 damage.

Imperial Pacification Rifle: 1d20 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (9) + 6 - 4 = 11, for 1d8 ⇒ 4 damage.
Imperial Pacification Rifle: 1d20 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (9) + 6 - 4 = 11, for 1d8 ⇒ 7 damage.

Imperial Pacification Rifle: 1d20 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (16) + 6 - 4 = 18, for 1d8 ⇒ 4 damage.
Imperial Pacification Rifle: 1d20 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (10) + 6 - 4 = 12, for 1d8 ⇒ 4 damage.

...as do the Azlanti!

Cemetery Showdown, Round 2:

Aeon Guard Cadets (-, -, -)
C-3PO (-3)

"Frell!"

C-3PO keeps firing.

Trick: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (11) + 14 = 25.
Static Arc Pistol: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20, for 1d6 + 1d4 ⇒ (4) + (2) = 6 Electricity damage.

Light Reaction Cannon: 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 - 4 = 7, for 1d10 ⇒ 8 damage.
Light Reaction Cannon: 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 - 4 = 16, for 1d10 ⇒ 5 damage.

C-3PO heavily injures one of the soldiers...

Imperial Pacification Rifle: 1d20 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (11) + 6 - 4 = 13, for 1d8 ⇒ 5 damage.
Imperial Pacification Rifle: 1d20 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (12) + 6 - 4 = 14, for 1d8 ⇒ 5 damage.

Imperial Pacification Rifle: 1d20 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (9) + 6 - 4 = 11, for 1d8 ⇒ 6 damage.
Imperial Pacification Rifle: 1d20 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (16) + 6 - 4 = 18, for 1d8 ⇒ 2 damage.

Imperial Pacification Rifle: 1d20 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (3) + 6 - 4 = 5, for 1d8 ⇒ 2 damage.
Imperial Pacification Rifle: 1d20 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (7) + 6 - 4 = 9, for 1d8 ⇒ 3 damage.

...and they all continue to miss.

Cemetery Showdown, Round 3:

Aeon Guard Cadets (-11, -, -)
C-3PO (-3)

Maybe they should be called 'stormtroopers'...

C-3PO tries to finish off the injured soldier.

Trick: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (1) + 14 = 15.
Static Arc Pistol: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7, for 1d6 + 1d4 ⇒ (3) + (3) = 6 Electricity damage.

Light Reaction Cannon: 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 - 4 = 12, for 1d10 ⇒ 3 damage.
Light Reaction Cannon: 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 - 4 = 9, for 1d10 ⇒ 3 damage.
Light Reaction Cannon - RP: 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 - 4 = 14, for 1d10 ⇒ 7 damage.

C-3PO takes out the injured soldier.

The other two cry out in disbelief, and redouble their efforts...

Imperial Pacification Rifle: 1d20 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (18) + 6 - 4 = 20, for 1d8 ⇒ 1 damage.
Imperial Pacification Rifle: 1d20 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (13) + 6 - 4 = 15, for 1d8 ⇒ 2 damage.

Imperial Pacification Rifle: 1d20 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (10) + 6 - 4 = 12, for 1d8 ⇒ 3 damage.
Imperial Pacification Rifle: 1d20 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (11) + 6 - 4 = 13, for 1d8 ⇒ 8 damage.

...and one manages to graze C-3PO slightly.

Cemetery Showdown, Round 4:

Aeon Guard Cadets (-, -)
C-3PO (-4)

C-3PO reloads both his weapons, and keeps firing.

Light Reaction Cannon: 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 - 4 = 12, for 1d10 ⇒ 7 damage.
Light Reaction Cannon: 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 - 4 = 1, for 1d10 ⇒ 2 damage.

Imperial Pacification Rifle: 1d20 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (16) + 6 - 4 = 18, for 1d8 ⇒ 1 damage.
Imperial Pacification Rifle: 1d20 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (20) + 6 - 4 = 22, for 2d8 ⇒ (3, 2) = 5 damage.

Imperial Pacification Rifle: 1d20 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (16) + 6 - 4 = 18, for 1d8 ⇒ 2 damage.
Imperial Pacification Rifle: 1d20 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (1) + 6 - 4 = 3, for 1d8 ⇒ 8 damage.

...C-3PO continues to miss, but one of the soldiers manages a lucky shot, which fortunately doesn't hit anything too vital.

Cemetery Showdown, Round 5:

Aeon Guard Cadets (-, -)
C-3PO (-9)

"Frell!"

C-3PO frantically keeps up the pressure.

Trick: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (14) + 14 = 28.
Static Arc Pistol: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13, for 1d6 + 1d4 ⇒ (4) + (4) = 8 Electricity damage.

Light Reaction Cannon: 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 - 4 = 13, for 1d10 ⇒ 8 damage.
Light Reaction Cannon: 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 - 4 = 20, for 2d10 ⇒ (10, 7) = 17 damage.

In a surprisingly accurate display of marksmanship, C-3PO double-taps one soldier, and then drills a bullet through the forehead of the other.

Combat over.

Searching the bodies: Troop ceremonial plate x3, hunting rifle x3, survival knife x3.

Breathing a ragged sigh of relief, C-3PO drags the bodies out of view, harvests their weapons, and then heads off to check on the supply clerk.

The settlement’s storage building consists of four prefabricated corrugated metal modules welded together to make a single enormous warehouse. Two doors lead into the storehouse: a closed door marked “Office” and a wider door that hangs open. Inside the open space are several storage racks and an interior module emblazoned with the massive symbol of a golden key.

Standing guard is a single Aeon Guard Cadet...

...or so it appears at first glance, until the 'Cadet' takes off their helmet, revealing a very-much non-Azlanti face.

"Oh thank heavens! It wasn't my fault! You see, one of them came in here, demanding an accounting of the settlement’s goods. I refused, so he took at shot at me, but missed. The bullet ricocheted off a support beam and struck a heavy shelf, which collapsed onto the cadet, killing them instantly. At first, I was quite relieved, but then I realized I might be blamed for the death and punished by the Azlanti! Out of desperation, I hid the cadet’s body and now wear his armour... but something just came through over the comm in the helmet - I don't understand Azlanti, but the voice sounded annoyed; what should I do?"

C-3PO nods.

"Quite the predicament. I am afraid that I don't understand the language either, but with a bit of luck, we might be able to ambush whomever that is when they come to check on the missing cadet. After that, I suggest laying low."

He then moves to take up a defensive position.

About half an hour later, the door bangs open, and two rather irritated-looking cadets barge in...

Stealth: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (17) + 0 = 17.
Perception: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (13) + 0 = 13.
Perception: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (7) + 0 = 7.

Fortunately, they don't spot C-3PO.

Surprise Round.

C-3PO opens fire!

Static Arc Pistol: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5, for 1d6 ⇒ 5 Electricity damage.

Light Reaction Cannon: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9, for 1d10 ⇒ 7 damage.

Both shots miss.

Cadets: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21.
C-3PO: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7.

Imperial Pacification Rifles: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9, for 1d8 ⇒ 5 damage.
Imperial Pacification Rifles: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22, for 1d8 ⇒ 7 damage.

Unfortunately for C-3PO, one of the Cadets manages a very nasty shot.

Storehouse Ruse, Round 1:

Aeon Guard Cadets (-, -)
C-3PO (-16)

"FRELL!"

C-3PO frantically fires!

Trick: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (2) + 14 = 16.
Static Arc Pistol: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8, for 1d6 + 1d4 ⇒ (2) + (1) = 3 Electricity damage.

Light Reaction Cannon: 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 - 4 = 14, for 1d10 ⇒ 5 damage.
Light Reaction Cannon: 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 - 4 = 19, for 1d10 ⇒ 5 damage.

C-3PO severely injures one cadet.

Imperial Pacification Rifles: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16, for 1d8 ⇒ 4 damage.
Imperial Pacification Rifles: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25, for 1d8 ⇒ 8 damage.

Unfortunately for C-3PO, one of the Cadets manages a nasty shot.

Storehouse Ruse, Round 2:

Aeon Guard Cadets (-10, -)
C-3PO (-29)

Understandably getting quite frantic, C-3PO keeps firing.

Trick: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (19) + 14 = 33.
Static Arc Pistol: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12, for 1d6 + 1d4 ⇒ (5) + (1) = 6 Electricity damage.

Light Reaction Cannon: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15, for 1d10 ⇒ 9 damage.