Against The Aeon Throne - Visiting The Colonies (Inactive)

Game Master Luke_Parry

C7:

A series of rooms found in the eastern and southern wings of the upper level act as dormitories for the Azlanti guards who protect the facility. Each room is similar, with a single desk and either a pair of comfortable beds or a larger bed with drawers built into the frames; minor decorations and personal flair differentiate the rooms. The walls are the same uniform white found elsewhere throughout the station, and each room is kept immaculate, hinting at its occupants’ discipline...

C-3PO: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23.

...although C-3PO *does* find three doses of Tier 2 Sedatives taped in a small box to the underside of one desk.

C8:

A communal shower at the end of the southern hallway offers the Azlanti guards a place to groom. A curtained-off cubicle hides a modest toilet.

C9:

Several crates are tucked under a catwalk that spirals upwards around the chamber’s perimeter, offering several storage solutions within nooks carved into the asteroid’s bedrock. Halfway up this spiraling catwalk, at a height of fifteen feet, a door exits to the west.

Suddenly, a shot rings out!

AG accelerator rifle: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (2) + 15 = 17, for 3d4 + 7 ⇒ (1, 1, 1) + 7 = 10 damage.

Looking up, C-3PO sees an Aeon Guard atop the catwalk.

“Intruders! You are trespassing on the personal property of Sardat Zolan Ulivestra of the Azlanti Star Empire. Vacate the premises at once! This is your only warning.”

Evandrian: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11.
C-3PO: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (13) + 11 = 24.

I'm Getting Too Old For This, Round 1:

C-3PO (-)
Evandrian (-)

"Not a chance!"

C-3PO returns fire.

Trick: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (14) + 20 = 34.
Static Arc Pistol: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26, for 1d6 + 2 + 3d8 ⇒ (2) + 2 + (6, 5, 2) = 17 Electricity damage.
Squad Machine Gun: 1d20 + 11 - 2 ⇒ (11) + 11 - 2 = 20, for 1d10 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14 damage.
Squad Machine Gun: 1d20 + 11 - 2 ⇒ (10) + 11 - 2 = 19, for 1d10 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9 damage.

Only C-3PO's pistol shot lands.

The Aeon Guard shrugs.

"Then you will die."

Corona laser pistol: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (13) + 15 = 28, for 2d4 + 7 + 4d8 ⇒ (4, 4) + 7 + (8, 3, 7, 8) = 41 Fire damage.

I'm Getting Too Old For This, Round 2:

C-3PO (-41)
Evandrian (-17)

"Frell!"

C-3PO frantically returns fire.

Trick: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (19) + 20 = 39.
Static Arc Pistol: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (9) + 11 = 20, for 1d6 + 2 + 3d8 ⇒ (6) + 2 + (3, 4, 3) = 18 Electricity damage.
Squad Machine Gun: 1d20 + 11 - 2 ⇒ (9) + 11 - 2 = 18, for 1d10 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7 damage.
Squad Machine Gun: 1d20 + 11 - 2 ⇒ (11) + 11 - 2 = 20, for 1d10 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14 damage.

Once again, only C-3PO's pistol shot lands.

Implacable, the Aeon Guard keeps firing...

Corona laser pistol: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (14) + 15 = 29, for 2d4 + 7 + 4d8 ⇒ (1, 1) + 7 + (2, 7, 4, 1) = 23 Fire damage.

...dealing a solid hit.

I'm Getting Too Old For This, Round 3:

C-3PO (-64)
Evandrian (-35)

Gritting his teeth, C-3PO frantically tries to drop the soldier.

Trick: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (1) + 20 = 21.
Static Arc Pistol: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (5) + 11 = 16, for 1d6 + 2 + 3d8 ⇒ (3) + 2 + (1, 1, 2) = 9 Electricity damage.
Squad Machine Gun: 1d20 + 11 - 2 ⇒ (6) + 11 - 2 = 15, for 1d10 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10 damage.
Squad Machine Gun: 1d20 + 11 - 2 ⇒ (11) + 11 - 2 = 20, for 1d10 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11 damage.

This time, none of C-3PO's shots land.

"Pathetic. This isn't worth my time."

The Aeon Guard's outline shimmers, and he disappears from view...

...although C-3PO hears what sounds like a grate moving.

Combat over...?

Cursing, C-3PO uses his jump-jets to leap up to the top of the catwalk, and charges on to the next area.

C10:

On a raised dais at the chamber’s north end, three leather seats in front of several computer consoles offers a comfortable-looking work environment. The screens show a variety of viewpoints throughout the facility, including the asteroid’s landing pads. There is a large elevator platform to the south next to a single plastic door.

Standing around the room are four more flamethrower-wielding guards, backed-up by a less-impressive Aeon Guard than the one C-3PO was just trading shots with.

ARW: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24.
Aeon Guard: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14.
C-3PO: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15.

Flame Rifle: 1d20 + 10 - 4 ⇒ (4) + 10 - 4 = 10, for 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8 damage.
Flame Rifle: 1d20 + 10 - 4 ⇒ (15) + 10 - 4 = 21, for 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4 damage.

Flame Rifle: 1d20 + 10 - 4 ⇒ (3) + 10 - 4 = 9, for 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7 damage.
Flame Rifle: 1d20 + 10 - 4 ⇒ (5) + 10 - 4 = 11, for 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8 damage.

Flame Rifle: 1d20 + 10 - 4 ⇒ (11) + 10 - 4 = 17, for 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5 damage.
Flame Rifle: 1d20 + 10 - 4 ⇒ (14) + 10 - 4 = 20, for 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8 damage.

Flame Rifle: 1d20 + 10 - 4 ⇒ (13) + 10 - 4 = 19, for 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7 damage.
Flame Rifle: 1d20 + 10 - 4 ⇒ (4) + 10 - 4 = 10, for 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7 damage.

Two manage to land hits, scorching C-3PO a bit.

Security Station Alpha, Round 1:

ARW (-, -, -, -)
C-3PO (-76)
AG (-)

Gritting his teeth, C-3PO tries to thin the herd somewhat, starting with the Aeon Guard.

Trick: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (20) + 20 = 40.
Static Arc Pistol: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (3) + 11 = 14, for 1d6 + 2 + 3d8 ⇒ (1) + 2 + (8, 2, 4) = 17 Electricity damage.
Static Arc Pistol - RP: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (20) + 11 = 31, for 2d6 + 4 + 6d8 ⇒ (6, 6) + 4 + (1, 3, 4, 8, 2, 2) = 36 Electricity damage.
Squad Machine Gun: 1d20 + 11 - 2 ⇒ (14) + 11 - 2 = 23, for 1d10 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8 damage.
Squad Machine Gun: 1d20 + 11 - 2 ⇒ (14) + 11 - 2 = 23, for 1d10 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13 damage.

C-3PO annihilates the Aeon Guard with three well-placed shots.

The remaining guards are somewhat shocked by this, but keep firing...

Flame Rifle: 1d20 + 10 - 4 ⇒ (12) + 10 - 4 = 18, for 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6 damage.
Flame Rifle: 1d20 + 10 - 4 ⇒ (8) + 10 - 4 = 14, for 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6 damage.

Flame Rifle: 1d20 + 10 - 4 ⇒ (11) + 10 - 4 = 17, for 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3 damage.
Flame Rifle: 1d20 + 10 - 4 ⇒ (1) + 10 - 4 = 7, for 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6 damage.

Flame Rifle: 1d20 + 10 - 4 ⇒ (10) + 10 - 4 = 16, for 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4 damage.
Flame Rifle: 1d20 + 10 - 4 ⇒ (11) + 10 - 4 = 17, for 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3 damage.

Flame Rifle: 1d20 + 10 - 4 ⇒ (14) + 10 - 4 = 20, for 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6 damage.
Flame Rifle: 1d20 + 10 - 4 ⇒ (12) + 10 - 4 = 18, for 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5 damage.

...but this time, they only manage a single, glancing blow.

Security Station Alpha, Round 2:

ARW (-, -, -, -)
C-3PO (-82)

"Who wants to be next!?"

C-3PO turns his attention to the flamethrower-wielders.

Trick: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (12) + 20 = 32.
Static Arc Pistol: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (5) + 11 = 16, for 1d6 + 2 + 3d8 ⇒ (6) + 2 + (6, 7, 7) = 28 Electricity damage.
Squad Machine Gun: 1d20 + 11 - 2 ⇒ (19) + 11 - 2 = 28, for 1d10 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11 damage.
Squad Machine Gun: 1d20 + 11 - 2 ⇒ (8) + 11 - 2 = 17, for 1d10 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9 damage.

C-3PO stops one guard's heart with a pistol shot, then puts two bullets in another, leaving him severely wounded.

Flame Rifle: 1d20 + 10 - 4 ⇒ (8) + 10 - 4 = 14, for 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8 damage.
Flame Rifle: 1d20 + 10 - 4 ⇒ (15) + 10 - 4 = 21, for 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3 damage.

Flame Rifle: 1d20 + 10 - 4 ⇒ (7) + 10 - 4 = 13, for 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7 damage.
Flame Rifle: 1d20 + 10 - 4 ⇒ (2) + 10 - 4 = 8, for 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6 damage.

Flame Rifle: 1d20 + 10 - 4 ⇒ (16) + 10 - 4 = 22, for 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7 damage.
Flame Rifle: 1d20 + 10 - 4 ⇒ (13) + 10 - 4 = 19, for 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4 damage.

This time, two manage to hit, but it is too little, too late...

Security Station Alpha, Round 3:

ARW (-, -, -, -)
C-3PO (-92)

Snorting in derision, C-3PO keeps spraying indiscriminately.

Trick: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (1) + 20 = 21.
Trick - RP: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (19) + 20 = 39.
Static Arc Pistol: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (5) + 11 = 16, for 1d6 + 2 + 3d8 ⇒ (1) + 2 + (5, 3, 1) = 12 Electricity damage.
Squad Machine Gun: 1d20 + 11 - 2 ⇒ (14) + 11 - 2 = 23, for 1d10 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6 damage.
Squad Machine Gun: 1d20 + 11 - 2 ⇒ (18) + 11 - 2 = 27, for 1d10 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8 damage.

C-3PO downs the injured guard, then starts working on another.

Gritting their teeth in determination, the two remaining guards keep firing...

Flame Rifle: 1d20 + 10 - 4 ⇒ (1) + 10 - 4 = 7, for 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4 damage.
Flame Rifle: 1d20 + 10 - 4 ⇒ (12) + 10 - 4 = 18, for 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3 damage.

Flame Rifle: 1d20 + 10 - 4 ⇒ (4) + 10 - 4 = 10, for 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3 damage.
Flame Rifle: 1d20 + 10 - 4 ⇒ (7) + 10 - 4 = 13, for 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6 damage.

...but miss.

Security Station Alpha, Round 4:

ARW (-14, -)
C-3PO (-92)

"Can't touch this!"

C-3PO tries to finish them off.

Trick: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (18) + 20 = 38.
Static Arc Pistol: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (7) + 11 = 18, for 1d6 + 2 + 3d8 ⇒ (5) + 2 + (4, 6, 1) = 18 Electricity damage.
Squad Machine Gun: 1d20 + 11 - 2 ⇒ (20) + 11 - 2 = 29, for 2d10 + 10 ⇒ (3, 6) + 10 = 19 damage.
Squad Machine Gun: 1d20 + 11 - 2 ⇒ (7) + 11 - 2 = 16, for 1d10 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13 damage.

With three well-placed shots, C-3PO drops the two remaining guards.

Combat over.

Searching the bodies:

Hidden soldier armor x4, infrared sensors x4, flame rifle x4, tactical pike x4, AG trooper battle dress (clear spindle aeon stone, jump jets), AG assault rifle with 4 magazines (100 longarm rounds), thunderstrike pulse gauntlet with 2 batteries, frag grenade II, incendiary grenade I.

That's it for this level - the only way now is down.

Also, please level up to 6th :-)

Breathing a ragged sigh of relief, C-3PO renders the equipment recovered into polyfluid, then rests, before heading down in the lift...

D4:

This appears to be a vehicle bay of some kind, but only one vehicle is currently present - a kind of modified mobility cart - and it appears to have been deliberately broken...

C-3PO: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13.

D5:

The ceilings here and in the hallway beyond are 30 feet high. Several raised catwalks and balconies offer a superior firing angle on any intruders attempting to access the laboratories located beyond. These raised areas are 20 feet off the ground.

Three more Aeon Guards stand upon the catwalks, ready to open fire!

Aeon Guard: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20.
C-3PO: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (14) + 11 = 25.

The Perch, Round 1:

C-3PO (-)
Aeon Guards (-, -, -)

With a shrug, C-3PO opens fire.

Trick: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (18) + 21 = 39.
Static Arc Pistol: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (14) + 12 = 26, for 1d6 + 3 + 3d8 ⇒ (6) + 3 + (8, 5, 8) = 30 Electricity damage.
Squad Machine Gun: 1d20 + 12 - 2 ⇒ (19) + 12 - 2 = 29, for 1d10 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11 damage.
Squad Machine Gun: 1d20 + 12 - 2 ⇒ (19) + 12 - 2 = 29, for 1d10 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8 damage.

With three well-placed shots, C-3PO demolishes one of the Aeon Guards.

They two remaining ones focus-fire upon him...

AG assault rifle: 1d20 + 11 - 4 ⇒ (6) + 11 - 4 = 13, for 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8 damage.
AG assault rifle: 1d20 + 11 - 4 ⇒ (13) + 11 - 4 = 20, for 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5 damage.

AG assault rifle: 1d20 + 11 - 4 ⇒ (12) + 11 - 4 = 19, for 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9 damage.
AG assault rifle: 1d20 + 11 - 4 ⇒ (8) + 11 - 4 = 15, for 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7 damage.

...but don't manage a single hit.

The Perch, Round 2:

C-3PO (-)
Aeon Guards (-, -)

C-3PO tries to take down another one.

Trick: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (13) + 21 = 34.
Static Arc Pistol: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (15) + 12 = 27, for 1d6 + 3 + 3d8 ⇒ (4) + 3 + (3, 6, 4) = 20 Electricity damage.
Squad Machine Gun: 1d20 + 12 - 2 ⇒ (18) + 12 - 2 = 28, for 1d10 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14 damage.
Squad Machine Gun: 1d20 + 12 - 2 ⇒ (7) + 12 - 2 = 17, for 1d10 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10 damage.

This time, C-3PO only hits twice, but it leaves the affected guard heavily injured.

Despite this, they keep fan-firing.

AG assault rifle: 1d20 + 11 - 4 ⇒ (18) + 11 - 4 = 25, for 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11 damage.
AG assault rifle: 1d20 + 11 - 4 ⇒ (6) + 11 - 4 = 13, for 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9 damage.

AG assault rifle: 1d20 + 11 - 4 ⇒ (9) + 11 - 4 = 16, for 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8 damage.
AG assault rifle: 1d20 + 11 - 4 ⇒ (17) + 11 - 4 = 24, for 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4 damage.

...each scoring a single hit.

The Perch, Round 3:

C-3PO (-15)
Aeon Guards (-34, -)

Gritting his teeth, C-3PO keeps up the pressure.

Trick: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (7) + 21 = 28.
Static Arc Pistol: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 14, for 1d6 + 3 + 3d8 ⇒ (3) + 3 + (6, 5, 3) = 20 Electricity damage.
Squad Machine Gun: 1d20 + 12 - 2 ⇒ (14) + 12 - 2 = 24, for 1d10 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9 damage.
Squad Machine Gun: 1d20 + 12 - 2 ⇒ (19) + 12 - 2 = 29, for 1d10 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16 damage.

This time, C-3PO misses with his pistol, but his bullets do enough damage that the injured Aeon Guard falls.

"For the Empire!"

The final one keeps firing...

AG assault rifle: 1d20 + 11 - 4 ⇒ (12) + 11 - 4 = 19, for 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10 damage.
AG assault rifle: 1d20 + 11 - 4 ⇒ (13) + 11 - 4 = 20, for 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10 damage.

...and misses.

The Perch, Round 4:

C-3PO (-15)
Aeon Guards (-)

C-3PO shakes his head.

"You are outmatched..."

Trick: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (18) + 21 = 39.
Static Arc Pistol: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (15) + 12 = 27, for 1d6 + 3 + 3d8 ⇒ (5) + 3 + (1, 2, 4) = 15 Electricity damage.
Squad Machine Gun: 1d20 + 12 - 2 ⇒ (9) + 12 - 2 = 19, for 1d10 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9 damage.
Squad Machine Gun: 1d20 + 12 - 2 ⇒ (18) + 12 - 2 = 28, for 1d10 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8 damage.

C-3PO wounds the guard, but he does not fall; instead, he returns fire...

AG assault rifle: 1d20 + 11 - 4 ⇒ (15) + 11 - 4 = 22, for 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10 damage.
AG assault rifle: 1d20 + 11 - 4 ⇒ (1) + 11 - 4 = 8, for 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8 damage.

...and finally scores a hit!

The Perch, Round 5:

C-3PO (-25)
Aeon Guards (-23)

C-3PO sighs.

"There is no way that this could *possibly* end well for you..."

He then tries to finish the guard off.

Trick: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (8) + 21 = 29.
Static Arc Pistol: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (13) + 12 = 25, for 1d6 + 3 + 3d8 ⇒ (4) + 3 + (1, 7, 3) = 18 Electricity damage.
Squad Machine Gun: 1d20 + 12 - 2 ⇒ (13) + 12 - 2 = 23, for 1d10 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8 damage.
Squad Machine Gun: 1d20 + 12 - 2 ⇒ (2) + 12 - 2 = 12, for 1d10 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10 damage.

One shot from each weapon is enough to take the guard down.

Combat over.

Searching the bodies:

AG trooper battle dress x3, clear spindle aeon stone x3, jump jets x3, AG assault rifle x3, thunderstrike pulse gauntlet x3, battery x6, frag grenade II x3, incendiary grenade I x3.

C-3PO breathes a sigh of relief, piles up the equipment, and then heads through the single door up on the catwalk, to see what lies beyond.

D6:

A large terminal stands within the center of this irregularly shaped room, flanked by twin viewing stations plastered with monitors that rapidly shuffle between different scenes elsewhere within the facility. Two large double doors exit to the north and south, while smaller doors lead east and west.

DC 25 Computers check to access, and then two further DC 27 Computers checks to access some 'hidden' drives.

In his element, C-3PO settles down to start hacking.

Computers: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (10) + 16 = 26.
Computers: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (16) + 16 = 32.
Computers: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (17) + 16 = 33.

C-3PO easily hacks into the computer, and finds several directories of interest.

Aurelos Map:
This module contains a map of the facility, highlighting the location of the rune drive (area D8), as well as three other unmarked locations spread across the asteroid. These unmarked areas are the station’s laboratories (areas E1 through E5). Finally, a fourth area labeled “Scion’s Vestry” (area D10) is just south of the out-of-service elevator (area D9).

Royal Venture:
This module contains restored schematics of an ancient Azlanti starship, the Royal Venture, which was owned by Parept Ameondria. While most of the technology seems out of date, the blueprints detail an experimental technomagical engine that incorporated as part of its power source an aeon stone from the Aeon Throne itself. Accompanying documents, which name the engine as the rune drive, suggest that this radical propulsion system could move distant points in space closer to one other for a brief second while “hopping” the attached vessel across the intervening space. These notes appear mostly theoretical and incomplete, and they don’t detail exactly how the rune drive works, but rather make bold claims without referencing actual science.

Rune Drive Research:
This module contains the research schedule Zolan expects his scientists to follow, with a cross-reference that states the Royal Venture data module has information about the rune drive’s history. Claiming a need for secrecy, the sardat set himself up as the only individual privy to the data discovered from each of the facility’s three laboratories. Zolan’s notes state that he is certain his teams are close to completely discovering the rune drive’s secrets and that at the next possible occasion, he will set up a test of the rune drive. He mentions that his lead scientist, Oliviana, holds the specialized datapad that he will use to integrate all the information from the different labs for download into the control harness built around the rune drive.

Sardat Zolan Ulivestra Personal Data:
This module contains a memoir-style recollection of Zolan’s history (detailed in the Adventure Background) told by the sardat himself, so the account paints him as a dutiful son, a genius, and a beloved leader. The file eventually devolves into more of a diary, with Zolan jotting down his thoughts as they come to him.

He confesses that he has taken quite a risk authorizing the invasion, occupation, and annexation of Nakondis without formal support from the Star Empire. While he rightly fears that bureaucratic entanglements will rob him of the glory of discovering the Royal Venture and its rune drive, he deems the treasonous act of keeping his superiors in the dark worthwhile for the eventual betterment of the Azlanti Star Empire. Despite this risk, Zolan goes on to confidently say that once he has a working rune drive he shall eventually stand in front of the Star Imperators to present all of his findings, believing that the magnitude of this breakthrough shall pardon him of his indiscretions. He also states his hope of securing a more prominent royal title in the process.

The most recent entry discusses the timing of the attack on Gulta and the arrival of the Aeon Guard specialist Evandrian. While Zolan welcomes an ally to help protect Aurelos, he is beginning to suspect that someone in the Aeon Guard knows something about his secret research, and that Evandrian is actually on the asteroid to take the rune drive away from him. Zolan briefly suggests that he might be able to bribe or blackmail the specialist to keep him quiet, but the sardat dismisses the idea shortly after, realizing such an act could only further implicate him if things go poorly.

SV:
When this enigmatic module is opened, seven dots appear on the screen equidistant from one another. This image functions as a password of sorts. C-3PO quickly determines that he can draw lines between these dots, and if he form the image of a seven-pointed star by doing so, he gains full access to the module.

This module reveals that Zolan brought another artifact back from the Royal Venture: Parept Ameondria’s Azlanti royal battle regalia. The sardat’s notes describe the item as a rare and powerful suit of magic armor that predates the Gap. He goes on to say that he plans to take it as a personal prize, first stripping all traces of Ameondria’s royal house insignia and replacing them with his own. He has undertaken these renovations in a place called the “Scion’s Vestry,” which he has had “sealed off from the rest of the facility to deter prying eyes.”

Culture: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (9) + 16 = 25.

C-3PO gets the impression that Zolan’s actions regarding the artifact are most likely frowned upon in the Azlanti Star Empire and that the sardat is aware of this fact.

Treasure: A cabinet on the northeastern wall holds five pairs of manacles, each with an associated security chip. A similar cabinet stands next to it, but it is empty...

C-3PO whistles when he looks over the trove of information, and downloads what he can.

Someone is over-reaching himself...

He then heads through the doors to the south.

D7:

A few mysterious stains mar the floor of this otherwise barren room. A pair of brilliant, translucent fields of energy pulse to the east and west, cordoning off two simple holding cells. A control panel is mounted on the wall next to each cell’s entrance.

Lying on a bed in one of the cells is a creature that looks like a cross between a sea anemone and a squid.

C-3PO: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (12) + 15 = 27.

C-3PO recognises this as a Vilderaro, amphibious residents of the planet Oyojii, who are used by the Star Empire as astrogation specialists par excellence.

The creature, who has obviously been recently beaten, pulls itself upright, and addresses C-3PO cautiously (in Azlanti):

"Well, you certainly don't *look* like one of the oppressors; who are you, and what are you doing here?"

C-3PO looks at the creature warily.

"I am C-3PO, and I definitely don't work for the Azlanti - I am cutting a bloody swathe through them as I come to retrieve the Rune Drive. Who are you, and why do they have you incarcerated here?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23.

The vilderaro perks up considerably.

"I'm Mrrgulbr - one of the non-Azlanti scientists forced to work at Aurelos. I am in here, because my beneficent employers saw fit to teach me the lesson that disobedience is poor for one’s health.” The sarcasm in Mrrgulbr’s voice is quite evident. “They have us working day and night trying to understand this blasted ancient Azlanti tech, and I had the temerity to suggest we might be a little more cogent if we could take a break now and again.

However, the Azlanti have forgotten that giving a group of scientists all the pieces of a puzzle and then telling us not to solve it is quite foolish. Many of us have determined much about the rune drive’s nature by filling in the blanks, so to speak. Of course, none of us have informed Zolan as of yet. After all, where would we be once we were no longer useful?” She pauses for a brief moment. “Dead. Dead is where we would be. However, you present an interesting opportunity...”

She pauses thoughtfully, before continuing.

“Look, if you promise to get all of us out of here, I think we can get the Drive working, and use it to leave this place! First, we need the specialized datapad for the rune drive’s control harness so we can feed it the appropriate data. Oliviana has this datapad at all times. Then, we need all the current research from the three labs—bend travel, field stability, and power dynamics—downloaded onto the datapad. With all of that, I should be able to get the rune drive working... I think.”

C-3PO nods thoughtfully.

"I think that I can work with that. Let's get this show on the road!"

So saying, he releases the creature from confinement, then heads off to 'liberate' the Drive.

D8:

An enormous machine surrounded by metal scaffolding sits in the center of this room, connected to two cylindrical generators and a computer console. The device hums with power as the attached computer beeps regularly, displaying a dizzying array of data. The scaffolding runs along the southern wall about fifteen feet from the ground, past a desk nestled in an alcove and into a passageway leading south. Open hallways exit to the west, north, and south, and there is a small plastic door to the northwest.

Four exhausted-looking Azlanti scientists, led by a slightly less tired-looking Azlanti woman, are working on the machine, but when C-3PO strides into the room, the chief scientist looks up, and snarls in frustration.

"Damnation! Can't the guards do anything right!? Kill the intruder!"

Azlanti Scientists: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10.
Oliviana: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16.
C-3PO: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26.

Exhausted Researchers, Round 1:

C-3PO (-25)
Oliviana (-)
Azlanti Scientists (-, -, -, -)

"Thank-you for clearing that up for me."

C-3PO focuses upon the snarky woman's minions.

Trick: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (16) + 21 = 37.
Static Arc Pistol: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (13) + 12 = 25, for 1d6 + 3 + 3d8 ⇒ (3) + 3 + (6, 4, 6) = 22 Electricity damage.
Squad Machine Gun: 1d20 + 12 - 2 ⇒ (9) + 12 - 2 = 19, for 1d10 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7 damage.
Squad Machine Gun: 1d20 + 12 - 2 ⇒ (1) + 12 - 2 = 11, for 1d10 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16 damage.

With two well-placed shots, C-3PO splatters one of the tired scientists.

The chief researcher snarls, then casts a spell, disappearing from view...

...although C-3PO can still sense her presence, moving up the catwalk.

The three remaining scientists draw pistols, and shoot...

Static arc pistol: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18, for 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6 Electricity damage.
Static arc pistol: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27, for 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (2, 5) + 4 = 11 Electricity damage.
Static arc pistol: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9, for 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7 Electricity damage.

...with one scoring a lucky hit.

Exhausted Researchers, Round 2:

C-3PO (-36)
Oliviana (-)
Azlanti Scientists (-, -, -)

C-3PO chuckles mirthlessly.

"Nice try, but I can still feel your presence. It takes more than that to sneak up on me..."

He then blasts another scientist.

Trick: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (6) + 21 = 27.
Static Arc Pistol: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (16) + 12 = 28, for 1d6 + 3 + 3d8 ⇒ (5) + 3 + (4, 6, 3) = 21 Electricity damage.
Squad Machine Gun: 1d20 + 12 - 2 ⇒ (2) + 12 - 2 = 12, for 1d10 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9 damage.
Squad Machine Gun: 1d20 + 12 - 2 ⇒ (8) + 12 - 2 = 18, for 1d10 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12 damage.

C-3PO brings down another tired scientist.

The chief scientist moves forward, then reaches out and tries to touch C-3PO...

Inject Nanobots: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27, for 4d8 ⇒ (4, 8, 2, 4) = 18 damage, DC 18 Fort.

...shimmering back into view as she does so.

The two remaining scientists gulp hard, and fan-fire...

Static arc pistol: 1d20 + 7 - 4 ⇒ (18) + 7 - 4 = 21, for 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3 Electricity damage.
Static arc pistol: 1d20 + 7 - 4 ⇒ (3) + 7 - 4 = 6, for 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7 Electricity damage.

Static arc pistol: 1d20 + 7 - 4 ⇒ (7) + 7 - 4 = 10, for 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5 Electricity damage.
Static arc pistol: 1d20 + 7 - 4 ⇒ (12) + 7 - 4 = 15, for 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3 Electricity damage.

...with one scoring a lucky, albeit glancing, hit.

Exhausted Researchers, Round 3:

C-3PO (-39)
Oliviana (-)
Azlanti Scientists (-, -)

Fort: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26.

C-3PO grins toothily.

"There you are!"

He then tries to demolish her from point-blank range.

Trick: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (16) + 21 = 37.
Static Arc Pistol: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (15) + 12 = 27, for 1d6 + 3 + 3d8 ⇒ (6) + 3 + (7, 8, 2) = 26 Electricity damage.
Squad Machine Gun: 1d20 + 12 - 2 ⇒ (7) + 12 - 2 = 17, for 1d10 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12 damage.
Squad Machine Gun: 1d20 + 12 - 2 ⇒ (19) + 12 - 2 = 29, for 1d10 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10 damage.

C-3PO's spray of fire catches her by surprise.

She casts another spell, disappearing from view once more, although C-3PO can still sense her presence in the same location.

The other two scientists continue to fan-fire...

Static arc pistol: 1d20 + 7 - 4 ⇒ (12) + 7 - 4 = 15, for 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8 Electricity damage.
Static arc pistol: 1d20 + 7 - 4 ⇒ (9) + 7 - 4 = 12, for 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7 Electricity damage.

Static arc pistol: 1d20 + 7 - 4 ⇒ (9) + 7 - 4 = 12, for 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7 Electricity damage.
Static arc pistol: 1d20 + 7 - 4 ⇒ (19) + 7 - 4 = 22, for 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5 Electricity damage.

...with one once again scoring a lucky, albeit glancing, hit.

Exhausted Researchers, Round 4:

C-3PO (-53)
Oliviana (-48)
Azlanti Scientists (-, -)

Snorting in bemusement, C-3PO turns his attention to the 'lesser' scientists.

Trick: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (17) + 21 = 38.
Static Arc Pistol: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (20) + 12 = 32, for 2d6 + 6 + 6d8 ⇒ (4, 3) + 6 + (8, 6, 3, 2, 4, 2) = 38 Electricity damage.
Squad Machine Gun: 1d20 + 12 - 2 ⇒ (12) + 12 - 2 = 22, for 1d10 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10 damage.
Squad Machine Gun: 1d20 + 12 - 2 ⇒ (2) + 12 - 2 = 12, for 1d10 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14 damage.

C-3PO stops the heart of one scientist with a well-placed pistol shot, and then wounds the other.

He then senses the chief researcher move away from him.

3d8 ⇒ (1, 6, 4) = 11.

The final researcher grimly keeps firing...

Static arc pistol: 1d20 + 7 - 4 ⇒ (11) + 7 - 4 = 14, for 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8 Electricity damage.
Static arc pistol: 1d20 + 7 - 4 ⇒ (19) + 7 - 4 = 22, for 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4 Electricity damage.

...scoring a glancing blow.

Exhausted Researchers, Round 5:

C-3PO (-57)
Oliviana (-37)
Azlanti Scientists (-10)

With a shrug, C-3PO tries to finish off the injured researcher, before turning his attention to the one who is trying to hide.

Trick: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (4) + 21 = 25.
Static Arc Pistol: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (8) + 12 = 20, for 1d6 + 3 + 3d8 ⇒ (1) + 3 + (8, 6, 3) = 21 Electricity damage.
Squad Machine Gun: 1d20 + 12 - 2 ⇒ (20) + 12 - 2 = 30, for 2d10 + 12 ⇒ (4, 6) + 12 = 22 damage.
Squad Machine Gun: 1d20 + 12 - 2 ⇒ (14) + 12 - 2 = 24, for 1d10 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8 damage.

C-3PO's first shot takes out the injured scientist...

1d100 ⇒ 95
1d100 ⇒ 58

...and both bullets then strike the invisible chief scientist, causing her to curse loudly, before shimmering into view as she directs a barrage of force missiles into C-3PO.

Magic Missile: 3d4 + 3 ⇒ (1, 4, 2) + 3 = 10 Force damage.

Exhausted Researchers, Round 6:

C-3PO (-67)
Oliviana (-67)

C-3PO snorts.

"Nice try."

He then keeps firing.

Trick: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (17) + 21 = 38.
Static Arc Pistol: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (8) + 12 = 20, for 1d6 + 3 + 3d8 ⇒ (6) + 3 + (7, 6, 2) = 24 Electricity damage.
Squad Machine Gun: 1d20 + 12 - 2 ⇒ (18) + 12 - 2 = 28, for 2d10 + 12 ⇒ (6, 5) + 12 = 23 damage.
Squad Machine Gun: 1d20 + 12 - 2 ⇒ (6) + 12 - 2 = 16, for 1d10 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15 damage.