Gameday IX - GM Valen's Ashes of Discovery (SFS 1-12)(Subtier 1-2) (Inactive)

Game Master Lysle

Your presence has been requested at the Lorespire Complex on Absalom Station. There, you are to receive your assignment from Guidance. The networked entity is comprised of the personalities of prominent former Starfinder Society members, including the majority of First Seekers.

Besides the First Seeker and the Forum, Guidance is the third pillar of Starfinder Society leadership. Only rarely, when a person is deemed unworthy or dies before the uploading process, does a First Seeker's persona not become a part of the Society's spiritual anchor. Guidance inducts all new Starfinders into the organization and gives them their commencement address.

The ysoki arrives at the Lorespire Complex in advance, just to be sure. He's always a bit in advance for the briefing. So he's sure. And he has the time to review the cases on which he's working at this point.

He will greet the people who will arrive then anyway with a presentation like this:

Hello, nice to meet you. My name's Twisted Nicknick, the well-known lawyer. You know me for sure, don't you? Here is my card anyway.

On the card can be read: Legal Case Studio. Twisted Nicknick. Attorney at law. Absalom Station, Pact Worlds and beyond. Member of the Attorney’s legal Council. Member of the Starfinder Society. Contact : Akiton, Absalom Station

The formian solarian is also in advance at the meeting point. He doesn't seem to have any weapon on him but a Tune-Boot.

Hi, I hope you like music because that's my job. Well I'm good to talk as well. But if something disappears, that's not my fault, okay?

Perimeter Plasma arises for his morning rituals whatever the may be...

He thinks to himself.......

I wonder when I should respond to this invite to the Lorespire Complex...oh well, I reckon I still have time to run more simulations on this beloved Datapad of mine....

You see a tall male shirren running into the room.

I hope I’m not to late, I almost forgot what time it was. Was busy with some experiments. Well I’m RX-209. I’m a certified doctor/ engineer. I’ll be taking care of all of you. So rest your minds. Oh music, I love some music, especially when I’m working on something.

As soon as he’s done talking, you guys see that under his doctors robe there are multiple rows of syringes and darts. Filled with all kind of liquids in various colours and consistency.
Behind him you see something long and pointy sticking out over his shoulder.
It looks like a really large syringe but that can’t be, can it.
He keeps smiling. And goes around shaking everyone’s hand.

Murgatroyd walks in and sits down. “Ah, hello. I am Murgatroyd, apostle of Iomedae, champion of justice. It is… nice, to be here”. This is an android sealed up inside a heavy armor, which has a roughly painted longsword surrounded by a sunburst on its back, the symbol of the goddess. But he carries no such weapon, just a couple of handaxes. “Uh, I hope we will have various opportunities to dispense justice together... the goddess knows I have not been able to do much of that, lately”. He remains sitting down, shoulders slumped, seemingly tired.

Perimeter Plasma sensing his appearance at the Lorespire is likely looked for and makes his way. Once there he joins the others in the meeting location.

"Good Morning everyone. I trust we are all here gathered for the same opportunity of exploration? I appreciate these tasks that the Starfinder association task me with. You may call me Perimeter Plasma, you may have seen me on some rather unflattering video footage on the show Pact World Warriors, rest assured such gaps in my abilities have been addressed"

On Absalom Station at the Lorespire Complex, the recently assembled Starfinders await their assignment from Guidance.

A cluster of sleek black computers rests against the far wall of the meeting room. The Starfinder Society emblem at the center of the server cluster shines and begins projecting a stream of holographic light. The light takes the form of humanoid figure bereft of any definition, standing at the end of the meeting table closest to the servers.

“Greetings, I am Guidance." declares a voice, emanating from the computer. "I have a new assignment for you. Please observe.”

The projection gestures a flicking hand to its side, and a stream of data detailing an outpost made of interconnected circular chambers scrolls beside it.

“One of the Pact Worlds’ most prestigious organizations, the Xenowardens, recently discovered a dataset detailing the location of an outpost abandoned over two hundred years ago." explains the voice. "The organization has requested that the Starfnder Society dispatch a team of agents to secure the site, along with any remaining equipment or data. Your team will travel to this outpost and retrieve as much information about it as possible. You should also salvage any relevant equipment, which the Society will take as part of its payment."

The holographic projection flickers for a moment, then the voice urges, "If you have questions, now is the time to present them.”

"Thank you Guidance, as I do have a question. Are there any details or theories on why an outpost abandoned over two hundred years ago is worthy of exploration today"?

"Thank you Guidance, as I do have a question. Are there any details or theories on why an outpost abandoned over two hundred years ago is worthy of exploration today"?

"The Xenowardens are dedicated to preserving the natural environment of planets from colonization by outsiders. The outpost was intended to be a resource to other colonies in the area that needed help reducing he impact they had on local flora and fauna.” Guidance explains. "The exact reason that the outpost was abandoned remains unknown—and part of the reason you’re all needed to investigate the site. Records indicate the outpost confirmed its arrival and establishment with the hiring organization, but since then there have been limited communications. No reports or responses have been received in over two hundred years. In addition to recovery of records, artifacts, or information that may be of historical significance, ascertaining the reason for the colony's abandonment may prove useful in providing data of potential threats, hazards, or others factors that may have an impact on the establishment and preservation of future outposts.”

The solarian hears the briefing quietly. Then he asks some questions carefully.

Excuse me but how do we get there? And where is it indeed?

And what are we supposed to do if we meet new inhabitants?

The ysoki doesn't want to kill anybody if that's not legally determined by contract. Because a contract is a contract.

Perimeter Plasma muses out loud under his breath "Oh, so it is not so much abandoned as forgotten....unsupported...hmm"

then in normal tones

" Also Guidance, with respect..These historical/periodic transmissions from yester-years....Are those logged? Can we see them in preparation for this mission"?

Excuse me but how do we get there? And where is it indeed?

4

“For this assignment, you have been authorized use of a Drake or a Pegasus starship." Guidance replies. "Both starship frames can complete this assignment. Please consider the following advantages when making your decision: Drake frames have greater frepower, whereas Pegasus starships are equipped with advanced science labs and sensors. As always, to optimize the chances of completing the assignment, it is recommended that each Starfinder team choose a ship that covers any area of weakness. However, the final decision is based on your personal preference. Once selection has been made, the coordinates of the outpost specifying its location in Near Space will be transmitted to the navigational system of your starship."

And what are we supposed to do if we meet new inhabitants?

"Explore. Report. Cooperate." Guidance recites. After a few moments, the AI offers the following as an explanation. “There is limited data on the planet’s inhabitants, if any. As always, endeavor for a peaceful first contact, and keep the reputation of the Starfinder Society and the Pact Worlds in mind.”

" Also Guidance, with respect..These historical/periodic transmissions from yester-years....Are those logged? Can we see them in preparation for this mission"?

"The Xenowardens have provided only limited data and, presumably, possess no further information. The limited amount of data is also consistent with the nature of the organizations record retention policies and that fact that it has deemed the outpost as a low-priority endeavor, mostly due to its abandonment and relative lack of impact on the organization’s modern enterprises."

Feel free to post any additional questions. In the meantime, each PC should now 1) choose a starship frame (a Drake or a Pegasus), 2) slot any boons, and 3) finalize starship roles (at least preliminarily). Once that has been done, I will answer any remaining questions and move us along to the first encounter.

Thank you, I prefer the Pegasus in this case.

I think the Pegasus is a good one. But what do think the others?

I think we've already told what the characters can do in a starship. I can be Science officer (+10 computer), Engineer (+12 Engineering), Pilot (+8 Piloting), or gunner (+4).

" I have no preference on either of these ships, both have served me well in the past"

“No, it's fine… I’ll help with security, and carrying anything heavy. Thank you for the work, Guidance, it seems... nice. I am ready to go.” Murgatroyd stands up, his faceplate open.

“I hope I will have some opportunity to dispense justice, in this outpost. It’s actually what I do better. But I know the goddess will put me in the right path, whatever it may be.” he smiles awkwardly.

Drake all the way, the Pegasus is absolute trash

As a scientist, doctor I would preference the Pegasus. And the idea of going to a place the has been lost for 200 years so to say peeks my excitement. So many new genetic compounds to find. This could further my research significantly.

So when do we leave? But more importantly I would like to research a bit more on the planet and it biosfeer before I leave. You always have to be prepared. And knowledge is half the battle. So for information on the planet and more, is there some where we could getmore info about it?

Perimeter Plasma, agreeing with RF-209 in principle, would attempt a Computers Check for background information on the site when the opportunity permits.

You board the Pegasus with the coordinates for the outpost already having been inputted into the navigational computer.
Days?: 3d6 ⇒ (3, 4, 2) = 9

During the nine days travel through the Drift, Perimeter Plasma has the opportunity to review the sparse files provided with regard to the outpost on the planet designated as Colony-843.

The Xenowardens are a druidic faction of environmental extremists who are devoted to protecting environments from destructive exploitation and corruption. To the Xenowardens, every world bearing the spark of life is unique: a scientific mystery to be unraveled and a sacred miracle to be revered. In their eyes, the unregulated rush outward into the galaxy in order to earn quick credits or facilitate further urban sprawl is a tragic heresy—and one that must be opposed. Xenowarden scientists see in the study of alien life-forms the chance to greatly advance knowledge and make new medical discoveries. Present day Xenowardens patrol the void in living arkships that are grown rather than built, bioengineered to reduce reliance on nonrenewable technologies, and given partial sentience so they can consent to the tasks their pilots ask of them.

The Xenowardens often use their political power to place members within corporate ventures as ecological advisors and observers, and they send patrols to newly discovered worlds to monitor development and make sure colonists adequately respect the local ecosystems.

Colony-843 was designated as one for potential colonization as part of a corporate expedition mounted by a small start-up corporation known as Amiable, Inc., which was accompanied by a patrol of Xenowardens headed up by a lashunta named Voress.

The reports possessed by the Xenowardens are fairly routine, confirming the establishment of the outpost near a forested region of the planet. Reported readings show a temperate world with standard Castrovel-like gravity and atmosphere. The records show some disputes between representatives been Amiable, Inc. and Voress' team regarding the viability and sustainability of a long term colony. The final reports indicate that the Xenowardens recommended shutting down the expedition. Amiable, Inc. subsequently declared bankruptcy.

Once the Pegasus leaves the Drift and enters the designated star system, the planet of your destination planet appears on the starship’s main viewscreen. Suddenly, alarms suddenly blare. A slender form emerges from the distant void, slithering from out of the planet’s shadow. It moves directly toward the starship, as if drawn to it.

Any PC may head to a Science station and attempt a Life Science check to identify the creature before combat.

A picture of the creature and a Map with the position of the Pegasus in green and creature in red is now up.

Engineering Phase
Any PC with the Engineer role may now act..

The ysoki takes the task.

Engineering. Divert (engin): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (18) + 12 = 30

RF-209 moves to the science station and tries to identify the creature
LifeScience: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27

Perimeter does not like what he sees on the View Screen.

The ysoki identifies the creature as coming toward the ship as a spacer legend known as a Besmaran whelp. The name is a catchall title for a wildly diverse group of immense space-dwelling aliens, which scientists are still researching in an effort to determine if these creatures are one species or several. The Besmaran whelps have a long wormlike body, two appendages, and a narrowed tail. Such creatures typically feed on energy—their favorite meal being the power cores of starships!

The ship's preliminary scans reveal the following:
N Medium starship aberration (red)
Speed 12; Maneuverability good (+1 Piloting, turn 2)
AC 13; TL 11
HP 55; DT —; CT 11
Bioshields 40 (forward 10, port 10, starboard 10, aft 10
Attack (Forward) energy drain bite +3 (EMP effect)
Attack (Turret) tracking quills: Range short; Damage 3d6; limited fire 5
(and likely more...)
Power Core Besmaran whelp heart (150 PCU);
Drift Engine none

Helm Phase (Initiative)
Whelp, Piloting for Initiative: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13

PC with Pilot role may now roll Initiative. If the result is less than 13, then both Pilot and Science Officer both act.

"I think we should get the hezznik away from that creature"!!

Perimeter Plasma, suddenly realizing the ship was on auto pilot, grabs the ships controls in an effort to retreat from this creature at the fastest speed he can muster. " I am getting the heznik away from that thing "

Piloting check Piloting: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12

We are now in Helm phase. The pilot with the lowest result must move their starship first. The Pilot as well as any First Mate and/or Science officer may act.

A summary of the core starship rules (incorporating errata) can be found
here.

The Pilot should update the position of the PC's starship (green) on the Map.

Once those actions have been taken, I will post the monster's move and actions for the Helm Phase.

Starship combat "by the book" can drag and use a lot of time via PbP. I will see how we do going in phases for the first round or two of combat, especially as this scenario is new to many of you, but I may I alter the way we handle it after that if I think doing so can improve the timing/flow.

As I'm playing science officer for the round 1.

Engineering. Divert. Weapon: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (12) + 12 = 24

As I'm playing science officer for the round 1.

Twisted Nicknick has previously acted this round, boosting engines in the Engineering phase. As a result, the Pegasus may move two additional hexes during movement.

Perimeter Plasma will Pilot the ship to evade the creature and combat. Perimeter will veer to Port and accelerate to flank speed. It.

Damn the weapons man, more power to the engines, we are leaving"

I do not know if it is a permission thing, but I can't for the life of me position the ship on that map.

Perimeter Plasma will Pilot the ship to evade the creature and combat. Perimeter will veer to Port and accelerate to flank speed. It.

I do not know if it is a permission thing, but I can't for the life of me position the ship on that map.

Go ahead and give me a Piloting check for the Evade action. As for the map, I think I've fixed the permissions. If not, go ahead and describe the action/number of hexes you are moving (I am guessing the intent is to fly evasive and execute a turn to put the ship's back to the monster, but I want to confirm before I have the monster eat you move.)

The captain gives courage to the gunners.

Diplomacy:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19

Perimeter Plasma Piloting Check

Ultimately the goal is to evade combat, hopefully draw the monster away from our destination so we can sneak back, without being eaten.

Piloting: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10

Perimeter Plasma Piloting Check

Ultimately the goal is to evade combat, hopefully draw the monster away from our destination so we can sneak back, without being eaten.

I have tried to determine your intended position and facing based upon your post. To try and make things clearer, I have added dotted lines and starting position tokens to the Map and encourage you to do the same when moving the ship.

Also, I am assuming the intended Piloting action is to evade. Unfortunately, that is insufficient to add to your AC.

Round One Helm Phase Cont'd

Any PC in Science role may use Helm action to make a Life Science check this round to learn more about the Besmaran Whelp. (Initial check was prior to combat beginning).

As the Starfinder ship turns in an effort to avoid a fight, the space creature, hungry for energy, does its best to close with the starship and slow it down enough to make a meal of it!

Whelp, Piloting to Evade: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27

Round One Gunnery Phase Begins
One of the spiked quills along the monster's back launches toward the Pegasus!
Whelp, Gunnery (tracking quill), range: 1d20 + 3 - 2 ⇒ (2) + 3 - 2 = 3
Damage: 3d6 ⇒ (6, 4, 1) = 11

However, the quill fails to connect.

Gunners may act and I will resolve the attack on my next post. Appears only turret weapon can be brought to bear. Don't forget +2 bonus from Captain action. As the whelp successfully executed the evade action, it is currently at AC 15.

To keep things moving (and a single round is unlikely to end this fight), PCs with the Engineer role may go ahead and post any actions/rolls. Also, I will make a Piloting check for Initiative.

Round Two Engineering Phase Begins

Round Two Helm Phase (Initiative)
Whelp, Piloting for Initiative: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28

PC with Pilot role may now roll Initiative for Round Two. If the result is less than 28, then both Pilot and Science Officer post actions for Round Two.

Murgatroyd activates the Coilgun, using the computer assistance and feeling encouraged by the captain.

Coilgun: 1d20 + 3 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 3 + 1 + 2 = 15
Damage: 4d4 ⇒ (4, 2, 1, 3) = 10

Piloting Check for Initiative

Piloting: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

Murgatroyd activates the Coilgun, using the computer assistance and feeling encouraged by the captain.

Projectiles from the Starfinder vessel pierce the creature's hide. Its mouth opens in a silent scream of pain.

Round Two Engineering Phase Cont'd
PC in Engineer role may take action.

Round Two Helm Phase Cont'd
Whelp wins initiative. PCs must move ship first. PCs in Pilot role and Science roles may take actions.

I will keep it off us!! Let that thing have it since we can't get away!!

Perimeter Continues to Evade, ship position updated, can move the ship fine now, thank you for your efforts

So I think from this round we follow these roles as described in the discussion list:
Ji-Thil captain
RF-209 Engineer/Science Officer
Twisted Gunner 1
Perimeter Pilot
Murgatroyd Gunner 2

Yep, I'm choosing my favorite light laser cannon already - as long as the space whale doesn't get behind us

RF-209 tries to get every last bit of info about that creature
LifeScience: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25

So I think from this round we follow these roles as described in the discussion list:

Ji-Thil captain
RF-209 Engineer/Science Officer
Twisted Gunner 1
Perimeter Pilot
Murgatroyd Gunner 2

I will assume these are the roles for this round and future rounds unless otherwise indicated.

Round Two Helm Phase Cont'd
Like a focused-minded predator, the Besmaran Whelp takes the quickest path towards its intended meal, its jaws wide open.
Whelp, Piloting to Evade: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13

RF-209 rapidly reviews incoming scans of the creature, which provides a nearly complete assessment of the creature:

N Medium starship aberration (red)
Speed 12; Maneuverability good (+1 Piloting, turn 2)
AC 13; TL 11
HP 55; DT —; CT 11
Bioshields 40 (forward 0, port 10, starboard 10, aft 10)
Attack (Forward) energy drain bite +3 (EMP effect)
Attack (Turret) tracking quills: Range short; Damage 3d6; limited fire 5
Attack (Forward) energy drain bite +3 (see below)
Attack (Port) claws +3 (3d4)
Attack (Starboard) claws +3 (3d4)
Attack (Aft) tail slap +3 (2d4)
Power Core Besmaran whelp heart (150 PCU);
Drift Engine none

The results reveal that the Besmaran whelp has a viscous, energy-draining bite as well as powerful tail and claws capable of ripping apart the ship's hull!

Claws (Ex) A Besmaran whelp can use its clawed appendages to grab and attach to a starship. A Besmaran whelp can make a claw attack against an adjacent ship in its port or starboard firing arc. If the attack deals hull damage, the Besmaran whelp attaches itself to the ship (if performing a flyby attack, the whelp must end its movement in an adjacent hex to benefit from the attached effect). A ship the whelp attaches itself to can still move and takes no other negative effects, but when the ship moves, the whelp moves with it and remains adjacent in the same relative position. A pilot on a ship with an attached Besmaran whelp can shake the whelp off by succeeding at a DC 18 Piloting check before moving. Succeeding at this check negates the attached effect, so the whelp does not move with the shipwhen the ship moves. Failure causes the pilot’s starship to take 1d4 damage on the arc where the Besmaran whelp is attached, in addition to the whelp still moving with the attached starship when the ship moves. The attached effect continues until the end of the following helm phase.

Energy Drain Bite (Ex) The “mouth” of a Besmaran whelp drains a ship of power. A Besmaran whelp can make an energy drain bite attack against an adjacent ship in its forward firing arc. If the attack hits, the ship is affected by an EMP effect.

Tail Slap (Ex) A Besmaran whelp can whip its narrow tail at a ship. A Besmaran whelp can make a tail slap attack against a ship in an adjacent hex in its aft firing arc.

@Perimeter Plasma - Go ahead and post your Piloting check to Evade.
Also, please roll another Piloting check for Initiative Round 3.

Round Two Gunnery Phase Begins

PCs in Gunnery role and Captain roles may take actions.

Fire !

Diplomacy, gunnery: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

The ysoki takes place in the gunner seat and fires towards the shark.

Coilgun:1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 4 + 2 = 14

Damage: 4d4 ⇒ (4, 4, 2, 2) = 12

Murgatroyd shoots a light laser cannon, if the creature is in a valid arc, using the computer assistance.

laser: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 3 + 1 = 10
Damage: 2d4 ⇒ (4, 1) = 5

If you add the cpu bonus, I think that coilgun attack hit

Round Two Helm Phase Cont'd
To keep things moving, I will bot the roll of the stated Piloting to Evade.
Perimeter Plasma, Piloting to Evade w/computer (DC 13): 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 8 + 1 = 22

Round Two Gunnery Phase Cont'd

The ysoki turns the coil gun on the attacking creature. The shots tear into the monster's flesh.

Murgatroyd shoots a light laser cannon, if the creature is in a valid arc, using the computer assistance.

If you add the cpu bonus, I think that coilgun attack hit

The Starfinder's beam fails to connect to the target.

I am unaware of any bonus to Gunnery from cpu.

As it cries out silently in the void, the Besmaran Whelp brings its teeth to bear on the Starfinder vessel.
Whelp, Bite: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

However, the Starfinder vessel readily avoids the bite.

Round Three Engineering Phase Begins

A PC may take any Engineering actions.

Round Three Helm Phase Begins
Whelp, Pilot for Initiative: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

PC must make Piloting roll for Initiative. If the result is less than 13, then the PCs take Helm Phase actions first and move the token of the ship.

I am unaware of any bonus to Gunnery from cpu.

We have a mk 1 duonode computer, +1 bonus to any two rolls.

Keep up the pressure, we can't outrun this thing"!

Piloting Check for Initiative....

Piloting: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12

Should I just roll now for evade too?

" That creature sure is quick"!