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

Game Master Lysle

"If you are not capable of speech, we must end our encounter now. We have a mission to complete."

The result of Murgatroyd's contact with the other being is similar to that of the first. Otherwise, the being does not display any sign of recognition of the Starfinder's words.

Perimeter, against his better judgement, will extend his hand, in a friendly and cautious manner to the first being, completing a circuit.

"Greetings friends, we are looking for an Outpost, can you help us Gives gesture of greeting/respect

When the two bioluminescent beings and the two androids form a circuit, there is a considerable flash of light. Suddenly, glowing lights appear throughout the interior of the village.

Anyone wish to attempt to Aid Another on the Culture check of Perimeter Plasma or attempt a Culture check on their own?

I don't have any ranks in Culture, so (literally) no dice

The yoski tries to communicate as well with gestures instead of words which the creatures seem not to understand anyway.

Culture: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

I've no rank in Culture neither.

RF-209 tries to communictae with gestures but also tries with telepathy at the same time.
Culture: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13

LANGUAGES Arkanen, Drow, Ignan, Kalo, Shirren, Triaxian, Vercite

Ouch! Some unfortunate rolls.

Despite the efforts of the ysoki and the shirren, the Starfinders are unable to convey any further information to the luminescent beings and their methods of communicating through light are, unfortunately, not as illuminating as the Starfinders may have hoped.

What next? Any rerolls? Spells?

Also, the PCs have coordinates to the outpost, so you could simply head towards there on your own if you'd like.

The ysoki pulls out a spell gem and casts Comprehend language. Then hoping that will work he speak to the creatures. He explains who they are and the reason why they are here. He also asks question about them: how long are they here? How are their people called and so on.

The solarian waits to know the result of the spell. A lawyer is made to speak after all.

Once the electric handshake is over, Perimeter will politely back away

"Should we head for the old outpost coordinates? These beings seem friendly, maybe if we are respectful, they won't interfere".

Employing his spell gem, Twisted Nicknick understands the messages conveyed by the two beings and those from the other beings in the village.

The two beings are clearly excited to meet outsiders, particularly the 'conductive ones'. They are also particularly curious about the "skins", "tokens', 'talismans', 'baubles', and 'small hammers' possessed by the party, referring to their armor, kits, data pads, grenades, and pistols. These beings have clearly never seen such technology.

As the lights pulse out from the village, it becomes clear that the two beings you first met are adolescents of the tribe. The luminescent beings pulsing lights from the village are the elders, who are asking questions about the Starfinders, asking such questions as, "Have they emerged from the slow-falling, metallic meteor that came down from the sky?", "Do they know why the 'Sky Mother' has not returned?", and "Could the "Sky Minders" have returned?"

Soon, more lights begin to converge on the center of the village, as villagers assemble and the adolescents urge you to meet with their elders.

The other villagers, too, show an intense interest in your technological items and the two androids, in particular. Yet, they are most curious about the great space battle in the sky and the fate of the "Sky Mother".

The gathering of beings presents the Starfinders with further opportunity to interact with the natives and to possibly obtain some more information from them in regard to your mission. Some locals may be tricked into providing useful information, while others may well offer it freely to those with whom they are impressed. Most all of them are fascinated with the technological devices possessed by the Starfinders and, once their curiosity is sated with explanations as to how the wondrous devices function, are almost eager to exchange whatever information they have.

Successful interaction with the natives requires a successful DC 15 Bluff, Diplomacy, or Engineering check. The two android members of the party, Murgatroyd-01 and Perimeter Plasma, gain a +2 bonus to theses checks. The more successes, the more information available to the party.

Each PC may start by making three attempts at skill checks. If a PC fails a check by 5 or more, then that PC cannot attempt any more checks using the same skill.

RF-209 tries to interact showing of his engineering skills
engineering: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19

diplomacy: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21
bluff: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (13) - 1 = 12

The ysoki uses his engineering knowledge to progress in the conversation.

Engineering: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (4) + 12 = 16

Engineering: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (8) + 12 = 20

Engineering: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (14) + 12 = 26

Murgatroyd keeps trying to describe the outpost and getting information out of the natives, at the same time proselytizing about Iomedae.

Diplomacy: 1d20 - 1 + 2 ⇒ (17) - 1 + 2 = 18
Diplomacy: 1d20 - 1 + 2 ⇒ (19) - 1 + 2 = 20
Diplomacy: 1d20 - 1 + 2 ⇒ (15) - 1 + 2 = 16

Looks like Murgatroyd found his calling in doing missionary work

Perimeter will go the Engineering route...

Engineering: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 9 + 2 = 20

Engineering: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 9 + 2 = 26

Engineering: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 9 + 2 = 23

Perimeter will show pictures of the outpost on his datapad. Alternatively, I could use Hologrpahic Image to project a representation of what we are looking for

RF-209 wants to scan the lifeforms with his custom micro-lab.
He’s very eager to find out everything about these humanoids.
Maybe yes able to find something that could help him in his search for making the best
Bio booster ever
life science: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15
physical science: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23
don’t know if they are living or part machine so both checks

The solarian tries to get information as well.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27

Wow! Not a single failure! Well done, Starfinders!

RF-209 wants to scan the lifeforms with his custom micro-lab.

He’s very eager to find out everything about these humanoids.

RF-209 identifies these beings as organic, humanoid lifeforms that generate their own form of bioluminescence through a series of photophores found in select layers of their epithelial tissue. The photocytes within their bodies are capable of catalyzing enzymes to produce light as well as absorbing electrial and heat energy.

The elders of the village are quite impressed both with the devices demonstrated by the Starfinders and the words of these outsiders. They invite you to remain in the village as long as you would like.

The elders liken your devices to those rumored to have been held by the Sky Minders, who came to the world many orbits ago. During their time on this world, the Sky Minders took a particular interest in the local wildlife and even taught the ancestors of the natives better ways to reap the fruits offered by the forest and how to sustain them. The Sky Minders have long since departed. However, before departing, the Sky Minders had charged with locals with protecting the eggs of the Sky Mother, a powerful beast that can travel among the stars. The description that they provide matces that of the Besmaran Whelp.

The natives lament that the Sky Mother has not been seen since shortly before your arrival and the fear that they do not have the resources to care for the eggs and incubate on their own.

Murgatroyd keeps trying to describe the outpost and getting information out of the natives, at the same time proselytizing about Iomedae.

When Murgatroyd-01 begins evangelizing about the virtues of worshipping Iomedae, many of the natives are very receptive. One of the elders, 1pulse4pulses1pulse, nods vigorously, then announces,

"Yet, all was not lost." she expounds. " For the mantle once born by Aroden passed to a new divine beign, the goddess, Iomedae. It was then that she became the Inheritor, confronting Aroden's foe--the Whispering Tyrant-- and assumed her role as the Spirit of Golarian."

"The story of the divine has repeated itself with your coming. For , the eggs of the Sky Mother were left in our care since the departure of the Sky Minders. Now, just when we believed that the Sky Minders had possibly returned, the Sky Mother disappeared. It may perhaps even be that she had died. Yet, all is not lost." concludes the elder. "For the time has come for the mantle placed upon us by the Sky Minders to now be passed to you from the sky. Now, you have inherited the responsibility of protectors and guardians of the eggs of the Sky Mother and you must protect those eggs from her foe, the exiled 2pulsesthen2!"

"Yes, 1pulse4pulses1pulse speaks wisdom!" chimes another one of the elders, turning to address the Starfinders, "For you seem to be seeking the ancient temple of the Sky Minders and that is where the Exile has gone!" This second elder goes on to explain that the Sky Minders had set up a temple that contained many wonders and had hosted a menagerie of creatures within it.

After the Sky Minders left, the temple became "haunted". He initially would have plead for you not to venture there, warning that it contains a "thin space" where "bestial spirits" and "primal magics" filters through into the world. Such "magic" can lead to death or worse still, the darkening of one's "light", causing one to become savage and animalistic. But, now, realizing that you have come in the spirit of the Inheritor, assuming the mantle of protectors of the eggs of the Sky Mother, he is willing to share the location of the temple with you.

The second elder goes on to tell you the story of 3pulsesthen2, who was exiled from the village for attempting to steal the eggs of the Sky Mother in an effort to create an armada of beasts in hopes of conquest. Once exiled, the native youth set out to temple in an effort to obtain its forbidden magics for himself. Not long afterwards, a strange storm of sharp, swirling razor leaves arose and overcame the temple. Fortunately, the storm has remained centered on the old temple. Whether the storm arose as a result of the death of exile or by his command, the natives do not know. Even before his exile, 3pulsesthen2, displayed a remarkable ability to get other creatures to do his bidding.

The natives have concerns that if venture to the temple amidst the storm that you may cause it to increase in size or intensity or that you may antagonize the exile, possibly causing him to unleash another disaster into the world.

Yes, all success. It was a spell gem worth at least :)

We will do all what we can to make this storm ceased. And in no way we will make it increase or worse. Don't fear. Can you tell us where is this temple? You seemed to be willing to share its location with us.

“Behold…! The Spirit of Golarion has blessed you!” Murgatroyd gets teary eyed, if that’s possible. “Follow Her teachings from now on - we will take care of the eggs, and bring the light of justice to the exile. Our path is righteous and She looks over us. Tell us the way - and believe.”

Murgatroyd’s reaction to the conversion of the natives, but just for 8 seconds

The mission will not fail because of us. We will do well so far as possible. Be confident. I hope we demonstrated the fact that we are here to arrange things instead of make these worse.

Can you tell us where is this temple? You seemed to be willing to share its location with us.[/b]

The natives affirm that they are willing to share what they know of the location of the Sky Minders' temple, but they refuse to accompany you warning that none of the villagers that have sought out the temple, including the Exile, have ever returned.

As the storm arose following his departure, the elders explain, the Exile is the most notable of those who have venturing to the temple in recent times. He is not, however, the only one. Before his departure, 3pulsesthen2, developed a following among some of the other youth within the village. Among his apparent admirers was 2pulsesbothbeforeandafteranextendedpause. Several days ago, the wayward admirer left the village, having confided in another that she could not believe that 3pulsesthen2 could be responsible for the storm and that she intended to set out to prove it.

“Follow Her teachings from now on - we will take care of the eggs, and bring the light of justice to the exile. Our path is righteous and She looks over us. Tell us the way - and believe.”

1pulse4pulses1pulse hands a sheet composed of woven, organic fibers with areas stained different, glowing colors by various lichen to Murgatroyd-01, then nods her head reverently. "You, like us, bear the light." she says as she points to the sunburst shining out within the holy symbol of Iomedae. "This map, too, carries with it the light of our knowledge."

"May the goddess watch over you as you begin your new crusade." she urges. "Should you find any of our kind, offer them mercy, for the word of Iomedae that you have delivered to us has not been given to them. It would be best, of course, to convince any of them to lay aside their dark desires and return to the village. But, if they persist in doing wrong, then may the goddess herself guide your strike against evil."

The mission will not fail because of us. We will do well so far as possible. Be confident. I hope we demonstrated the fact that we are here to arrange things instead of make these worse.

"You have proven yourselves most capable and wise." responds an elder. "Were it not so, we would not have entrusted you with the care of the eggs or, for your own safety, the location of the temple that appears to have claimed the lives, if not the souls, of too many of our own."

Anything else you want to ask/do in the village? If not, three votes for departure will move us along.

I'm ready to go - is the "temple" in the same place as the outpost?

Thank you for your assistance. We will solve the problem in the temple and with the exile. So you will get a life more sure.

I'm ready to go - is the "temple" in the same place as the outpost?

Yes, your discussions with the natives make it clear that the two are one and the same.

RF-209 is happy with his findings and is eagerly waiting to venture out towards the temple.
He bows deeply to show his appreciation and to thank them for the lovely welcome.

He faces his team members and asks
Are we ready to leave towards the temple and continue with our mission?

Perimeter as if he has been in a trance for days, suddenly jerks to online...

"Yes yes, I am ready to proceed. What transpired over me?"

The yoski whispers: Yes I think so. Then he thanks the natives for their help and readies to go.

The solarian nods. They seem to have learn anything they could from the natives thanks to the spell gem from the ysoki. Now they have to discover this temple and what lurks inside. And hopefully they will be in position to do something to put an end to the rain and the actions of the exile.

After the departing the village, you eventually encounter the edge of the storm that surrounds the "temple". The closer that you get to the outpost, the stronger the effects of the storm become.

[ooc]Each PC must make 3 Fortitude saves (DC 10).
Piercing damage taken by PC after failing first save: 1d4 ⇒ 2
Piercing damage taken by PC after failing the second save: 1d4 ⇒ 1
Piercing damage taken by PC after failing the third save: 1d4 ⇒ 3

Following a 3-hour trek through the storm, you reach a notable gorge that leads to the outpost.

Fortitude DC 10: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14
Fortitude DC 10: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17
Fortitude DC 10: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22

Murgatroyd storms through the storm, completely protected by the blessings of Iomedae.

Fort:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20

Fort:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21

Fort:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23

The solarian walks in the storm as it was nothing.

Fort:1d20 ⇒ 16

Fort:1d20 ⇒ 12

Fort:1d20 ⇒ 9

Aie! It hurts. Let's put an end to this.

Fort: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Fort: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23

Fort: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

RF-209 was not prepared for this and gets a couple off hits by flying branches.
The last one was a direct hit to his face.

Fortitude Save: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Fortitude Save: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12

Fortitude Save: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

After enduring the relentless storm, you approach the area where the storm is strongest, near its eye. The razor leaves slash into the two androids and the ysoki.

Dilapidated circular buildings dot the landscape. A tumultuous storm rages all around, strong and fierce, without any sign of slowing down. A crumbling stone bridge crosses a broad gorge, offering a pathway directly into the heart of the turmoil.

Before you are the remains of a circular structure, with a partly broken stone bridge that crosses a deep gorge. The constant battering of the storm devastated the buildings, reducing them to little more than ruins. The bridge is severely damaged and is in danger of collapsing.
Map of area now available on Slides.

To cross the bridge, PCs must succeed at a DC 10 Acrobatics check. to maintain balance. Falling prone results in falling from the bridge into the chasm 20 feet below. The walls of the chasm are rough and pitted from the storm, making climbing out uncomplicated and requiring a PC to succeed at a DC 12 Athletics check.

The intense storm continues to punish those caught within it.
Every round, creatures in the area must succeed at a DC 10 Fortitude save or take 1 point of slashing damage. Creatures in the circular building areas receive a +5 bonus to the Fortitude save due to the shelter the blasted walls provide. The red flora in the structures on the map count as difficult terrain.

Going into Rounds

The Crossing Round One

PCs in bold may act

Ja-Thil
Murgatroyd-01
Twisted Nick -3 SP
RF-209 -5 SP
Perimeter Plasma - 5 SP

How about using Jump Jets to cross? Can I use them to make the crossing easier?

Engineering versus dc 10: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26

Gentlemen.... Lets use some of this Starfinder equipment we brought along to stabilize this bridge. Footing seems difficult. Maybe I can get across with my Jump Jets and run an extra safety line...(Perimeter is not certain about this strong wind)

Acrobatics DC 10: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23
Fortitude DC 10: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16

Murgatroyd double moves, almost getting across the bridge. Like before, the storm is no match for him.

Fort:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Acrobatics:1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11

Fort: 1d20 ⇒ 17

Acrobatics:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12

Well, but I prefer the trial's chamber. That's less sharpened.

Perimeter Plasma doggedly secures the bridge, you can see his steadfast determination to properly and safely ensure footing. It is so good and he made a big deal about it, not only is he taking the +2, I am takin another +4 for my jump jets. So there. The whole time, you can hear Perimeter muttering under his breath "stupid pack world warriors, spent the whole time trying to climb a damnable slide like a tool, never AGAIN!"

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19

Fortitude: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14

How about using Jump Jets to cross? Can I use them to make the crossing easier?

No Acrobatics check is needed to maintain balance for a PC using Jump Jets to cross. I believe you could use fabricate tech class ability to produce a cable line or a grappler that would grant the +2 bonus to Acrobatics or Athletics checks in this encounter by expending a level 1 spell slot.

The Starfinders begin their crossing. The androids have no difficulty during the first leg, their actuators readily compensating for steps on weaker parts of the bridge that fall away as they step. The ysoki and formian struggle to keep up, but manage to do so. However, a sudden gust drives small shards of razor leaves into formian's exoskeleton.
Ji-Thil takes 1 point of slashing damage.

The Crossing Round Two

PCs in bold may act

Ja-Thil -1 SP
Murgatroyd-01
Twisted Nick -3 SP
RF-209 -5 SP
Perimeter Plasma -5 SP

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21
Fortitude: 1d20 + 2 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 2 + 5 = 8

Murgatroyd keeps moving on, and gets to the center of the first circular building.

"Come forth, 3pulsesthen2!" he yells into the storm, as he draws both his axes.

Anyone interested in working together to improve our chances of crossing safely?

Fort: 1d20 + 3 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 3 + 5 = 18

As I was at the entrance I think no need of an acrobatics check.

The ysoki enter in the circular building.

Fort:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17

ok good. Was not certain if more checks were required

Fortitude: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14

Casts Detect Magic Cantrip to determine if any information can be gained.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Fortitude: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13

enginering: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25