GM Jhaeman's "Dawn of Flame, Chapter 1: Fire Starters" (Inactive)

Game Master Jhaeman

"Oh no!" Cabizo quickly starts digging through his pockets, pulling out small jars of pigments and one very long piece of printout paper before holding aloft a handful of brightly-colored red, green, blue, and yellow pills in triumph. "Haha! I knew I left some in here from the last time I wore this!" With a cheerful grin, the skittermander thrusts the pills into the pahtra's face. "Here, take one of these - it'll make you feel better!"

Medicine to Treat Poison: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21

If that beats the DC of the poison, Zharis gains a +4 bonus on her next save against the poison. We have medkits on us as part of the "disguise", correct? Asking for a friend... XD

Yes, we have medkits.

Zharis looks uncertainly at the pills, but then took them, figuring it was worth the chance, since the Skittermander was supposed to be a doctor, right?

A search of the imp turns up an azimuth laser pistol with a 20-charge battery. You also notice the imp has two gold horn extensions you could probably hock for about 25 credits each.

Oh, I forgot about the poison! Yes, another DC 13 Fort save please Zharis, and you'll get the +4 bonus from Cabizo's treatment. If the check is failed, you'll move down the track to Stiffened.

Fort Save: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Man. Pahtras have Nimble, so we don't get flat-footed normally, but obviously we are extremely susceptible to whatever that freaking poison is. Does it wear off, or am I drifting towards death here?

Some shouts of confusion and alarm can be heard behind the door to the cafeteria where the Sunrise Collective have set up a barricade. But even more urgently, Zharis seems weak and sluggish!

Unfortunately, the poison keeps progressing for six rounds after infliction until cured with a successful save. Cabizo (or anyone else), would you please attempt another Medicine check to see if Zharis gets a +4 bonus on her next save? Zharis, you need to attempt a DC 13 Fort save or become Staggered.

Xylian pulls Zharis into a sitting position at the bottom of the stairs, fetching his own medkit and examining her wound. ”I don’t suppose there’s anything we could do about locking those doors from the outside?” He says. Since the standard antitoxin seemed to have no effect, Xylian mixes several different vials of medication into a single syringe and injects the bipedal feline. ”Pit viper venom antibodies to block the venom, adrenaline to reduce the effect of the reaction and morphine because...because morphine. Incidentally, I am not that kind of doctor.”

MEDS: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28

Am I weak enough that I can be pulled out of the second room and down the stairs against my will? Also, are we running? Is that what you are trying to do? Fine with that if you think we can't do this... which is quite possible with the whole building alerted, but I think this is a plot point, so not sure how we get around it.

Fort Save: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15

That saves with a +4 from Xylian, unless you are ruling that his concoction made it worse. :) It does not save without the plus... I have no fort bonus on my own.

Xylian's hastily-concocted strange brew does the trick! Poison oozes out of Zharis' pores, and in seconds she feels like her old self again.

Good teamwork, guys. Zharis, you no longer have any of the poison-related conditions. Group, it sounds like there's a decision on the table whether to press on or retreat, which can make for a good role-playing opportunity.

Cabizo claps delightedly. "Excellent work, Xylian!" he cheers. "And way to pull through, Zharis! You're too tough to be kept down for long!"

After a few seconds, the skittermander turns to look at the door again. "Um... Maybe we find a different way inside?" he suggests sheepishly. "They might not be expecting us to go through a different door!"

”Well. That could have gone terribly. If you had received pit viper anti-venom before you could have had a fatal allergic reaction. Maybe. Pahtra could be different.” Xylian says with a sigh of relief. ”Another door, then, Cabizo. We are already here, we may as well continue. I doubt escape will be possible at the moment.”

Recovering quickly, Zharis thanks Cabizo and Xylian for helping her, and then joining in the conversation about what to do next she says

I don't think that coming in another way is going to fool them, guys, but if you really want to try, I'm with you.

To recap options if you want to press forward: the northwest doors from the portico take you into the cafeteria where guards have set up a barricade with tables and chairs. The northeast and eastern doors from the portico lead to areas you haven't been in yet. If you want to enter the building from another entrance, there are external doors on the eastern side of the building. There are a few windows and an interior courtyard open to the sky.

Xylian grabs the laser pistol dropped by the sneaky imp, brewing up an idea to increase its offensive potential. ”How many grenades did we have? They would be superior weapons in this situation, I think. Don’t have to worry about them blowing a hole out into the void of space.”

I say we try the eastern exterior doors.

So, want me to lob some grenades at the guards then? I have 3 frag, 1 holo, and one stickybomb.

"Well, then they couldn't catch us from behind," Cabizo reasons, though his smile is noticeably missing as he ponders the thought. "Or maybe we could jam the door so they can't come through?"

"I suppose you're probably right." Shujae murmurs as she thinks on the idea. "Avoiding a direct confrontation is certainly preferable. I think Staim could probably scout out locations for us so we know where they are if they are hiding."

”I believe there was another door on the eastern side of the structure. Shall we?”

I don't think that is going to get us out of a fight, but lead on. I suppose we'll see what happens.

Backtracking quickly down the steps of the portico, you sweep along the right side of the building to the eastern doors shown on the schematics that Nib and Taeress were able to find for you. A quick inspection shows that the doors are locked.

If you want to try to pick the lock, I'd need an Engineering check.

I'm back on duty--thanks for your patience everyone.

Zharis tries to unlock the door.

Engineering (unlock): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16

Zharis takes a crack at the lock and can't quite get the electro-tumblers to spin. But the device seems pretty simple, and she didn't damage it.

The attempt failed, but it didn't fail by 5 or more and there are no consequences. Zharis or someone else can try again.

Vilo steps up and holds a flashlight at the perfect angle to make the task a little easier.

Vilo is trained in Engineering and will Take 10 to Aid Another, providing a +2 bonus if there's another attempt on the door.

Zharis growls in frustration, stepping back and allowing Vilo to look. With pointers from her, and the extra light from her flashlight, she tries again.

Engineering (unlock): 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 5 + 2 = 20

With some help from Vilo, Zharis is able to spring the lock! The door swings open to reveal a museum. Paintings depicting the discovery, exploration, and settlement of the Burning Archipelago (with a focus on critical moments essential to the development of Asanatown) line the walls of this chamber. Doors engraved with similar scenes stand to the north and west. Transparent display cases, most freestanding but a few along the wall, hold curious items. But before you can investigate, your attention is drawn to the two security robots on guard here! One seems damaged and immobile, but still functional, while the other flies through the room. Both aim their weapons in your direction--it's clear they've been programmed to fire on intruders like yourselves!

Good work Zharis, you make the DC exactly.

The Blue robot in the corner has no move speed and has taken some hit point damage, but is otherwise functional. The display cases are impassable terrain and provide cover to those on the other side.

On your turn as a free action, you can try to identify these robots.

Initiative (Round 1)

Robots
Vilo
Cabizo
Xylian
Shujae
Zharis

Bold should go!

The security robots react quickly! One zooms through the room and ejects a grenade that explodes into an adhesive goo! The other one fires a stunning blast at Vilo.

Everyone needs to attempt a DC 10 Reflex save. On a failure, you are entangled for 2d4 rounds.

Vilo is hit and takes 5 points of damage. She makes the save vs the grenade.

Initiative (Round 1)

Robots
Vilo (-5 sp)
Cabizo*
Xylian*
Shujae & Staim*
Zharis*

Bold should go!

* Needs to save vs stickybomb grenade.

”Use electrical attacks and not psychic attacks if you can.” Xylian says matter-of-factly, his combat computer whirling to life and targeting the robot he can see. These were among the most basic of security robots and he does not expect them to pose a serious threat to the group. Leveling the imp’s laser pistol at the bot, he squeezes off a shot.

Ref: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13
Know Engineering: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26
Xylian’s roboticist theme reduces Engineering checks to identify machines and mechanical races by 5. Move action to target the NW robot, standard action to use Overcharge and shoot at it with the laser pistol. Zharis provides the robot cover I believe.
Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
Fire Damage: 1d4 + 1d6 ⇒ (1) + (5) = 6

Xylian's blast melts part of a display case, but doesn't come close to hitting the fast-moving robot.

"Let's make some scrap!" Vilo shouts, moving into the museum and swinging a solar-powered punch at the robot.

Xylian's attack missed. Botting Vilo. Vilo's attack hits and does 6 points of damage.

Cabizo, Shujae, and Zharis are up.

Reflex save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

Whew, that was close.

Zharis's cat-like... erm, cat reflexes enable her to leap away from the stickybomb without being caught. She moves up to the disabled robot and starts hacking at it with her tactical dueling sword.

Attack: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17
Slashing Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5

The partially-disabled robot sparks and spews black smoke from Zharis' attack, but still looks to be operational enough to be a danger.

Reflex vs DC 10: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22

Cabizo ducks to pick up a fallen pigment jar just as an explosion throws adhesive across the room. ”Whoops!” the skittermander adds helpfully. ”Are they supposed to do that?” With his trusty pistol in hand, the skittermander tries to shoot some of the gunk off the disabled robot’s aiming mechanism.

Laser Pistol: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18
Fire damage: 1d4 ⇒ 2

Cabizo’s laser blast damages the robot even more, bringing it perilously close to total destruction!

Shujae is up (can bot tomorrow if need be).

Shujae manages to just avoid the stickybomb adhesive. The osharu then moves in and sends a freezing projectile into the side of the robot that Vilo has engaged.

Botting Shujae. Shujae made the Reflex save, and then does a move and a standard action to attack the robot. She hits and does 3 points of damage.

The robots' close-quarter combat programming takes over, and metal bars swing toward Vilo and Zharis! Zharis ducks under just in time, but Vilo takes a hard hit to the abdomen.

Vilo takes 5 points of bludgeoning damage.

Initiative (Round 2)

Robots
Vilo (4/14 SP, 16/16 HP, 3/3 RP)
Cabizo
Xylian
Shujae & Staim
Zharis

Bold should go!

Laser Pistol: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10
Fire damage: 1d4 ⇒ 2

Cabizo tries to follow up on his previous hit, but his excitement and worry about Vilo getting hit distract him from aiming properly.

Xylian fails again to effect his target. Perhaps the power of the weapon is too much for him to handle?

Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11
Fire Damage: 1d4 + 1d6 ⇒ (3) + (5) = 8
Move action to charge Staim’s gun and have it do +1d6 damage, standard action to charge Xylian’s gun and shoot the momster.

Zharis brings her sword down on the disabled security bot again.

Attack: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
Slashing Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5

Unfortunately, the unexpected swing from her opponent distracted her. She was able to duck the blow, but missed her own attack as well.

Energy blasts and sword thrusts fail to strike any vital areas of the security robots, but Vilo's solar-powered fist smashes into the side of one, sending it reeling.

Botting Vilo. Vilo's attack hits and does 6 points of damage.
This robot is *almost* down!

I've sent Shujae a PM and will wait a bit longer before botting again if necessary.

Shujae and her metallic companion blast one of the robots to pieces!

Botting Shujae as doing a standard action to attack and another action to give Staim an attack. Shujae's attack misses, but Staim's attack hits (even through soft cover) and does max damage. The Black robot is destroyed, leaving just Blue.

The disabled robot is still just functional enough to swing a metallic arm at Zharis!

Zharis, you take 4 B.

Initiative (Round 3)

Robots
Vilo (4/14 SP, 16/16 HP, 3/3 RP)
Cabizo
Xylian
Shujae & Staim
Zharis

Bold should go!

Zharis attempts to end the threat of the remaining security bot.

Attack: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11
Slashing Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 2

Unfortunately when it damages her, it throws her timing off again. She growls in frustration.

"Wait, was it the other one that was firing the gunky stuff?" Cabizo's face scrunches up in worry as he turns his laser on the other security robot, all six hands clasping the tiny weapon together.

Laser Pistol: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21
Fire damage: 1d4 ⇒ 1

Move and Shoot!

Zharis' timing is off, and Cabizo's flame pistol only slightly scorches the exterior of the last robot. But Vilo dashes over and punches her solar-powered fist right through the robot's center!

Botting Vilo. Vilo moves and attacks. The attack hits for 6 points of damage, destroying the robot. We are off Initiative!

Here's a reminder of what this room looks like: "The door swings open to reveal a museum. Paintings depicting the discovery, exploration, and settlement of the Burning Archipelago (with a focus on critical moments essential to the development of Asanatown) line the walls of this chamber. Doors engraved with similar scenes stand to the north and west. Transparent display cases, most freestanding but a few along the wall, hold curious items."

Xylian moves into the display room, kneeling down behind one of the cases, laser gun at the ready, much like he had seen in dumb action videos. ”They know we are here and hostile. I believe speed and aggression will serve us best in this situation.”

”If you say so!” Cabizo answers cheerfully. ”Maybe we should continue working away from those poor folks we surprised in the cafeteria?” He gestures to the northern doors.

They knew that when we were in the other room, honestly. Since no one is here, let's check out the cases. I'm sure we'll get to the next fight soon enough.

Zharis takes a look at the curious items.

"Again with taking stuff?" Cabizo eyes Zharis curiously, but waits patiently. "There are people still living here, you know. If you want decorations for the ship, I'm sure we can find a market somewhere..."

I tease - it's just become too great of a gag that Cabizo thinks Zharis has some overwhelming need to take stuff. XD