PbP GameDay IX: GM Sfounder's "The Last Bite" [Tier 7-8] (Inactive)

Game Master Chris Marsh

The doctor rolls towards the cafeteria entrance.

I think Mech Coy is at the entrance. Please adjust his position if I read the map wrong.

"Hey, cafeterias mean messes to clean up!" Trusty says brightly! He follows Mech Coy.

I've moved our tokens to the cafeteria entrance. I think it's fine to move everyone's token when it's decided which room to head to next. At least I'm fine with others moving Arratoi's token. That way if combat breaks out, we don't have tokens left behind in a previous area.

Arratoi follows along with the rest of the group, continually checking his environmental protections and seals are on and intact....just in case.

I have no problems with that, especially since I'm probably in a different timezone than everyone else.

Professor Messier also proceeds along. May I put my vote in for the infiltration mission next?

“I fear you will find I have little to contribute to such a mission, but if the rest of you can make up for that I have no objection.”

Reaper has some ability to effect an infiltration.

Unable to identify the spines, the party leaves them a wide berth, for now.

Heading to the cafeteria, the party hopes to make some quick progress. The acrid odor of industrial cleaner permeates this small, tidy cafeteria. The floors and surfaces were recently scrubbed, and the only food items in the area are steel soup canisters and packets of vacuum-sealed jerky. A dozen workers dressed in drab coveralls sit dejectedly around the tables.

Desha makes her way over toward the group of workers and strikes up a conversation with them. "Hi there friends! Names Desha. My crew and I are here from the Starfinder Society to see how things are going and to see if we can help out with the disease that's been running around your station. How are you all feeling about the situation?"

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (2) + 16 = 18

Empathy (Su): As a full action, you can attempt a Sense Motive check to read the emotions of a particular creature (DC = 20 or 10 + its Bluff modifier, whichever is higher). If you succeed, you learn its general disposition and attitude toward creatures within 30 feet of it, and you gain a +2 circumstance bonus to Bluff, Diplomacy, Intimidate, and Sense Motive checks against that creature for 1 hour. Whether you succeed or fail, after opening your mind to read emotions, you take a –2 penalty to saving throws against mind-affecting effects for 1 minute.

Dr. Mech Coy teases Trusty “Seems someone else beat you here!” as the smell of cleaning products wash over the group.

He then moves forward to talk with the men here. “Hello, I’m Dr. Mech Coy. Could any of you tell me more about what is happening on this station? I would be interested to hear any details you can provide.”

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (6) + 16 = 22

Dr. Mech Coy gets them to open up a little bit about the situation, though Desha has a hard time getting anything beyond their dejected faces.

The information comes at you fast, and there's a lot to sort out...

They tell you that the virus causes fever and lethargy that can result in a coma or death; its most distinctive characteristics are clouded eyes and darkened blood. The Laelund Station’s overworked medical professionals believe the contagion is a new virus, but they lack the facilities and equipment to synthesize a cure. So far, all confirmed cases are confined to Sector 9, and residents are encouraged to self-isolate and wear protective gear. Several dormitories and recreation areas have been converted into overflow clinics for sick residents. These clinics are tended primarily by medical robots.

A few talkative residents believe that the unnamed contagion is a biological weapon created by a rival corporation to disrupt Laelund Station’s operations. They argue passionately with anyone who disagrees with them and offer no useful information. You know that rumors like that can be damaging, and you cringe a little inside hearing it.

A host shirren shares their concerns about a rare type of ore being refined on the station. Koruxian ore is toxic, and the shirren worries that it could be causing everyone’s symptoms.

There's a group at a different table who don't seem to feel like joining in the conversation. They're complaining about the food situation to each other. Your presence seems more annoying than anything else.

Nodding towards the ones complaining about food, Dr. Mech Coy asks Desha and Arratoi “Since their woes don’t seem to be directly medical, can you go check on that group?”

Physical Science: 10 + 13 = 23

Dr. Mech Coy goes over to the shirren worried about poisoning from the mining. He asks a few leading questions about symptoms that people would see with koruxian poisoning. He also gets out some of his medical tools to check anyone complaining they have a problem. He then announces “Alright, it seems this mine has been handling it responsibly! None of the symptoms you are describing match with what happens with koruxian poisoning. Now if you do see any of these symptoms please to check for that!” He takes the time to reiterate the symptoms one would see.

I’m not sure what sort of roll you want for reassuring them it isn’t this poisoning.
Will you accept Profession: Doctor?
Profession: Doctor, toolkit: 1d20 + 13 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 13 + 4 = 21

"Dammit Mech Coy, I'm not a docto..... Ohhhhhh!!! That group's problems are NOT medical in nature. Sure thing, got it!!!"

Arratoi heads over to the other group and greets them, "Hello!!! We're a contingent here from the Starfinder Society and have been sent to assist with the emergency here. While the primary concern is obviously this outbreak, it sounds like you have other issues at hand? Is there some problem with the food situation? We may very well have the resources to help!! Lay it on me! C'mon! Talk to me goose!"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 16 + 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 16 + (1) + 1 = 30

The doctor's bedside manner isn't great, but it's not bad either. They don't seem to really feel any differently. Dr. Mech Coy's approach and expertise is enough to get them to at least stop spouting conspiracy theories.

The others let Arratoi in on the conversation. A human worker complains about the “weird eggs” that a miner named Radi recently started selling. She wrinkles her nose in disgust as her companions recall hearing about the eggs a few weeks ago, which were apparently tasty despite their off-putting appearance and odor.

After a few minutes, conversations die off, and the presence of the Starfinders turn into background noise. You're confident that you won't get any more out of them.

"Hmmmm.... ugly-looking, nasty-smelling but tasty eggs... I want some!!! Let's find this Radi guy! Well, after we figure out this epidemic.... Speaking of which, let's move on! I get the strangest but most confident feeling we won't get anything more out of the people here. I suggest the overflow clinic next?"

I've gone ahead and moved our tokens to the clinic.

"Yes, that seems a reasonable next step."

"I'm glad you agree to also trying out these eggs after we resolve this epidemic, Dr. Mech Coy!!!" says Arratoi, completely missing the SRO's actual intent...

This oblong chamber contains a dismal tableau. Feverish patients recline in cots, tended by a single medical bot that can’t quite keep up with its workload. Don't forget that you've been given the device by Dr. Monsylkis.

Desha equips her environmental protections to help guard against infection, then moves along beside Dr Mech Coy, offering some bedside manner to complement the SRO’s medical expertise.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (6) + 16 = 22

phy sci: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (3) + 21 = 24

Professor Messier had been staying in the background keeping quiet and taking notes.

Maybe we should obtain one of these eggs for analysis - even if it is only to eliminate them as the source

He also looks around for a terminal so he can access the station's records.

"I don't need to eat, Arrotoi. As for the eggs, Patrick's suggestion does carry some merit."

Dr. Mech Coy takes out the device that Dr. Monsylkis gave the group and uses it to gather data on the patients here. He then checks the database in the device for any matches.

Medicine, Inspired Medic, Big Win: 1d20 + 13 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 13 + 2 = 28 Inspired Medic, adding Inspiration Dice now that I've seen the roll
Medicine total using Inspiration Dice: 28 + 1d6 + 1 ⇒ 28 + (2) + 1 = 31

The party takes a serious look at the clinic. An initial analysis reveals that all six are infected with the same pathogen. When compared to the pathogen database, it matches a rare extraplanar virus called murkblight.

Can we transmit that information to Dr Monsylkis so she can make a start? Or does she need these physical samples to proceed?

Where does murkblight come from? Could the odd spines be the cause?

Medicine 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (6) + 13 = 19
Mysticism 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (14) + 13 = 27
Life Science 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (12) + 13 = 25

“She should be able to look up the history of the disease and treatments used in the past. In order to fully resolve it she is going to want samples. We also have to figure out where the contagion started.”

“I believe that we should be able to contact her via the communications equipment on the ship. Let’s see if we can find out anything more here before attempting to do so.”

Dr. Mech Coy is also interested in knowing where Murkblight comes from.

I believe it takes just a few minutes to do research given a proper database, which means he should be allowed to Take 20 on the check.
Medical research w/ database, Big Win: 20 + 13 + 1d6 + 1 + 2 ⇒ 20 + 13 + (2) + 1 + 2 = 38

Desha helps Reaper recall more information about the origins of the disease

Aid Mysticism: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (1) + 14 = 15

Arratoi lends a hand with everyone else's attempts at discerning what's going on...

Arratoi auto aids life science and medicine checks.

aid physical sci: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12
aid Mysticism: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

The party puts their heads together. It's not outside the realm of possibility that the spines are a key, but to really know you'd need a tissue sample from a creature itself...

“Shall look for Radi in the living quarters? Find out what he can tell us about the eggs and find out if they are related to those spines.”

"Alright, let's go!" The trashbot enthuses. Trusty knocks first, and then checks to see if the door is locked.

"Yo! Anyone home?" Trusty calls.

Trashbot's greeting is met only with painful moaning from within!

Sine mora the party opens the door. The suite contains two beds, a lavatory, and a rectangular glass terrarium and incubator. The overheard lights are dimmed to a point of near darkness, and a strong, reptilian odor fills the room. The thermostat is cranked down to a chilly temperature that’s noticeably colder than elsewhere on the station.

Radi, a male dwarf, coughs uncontrollably. He manages to get some words in between, though they come out like a bellows pressed too quickly, "Finally... yeah... yeah.... I know.... my fault."

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20 +1 if vision based

“Could someone check out those eggshells and scales?” Dr. Mech Coy asks as he goes to the fellow on the bed. He immediately checks the dwarf’s health.
Medicine, Inspired Medic, Big Win: 1d20 + 13 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 13 + 2 = 27
Medicine total w/Inspiration: 27 + 1d6 + 1 ⇒ 27 + (4) + 1 = 32

Using the device to take Radi’s body readings, he checks if the dwarf has the same symptoms of murkblight as the other people had.

I moved him into the room, but not knowing exactly which room Radi is in, I wasn’t sure where to move Mech Coy. Adjust his position to match him going to Radi’s bed.

Patrick starts collecting samples perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27 We may also have to locate the creature that hatched from this egg

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (16) + 16 = 32

Desha checks the shell pieces, trying to determine if she can identify what creature it came from

Life Science: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

Trusty first takes a picture, then efficiently sweeps up and labels the samples. "Doc, does he need immediate medical care? If not... I think we need to go find what hatched here."

Trusty checks the Supply closet across the hall. Is it locked?

He checks inside.

Perception Take Ten: 10 + 15 = 25

Any animals in here, or anything weird with the supplies?

If needed, Trusty also has Profession Maintenance Worker

It looks like the dwarf is suffering from the effects of murkblight, but isn't in immediate danger. The eggs are definitely worrisome, but they're inert and missing the biological information necessary to really deal with the situation.

Trusty goes across the hall. The door's unlocked, so in the professional maintenance worker goes. This storage pantry is ransacked. Torn ration packages litter the floor, and a gaping hole in the southern wall reveals part of the adjacent room. A cluster of cylindrical, inky black casings hangs from the ceiling overhead. The silicone-like structures appear to have burst open from within.

“What happened Radi? What came out of that egg?” Dr. Mech Coy asks the dwarf.

He then assures the dwarf “You are as resilient as I have come to expect from someone of your race. I need to go track this down. I will come back and treat you once we have something.”

Then Mech Coy will go find the rest of the group.

Sounds like Trusty has something to follow up. Please me to catch up with the group once I am done with Radi. I can check over comm to find out where they are,

Before the trusty trashbot can even think about cleaning up this mess a loud scratching sound starts echoing through the room. A moment later a pair of canine looking creatures from beyond crash into the room. Were it not for the ghost white teeth their matte black fur would make them extremely hard to spot in anything but the brightest of light.

With a growl that sounds more like a low-pitched hiss, they attack!

Round 1:
Arratoi: Go
Reaper ∑: Go
Desha: Go
Trashbot: Go
Hostiles: TBD
Dr. Mech Coy: TBD
Patrick: TBD

Hostiles: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19
Arratoi: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26
Desha: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22
Dr. Mech Coy: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14
Trusty Trashbot: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21
Patrick: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
Reaper ∑: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

Trusty moves out of the door, pulling his weapon. He fires at Black, and arranges himself to be in Red's way.

Pew Pew (Static Arc pistol): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (8) + 12 = 20
Electrical Stun Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

"Oh, dang. We got vermin!" Trusty says. "I could use a little extermination backup!"

Life Science: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (13) + 12 = 25

Which skill should be rolled to identify creature?

Arratoi draws a ridiculously oversized pistol and yells, "Oh those don't look friendly!! Get that mouldy water-drinkin ballet-dancing drooling stench kow!! while he fires!!!!
Arratoi spends 1 RP on improved get'em. This gives everyone +2ATK and +2DMG against all enemies.

Swagger Handcannon vs KAC, get'em: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 9 + 2 = 24
Piercing damage, get'em: 1d12 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 3 + 2 = 12

Desha moves into the room and calls a small wisp to hamper the nearer of the otherworldly canine beasts.

Move and cast Wisp Ally in Black - provides Harrying fire on the next attack against Black

Previously: "It... hack... was a sea urchin lookin thing! Cough... it just rolled away!"

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ID with Mysticism. Arratoi technically goes first, so I'll include Get'em for all.

Arratoi's hand canon might look comical, but the punch it packs is anything but! Unfortunately something in the monster's make up mutes the attack, and the effect is disconcerting.... Fluffy way to say DR

Desha takes a spot in the fight, bringing for a little mystical help!

Trashbot scores a hit.... but the electricity doesn't seem to have any effect!

Round 1:
Arratoi: Hit and Get'em!
Reaper ∑: Go
Desha: Wisp Ally
Trashbot: Hit, but immune
Hostiles: TBD
Dr. Mech Coy: TBD
Patrick: TBD

Mysticism: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (20) + 14 = 34

So tell me about that DR! I’d also like to know any other resistances, and then special abilities, thanks!

With a roll like that!

Desha quickly shouts out the wikisphere entry for these"zuvoks." They resist physical wounds not caused by cold iron, and immune to electricity, cold, and poison. They resist, but are not immune, to acid and fire. Heads up, they can hurl those spikes! Finally, they're blind in bright light.

Reaper goes into the room and fires at red with his cold gun.

Sable Pistol, holy, called
v EAC: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (20) + 12 = 32 Cold Damage: 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Reaper, I'd hate to have you lose a crit, but it's immune to cold damage. I'll hold your roll for another weapon you want to use.

The two creatures savagely close distance. One goes after Desha, and the other 1d2 ⇒ 2 after Reaper!

Bite v. Desha: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (1) + 18 = 19

Bite v. Reaper: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (2) + 18 = 20

But Desna smiles on the Starfinders!

Round 1:
Arratoi: Hit and Get'em!
Reaper ∑: Holding
Desha: Wisp Ally
Trashbot: Hit, but immune
Hostiles: BIG miss
Dr. Mech Coy: Go
Patrick: Go

That's on me. I should have read better. Your post just before mine has it in there.

Fortunately, I did not hear force or sonic Patrick replies as he hurls three force missiles at Black. He also uses his magic hack to make sure they're effective ((debug spell))

mm: 3d4 + 3 ⇒ (1, 3, 2) + 3 = 9
reroll 1: 1d4 ⇒ 4

for a total of 12.

Reaper's blast has no effect though it's a perfectly placed hit. Patrick opts for a well executed Magic Missile spell, driving a trio of missiles into the target.

Round 1:
Arratoi: Hit and Get'em!
Reaper ∑: Immune
Desha: Wisp Ally
Trashbot: Hit, but immune
Hostiles: BIG miss
Dr. Mech Coy: Go
Patrick: MM

Not being able to see very well into the room, Dr. Mech Coy draws his survival knife as he moves into the room. He moves around black into a flanking position with Desha.

Provokes from black

“These are too big to fit in a specimen canister. Guess we will have to do something about that...” he says as he attempts to hit it with his knife.
Survival Knife, Harrying Fire: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 8 + 2 = 22 Flanking, no Git’Em because of race
Slashing Damage: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

Dr. Mech Coy risks a bite. AoO: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (18) + 18 = 36 for COLD DMG: 2d6 + 12 ⇒ (4, 6) + 12 = 22, but this time the creature zeroes in and its teeth pierce deeply. The doctor's blade connects, but the wound instantly heals DR

Round 2:
Arratoi: Go
Reaper ∑: Go
Desha: Go
Trashbot: Go
Hostiles: TBD
Dr. Mech Coy: TBD
Patrick: TBD