Cwethan's Last Bite (Inactive)

Game Master Cwethan

"Nothing to do but keep at it!" Rally follows up her words with action, taking a careful shot at the robot.

attack roll vs. EAC: 1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 2 + 1 = 16
fire damage: 1d8 ⇒ 7

“It seems you’ve deciphered the pattern—that’s one step closer to the exit.” Celita intones calmly, speaking through the comm units. “Starfinders, you’ve reached the second checkpoint.”

Table GMs, checkpoint two is complete and the Second Wind condition is now in effect.

Reflex save: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (10) + 0 = 10

"Thanks, I'll trrry to stay standing" Charlie comments with only a slight buzzing sounds coming from inside his helmet - static or brain damage? too early to tell.

Charlie backs up a bit before getting a running starts and slams into the robot with the full force of his stubby legs and compact mass

to hit KAC: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 6 + 1 = 26
B damage if hit: 1d4 + 4 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 2 + 2 = 9

Rally's searing bolt scorches open a path to the robot's central processors, and Charlie dives in after them, smashing his fist straight through and leaving the robot as only so much junk on the floor.

Datch looks a little bit disappointed, but, under Pamatea's watchful eye, doesn't make any attempts to escape or repair the robot. [smaller]"Well they're really supposed to be fielded in pairs anyways..."

You're feeling particularly relieved at the robot's destruction, giving you the energy and resolve to keep moving forward! The Second Wind condition lets you spend an RP right now to restore your stamina without actually sitting and waiting for 10 minutes in the self-destructing space station...

"So... you've destroyed a perfectly good robot, but haven't really made anything else of your opportunities. Typical really, for Starfinders."

What do you do? (And see Discussion)
Also, I said everyone got blasted, and put the potential damage totals in the initiative block, but only actually told Pamatea to take a save (my bad)

Rally Reflex: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10
Quentin Reflex: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Current Health
Charlie 0/16 SP, 7/18 HP
Pamatea 3/10 SP
Quentin 0 SP 9/10 HP
Rally 0 SP

Rally Rose takes a deep breath, drawing on reserves she didn't know she had. She beams at the other Starfinders. "Wow. I feel... pretty great, actually." Rally spends 1 Resolve to restore her Stamina.

Taking a quick scan of the computer stations to make sure there isn't any data there—and grabbing what she can if there is—Rally then looks to the others. "All right, what are we waiting for!?" The elvish girl pauses a little sheepishly. "Uh... besides me, I guess. Never mind that! Come on, guys, let's blow this place before it blows on us!" Whatever else one might say of Rally Rose, at least she's irrepressible.

Rally checks the computers to see if there's any useful data for the Society, taking what she can or even liberating hard drives for later deep-dives if she can; then she heads for the next set of doors with all haste.

Computers to check the computers, just in case: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28

Ouch. Definitely spending the Resolve.

Quentin moves up towards the intersection, to see if the doors are still warded.

The door that leads back to the central chamber is now unsealed, but the other is still covered over in a forcefield. You can either head across that central chamber, or head back to check out the other secret door

Rally looks at the now-unsealed door for a few moments, calculating its path. "...you know, we never did see what was past that other secret door back there. I'm still dying to know what's back there." The elvish girl briefly considers her choice of words, her ears twitching. "Uh... not literally. I hope."

Rally is a born explorer of the unknown. She'd rather go the mysterious way than the beaten path. Anyone else object?

Charlie feels a bit better as he sees some doors opening up between him and the outside world

Second wind to get my stamina back

Still slightly shocked, bruised and scared Charlie takes out a healing serum he received before starting on his trip here and consumes it

Healing: 1d8 ⇒ 2

So I think I'm at 16/16 SP and 9/18 hp

Fine by me if you want to go back to the other secret door

And because I'm curious do we have any idea how much time has passed since the 60 minute count down to self destruct started?

::Waggles Hand:: Not quite 30 minutes. Yet. It's supposed to be ~real time, but moving realtime to PbP adds another layer of abstraction :-)

The other hallway is in many ways a mirror of the one just explored: It ends in a shielded door, but allows access to the center chamber, and along the curve of the hallway are a pair of doors into other rooms...

...or as Pamatea points out - one door into another room, and another into low-Verces orbit!

Assuming no one wants to attempt a spacewalk or go to the room you just opted out of...

The door opens up into an office room with a nearly identical décor and layout to the previous one. Another brass statue of a rat presides over an alcove to the southeast. Unlike the previous two this one is devoid of material offerings, though it is speckled in dried blood and holds a curved dagger in its teeth.

Pamatea also spends a resolve to get stamina back.

Secret door sounds good!

“Three down, one to go!” Fitch’s voice exclaims over the static. “That’s the third checkpoint. Keep up the good work!”

Table GMs, checkpoint three is complete.

You hear the sound of doors opening down the hallways once more as your fellow Starfinders manage to de-power another wave of forcefields!

There are two more doors that have unsealed down this corridor, and six more that have unsealed down the central drag, and one more in the corridor on the other side of the ring, but the doors to the lobby (and the elevator/escape route) are still sealed!

Where to?

Quentin perks up at the sound of doors opening. "I'm all for exploring, but we need to get out of here with our prisoner. It seems like the others are making great progress, so let's forge ahead now. Yes?"

Proposing that we move along the southern corridor, up to the central room, and then west along the middle corridor. Curious about the middle chamber

You head back towards the central chamber, where an intricate mosaic awaits you again. However, Pamatea's keen eyes notice a subtle difference in the heights of the paneling - it's rigged with pressure plates!

You can try to disable those if you want, or you can probably just walk around...

As you'd seen earlier while walking the central corridor, there are six doors there, but now with some idea of what to watch for, you once again spot that several of the doors are carefully sealed because they just lead to the void beyond!

The other three doors lead into a cavernous chamber with a towering forty-foot-high ceiling. The vault-like room is lined with black metal filing cabinets that feature heavy duty locks, and the area is dimly lit. At the center of the room a single figure stands waiting, their features initially obscured by shadows. They are a tall androgynous elf with inky eyes and bluish-purple hair and a jet-black armored suit.

Datch gives a delighted smile upon seeing them. "Iroiveth! I thought you and your employers might want to catch the Starfinders while they're extended."

"You misunderstand," Iroiveth answers, their face devoid of expression, "My instructions are to ensure that nothing that carries information leaves this complex. Not files, not Starfinders, and not you."

As they finish speaking they heft their pistol and a wickedly curved blade while Datch's jaw drops open in shock!

Dim Lighting inside the chamber
The Bold may go!
Quentin
Pamatea
Charlie 9/18 hp
Rally
Iroiveth
Iroiveth

"Hey, you can't threaten our prisoner! Or us!"

Pamatea moves into the room and shoots.

attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
needler rifle: 1d6 ⇒ 3 P and biohack, -2 to AC

Rally Rose stops outside the doorway, warily inspecting the other elf as she draws her rifle. "The little one's got my promise of safety, Sovyrian scum." The rancor in her voice—suddenly an octave or two deeper, and thick with emotion—is apparent. "So I guess the only one who's not leaving alive is your void-dripping a—" Some sort of autofilter in Rally's comm system covers her final word, but the general gist is quite clear.

Rally moves and draws her sniper rifle.

Reading back we got a serum of healing each and the choice of X items, which also included a serum of healing which I picked so I got one more serum of healing this scenario then I remembered. If it's ok, I'll use that other one as well before we start moving

extra serum: 1d8 ⇒ 7

Charlie looks over his shoulder at Quentin
Delaying till after Quentin acts just in case I get a Get'em out of it

before moving into the room and going toe to toe with the elf looking creature

To hit KAC: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 6 + 1 = 18
B damage if hit: 1d4 + 4 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 2 + 1 = 11

And a Get Em you shall receive!

"Well that's a twist I'm sure none of us saw coming," Quentin quips, pointing his pistol at the Iroiveth. "Starfinders, get em!"

Laser pistol: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 3 + 1 = 24
Fire damage: 2d4 ⇒ (2, 1) = 3 plus 1d4 burn

Iroiveth casually flicks aside Pamatea's needle, but is unable to do the same to Quentin's searing bolt, hissing in displeasure as their gear catches light! Charlie seizes on their distraction, hurtling forward to smash into the elf with a sickening crunch!

Iroiveth sways back from Charlie's blow, slicing a thin line down the side of his face, but as they keep moving, faster and faster, arcane sigils burn along their limbs and pneumatic hisses suggest other more chemical assistance for the mysterious assassin as well.

Blade blurring far faster than any normal humanoid could manage they whip their blade around Charlie's guard, driving it deep through the meat of his thigh. Quentin's fires burn fiercely, but when Iroiveth is unable to quickly extinguish them, the sigils change and their skin takes on a strange artificial sheen that the fire is unable to combust!

Curve Blade: 1d20 + 8 - 4 ⇒ (11) + 8 - 4 = 15
Piercing: 1d6 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9
Curve Blade: 1d20 + 8 - 4 ⇒ (7) + 8 - 4 = 11
Piercing: 1d6 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

On Fire: 1d4 ⇒ 4

Not be on fire?: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

Curve Blade: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27
Piercing: 1d6 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

Dim Lighting inside the chamber
The Bold may go!
Quentin
Pamatea
Charlie 0/16 SP, 12/18 HP
Rally
Iroiveth -18, Get 'Em! -2RP
Iroiveth

Pamatea's eyes go wide as the elf moves superhumanly fast.

"Charlie! You got this!"

Pamatea shoots Charlie with a serum.

heals!: 1d8 ⇒ 4

"That's it, keep at her! She's soon to be on the ropes I think!" Quentin encourages the crew to once again Get Em(tm).
+1 to hit for everyone against Iroiveth

He keeps the pressure on too, firing from his pistol once more.
Laser pistol: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 3 + 1 = 17
Damage (fire): 1d4 ⇒ 2

Rally Rose surges into the room, barely pausing to take stock of the mysterious elflike entity's unnatural powers. Skidding into place behind one of the filing cabinets, the elvish girl takes sight at Iroiveth and pulls the trigger.

attack roll vs. EAC: 1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 2 + 1 = 18
fire damage: 1d8 ⇒ 3

Asking for some inspiration, divine aid or just a encouraging word Charlie is mortified after getting attacked 3 times and hopes to end this quickly
To hit KAC: 1d20 + 6 + 1 - 4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 6 + 1 - 4 + 2 = 9
B damage if hit: 1d4 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 2 = 10
To hit KAC: 1d20 + 6 + 1 - 4 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 6 + 1 - 4 + 2 = 23
B damage if hit: 1d4 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 2 = 9
Bonus damage: 1d8 ⇒ 7

I think we still have an aid token? If so I'm using it boost my first attack to hit with 1d8 damage and get flanking bonus till the end of my next round

If I tracked the healing and damage correctly I should be at 0 sp and 15/18 hp right now

While focusing on using their implants to douse the flames, Iroiveth is unable to parry any of the incoming shots and rocks back as Quentin and Rally open fire, and they're driven to one knee by Charlie's powerful punch!

Iroiveth tries to retaliate in kind, but clearly even their extensive augments aren't enough to keep them powering forward through the fray!

Curve Blade: 1d20 + 8 - 4 ⇒ (3) + 8 - 4 = 7
Piercing: 1d6 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10
Curve Blade: 1d20 + 8 - 4 ⇒ (1) + 8 - 4 = 5
Piercing: 1d6 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

Curve Blade: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13
Piercing: 1d6 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

Dim Lighting inside the chamber
The Bold may go!
Quentin
Pamatea
Charlie 0/16 SP, 16/18 HP
Rally
Iroiveth -39, Get 'Em! -3RP
Iroiveth

"Nice work! Keep it up," Quentin encourages the team some more.
Get Em for hopefully the final round. +1 to hit for everyone.

Laser pistol: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 3 + 1 = 22
Fire damage: 1d4 ⇒ 4

"I don't know what you are," Rally murmurs as she sights again, "but hopefully you're not gonna be it much longer."

attack roll vs. EAC: 1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 2 + 1 = 10

Unfortunately, Rally Rose is a bit too focused on keeping herself under control to properly finish the job. "Noijitan— come on, guys, you've got this!"

Pamatea aims at the elf.

attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13
needler rifle: 1d6 ⇒ 5 P and biohack, -2 to AC

Looking down at his armor as he get's another flurry of attacks against him but none get through his armor Charlie smiles and releases a barrage of counter attacks of his own

To hit KAC: 1d20 + 6 + 2 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (2) + 6 + 2 + 1 - 4 = 7
B damage if hit: 1d4 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 2 = 9
To hit KAC: 1d20 + 6 + 2 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (15) + 6 + 2 + 1 - 4 = 20
B damage if hit: 1d4 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 2 = 10

Iroiveth sways aside from Charlie's first jab, but the following cross splays them out across the ground!

The augmented assassin lies almost suspiciously still, but upon any examination it's very clear that they're dead, some sort of toxin tracing the veins of their body in a silvery-green hue.

"Maybe I'm glad you were the ones to come abduct me after all," Datch drily quips.

The rest of the cabinets in this room contain hundreds upon hundreds of kilos of loose-leaf files on all kinds of august, and not-so-august, personages and organizations throughout the Pact Worlds.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22
Culture: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

Crouched down by the corpse of the assassin, Quentin is momentarily surprised by a discovery. "Team, I found a hidden subdermal graft just above Iroiveth's right hand. It's a variant of the current Starfinder insignia that many agents bear for identification, one that hasn't been used for at least a hundred years though. I wonder what that's all about?"

He then looks over the papers. "I'm guessing we don't have time to take the files, right?"

Culture: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25 Hot damn.

Rally's gaze scans the filing cabinets. "This is an awful way to store information, at least from a practical standpoint. It seems like it has a more... symbolic, even religious, value. A grand vault of secrets..."

The elvish girl looks from Starfinder to Starfinder. "You think we've got time enough to take a closer look? Not a full scouring, but at least more than a random grab. Otherwise... something's better than nothing, right?"

"I don't want to spend more then a minute sifting through these. we are standing on (in?) a ticking time bomb here. Let's just grab what we can and make a run for it"

You should be able to secure some interesting files, but they're laid out in a fairly unintuitive manner. Unless you can get Datch to help, you probably wouldn't be able to quickly find a particular target.

She stays mum about Iroiveth as well.

Continue to investigate/interrogate here? Press on?

Quentin grabs a couple files, and then makes for the exit at the end of the hallway. He keeps his pistol pointed at Datch, urging their prisoner forward. "I don't know about you, but I'm ready to get out of here."
I'm not against exploring south, but if the door at the end of the hallway isn't shielded Quentin will prefer getting out here.

Still shielded

Okay moving things along down south - just sing out if there's any other business

The only remaining doors that down't head out into the cold vacuum of space lead into what is clearly a grand temple to honor Lao Shu Po; its décor represents a drastic departure from the aesthetics of the surrounding complex. The transparent ceiling forty feet above exposes a spectacular view of space. A twenty-foot-tall statue of Grandmother Rat presides over the room atop a stone plinth. The steps, plinth, and statue are carved jade, and the statue's eyes are flawless rubies. Velvet drapes of purple and green hang behind the shrine, and a patterned rug partially covers the ivory floor tiles. Candles are the only illumination in this room.

Pamatea notices a control panel hidden away in the great statue, but none of you notice any traps, yet, but would Datch really let the temple of Lao Shu Po stand unguarded?

Pamatea will make a quick search of the files, but move along if nothing looks interesting.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25

"Let's take our time with this one: I'm still hungry from the last one of these statues! Hmm. The other one had offerings of food, but there's nothing like that here."

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11
"Good thinking," Quentin agrees, looking around for tricks and traps.

His search is cursory at best, as if he's actually hoping to not find anything.

Rally takes a careful look around the room, trying to turn the rumbling of her stomach into motivation.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

Every file Pamatea opens looks interesting, filled with the secrets of people and organizations who are strangers to her, but none look immediately relevant.

Rally and Pamatea don't find any other clear clues to the statue - no credsticks, no food, no dripping dagger - but there must be something that she would find important as an offering!

How big is the plinth? That's where the offerings would go, right? Is it big enough to put, say, a Datch-sized creature on it?

"Maybe, and I know this is a bit of a stretch here, we should put some of the files on the plinth? A proposition of secrets, maybe?" Quentin asks, and then opts to try just that.

"Sounds like a plan" Charlie comments on Quentin's proposal.

Well y'know you can fit a cooperative ysoki just about anywhere with enough squeezing ;-p

Quentin retrieves some secret-laden files to present to the statue, and as he does, the floor begins to rumble. A series of clicks sound, echoing through the corridors behind you, and when you go to check the doors, you find them unlocked and unshielded - with minutes still to go, you've made it back to the lobby!

Datch pulls another apple from somewhere as you await the elevator back to your ship, banal covers of Akitonian blues adding an odd counterpoint to regular countdown notifications. "Y'know, you should all really be grateful," Datch quips, "Look how competent you all wound up being. You really think you'd be this sharp without the proper whetstone?"

We're in the waning moments here, so I'll be prepping chronicles tonight - double check whatever info you've provided if there's anything else you'd like jotted down!

“Now that you’ve deactivated the fourth barrier your escape route is clear.” This time, Radaszam addresses the Starfinders. “Drinks are on me at the elevation ceremony—I expect to see you there.”

Table GMs, checkpoint four is complete.

Days after their daring escape from Datch’s compound, the Starfinders return to Absalom Station to find the Lorespire Complex grounds completely deserted. Its chambers are silent except for the faint sounds of speech from a nearby hall.

Hundreds of diverse creatures fill the Hall of Discovery. Familiar faces appear among the masses as faction leaders, venture-captains, and friends of the Society gather around an illuminated platform. First Seeker Luwazi Elsebo’s magnified voice rings out over the audience’s excited murmurs. “Thus, it is with both sadness and pride that I step down as First Seeker. But before I can welcome my successor, Guidance has an announcement to make.”

A green holographic image of a human woman materializes beside Luwazi and addresses the room. “Greetings, Starfinders and esteemed allies. I have considered your nomination of Ehu Hadif Ko’ra Amares of Clan Tolar as First Seeker. I agree with your selection and have confirmed his elevation in my records. This is a day for celebration.” Guidance bows its head and dissipates.

The crowd erupts into thunderous applause as a kasatha clad in crimson armour strides onto the stage. He nods respectfully to Luwazi, who steps back to offer him her place at the centre of the platform. Ehu Hadif raises two of his hands and says, “Thank you for the warm welcome. I am honoured to accept the title of First Seeker, and all the responsibility that comes with it. First Seeker Elsebo has been our rock through countless hardships. Few First Seekers in our Society’s history has overseen so many successful struggles. Thanks to her, and the brave Starfinders who worked to outwit our foes, we now enter a time of peace. My goal during this time is to return our organization to its roots of discovery and exploration. My colleagues and friends, I invite you to once again turn your eyes to the distant stars. Together, I believe we can gather and preserve precious knowledge for the good of the universe.”

The Starfinder Society triumphed over Datch’s lies and schemes, and a new era of discovery under First Seeker Ehu Hadif is dawning.

Thank you GM’s for all of your hard work and effort to make this successful! And a special thanks to everyone joining the PbP Community during these trying times amid the Pandemic. Without you all this wonderful community would not be possible.

Sorry I've been kinda off my game for a couple days—crunch time is the worst. ^_^;

Given the opportunity, Rally took what she could of the files, intending to present them as the findings of her first ever adventure as a member of the Starfinder Society. Being no religious scholar, she left the grand statue to the others by and large, making sure to keep an eye on their (surprisingly cooperative) captive. And in the end, she is true to her word, doing her best to make sure the ysoki is fairly treated in the coming days. Before parting ways with the rest of the group at the Lorespire Complex, though, Rally takes a moment to speak to them.

"Um... I'm not very good at this sort of thing, but..." The elvish girl smiles, more genuine and more lonely than the cocky smirk she wears for the cameras. "Thanks for having my back out there. And for keeping me going. You've been a great crew, and a great set of—" Another word rises to Rally's lips, but is left unsaid. "—allies."

"It's a great big galaxy out there, and a great big Society in here, but... hopefully we'll cross paths again." And with that, Rally Rose is off to her next adventure.

Thanks for the game, y'all. This's been wonderful. ^_^

Quentin smiles at Rally, then offers his hand to shake. "It has certainly been exciting. And not at all what I expected. And though I can sense I'm coming in late to something big, I'm going to have to think about just how curious I want to be. That said, you guys were fantastic. Thank you."

Thanks folks, and thank you Cwethan for running an excellent game!