[RD][SFS] 2-06/2-08: The Stumbling Society (Inactive)

Game Master Andrew Harasty

Excellent firing team. Diz complements Rocket, Swizzers, and Hermea. Apologies on my side: if I had detected the platform sooner more intact drones may have been able to be recovered.

As the ship readies to descend, the shirren activates their environmental seals Cannot be too cautious and excitedly primes his microlab to get samples and readings from this barely-explored world.

LANDING AREA

The crate rests in the intersection of the three paths in the area, in the middle of the map. As you open the crate, a small device on the latch triggers, and a hologram of a white-furred ysoki woman appears above it. She grins in the direction the crate was Opened.

“Hello there, Starfinders! I see you’ve found my little present. I must say, I’m ever so grateful to the Society for providing me with all these fun weapons to bestow upon those poor species that haven’t developed modern technology yet. Perhaps I’ll have to make that more widely known... It would be a pity if the Starfinders didn’t get some recognition for their role in all this!

“I hope I get to meet such clever folks one day! Perhaps we can share some food and laugh about all the fun we’ve been having.”

With that, the device self-destructs in a small burst of flame. A variety of weapons, armor, and other technological gadgets rest inside the crate. As you begin to catalog their findings, two groups approach the site from opposite directions: both kiirinta factions, who have arrived to claim the latest cache.

The two groups are wearing different colors (green and purple) and show more interest in fighting each other than dealing with you. However you are in the way of the prize so you are also just something to get rid of.

They begin firing at each other.

A quick comm from Saivessa, "Try not to kill them all. We do want to seem like peaceful people"

Bold can react to this development.

The Drop Zone

Group conditions:
Round 1

Officer Swizzers - dmg
Hermena - dmg
Rocket - dmg
Viper-6 - dmg

Reflectors (purple)

Thomagar
D'yzliit - dmg

Builders (green)

Rocket looks at the rest of the party
"Any of you want to try to ..I don't know...talk to them or something? Or scare them away by growling?"

Just wondering...is diplomacy or intimidate an option here? Or do we need to fight and deal non-lethal damage?

"UUUUUGH," Hermena growls as the instectoid guerrillas make an already delicate situation even more volatile. She darts behind one of the larger trees, and uses the cover to take a snap shot at the green kiirinta to the north. Use Stunt and Strike (Operations Manual 80) as a full action to move up to speed, make relevant skill check (Stealth) to render target Flat-Footed, and attack; Sniper's Aim reduces any cover bonus to AC by 2, taking -4 penalty to deal non-lethal damage.

Stealth Stunt Check (DC 20 + target's CR): 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (1) + 16 = 17
Dispelling Accelerator Rifle Attack: 1d20 + 9 - 4 ⇒ (16) + 9 - 4 = 21
Piercing Damage: 3d4 + 8 ⇒ (1, 1, 3) + 8 = 13

"Please, everyone, listen to me!" Officer Swizzers shouts. "These weapons belong to the Starfinder Society, and I will sooner destroy them than let you take them!" She aims her laser rifle at the crate.

I would also use Diplomacy if possible--I'll go ahead and make a check.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25

Rocket waits to see how they react to Officers Swizzers and points his blaster in the direction of one of the approaching groups as he takes up position in front of the crate
"Stay back, we don't want to use our weapons ..well I kinda do ..but we will if we have too!

Hermena and Rocket set up shots hopefully to convince the kiirintas to stand down. Though their shots hit it does not seem to slow them down as they continue to approach.

Swizzers attempt to speak to them is returned with emotions of anger and divine providence. Now you realize with they are so quiet since they communicate telepathically with each other. You do make that there is a language in the thoughts, but not one you are able to understand. However, you at least get a sense that they currently see you as obstacle, or tests for this next "gift of the gods"

The purple clad kiirintas move forward. One (green) fires back at Rocket:

Reflector Handcoil: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15 v EAC
Handcoil Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

The other two take long pot shots at the Builder that Hermena hit.

Reflector Handcoil: 1d20 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (17) + 6 - 4 = 19 v EAC
Handcoil Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Reflector Handcoil: 1d20 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (19) + 6 - 4 = 21 v EAC
Handcoil Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
They are trying to kill each other, but they are shooting at 2 range increments

The seem to be very happy with their new tools

Bold may act now.

The Landing Zone

Group conditions:
Round 1

D'yzliit - dmg
Thomagar - dmg
Viper-6 - dmg

Builders (green) R: G: 27 (NL) B:

Hermena - dmg
Rocket - dmg
Officer Swizzers - dmg

Reflectors (purple) R: 10 (NL) G: 10 (NL) B:

Unfortunate. D'zyliit says as he quickly adjusts the chemical levels of his weapon. As he does so he tries to broadcast out the same message in as many languages he can think: common, elven, aklo, vesk:

There has been a misunderstanding. Please. We do not wish to inflict lasting harm!

Diz will fire back - nonlethally - only at the creature that shot Rocket, but will also have the shot loaded with a tier 2 sedative thanks to his new Medicinal Mastery theorem.

Attack v EAC: 1d20 + 11 - 4 ⇒ (18) + 11 - 4 = 25 for nonlethalAcid damage: 2d6 + 3 ⇒ (3, 6) + 3 = 12 plus nonlethal damage: 2d4 ⇒ (2, 1) = 3

Presume the green areas are difficult terrain? If so, Thomagar can't charge then.

photon mode 1

Deciding that the two sides are not going to listen caught up in the heat of the combat, Thomagar attempts to close in as quickly as he can, drawing out his starknife as he does so. He then flings it at the nearest kiirintas, but slightly at at angle to not connect using its razer sharp edges.

tactical starknife vs KAC, photon mode, nonlethal, range: 1d20 + 13 - 4 - 2 ⇒ (15) + 13 - 4 - 2 = 22 nonlethal slashing dmg: 1d4 + 12 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 12 + 1 = 14

Does there appear to be either - any actual scope to dissuade them, OR the ability to pick up the crate of kit and run away?

As long as you prevent either side from getting the weapons they do not seem willing to stand down yet. Also each side, at this moment, isn't ready to talk with each other. You could "pick" a side and let that side get to the crate.

The crate itself is a sizable pallet of arms and weapons. And would require multiple people to move or some form of mechanical lift. Or a about a half dozen or so creatures just to carry them loose.

Viper pulls out a grenade and holds it aloft as clearly as possible and gestures it towards the equipment with one hand and makes shooing gestures at all the creatures, she triggers her cybernetic voice amplifier to ensure her 'big voice' can be clear and boom across the battlefield "All of you leave or I blow the lot"

She looks ready to blow the stack.

Bluff 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18 (Android flat affect:they get -2 to their sense motive)

As to not confuse things too much. Green boarders turned to yellow boarders. Since Green and Purple are the faction colors

Diz fires back at the one shooting at Rocket (yellow Reflector) and hits them.

Thomagar moves and strikes and hits the red Builder

Viper attempts the Corbomite Maneuver with the crate.

That seems to have gotten their attention. And in a panic all the builders fly forward and focus fire on Viper-6

Builder Rail Gun: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25 v KAC
Builder Rail Gun: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20 v KAC
Builder Rail Gun: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25 v KAC
With Two of the bolts hitting Viper
Rail Gun: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
Rail Gun: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Viper's mind is flooded with some very rude images about her linage.

Bold may act.

The Landing Zone

Group conditions:
Round 2

Hermena - dmg
Rocket - dmg
Officer Swizzers - dmg

Reflectors (purple) R: 10 (NL) Y: 25 (NL) B:

D'yzliit - dmg
Thomagar - dmg
Viper-6 - 13 SP dmg

Builders (green) R: 14 (NL) Y: 27 (NL) B:

Seeing there's no persuading the opposition at the moment Rocket presses down the power-up button of his blaster until it starts to hum

"We'll just need to knock them out and then see what we do with them when they uhm...can't argue with us"

Rocket releases his hold on the power up button and triggers the firing button sending an electrical charge towards the same targets he had before

to hit EAC bottom green and red: 1d20 + 12 - 4 ⇒ (10) + 12 - 4 = 18
Non lethal elec damage if hit: 2d8 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (8, 8) + 6 + 2 = 24

Realising a firefight is inevitable, Officer Swizzers leaps for cover and draws her compliance flash ray pistols.

Dropping prone as a free action and then doing two move actions to draw two pistols.

Though she knows she needs to aim carefully when bringing down the kiirinta so as to minimize the fallout, she still holds out hope that sufficient displays of force will end the firefight early. She unclips her shock grenade from her belt, and hurls it into the midst of the northern attackers. Swift action to draw mk 1 shock grenade (Quick Draw feat), Standard Action to throw it with 1 range increment at the white X on the grid; with a spread of 15 ft, that should hit all three attackers without hitting Thomagar.

Ranged Attack vs. AC 5: 1d20 + 9 - 2 ⇒ (18) + 9 - 2 = 25
Electric Damage, Reflex 12 half: 1d8 ⇒ 3

Rocket's fancy shooting takes down one of the Reflectors and makes the other one very woozey

Officer Swizzers drops and gets ready to fire. As Hermana tosses a grenade towards the Builders
Reflex Builder, red: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
Reflex Builder, yellow: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16
Reflex Builder, blue: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15
But they mostly get out of the way

The Blue Reflector takes a shot at Rocket,
Reflector Handcoil: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12 v EAC
Missing the ysoki

While the Red Reflector takes a shot Yellow builer
Reflector Handcoil: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20 v EAC
Handcoil Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

Bold may act.

The Landing Zone

Group conditions:
Round 2

D'yzliit - dmg
Thomagar - dmg
Viper-6 - 13 SP dmg

Builders (green) R: 15 (NL) Y: 37 (NL) B: 1

Hermena - dmg
Rocket - dmg
Officer Swizzers - dmg

Reflectors (purple) R: 34 (NL) Y: KO'ed (NL) B:

So the green-tinged ones seem most affected/responding to the threat to blow up the weapons? Also, these dropped weapons have the Starfinder logo on them, right? (from the briefing). If so...

D'zyliit will advance towards the more aggressive moth-folk to the north. He loads and fires another sedative at the northern one yellow, then holds an appendage out and projects the Starfinder insignia in a hologram from his own chitin.

These are our weapons. We do not wish to harm you, but do need them back.

Nonlehtal attack vs EAC: 1d20 + 11 - 4 ⇒ (4) + 11 - 4 = 11 for nonlethal acid: 2d6 + 3 ⇒ (1, 6) + 3 = 10 plus nonlethal: 2d4 ⇒ (1, 2) = 3

Viper goes after the Builder who shot her, now living up to her name as an angry and venomous reptile.

Trick attack - Stealth Take 10 (Tricks CR 10)
Attack 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 15 vs FF KAC
Damage 2d6 + 3 + 4d8 ⇒ (3, 4) + 3 + (3, 6, 3, 6) = 28
+Flat footed

Diz's blast misses the builder, but Viper's shot hits the builder just off guard and takes it down.

Although they notice the logo it does not cause them to pause at this moment.

The red Builder shoots at Thomagar
Builder Rail Gun: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18 v KAC
Missing

while the blue takes a shot at the red Reflector
Builder Rail Gun: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30 v KAC
Rail Gun: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10
Taking them down with a shot though the head.

Bold may act.

The Landing Zone

Group conditions:
Round 2

D'yzliit - dmg
Viper-6 - 13 SP dmg

Builders (green) R: 15 (NL) Y: Bleeding out(NL) B: 1

Thomagar - dmg
Hermena - dmg
Rocket - dmg
Officer Swizzers - dmg

Reflectors (purple) R: DEAD (NL) Y: KO'ed (NL) B:

Cursing under her breath that the grenade wasn't worth the credits, she hoists her accelerator rifle back onto her shoulder and tries to bring down the blue builder nearest to her with a nonlethal shot. Use Stunt and Strike (Operations Manual 80) as a full action to move up to speed, make relevant skill check (Stealth) to render target Flat-Footed, and attack; Sniper's Aim reduces any cover bonus to AC by 2, taking -4 penalty to deal non-lethal damage.

Stealth Stunt Check (DC 20 + target's CR): 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (6) + 16 = 22
Dispelling Accelerator Rifle Attack: 1d20 + 9 - 4 ⇒ (8) + 9 - 4 = 13
Piercing Damage: 3d4 + 8 ⇒ (2, 2, 2) + 8 = 14

Swizzers opens fire on the nearest foe!

Full attack with multi-weapon fighting.

Compliance Flash Ray Attack # 1: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17
Compliance Flash Ray Attack # 2: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26
damage # 1 (fire, nonlethal): 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
damage # 2 (fire, nonlethal): 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

I'm not sure who's still standing after Hermena and Swizzers have taken their actions...so assuming there's still an enemy standing I'll fire on that and if there's another one within 30ft of that in a line I'll target that one as well...moving if needed for a better line of effect

Rocket fires his blaster again trying to bring down the last enemies without killing them

To hit EAC: 1d20 + 12 - 4 ⇒ (2) + 12 - 4 = 10
Non-lethal Elec damage: 2d8 + 6 ⇒ (3, 3) + 6 = 12

Guess it won't matter whom I target with a roll like that ;)

photon mode 2

Thomagar continues to close in on the builders raising his left hand to summon back his starknife. He catches it as it comes spinning back while slamming his glowing palm at the same target.

solar palm vs KAC, photon mode, nonlethal: 1d20 + 13 - 4 ⇒ (7) + 13 - 4 = 16 nonlethal bludgeoning dmg: 2d6 + 16 + 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4, 1) + 16 + (1) + 1 = 23

Hermana's shot lands and Swizzer's follows up on the remaining reflector

Rocket's blast goes wide, but Thomagar follows up with a solid hit.

With two if its companions down, the remaining Reflector takes flight and flees.

Bold may act.

The Landing Zone

Group conditions:
Round 2

D'yzliit - dmg
Viper-6 - 13 SP dmg

Builders (green) R: 38 (NL) Y: Bleeding out(NL) B: 15

Thomagar - dmg
Hermena - dmg
Rocket - dmg
Officer Swizzers - dmg

Reflectors (purple) R: DEAD (NL) Y: KO'ed (NL) B: 16 -FLeeing

Seeing one of the aliens dropping potentially fatally by another, D'yzliit races towards it. Hoping the alien physiology isn't entirely incompatibel with standard Pact medicinals, the shirren launches a minor booster to try and stabilize them.

Using a minor booster biohack to administer first aid to stabilize the bleeding yellow (though still need to hit first).

Attack: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (20) + 11 = 31
Medicine to Stabilize v DC 15: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (2) + 18 = 20

Is the remaining group maintaining hostilities or have these bugs got the message and stopped fighting?

Seeing Diz tend to their wounded companion, the remaining two close then take their fallen comrade back from the front and fall back out of combat.

After a few minutes another Builder approaches peacefully and is making obvious gestures to parley. It is done mostly telepathically in a unfamiliar language, but you sense that it closely resemble Gnome.

Officer Swizzers gets to her feet, holsters her myriad weapons, and smiles at the newcomer. Remembering her crash-courses in Steward and Starfinder first contact protocols, she tries to mime the equivalent of "we're friendly visitors from the stars."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13

Because of my archetype, I only worsen a creature's attitude with a failed Diplomacy check if I fail by ten or more.

As soon as the Builder approaches and starts speaking, Thomagar discreetly gestures to D'zyliit to activate the tetrad translator. As he releases the stellar energy, he calmly approaches the Buidler and starts speaking, repeating the same phrases again and again until the device picks up enough from both sides to translate.

"We meant no harm. Sorry if we hurt anyone. We want to be friends."

diplomacy, sidereal influemce: 1d20 + 15 + 1d6 ⇒ (9) + 15 + (2) = 26

Viper lets the diplomats do the talking, but also keeps an eye on these creatures in case they get big ideas and re-initiate combat.

Seeing that you are peaceful, she motions that she wishes to touch someone. It is obvious that she wants to cast share language, Diz also picked up a translator so I will assume communication at this point

The communication is primarily telepathic with occasional high pitch chirps from the kiirinta. From time to time she seems a little lost when you speak, but still understands.

"I am Tavi of the Builders. I am sorry that you had to deal with the heretic Reflectors. But since the gods have been sending us these weapons we have seen our cause just. Our leader, Nerii, strongest of our tribe, would request an audience of those that also bare the emblem of the god"

As she listens to the ensuing conversation, Swizzers gets on her hands and knees, investigating the "crime scene."

I'm thinking we may need to visit both sides to broker some sort of peace. Are there tracks that would allow us to follow the fleeing "Reflector" back to their camp? If I Take 10 on a Survival check, my result is 15.

Hermena reloads her rifle and raises an eyebrow at Tavi. "I see, and just to make sure our... 'divine mission' aligns with yours, can you tell us what you know about the 'gods'?" She shoots a worried look at the more interactive party members, hoping to subtly get a sense of whether the plan was to impersonate deities or try to clear up the misunderstanding.

And why are those other's of your species - 'Reflectors'? What are they reflecting? - heretical? D'zyliit asks. He also approaches the creature with gun put away but his machinery-laden arm out. I and my companions have not seen beings like you before. May I make a quick examination? I promise it will not cause any damage.

Diz will try to use his microlab to get a reading/scan on this creature if they don't object. Life Science result would be 35 if so.

Viper listens in to the information forthcoming from these 'Builders' with a sense of dismay, the last thing she wants to be involved in is a religious-schism fuelled brush-war on some backward planet.

"Fine, take us to this Nerii, strongest of your tribe, and tell us of your faith whilst we walk"

Viper calls in the crate location to Saivessa for collection.

Saivessa get the message and heads towards the site as you follow Tavi back to the Builders. She has no problem with Diz taking a sample, in fact she seem honored, if to show off how well she has pleased the God.

A quick analysis shows them to the Fey in origin. Their natural voice is very high pitched and it seems that they can use it to stun or stagger creatures.

A few things you get from Tavi as you travel. The Crates are a gift from the God that has no name to advance the kiirintas fortunes. Not like the heretics that just want to seek enlightenment and not use these tools as signs of strength.

Take base is a village of intricate huts made out of knotted vines and leaves. A large clearing the center is where the leader, Nerii waits.

"It is a great honor to see emissaries of the Nameless One bless our cause. It seems that we are right and that these tools were meant for our great advancement. Not learning from them would be an insult to you and the God"

"The Reflectors see these as merely test for themselves. They spend too much time just thinking that they rarely do anything. Except prevent us from our own ascension. But with your blessing and guidance, we can finally beat them and show that we are your true followers"

"How long have you been at war with the Reflectors? Since the coming of the Nameless One?" Viper enquires.

Diz thinks telepathically to the others.

It appears they think our Society may be a God - or at least that our logo is Its holy symbol. We should attempt to disillusion them of this, correct? If were are being made to look meglomaniacal and overstepping in the press, embracing literal divinity status would not quell those rumors.

I agree, we will need to find out what is going on then start setting these creatures straight

"Is the Nameless One around? I'd sure like to have a word with them."

"We have been fighting since the gifts first came to us. There were many tribes of us, but regardless of family, some saw the true meaning and joined us. Where as the others wallowed in their heresy and rejected the truth. And now you are hear to show our cause is right. "

Nerii looks quizzically at Swizzers. "Are you not emissaries of the Nameless God? I would think you hear their voice at all times. You are testing us again?"

"But let us celebrate! A Toast for the emissaries!"

The other buzz around as small goblets are brought out and a fine cherry red liqure is poured in them and handed to each of you, as well as Nerii, Tavi, and a few other "leaders"

"To our providence"

The kiiniras all drink and more is poured out. It is very potent and would require a Fort Save to stomach.

"We hear the voices all the time, endlessly. We are here to bring you some Guidance, give you the good word about the one known as The First Seeker and the driving philosophy of Explore, Report, Cooperate - we are here to share with you the wisdom of the Society"

"We can talk further after this drink"

Viper gives her companions a wink as though to say 'I know what I am doing'

Viper takes the offered elixir and drinks with the wayward cultists.

Fort 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15
(Inoculation +3 if Poison/Disease)

Hermena smirks when she sees what Viper-6 is up to, and raises her own glass for the toast. "Since were here speak directly on behalf of the Nameless, I should mention that our creed is one of cooperation - your civil war may have arisen from the arrival of our devices, but our order will not condone a genocide."

Fortitude: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7 Oof.

D'zyliit looks at Viper quizzically, but follows her lead. Quaffing down the offered drink, he coughs a but before complimenting.

Fort: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

Fine *hiccup* vintage.

Seeing everyone else do the friendly talking bit Rocket kept silent until now as he notices that several party companions are drinking the offered drinks

"..well, if they are handing free drinks..who am I to stand in the way of Diplomacy?"
Fort save: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23

Viper is able to drink the liquid with out any ill effect. Though Diz and Hermena are a bit woozey from the beverage.

Failure on this challenge will modify the next challenge for the individual

Also waiting on Rocket, Swizzers, and Thomagar to decide if they will drink or not.

Nerii thinks thoughtfully about the concept of Cooperation that Viper and Hermena bring up. They seem a bit hesitant to conceded the point yet but is watching how everyone does with the drink.

"[b]These ideals are worthy, and can Build better kiiniras, but let me see you in a simple test of skill. We have set flags around the village, let us see how quickly each you can gather them all [/ooc]"

The second challenge is effectively an obstacle course using Athletics, Acrobatics or any other clever idea to quickly do

I expect it's due to posting roughly at the same time, but Rocket did drink the offered beverage. And would using a jetpack to get quickly around (or rather over obstacles) to gather flags be allowed?

"I accept this challenge"

Viper is sure to listen in to the specifics of any rules, then takes off on foot.

"See you at the finish line!"

Speed 40.
Acrobatics 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (17) + 19 = 36

I expect it's due to posting roughly at the same time, but Rocket did drink the offered beverage. And would using a jetpack to get quickly around (or rather over obstacles) to gather flags be allowed?

Still will need an Athletics or Acrobatics to see how gracefully it is done. But the speed will be taken in to consideration