[SFS/Shifty] #2-24: Cornered Rat (Inactive)

Game Master Nik B.

/dot in

Ready to blow stuff up

You are on Absalom Station, where First Seeker Luwazi Elsebo has contacted you, requesting your presence in the Lorespire Complex to discuss an important upcoming mission in the Diaspora.

***

In the briefing room, Luwazi Elsebo rises from her chair and nods in greeting. “Starfinders, you’ve proven to be invaluable as field agents many times over, and I require your expertise once again. I want you to lead an important mission to obtain information about Datch, a dangerous individual who has been causing us no end of trouble since our return from the Scoured Stars.”

As Luwazi mentions Datch’s name, she pulls up a photo of her appears on a large screen on the wall. “As you probably know, the nefarious ysoki has engaged in a multimedia smear campaign against the Starfinder Society. Most recently, Datch has taken on the position of director within AbadarCorp, handling the massive organization’s security within the Pact Worlds. “She’s not going to stop there. While we have begun to unravel her schemes, Datch has initiated some initiative to oust AbadarCorp’ current executive archdirector, Iseki-Okaibo, in a vote of no-confidence. AbadarCorp’s board is preparing the vote as we speak. If she is successful, Datch could create a massive power vacuum in AbadarCorp and the religion of Abadar, enabling her to continue to corrupt the corporation from within“

“Thankfully, we now know where we can find information that we can use against her in the coming vote.” Luwazi presses a button on her datapad, and a three-dimensional image of a cluster of asteroids replaces Datch’s picture on the screen. Luwazi continues, “During a recent mission, a group of Starfinder agents found information about the location of a hidden installation in the Diaspora established by Datch and currently inhabited by various Laoite servants“.

“I’ve sent a task force in advance to examine the area who have returned intel on the exact location of the Laoite installation. Due to your positions as some of the Society’s most senior agents, I want you to take the spearhead on the attack against the Laoite facility. We’re expecting heavy resistance, so I’m sending a fleet of combat-ready ships to go with you. You’ll be leading the Prime squadron of the First wing, which is the vanguard of our attack force“.

“One more thing. As you may already know, my term as First Seeker is coming to an end. The Forum is preparing to elect a new First Seeker, and Starfinders have been integral in our selection process. This may be the last mission that I will assign, so I want to use the opportunity to thank you for your hard work during the last two years. You are the best of the best that we have, and it has been an honor to work with you.” She pauses for a moment and smiles. “Make me proud once again.”

"due to the nature of the mission, you should choose which starship frame they want to take, likely the Drake or the Pegasus, or your own if you have acquired one. I don’t recommend one or the other; you already know what the strengths of each frame are and I trust your judgement"

Boon Allocation: At this point, you should finalize you boon slots for the session. PCs with the Data Stalker boon from Starfinder Society #2–20: Shades of Spite should be encouraged to slot this boon. As this is Luwazi Elsebo’s last official mission assignment, you are also strongly encouraged to slot the Second Seekers (Luwazi Elsebo) faction boon for this mission.

In addition, for players who’ve been invested in the Starfinder Society Year of a Thousand Bites story line, check if PCs have Chronicle sheets for:
Starfinder Society #1–36: Enter the Ashen Asteroid,
Starfinder Society #2–05: Meeting of Queens,
Starfinder Society #2–06: The Stumbling Society, Part 1: Sangoro’s Lament,
Starfinder Society #2–08: The Stumbling Society, Part 2: Sangoro’s Gifts,
Starfinder Society #2–10: Bluerise Breakout,
Starfinder Society #2–18: Forbidden Tides.

Played all of those, except 2-05 and 2-18, just not on this character.

Benoit has the Data Stalker boon. He will also slot the LE faction boon. I've also played all the scenarios except 2-18 you listed, but only 2-06 and 2-08 are scenarios Benoit took part in.

Rawksim slots Data Stalker (so long, sweet Yetis) and changes faction boon to SS(LE.) He has played 2-18.

Hello! Very much looking forward to this. I've played a lot of Starfinder Play-by-Post on Discord, this will be my 1st time here on the Paizo forums :) So please don't hesitate to correct me if I breach posting etiquette etc. here.

Here's my boons: SS Luwazi Champion (Faction), Scoured Stars Survivor (Personal), Alien Access (Social), High Society Influence (Ally)

For the Starship boon, I got Enhanced Shield Regeneration from the Guide and Defender of the Fleet from 1-99.

"Right, before you board your ship and a flight to destiny, who has questions?"

Gremvest is a handsome, athletically-built Vesk in his 40s, with a tribal sunburst tattoo around his left eye. Something about him looks a bit familiar; maybe he’s a has-been celebrity? Wearing an ecru thrift-store duster, he seems to glow slightly. Strapped to his backpack are a pair of long melee weapons, and he holds a Vesk musical instrument.

Idly plucking at the strings of his music-maker, he speaks in his deep, gravelly, Vesk voice, "This is your last mission briefing? Whoa, I feel honored First Seeker! Luwazi you've always been a great mentor and leader. And for this mission we're gonna do, what can ya tell us about the advance team? Who are they and should we be contacting them when we get close to the right asteroid out there in the Diaspora?"

Rawksim addresses Luwazi in a respectful voice. "I was with you in the Scoured Stars - twice! - and I'm with you now, Luwazi. It's been an honour. But - to the matter at hand - do we have intel on what kind of resistance we can expect?"

"You were - and you showed we could prevail then as we will prevail now. Our scout missions revealed the presence of various drones patrolling the space around the base. They greatly resemble drone ships our agents encountered near Stabrisis-14, but our sensors revealed they are different; more advanced. Inside the facility, you’re likely to face Laoite cultists and assassins.”

"Roger that. Leave that damned rat to us, ma'am."
Rawksim puts in a requisition for four Spell Gems of Remove Affliction on hearing "Laoite" and "assassin" in the same sentence.

Benoit, nods at Gremvest. The two have obviously worked together before. Benoit's a taciturn looking dwarf with a full beard on his chin and wearing a heavily customized suit of powered armor on his stocky body.

"Oh great, another suicide mission. Can you tell me one thing First Seeker? Who comes up with these chicken s*&@ missions and how do I get transferred out of this outfit?... We're all going to die."

"Nice to meet you Roger," Gremvest says to Rawksim. (Gremvest only has an Intelligence of 8!)

"Benoit, good to see ya. Hey I've killed a lot of Jinsuls, not so much any Low-Whites? Huh? Assassins? Cult? You seem to know about 'em Benoit and Roger, fill me in wouldya!"

"Don't get me wrong I've been in scraps with every type of alien species possible. In fact, during my last mission I put the hurt on several so called ysoki Laoite assassins. Remind me again First Speaker, how much are we getting compensated for this mission? I'm assuming we are getting a mighty fine bonus added on to our usual fee because of the danger level on this one."

Cultists and Assassins do not scare me. They will fail miserably. Then we might have to ask them who they are working for after we catch one alive.

Luwazi raises an eyebrow at the complaining Dwarf "Another suicide mission? Yet you continually prevail - perhaps your assessment of the odds suggests we have more faith in your abilities than you do. You being a veteran Starfinder I can understand that the continued battles may have left you slightly demoralised and jaded, but your chin must remain high as you are supposed to be an example for the junior members to aspire to. As to compensation and bonuses, we have all sacrificed, and we will be called upon to sacrifice more. The bonus is that our combined efforts keep us free of Jinsul overlords" she then politely brushes the concerns aside.

"Good Jackojare, I have faith you will emerge triumphant"

***

Dismissed from the meeting, you have a few moments to compare notes and try and recall some useful information.

CULTURE OR MYSTICISM (RECALL KNOWLEDGE)

Ooooh, I've never rolled a die on Paizo's forums before! Wish me luck team, I'm going in :D
Mysticism: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (6) + 19 = 25

"No need to worry Benoit and, ah, Gremvest, was it? I've flown over two dozen combat missions with the Starfinders, and managed to bring everyone home safe and sound. I've got your backs."
Rawksim very pointedly does not mention the black armband of mourning sporting the Skyfire Legion symbol tied around his left arm, but his teammates nonetheless get the impression from Rawksim's stature and body language that he comports himself as though he's used to having a large Dragonkin standing behind him.
"In any case - here's what we can expect dealing with Laoites." He'll share what he knows from Mysticism.

Gremvest listens attentively to Rawksim's explanation of Lao Shu Pu and her followers. "Whoa..." he whispers.

Knowledge checks are not Gremvest's forte. Even with a nat 20, he couldn't do better than Rawksim just did on that Recall Knowledge check.

mysticism: 12 + 1d20 ⇒ 12 + (4) = 16

Culture: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (8) + 12 = 20

"Like I said, I've fought the Laoites before and their all sneaky little bastards. They like to hide in the dark and stab you in the back. Enough of this talk. If we have to get stuck in, let's get stuck in. Time to earn a paycheck."

Benoit stands up and heads for the docking bay to prep his combat drone TEC-9 for transit. All you hear as he heads out the door is the whirring and clicking of the servos powering his armor.

Gremvest hops up to go. "We'll make ya proud, First Seeker. We got this!"** The big Vesk joins Benoit as they depart.

Culture: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (13) + 13 = 26

As the others prepare to leave the briefing, a voice speaks from what had appeared to be an empty corner, now containing an android bearing all the marks and signs of a fellow Starfinder.

"I am here to serve at your pleasure First Seeker. Do you have any more information about this installation or other useful advice?"

As the group departs, Naylor moves with them acknowledging each with a nod.

"I believe I have not had the pleasure of a mission with any of you yet. I look forward to working with you and learning more of your abilities.

"I must warn you, I have been affected by a previous experience or two, the result of which means that if any of our enemies are causing wounds to bleed, it is best to remain at least 15 feet away from me or the bleeding may be more severe. On the other hand, if you tend to be the cause of such wounds, let me know who you wish me to move nearer to so that they may suffer instead."

The Vesk Solarian's eyes widen. "Uh, you might want to get that condition checked out by some doctors er sumthin. Thank you for the heads up. Anyhow, yeah, this here weapon o' mine which I favor, is known as my trusty ghost killer opportunistic yellow star nova lance. As luck would have it, when I really nail an opponent squarely, like a direct hit we're talkin', sometimes yeah, they bleed extra. Heh heh... Okay so my name is Gremvest, nice to meet ya, what's your name?" So the nova lance has the "Wound" feature for critical hits. If I crit I roll a 1d100, and 1-10 is "Bleed 1d6"... so a 0.5% chance :)

Benoit also is using a nova lance.

"Apologies, my name is Naylor." The android looks at Gremvest and Benoit then nods. "When it is feasible I will try to close with your targets. I am a small arms specialist so prefer to stay out of direct melee combat, though I have been reconsidering that tactic. Perhaps, if there is time, I should shop for an appropriate weapon to use that I could automatically enhance. I've had little time between missions recently to consider anything."

As the group moves through the Lorespire, Naylor continues thinking out loud, "Well, I was considering my options for inflicting cold. I think I need to take a fresh look at those Hail pistols. In this case, the short-range would not be an issue, they may not be the most effective at dealing out cold damage but they pack a nice little punch. Yes, I think that is what I'll do. It won't take but a few moments to pick one up on the way to the dock."

One by one, the ships of the Starfinder fleet exit the Drift, appearing in a neat formation near a large cluster of asteroid within the Diaspora.

Moments later, First Seeker Luwazi Elsebo sends a message to all ships in the fleet: “Stay alert! According to our intel, the Laoite base is directly ahead within that cluster of asteroids. Our sensors cannot detect any enemy ships, but don’t be fooled—they’re out there, hiding and waiting in ambush. Stay in formation. Prime squadron, lead us closer to the cluster at a steady speed.”

As the Prime squadron leader, your ship is accompanied by three other ships—Prime Two, Three, and Four. All seems fine until Benoit on your sensors detects multiple gun turrets on asteroids scattered through the belt. Your ship homes in on the threats in your sector as Prime Two, Three, and Four engage their tactical areas.

***

Starship Guide

Starship combat cheat sheet

Hazard -Asteroids: Hexes with asteroids are dangerous for starships to enter. The pilot of the ship entering the hex can attempt an Average Piloting check as part of a pilot action (but not a stunt) to avoid taking damage while entering the hex, provided that the pilot does not attempt any other stunts on the same turn. Firing through hexes with asteroids does not affect the attack

R1
Starting positions:
Engineer: Naylor
Captain: Gremvest
Pilot: Rawksim
Science Officer: Benoit
Gunners: Jackojare

Engineering Phase
(Captain & Engineer)

From his position at the science and communications officer station Benoit announces over the fleet wide comm channel.

"Roger Command 1. All wings report in. Lock S-foils in attack position. Scans indicate gun emplacements on the asteroids in the sector directly in front of us. Prime squadron accelerate to attack speed. Command 1 this is Prime 1 we're going to cut across the axis of the asteroid in our sector and try to draw their fire."

Although unused to being in the Engineers chair, Naylor has trained for this and double-checks their readouts. Then, over internal coms, they ask, "Where would you like the most power, Captain? We're in fine shape at the moment so you have options."

"Ya haw! Well said, Benoit! Do we got visual yet on those guns? Are they automated or can we tell if they're manned? Okay team, we got this! Power Naylor? Good question, I dunno, scanners!?" Capt. Gremvest shouts enthusiastically.

Sitting up straight in the captain's chair, the big Vesk bounces with excitement. He starts humming, using his core and windpipe like a resonant musical instrument (similar to AC/DC's Thunderstruck's opening riff).

Engineering vs DC 25: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (16) + 13 = 29

"Aye Captain. Scanners it is." Naylor leans in toward their console and fine-tunes the system to divert extra power to the Science Officer's station and scanners.

"You should be good for a nice peek at what they've got, Benoit." +2 to checks this round

Through the ship PA system

Starship Guide

Starship combat cheat sheet

R1
Starting positions:
Engineer: Naylor
Captain: Gremvest
Pilot: Rawksim
Science Officer: Benoit
Gunners: Jackojare

Engineering Phase - complete.
(Captain & Engineer)
Naylor boosts scanners.

Helm Phase
(Captain, Pilot, Science Officer)
(Initiative not yet required)

Rawksim brings our Drake into the advance position. An old school Skyfirer, he adopts the cocky, aggressive, posturing that the fighter pilots of that mercenary group are known for, but as we are expecting hidden foes, he's keeping a tight six and minimizing unexpected attack angles from the asteroid field. "We have the van, Captain." The bridge crew definitely notices him tapping an appendage in time with the captain's fight song.
Ready for piloting initiative! Pew pew!

Benoit's hands move rapidly over his command console as he focuses the ship's AN/SPY-1D sensor array on the gun emplacements that the Drake is rapidly approaching.

Computers (Scan DC 20): 1d20 + 20 + 3 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 20 + 3 + 2 + 2 = 40

The ship moves.

Benoit scans the turrets.

Turret
AC 20, TL 20
60 HP each.
Particle beam (8d6; 20 hexes)
They have no facing and can fire in any direction.

R1
Starting positions:
Engineer: Naylor
Captain: Gremvest
Pilot: Rawksim
Science Officer: Benoit
Gunners: Jackojare

Engineering Phase - complete.
(Captain & Engineer)
Naylor boosts scanners.

Helm Phase
(Captain, Pilot, Science Officer) - complete
Rawksim moves the ship.
Benoit scans the enemy.

Gunnery Phase
(Captain, Gunners)

The Vesk Icon starts booming a rock ballad!

"Everyone get ready to rock
we're on a mission to defeat Datch.
This Drake flies like a hawk,
and that Ysoki we gonna catch.
We're here to fight,
we're not gonna run.
Jackojare, your skills are tight,
Jackojare target that gun!"

Gremvest Encourages Jackojare, which should work automatically because my gunnery bonus is +12, giving Jackojare a +2 bonus to gunnery this round.

Jack up! :)

Oh sorry, I thought I was on pause; now I see I can just go without initiative.
Rawksim will use the Evade stunt to try and defensively get us closer to one of the turrets but farther from the rest, to try and minimize shots. DC = 25.
1d20 + 24 ⇒ (12) + 24 = 36

All good :)

Jackojare will fire the persistent particle beam using the ship's +3 modifier at the first turret. hit: 1d20 + 14 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 14 + 3 = 33
dmg: 10d6 ⇒ (2, 2, 2, 2, 6, 4, 6, 1, 5, 5) = 35

The combatatnts exchange fire - you can see the other turrets being engaged by the rest of your formation, keeping only one turret shooting back at you.

Attack 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26

The superior flying skills of Rawksim and the evasive flying employed means the turret has no luck - the luck gets worse as your particle beam slams home.

R2
Starting positions:
Engineer: Naylor
Captain: VACANT
Pilot: Rawksim
Science Officer: Benoit
Gunners: Jackojare, Gremvest

Engineering Phase
(Captain & Engineer)

Turret 35

With no other direction, Naylor decides to boost the guns.

Engineering vs DC25: 1d20 + 13 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 13 + 2 = 16

They start making the adjustments but realise there are some crossed wires and not enough time to fix them.

"Damn! Sorry, you guys will just have to make each shot count. I'll try to fix this asap."

Naylor find the wires confusing and has paused to consult the operating manual.

R2
Starting positions:
Engineer: Naylor
Captain: VACANT
Pilot: Rawksim
Science Officer: Benoit
Gunners: Jackojare, Gremvest

Engineering Phase
(Captain & Engineer)
Naylor - reading the manual.

Helm Phase
(Captain, Pilot, Science Officer)
No initiative required - pilot free to move

Turret 35

Rawksim brings us in for a side strike, nice and easy. Evasion as before (DC = 25.) "I'll get us in range of all Fore and Turret weaponry - light 'em up, Team!"
1d20 + 24 ⇒ (2) + 24 = 26

Gremvest hungrily reaches for the controls for the antimatter missile launcher, but then remembers Benoit's sage advice to preserve such epic-grade powerful weaponry. Chuckling at himself, the Vesk shifts gears and aims at the nearest target with the Drake's heavy plasma torpedo launcher.
Gunnery: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (1) + 15 = 165d10 ⇒ (10, 8, 8, 1, 1) = 28

That is too awful of a roll. Gonna use my t-shirt reroll.
Gunnery: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (9) + 15 = 245d10 ⇒ (6, 4, 6, 2, 3) = 21

Fire at turret again using particle beam. Gremvest, don't forget about the ship's +3 to any 3 checks per round ability.
hit: 1d20 + 14 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 14 + 3 = 21 dmg: 10d6 ⇒ (1, 2, 2, 6, 3, 2, 3, 3, 5, 4) = 31

Our Drake has the finest computers in the space-land, don't forget, so we actually have +3 to 4 checks per round; plus Benoit has his own personal +3 that only he can use. That's enough for all of us to add +3 to one check a round :) Huh, I too have been forgetting that, heh.

Impressed by the skill of his teammates Benoit realizes there isn't anything he can do at the science officer's station that will make a difference so he switches his computer terminals mode to general ship functions. He then runs an intricate pre-firing algorithm for the ship's light particle beam through the targeting computer so its next shot is more effective.

Benoit does the minor crew action Ready Weapon System on the light particle beam so that if it is fired next round is does +2 damage.