(Outpost IV) GM Quirk's Strike at Zone 78 (Inactive)

Game Master Quirk, Private Eye

"Never rains but it pours, hey, lads!" Navasi calls, scrambling up behind Patterson to get a better view.

"Everyone put their back into it and we'll take this beast!" Get 'Em: +1 to attacks (not sure if this includes ramming - love that idea, by the way)

Ears can't quite place this beast. It's mutations must make it at least somewhat unique. It is obviously some sort of crocodilian.

While TheFreeman misses with his rifle shot, Patterson scores a nasty hit on the beast, attracting it's attention. In fact, this huge beast has a 15' reach and you'll attract an attack of opportunity!

to hit: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (19) + 14 = 33
damage: 3d4 + 8 ⇒ (4, 2, 2) + 8 = 16

Honestly, I'm not sure a ram would work well in this case. As I read it, the creature would get a reflex save, and only a "1" would fail (+11 reflex save).

Navasi inspires everyone to dig a little deeper.

OP-1, you may go.

Well darn. I just saw the ram damage. :)

"All hands brace for impact! Powering up engines now. Ramming speed!"

Piloting: 1d20 + 16 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 16 + 1 = 20 (+1 from a boon btw, not from get 'em)

well.....that's slightly disappointing ;)

Ram damage in case the reflex save turns out to be a natural 1: 12d6 ⇒ (2, 3, 1, 3, 3, 6, 4, 3, 2, 5, 3, 5) = 40

Our own damage if we hit something: 3d6 ⇒ (1, 6, 2) = 9

OP-1 slowly get's the turbines moving and gently pushes forward through the waters.....

reflex save: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27

The crocodilian proves to be a slippery customer, and avoids the ramming attack.

I really wanted to this to work. On the other hand, no damage to your sub either. I'll get another round started tonight.

Ears draws his knees an elbows in tight, crouches down, shakes his fists from side to side. "OOhh! It's almost like magic! Let's do that again."

The croc decides that the submarine is too crunchy. Though you are all just tidbits, you're quite possibly delicious.

Who will it attack? OP-1 should be inside the submarine, so it won't be them. Let's roll. 1-Ears 2-Patterson 3-Navasi 4-TheFreeman.

who will it be?: 1d4 ⇒ 1

Huge jaws reach out of the water and attempt to eat the poor ysoki.

to hit: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (7) + 14 = 21
damage: 3d4 + 8 ⇒ (1, 3, 4) + 8 = 16

Bold may go
1. Patterson
2. Ears (-16)
3. Navasi
4. OP-1
5. TheFreeman
6. Red (-21)

Submarine HP: 39/50

Patterson tumbles closer to the creature, drawing a knife that looks almost comically small against its bulk and slashing at it. He almost overbalances and slips into the water, though.

Acrobatics check to avoid AoO: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (18) + 12 = 30

Spark knife attack, incl. get 'em and opening volley(!): 1d20 + 10 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 10 + 1 + 2 = 14

"I were really hopin' that would work!"
He takes a shot at the beast...
Ice carbine, overcharged
overcharged ice carbine: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12
C+P damage: 1d8 + 1d6 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + (4) + 4 + 1 = 10

Drone adds a full volley of fire as well.
perferator pistol: 1d20 - 4 + 1 ⇒ (5) - 4 + 1 = 2
Sonic damage: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

static arc pistol: 1d20 - 4 + 1 ⇒ (13) - 4 + 1 = 10
E damage: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Somehow all three attacks may have missed the giant thing...

"That thing has lined up at the wrong buffet!" Navasi calls to her crewmates. "Let's give it some serious indigestion!" Get 'Em: +1 to attack

"There's that famed ysoki grit!" she says to Ears. "Doin' great over there."
Inspiring Boost: Ears you regain 11 SP!

Seeing how easily the creature avoided the impact with the sub OP-1 decides to join his companions on the outside.

As he moves he draws his blaster before opening the aft hatch
Rules say it's a move action to exit a vehicle..but I can't find a rule on where you actually exit it, so choosing to exit outside of the creatures reach..though like the rear exit?

As he exits he sees the rest of the party engaged with the creature and aims in it's general direction before pulling the trigger.

To hit EAC: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21
Non-lethal Elec damage if hit: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Patterson and TheFreeman both miss the big lizard, but OP-1 scores a hit.

Navasi promises Ears everything will be fine (+11 SP noted below)
.

Bold may go
1. Patterson
2. Ears (-5)
3. Navasi
4. OP-1
5. TheFreeman
6. Red (-28)

Submarine HP: 39/50

"That thing has lined up at the wrong buffet!" Navasi calls to her crewmates. "Let's give it some serious indigestion!" Get 'Em: +1 to attack

"There's that famed ysoki grit!" she says to Ears. "Doin' great over there."
...

"Does this look great !? " Ears holds up a hand and displays the shredded tatters of his armor. "It ate my ha-- "

"Oh." Ears wriggles his fingers to confirm the hand is his and still works.

Thanks for the boost, SuperS.

"Patterson! Where'd you go? Stop playing in the water down there!" Ears is not going to follow the human into that murky soup. He draws his pistol and targets the beast with a slug.

semi-auto pistol v KAC, get'em: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 5 + 1 = 9 ... Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6 critical -; Analog)

As Ears attempts to put a slug into the beast, it once again rears its long snout up to bite poor Ears.

Another attack of opportunity. Patterson was able to avoid it. It has 15' reach.

to hit, AoO: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (3) + 14 = 17
damage: 3d4 + 8 ⇒ (3, 1, 2) + 8 = 14

The creature also viciously attacks Patterson.

to hit: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (8) + 14 = 22
damage: 3d4 + 8 ⇒ (1, 2, 3) + 8 = 14

Both appear to be hits. The creature has a special attack that it takes on a hit. I have decided not to use it on AoO's, but I think Patterson may unfortunately learn about it...

To his horror, Patterson sees that this mutated creature has a second set of jaws within its mouth. These jaws also attempt to clamp down on him.

to hit: 1d20 + 14 - 4 ⇒ (17) + 14 - 4 = 27
damage: 1d4 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15

Another hit. You have been grabbed, and are considered grappled.

Bold may go
1. Patterson (-45)
2. Ears (-19)
3. Navasi
4. OP-1
5. TheFreeman
6. Red (-28)

Submarine HP: 39/50

GM Q, by my count I'm down 45 damage--you forgot the first AoO.

Thank you Patterson. I thought that first AoO went toward Ears, but now I remember that he got the first regular attack. This is a tough encounter, but if you can get some damage on him, maybe you'll scare him off...

"Aim this time, Drone! And nay any backtalk!"
"Zzzzbzzz!"
Freeman sticks his tongue out at Drone and tries to line a proper shot off... Drone follows up with another full volley.

overcharged ice carbine: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22
C+P damage: 1d8 + 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (5) + (1) + 4 = 10

perferator pistol: 1d20 + 7 - 4 ⇒ (9) + 7 - 4 = 12
Sonic damage: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

static arc pistol: 1d20 + 7 - 4 ⇒ (14) + 7 - 4 = 17
E damage: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

OP-1's right eye slightly buzzes

"Target acquired"

The android uses a convenient patch of shadow provided by the submarine to try hide his next move from his target before taking a shot

Trick shot using stealth: 1d20 + 17 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 17 + 1 = 34 (dc 20+target's CR)
To hit EAC (vs flatfooted if trick shot worked): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18
Non-lethal Elec damage if hit: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Extra trick shot damage: 1d8 ⇒ 1

If the trick shot worked he's flatfooted (vs everyone) till the beginning of my next turn

"You! You know how to shoot!" Ears steps carefully sideways, then drops to all fours and scampers through Navasi's legs. He pops up beside OP-1.

"Your problem is that sidearm isn't quantumly synchronized. Let me see that!"

Guarded step away, then move as shown.

Offering to supercharge OP_1's gun next round.

"What th-" Navasi quick steps as Ears scampers through her legs and behind her.

Turning her attention back to Patterson, she calls, "Hold tight!" She cringes inwardly, Not like he has a choice... "We've got your back!"
Inspiring Boost: Patterson gets back +11SP

Navasi draws her semi-automatic pistol, ready to join the firefight.

No Get 'Em this round.

It looks like trying to escape a grapple is very difficult--DC 10+KAC.

Patterson nods gratefully to the envoy before trying again to slash the immense beast holding him.

Spark knife attack, incl. grappled penalty: 1d20 + 10 - 2 ⇒ (16) + 10 - 2 = 24
Electrical and slashing damage, if applicable: 1d4 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

A salvo of gunfire from TheFreeman, his drone, and OP-1 scorch the reptile badly. Within the creatures jaws, Patterson manages to hold onto his knife, and with a slashing motion, gives it a painful injury within its mouth.

There is a loud splash as Patterson is tossed into the water. The creature decides there is easier prey somewhere in this swamp, and swims off.

Combat over. I'll have a new post tomorrow night. I'm certain that at least two of you may want to take a 10-minute rest, and there may be additional healing needed. Of course there is that mound--can you investigate it before the creature comes back?

Panting, Patterson removes a serum bottle from his pack and drinks down the contents. The terrible wound left by the monstrous eel's jaws knits a little.

Mk I serum of healing: 1d8 ⇒ 4

"Well, that were horrid. I be hopin' we dunna run into anythin' bigger! Everyone OK? Is the sub seaworthy? Yes, OK, let's check that mound. Carefully and then get tha heck outa here before it comes back!"

Investigating the mound, you can see that the crocodilian creature had a length of ion tape (armory 105). This can be scavenged and used as you see fit.

It also contains several eggs, each containing similarly mutated crocodilians. One of these could be gathered as a sample, as requested by those who sent you on this mission.

Finally, you see a more suitable place to land up ahead. A path leads through mangrove trees toward the center of the island.

Survival check: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

"Let's take an egg with, hey? Then we can move the sub to a less crowded part of the island."

"Everyone still in one piece?" Navasi asks, stepping up beside Freeman. Patting the dwarf on the shoulder, she points her chin toward the eggs, observing, "Must be why that thing was so toey."

"Good idea," she agrees with Patterson. "Grab one and let's get out of here before it comes back. I think I can see a clearer path through from here," she says, craning her neck.

I'll take that 10 minute rest, GMQ. Resolve 3/4.

"Toey? Never heard that one before, sister. What's it mean? Touchy, annoyed, hostile? " Ears half grumbles.

He warms up a little over the egg. "Let's put it in the sub now. No point in hauling it around with us."

Survival, untrained: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15

"Toey? Never heard that one before, sister. What's it mean? Touchy, annoyed, hostile? " Ears half grumbles.

Navasi shrugs. "Travelling so much you hear all sorts of different ways of saying the same thing." The corner of her mouth turns up in a small smirk, nodding. "That about sums it up."

survival: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17

"Agreed. They want specimens, we be giving them specimens. I jsut hope it nay hatch while we be gone..."

"That would be awesome! We could name it George! Ziggy would be so proud of us."

OP-1 follows after the others

Survival: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22

"I notice that a group of three medium sized creatures patrolled this shore within the last day."

"Huh...wonder where they're out of."

Patterson also rests when Ears does. RP: 6/7

Navasi nods. "Doesn't seem the sort of place that gets many sightseers. We might have more than angry mutated crocodiles to worry about."

A blazed trail leads through wetlands into the interior of the island.
The mangrove trees crowd together as you walk past them.
Their aerial roots leave little room to walk around. Even Medium
creatures feel the roots brush against their shoulders while they
walk through the forest, while Large creatures must squeeze
between them. Loose clothing or bags snag constantly. The size
of the trees makes visibility difficult and the shadows filtering
past the bleached coral branches dance just out of clear visibility.
The further the you go, the more roots form intricate patterns,
including handlike structures reaching out to grasp those walking
past.

After about twenty minutes walking through the mangroves,
the trees thin into a flat meadow. Gnats cloud around still puddles
and swarm any exposed flesh. Nearby, a herd of foot-tall ungulates
with coral horns and spotted markings graze while swatting away
the gnats.

On edge, Navasi keeps an eye out for any signs of trouble as they trek through the mangroves.

Life Science (untrained): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15

Stealth: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27

Life Science (untrained): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13

Survival (untrained): 1d20 ⇒ 2

Spotting the unusual herd in the meadows, she creeps closer for a better look. After the briefest glimpse, she makes her way back toward the group.

Face pale, she reports, "Uh, that's not fur on those critters, but flesh. And, uh," she hesitates. "The markings on their bodies aren't spots, but many eyes."

Navasi nods. "Doesn't seem the sort of place that gets many sightseers. We might have more than angry mutated crocodiles to worry about."

"Could it be the military patrols?"

Life Sci: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20
Stealth: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
Life Sci: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21
Survival: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

he size

of the trees makes visibility difficult and the shadows filtering
past the bleached coral branches dance just out of clear visibility.
The further the you go, the more roots form intricate patterns,
including handlike structures reaching out to grasp those walking
past.

"Look! These plants are all mutants. We should collect samples." Ears gets to work instantly, shaving pieces off the plants and putting them in jars. In the course of his work he looks up, "Hey, i somebody watching us?"

Spotting the unusual herd in the meadows, she creeps closer for a better look. After the briefest glimpse, she makes her way back toward the group.

Face pale, she reports, "Uh, that's not fur on those critters, but flesh. And, uh," she hesitates. "The markings on their bodies aren't spots, but many eyes."

"Definitely mutants. What a great survival mechanism though! At least if theeir brains can handle all the extra visual input. Patterson, can you bring one or two down with a well-placed shot? "

DC 20 Survival check: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

"Maybe. I don't want to risk them turning on us, though. Just in case they shoot lasers from their eyes, hey?"

life sciences: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28

stealth: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

life sciences: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29

survival: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

"Oh aye, sample tha trees, seems like ever'thin's mutated here. I suddenly don't wanna stay long... Wait, did those used to be mice? What kinda crazy place be this?"

"Lasers from their eyes!" Ears laughs heartily. "We'd all end up in pieces."

"I think they're from a diminutive antelope stock, Freeman."

After an hour of walking the trail ends in cracked concrete panels and shattered buildings. The damage makes it hard to determine where each
individual structures begin or end, but the construction has the
utilitarian air of a quickly built military installation. Signs plaster
the walls in a yellow-and-black warning, leaving little of the
original material exposed. Crates, pallets, and barrels blockade
the exit on the far side of the ruins.

The signs are written in both copaxi and common. They indicate this area belongs to the Fallen Hand. Several of the signs and fliers include the following demands:

1. An immediate end to all off-world diplomacy and trade.
Tabrid Minor should not be abandoned.
2. Destruction of all starships. No lifeboats for the elite while
the masses are left to die.
3. Immediate end to all new industrial projects and a full
review of all current projects.
4. Dissolution of the current planetary and regional governing
bodies. New elections for a fully democratic government that
represents all copaxis, not just the elite.
5. The proper creation and implementation of a truth and
reconciliation project, aimed at uncovering any suppressed
information about previous injustices.

There will be a map tomorrow night. You are entering some ruins. It seems quiet at the moment.

Walking through the ruins and seeing the signs, Freeman's eyes narrow.
"These people be believing in this strongly to live here.They likely to be mutated as well. Let's hope they be willin' ta talk..."

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14 +2 vs traps

"....seems quite, might not be though" OP-1 comments while looking at the scenery.

Please see slide 2. You may arrange your tokens in the red box at the top of the map.

A single copaxi takes note of your presence. He stands just down the road from you. He calls out, "You are encroaching on Fallen Hand territory! Explain yourselves!"

"I got this, boys," Navasi murmurs, stepping forward several paces.

She raises her hand in greeting. "Hi there," she calls across to the copaxi. "We're part of a research team involved in conservation of unique regions such as this. Our external scanning equipment has been detecting anomalies within the area and it's surrounds and, concerned, we came to investigate." She pats a hand to her chest. "I'm Navasi, by the way."

Bluff w/Expertise: 1d20 + 9 + 1d6 ⇒ (3) + 9 + (5) = 17

Ears grumbles softly to The Freeman, "Why'd we have to wear these stinkin' badges if the military can't even keep out a gang of eco-terrorists?"

Freeman grins and whispers back, "Aye, we dunna need no stankin' badges!"

Patterson tries to look inoffensive.

The copaxi responds to Navasi. "Research team, huh? Already starting with lies. This isn't a good way to begin if you're interested in talking with us. We know you're Starfinders, and we're not happy you're here. And I would not recommending you coming any closer."

Another bluff or diplomacy roll may help get you back on track.

"Ah, you know about that, huh?" Navasi asks with a grimace. Chagrined, she rubs the back of her head. "Sorry about that."

"The rest was true, though - we are here to investigate anomalies in the region. And my name is Navasi," she says with what she hopes is her most disarming smile.

The smile fades as she clenches her fist into a ball before her. "I, too, know firsthand the hypocracy of the elite! Of their conceited self-serving ways and their ambivalence - or outright disregard - for the rest of us." Letting her hand drop to her side and fall open, she softly adds, "Of the lives lost to their games."

"Perhaps we can help you?

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25