(Outpost IV) GM Quirk's Frozen Ambitions: The Preluria Connection (Inactive)

Game Master Quirk, Private Eye

ph yeah, it's going to be one of thooose games.

ph yeah, it's going to be one of thooose games.

I HATE it when that happens with my Mystic...

Boris tries to dodge his large bulk and maybe get some piece of furniture between himself and the grenade...

refl: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12
Sadly, the bar stool he tries to hide behind doesn't quite do the trick...

Looks like I still need a reflex save from HFG and his drone.

One of the Ijtikri's begins holding his head, and twitching just a little as he tries to shake off something...

Green will save vs. mind thrust: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9

FAIL!

Meanwhile, Karpo and Seska pull their pistols out and inflict painful hits on the Ijtikri across the bar. HEY! That guy's on fire! What the pronk!

In honor of Boris and the two injured mercs, the jukebox begins playing a new song.

Bold may go. Round 2.
1. Dr. Phlonxx
2. Boris (-6)
3. Kaath
4. Enemy Green (-3)
5. Enemy Blue
6. Enemy Red (-7, on fire for 4 more on his turn)
7. Enemy Yellow
8. HFG
9. Karpo (-1)
10. Seska (-1)

Reflex: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15

HFG jumps and rolls back onto the bar. Grenade fragments rip into the base of the bar where she'd been standing, and only a few scratch her arm. After the explosion, she drops her feet and faces the grenade thrower.

Just out of curiosity, did the grenade blast hit any other patrons?

Note to self: Target red on next turn.

As the music changes Boris gives out a hearty laugh. "I have changed my mind. I LOVE this bar! Now, you!", he points at (gree) again, "You have the combat prowess of an arthritic slug! Why did your friends even bother bringing you! You were always picked last in gym class as a kid, weren't you?!"

intimidate: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21

One more time...Dispiriting Taunt: Standard action, 60' Demoralize roll (intimidate) if fail, enemy off target (-2 attack rolls), if succeed enemy shaken (-2 attack, skill, ability checks) until end of my next turn.

The Dr. takes out what apears to be an oversized crab claw. He points it at green and when it snaps shut a bolt of plasma fires out of it.
attack EAC: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15
E&F: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Kaath steps up to the blue punk and smashes with his solar weapon

”You and your brethren are really ruining our evening. “

Solar: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15 for dmg: 1d6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 2 + 1 = 7

The grenade may very well have injured at least one or two bar patrons. It also shattered some bar furniture and implements, so Keeper is not at all happy with these Ijtikri's.

Boris, Dr. Phlonxx, and Kaath are all successful in their endeavors to end these mercenaries. Unfortunately, though battered, they all still have the ability to fight back.

blue to hit vs. Kaath with knife: 1d20 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (19) + 4 - 2 = 21
damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Looks like a hit to me.

yellow to hit vs. HFG: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15
damage: 1d4 ⇒ 2
Hit, though barely

green to hit vs. Boris: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21
damage: 1d4 ⇒ 3
Another hit. 3 for 3 so far.

Red fires across the bar against Seska. First he'll rush up to the edge of the bar. He'll probably drink someone's shot glass full of rot-gut whiskey before he fires. Seska will have cover (+4 AC).

to hit: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19
damage: 1d4 ⇒ 4

Hey! 4 for 4!

By the way, it is life science to know something about these strange creatures.

Bold may go. Round 2.
1. Dr. Phlonxx
2. Boris (-9)
3. Kaath (-4)
4. Enemy Green (-9)
5. Enemy Blue (-7 and mercilessly taunted)
6. Enemy Red (-11, still on fire for 4 more on his turn)
7. Enemy Yellow
8. HFG (-3)
9. Karpo (-1)
10. Seska (-5)

The android directs her drone toward the grenade tosser and both she and the drone open fire. The drone scorches the bartop. HFG shatters a light fixture on the far wall.

Jenny, laser pistol, azimuth v EAC, red: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7 ... damage: 1d4 ⇒ 1 critical Burn 1d4

HFG needler pistol v KAC, red: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11 ... damage: 1d4 ⇒ 3

Drone move. Drone and android attack.

As Seska grins at the Ijtikri after setting him on fire, the Ijtikri return fire landing a solid shot on my shoulder.

Life Science: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

I don't believe I've ever seen anything like these creatures. At some point, I may need to do some investigation, but now definitely isn't the time.

If red is still alive, I'll use Telekinetic Projectile on him and throw one of the heavier mugs around the bar at him. He appears to have moved to within 30 feet. Otherwise I'll fire my pistol at yellow. Same Attack roll, the only difference is amount of damage.

Attack Roll: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8
Damage - Red: 1d6 ⇒ 3
Damage - Yellow: 1d4 ⇒ 2

The pain in my shoulder causes my hand to shake a little.

Karpo makes gestures with hand towards blue and a tiny, vaguely humanoid-shaped creature emerges from a portal behind the merc. It immediately attacks the ijtikri shooting arc of lightning. Summon creature, inevitable graft, 1 round

Attack Roll: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8
electricity: 1d4 ⇒ 4

Not one hit? Really? You know what this means? The jukebox plays another song--just for for HFG, Karpo, and Seska.

The sound of gunfire continues to erupt within the Crooked Doshko. The patrons huddle behind tables, watching for their chance to escape. Another song begins playing on the jukebox.

Bold may go. Round 3.
1. Dr. Phlonxx
2. Boris (-9)
3. Kaath (-4)
4. Enemy Green (-9)
5. Enemy Blue (-7)
6. Enemy Red (-11, still on fire for 4 more on his turn)
7. Enemy Yellow
8. HFG (-3)
9. Karpo (-1)
10. Seska (-5)

The claw opens and clacks shut again firing another bolt of plasma at green.

vs EAC: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18
E and F damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

"You people look strangely familiar."
life science: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11

Boris reaches into what looked like a pouch and pulls out, a claw! It is slightly different from Dr. Phloxx's, having three sections that open un instead of two. He levels it at (green) as well and lets a bolt of plasma fly.

plasma claw: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14
E+F damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

"Nice claw, doctor. And yes, they do seem familiar.."

life sciences: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

Kaath continues to pummel with his solar weapon, fighting thru the pain.

”Your cosmic path will be truncated should you choose not to surrender now. “

atk: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20 for dmg: 1d6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 2 + 1 = 8

solar crystal weapon (Blud, +1 elec/stun on crit)

Dr. Phlonxx dispatches green with his weapon.

Boris, you may shoot another squid if you would like. Yellow is a ripe target with no cover right now.

Kaath also ends the Ijtikri he was fighting.

More later tonight. We'll see if the bottom of the order can do a little better this time. If this goes another round, I'll have to pick a new song...

Yellow is a fine target for me..

Forgot red's saving throw last round--let's see if he lives one more round or just falls over dead.

DC 14 reflex save: 1d20 ⇒ 11

Nope. He dead...

The remaining mercenary runs for it.

COMBAT IS OVER

silence settles over the bar. Patrons cautiously peek over tables to assess
the scene. They avoid the all of you, not wanting to become your next
targets.

This gives you time to study the comm unit. The device is locked with some serious security measures, but with the codes provided by the Brotherhood, it’s possible to hack the device.

I need a DC 16 computer check from ONE of you. I will allow one person to crowd in and assist.

Kaath deactivates his solar weapon and looks upon the fallen

”Who were they? Why did they attack? What did they hope to achieve? These are questions needing answers. But delving into computers is not my forte. “

As the last Ijtikri flees the scene, I calmly holster my pistol and straighten my robes around me. Looking over at the comm unit, I'm taken back to my time on the streets scrounging technological scraps just to get by. That was a forgotten lifetime ago, however. Unfortunately, I will be of little use hacking into it now.

This mystery seems to grow larger by the minute. I hear Kaath ask their questions aloud as I began to ask myself those same questions in silence.

Who? Why? What did Firiz get themselves into? And how uncanny is the song selection of that Jukebox?

If it looks like we'll be awhile, I will take a 10 minute rest and burn a resolve to get Stamina back

Putting pistol back to holster Karpo looks around "I hope this isn't common here. HFG, you had some computer knowledge? Could you take a look?"

"They look similar to some mercenaries that were working for an illegal medical experiment on Zrulik-3. I'm not sure if there is a connection here or not. Does anyone need medical attention?"If his party does not need medical attention Dr. Phlonx will check on injured patrons while the team attempts to access the comm device.

"Well, that was completely expected. Everyone OK? He calls out to the patrons in general. "Anyone hurt?"

He will then check out the fallen gang members, still trying to figure out what was different about them. Plus he'll see if they are carrying anything that will give a clue.

When everyone mentioned the comm unit, "No computer expert here? Is it me? I hope not.."

After a minute he looks again, "Oh, I guess it is me..."

computers: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25

Kaath looks down and noticed he is still slightly injured

” It may be wise for me to patch this injury before I continue.“

Unless there is extra healing he could take a 10 minute healing.

HFG watches over the Morlamaw's shoulder. "That was well done, Boris, but look there. I think there's a command menu hidden under that icon.... "

Computers, aid : 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22

"Oh! There is! Most of our computer equipment has to be water proof, changes the user interface a bit..."

oops, sorry,missed you had a better skill, would have assisted you. Turned out fine though!

Boris and HFG are able to break into the comm device successfully.

There is an interesting chat between Firiz and an unknown contact. The last message mentions a meeting at a set of coordinates (which you now have). The conversation also mentions clues that Firiz will leave behind some clues for anyone trailing him if things go south. He seems very uncertain and hesitant about the investigation he is a part of.

Bolgin (the "regular" who you spoke to in the Crooked Doshko) is will to drive you to the coordinates while doing his usual delivery route.

"Oh! There is! Most of our computer equipment has to be water proof, changes the user interface a bit..."

oops, sorry,missed you had a better skill, would have assisted you. Turned out fine though!

No worries. There's value in just moving the game along too.

And I vote we drive with Cliff.

:) A ride would be fine.

I'm fine taking the ride. I assume none of the clues he left are here?

Kaath nods in agreement towards the lift.

It would seem the cosmos has provided us a new path. One we would be remiss to miss.

The coordinates on Firiz’s comm unit lead to a seemingly
abandoned industrial building several miles into the desert. Bolgin drops you all off then completes his delivery route.

The massive facility’s entrance is chained shut, but a PC who
looks closer realizes that the chain has been expertly cut and then
carefully put back together again so that it appears unbroken (you can pass right through).

Inside the dimly lit complex, hallways branch off in three
directions, forming a maze for those who don’t know their way
around the building. The area shows signs of neglect, such as
dirty floors and halls littered with debris.

Luckily, PCs can follow
the trail of footprints and subtle clues Firiz left for them.
Following the trail quickly and accurately requires a PC to
succeed at two DC 13 Survival checks to follow tracks or two
DC 15 Perception checks to search. For each failed check there could be consequences! NOTE: you get a +2 to these checks for successfully hacking the comm device.

At the end of the trail, the PCs arrive at a bulky, newly installed
security door.

Opening the door requires a successful DC 15
Computers or Engineering check to disable device.

Karpo tries to follow the trail.

Survival: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18
2nd survival: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

HFG launches her drone and sets it to orbiting the party. She divides her attention between the drone's controller's display and what is actually happening to the party. The aerial view provides a great advantage in spotting Firiz's clues.

Perception, hack bonus: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 5 + 2 = 19
Perception, hack bonus: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 5 + 2 = 27

In hope of saving time ...
At the door she unrolls her tool kit and sets to work.

Will take 10 =18 if possible to open the door. If not ...

Engineering: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14 SOOOoo close.

As we enter the building, my well honed skills from growing up on the streets click in.

Survival 13: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 9 + 2 = 13
Survival 13: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 9 + 2 = 23

The tracks and clues that were left are easy enough to follow.

Perception 23: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

HFC, I think you missed that last perception check.

Not seeing anything wrong with the door, in fact barely registering the door's existence, Boris leans and and whispers, "I think you need to clip that purple wire.."
engineering: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15

The doctor attempts to follow the trail with everyone else.
survival: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27
survival: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16
and has an easy time of it.
and then takes a look at the door to the facility they are about to break into.
perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13
but doesn't see anything out of the ordinary.

Karpo and HFG sort out following the tracks.

Boris is going to be able to pop the door open.

Anyone else want to try the DC 23 perception check before we move on?

Kaath looks around as well

Perception : 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22 so close ...unless the +2 applies

Thought that perception was maybe contingent on opening the door. Happy to give it a try.

Can we aid on Perception?

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21

I think I will give you the perception check. You're both so close, and could possibly assist each other.

Kaath and HFG notice a small wire on the door just before Boris pops it open. Clearly, there is an alarm.

Engineering check to disarm, please. I suspect we will move on to the next map tomorrow--you'll finally see what is behind the door.

Kaath points to the ground and nods to HFG-5-309.

"Look at that. Very observant, Kaath. Hang on a second."

HFG unrolls her toolkit again and begins to dismantle the tripwire.

Engineering: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11

Or not.

An alarm rings.

The door pops open.

There are two VERY large, multi-armed humanoids emerging from nearby rooms. They're grumpy. They seem intent on beating all of you violently.

See the new map. Though there is no surprise round, the aliens get a bonus to their initiative due to the alarm and one of the first tracking rolls missing.

Bold may go. Round 1. A lot of good the initiative bonus did me.

1. Dr. Phlonx
2. HFG
3. Seska
4. Karpo
5. Enemy Red
6. Enemy Blue
7. Kaath
8. Boris

Gaping holes and sharp edges appear in the metal floor as Karpo waves hand toward the large humanoid.

10-ft. area in front of red enemy is difficult terrain for one round.

What is knowledge check to see what these are?
I'll fire at Red

Laser Pistol: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13
Fire Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 1
This hallway looks rather clear, so I assume there isn't anything lying around to throw with Telekinetic Projectile

As I look around trying to figure out how the little guy ended up in front, I draw my pistol and fire.

Dr. Phlonxx glares at red, "Be careful I think you might have a concussion."
Mind Thrust II on Red Will DC 15: 4d10 ⇒ (5, 7, 3, 10) = 25

Jenny the drone darts forward and her laser beam burns a bit of paint off the wall. Her android master swears softly and draws her pistol.

Move draw weapon, move drone, drone attack.

Ranged laser pistol, azimuth v red EAC: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7 ... damage: 1d4 ⇒ 1 ( critical Burn 1d4; -)

will save red: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13

One of the creatures, which by now you can see are obviously shobhads, drops his hammer, grabs his head, and falls over dead.

Well. That escalated quickly.

The other shobhad (blue) grunts, winds up with his assault hammer, and attempts to hit Kaath.

assault hammer to hit, reach: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11

damage: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

Appears to be a miss. This is not going well for the guards.

Bold may go. Round 1.

1. Dr. Phlonx
2. HFG
3. Seska
4. Karpo
5. Enemy Red
6. Enemy Blue
7. Kaath
8. Boris

The cosmos has not found you worthy. You should have surrendered.

Kaath fires up his solar weapon on his hand.

Stepping up, he strikes.

solar crystal weapon: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16 for blud: 1d6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 2 + 1 = 9 +1 elec/stun