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

Game Master Quirk, Private Eye

HFG is able to quickly get the loading dock doors open. She is still too late to stop the van speeding away from the area.

From the adventure:

A battered delivery van with a massive turret built onto its
roof idles in the loading dock, which stands empty of all but a
few discarded equipment scraps and the remains of a broken
wooden pallet. A muscular shobhad worker shoves one last
crate into the back of the van, offering a glimpse of a limp
humanoid form sprawled beside stacks of laden pallets before
the door slams shut. The shobhad smirks, leaping onto the
bumper before hauling himself up to the roof and signaling
to the driver. Tires screech as the van speeds away in a
cloud of exhaust.

A single dilapidated van remains parked in the loading dock.
The van isn’t locked, but there’s no key in the ignition.

You can attempt to hotwire the van.

By either by succeeding at a DC 14 Engineering
check to rip open the control panel
and cause a short in the ignition wires, or by succeeding at
a DC 13 Computers check to hack the
onboard computer. A successful DC 12 Sleight of Hand check allows a crafty PC to forge a replica key.
Alternatively, a PC can attempt a relevant DC 12 Profession
check to start the van.

This is going to be a vehicle chase. For now, see if one of you can make one of the skill checks up above to get the thing started. One PC can sit in the driver’s seat to pilot the vehicle, and another PC can ride on the roof to operate the van’s mounted
weapon. The cargo compartment has enough room for everyone
else, but they might be in for a bumpy ride. The PCs’ vehicle
has an autopilot system as a backup (I named him Clyde), but the autopilot is only
programmed to perform the break free, evade, keep pace,
and slow down maneuvers. The delivery vans each have one
spindle-mounted gun that allows gunners to fire at the opposing
vehicle without taking penalties.

I will go ahead and post the vehicle stats for you in the slides. I also posted pictures of the two vans. Sadly, yours is the rusty yellow one. Theirs has the cool 1970's airbrush art. It probably has a sweet 8-track player too (yours has an AM radio that probably isn't going to find a station anywhere out here). Otherwise, we'll get started tomorrow. If you're piloting, it may behoove you to read the rules on vehicle chases. I'll be reviewing them tonight as well.

I will go ahead and post the vehicle stats for you in the slides. I also posted pictures of the two vans. Sadly, yours is the rusty yellow one. Theirs has the cool 1970's airbrush art. It probably has a sweet 8-track player too (yours has an AM radio that probably isn't going to find a station anywhere out here). <===LOVE IT!

The cosmos appears to have set us on rapidly diverging paths from those fleeing the scene. Do any of you know how to operate one of these contraptions?

"Someone, please hurry and get that... junk moving. I'll get out of way and sit in back."

Shoot. I even slotted it because this had a vehicle tag. Boris has a boon about driving land vehicles but I don't have that info here at work... I think others have better engineering than him and computers for sure to get it started. I'll try to remember to check that boon when I head home for lunch in about 2 hours..

Edit:
OK, that chronicle is still posted for the game. :) It adds 1 to EAC, KAC and hardness of our vehicle and if we are completely wrecked I can cross off the boon, make a piloting check and the vehicle is opeational for half that many rounds. Now, my piloting is only +6 so I'm sure someone else has better. We can still benefit from the +1 though.

The Dr is of little help with his skills at this point

Oh oh. Tech Skills deficit. :( Are we going to have to conscript a pizza delivery guy to drive us? Or call SF Uber?

"I am afraid I will be of very little help driving this ...... thing. There is something here called a Clyde. I imagine HFG can at least get that up and running?"

It looks like HFG does have Piloting actually

I suspect HFG will be fine with at least one of the checks (you just need one). They can also pilot the vehicle if Boris doesn't want to. And nice boon, Boris! Help me remember all of that stuff. This is going to be a little different and fun. As I noted above, it will be good for everyone to review vehicle chase rules. Everyone can shoot out of the vehicle, though there is a -2 penalty (though the laser gun on the roof doesn't have this penalty). And if you want to pull up to the other van and try to jump onto it, you can totally do that!

Engineering: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9
Computers: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28

No time for real post. Rolls to keep us moving.

My pilot mod is only +7. If you want to drive and think using the wrecked clause of your boon could be a significant advantage, go ahead.

Boris pushes the seat back as far as it will go and squeezes himself intl the driver's seat.
I knew it, It fits a Shobad, it'll fit me! I think they might be a tad skinnier around the waist though.. Let's go! Who is shooting?"

Boon is from 1-28, It Rests Beneath. I remember it being a fun mod!

"If you can get us close I might be able to throw a few spells at them."

Kaath jumps into the vehicle

HFG slams the hood down and hurries around to the door. She swings herself into the vehicle.

-"Hit it. "

can HFG aid driving? We should probably put a good gunner on the roof gun.

To put this in a nutshell, there will be three phases each turn.

1. Pilot actions (Boris and the enemy driver will choose an action and make relevant rolls, this requires a move action, possibly a full action).

2. Chase progress. I will determine the relative positions of each vehicle and what zone they are in. I will also determine if anyone is out of their vehicles.

3. Combat. Act in initiative order.

Vehicle combat begins on page 282 of the CRB. I do hope someone will look it up and help me along just a bit. This is going to be fun, but I have never done this before.

Boris, drive your van! The enemy delivery van is one zone ahead of you!

Please see the slides.

One more note: is anyone proficient with a longarm? I'm uncertain if you need to be to fire the mounted laser rifle. I think I am going to rule that you don't need to be proficient. It's a stable platform, and easy to use. Plus, there's the whole "rule of cool".

Bold may go.

-Drivers-
1. Boris
2. Yellow (Sorah Ka)

-Everyone Else-
1. Kaath
2. Dr. Phlonxx
3. Boris (possibly only standard action)
4. Shobhad Security (Blue)
5. HFG-5-309
6. Seska
7. Sorah Ka (yellow, possibly only standard action)
8. Karpo

Boris steps on it, trying to catch up to the fleeing van. Hold on!
piloting, speed up: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17
"Ah, this thing was not well maintained!"

Read through the rules again last night. Can HFG assist with the piloting? I don't think it actually says anything either way... Because if my math is right I missed that by 2 :)

Sorry. I forgot to address that question last night. I'm unsure of the answer, but it stands to make sense that someone riding shotgun could call out hazards, etc. So...yes. HFG can assist. It will take a move action to do so, and you can do it during the "driving" phase--in other words, right now.

HFG stares out the windscreen. "Keep right ahead. The sand on the left looks soft."

1d1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21

Boris steps on the accelerator hard and swerves with HFG's suggestion, one back tire spinning for a second. Boris barely stops the fish tailing and speeds on...
"Good spot!"

With HFG's assistance, Boris is able to get your van to rumble through this industrial area, and you manage to gain on the enemy.

You immediately move one zone, and will move an additional zone during chase progress.

The enemy van attempts to KEEP PACE with you.

piloting, DC 12: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

Success. The enemy van will move one space. During the CHASE PROGRESS phase you find yourself in the same zone.

You find yourself in heavy traffic. There are several oncoming vehicles, and you have to weave in and out of traffic.

Your vehicles have COVER. Next turn, the pilots may, if they wish, attempt a special TRICK move to divert traffic at the other vehicle (DC 19, causing a +9 attack for 3d4 damage).

Bold may go.

-Drivers-
1. Boris
2. Yellow (Sorah Ka)

-Everyone Else-
1. Kaath
2. Dr. Phlonxx
3. Boris (possibly only standard action)
4. Shobhad Security (Blue)
5. HFG-5-309
6. Seska
7. Sorah Ka (yellow, possibly only standard action)
8. Karpo

”You seem to become one with the cosmos and this vehicle. But so does our quarry it seems. “

He will look for an opening in the traffic

Perception : 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

bleh - or SM if that applies - same bonus for either

If we are close enough Dr. Phlonx will try to mind thrust II the pilot
mint thrust II DC 15 will save for half: 4d10 ⇒ (7, 4, 2, 2) = 15

Heh, rules say in the same zone is about 50'. So....

Boris uses his large lung capacity to yell at the other driver, "Where did you get your license, the gutter? My grandmother drives better than that and can't even see over the steering device!"

intimidate, dispiriting taunt: 1d20 + 12 + 1d6 ⇒ (8) + 12 + (5) = 25

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 drivers in both of these vehicles have total cover, which mean that nobody really has a clean line of sight to target them. Dr. Phlonxx, with this in mind, you can't use your mind thrust on the driver. HOWEVER, another one of those shobhad hulks is sticking his head out of the top of van to use that laser rifle--I'd be happy to have him save instead.

Kaath finds that traffic is coming at you hot and heavy. I'm afraid he's not much help.

Boris, you're either going to cause a road-rage confrontation, or the other driver is going to slink off to reconsider her choices in life. That's a success, and will affect her appropriately.

The hulking form of the passenger shobhad sticks his head up through the roof and fires the laser at your vehicle!

to hit: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15
damage: 1d8 ⇒ 1

There is now a tiny scorch mark on the side of your van, utterly indistinguishable from the rust and dirt that is also there.

Hit, but won't get through your hardness.

Bold may go. I moved Karpo up in the order because that just makes life easier for all of us. I'm all about making life easier...

-Drivers-
1. Boris
2. Yellow (Sorah Ka)

-Everyone Else-
1. Kaath
2. Dr. Phlonxx
3. Boris (possibly only standard action)
4. Shobhad Security (Blue)
5. HFG-5-309
6. Seska
7. Karpo
8. Sorah Ka (yellow, possibly only standard action)

Karpo fires at the passenger as he shoots with laser. "Can you drive real close so we could try and jump into their van?" he shouts to Boris

skipshot pistol: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19
damage: 1d4 ⇒ 1

How fast are we moving? -- Can I deploy Jenny the drone or will she be left behind ? Her fly speed is 60.

I think you would be in danger of losing her. Although your speed varies (especially during this section with heavy traffic), the vehicles are often over speeds of 60. The max speed of these vans is 450.

As the vans swerve through the streets, I realize that my pistol will do very little good in this situation. So I calmly concentrate on the shobhad at the turret.

Mind Thrust. DC 13 Will for half: 2d10 ⇒ (5, 6) = 11

Yeah targeting the visible shobad works. Though my range is only 35 feet at this level. I know this is abstracted but is that enough? I can try something else if not.

Yes. When you're in the same zone you should have the distance.

Boris takes a quick glance at Karpo and just smiles.

"No-one's on the big gun?! "

HFG grabs a handrail and pulls herself from her chair. Bracing against the swaying and rocking of the vehicle, she maneuvers hand over step to the rooftop opening and grabs the handles, ready to lift herself up.

Move to gun. Aid pilot was already a move action. Kaath -- as a solarian your BAB is better than mine. Do you want to be gunner?

He can gun but built more for melee

will save #1, passenger: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15
will save #2, passenger: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16

The shobhad guard grabs his head in pain, but fights on.

Karpo also wings him with his pistol.

The shobhad driver seems to be fidgeting with something in the vehicle. She momentarily turns to the back, then has her eyes back on the road.

Time to drive again!

Bold may go.

-Drivers-
1. Boris
2. Yellow (Sorah Ka)

-Everyone Else-
1. Kaath
2. Dr. Phlonxx
3. Boris (possibly only standard action)
4. Shobhad Security (Blue) (-13)
5. HFG-5-309
6. Seska
7. Karpo
8. Sorah Ka (yellow, possibly only standard action)

Kaath, I'll take the big gun then. Hopefully you can board the other vehicle.

The Dr. Continues his psychic assault on blue.
mind thrust I DC 14 will for half: 2d10 ⇒ (5, 6) = 11

Boris lets out a boisterous laugh. "Here, we go, boarders away!.. hopefully."

piloting: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20
Boris attempts to merge one side panel on each van... gently....

will save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17

Boris drives aggressively, and is able to engage the enemy vehicle (and it helps that this is what they wanted to do as well).

If you would like to jump over to the enemy vehicle, it is a DC 19 acrobatics or athletics check.

Dr. Phlonxx once again targets the shobhad security guard with his magic. He appears to be in pain, though he fights on.

Bold may go.

-Drivers-
1. Boris
2. Yellow (Sorah Ka)

-Everyone Else-
1. Kaath
2. Dr. Phlonxx
3. Boris (possibly only standard action)
4. Shobhad Security (Blue) (-18)
5. HFG-5-309
6. Seska
7. Karpo
8. Sorah Ka (yellow, possibly only standard action)

After both vans jam together Boris looks over to the other driver, "Oh my word! You cannot drive and you are ugly! I bet you can't get a date... oh, that hurt, did I get too close to the truth?"
intimidate: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17

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.

Can we fire our own weapons or only the vehicle mounted weapons?Otherwise not sure what other options are available to Kaath.

Yes. You may fire your own weapons, at either the vehicle or a target you can see (the driver has full cover, so probably not a target). There is a -2 penalty for firing a personal weapon in this way. Remember, as I noted, there is also the opportunity for you to jump over to the enemy van--it's a DC 19 athletics or acrobatics check. If you fail by 5 or more, you are left on the side of the road (do it Kaath! Come on! DO IT!)

Pull this vehicle alongside! I will board their contraption and end this. as he activates his solar weapon and with a mighty leap,
he jumps to the other vehicle as the two approach.

athletics: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21

Using two of his free hands, he grabs onto the van.

Well, he did not fall, now what?

Kaath, that is a move action, so you still have a standard action. You can whack either the driver or the passenger if you would like. Actually, maybe the driver...BECAUSE:

The hulking shobhad guard attempts to jump onto your vehicle.

athletics: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18

He doesn't quite make it, but at least he doesn't fall off his ride. Kaath, you can hit him if you would like. In fact, since he's staying his ride, he'll try to hit you!

to hit: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27
damage, B: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

Looks like a hit on Kaath.

Bold may go.

-Drivers-
1. Boris
2. Yellow (Sorah Ka)

-Everyone Else-
1. Kaath (standard action)(-10)
2. Dr. Phlonxx
3. Boris (possibly only standard action)
4. Shobhad Security (Blue) (-18)
5. HFG-5-309
6. Seska
7. Karpo
8. Sorah Ka (yellow, possibly only standard action)

Kaath retaliates on the one who wacked him.

So much for ride sharing in the multiverse!

solar weapon: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18 for dmg: 1d6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 2 + 1 = 5

He starts to have misgivings about his changing of horses mid-stream.

The shobhad passenger slumps, apparently dead.

HFG pokes her head through the rooftop gunnery port and seizes the controls. The slipstream of the truck's velocity whips at her hair, as she hauls herself up into firing position. She sits on the edge of the port and points the big gun downward, aiming for maximum property damage on the fleeing vehicle and minimum possiblity of friendly fire. The trigger must be the big red button on the left hand grip. She punches it.

Giant rooftop gun v enemy vehicle: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15

Straight ranged attack roll. I don't know applicable modifiers or the gun damage.

As Kaath takes down the passenger, I look around for another target. Not seeing anything, I try to take out the tires of the van.

Laser Pistol against Van: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7 -2 or -4 from speed
Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 1

Unfortunately, I simply char a piece of asphalt.

It's basically a laser rifle mounted on the roof, so it does a straight 1d8 damage. I'll roll it for you, as you did hit. It does have hardness 2, so damage will be decreased appropriately.

laser damage to enemy van: 1d8 ⇒ 4

Though Seska's tire shot goes awry, HFG does score a hit. There is now lots of tiny laser holes through that sweet airbrush paintjob on the side of the van.

Bold may go.

-Drivers-
1. Boris
2. Yellow (Sorah Ka)

-Everyone Else-
1. Kaath (standard action)(-10)
2. Dr. Phlonxx
3. Boris (possibly only standard action)
4. Shobhad Security (Blue) (-18)
5. HFG-5-309
6. Seska
7. Karpo
8. Sorah Ka (yellow, possibly only standard action)

There isn't much I could do here, jumping is too risky and pistol does only a little scratch

Karpo points at the street and gaping holes appear for a moment in front of the shobhad van before it passes Infinite Worlds, 10 ft. difficult terrain

Very creative approach, Karpo. I will penalize any actions the enemy driver takes (driving check, or otherwise).