[SFS/Shifty] The Vast Experiment (A) (Inactive)

Game Master Nik B.

The unsubtle clue is Dezros is very dismissive and brushing people off, if you want to get close enough and keep him in conversation you're going to need to have some good tales to tell :) So yes, schmooze the VIPs and get the juicy gossip

"Hey Vyv, someone standing in one spot playing on their pad might be a hacker, right? Find the perfect location to get access to a node, then stay there. I see it on the trivid all the time. I bet he's downloading launch codes, or the perfect sandwich recipe right now!"

Rastar headed over to the man from ATech. "Hey, name's Rastar. I'm a bounty hunter and I've used a lot of ATech stuff in my days. That SnatcherX series is something else."

Rastar tried to talk with the man about some of the gear he's used to catch fugitives int eh past, focusing on ATech products. When he feels the time is right, he asks.

"So, what's the skinny on the newest gear? Anything I should be trying to get my hands on this year?"

profession (bounty hunter): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

Vyv and J'Shun then we can resolve :)

J'Shun, also approaches the Atech rep. He activates his holographic sashimono in order to display the battle history of clan Summersword.

"What my less well spoken friend is trying to say is we are highly trained special forces operatives and have quite a bit of experience with security equipment. I believe we could help you shake down your latest system."

"Security systems are extremely important, I understand Multifold Industries had their latest model of automated starship hacked."

Profession: Soldier: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (9) + 18 = 27

I'll bot Vyv so we can get rolling again.

Vyv, approaches Xecteposh and uses her corporate recruiter skills to talk him up.

Corporate Recruiter (Day Job): 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (11) + 22 = 33

Sundeba
Chorizal

Chorizal approaches the fellow vesk. She's wearing s a luxury business suit that’s several years out of style and stands alone near the bar. The other gala attendees appear to be actively avoiding her, probably suspecting that she’s only there to help Norikama Syndicate create more knockoff starships. Sundeba is wary at first, but as Chorizal puts on the smooth on the smooth approach she seems pleasantly surprised "Most of our fellow vesk generally despise the syndicate"

"I admit that the Syndicate’s success largely stems from its knockoff strategy, but we try knock off the best ideas - and yes - with the end users in mind, pilots such as yourself. I'm here to see if I can persuade another company to share secrets that would allow the Syndicate to design a competitive racing ship".

The conversation continues on a while, and whilst Sundeba is more used to talking tech-specs, Chorizals hands-on piloting experience sways her further "Look, I'll cut to it - we can trade an enormous database of rare star charts acquired through trade dealings with Szandite Collective, a mysterious network of beings from a remote corner of Near Space. It's a pretty tidy pile of information for someone with the right info to exchange"

Second 'juicy info'

***

Xectoposh
Nadia & Vyv

"I've only attended this gala to see if there have been any interesting developments in starship thrusters or alternatives to Drift travel. I'm interested in developing safer Drift-capable technology"
Nadia and Vyv find the shirren hard to read and follow as they get particularly technical and then very mystical, however seem to nod sagely and appear competent enough for Xectoposh to continue.

"This isn't widely known, but Hivonyx Industries plans to crowdsource a new starship engine prototype, an unusual move that few corporations
have attempted successfully, but if we can get the right connections... it could be revolutionary"

Third juicy info

***

Jahnoro
Rastar and J'Shun

The pair quickly get up to speed that ATech is a subsidiary of AbadarCorp.

The square-jawed salesman mingles masterfully as he teases the crowd with hints about ATech’s latest anti-hacking technologies. It’s common knowledge that the corporation has made significant advancements in digital security, and ATech carefully leaks juicy details to keep
contract bids competitive. He drops a not-so-subtle hint that ATech is on the brink of creating a revolutionary new counter-hacking module—but they already have a likely buyer.

Rastar gets the mans attention, but J'Shun seems to press the right buttons (as it were) about starship security.

When the crowd is distracted he drops the showman veneer for a moment and seems more down to earth - "Look, Opulos Corporation, purveyor of luxury starships, is currently the highest bidder, as the corporation desperately wants to prevent further tragic losses due to corporate warfare".

Fourth 'juicy info'

***

Dezros Grinn
Watching from a distance you note that Dezros seems especially paranoid and uncomfortable. He seems to be making every effort to avoid conversation, and keeping distant from people.

With that said, you also have a fair amount of information that you think should be of interest to him, or at least his greed

Who/How do you want to approach him? Sending an individual or trying to move as a group?

"Lieutenant Isafira, seems to be distracted by the buffet line, but this would be a perfect job for her."

Anyone want to take a shot at Dezros? I'd like to give Vyv first shot since she is probably the best suited for the job, but she hasn't been active lately. However, if anyone wants to give it a shot go for it. I'll hold off with J'Shun for a bit, but if no one goes for it, well J'Shun will apply his particular brand of "charm" to the job.

OK cool - let me know what you all decide :)

If you need to run a good cop, dumb cop routine, Rastar will totally back you up. He's great at being the good cop

Chorizal is nothing if not confident. Sure, Vyv is better at talking to folks than he is, but he's at least the second best. Actually, he's either the best or second best at everything the team does.

"Greetings, Mr. Grinn. Don't you hate these things? I'd much rather be flying through an asteroid field or fighting it out with some crest eaters, personally," Chorizal says as he approaches.

"Still, you can find out some interesting things," he gestures towards Sundeba with his drink.

"For example, I've heard the Norikama Syndicate has a treasure trove of star charts they'd be willing to trade for the right technical knowledge in return."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12

If there's another skill I can use, I'd definitely prefer it...

Grinn was about to shoo Chorizal away with a slightly annoyed sneer, but then he slightly lowers his communicator for a moment and looks intrigued "What sort of star charts?" he looks around to make sure no one else is eavesdropping into the conversation.

"Rare ones, from the Szandite Collective, but you didn't hear it from me," Chorizal replies, leaning in to speak surreptitiously. He also looks around for eavesdroppers.

The man leans in ”That is some hot intel, I guess you security guys must hear a lot of stories, what else do you know?”

Chorizal is able to trigger the his ‘badge’ without drawing any suspicion, the download begins - but it will take a while - now to hold the person in place and keep them talking…

J'Shun joins the conversation. "Oh yeah, us security guys here a lot. You'd be surprised how loose lips are even around someone with a badge."

"Did you know Multifold Industries backed out from the qualifier race for the Absalom Run at the last minute. Apparently, their favored ship’s A/VI (artificial and virtual intelligence) refused to participate, claiming it would be unfair to the other competitors to face an unflinching, unerring opponent. I understand that A/VI was most likely hacked."

"Um...um...um..." Chorizal was saying, desperate for a new topic when his fellow Summersword Son jumped in to save him.

"Yes! That is interesting, too, isn't it?" he says.

"You both from the same security company?" he asks as he clocks the badges "wasn't aware of that Multifold incident, but that's smelling like some corporate cover-up, crazy if true"

"Well thanks for the hot gossip, let's keep that on the downlow eh? We don't want people to lawyer up"

He seems to be ready to break away, but you haven't got the info yet...

Next juicy gossip?

Nadia slides on over, "Hmp, well you didn't hear it from me but as I understand it Hivonyx Industries plans to crowdsource a new starship engine prototype and they're looking for well connected individuals to participate in the project."

With a couple more rumours flowing, Dezros is easily delayed.

Your security badges discreetly vibrate and ping your comm units to notify you that the task has completed - you have successfully downloaded the communication logs from Dezros Grinn’s datapad.

Suddenly, a shrill voice pierces the hall, the two people playing air-hockey have drawn knives and pistols from under the table as two plantlike creatures pull themselves out of the swimming pool. “Your starships are a blight on Near Space! You disrupt the natural order of every planet you touch! You tear entire systems apart, all to fuel this reckless entertainment! The Verdant Moon does not tolerate your careless destruction and greed! For your transgressions, you have been chosen as examples! Come peacefully or be slain here and now!”

Screams drown out the electropiano’s pounding chorus as gala attendees begin to flee in every direction.

Nadia, Choirzal, and J'Sun are near Dezros. Rastar and Vyv near Jahnoro

R1
Rastar
J'Shun

J'Shun, unsheathes Tears of the Sun with two of his hands and draws his SMG with another as he pushes his way through the fleeing crowd while trying to assess the situation. double move

Entropy points +2, EAC 24, KAC 26 this round

"Yeah, coming peacefully's not really our thing!" called out Rastar as he drew weapons in a flash.

"Get the civvies clear! We'll deal with the...things!"

Rastar moved and launched an opening volley as he closed on the creature nearest him.

pistol vs dash blk: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27
E damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

What skill check is it to know what the Verdant Moon group is?

Culture I'd say

The two cultists are somewhat surprised by the early display of armed resistance from what appears to be a lone gunman!

Two of them cast spells!

Hold Person x 2
2 x DC18 Will saves

The plants remain in place... for now.

R1
Chorizal
Nadia
Vyv

R2
Rastar (2 x Will saves)
J'Shun

Everyone up!

BH 8

will1: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23
will2: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

round 2 will to break free: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

Rastar felt the spells attack his mind, and he struggled to fight against ot. It was no use. He felt his body seizing up with his weapons still pointed ahead.

When the combat breaks out, Chorizal trots past J'Shun, pulling out the amalgamation of dragon glaive and arc caster he's created. Once he gets past the kasatha, he leans forward, putting his mass into momentum and rushing the plant creature.

Basic Dragonglaive: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (4) + 12 = 16
Slashing and Electricity Damage: 1d8 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 15

Nadia darts up drawing her hold out pistol and (assuming the space is clear of bystanders) casts lasernet.

Though there is some question about who they are fighting the Kommandos do as they normally do, shoot first and ask questions later.

J'Shun, moves up beside Chorizal and utters a challenge, "Surrender now and we will take you into custody peacefully." He levels his SMG at the cultist in front of him and rips off a burst from it.

Uppercut SMG vs. Gray KAC: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16
Piercing Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

Entropy points +2, EAC 24, KAC 26 this round.

Vyviane, a small pate on a cracker half way into her mouth plops it into her mouth, and starts to move closer to the fight. She pulls out her pistol, mouth half-full of hors d’oeuvres, and adds, "Did we really have to have an extremist group crash this party. They've got an amazing caterer! Do you know how rare that can be?!"

She slings the last question at the one in black as she flips onto a table and then slings a shot as well.

Trick Attack, Bluff: 1d20 + 23 - 20 ⇒ (12) + 23 - 20 = 15 =CR tricked
Extra damage: 3d8 ⇒ (6, 2, 3) = 11

Boom, Holla, BOOM! (Thunderstrike pistol) vs. EAC: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (14) + 11 = 25
Sonic Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
If tricked and hit, Off-target/Flat-footed for one round

@nadia - the scenario uses 'theatre of the mind' to deal with the attendees, essentially reducing peoples ability to use AoE weapons and spells, allowing for perception checks etc to avoid people. I just decided to put them on the map and avoid ambiguity :) Where they are is where they are this way - and you can plan accordingly.

Chorizal rushes forward and swings for the large plant - but has no luck hitting anything vital. Didn't miss by too much!

Nadia casts a spell and the two enemies get lit up by faint laser beams.

Vyv blasts the plant with a well placed sonic boom!

Rastar ...is stuck.

J'Shun sallies forth to the combat - ready to lead the Kommandos into battle once more! The SMG fire seems to amplify the message, and punch holes in the air-hockey table.

***

The plants respond by trying to stomp the Starfinders!

Black hashed
Ref save = 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22

TRAMPLE!
Hits - Vyv and Rastar.
Damage 1d8 + 11 ⇒ (3) + 11 = 14
Save for half OR take full damage and get an AoO on the creature

Grey hashed
TRAMPLE!
Hits - J'Shun and Chorizal.
Damage 1d8 + 11 ⇒ (1) + 11 = 12
Save for half OR take full damage and get an AoO on the creature

The two casters try mind -thrusting J'Shun - "That's the leader!"

Mind thrust 2d10 ⇒ (4, 5) = 9 DC 17 Will for half
Mind thrust 2d10 ⇒ (5, 1) = 6 DC 17 Will for half

R2
Chorizal
Nadia
Vyv

R3
Rastar (Held)
J'Shun

Everyone up!

BH 26

J'Shun, sees the mutant plant coming, but he refuses to move out of the way, instead slashing at it with Tears of the Sun.

Devastation Blade vs. Gray Plant KAC AOO: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19
Slashing Damage: 2d8 + 10 ⇒ (3, 1) + 10 = 14

Will Save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
Will Save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15

Reeling from the mental attack from the two cultists, he activates his hyper graft and charges straight at the one in front of him. Focusing his control over entropy into his sword time seems to stand still as waves of entropic force emanate from his weapon as he strikes twice. Might provoke an AOO from the plant. He'll use his reactive ability to use mitigate twice and lesson the damage he took to 13 points.

"Summersword!"

Entropic Strike vs. Gray Cultist EAC: 1d20 + 10 - 4 ⇒ (5) + 10 - 4 = 11
Bludgeoning Damage: 2d6 + 12 ⇒ (3, 6) + 12 = 21

Entropic Strike vs. Gray Cultist EAC: 1d20 + 10 - 4 ⇒ (4) + 10 - 4 = 10
Bludgeoning Damage: 2d6 + 12 ⇒ (2, 5) + 12 = 19

The air hockey table does not survive his assault.

Entropy points +1, EAC 24, KAC 26 this round.

J'Shun stands his ground defiantly, his return blow missing by mere inches (...or did it!?) He also notes multiple tiny needle like appendages trying to penetrate his armour!

DC14 Fort save or lose 1 con

He then tears away after the cultists as the tree lashes out at him.
AoO 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (12) + 16 = 28 vs KAC
Damage 1d8 + 11 ⇒ (6) + 11 = 17

The lashing at the cultist fails to see a blow land, but he's now right u up in their face!

R2
Chorizal
Nadia
Vyv

R3
Rastar (Held)(New save for R4)
J'Shun - Acted (Fort save pending)

BH 26
GH 14

Fortitude Save: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22

If J'Shun's AOO missed by 1 his Turquoise Cube Aeon Stone would grant him a +1 bonus so his attack hits.

Entropy points +2, EAC 24, KAC 26

If J'Shun's AOO missed by 1 his Turquoise Cube Aeon Stone would grant him a +1 bonus so his attack hits.

At the last possible moment, the ancient energies laying dormant in the stone come to life, the ghosts of long-dead Azlanti warriors willing J'Shuns blade onto its target.

Hit!

Oops, actually the stone requires a reaction for J'Shun to use it and he used up all his reactions this round already.

...but then J'shun was too engaged elsewhere to heed the cries of the spirits, and their collective wisdom went unnoticed.

miss!

will: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15

Where there's a will, there's a way, and I need a way!

Rastar struggled to get his body to obey, even as he is pummeled by plant cthulus and crashed into by innocent bystanders wearing stiletto heels. Man those things hurt!

Vyviane, for once glad she's not the leader and thus the likely target of these plants and their spells, does small forward somersault off the table and into the crowds, hoping to get lost and find a nice open weak spot to target.

Trick Attack, Bluff: 1d20 + 23 - 20 ⇒ (17) + 23 - 20 = 20 =CR tricked
Extra damage: 3d8 ⇒ (8, 4, 7) = 19

Boom, Holla, BOOM! (Thunderstrike pistol) vs. EAC: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (10) + 11 = 21
Sonic Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
If tricked and hit, Off-target/Flat-footed for one round

Trample for Vyv and Rastar

Ras Ref 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (8) - 2 = 6
Ras Fort 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10
14 Damage, -1 Con
Vyv Ref 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 14
7 Damage

***

Rastar can't shake loose.

Vyv moves away, taking another chunk out of the plant as she leaves Rastar to his fate facing the thing held and helpless.
Poor Rastar :(

She notes it is regenerating...!

R2
Chorizal
Nadia
Vyv - acted

R3
Rastar - Acted (Held)
J'Shun - Acted

BH 46
GH

Chorizal stands shoulder to shoulder with his brother in arms, refusing to be leaf the field of battle to their opponent.

Basic Dragonglaive: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 15
Slashing and Electricity Damage: 1d8 + 12 ⇒ (8) + 12 = 20

He then tosses out a challenge toward the plant -

"You face Captain Chorizal fifth son of Clan Summersword, House Yashida, line of Kazsta, storm spawned! Weep for your near future!

Challenge (Intimidate to Demoralize): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (14) + 11 = 25

That shakes him for 1 found if he is less than CR 7.

He then follows up with another swing of his weapon...which seems misaligned.

Basic Dragonglaive: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (19) + 12 = 31
Slashing and Electricity Damage: 1d8 + 12 ⇒ (6) + 12 = 18

Chorizal threatens the tree, it has no idea what he is saying, but the fact that he is holding an enormous hedge trimmer gives it an idea of his intentions.

He hits it to reinforce the message.

R2
Chorizal - acted
Nadia
Vyv - acted

R3
Rastar - Acted (Held)
J'Shun - Acted

BH 46
GH 18 (Shaken)

Botting Nadia

Nadia, casts caustic conversion on the plant fighting with Chorizal.

Caustic Conversion vs. Gray EAC: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15
Acid Damage: 4d4 ⇒ (4, 4, 3, 4) = 15

If the attack hits the acid does an additional 5 damage for the next 3 rounds.

Does the laser net do anything this round?

Does the laser net do anything this round?

Only if they move

***

Nadia tries blasting the cultist with a caustic conversion, but the spell fails to find its mark.

***

The plants respond try turning pathfinders to mulch

Black hashed
...seems to regenerate more.

Attacks Vyv
Attack 1d20 + 16 - 4 ⇒ (7) + 16 - 4 = 19 vs KAC
Damage 1d8 + 11 ⇒ (1) + 11 = 12

Attack 1d20 + 16 - 4 ⇒ (5) + 16 - 4 = 17 vs KAC
Damage 1d8 + 11 ⇒ (6) + 11 = 17

Grey hashed

Attacks Chorizal
Attack 1d20 + 16 - 2 ⇒ (17) + 16 - 2 = 31 vs KAC
Damage 1d8 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13

The two cultists continue to blast J'Shun

Mind thrust 2d10 ⇒ (9, 8) = 17 DC 17 Will for half
Mind thrust 2d10 ⇒ (10, 6) = 16 DC 17 Will for half

***
R3
Chorizal
Nadia
Vyv

R4
Rastar - (New save due) (Held)
J'Shun

BH 41
GH 18 (Shaken)

Will Save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13
Will Save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23

J'Shun, is blasted by mental attacks again, but like the first time he uses his control over entropy to dampen the effects of the damage. Mitigate, 18 damage.

He pursues the cultist in front of him guarded step and focuses his control over entropy into Tears of the Sun before sending a violent strike at his opponent. Waves of force emanate from J'Shun's sword as is scythes through the air.

Entropic Strike vs. Light Gray EAC: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16
Bludgeoning Damage: 2d6 + 12 ⇒ (2, 4) + 12 = 18

Entropy points +2, EAC 24, KAC 26

Rastar, still frozen in place, turned his concentration to breaking free. His teammates needed him!

for the will!: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

Chorizal continues chopping broccoli. He's choppin' chop chop choppin' broccoli, choppin' broccolae...

Basic Dragonglaive: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (8) + 12 = 20
Slashing and Electricity Damage: 1d8 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 13

After making his swing he steps in closer to the cultist.

Vyviane, despite being up in the plant creature's face decides to try risking getting hit and looks at the creature with an angry face and in her best drill seargent ala Commander-who-ain't-a-commader-J'Shun voice shouts, "YOU, SAPLING! DROP AND GIVE ME THIRTY. WHO SAID YOU COULD ATTACK THIS PLACE?"

Trick Attack, Bluff: 1d20 + 23 - 20 ⇒ (2) + 23 - 20 = 5 =CR tricked
Extra damage: 3d8 ⇒ (5, 5, 4) = 14

Boom, Holla, BOOM! (Thunderstrike pistol) vs. EAC: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (19) + 11 = 30
Sonic Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
If tricked and hit, Off-target for one round
If that tricks, the attack shouldn't provoke

Chorizal chops into the Mean green mother from outer space - sap a plenty!

Vyv doesn't fool the plant this time, it is wise to the tricks and lashes out.
AOO
Attack 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (4) + 16 = 20 vs KAC
Damage 1d8 + 11 ⇒ (8) + 11 = 19

Rastar just can't shake it.

J'Shun sings for the cultist, but they show they are fast on their feet and the blow goes wide.

***
R3
Chorizal - acted
Nadia
Vyv - acted

R4
Rastar - (Held)
J'Shun - acted

BH 46
GH 31 (Shaken)

Botting Nadia.

Nadia, blasts the mutant plant Chorizal is fighting with a full spread of magic missiles.

Force Damage: 3d4 + 3 ⇒ (2, 2, 4) + 3 = 11

The plant is peppered with magical strikes!

***

Black hashed
...seems to regenerate more.

Attacks Vyv
Attack 1d20 + 16 - 4 ⇒ (2) + 16 - 4 = 14 vs KAC
Damage 1d8 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13

Attack 1d20 + 16 - 4 ⇒ (12) + 16 - 4 = 24 vs KAC
Damage 1d8 + 11 ⇒ (5) + 11 = 16

Grey hashed
TRAMPLE!
Hits - J'Shun and Chorizal.
Damage 1d8 + 11 ⇒ (6) + 11 = 17
DC 14 Ref Save for half OR take full damage and get an AoO on the creature

Cultists
The two cultists continue to blast J'Shun

DG Mind thrust 2d10 ⇒ (7, 2) = 9DC 17 Will for half

LG Hold Person DC 18 Will or be held

***

R4
Chorizal
Nadia
Vyv

R5
Rastar (New save)(Held)
J'Shun

BH 41
GH 42

Reflex Save: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10
Will Save vs. Mind Thrust: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13
Will Save vs. Hold Person: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

"You heard the leiutenant drop and give her 30," J'Shun yells before he is trampled, mind blasted, and then held in place.

He'll mitigate the damage from the mind thrust. Entropy points +2, EAC 24, KAC 26 this round. He takes 19 damage this round.

How many rounds does the Hold Person last?

J'Shun locks in place!
Strange needle-like appendages try to ferret into his skin!
DC 14 Fort save of lose 1 con

Hold person - New save every round

***

R4
Chorizal
Nadia
Vyv

R5
Rastar (New save)(Held)
J'Shun - Acted (Held)(Dc14 Fort save pending)

BH 41
GH 42