The magic missiles hammer home.
Rastar finds out the hard way that the felling a tree doesn't usually involve the tree trying to get out of the way, and the blow misses.
R9
Chorizal - acted
Nadia - acted
Vyv
R10
Rastar - acted
J'Shun - acted
DG Stable
LG 29
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Vyviane takes a moment to note how everyone seems to be handling things well before she turns her attentions to the last standing character. She gives the cultist a broad grin and slinks closer. "You seem to be in desperate straights here. Sure you don't want to retire and ensure your life and safety?" She waits a moment to see if they are going to take up the offer, but is willing to shoot as soon as they do anything but surrender.
Trying to keep their distance from the advancing party, the last cultist snarls in defiance and blasts Rastar!
Mind Thrust
DC17 Will for half.
R10
Chorizal
Nadia
Vyv
R11
Rastar
J'Shun
DG Stable
LG 47
JShun adds to the ambience firing off his SMG, but Rastar adds to the damage - landing a blow - the cultist is hanging in there but certainly in a dire position.
R10
Chorizal
Nadia
Vyv
R11
Rastar - acted
J'Shun - acted
DG Stable
LG 58
The panic dies down and the gala attendees come out from hiding now that you have neutralised the Verdant Moon threat. Ship security and medical have rallied and now ready to deal with anything else that may arise.
The group is showered with gratitude and you are praised as heroes - though there are arguments as to whether it was 'Starfinders' or a security outfit of 'Commandos'.
***
As you treat your wounds, Rostessa Yaszan contacts you - "Great work on pulling that data, we've identified the location where Elinva Petrilus has taken the prototype X-64 starship: a nameless gas giant in the Vast. We need you to disable the vessel and return it to Absalom Station.The prototype likely won’t withstand extended or strenuous use, so you should be able to catch it even in your slower starships"
Venture-Captain Naiaj also chimes in "A faster ship might help catch the X-64, but because they’re heading into unfamiliar territory, you might also consider a ship that’s more heavily armed"
"In consideration of the Drift beacons that have been malfunctioning, I'm issuing a ring of sustenance for each of you in your supplies to keep you alive if they somehow get stranded in the Vast."
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"No problem, no problem. I've had worse fights from kittens," Chorizal says, but then groans in pain.
He gives a thumbs up as they get their new instructions.
"You know me, I'll always take the muscles over speed," he continues when it comes time to determine what ship to take.
"Makes me a little nervous that they think we might need these," he says as he slips the ring of sustenance on.
As you prep your Drake to head off in pursuit of the X-64, Naiaj appears on your comms channels "Congratulation on going above and beyond during
that cultist raid on the Prize of Kashak. Following your heroic actions, you’ve earned a special slot on an upcoming entertainment series called “Astounding Heroes of the Pact Worlds!” you’ve each been invited to record a brief statement of your ideals and accomplishments as members of the Starfinder Society - this is another opportunity to help counter the
negative media attention the Society has received in the past"
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Vyviane gives a small eye roll over the unnecessary grandiose gesture of transferring their 'leader's' flag between ships, especially as J'Shun may 'command' the vessel, but Vyviane would definitely Captain it.
She takes a moment to send Naiaj a message asking if the ship depot when they issue the ship could ensure the captain's chair is sized for a halfling and that there's a 'commader's' chair and a place for that dam- important flag for the sake of J'Shun's ego. "Right, personally I'm all for extra fire power. Sadly I haven't been able to convince anyone to give me access codes to the Gorgon yet... But I'm working a few angles. Surprisingly a tough nut to crack."
She settles into the captain's chair and pauses for a moment as Naiaj appears on screen again. She thinks over the request for a PR video and nods. "Love to do something for that, but I'll need some time to think things over. We'll have some time in the Drift, so I'll put together one then."
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"Aye, aye, Sir!" Chorizal says, though he has no idea how one goes about transferring a flag.
He does nod along and give little chants and call backs as J'Shun recites their great clan's history.
Chorizal has recently been focusing on his piloting skills after having poor performances in the last few dogfights, so he swaggers even more as he takes his seat and pulls up the pilot controls on his console.
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When Naiaj told them about earning a spot on the trivid series, Rastar got excited. "Guys, this our chance to get the Roughnecks some much-needed PR. That means best faces forward. Vyv, you should definitely take a lot of the screen time. Cho, you look menacing enough. J'Shun...yeah, it's best you don't say anything. We don't want them to think we are all bat-guano insane. Nadia...you know, I'm sure you're fine."
"Hey, you guys think we can get another of those mining lasers mounted on the Drake? I had fun with that in the last ship."
Everyone takes their stations in the Drake.
Pilot - Chorizal
Captain - Vyv
Si/Eng - Nadia
Gunner - J'Shun
Gunner - Rastar
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The video begins with what can only be called a very handsome vesk man at the pilot station of a drake. He turns, to face the camera, evidently surprised.
"Oh, hello! I didn't see you there. I'm and I'm a Starfinder. You may be wondering what being a Starfinder has to offer you. Well, it's not all just shooting dark cultists, fighting undead horrors and engaging in exciting starship combat. No! It's also about discovering new things and bringing peace and stability to the known worlds."
He smiles toothily. "So, if any of that appeals to you, come on down and apply to join the Starfinders today. I've made a difference. So can you!"
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"My name is Space Admiral J'Shun Kay, first son of Clan Summersword, House Davion, line of Atsu, born in fire! and I'm here to tell you your days of idling are over. If you have a mind to fight, that is well because as a Starfinder you will have your fill! There are dangers in the universe that will not go away without a force to reckon with them. The old adversary may wear many faces: Azlanti, Jinsul, Swarm. Whatever mask he may hide behind the enemy is still the enemy and we will beat him as we have always have beaten him. For there is no power in the universe that can withstand the might of the Starfinder Space Navy! Sarenrae, save the First Seeker!"
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"Uh, hi. I' am Rastar Ku'Soth dan Marian. I've been a Starfinder for the last 5 years and it's been a blast. Hunting down cultists, helping colonists, and blowing stuff up. We've saved entire cruise ships from terrorists, and one time we even got to ... wait, that's probably still classified. Anyways, you get to work with lots of different people, and if you're lucky you'll get assigned to a permanent team that works well together. It's all gravy from there!"
***
The footage from the trailer is a hit and the infosphere goes wild!
***
An immense gas giant, swirling with vibrant purple and orange clouds, dominates the forward viewscreen. The ships’ sensors begin scanning the area, but a tiny ship is already visible, and coming in fast. Suddenly, it veers off and reverses course. The screen displays an incoming video transmission from the racer’s pilot, a human woman grinning with excitement. “Whoa! You’re definitely not with Terminator. Let me guess, Rostessa Yaszan sent you? I’ve had enough of her. Which is fine, because she’s never going to see me again. Tell her Elinva says goodbye and good riddance!” The transmission cuts off, and the racer speeds off toward the gas giant.
***
Chase Rules: The starship chase takes place over a series of rounds. Each round, each PC selects a starship role. A PC can select the captain or pilot role only if that role would otherwise be vacant (or if the PC currently in that role can’t take actions).
Once the PCs choose their roles, the GM presents an obstacle. During each round of the chase, the PCs select a chase action and decide characters will attempt the associated skill checks associated with the obstacle and the chase action (in that order). No chase action can be taken two rounds in a row, and a given character can’t both attempt an obstacle check and take a chase action in the same round. The GM tracks the PCs’ successes, failures, and the hits their starship takes as a result of their checks.
Obstacle
Overtax the Engines (Chief Mate, Engineer)
“You know, you really should’ve brought a racing ship if you wanted to keep up. That piece of junk looks slower than a rock hopper, and I’m not even at full speed!” Elinva steers the X-64 toward the gas giant, rapidly accelerating to keep her distance.
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"Aw! He likes us! Did you hear that guys! Rastar says he likes us! What a softy!"
"Uh, no. I said if you're lucky. As we all know, I have been plagued with the worst sort of luck ever since Naiaj paired me with that buffoon over there. But I can't just say that to the entire universe on trivod, can I?"
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As J'Shun steps onto the bridge a recording of a bosun's whistle emits from its loudspeaker and a computer generated voice says reverently, "Space Admiral on the bridge."
He seems momentarily confused that there are two captain's chairs, but since one of them is so small he assumes it must be for his executive officer. He takes his seat in the regular sized captain's chair and begins giving orders.
"Clear all moorings. Mr. Chorizal, one quarter impulse power; you may take us out."
As the Drake approaches the X-64 and it begins to run, J'Shun reacts quickly.
"All power to the engines. Mr. Chorizal, full impulse power. Don't let her get away.
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Vyviane gives a smile as the camera is passed on from J'Shun to her in the central captain's chair, "Hello there, I'm Vyvaien Isafira and I see you've heard from all of my colleagues about their takes and feelings about the Starfinders. I have to admit I agree with them on about most things, but would love to add that the Starfinders is also a great place to find a place or community for yourself, even if you're a little past your prime."
She pauses for a moment, her face shifting slightly. "When I wasn't able to work in my prior profession anymore, I truly didn't know what to do with myself. It was too early for me to retire, but too late to start over in a completely new profession. However, The Starfinders welcome people with all sorts of skills and experiences and I found a place to use my skills again. They have positions of all sorts of skill levels, from support staff who maintain the ships to the diplomats sent to build peaceful relations. So even if you fear that your aren't one for fighting, there's still a place for you here." She smiles and gives a wave before handing things back to Chorizal.
Settling into her 'executive officer' chair, Vyviane pulls up the internal ship data readout and gives it a look as well as the latest readout from the scanners. "Right, You heard the 'admiral.' We need all available power to the engines. This is going to be a chase and we are badly out matched in that. Chorizal, flight pattern delta might be best here, though I trust your discretion. Nadia, once you've diverted the power, can you get me a proper scan of their ship? Rastar, 'adniral,' if you get a clear shot, take it. Any Covering Fire you can provide would help us to contain their speed."
She then sits back and takes a long look through the schematics of the ship they gathered from the party, devising a trick on how to fool their enemy.
With a smile, Vyviane sends some small adjustments to make to the engines and guns. "Nadia, a few tweaks to our systems would likely fool them into thinking that we are less powerful than we actually are."
Nadia manages to push the ship to close the gap, and Chorizal engages some 'fancy flying'
***
Chain Reaction (Pilot, Science Officer)
The X-64 slows down and the gap between the ships closes. “Uh-oh, engine trouble over here. Just a moment.” Suddenly, the racer skims perilously close to the gas giant’s atmosphere, swerving away as the thruster’s flames ignite a purple cloud. A massive explosion sets off a storm of fire and roiling gases. “Ha, gotcha! I thought that might happen. You should probably just go back where you came from, it’s dangerous out here!”
The ship gets blasted sideways by a secondary explosion - klaxons blare as Chorizal gets the ship back under control.
***
Sudden Course Correction (Captain, Chief Mate, Pilot)
“I mean, honestly, this is too easy!” Despite Elinva’s cockiness, the sounds of several system failure warnings come across the voice channel. “Ignore those, everything is perfectly fine!” The X-64 reverses direction and roars past the Starfinders’ ship.
Obstacle - Chorizal or Vyv
Chase action - Rastar gunnery?
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Vyviane looks at the monitors for a few moments.
She gives a less than angelic smile as she spots something.
"Belay bringing the ship round for a moment, Chorizal. There's an opening here, we just need to let her slide past us so we're in her blind spot and then bank hard. On my mark, drop engine power by 70%, I'll activate thrusters and then bring up the speed again. We're doing a modified shadow flip and burn. Everyone buckle in. Right, three, two, one... Mark!"
Vyv is on point, but Rastar misses the mark.
***
***
Obstacle Detected (Engineer, Gunner, Magic Officer)
The ship’s sensors declare, “Obstacle detected!” as a large piece of debris suddenly emerges from the clouds ahead. The X-64 barely manages to blast the debris out of the way, and tiny bits skim off the ship’s shields. “Whoa, what was that?! Sorry about the mess. Better watch out!”
Obstacle: J'Shun or Rastar
Chase action: Open
***
The debris is made of organic silicon and steel.
You identify the debris as part of the cast-off “hull” of a novaspawn.
Chorizal pulls off a masterclass in fancy-flying whilst J'Shun deftly blasts away debris in the finest traditions of the Space Navy.
Disabling Shot (Captain, Gunner, Pilot)
The warning messages coming across the channel from the X-64 intensify. The scanners reveal its engines have nearly gone out—a bit of carefully placed damage should disable it. “Hey now, wait a second—you wouldn’t dare!”
Obstacle:
Chase action:
Chorizal keeps the ship humming along and the chase progresses well - Nadia continues to feed plenty of power to the engines, diverting it from other systems, and the ship just gallops along beautifully.
***
Scan the Atmosphere (Magic Officer, Science Officer)
The X-64 takes a sudden dive into the clouds and vanishes from sight. The sensors lose track of it. “If you want me, you’ll have to come and get me! You sure that giant trash heap is going to hold together in here? You might not want to be around when my new friends arrive.”
Obstacle: Science Officer up.
Chase action: Open.