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

Game Master Nik B.

"Look at all these bags of Cosmic Blast Grub Puffs just laying around! You don't think anyone would mind if I took just one, do you? Oh, and they got the new flavors of Poshkettle Tea. These should definitely be sold out."

Survival: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16

Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27

”Captain Chorizal, maintain formation!”

J'Shun is right to be concerned, the experienced battle leader has a good eye for detail and while studying this area he notices the signs of violence that are far more subtle than in other districts, as if the attackers were more careful in this area.

Map up

Suddenly, the sound of marching metal feet rises above the rumble of distant thunder. A group of robots rounds a street corner, running in formation, with their arm-cannons glowing and buzzing with raw energy, and sharp swords gleaming under the neon lights of the street.

As they march closer, they begin a chant: “Eliminate survivors. You will be removed! You will be removed!” They repeat the words over and over, taking the rhythm from their double-time march.

Strange runes glow on the robots’ bodies, and some of their components look newer than their old, industrial chassis.

R1
Chivix
Nadia
Vyv
J'Shun
ENEMY

"Our enemies have finally shown their cybernetic selves. Take the battle to them Kommandos, CHARGE!"

Powered by entropy, J'Shun practically flies across the battlefield and straight at the bots with Tears of the Sun held high above his head and his tactical shield and SMG in his other hands.

Arriving right in front of the first bot, time seems to stand still as he manipulates entropy into Tears of the Sun and then strikes with righteous fury.

"Kommandos to me, SUMMERSWORD!"

J'Shun, spends his single entropy point to boost his movement by 10' and then does a full action to charge.

Entropic Strike vs. Dark Gray EAC: 1d20 + 10 - 2 ⇒ (6) + 10 - 2 = 14
Acid Damage: 2d6 + 12 ⇒ (4, 4) + 12 = 20

Entropy points +1 from charging, EAC 22, KAC 24 this round.

"Gravy, designate the one in black as target aleph. Coordinate shots with the leader. And...firing." As Gravy signified a targeting lock, Chivix pressed a stud halfway up the barrel of his laser rifle as he squeezed the trigger. Moments later the shirren cursed at the badly-aimed shot.

"Did Gravy not install the recommended targeting updates for the new weapon? What was Gravy doing instead? What does Gravy mean, 'bigning Nights of Our Lives?' It's going to mean lives!"

attack vs black: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (7) + 15 = 22
overcharge, F damage: 3d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (5, 5, 6) + (2) = 18

J'Shun swings wide, but Chivix managed to get the shot in, despite the faulty targeting!

R1
Chivix - acted
Nadia
Vyv
J'Shun - acted
ENEMY

B 18
DG
LG
W

Nadia puts on her best war movie soldier voice, "alright everybody you heard the commander, get the lead out of yer pants", can casts HASTE on everyone near here. Then she moves forward with her jet pack giving herself about 10 feet of altitude just to stay out of any other kommandos charge lanes and give herself a better look at the enemy.

engineering to ID: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (6) + 17 = 23

Botting Vyv.

She'll move forward 70' and attempt a debilitating trick on black to make it flat footed.

Bluff Trick; Take 10 for 14 CR
Little Zap-Zap (Static Arc-Pistol) vs. EAC: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (19) + 12 = 31
If hit, Off-target/Flat-footed for one round
Electric Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Extra damage: 4d8 ⇒ (4, 1, 2, 3) = 10

Nadia knows one thing about the enemy... (What did you want to know? ideas in slides)

Vyv gets a shot on target - slipping past the robots guard - the shot seems particularly effective.

***

The robots respond, trying to seize back the initiative!

Black
Runes flash on the robot - and it blinks out of sight!
Moments later it appears behind J'Shun and attempts to ram a serrated blade through him!
[ooc]Flanking
Attack 1d20 + 18 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 18 + 2 = 27 vs KAC
Damage 2d10 + 8 ⇒ (7, 1) + 8 = 16

D Grey
The other lashes at J'Shun!
Flanking
Attack 1d20 + 18 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 18 + 2 = 37 vs KAC
Damage 2d10 + 8 ⇒ (6, 9) + 8 = 23
The runes flash and it vanishes from sight.

The row behind open up at J'Shun with plasma weapons.
L Grey

Attack 1d20 + 18 - 4 ⇒ (15) + 18 - 4 = 29 vs EAC
Damage 2d10 + 3 ⇒ (1, 8) + 3 = 12

Attack 1d20 + 18 - 4 ⇒ (12) + 18 - 4 = 26 vs EAC
Damage 2d10 + 3 ⇒ (4, 2) + 3 = 9

White

Attack 1d20 + 18 - 4 ⇒ (3) + 18 - 4 = 17 vs EAC
Damage 2d10 + 3 ⇒ (5, 1) + 3 = 9

Attack 1d20 + 18 - 4 ⇒ (7) + 18 - 4 = 21 vs EAC
Damage 2d10 + 3 ⇒ (2, 1) + 3 = 6

J'Shun gets lit up - but remains in the battle!

R1
Chorizal

R2
Chivix
Nadia
Vyv
J'Shun
ENEMY

B 43 (FF)
DG
LG
W

Nadia knows one thing about the enemy... (What did you want to know? ideas in slides)

Immunities

"Gravy, shift nominal aiming point three picas left and 5 downward. Indicate optimal firing solution. Two shots. Go."

Once more, Chivix waited for the ultraviolet crosshairs in his visual cortex to pulse before firing off a pair of shots.

attack1 vs black: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (13) + 15 = 28
F damage: 3d6 + 9 ⇒ (3, 4, 6) + 9 = 22

attack1 vs black: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (20) + 15 = 35
F damage: 3d6 + 9 ⇒ (6, 2, 3) + 9 = 20
crit F damage: 3d6 + 9 ⇒ (1, 3, 1) + 9 = 14
burn: 1d6 ⇒ 4

Please shift 2nd shot to white if 1st one drops black

"Up Summersword!" Chorizal shouts and charges at the nearest opponent he can see.

Basic Dragonglaive vs. Black: 1d20 + 12 - 2 ⇒ (12) + 12 - 2 = 22
Slashing and Electricity Damage: 1d8 + 14 ⇒ (5) + 14 = 19

Nadia swoops around with her to get the robots from another angle. As she touches down she blasts the back two with a line of energy, arcing surge DC 19 ref for half.: 10d6 ⇒ (3, 3, 3, 4, 2, 5, 5, 5, 3, 6) = 39.

If it turns out they are immune to electricity i will spend a resolve point to change the energy type to something else, probably sonic.

J'Shun, is unflankable, but it doesn't seem to matter for any of the bots attacks.

J'Shun, is battered on all sides by attacks from the bots, but none of them bring him down. Then as the white bot's energy rays converge on him he sidesteps at the last second so they potentially strike dark gray. Unfriendly Fire, not sure if it works on a foe that just turned invisible.

Bluff: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (20) + 11 = 31

Unfriendly Fire

That should succeed, so white's full attack is redirected to gray. The rules don't specify if just turning invisible affects the ability. You will have to roll the attack rolls again and apply them to dark gray's EAC.

He then bellows a challenge and advances on the now exposed back line of bots. He'll eat an AOO from dark gray if it's still alive.

"I am Space Admiral J'Shun Kay, first son of Clan Summersword, House Davion, line of Atsu, born in fire!"

Tears of the Sun arcs in an entropically enhanced swing at both the bots in front of, J'Shun. Cleave

Entropic Strike vs. Light Gray EAC: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28
Acid (Force) Damage: 2d6 + 12 ⇒ (2, 2) + 12 = 16

Entropic Strike vs. White EAC: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30
Acid (Force) Damage: 2d6 + 12 ⇒ (3, 4) + 12 = 19

Critical Acid (Force) Damage: 2d6 + 12 ⇒ (1, 3) + 12 = 16

Entropy Points +4, EAC 22, KAC 24 this round.

@Chorizal, you are hasted thanks to Nadia if you want to move up without having to charge and then full attack.

@Nadia, the bots are vulnerable to electricity.

@Nadia - Construct Immunities only - Immune to Bleed, death effects, disease, mind-affecting effects, necromancy effects, paralysis, poison, sleep, and stun.

@JShun - the attack would have to be against Black, as DGrey is unavailable...
Attack 1d20 + 18 - 4 - 4 ⇒ (1) + 18 - 4 - 4 = 11
The shot hits the building.

***

Chivix lands two shots - one is rather spectacular! The Robot catches fire from the heat buildup of sustained laser fire and the machine fizzle and pops dramatically as it seizes up and becomes the latest sculptural attraction in the street.

Chorizal sets off at a cracking pace but the laser fire from behind him moved faster than he did and the robot is junked before he arrives.
I assume you can move the distance - so LG or W?

Nadia blasts the two bots!
LG 1d20 ⇒ 20
W 1d20 ⇒ 14
They both see it coming - but it still makes them sizzle and pop.

J'Shun comes tearing in with his sword - surprised not to find a sword coming for his back - but buoyed but his own inspiring presence. The sword flashes twice and both robots bear battle damage as a result!

A big round of crits!

R1
Chorizal - Acted (new target to chose)

R2
Chivix - acted
Nadia - acted
Vyv
J'Shun - acted
ENEMY

B ERROR 410 (Dead)
DG ERROR 404 (Not found)
LG 44
W 80

I almost forgot J'Shun's entropic strike critical hit effect. White is staggered for 1 round.

Chorizal swipes target but it is already falling. He drives a knee into it to push it out of the way as he continues is momentum forward and hacks at the one with the white tinges.

Updated for Chorizal.

R1
Chorizal - Acted

R2
Chivix - acted
Nadia - acted
Vyv
J'Shun - acted
ENEMY

B ERROR 410 (Dead)
DG ERROR 404 (Not found)
LG 44
W 104

Botting Vyv.

Vyv, moves onto the flank of the two visible bots and tries to take out the already heavily damaged white.

Bluff Trick; Take 10 for 14 CR
If hit, Flat-footed for one round
Little Zap-Zap (Static Arc-Pistol) vs. EAC: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (16) + 12 = 28
Electric Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Extra damage: 4d8 ⇒ (8, 5, 3, 4) = 20

Vyv moves off and circles around the fight - shooting the robot from the flanks and turning it into fried junk.

***

The robot steps cautiously, putting J'Shun between it and the dragonglaive -wielding vesk, its runes flash, and then it takes flight!
Will provoke from J'Shun

R2
Chorizal

R3
Chivix
Nadia
Vyv
J'Shun
ENEMY

B ERROR 410 (Dead)
DG ERROR 404 (Not found)
LG 44
W ERROR 410 (Dead)

"Hey! Where you going? We're not done!" Chorizal shouts at the fleeing bot.

He brings the gun portion of his weapon to bear on it and takes a shot.

Static Shock Caster: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16
Electricity: 1d12 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

It's got the explode property so I'm aiming at the corner closest to me and it's a DC15 Refl save for half damage.

J'Shun, isn't about to let the bot get away. Tears of the Sun hums with entropic energy as he slashes at where the bot just was.

Entropic Strike AOO vs. Light Gray EAC: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26
Acid Damage: 2d6 + 12 ⇒ (6, 1) + 12 = 19

Perception (Looking for hiding bots.): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15

Ref 1d20 ⇒ 4

J'Shun smacks his blade into the flying robot, then pauses to look around - but in among the chaos of combat can't see anything hidden.

There is a bright flash as the shockcaster strikes the side of a building above Nadia, scorching the robot.

R2
Chorizal - acted

R3
Chivix
Nadia
Vyv
J'Shun - acted
ENEMY

B ERROR 410 (Dead)
DG ERROR 404 (Not found)
LG 82
W ERROR 410 (Dead)

J'Shun, turns his attention back to the flying bot and unloads two controlled bursts from his SMG at it.

SMG vs. Light Gray KAC: 1d20 + 9 - 4 ⇒ (2) + 9 - 4 = 7
Piercing Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

SMG vs. Light Gray KAC: 1d20 + 9 - 4 ⇒ (1) + 9 - 4 = 6
Piercing Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

Entropy Points +4, EAC 24, KAC 26 this round

The shots manage to break nearby windows, but not robots.

With no enemies in sight, Chivix hustled up to the intersection, scanning around and looking for any sign of the bad robots.

Double Move

AOO Attack 1d20 ⇒ 19 vs FF KAC
Damage 2d10 + 8 ⇒ (9, 1) + 8 = 18

Chivix is surprised as he steps forward and bumps into something invisible - and the something invisible stabs him with a blade - the something is now a visible robot.

Was all set for a full attack next round too!

R2
Chorizal - acted

R3
Chivix - acted
Nadia
Vyv
J'Shun - acted
ENEMY

B ERROR 410 (Dead)
DG 0
LG 82
W ERROR 410 (Dead)

"Hooray! Chivix and Gravy found the invisible robot. All hands activate target tracking."

Botting Vyv.

"You fly, you die."

Bluff Trick; Take 10 for 14 CR
If hit, Flat-footed for one round
Little Zap-Zap (Static Arc-Pistol) vs. EAC: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (8) + 12 = 20
Electric Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Extra damage: 4d8 ⇒ (6, 3, 8, 3) = 20

The robot explodes in the air, showering parts into the street below.

R2
Chorizal - acted

R3
Chivix - acted
Nadia
Vyv - acted
J'Shun - acted
ENEMY

B ERROR 410 (Dead)
DG 0
LG ERROR 410 (Dead)
W ERROR 410 (Dead)

Botting Nadia.

Nadia, activates her jetpack again, rises 10', and then flies in the direction of the final bot.

The bot runs towards Chivix and then into an electrical goods retail store. Chivix can see through the side door as it move through the stores shop floor and then out of sight around a corner.

R3
Chorizal

R4
Chivix
Nadia
Vyv
J'Shun
ENEMY

B ERROR 410 (Dead)
DG ERROR 404 (Not found)
LG ERROR 410 (Dead)
W ERROR 410 (Dead)

Nadia activates her glass skin and becomes invisible before pursuing the fleeing robot.

Is it still invisible?

"Oh no, you're not going anywhere!" Chorizal declares, chasing the last remaining bot. He raises his dragonglaive, ready to poleaxe (literally) his enemy if he sees it come out of the door.

"I'll flush it out and you take it down," J'Shun commands.

He sprints up through the door behind Master Chief Chivix and has a look.

Depending on if he can see the bot it will affect what else he does this round since he only moved 40' and he has 55' of movement thanks to Haste.

Nadia comes through the automatic doors that advertise her presence, but not her whereabouts (magic automatic door sensor!?) as does J'Shun.

They spot the robot just ahead moving around a corner.

R3
Chorizal - acted

R4
Chivix
Nadia - acted
Vyv
J'Shun - acted
ENEMY

B ERROR 410 (Dead)
DG 0
LG ERROR 410 (Dead)
W ERROR 410 (Dead)

Chivix ran forward and skidded around a corner. Catching sight of the robot in the shop, he fired without giving Gravy the chance to acquire a better targeting solution.

laser vs robot: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (12) + 12 = 24
F damage: 3d6 + 9 ⇒ (1, 6, 4) + 9 = 20

J'Shun, sees the bot making its escape out of the corner of his eye and he quickly fires off a burst from his SMG at it.

SMG vs. Light Gray: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26
Piercing Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Botting Vyv

Vyv, also pursues the bot and fires a shot from her static arc pistol at it.

Bluff Trick; Take 10 for 14 CR (flat footed)
Extra damage: 4d8 ⇒ (3, 6, 1, 8) = 18

Little Zap-Zap (Static Arc-Pistol) vs. EAC: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (18) + 12 = 30
Electric Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

All that hasted movement kinda ruins running hit and run against the party when they can be anywhere on the map and attacking in the same round :p

The single robot is easily overcome.

***

Combat over

"Master Chief, give me an assessment on the remains of these bots," J'Shun says as he inserts a fresh magazine into his SMG.

J'Shun, will take 10 and spend 1 resolve point to regain stamina.

"I think that's you," Chorizal stage whispers to Chivix.

He checks the bots himself, though. They rarely have anything interesting like credits or booze but sometimes you can find some interesting information or weapons.

Engineering: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26

Chivix, who had been lookin around for someone in Spartan armor started when Chorizal spoke to him. "You as in Chivix and Gravy? Oh my. Cetainly, Chivix and Gravy can look at the remains."

While the others heal up, Chivix will do just that, examining the robotic remains and even removing a component of two for further testing.

engineering: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (8) + 18 = 26

You learn a little more about the robots.

They have integrated weapons, with one pair having integrated micro-serrated longswords and the others having red-star plasma weapons. You also note that they have very strong-looking suspension in the lower limbs, as though designed to be dropped into combat without needing to land a flying troop carrier.

Sensor set-up looks pretty typical of most robots, with low light and darkvision capabilities.

You can see that all the robots are older models that have at some point been modernised and refurbished, you also note the runes are some kind of magi-tech, closer inspection reveals the sword-wielders pattern is subtly different to the plasma-rifle pattern, but the origins and functions are still a mystery, though you did see them in operation during the combat.

"This is officially a combat mission now Kommandos. We'll sweep the rest of this city and clear out any more of these bots we find. On the bounce, we'll need to move fast if there is any chance to save the remaining civilian population. Move out!"

Skytown is next I believe.

As J'Shun gives the order, a woman steps from the shadows, slowly holstering her pistols,then showing that both hands are empty.

In a stern but calm voice, she introduces herself. “I am Captain Alis Sandel of the Aspis Consortium. Looks like we’re late to the party. Please put your weapons away, as I believe we’re here for the same reason. This is my crew.” She beckons to her companions to also reveal themselves.

The others wave and nod their greetings. One is an android who walks with a slight limp and another is a vesk who clutches her bandaged side. An uninjured half-orc hoists a flamethrower over one shoulder, his eyes darting around warily. Alis continues, “Yeah, we also had a run-in with robots. Anyway, let’s exchange information, shall we?”

Slide up

"Gah! Don't do that! That's how people get shot!" Chorizal says as potential friendlies make themselves known.

"You could have helped us with those," he grumbles as he stows his weapon.

"Why hello there," he says to the female vesk, largely ignoring the conversation that ensues between Chorizal's Chosen and these Aspis agents.

"Space Admiral J'Shun Kay, first son of Clan Summersword, House Davion, line of Atsu, born in fire! commanding officer, 101st special operations group, Kay's Kommandos, Starfinder Space Navy. Tell me what you know about the current situation here."

J'Shun, carefully scrutinizes the injuries Captain Sandel's team have sustained to see if they are consistent with the weapons the bots were using.

Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (20) + 11 = 31

"We came when we heard the shooting and the blasts"

"Starfinders? Makes sense. We came to investigate the Drift Beacons, the Consortium has taken a deep interest in the matter. As to the current situation on the surface - robots similar to those we encountered here attacked the city. The attackers must have had a fleet of ships and thousands of these robots to carry out such a large-scale attack. The attack seems to have been sudden, swift, and systematic.”

"Have you found any survivors?"