[SFS/Shifty] Veskarium (B) (Inactive)

Game Master Nik B.

"Oh, that's not good."

Gulkyn explains his theory to the others. "We should clean this stuff up and check for anything else that might have been placed near the core."

It dawns on you that the wolves were actually there to guard the sabotage nearby, and now a significant amount of time has passed since you defeated the wolves and wandered away.

The hallway outside the core room is well-lit and canvased by clusters of security cameras. The breakproof glass doors and windows to the room show twin power core housing surrounded by computers and warnings printed in several different languages. There is a card reader to the left of the doors, which currently sparks and emits quiet buzzing noises. The edges of the door appear to have been recently soldered shut, preventing easy access.

As you look through the windows into the chamber you can see that several explosives have been hooked up to the cores’ outer casing and attached to the computer systems in the room.

Oh dear Kyra remarks. This is not good. Suggestions?

As she says that, she gets to work bypassing the card reader.

Someone please fetch a crowbar - or a soldering iron

engineering: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17

Kyra manages to get the door open, despite the fresh welds, however the resulting flash of electrical discharge as the sparking and buzzing card reader electrifies the door is rather spectacular.

Hits Kyra
Damage 6d6 ⇒ (1, 3, 2, 5, 6, 1) = 18 Electrical
DC14 Ref for half.

ref: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12

Again Kyra dips into her memories of Valeros's swear words - or were they Amiri's.

Now inside the room proper you can see that there are multiple devices glued into place. The still drying glue suggests that these were placed shortly before the wolves were released. You can see that there's not a lot of time left, and there are five sets of explosives to work through - and the timer has run right down...

You can defuse, or disconnect.
Defusing requires a successful Computers, Engineering, or Piloting and disconnection requires a successful Sleight of Hand or Athletics check.

First Minute
Benny
Gulk
Kyra
Murg
SFTD

Bombs remaining: 5

Computers, Defuse: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12

Benny pales under his helmet but gets to work, opting for the least hands-on approach.

engineering: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

Uh oh

Not what one wants to say, or hear, when defusing a bomb.

"Why keep cameras here, indeed! Iomedae watch over this ship and its crew!" Murgatroyd grabs a bomb and yanks it off the wall!

Athletics: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26

"Fortunately, this one once spoke the life of a miner who used demolitions in the course of a life well lived."

Spending 1 RP to get 4 ranks in Engineering for a check.

Engineering: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 4 + 1 = 21

Gulkyn braces himself with two of his arms while the other two work on removing a bomb.

Piloting: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15

SFTD manages to defuse a bomb, whilst Murg manages to pull one off the wall in such a way as to not detonate it - the adhesives no match for his skill (on this occasion!)

Second Minute
Benny
Gulk
Kyra
Murg
SFTD

Bombs remaining: 3

Murgatroyd was the skill MvP for once!

Athletics: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17

... and it's gone.

Kyra is relieved when it didn't go off although, she seems to recall meeting Pharasma several times before the Gap, then being thrown back.

engineering: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

Oh Come On!

"That one's name was Derogar Vaid, noted for pioneering geometrical collision of asteroids in the Diaspora to expose rich inner seems." Speaker for the Dead keeps talking calmly as he works.

I'll spend another 1 RP and keep going.

Engineering: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 1 = 8

Gulkyn continues working on one of the bombs.

Piloting: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16

Benny then resolve...

"Come on, come on..."

Computers: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12

Despite the strong start, another tense minute drags by and no progress is made with the planted explosives - tension thick in the air as everyone tries dealing with the growing fear of imminent explosion...

Third Minute
Benny
Gulk
Kyra
Murg
SFTD

Bombs remaining: 3

engineering: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

Lol, Murgatroyd was the MvP in the second round as well, though it didn't do any good

Murgatroyd puts a feet against the wall, grabs the bomb with both hands and pulls!

Athletics: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21

"That one's innovation was dangerous, of course," says Speaker for the Dead, continuing his tale, "for the slightest miscalculation could create a chain reaction of unpredictable collisions."

It's going to be embarrassing to blow up like this! Spending another RP.

Engineering: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 4 + 1 = 23

Piloting: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12

This is just getting worse

T-Shirt reroll (+3 nova)
Piloting: 1d20 + 10 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 10 + 3 = 22

Benny does his best to tune SFTD out without adding to the chatter.

Computers: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21

With a renewed focus, the team calms down and starts operating in a methodical and efficient manner - clearing the remaining explosives.

Crisis averted!

Kyra collapses on the ground. She has also put paid to the myth that androids don't sweat.

Speaker ..... please ... next time ... please do not talk about unpredictable catastrophes while we are attempting to do bomb disposal. It was most ...... off-putting. I was sure I was about to be playing chess with the Lady Pharasma any second.

"This one apologises for that one's discomfort. If it consoles, this one has never heard of Lady Pharasma enjoying recreational activities such as human 'chess'"

Kyra smiles over to Speaker.

Well ... to be honest, back on Old Golarion, when I was still in my human body, apparently I died and was resurrected so many times that some claimed that we had an ongoing chess game in progress.

Besides I am sure, even our deities, are sometimes in the need of ... erm ... recreation ... if some of the stories of the Lady Desna's antics are true.

Hunting around the room turns up two further items of interest, a hand written note, and a Veskarium military-issue datapad.

The note is addressed to Miiyu, giving her instructions on how to connect a sonic switch to her microphone pack that will activate 'the device' in the auditorium.

Computers check to try crack the datapad

Murgatroyd looks befuddled at the note and datapad, both way beyond his skills.

Speaker for the Dead examines the note, his face hidden by an expressionless mask. "This one interacted with Miiyu a great deal. This one believes more is to explained and accusations should be held in abeyance. Could these ones join this one in a search of the auditorium, and then questioning of that one?"

Taking 10 on Sense Motive for a total of 22.

Gulkyn nods in agreement with Speaker, and passes the datapad to Benny and Kyra, "See what you can get out of this."

sm: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17

Kyra has a look at the datapad.
computers: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15

She also nods in agreement

The datapad appears to have some sort of coded encryption in Vesk.

DC 20 Bluff or Culture check; PCs that were born or raised in the
Veskarium, or who speak Vesk, receive a +2 circumstance bonus to their check.

culture: 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 11 + 2 = 23

“Infiltration successful.
Plans changed from demonstration to assassination. Agent 03 probably collateral. Give regards to Vesk Prime.”

The time is now 19:55.

Assuming the others agree, Speaker for the Dead will skitter quickly toward the auditorium.

"Who ever is behind this is still a few steps ahead of us. We need to find that device and deal with it."

Gulkyn follows Speaker as they had back to the auditorium.

"The enemy is too clever! What is happening?!" Murgatroyd asks, lost, but rushing along with everyone, shield in hand.

Unsure of who the target is, Benny is tempted to try calling off the whole party for the guests' safety, but that probably wouldn't go over well.

19:59.

Images up

Standing between a shimmering holographic pool and the games court are two pahtra soldiers. One is lithe and bristling with weapons, and the other is an enormous mass of muscles and cybernetics. The smaller pahtra steps to the side, allowing her partner to move forward, before pulling out her datapad and using it to activate a program.

“I thought Miiyu was lying to me!” The large pahtra laughs gruffly, pulling out his gun. “I guess Starfinders love licking vesk boots. Well, let me introduce myself. I’m Captain Jiira, and this is my right-hand woman, Lieutenant Zinye. We’re not going to let you end our revolution before it starts! You’ll find we won’t go down as easy as Pouncer. Pulonis lives!”

R1
Gulkyn
Benacu
Kyra
ENEMY

Kyra is going to try diplomacy first

I can actually understand your point of view she begins. Basically you want soverinty over your planet back since the Vesk invaded it in the first place. And we're in the business of saving lives. Think of those who will die in your revolution, both Vesk and pahtra alike. Are you sure you and the Veskarium cannot come to an understanding?

diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

While Gulkyn admires Kyra's attempt, he feels there is no reasoning with fanatics.

Photon attuning

He grabs his mote in one hand and as the darkness spreads around his fist he advances on Captain Jiira.

Solar Weapon vs KAC: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19
Damage (B + 1E): 1d6 + 13 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 13 + 1 = 19

Close Combat & Coordinated Shot feats in effect. Have Electrostatic field, mk 1

"Um, I don't think we wanted to get involved. So feel free to cry uncle whenever you need?" Not expecting the pahtra to take the offer, Benny starts casting.

Wisp Ally to prove harrying fire on Jiira.

Kyra gets drowned out, an umbrella in a hurricane.

Gulkyn makes a point by delivering a meaty blow.

Benny gives some fire support.

The cybernetically enhanced Pathra lets their sidearm clatter to the floor as it becomes clear this wont be a ranged battle, smacking back at Gulkyn with a plasma spitting Doshko.

Attack 1d20 + 16 - 4 ⇒ (8) + 16 - 4 = 20 vs EAC
Damage 1d10 + 14 ⇒ (10) + 14 = 24 E&F

Attack 1d20 + 16 - 4 ⇒ (19) + 16 - 4 = 31 vs EAC
Damage 1d10 + 14 ⇒ (6) + 14 = 20 E&F

Enemy takes 2d6 ⇒ (2, 2) = 4

The sleeker pathra tries something...
Computers 1d20 + 14 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 14 + 4 = 30 - Murgs personal communicator flashes distractingly! Then a shot rings out from a handcoil at Murg!

Attack 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25 vs FF EAC
Damage & Trick damage 1d6 + 3 + 1d8 ⇒ (5) + 3 + (4) = 12

R1
Murg
SFTD

R2
Gulkyn
Benacu
Kyra
ENEMY

B 23
W

Kyra still had a couple of Mind Thrusts left so she let one fly at Zinye.

mt: 2d10 ⇒ (1, 3) = 4 DC 15 will for half.

Murgatroyd double moves around the spotted pathra!

Speaker for the Dead moves closer and conjures a small wisp of light to distract one of the foes.

Casting wisp ally to provide harrying fire on Black.

Will 1d20 ⇒ 12 (plus mod)
The pathra shrugs off most of the attempt to blast her mind.

Murg rushes into place.

A second wisp is summoned to harras the foes.

R1
Murg - acted
SFTD - acted

R2
Gulkyn
Benacu
Kyra - acted
ENEMY

B 23
W 2

Gulkyn steps to the side to allow the rest of his team clearer shots at Jiira, before striking again.

Solar Weapon vs KAC: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12
Damage (B + 1E): 1d6 + 13 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 13 + 1 = 20

Continuing to Photon attune. Close Combat & Coordinated Shot feats in effect. Have Electrostatic field, mk 1