GM Quirk's INTO THE VESKARIUM (Inactive)

Game Master Quirk, Private Eye

Freeman heads over and sighs when he sees the bodies.
"Ah figured they were dead bit I had hope. Now, let's move that branch a little for some better leverage..."
engineering: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (17) + 16 = 33

Gamuzali is just about to move up and lend his strength to help Chk'tarlsh, when Freeman comes up with an ingenious lever to shift the fallen tree. "Good work, Freeman. Work smarter, not harder, right?"

Shokil looks... a little sheepish as Freeman demonstrates a really good way to lever up the massive log.

"I'll need to remember that trick for finding the point of balance" he agrees. "It'll be very handy in my next novel."

Abistar-4 begins to call upon he outer planes for some aid, but seems almost disappointed as Freemen manages to implement a proper mechanism.

"It is true. Moments like that can be critical in storytelling."

Sorry, been dealing with family medical issues. Still ongoing.

Seeing that the Freeman has things handled, Zargothrax lends a hand with the brute force side of things before taking a closer look at their belongings.

Athletics: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18

"So erm.... these thingies get em killed or was it somethin else?"

Sorry, been dealing with family medical issues. Still ongoing.

Seeing that the Freeman has things handled, Zargothrax lends a hand with the brute force side of things before taking a closer look at their belongings.

"So erm.... these thingies get em killed or was it somethin else?"

Freeman raises an eyebrow.

A couple of things are going to happen here...

Before TheFreeman can do a postmortem on the two vesks, The Shriek begins howling.

I need everyone to go for either a DC 24 perception check or a DC 24 survival check as part of your next turn. Should you make the check, you can make a FREE move to start this encounter within the relative safety of the trench area in the central part of map. SHOULD YOU FAIL (or should you choose not to jump into the trench), please make a DC 15 reflex save. Failure means you take: 1d6 ⇒ 2 damage and are knocked OFF TARGET for a round. You must make this save any turn you do not start in the trench area.

Cue the SCARY MUSIC.

Fresh debris covers the area, and new tears in the ground reveal
a deeper layer of subsoil. Preserved bones and ancient weaponry
jut from the ground, excavated by the powerful storm. A bony
hand twitches and grasps the exposed root of an upturned tree.
The skeleton of a long-dead vesk heaves itself upright and
takes a shuddering step. More skeletons rise and shuffle
forward in a twisted approximation of marching.

Bold may go. Decided to simplify initiative so you all could make your skill checks/saves. Remember, if you make the skill check, you get a free move into the trench area. This also represents the skeletons emerging from the ground. Round 1.
1. Chk'tarish
2. TheFreeman
3. Abistar-4
4. Shokil
5. Zarg
6. Gamuzali
7, Vesk Skeleton Yellow
8. Vesk Skeleton Green
9. Vesk Skeleton Red
10 Pahtra Skeleton Blue

I'm not too sure exactly what you mean by the trench area. Is that the dip that the vehicle is in?
per: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18
ref: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19

Caught unawares, Shokil staggers as the shriek swoops down on the team.

Gritting his teeth he jumps down to get into the cover of the lee of the vesk transport vehicle as he struggles to get his rifle out.

perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21
refl: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13

Freeman sputters and cries out in pain as he is caught in the storm...

perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10
refl: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16
Drone, while unable to get to the safety of the trench, at least finds part of the dead tree to hide under and avoid damage...

They both notice the unliving guests about the time they start complaining about the suddenness of the storm.
"I thought we'd have a wee bit o' warning... Oh goodness, they look unhappy."
Drone gives a little blurb of a rude sounding beep.

Freeman takes a shot at (red)
ice carbine: 1d20 + 7 - 2 ⇒ (12) + 7 - 2 = 17
C+P damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Drone beeps and moves into the trench area...

I'm not too sure exactly what you mean by the trench area. Is that the dip that the vehicle is in?

My apologies for the confusion. The trench area is the darker gray colored area that runs through the central and western areas of the map. The bones, green run-off, and the vesk's vehicle are generally in this area. I'll add a few red X's to the map and you can see where I mean.

Awesome. Many thanks.

Perception: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (6) + 17 = 23
Reflex: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15

Abistar-4 is caught off guard as the ground shifts and undead burst from the ground. "This sort of tale is far too common both in our line of work and holovids." He complains as he stumbles into the ravine, drawing pistole along the way, and attempts to get close enough to summon a wisp to aid in the combat.

The mote of light flies about the undead as it does little damage but offers a distraction to an ally.

Attempting to cast wisp ally on Vesk Skeleton Yellow. The spell has a range of 40 feet, but I'm not sure if I can see the undead from the edge of the ravine.

Wisp will use harrying fire on Yellow to grant a +2 bonus to the next attack against them.

Perception DC24: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15
Reflex DC15: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

What type of damage does the Shriek cause?

Distracted by his efforts at lifting the tree, Chk'tarlsh fails to notice the tell-tale signs of the incoming storm. As he turns to locate his companions, he sees the undead creatures emerging from the ground.

Am I correct in understanding that Chk'tarlsh misses the FREE action to move to the ravine, but still has his move/standard actions to use as normal?

Circling around the fallen tree, he falls back toward his fellow Starfinders, the shriek begins to howl across the exposed plateau.

"Got company!" the shirren alerts the group over comms. "The sstorm'sh turninhk up more than jusst treesh and old ruinsh."

Drawing his laser rifle, he follows his companions toward the ravine. Reaching the edge of the ravine, he turns and fires a round at the closest enemy (yellow).

Corona laser rifle: 1d20 + 10 - 2 ⇒ (14) + 10 - 2 = 22 Off-target
Fire Damage: 2d6 + 5 ⇒ (6, 4) + 5 = 15

The Shriek causes bludgeoning damage.

Thanks, GMQ. That gets through.

Reflex DC 15: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16

"What in th' latrines of the 12th legion is that!"

He quickly hurls out a spell, connecting a thin line between the vehicle and the fallen tree. With a snap it expands into a net, arcing with power.

Casting Laser Net as marked on the map and then climbing down into the trench.

"That otter hold 'em for a bit... or at least hurt em."

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
Reflex: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Gamuzali is also caught off guard by the storm. He weathers the Shriek to the best of his ability but it still makes him a bit unsteady as debris and wind swirls around him.

Looking behind him as the undead emerge, Gamuzali tries to stifle a shudder before he shouts, "Fall back to the trench! No need to let the weather beat us up while these bone-heads are trying to do the same." Gamuzali forms his solar weapon as he moves down into the trench, then flames begin to run along the edges of the claws.

Free action to attune to photon
Move action to move into trench and draw weapon
Move action to activate plasma sheath

You will generally not have trouble seeing the skeletons from the trench. It's not that deep...

Chk'tarish and TheFreeman both hit with their weapons.

Two of the skeletons aren't shy about stepping through Zarg's laser net.

saving throws: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 81d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12
damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

All of the skeletons attack! The vesk skeletons bare their mighty claws and rake!

yellow on Abistar: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (6) + 12 = 18
damage, S: 1d6 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12
Hit!

green on Chk'tarish: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (13) + 12 = 25
damage, S: 1d6 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11

Hit!

red on TheFreeman: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (16) + 12 = 28
damage, S: 1d6 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14

The Pahtra skeleton, much to your surprise, found a bow somewhere, and it fires it at Gamuzali.

to hit: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 14
damage, P: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Miss!

Bold may go. Remember to make your saves if you are not in the trench at the beginning of the round. Round 2.
1. Chk'tarish (-11)
2. TheFreeman (-14)
3. Abistar-4 (-12)
4. Shokil
5. Zarg
6. Gamuzali
7, Vesk Skeleton Yellow (-20)
8. Vesk Skeleton Green (-5)
9. Vesk Skeleton Red (-7)
10 Pahtra Skeleton Blue

Zargothrax steps forward. "Hey Abby-star... that looked like it hurt. Lemme give ya a hand..."

Jolting Surge vs Yellow EAC: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21
Electricity Damage: 4d6 ⇒ (1, 5, 3, 5) = 14

With his sniper rifle out, Shokil sights down the barrel at the yellow vesk skeleton. Horrid memories of other hoardes of undead come back to him, and his finger quivers on the trigger for a moment.

attack vs EAC: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (7) + 11 = 18
F damage: 2d8 + 5 ⇒ (8, 5) + 5 = 18

"Hmm.. what would a hero do in this situation? Storm crashing around, undead hoardes rising from the mud. I know... charge in with a flame thrower..." he muses to himself.

or...
He casts a quick glance at the ground car. Does it look like it has any heavy armorments?

Abistar-4 stumbles back in a bit of shock at the undead attacker. "The armor buffered the blow, but I appreciate the aid. I cannot make sense of their motivations or strategy with no compelling feeling within their hearts."

Regaining his ground he stands firm as he focuses himself on another spell.

"I've had little success at exhibitions at Eox and it plagues me to the moment. I can at least gauge that we would like these few to be pushed back ever so slightly. That I can attempt."

Once more Abistar unleashes a blast of force to knock back the nearest undead.

Shift back. Force blast south to catch yellow and green.

Force Blast Damage, DC 19 Reflex Half: 2d6 ⇒ (1, 5) = 6
Bull Rush vs KAC +8: 1d20 + 6 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 + 6 = 32 That will push yellow and green back 5 feet + 5 feet for every 5 points it beat the DC.

Wisp will continue using harrying fire on Yellow to grant a +2 bonus to the next attack against them.

Freeman grunts as the Red skeleton bruises him nicely.
"Begone ya nasty thing!"

overcharged ice carbine: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19
C+P damage: 1d8 + 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (7) + (1) + 4 = 12

Drone bleeps agreement and also shoots at Red.

perferator pistol: 1d20 + 7 - 3 ⇒ (12) + 7 - 3 = 16
Sonic damage: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

static arc pistol: 1d20 + 7 - 3 ⇒ (6) + 7 - 3 = 10
Electrical damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Still sticking to the trench as much as possible, Gamuzali rushses to his fellow vesk's aid and strikes at Yellow with his Meteor Claw.

Meteor Claw, possessed: 1d20 + 11 - 2 ⇒ (17) + 11 - 2 = 26 Damage (F), photon, plasma sheath: 1d6 + 16 + 1d3 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 16 + (1) + 1 + 2 = 25

Photon attuned 2

Chk'tarlsh lifts an arm to deflect the skeleton's blow, using his armour to absorb some of the impact. (DR5 Slashing, damage = 6)

Reflex DC15: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20

Bracing against the buffeting storm, the shirren glances behind him. Spying the dubious looking green ooze below, he briefly considers his options, antennae twitching from the thrill of choice.

Shifting to the balls of his feet, he drops his rifle and in one fluid motion, slips his hammer free from its restraints and strikes out at his opponent (green).

Assault hammer: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27
Bludgeoning Damage: 1d6 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15

The yellow-clad skeleton falls to Zarg, Shokil, and Abistar's wily magic and gunfire.

Green is blasted back by Abistar's spell.

reflex save, green: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25

Gamuzali, I redirected you to green, and applied your damage to it. I moved you slightly in that direction.

TheFreeman shoots the skeleton near him incurring an attack of opportunity as he does.

to hit, red AoO: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (18) + 12 = 30
damage: 1d6 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12

Hit! And it will also attack you on its turn.

to hit, red vs. TheFreeman: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29
damage: 1d6 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13

Green moves forward once again and attacks Gamuzali.

to hit: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (5) + 12 = 17
damage, S: 1d6 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11

Miss![/dice]

The Pahtra skeleton fires its bow again, this time at Chk'tarish,

to hit: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (9) + 12 = 21
damage, P: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

[ooc]Bold may go. Remember to make your saves if you are not in the trench at the beginning of the round. Round 3.
1. Chk'tarish (-11)
2. TheFreeman (-39)
3. Abistar-4 (-12)
4. Shokil
5. Zarg
6. Gamuzali
7, Vesk Skeleton Yellow DEAD
8. Vesk Skeleton Green (-48)
9. Vesk Skeleton Red (-26)
10 Pahtra Skeleton Blue

Chk'tarlsh manages to avoid the undead pahtra's arrow.

"Keep the pressssure on them," he calls in encouagement to his companions. The shirren presses the attack against his skeleton opponent (green), launching a double-combo of hammer blows.

Assault hammer 1: 1d20 + 8 - 4 ⇒ (1) + 8 - 4 = 5
Bludgeoning Damage: 1d6 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10

Assault hammer 1: 1d20 + 8 - 4 ⇒ (18) + 8 - 4 = 22
Bludgeoning Damage: 1d6 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13

Zargothrax shrugs. "Whelp... not as tough as ah 'spected."

He waves a hand and pelts one of the remaining skeletons with a barrage of force, saving the Pahtra for last. Full round magic missile at red

Magic Missile: 3d4 + 3 ⇒ (3, 4, 1) + 3 = 11

As the skeletons start to drop, Shokil takes sight on the next of the shrieks victims.

Attack vs EAC(green): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (1) + 11 = 12
F damage: 2d9 + 5 ⇒ (7, 3) + 5 = 15

But the storm whips up a fury and dust, rain and bits of smashed bone fly into his eyes, temporarily blinding the author. His shot barely misses Zargothrax.

Oops. In the excitement to post, I forgot to make the Reflex save.

Reflex DC15: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18

Freeman grunts with the pain and moves away from the thing, leaving a little trail of blood behind him.
"I hate these things!"

He and drone fire at Red again...

overcharged ice carbine: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23
C+P damage: 1d8 + 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (4) + (6) + 4 = 14

Drone:
perferator pistol: 1d20 + 7 - 3 ⇒ (8) + 7 - 3 = 12
Sonic damage: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

static arc pistol: 1d20 + 7 - 3 ⇒ (15) + 7 - 3 = 19
Electrical damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Reflex: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Despite the storm, Gamuzali runs along the line of Zarg's laser net, hops over the roots of the fallen tree, and gets himself right in the face of the undead pahtra assualting his team from a distance. "That's enough of you!"

Meteor claw, possessed, off target: 1d20 + 11 - 2 - 2 ⇒ (11) + 11 - 2 - 2 = 18 Damage (F), photon, plasma sheath: 1d6 + 16 + 1d3 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 16 + (2) + 1 + 2 = 25

With a little more breathing room Abistar-4 begins picturing swirling emotions and using magical energy to open a pathway to summon a creature into the fight. "I might offer an another ally that will help to aid you Freeman."

Casting summon creature 2

Following your efficient onslaught, the only skeleton remaining is the pahtra skeleton with the bow. Now facing Gamuzali face to face, it drops the bow and bites!

to hit: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29
damage: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

I could feel that coming...

MOHR DAMAGIO!: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

The pahtra latches on to Gamuzali's neck with extreme fervor!

Bold may go. Remember to make your saves if you are not in the trench at the beginning of the round. Round 4.
1. Chk'tarish (-11)
2. TheFreeman (-39)
3. Abistar-4 (-12)
4. Shokil
5. Zarg
6. Gamuzali (-19)
7, Vesk Skeleton Yellow DEAD
8. Vesk Skeleton Green DEAD
9. Vesk Skeleton Red DEAD
10 Pahtra Skeleton Blue (-25)

Shokil lines up the final skeleton.
attack vs EAC: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (3) + 11 = 14
F damage: 2d8 + 5 ⇒ (3, 5) + 5 = 13

But the Shiek continues to blow debris into his eyes.

With the other undead defeated, Chk'tarlsh turns his attention to the once-pahtra.

Reflex: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17

"On my way!" the shirren calls as the creature takes a bite out of Gamuzali. "I'll disstract it and we'll take it down in no time."

He dashes across the cracked ground and, sliding to a stop opposite his vesk companion, pounds at the undead with his hammer.

Movement does not provoke due to Spring Attack. Flanking with Gamuzali.

Assault hammer: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 8 + 2 = 12
Bludgeoning Damage: 1d6 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13

Freeman moves to where he has a clearer shot and takes it.

overcharged ice carbine: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8
C+P damage: 1d8 + 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (8) + (3) + 4 = 15

He lets out a curse as the shot goes way wide.
"Send yer friend over there, Abistar!"

Zargothrax turns on his jetpack and ascends out of the trench, landing on a branch above. "On mah way buddy! No dyin' taday!"

Abistar-4 finishes the spell and summons a small swirling mass of turbulent air. He studies the elemental for a moment as Freeman calls out and joins Freeman's direction, declaring for the elemental to attack the remaining skeletal undead.

Elemental Info: HP 20; EAC 12; KAC 13; fly 100 ft.

The elemental moves about the area and joins the others in combat slaming itself against the undead.

Elemental Slam: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25
Bludgeoning Damage: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

Abistar-4 continues to press forward as well drawing and firing a laser at the pahtra skeleton. "Despite the lack of feeling I get from our adversary, I must thank you all for filling in for that absence with your wonderful styles of expression as you tear these lost ones down."

anchoring azimuth laser pistol: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21
Fire damage: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

GM - Not sure if you saw it, but Gamuzali has DR 5 against Piercing thanks to Enhanced Resistance

Reflex: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23

Gamuzali winces as the pahtra's teeth dig into his neck. He hisses with fury and slashes back at the undead with his solar weapon.

Meteor claw, possessed, flank, full: 1d20 + 11 - 2 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (8) + 11 - 2 + 2 - 4 = 15 Damage (F), photon, plasma sheath: 1d6 + 16 + 1d3 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 16 + (2) + 1 + 2 = 22
Meteor claw, possessed, flank, full: 1d20 + 11 - 2 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (16) + 11 - 2 + 2 - 4 = 23 Damage (F), photon, plasma sheath: 1d6 + 16 + 1d3 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 16 + (1) + 1 + 2 = 22

The final skeleton falls from your coordinated efforts.

My apologies. I have been busy with PaizoCon this weekend. I'll wrap things up tomorrow either before or after the one game I am in. My brand new Ghibrani character hasn't died so far, and tomorrow he'll be 2nd level! Decided to go with a Witchwarper.

Once they defeat the skeletons and the storm subsides, you
return to Voyedris and deliver the artifacts. Reha listens
intently to your account of the mission. She’s disappointed
to hear that most of the valley’s ruins were destroyed by the
Shriek but is grateful for the two artifacts you recovered.
She solemnly begins the process of notifying the soldiers’ loved
ones and recovering their remains. Later that evening, she gifts a
bottle of fine wine to all of you.

"Well, that were an interesting mission fer sure. What's this? A bottle of wine? Well, someone knows the way to a dwarf's heart!"

"A generous gift, as all we did was what our mission required. Still, I will be glad for a bit of quiet after another brush with the undead. I wonder if you feel the same, Zargothrax and Shokil?"

Zargothrax shrugs at Gamuzali. "Erm... I dunno. Kinda nice ta actually be able to put 'em down... maybe put their souls at rest 'er somethin. Nobody was hurt too badly... mission went by tha' book. Nah too keen on havin' ta bring back bad news, but ahm glad it could be done right away rather than... ya know... a year later."

Shokil is more than happy to toast the success of the mission.
"Just as well they pay expenses with the Starfinders. Have you seen the horrid reviews of my latest novel? Sometimes I think they don't actually even read the book."

Abistar-4 takes a long moment analyzing the glass before raising it up. "I'll consume a glass to join in the celebrations of our successes, and in commiseration for those that have passed, but another may take my share. Any of you are likely to enjoy it for the taste more than myself and, in turn, that would be processed as positive reinforcement for myself."

Abistar nods to Shokil in understanding. "There are a great many that don't understand the effort and artistry of our mediums."

"A drinhk to the misssion'sh ssuccessh," Chk'tarlsh announces, mandibles clacking. "And the livesh of thosse who fell," he adds, raising his glass in toast.

Freeman steps up and clinks his glass to Chk'tarish's.
"Aye. To the fallen fer sure."

Gamuzali raises his glass to his allies, "The fallen."

You guys are going to make the GM cry...:)