SFS #2-12 Colossus Heist (Inactive)

Game Master cmlobue

Reflex save: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16

Dusty waits for the opportune moment. "Buckle up, folks!" He slams the eject button and launches the party, bracing to tuck and roll on impact.

Engineering: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (14) + 18 = 32
Reflex: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (1) + 13 = 14 Oof

After everyone is loaded into the pod, Dusty watches the screen as best he can through the press of bodies and hits the activator button when he thinks the time is right. There is a sudden acceleration followed by a loud scraping sound on the outside of the pod. It then slams down with a crash of metal on metal. A red light begins to flash, and shards of broken equipment fly through the cramped space. After a moment, there is silence, and the Starfinders can extricate themselves.

Dusty, Oddman and Moxie each take 4d6 ⇒ (2, 3, 3, 2) = 10 bludgeoning and 4d6 ⇒ (4, 2, 3, 3) = 12 slashing damage.

With a massive shudder of the entire beast’s body, the breach in the tekenki’s armor closes, revealing a greenish glow throughout this bizarre environment. These are indeed the mechanical creature’s guts, but the surroundings look neither entirely technology nor biological. The advanced machinery appears to be covered in what look like pulsing, dark-green polyps. A narrow corridor ahead offers no clues as to the nature of this place—it simply leads deeper into the tekenki’s guts.

Nothing is trying to kill you at the moment.

"Looks like we're in. Is everyone okay? Does anyone need to take a breather or check their gear?"

Does anyone want to take a 10 minute rest?

Oddman pops out of the wreckage, draws his trident and both singing disks.

What's the lighting condition inside of this beast? Hoping for dim light at least, being a shadow mystic and all

He examines the path ahead for traps.

Perception: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (16) + 14 = 30

"After trying to get those beacons to work, I could use a little rest. They were a little too aggressively guarded for my tastes," Azara replied.

I could use a 10 minute rest.

The interior is rather expansive and seems to have been fabricated from a dark-colored metal, although the structure is lacking the rivets, joints, and other obvious signs of normal construction. Covering many of these metal surfaces are what look like disgusting, dark-green polyps ranging in size of that of a human’s fist to several feet in diameter. A greenish glow permeates the entire area, giving off normal light. The ceilings here are all 20 feet high.

The easternmost and westernmost portions of this area are latticed with powerful laser grids that stretch from the floor to the ceiling. As Oddman checks these areas, the bright light from the lasers illuminates slots in the area’s thicker outer walls where some sort of devices were clearly once present, but have long since been stolen. It’s likely these laser grids were once protecting something important within the tekenki.

Rest for me too, thanks.

Dusty looks to the laser grids as he catches his breath. ”Shall we start there?”

Moxie takes out her sonic pistol and baton and follows behind the group. Seeing Dusty check out the laser grids Moxie says, "Do you think you can disable those?"

I will also rest.

{Looks like whatever used to be back there is already gone,} Bugface says and starts to head north toward what I assume is the only exit.

The group takes 10 minutes to rest. WHile they do, the party is jostled by the movements of the colossus, including a couple of impacts that knock some of them off their feet. The lights flicker ominously once, but come back on.

There is no obvious way to disable the laser grids from within the room, though they do appear to be far enough apart that a medium-sized creature could, with great care and skill, pass between them. Ahead, Bugface sees a large pillar with what appears to be a computer console.

"Anyone else think its a little weird to be resting here knowing that there is an epic level battle going on outside that includes the thing we're resting in?

"And is it weird that I think it would be pretty spectacular to figure out a way to tame this thing and take it into battle?" Azara asks as he checks on the numerous scrapes and bruises he got while helping activate one of the beacons.

Once everyone is rested up. he takes the lead, drawing his laser pistol and pulling down his stellar mote to be ready for action. He slips past the console, knowing Bugface has a better chance of figuring it out than he does.

Is there anything obvious to be gained from squeezing between the lasers?

Eh, Radaszam's probably enjoying himself.

You have not detected anything of value among the lasers.

Beyond the pillar in each direction you can see some sort of fluid-filled tank the height of the room. You cannot make out what is inside from here.

Moxie looks up at the structure of this creature. "Is this something we could drive? I mean, is it a machine or a living creature? I really dont know. It's crazy to think that were inside it now, though."

Moxie looks at the grid of lasers. *I could wiggle my way in there, but if I have to hack the computer, then I probably won't be much use unless it's a pretty basic set up. I have a feeling this is a job for Dusty," she says, looking at the halfling.

Oddman moves ahead as well and checks around the computer console for traps:

Perception: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (17) + 14 = 31

Dusty also slides between the laser grids with ease, grateful for his small frame. He also scours the area for traps with his scanning kit, then tries to access the computer.

Perception (scanner, visual): 1d20 + 16 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 16 + 4 + 2 = 38
Computers: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (13) + 13 = 26

If you are going into the grid, you need to make a Reflex save to avoid getting hit. Dusty's size will reduce the DC.

If you are going into the grid, you need to make a Reflex save to avoid getting hit. Dusty's size will reduce the DC.

Rats, thougth little guys got a pass.

Reflex: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (7) + 13 = 20 Geez, two lousy Reflex rolls for the operative in immediate succession. X-P

Dusty takes 6d6 ⇒ (6, 2, 5, 5, 4, 6) = 28 fire damage as he passes through the lasers.

Once through, on the ground out of sight from the entrance, he sees an item covered in a bizarre alien script about the size and shape of a human femur.

Bugface starts to head towards the pillar but stops to see what Dusty has found.

Don't split the party as they say.

Azara has seen enough holovids to know that he has to be on the lookout for this body's natural defense systems which are definitely going to take him and his fellow Starfinders for invading viruses/bacteria/parasites and are going to attack them at any minute.

He keeps an eye out for those while Dusty and Bugface work on the mysteries.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12

Dusty retrieves the unusual item from the laser grid. From the doorway, Oddman thinks he notices some movement to the southeast.

Oddman spends a resolve point to activate his Shadow Shroud, and uses his Shadow Weaver ability to become invisible. Then he moves to investigate the movement.

Perception: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (20) + 14 = 34

Dusty grabs item, then returns to his allies.

Reflex: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (5) + 13 = 18
Promotional Reroll (3 novas): 1d20 + 13 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 13 + 3 = 26

Thick, silvery metal conductors snake in a geometric pattern in this area’s center. Thick bolts of electricity course among the conductors, creating a beautiful but deadly dance of lights from the floor to the ceiling. Three bodies lie haphazardly on the floor, their limbs and faces contorted unnaturally.

A lump of protoplasm measuring about 6 feet across lurks behind the conductor that forms the northern end of the power grid. It does not appear to have noticed you.

{See anything down there Oddman?} Bugface transmits telepathically.

Assuming Oddman shares...

Bugface let's the others in on the scene, {We should probably check that out before we start messing with this computer terminal.}

Anyone without telepathy can feel free to use Bugface to pass silent messages. While in range anyway.

Moxie follows a short distance behind Oddman, scanning the area for anything dangerous. "Do you see that protoplasmic entity over there? I could try to communicate it with it, but I'd like to have some backup in case it isn't friendly," she thinks, hoping Bugface picks up her thoughts and passes them on.

Perhaps the computer can turn off the electricity?

Azara, also telepathic, includes himself in the conversation.

If the talking doesn't work, let's be ready for some shooting. If we can get it worn down a bit, I'll try to handle it if it comes at us," he says moving up a bit in front of Moxie.

Perhaps the computer can turn off the electricity?

Good thought. Here's a question. Can Bugface fit through that opening or will they have to exit the power armor? If it is possible I'm assuming they'll have to squeeze.

Bugface can squeeze into any passage 5 feet wide. Smaller areas will be impassable with the power armor, but only just below the north wall of the power grid is too small so far from what you've seen.

The discussion of communicating with the creature becomes moot, for as soon as someone visible approaches, it attacks!

Round 1 - bolded may go

Bugface
Dusty
Oddman
Creature
Moxie
Azara

Life Science: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10

Dusty ducks and rolls as the ooze starts moving. "I don't think it's friendly!" He tumbles and fires a pistol shot.

Full action trick attack, auto-trick CR 12 or less.

Attack vs. KAC (flat-footed): 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 12 + 2 = 28
Damage (P, magic, trick): 2d6 + 4 + 4d8 ⇒ (2, 4) + 4 + (5, 4, 5, 5) = 29 plus flat-footed for 1 round

Bugface slips through the narrow doorway and shuffles past their friends to enter the combat zone.

With squeezing that'll be a double move.

I apologize, I’m sure I had attacked already!

Oddman activates onde of his photoenergetic nodes as a move action and the plasma scabbard on his trident as a swift action - then tosses it at the creature:

Adamantine sintered trident vs. KAC: 1d20 + 12 - 2 ⇒ (15) + 12 - 2 = 25
Piercing damage: 2d8 + 13 ⇒ (6, 2) + 13 = 21
Fire damage: 1d6 ⇒ 2
Fire & electricity damage: 1d10 ⇒ 4

Bugface moves into a better position to fight.

Dusty makes his fancy moves and fires at the creature. The projectile hits, but its makeshift armor plating partially deflects it.

Oddman hurls his weapon at the creature. It hits its mark, and the weapon seems to penetrate its flesh, but the fire washes over it harmlessly.

The creature fires a laser that is sticking out of the amalgam of technology on its bodyb towards Oddman, then oozes toward the group.

Aphelion Artillery Laser: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (16) + 21 = 37
Fire Damage: 3d8 + 9 ⇒ (8, 7, 8) + 9 = 32

1d4 ⇒ 4

A piercing and seemingly unending roar escapes the tekenki as it cries out in agony, frustration, fear, or maybe all three. For the next minute, each round all creatures inside count as being deafened and must communicate using non-verbal means.

Round 1-2 - bolded may go

Bugface (deafened)
Dusty (deafened)
Oddman (-32 SP, deafened)
Creature (-47 HP, flat-footed, deafened)
Moxie (deafened)
Azara (deafened)

Oddman catches his trident back, takes a guarded step and throws it again:

Adamantine sintered trident vs. KAC: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (11) + 12 = 23
Piercing damage: 2d8 + 13 ⇒ (7, 1) + 13 = 21
Fire damage: 1d6 ⇒ 4

Azara clutches at his ears, almost a mistake with a weapon in each hand. He recovers quickly, though and opens a mental channel to each of his teammates, monitoring their surface thoughts for any calls for help or coordination.

Then, he rushes into the fight, moving up next to the techno-ooze and slashing at it with his solar weapon.

Solar Weapon: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26
Slashing: 2d6 + 1d6 + 14 ⇒ (4, 4) + (1) + 14 = 23

Photon Attuned: 1

"Abadar's App, that's loud!" Moxie screams, then realizes that she can't even hear herself talk.

We can't talk to each other with that racket! Hopefully everyone remembers their non-verbal communication training!

Moxie rushes along the wall to get a clear shot at the ooze. Twirling her gun in a flashy manner, she aims and fires at the monster.

Using move action to move, and then using a standard action to attack and use Improved Get 'Em simultaneously. In order to benefit from Get 'em allies need to see or hear her. And its a +2 bonus to attack rolls until the start of her next turn.

Sonic Pistol: 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 10 + 2 = 32
Sonic: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
Crit Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

And I believe that the pistol also causes deafening on a critical hit, but it doesn't seem worth bothering with that.

Crazy day today, might not get to post until tomorrow.

Moxie fires her pistol. No one can hear the sound over the tekenki's roars, but the sonic waves still disrupt the creature's flesh.

Azara goes toe-to-slime with the monster, and slices through it with his solar weapon. It doesn't cut as deeply as he expects, but ooze still flies off the creature.

Oddman grabs his trident and hurls it again, barely hitting the monster. The fire has no effect, but the weapon itself pierces its flesh.

Round 2 - bolded may go

Bugface (deafened)
Dusty (deafened)
Oddman (-32 SP, deafened)
Creature (-103 HP, flat-footed, deafened)
Moxie (deafened)
Azara (deafened)

Dusty darts past the wall for some cover and takes a shot at the ooze.

Full action trick attack, auto trick CR 12.

Attack vs KAC (flat-footed): 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 12 + 2 = 16
Damage (P, trick): 2d6 + 4 + 4d8 ⇒ (1, 1) + 4 + (8, 6, 3, 8) = 31

11 rounds remaining.

Bugface activates combat tracking and fires at the sludgy creature.

Fork Attack: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (5) + 13 = 18
E&F Damage: 1d10 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13

Dusty and Bugface attack the creature, but the strange plating surrounding much of its body deflect the shots.

The monster lashes out at Azata with two tentacles made of slime.

Pseudopod: 1d20 + 18 - 4 ⇒ (9) + 18 - 4 = 23
Bludgeoning Damage: 2d10 + 13 ⇒ (9, 9) + 13 = 31

Pseudopod: 1d20 + 18 - 4 ⇒ (6) + 18 - 4 = 20
Bludgeoning Damage: 2d10 + 13 ⇒ (10, 2) + 13 = 25

Both connect, leaving pretty severe bruises as well as a sticky residue.

Round 2-3 - bolded may go

Bugface (deafened)
Dusty (deafened)
Oddman (-32 SP, deafened)
Creature (-103 HP, flat-footed, deafened)
Moxie (deafened)
Azara (-56 SP, deafened)

Oddman grabs his trident back and tries again.

Adamantine sintered trident vs. KAC: 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 12 + 2 = 23
Piercing damage: 2d8 + 13 ⇒ (8, 3) + 13 = 24
Fire damage: 1d6 ⇒ 6

Azara has Damage Reduction so the damage from each hit should be reduced by 8 points (which helps but those were still some pretty good wallops.)

"Everyone get at least 10' away from me!" Azara sends out telepathically as the power of the stars builds towards a crescendo inside of him.

For the moment, he continues cutting, his solar blade flashing.

Solar Weapon: 1d20 + 10 - 3 ⇒ (2) + 10 - 3 = 9
Slashing: 2d6 + 1d6 + 14 ⇒ (4, 3) + (6) + 14 = 27

Solar Weapon: 1d20 + 10 - 3 ⇒ (10) + 10 - 3 = 17
Slashing: 2d6 + 1d6 + 14 ⇒ (3, 4) + (5) + 14 = 26

The creature is immune (or resistant, at least) to fire, if you plan on going supernova

Dusty darts in the other direction, clears to another set of cover, and fires again.

Full action trick attack, auto trick CR 12.

Attack vs KAC (flat-footed): 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 12 + 2 = 26
Damage (P, trick): 2d6 + 4 + 4d8 ⇒ (4, 4) + 4 + (5, 3, 5, 6) = 31

10 rounds remaining.

Moxie fires a shot, which barely strikes the flat-pseudopodded creature.

Azara swings twice at the monster, but it oozes out of the way.

Dusty darts between cover, firing a shot that hits the momentarily disoriented creature.

Oddman hurls his trident once more, and the creature deflates, then dissolves, leaving behind a pile of useless and corroded metal parts.

Combat over!

With time to examine the bodies, it is clear that they perished within the last couple of days. Their injuries are horrific, and in all cases at least one of their limbs is only a mess of congealed gore. The humans carry a distinct lack of identifying documentation or insignias on their clothing.

"Gross..." Moxie mutters as she sees the mangled corpses. "I wonder who they were?"