[Gameday X] SFS #3-00 The Last Bite (Tier 1-2) (Inactive)

Game Master cmlobue

Keskada, please move your token to where you would end your turn.

Arthur, Liftt and (eventually) Keskada start hustling down the side corridor.

The other guard steps out and takes a shot at Krzysztofli.

Pulsecaster Pistol: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
Nonlethal Electricity Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Round 1-2 - bolded may go

Makai
Blue
Arthur
Liftt (-2 SP)
Red
Krzysztofli
Keskada

This phase ends tonight, about 14 hours after this post, so if no one intends to fight back, I will handwave most of the encounter so we can report one more success.

Krzysztofli ducks his head behind his clipboard and hurries after his companions.

Double move - not seeking to engage.

Makai rans next to two shirrens: Liftt and Krzysztofi and begins to cast. She directs her arms towards the ground and soon the whole area is covered with grease substance.

"Run, that may stop them!"

Casting Grease

The two guards stumble, and the team takes the opportunity to get to the elevators. They escape the building before more security arrives, and give the data to the Society.

At this point, you would normally start a new mission, but since there won't be time to finish before the next part of the scenario, you all get half a day off.

First Seeker Luwazi Elsebo’s voice rings out. ”Our agents have captured a freighter carrying an unauthorized shipment of drone parts under Datch’s orders. We’re now working closely with the Stewards to determine the source and destination of the confiscated shipment.”

Table GMs, covert mission two is now closed and action mission two is now available for selection.

===============

After accomplishing their own missions, a few ambitious Starfinder teams rush to support their allies still on the ground.

Table GMs, the Agents’ Respite condition is now in effect.

Agents’ Respite: Starfinder teams that already completed their missions provide support to those still on the ground. Once during the adventure, each PC can reroll a failed attack roll, save, or skill check.

Congratulations! You single-handedly completed the External Audit (only table to do so, and the Golden Vault credit went there as well). Everybody has a shiny new reroll to use in parts 3 or 4.

Do not forget your bonuses from other missions. There's one that will not have a use after the next encounter.

First Seeker Luwazi Elsebo once again summons her chosen agents to the Hall of Discovery. Workers bustle about the chamber, oblivious to the urgent meeting taking place. Luwazi addresses the gathered agents.

“Congratulations,” she begins, grinning proudly. “You’ve met the objectives outlined in my first meeting. Thanks to your hard work, the AbadarCorp board refused to pass the vote of no-confidence Datch initiated against Iseki-Okaibo. The executive archdirector’s position is secure, and our new allies proposed a counter-motion to remove Datch from her position, pending investigation.”
Luwazi pauses for a moment to savour the first true victory over her adversary.

“Datch isn’t the sort to cooperate with an investigation, unfortunately. As I predicted, Datch already fled to her private hideout, a secure compound orbiting Verces. She’s absconded with an armada of automated battle drones, and I’m sure that’s not her only line of defence. Thanks to the evidence you helped collect, the Stewards have authorized the Society to engage the drones and oversee Datch’s arrest.” Luwazi glances around at her assembled teams, an expression of triumph on her face.
“Starfinders, this is our first opportunity to act against Datch directly. I know many of you want this, so I don’t need to tell you how important this mission is. Using the elevation ceremonies as cover should give us the element of surprise, but let’s not waste any more time. Travel to Verces immediately, and be ready for anything.”

Table GMs, Part Three has begun.

You enter your ship and travel to the Drift beacon near Verces. An ominous cloud of countless drones forms a barricade between the Starfinders fleet’s positions and the orbital compound.

Slide 18

In this part of the scenario, you will engage in starship combat with waves of drones that are defending Datch's hideout. The more drones are defeated, the better off we will be for Part Four. This part will last for 15 days or until your ship runs out of HP (though there is no penalty for that other than no longer being able to contribute successes).

Round 1 - Engineering and Helm Phase

Assuming you are in the same seats as before, Krzysztofli, Liftt and Makai are up!

Yellow Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22
Red Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20

Liftt, please roll initiative for both rounds 1 and 2.

Yellow: 2d20 ⇒ (2, 5) = 7
Red: 2d20 ⇒ (1, 18) = 19

Lifft reminds everyone. "Seat belts on please. " in an official sounding voice, then adds "And Please don't mind any small turbulence that may be experienced."

Sighting along the computer screen, he brings the engines up to full speed.

init round 1, node, pegasus: 1d20 + 13 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 13 + 1 + 1 = 28
init round 2, node, pegasus: 1d20 + 13 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 13 + 1 + 1 = 30

"Science, think you can work your magic again and let me know if there is a safe quadrant to try and park myself in?"

Engineering to Divert vs DC 13: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

A text message scrolls across the ship’s viewscreens.

Whoops, wasn’t expecting turbulence and apparently that button opens all the exhaust ports on the port side. AFK, BRB.

Computers to scan drone, computer bonus: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 8 + 2 = 26

Makai takes a sit, in her usual clothing in the science officer station. She directs the scanner towards the drones "Let us learn what they actually are..."

Makai learns the following information about the drones:

Krzysztofli wonders who reconfigured the controls since the last time they flew.

Liftt wins initiative! The drones have moved.

Lifft banks around gently to the right, pulling himself out of the front arcs of the seekers. "I suggest concentrating on the red drone, but we also have a firing solution on yellow for starboard weapons..." he mentions, trying to keep his voice steady and calm.

Liftt steers the ship to a place where neither drone can fire at you.

Arthur and Keskada are up!

Note that you would be firing starboard to port on yellow, and forward to starboard on red. The Fire at Will action is available to one gunner because of this.

Yellow Initiative, Round 2: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21
Red Initiative, Round 2: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17

Keskada will fire starboard to port to hit yellow.
Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17 Damage: 2d4 ⇒ (3, 3) = 6

As soon as the computer beeps to signal a lock Arthur lets loose the coilguns at Yellow.
Coilgun: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26
Damage: 4d4 ⇒ (1, 2, 4, 3) = 10

How many times can we use "Force enemy to take -2 to piloting checks for 1 round"?

Just once.

Arthur and Keskada both blast the nearer drone.

1d100 ⇒ 32
1d100 ⇒ 35

Arthur lands a direct hit on its weapons array, and they are almost broken beyond recognition.

Pegasus (HP 55/55; F 10/10 P 10/10 S 10/10 A 10/10)
Yellow Drone (HP 19/30; F 5/5 P 0/5 S 5/5 A 5/5; weapons malfunctioning)
Red Drone (HP 30/30; F 5/5 P 5/5 S 5/5 A 5/5)

Starfinders win intiative! The drones move. Yellow attempts a flyby attack before they position themselves in a place where it will be harder for you to avoid any attacks.

Piloting, DC 18: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8
3d20 ⇒ (16, 14, 11) = 41

Their damaged weapons cannot get a lock.

Round 2 - Krzysztofli, Liftt and Makai are up!

Engineering to Divert vs DC 13: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24

Krzysztofli adjusts a few levers and adds some extra coolant to the ship's engines in case Liftt needs to push them beyond factory specs.

Diverting to Engines - the ship has an additional +2 movement for the round.

Lifft offers a "Call out to Engineering, just when we needed it!" as he banks left, banks right and then ends up on the yellows port side again.

"Firing solutions ahead just ahead this time sorry."

Encourage gunner@Arhur, DC15: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

Makai tries yet again use software to aid Arthur at aiming, but someone indeed made some changes to the ship, and the dwarf is lost

Krzysztofli speeds the ship, and Liftt uses that boost to put it out of range of the drones' guns again. Makai tries to help with gunnery, but can't quite figure out how.

Gunnery Phase

Arthur and Keskada are up!

Liftt, please roll round 3 initiative.

Yellow Initiative, Round 3: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10
Red Initiative, Round 3: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9

Or not, since you can't lose. Someone else will get the +1 from the ship computers in round 3.

Keskada hopes for the best and shoots at the yellow drone.
Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19 Damage: 2d4 ⇒ (2, 3) = 5

Coilgun: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24
damage: 4d4 ⇒ (1, 3, 4, 3) = 11
Arthur shoots as Yellow makes a flyby, firing the coilguns at the enemy ship.

Liftt looks to the various drones and tries to work out where they might be heading next...

init R3, Pegasus, node: 1d20 + 13 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 13 + 1 + 1 = 17

"I think we almost have this. Please do check your belts in the unfortunate event that I must take some evasive steps..."

If the drones have moved, I'll just leave the Pegasus right where she is, as it looks like we are outside their gunnery arc at the moment. If they move, let me know and I'll juggle things around.

Engineering to Divert vs DC 13: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24

Krzysztofli nods (not that anyone else can see it) and pushes two sliders in opposite directions.

Diverting to engines for +2 hexes of movement. If we can keep out of their firing arcs, we can wear them down without taking a scratch.

Inspire Keskada, DC15: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17 Keskada gets +2 this round

Makai finally solves the interface issues and begins to temper with the gunner configuration...

Well, looks like you folks don't need me any more... :)

1d100 ⇒ 72
1d100 ⇒ 33
1d100 ⇒ 64

Arthur and Keskada both slam the Yellow drone with their fire, taking out their weapons completely and almost destroying the engines.

ROund 3

The Red drone attempts a flyby attack.

Piloting, DC 18: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9

Pegasus (HP 55/55; F 10/10 P 10/10 S 10/10 A 10/10)
Yellow Drone (HP 3/30; F 5/5 P 0/5 S 5/5 A 5/5; weapons destroyed, engines malfunctioning)
Red Drone (HP 30/30; F 5/5 P 5/5 S 5/5 A 5/5)

Liftt is up! Keskada and Arthur, you have one attack of opportunity on Yellow left from last round, plus your normal gunnery and an attack of opportunity on Red this round.

Looks like we are behind each drone at the moment anyway - so no need to move. So...

Liftt takes his thumbs off the acceleration jets and lets the Pegasus float in space.

init for R3 to keep things going.: 1d20 + 13 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 13 + 1 = 18

Suddenly, a squad of blue and gold starships emerges from the Drift, clustered like an honour guard around an impressive battleship. The massive ship glides into the fray and immediately disintegrates a group of nearby drones as it fires its powerful laser with surgical precision. “This is Stewards Overwatch battleship Steadfast responding to your call for assistance.”

Table GMs, the Stewards Support condition is now in effect.

A burst of light accompanies the destruction of the first drone. The rush of victory is short lived, as two more of the furious machines immediately engage. The First Seeker’s abruptly speaks through the ship’s comm unit, “Don’t lose hope, Starfinders. Your friends have messages for you. I’m patching the first transmission through now.”

The upbeat voice of Zo! blares through the speaker. “Greetings, future mega-celebrities! My studio just released the uncut edition of your episode of Pact World Warriors. I’ve got enough fan mail here for you to create another Liavarian moon.” Zo! clears his throat and begins reading from the fan submissions.

“I heard you saved AbadarCorp execs on Castrovel from dangerous wildlife. Did you prepare a meal afterward just like in the Combat Cooking Extravaganza? You and Zo! should open a restaurant and call it Live Ingestion Extreme!”

“I looooooooved your season, oh em gees! Starfinder merch when? Just take my credits already!”

“It’s me, your biggest fan in the Veskarium. Here’s some pics of my pet squox’s litter. I hope it’s okay that I named them after you.”

“I’m only six, but I want to be a Starfinder when I grow up. How do I join?”

Zo! stops reading and remarks, “They’re all cheering for you. Oh, and if you take footage of your ongoing battle, I’d be happy to use that as promotional material for the release. Call me!”

Stewards Support: The PCs gain a +4 bonus to starship combat checks until the end of the current drone wave.

Keskada and Arthur have a lot of shots to take at +4!

(AOO against yellow does not get +4, AOO against red does, as do your normal shots for the round.)

Coilgun: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24
damage: 4d4 ⇒ (3, 2, 1, 1) = 7
Coilgun: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14
damage: 4d4 ⇒ (2, 2, 3, 1) = 8
Coilgun: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18
damage: 4d4 ⇒ (4, 1, 3, 3) = 11
Pew! Pew! Pew! went the coilgun as the Pegasus fires at red. "This feels...satisfactory." Arthur says.

The crackle of static signals another incoming transmission. “Hello! Can you hear me?” asks a timid voice. “I’m Riika. You probably don’t remember me, but I’m one of the kiriintas you helped on Stabrisis-14. You inspired me to visit the Pact Worlds. I love it here. I even got a job as a researcher for an expedition studying the flora of the Liavaran moons. I came to Absalom Station on my vacation to personally thank you for expanding my horizons. I want you to know that even though I heard some nasty rumors about the Starfinder Society, I don’t believe any of them.”

Retconning a bit, because Liftt could have done something different if Yellow were gone.

Arthur's final shot of round 2 destroys the Yellow drone.

Liftt loops around to bring the forward guns onto Red.

Arthur misses his shot when Red tries the flyby, but nails them in the rear after Liftt's maneuver.

1d100 ⇒ 51

If the drone ever gets to fire a weapon, this will cause it a problem.

Botting Keskada.

Keskada fires a follow-up shot.

Light Laser Cannon: 1d20 + 3 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 3 + 4 = 12
Damage: 2d4 ⇒ (2, 2) = 4

It doesn't quite hit.

Pegasus (HP 55/55; F 10/10 P 10/10 S 10/10 A 10/10)
Red Drone (HP 24/30; F 5/5 P 5/5 S 5/5 A 0/5; weapons glitching)

The +4 applies to Liftt's round 4 initiative roll, so the best the drone can hope for his a tie.

Red Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12

Starfinders win initiative!

Round 4 - Engineering and Helm Phase

Red attempts another flyby.

Piloting, DC 18: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9

Liftt, Makai, and Krzysztofli are up!

Engineering vs DC 13: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23

Krzysztofli takes a bit of power from the ship’s lighting systems and sends it to the weapons instead.

Any 1’s on weapon damage rolls this round gain a +1 bonus to damage.

“Buddies! It’s me, Hemlock, from the Xenowardens on Aballon,” a synthesized voice drawls. “We Xenowardens are totally grateful for your help with cleaning up the Ice Well. The ecosystem is finally back in its groove after you Starfinders shut down that shadow gate. Things are chill back on Aballon, but I heard you’re having problems with some corporate spin doctor. Don’t let her harsh your mellow, and remember, not all of us believe everything we read on the infosphere.”

Lift banks the Pegasus around in a gentle turn to port that would leave even cruise ship customers happy,

"Firing solutions ahead. Finish this!" he suggests.

And init for next round
init, pegasus, node: 1d20 + 13 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 13 + 1 + 1 = 35

Botting Makai

Makai shouts encouragement to Keskada.

Inspire Keskada, DC15: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19

He makes another helpful suggestion.

Gunnery Phase

Arthur and Keskada are up! Both get +4 from the Stewards, and Keskada gets an additional +2 from Makai.

The confident tones of Firstsight Taksta, the leader of Zeyther-3’s quarantined settlement saved by the Starfinders several months ago, interrupts the radio silence. “I’m eternally thankful for what you and the lovely Dr. Monsylkis did for Glimmershield. Your efforts stopped the spread, and as a result, our gutmelt casualties were few. Even as we mourn our fallen friends, we know how many more of us would have perished without treatment. You risked your own lives to help us when the corporations refused. We might just be a backwater mining outpost, but Zeyther-3 is on your side no matter what.”

A final transmission echoes through the bridge of the battlescarred starship. This time, a low voice punctuated by insectile clicks addresses the Starfinders. “This is emissary Jontane of the formians on Castrovel. Your actions at the Meeting of Queens left a lasting impression on my colony. I rarely leave the collective, but I decided to make the trip to Absalom Station to observe one of your traditions—the elevation of your newest First Seeker. I had hoped to reunite with you there, but I was informed you’re away on an important mission. Please remain efficient and safe until we meet again.”

Bright explosions bloom as drones disintegrate into scrap metal. But for each enemy craft that falls, two more take its place. The dozens of remaining craft dart and buzz through the fray like a nest of angry hornets kicked by a foolish intruder. Suddenly, Steadfast releases an electrical pulse, and all surrounding drones simultaneously power down. The defensive barrier disappears, offering a direct path to the orbital complex’s docking bay.

A massive specialized EMP generated by the Stewards’ vessel Steadfast disrupts the remaining drones allowing you to enter Datch’s orbital hideout.
“Excellent work, Starfinders!” Luwazi Elsebo’s voice echoes through the comm units on each Starfinder ship simultaneously. “The Steadfast and the other Stewards will fall back and keep any remaining drones busy. Starfinders, you are authorized to use whatever means you deem necessary to neutralize the threat Datch presents to the Society and the Pact Worlds. Please act with consideration and be careful.”

Table GMs, end your current encounter.

Inside the landing dock, an elevator’s doors stand open in invitation. Pleasant music plays as the lift travels down into the bowels of the complex. The doors part and reveal the interior of the orbital complex, an upscale but otherwise mundane office building. A wide, well-lit hallway bisects this floor, and all doors stand open to allow easy passage.

An office comes into view at the end of the hall. Datch sits atop a desk and smiles. She tilts the shiny red apple she’s holding and speaks. “Welcome, and well played. I’d say I’m pleased to see you, and while I respect you, I most certainly am not pleased.” She sighs and takes a bite of her apple. “Your Society single-handedly ruined my plans. I worked so hard. You really have no idea. Ah well, such is the nature of the game. So, what’s your next move?”

Datch levels a piercing gaze at the intruders, but the polite smile never leaves her lips.

Table GMs, you may begin Part 4.

The remaining drone self-destructs, allowing the party to easily reach the complex.

Slide 19 is where the remainder of the mission will take place.

This room is an ordinary office decorated sparsely in a modern style. A semicircular desk positioned in front of a large screen faces the double doors to the west. A worn brass statue of a rat perched on its hind legs adorns the northwestern corner. Offerings of fruit, crackers, and cakes are heaped at the base of the statue, and its outstretched paw seems to beckon for more.

Datch sits on the desk, awaiting your decision. She does not appear to be armed or armored and is not taking any hostile action.

At this point, you have two choices - take Datch into custody or kill her. Feel free to discuss her fate amongst yourselves - she will simply watch politely with a smile on her face and eat her apple. If it looks like there will not be consensus, I will ask you to DM me your vote.

Liftt looks at the statue for a moment.

"I.. that is I think.. that is up to you." he stammers.

"I mean, we'd like to take you in intact, but we... umm.. have been given lee-way as to how many pieces we take you in, ahh, in."

He looks around the office. "Think of your cleaners."

He gives the statue another, worried look.

<<This is too easy. Is that statue some type of magic altar?>> he thinks worriedly to the rest of the team.

Datch smiles enigmatically at Liftt and says, "Is the condition of my office my greatest concern now?"

Keskada looks around the room.
Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24

"Let's just take Datch into custody and let the authorities decide her fate." Keskada says calmly.

per: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13

"I think the list of concerns you are going to have in the near future are very short."

He nods to Keskada. "Come along quietly now." says Liftt, approaching the deadly Datch with care "Hold out your hands."

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17
Arthur takes the sight of the office in before his eyes land on Dach. Hand on his pistol, the operative watches as Liftt asks for Dach's surrender.

Makai looks around the office, a statue of a rat with offerings, a desk, few technological items.

"Do what you are told Datch, we can chat along the way. "

She goes towards the desk to see if there is any computer there

Computer: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17

"Maybe I can find a plan of this place..."

Krzysztofli nods. <<There is no need for vigilante justice. The Stewards will see to your trial.>>

Perception vs DC 18: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

That looks like consensus.

Datch finishes her apple and throws the core into the recycler. She then hops off the desk and holds out her hands, expecting you to bind them.

Keskada locates two secret doors at opposite ends of the room, but does not see any way to open them.

Makai checks the computer in the room, but it has been wiped clean.

The statue continues looking serenely into the room, its paw outstretched.