GM Valen's SFS 1-12 Ashes of Discovery (July 2021)(Subtier 1-2)(APL 2) (Inactive)

Game Master Lysle

Your presence has been requested at the Lorespire Complex on Absalom Station. There, you are to receive your assignment from Guidance. The networked entity is comprised of the personalities of prominent former Starfinder Society members, including the majority of First Seekers.

Besides the First Seeker and the Forum, Guidance is the third pillar of Starfinder Society leadership. Only rarely, when a person is deemed unworthy or dies before the uploading process, does a First Seeker's persona not become a part of the Society's spiritual anchor. Guidance inducts all new Starfinders into the organization and gives them their commencement address.

Assignment from Guidance, that I can do.

Morbo enters the briefing room and takes a seat. He begins making notes on his personal comm unit while waiting for the rest of the team and the briefing. He is somewhat compact and occasional mummble to himself in a low growly voice.

The plane touched walks in confident, happy, and glowing.
"Greetings, everyone. I trust all are having a good day."

A jovial and smiling Morlemaw walks into the room, barely fitting his mass through the door. He greets the group in a jovial manner.
"Greetings! More new Starfinders! I am happy I joined up, so many new faces and friends! My name is Boris. It is very nice to meet you!"

Boris is large... but his Armor is well fitted and ha manages to look, well, spiffy . Especially for a 500 pound Walrus like being.

While entering in the briefing room, a small, just 2 feet high, blue skittermander in janitor clothing can be seen cleaning the corridor.

After seeing several people enter the room, he pushes his cart and enter. He says with a high pitched voice “Hello, you’re here for a mission briefing right? I’m old enough now, I will help you!” He has a different accent that most skittermander, his Common has the Absalom Station’s accent rather than the Veskarium’s.

As he’s saying that he shows a backpack hidden in his cart. “I’ve got equipment too, I can help!” Alongside the bag, a brand new thinplate and a laser rifle are visible. He seems plenty of energy “Got those from my birthday yesterday! I wanted a bigger armor but it was too expensive.” When saying bigger armor he extends all six arms but clearly forgot he had a mop in hand. The mop falls into the bucket which starts spilling on the floor. The skittermander deftly picks the bucket before it completely spills over, and indicates “I’ll help with that”, then proceed to clean up his mess.

The spilled water from the bucket begins heading towards a cluster of sleek black computers, which rests against the far wall of the meeting room. It threatens to cause a short circuit within the computers.

As the mop held by the blue skittermander staunches the flow of water, an emblem at the center of the server cluster--that of the Starfinder Society--begins projecting a stream of holographic light. The light takes the form of humanoid figure bereft of any definition, standing at the end of the meeting table closest to the servers.

“Greetings, I am Guidance." declares a voice, emanating from the computer. "I have a new assignment for you. Please observe.”

The projection gestures a flicking hand to its side, and a stream of data detailing an outpost made of interconnected circular chambers scrolls beside it.

“One of the Pact Worlds’ most prestigious organizations, the Xenowardens, recently discovered a dataset detailing the location of an outpost abandoned over two hundred years ago." explains the voice. "The organization has requested that the Starfnder Society dispatch a team of agents to secure the site, along with any remaining equipment or data. Your team will travel to this outpost and retrieve as much information about it as possible. You should also salvage any relevant equipment, which the Society will take as part of its payment."

The holographic projection flickers for a moment, then the voice urges, "If you have questions, now is the time to present them.”

"What can you tell us about the Xeno wardens? And do we know why this outpost was abandoned?"

"And what about the planet? Is it inhabited?"

The skittermander, upon hearing that Guidance has an assignment for him, makes a big smile, so happy about it. Then he realizes that the IA is probably talking to the other four Starfinder. He does not really want the answer to his question, so he goes on fixing his mess, trying to avoid causing a short circuit. It would be bad on my resume if I was responsible for breaking Guidance.

He has no question, and would hesitate to ask them aloud anyway. He’s also half listening to Guidance’s answers, as he’s already imagining himself on the planet doing the mission, saving the Xenowardens, whatever those are, from a grave peril.

Boris nods, "Good questions. We may have more but perhaps the answers to these will enlighten us further."

"What can you tell us about the Xeno wardens? And do we know why this outpost was abandoned?"

"The Xenowardens are dedicated to preserving the natural environment of planets from colonization by outsiders. The outpost was intended to be a resource to other colonies in the area that needed help reducing the impact they had on local flora and fauna.” Guidance explains. "The exact reason that the outpost was abandoned remains unknown—and part of the reason you’re all needed to investigate the site. Records indicate the outpost confirmed its arrival and establishment with the hiring organization, but since then there have been limited communications. No reports or responses have been received in over two hundred years. In addition to recovery of records, artifacts, or information that may be of historical significance, ascertaining the reason for the colony's abandonment may prove useful in providing data of potential threats, hazards, or others factors that may have an impact on the establishment and preservation of future outposts.”

"And what about the planet? Is it inhabited?"

"The planet has been designated as Colony-761." notes Guidance. "It's gravity is within the galactic standard. It's atmosphere is also within the galactic standard. The planet is known to support a diverse array of flora and fauna. Whether any of it has obtain sentience is not currently known. If you encounter any such beings, you should endeavor for a peaceful first contact and keep the reputation of the Starfinder Society and the Pact Worlds in mind.”

Bleu finishes cleaning up, listening once in a while to the briefing. He seems ready to move on, just waiting for the Starfinders to leave so he can follow them.

Boris nods again. "Yes... a lot will have changed in 200 years. Any other questions? Otherwise we should be on our way."

We're trying to work out starship skills. If you haven't already, note your ability or lack thereof in the discussion tab.

Looks like two votes (mentions?) for Pegasus, so to keep us moving...

You board the Pegasus with the coordinates for the outpost already having been inputted into the navigational computer.
Days of Travel: 3d6 ⇒ (1, 6, 1) = 8

During the eight days of travel through the Drift, your journey is uneventful. Once the Pegasus leaves the Drift and enters the designated star system, the planet of your destination planet appears on the starship’s main viewscreen.

Suddenly, alarms suddenly blare. A slender form emerges from the distant void, slithering from out of the planet’s shadow. It moves directly toward the starship, as if drawn to it.

Proximity in hexes: 3d6 + 5 ⇒ (4, 6, 6) + 5 = 21

If you have not already done so, please slot your boons.

Any PC may head to a Science station and attempt a Life Science check to identify the creature before combat.

A picture of the creature and a Map with the position of the Pegasus in green and creature in red is now available on Slides.

STARSHIP COMBAT BEGINS!

Stats for the Pegasus are posted here.

Battle Map showing locations of Pegasus (green) and creature (red) now on Slides.

Engineering Phase

Any PC with the Engineer role may now post an action.

Morbo and his hireling will attempt to handle engineering this round.
divert power to weapons: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
"WHO HAS ALTERED THE LAYOUR OF MY CONSOLE!"

improved drift engines boon: 1d6 ⇒ 5
If the group is ok I will use my boon to position us a little closer.

Boris sees the obviously living thing heading towards them, "You want to get closer to that? Well. OK, if you think so..."
Will slot boons later tonight form home

Well now that I think of it. Coil guns are long range. So maybe farther would be better. we can shift 5 hexes in any direction and choose our facing with my boon. If anyone has an input we should decide before the pilot goes during the helm phase.

"What is that and why is it interfering with us?"

Evade: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 6 + 1 = 22

I am assuming boons have been applied and roles settled for this round.

ROUND ONE Engineering Phase Cont'd

Any PC in the First Mate role may take an action; Captain may act to assist with this roll.

ROUND ONE Helm Phase Begins
Jacinth, Piloting for Initiative: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25
Creature, Piloting for Initiative: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26

PCs go first!

"What is that and why is it interfering with us?"

The creature, flashing huge, sharp teeth, flies forward to close on the Starfinder ship!

Any PC in the Science or Magic Officer roles may take an action; Captain may act to assist with this roll unless previously acted.

Bleu activates the computer target acquiring assistance and fire the coilgun in the direction of the creature.

Seeing the thing come racing up, Boris calmly talks to the gunner. "OK, you have this. It's a big target, I suggest aiming for an eye!"
encourage, diplo: 1d20 + 12 + 1d6 ⇒ (15) + 12 + (5) = 32

Round One Helm Phase Cont'd

Creature, Pilot to Evade: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12

Both monster and ship engage in evasive manueuvers!

Round One Gunnery Phase Cont'd

A massive, crystaline quill ejects from the creature's hide and flies toward the Starfinder vessel!
Attack (Turret) tracking quills: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
Damage: 3d6 ⇒ (3, 1, 2) = 6

The quill pierces the Pegasus' shields and impacts the hull!
Critical damage: 1d100 ⇒ 91
A glitch erupts in the power core!

Status of Pegasus updated on Slides.

Encouraged by the captain, the skittermander scores a hit on the monster, causing a flicker in the creature's bioshields.

Round Two Engineering Phase Begins

Any PC in Engineer or Chief Mate role may take an action.

Round Two Engineering Phase Begins
Jacinth, Piloting for Initiative: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16
Creature, Piloting for Initiative: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19

PCs go first. Any PC in Pilot, Chief Mate, Magic Officer, or Science Officer may take an action.

engineering patch power core: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25
"That's better, make sure the creature faces one of our shielded sides. I do not wish to repair the power core again.
Unless something bad happens, I am planning on switching to science to scan the creature next round.

Jacinth flies in close to the creature to give the gunners a better shot.

Flyby: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 6 + 1 = 18

Boris will encourage the gunner again.
"Great shot. Now, do it again!"
diplo: 1d20 + 12 + 1d6 ⇒ (17) + 12 + (5) = 34

Round Two Helm Phase Cont'd

Jacinth expertly flies the Pegasus past the creature!

The creature attempts to evade the oncoming ship and gives pursuit!
Creature, Pilot to Evade: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16

Movement updated on map.

Round Two Gunnery Phase Begins

The creature fires another quill at the Pegasus!
Attack (Turret) tracking quills: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22
Damage: 3d6 ⇒ (6, 4, 4) = 14

The impact drops the rear shields of the Starfinder ship and pierces the hull!

Status of Pegasus after Round Two now updated.

/blø/ and Max Angel may take Gunnery actions

/blø/ receives a +2 bonus from encouragement to Gunnery check.

One Gunnery attack may be taken from weapon in any arc.

Bleu is using the computer to assist his shot and talks to himself, trying to encourage himself “I must not fail my nufriends!”

Gunnery, coilgun: 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 6 + 1 + 2 = 28

Coilgun damage: 4d4 ⇒ (2, 1, 2, 4) = 9

PM sent to Max Angel - I will give him another 24 hours to respond or post. Then, I will decide whether to bot or scale the encounter to 4 PCs.

Sorry, didn't realize this was moving forward, we paused starship combat for a minute.
Max fires the light laser cannon hit: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10 dmg: 2d4 ⇒ (3, 2) = 5

Sorry, didn't realize this was moving forward, we paused starship combat for a minute.

No problem. Glad you are still with us!

The aasimar misses the laser cannon shot on the creature, but the skittermander's shot connects. The creature's bioshields flicker before the beast takes a projectile to its scaly hide!

ROUND THREE Engineering Phase Begins

Any PC in the First Mate role may take an action; Captain may act to assist with this roll.

ROUND THREE Helm Phase Begins
Jacinth, Piloting for Initiative: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13
Creature, Piloting for Initiative: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12

The creature opens its maw and attempts to bite into the Starfinder vessel as it sails by!
Creature, Pilot to Fly-by Attack (DC 18): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19

PCs in the Pilot, Science, or Magic Officer roles may take an action; Captain may act to assist with this roll unless previously acted.

ROUND THREE Gunnery Phase Begins

The creature attempts to bite the tail fins off of the Pegasus as it flies by!
Attack (Forward) energy drain bite: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19
Damage + EMP: 3d4 ⇒ (3, 4, 2) = 9

On a hit, an EMP weapon scrambles one of the target starship’s systems, determined randomly. System?: 1d100 ⇒ 78
At start of next turn, Engines act as if that system had the glitching condition for rounds number: 1d4 ⇒ 2.

Systems damaged by EMP weapons can be patched or repaired as normal. Functioning shields are unaffected by EMP weapons and completely block an EMP weapon’s effects.

Status of Pegasus after Round Three (with possible adjustment to shields and hull points depending on Engineering action).

Any PC in the Gunner role may take an action; Captain may act to assist with this roll unless previously acted.

"OK, let's hit that thing in an eye this time."
diplo, encourage: 1d20 + 12 + 1d6 ⇒ (8) + 12 + (4) = 24

computers to scan: 1d20 + 5 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 5 + 2 + 1 = 25
It appears to be one of a class of space dwelling creatures collectively refereed to as a Besmaran Welp

N Medium starship aberration (red)
Speed 12; Maneuverability good (+1 Piloting, turn 2)
AC 14; TL 11
HP 55; DT —; CT 11
Bioshields 30 (forward 0, port 10, starboard 10, aft 10)

Attack (Forward) energy drain bite +3 (EMP effect)
Attack (Turret) tracking quills +3: Range short; Damage 3d6; limited fire 5
Attack (Port) claws +3 Damage 3d4
Attack (Starboard) claws +3 Damage 3d4

It is too fast for us to out run. I would recommend trying to evade. I will attempt to get our systems under control in a moment.

ROUND THREE Helm Phase Cont'd

Scan of Creature's Current Status:

N Medium starship aberration (red)
Speed 12; Maneuverability good (+1 Piloting, turn 2)
AC 14; TL 11
HP 55 51; DT —; CT 11
Bioshields 40 37 (forward 7, port 10, starboard 10, aft 10)
Attack (Forward) energy drain bite +3 (EMP effect)
Attack (Turret) tracking quills +3: Range short; Damage 3d6; limited fire 5 3
Attack (Port) claws +3 Damage 3d4
Attack (Starboard) claws +3 Damage 3d4

A further scan by another PC this round or next can reveal more information

Pilot may move ship and take an action.

ROUND THREE Gunnery Phase Cont'd

Gunners may take actions. /blø/ receives a +2 bonus from encouragement to Gunnery check.

fire the light laser cannon hit: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18 dmg: 2d4 ⇒ (2, 3) = 5

“Take that Space Monster!” shouts the skittermander as he’s pushing the coilgun’s trigger buttons. He then adds “Besmaran Whelp as nufriend said!”

Using one of the +1 from the computer as usual.
Gunnery (coilgun on turret): 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 6 + 1 + 2 = 17
coilgun: 4d4 ⇒ (2, 1, 1, 2) = 6

ROUND THREE Helm Phase Cont'd

Looks like someone moved the Starfinder ship, although I see no Pilot post.

BOTTING Jacinth - No post in 24+ hours.

Jacinth attempts to pilot the ship evasively.
Jacinth, Piloting to Evade: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

ROUND THREE Gunnery Phase Cont'd

As it flies by, the monster's teeth tear into part of the Pegasus's tail fin!
Crossing a CT
Damage: 1d100 ⇒ 10

The two shots from the Starfinder vessel find their mark, weakening the bioshields of the Besmaran whelp as a coil gun shell strikes its scaly hide!

The creature responds with another crystaline quill.

Attack (Turret) tracking quills: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10
Damage: 3d6 ⇒ (1, 6, 6) = 13

A miss!

ROUND FOUR Engineering Phase Begins

Current status of Pegasus updated on Slides with glitches to Life Support and Engineering.

Any PC in the Engineer or First Mate role may take an action; Captain may act to assist with this roll.

ROUND FOUR Helm Phase Begins
Jacinth, Piloting for Initiative, glitch due to EMP: 1d20 + 6 - 2 ⇒ (13) + 6 - 2 = 17
Besmaran Whelp, Piloting for Initiative: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13

The creature attempts to swing by for another bite!
Besmaran Whelp, Piloting to Fly-By: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29

PCs in the Pilot, Science, or Magic Officer roles may take an action; Captain may act to assist with this roll unless previously acted.

Morbo and his tech support try to reenergize the shields.
engineering to divert power to shields: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 5 + 1 = 19
Putting all 7 points to the aft shields.

Boris changes tactics, gives Blue a stern look and raises his voice. "No, sir in the eyes, not the fin! Get that targeting right!"
demand, intimidate: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21
Hah! Take those hurt feelings and a +4 to your next attack! :)

The skittermander looks at the morlamaw with his pupy eyes, saying, looking almost ready to cry, “No need to be mean!”

Then he goes back to shooting the creature before the ship gets destroyed.

Glitching Life Support gives a −2 to captain actions. (I checked to see if it affected Blue)
Gunnery: 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 6 + 1 + 4 = 12
coilgun: 4d4 ⇒ (4, 2, 4, 3) = 13

Sorry for missing a day. I remember moving the ship and posting, but I guess I didn't actually submit the post or something.

Evade: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 6 + 1 = 12

Max will try to hit the thing, even though he has a bad record so far hit: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21 dmg: 2d4 ⇒ (2, 4) = 6 Not that it changes past rolls into successes, but I realize my gunnery should be a 5, not a 4. 4 Dex and 1 bab.

Morbo restores some power to the aft shields as Jacinth attempts evasive maneuvers, but his efforts are hampered by the damaged tailfins.

As the Besmaran whelp closes in for a second bite on the Pegasus, Boris encourages the skittermander to fire and Max follows suit!

The creature attempts to tear into the hull of the Starfinder ship!

Attack (Forward) energy drain bite: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22
Damage + EMP: 3d4 ⇒ (2, 1, 2) = 5

The monster's maw crunches down only on shield energy, draining them before releasing a surge of energy as an electromagnetic pulse!
Damaged System: 1d100 ⇒ 26
Rounds: 1d4 ⇒ 1

It then flies away, releasing a crystalline quill even as the weapons from Pegasus pelt its side!

Attack (Turret) tracking quills: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19
Damage: 3d6 ⇒ (6, 4, 5) = 15

The quill drops the forward shields of the Pegasus and embeds itself in the hull!
Just one shy of a second critical threshold!

The beast recoils from the flood of fire from the Starfinder ship.
CTx2: 2d100 ⇒ (15, 13) = 28
Affected Arcx2: 2d4 ⇒ (2, 3) = 5

ROUND FIVE Engineering Begins!

Any PC in the First Mate role may take an action; Captain may act to assist with this roll.

ROUND FIVE Helm Phase Begins
Jacinth, Piloting for Initiative, glitch due to EMP: 1d20 + 6 - 2 ⇒ (13) + 6 - 2 = 17
Besmaran Whelp, Piloting for Initiative: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28

PCs move first! PCs in the Pilot, Science, or Magic Officer roles may take an action; Captain may act to assist with this roll unless previously acted.

Current status of Pegasus at Start of Round Five now on Slides.

Positions of Besmaran whelp and Pegasus at beginning of Round 5 now on Slides.

"Yes,let's get some distance, shall we? This thing is starting to worry me.."

The puppy dog eyes do work on Boris.
[b]"I apologize, my friend. Too much, eh? I know you can do it, right between the eyes this time!"
encourage, diplo: 1d20 + 12 + 1d6 - 2 ⇒ (18) + 12 + (3) - 2 = 31

Jacinth tries to keep some distance between the Starfinders and the starfaring creature.
Evade: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 6 + 1 = 12 Oh come on! Why does this dice roller hate me?

I'm pretty sure EMP weapons don't affect the ship if the angle of attack has shields up, but this could be a special variant.

engineering divert power to shields: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 5 + 1 = 26
"We are attempt to keep the shields up. Hopefully it will decide we are too spicy."
2 aft, 5 forward

Blue, you missed horribly last time, you suck. Don't let Boris kid you into thinking you are a hot shot Max isn't mean, he is saying those things in hopes Blue will do better to shut him up.
hit laser cannon: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16 dmg: 2d4 ⇒ (3, 3) = 6