[SFS_Aerondor] OS#02- The Great Grav-Train Robbery. (Inactive)

Game Master Aerondor

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Game scheduled for 11-Nov as part of the launch weekend.

I think we are good to start today.

The adventure begins with the PCs dropping from a low-flying enercopter piloted by Arda Vonn to land on the roof of the grav-train.

Feel free to post a flash-back intro about your character and how you met, along with what you are doing at the moment. We'll likely be using some "flash back" technology later on in the adventure as well, so its a good time to practise it now!

“There she is!” shouts Arda Vonn, wrenching the enercopter’s controls hard to one side. Straining to make her voice heard over the whirling rotors, the jububnan pilot motions to a pile of packages under a tarp behind the passenger seats. “Better get yer war bags on!”

Through dust-caked windows, the train can be seen hurtling through the desert ahead like a massive serpent of glass and steel. This is it: the big score that’s going to make the whole team rich. And the plan couldn’t be simpler! Just rappel onto the roof of a speeding train filled with armed gangsters, somehow get inside, find the passcode that opens the cargo car, locate and grab the prize, and then signal Vonn for pickup before the train reaches its destination. You could do this in your sleep.

As well as the flashback, time for a cinematic! Describe how your character gets down from the coptor to the roof of the train! No skil rolls required yet.

Elana's advanced needler pistol can hold 8 darts. Can I load it with say 2 of each special dart and 2 regular ones then choose which one to use when I fire?

Elena effortlessly climbs as low as the rope as possible then when Kevan gets down she hops on to his shoulders.

Speaking only load enough to be heard by those actually near her she mutters "Passable job, But Catarina could have set us down like a gentle breeze."

After landing on Kevan's shoulder she doesn't seem to be in any hurry to leave.

I think you have to select the order that you load needles into the needler. It is an analogue device, so likely lacks any high-tech way to select anything other than "next" needle.
That said, I can also imagine it with a revolver type magazine as well - so would be happy with you using a move action to "spin" to a different type of needle if you wanted to.
If anyone is aware of official rulings on this, please point me at them and I'm happy to go with them.

Upon the train roof Ina finds a hatch that is locked... looks like someone is going to have to open it somehow...

With the obvious way being an engineering check.

Barat follows close on Elena's "heels." He grabs onto the rope with a first pair of tentacles then climbs down tentacle over tentacle over tentacle over tentacle sideways with his face down toward the train.

He loosens his grip for the last few feet, sliding down before dropping into a roll only to spring back up.

With his shoulder cannon ready, he scans the area for threats but is clearly more interested in up close work if a fight ends up being necessary.

Kevan is the next one down, landing on the roof of the train with a soft 'Thud'. He then crouches down a bit to let Elena up on his shoulders. He then downs his scientist serum of enhancement before getting to work on the hatch.

engineering: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 13

With a sound that could possibly be interpreted as a sigh Elena scuttles down and Presumably has tools that they forgot to put on the sheet. works on the lock.

engineering: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (19) + 11 = 30

"Don't feel bad kid, I hear you are pretty good with lots of things. But maybe leave locks to the professionals."

The elite, if somewhat oddball, team arrives safely on the roof of the train, boots securing you to its' metal surface. After a moment Ina manages to quickly release the hatch. Peering down, you can see a single (nuar) guard in what appears to be a baggage car. He is distractedly browsing the info-sphere on his com unit.

No map as such for this, and you are not yet in initiative as he is not yet aware of you.

Aramesh tapped several of their constituents on the table nervously. They had arranged and planned more complicated jobs than this over the years. But 'planned'. Performing the work, going out into the field, that was something they had stepped back from some time ago.

The colony looked across the wood at their partners. Known qualities, they they'd hooked several of them up with other brokers and gigs before. None of them together though - no teamwork forged through experience here to get them through any complications. Not the best situation to be in. But...

The vast majority of Aramesh quieted the rest's hesitation. But the info was good. It was high value. And the time was now. So there wasn't any choice at all.

Aramesh reaches down and unfurls a large paper onto the table. So they say. Here's the plan

---

Aramesh waits for the rest of the group to descend the rope before sliding down themselves. Before reaching the end of the rope they let go, gracefully flying down the last few meters so that their jacket billows in the wind for effect.

Watching Elena deftly unseals the ceiling hatch, the spathinae gives her a nod. Turning to Kevan, they whisper. Can you hack his 'sphere to signal a disturbance down the train?

How big is the baggage car? And how full of suitcases?

The grav train carriages are huge, each is around 25' wide and almost 100' long.
Based on the one carriage map I have access to!

The baggage car itself has a good sized corridor down the middle, with deep racks on each side. (figure a large creature should be able to walk down the middle with just a little difficulty.)

Barat readies himself to deal with the Nuar in a more definitive manner if Kevan or the others are not able to do so in a gentler manner.

Kevan grins up at Elana then nods at Aramesh, using his kit to hack into the guards unit to do as instructed.

computers: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (8) + 16 = 24

Kevan smiles as he easily gains control of the guards coms unit.

I think a bluff check for a realistic message is appropriate here, but someone else can make that.

Aramesh gives Kevan a big thumbs up, then gestures for the comm unit. Typing away, they send a missive over the train-line's frequency.

<Personnel reported strange noise on side of car 23B. Likely wildlife impact, but investigate and confirm.>

Bluff: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (7) + 13 = 20
Don't love that roll, but still better odds just using the normal expertise rather than re-roll.
Plus Expertise: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

stuff: 1d20 ⇒ 12

The naur wanders off out of sight of the roof hatch.

Elena scuttles off of Kevan's shoulders and peeks further into the room while hiding. If she sees no one else she will move into the room and give the all clear.

Barat waits and watches, keeping an eye on the top of the train and only periodically glancing back at his team and the guard below.

Once Ina drops into the car, he is quick to follow and ready for trouble.

Can I get stealth checks for those if you entering the carriage.

stealth: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (18) + 15 = 33
perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (10) + 13 = 23

Stealth: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

"Shh."

Down in the carriage you spot the rear end of the nuar guard slowly making his way down the baggage car, glaring at his coms unit. He appears in no hurry to work his way down the length of the massive car.

And the other two? Enjoying the breeze on the roof?

Kevan is waiting for the guard to clear the carriage before going down - not being very stealthy.

Aramaesh will float down quietly, upon entering the carriage moving themselves to squeeze in amongst the bulky baggage.

Stealth: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19

And using their compression ability to squeeze behind some bags to help hide.

Whoops, wrong avatar :p

You can edit and change the avatar

Kevan continues to wait on top

perc: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26
As Aramaesh climbs down he knocks a bag, which bags into Barat and.... the guard turns around.

"Oi!" he calls out.

init: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (6) + 0 = 6

Status, init. If you beat a 6 you can also post an action.
Aramesh Maageri
Barat Oza
Kevan Cukoloff
LNA-464
Guard

Aw crap Kevan says quietly to himself before heading down to help.

Initiative: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Barat is momentarily distracted by the commotion that attracts the guard's attention.

It's enough to let the guard get the drop on him.

initiative: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

Elena moves over to the door standing over the panel to open it. Double move even for her. her spike lowered for the moment.

"Hold up a moment, Don't do anything we will all regret."

Initative: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23

Oh, sorry, is this not the bathroom? Aramesh says as they approach the nuar. There's several thousand of us: when you need to go it can get quite URGENT

At the last line they kick a piece of luggage towards the nuar to distract he.

Clever Feint.
Bluff: 1d20 + 13 + 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 13 + (5) + 1 = 37

If that succeeds - whihc with that check, I am optimistic - the nuar is flat-footed to my and my allies' attacks until the end of my next turn.

Somewhat surprised the nuar thinks about charging, and then realises that the people have come to it. It lashes out with its pike at Barat.
attack vs EAC: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (20) + 12 = 32
cold damage: 2d8 + 22 ⇒ (8, 4) + 22 = 34

And laughs with the contemptuous ease which which he hits him.

"Git off ma train!"

But Baratas hardened mantle absorbs much of the force of the blow.
Wow, neat ability

The nuar peers closer, realising that the massive blow was not quite as effective as he had hoped. However Barat does find himself on his ... carapace. Knockdown critical effect.

Status, bold may post
Aramesh Maageri
Barat Oza 42/66SP; prone.
Kevan Cukoloff
LNA-464
Guard- FF

If the purple circle is the enemy then that is Elana next to it not Barat.

Right, my mistake. Fixed below.

Status, bold may post
Aramesh Maageri
Barat Oza 66/66SP;
Kevan Cukoloff
LNA-464 8/42SP; prone
Guard- FF

Barat moves up to get in the Nuar's face, pulling up a field of entropic energy around one of his many tentacles.

"Fall back," he tells Ina, readying himself to protect his team.

Using Bodyguard and In Harm's Way so if it attacks an adjacent ally the ally get's a +2 to AC and Barat get's a -2 and he can redirect an attack that hits the ally to himself. His AC is at +1 due to the shield.

Kevan has to squeeze a bit to get through the gap but manages to do so, intending to get Ina out of harm's way.

"And now you've done something you'll regret."

Elana gets up. Move action that doesn't provoke in Starfinder.

She then moves away while drawing her needler. Doesn't provoke due to uncanny mobility.

The team rearranges themselves a bit in the crowded baggage car.

The guard is also flat footed, so couldn't take an AOO even if it would normally be an option. Poor guard.

Status, bold may post
Aramesh Maageri
Guard- FF
Barat Oza 66/66SP;
Kevan Cukoloff
LNA-464 8/42SP; prone

Already back Aramesh replies to the ijtikri. Yell out tactical advice themselves before trying to fire past the vanguard.

Move action Get 'Em!
Attack v EAC (through soft cover): 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 6 + 1 = 8 for Fire: 2d4 + 3 ⇒ (3, 4) + 3 = 10

The nuar, undamaged, sneers at the squid approaching him, slashing out with his pike in a complex pair of attacks.

"Dinner!" he mutters.

attack EAC: 1d20 + 12 - 4 ⇒ (12) + 12 - 4 = 20
attack EAC: 1d20 + 12 - 4 ⇒ (2) + 12 - 4 = 10
Cold damage: 1d8 + 11 ⇒ (3) + 11 = 14

One of the blows strikes home, and Barat feels a chill flow though him.

Status, +1 to hit Guard from Get'Em. Bold may post
Aramesh Maageri
Barat Oza 52/66SP;
Kevan Cukoloff
LNA-464 8/42SP;
Guard-

Elena moves closer while moving her Needler in a way the guard wasn't expecting...

Slight of Hand Trick Attack causing FF: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (10) + 16 = 26

...then fires.

ranged vs hopefully FF including Get'Em: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 8 + 1 = 10
piercing dmg: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
trick dmg: 3d8 ⇒ (1, 7, 1) = 9

The dart goes wide.

I think my shield saved me from that hit, actually. My EAC should be 21, even without the shield being aligned against the Nuar (it would be 22 if I had aligned it. I'm going to post based on this assumption.

Barat goes for the quick takedown, putting all his entropic energy into a single blow of one of his tentacles.

entropic strike plus Get 'em: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 9 + 1 = 18
Acid and Blunt: 2d6 + 10 + 3d4 ⇒ (3, 4) + 10 + (4, 3, 3) = 27

To break it down - 1 point from combat starting, 1 for double moving his first turn, 1 for the miss with each one spent adding a d4 to damage. He's now out of entropy points.

@Barat, if you can make sure your status line updates includes things like your shield, or a comment that it might be there, that would certainly help me remember it.

Barat's forethought pays off as the cryopike is deflected at the last moment. The naur looks unhappy.

Of course the sudden deflection puts off the aim of Ina, whose needle surely would have gone straight in if the guard had been in position.

Barat folows up but the nuar leaps out of the way. [ooc]miss[/occ]. Nearby luggage sizzles.

Status, +1 to hit Guard from Get'Em. Bold may post
Aramesh Maageri
Kevan Cukoloff
Guard-
Barat Oza 52/66SP;
LNA-464 8/42SP;

Seeing the nuar be surprisingly spry, Aramesh throws some more luggage at him to distract the guard while continuing to point out holes in his defenses.

Move action to Get Em again
Standard to Clever Feint

bluff: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (14) + 13 = 27 plus Expertise: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

So hopefully he's flat-footed to all for a round.

Kevan doesn't want to kill the guard - after all he's just a pawn in the corrupted corporate system. So he shoots nonlethally.

asp: 1d20 + 6 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (10) + 6 + 1 - 4 = 13 piercing: 2d4 + 3 ⇒ (3, 1) + 3 = 7

The bullet deflects from the guards armor. The (still uninjured) guard laughs. "I love a good rumble!"

With Barat the only one in range at the moment, he concentrates on the squid...
attack: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (15) + 12 = 27
C damage: 1d8 + 11 ⇒ (3) + 11 = 14

"Can take a hit eh? I respect that. But you are going down. All of you."

Status, +1 to hit Guard from Get'Em. Bold may post
Barat Oza 38/66SP;
LNA-464 8/42SP;
Aramesh Maageri
Kevan Cukoloff
Guard-FF

Kevan has another go

asp: 1d20 + 6 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (13) + 6 + 1 - 4 = 16 piercing: 2d4 + 3 ⇒ (4, 3) + 3 = 10

I assume that targets KAC not EAC? Can you make sure you put in your posts which AC you are going against.

Even off balance from the luggage that Aramesh keeps throwing at him, the guard is good enough to dodge Kevan's shot. Just.

Only assuming it targets KAC

I'm fairly sure all weapons with a damage type of piercing/bludgeoning/slashing or solarian melee weapons all target KAC. Any other damage types do EAC. But your point is noted

Elena again hides her shot.

slight of hand to cause flat-footed trick attack DC 10 +CR: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (19) + 16 = 35

ranged vs KAC including -4 for non-lethal: 1d20 + 8 - 4 ⇒ (4) + 8 - 4 = 8
piercing/non-lethal: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
additional trick damage: 3d8 ⇒ (6, 3, 4) = 13