SFS 1-16 - Dreaming of the Future (KS) (Inactive)

Game Master phaeton_nz

You do see an ikeshti and and two verthani mercenaries. Twila can see that the ikeshti has the datapad. It looks like they were waiting for something or someone and they look startled to see you.

HEY! says the ikeshti This is OUR turf. I strongly recommend you leave or someone's gonna get hurt.

As they say that, the two Verthani prepare their weapons.

Twila-5 also notices a few good sniper spots not too far away towards the bottom of the map

"We're sorry, we appear to be lost. Could you perhaps help us?"

Bluff (Lie): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16

Seggas glances up at Sturm, then at the newcomer and then back at the dragonkin.

When the ikeshti blocks and confronts the group Seggas tries to put on the smile that a friend told her wasn't too creepy or threatening... It always was much harder to do than she'd expected. "We were looking to make a deal, but might have gotten locations wrong..."

A deal huh ... the ikeshti replies Dunno if we can help ya there ... I'd recommend you just turn around and walk out of here the same way you came .... or walk backwards if you prefer .. I don't really care.

sense motive: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (9) + 0 = 9

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

Gah, 'twould be metagaming to assume these are the thugs we're looking for until Twila confirms.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22

"Obviously, we don't belong here and we have no intention of staying long. Right now we only need information, and since this is your turf, you're exactly who we should be talking to. Now, there must be a going rate for information here. The question is, are you willing to make a deal with us or not?" Rilynn is fishing, and intentionally short on specifics. If the team can keep these thugs talking they might just say something useful.

At this point, Twila-5 leans toward Rilynn's ear and whispers: "The ikeshti has the datapad." She then does the same with Cha'mon Cha'mom.

@Seggas: Do you need help getting your token on the map?

Cha'mon Cha'mon, attempts to draw his needler pistol without anyone noticing.

Sleight of Hand: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14

<<Good, this was a boring conversation anyway. Let's get this over with.>> Rilynn responds telepathically to the entire team.

Calmly, with a practiced smile and her arms raised non-threateningly, she takes a few cautious steps toward the ikeshti.

"Credits spend the same on this planet, right? Like I said, we don't need much from you. Actually, we only need one thing."

The next time she opens her mouth, a blast of frozen air propels outward.

Attack, Wyrmling Gland(cold): 3d6 ⇒ (3, 6, 2) = 11 15' cone against red and green, Reflex Save DC11 for 1/2 damage

@Seggas: Do you need help getting your token on the map?

Whoops I've been posting from my phone a lot recently, and forgot I needed to take care of that from my computer. If you wouldn't mind I can edit it properly later.

Seggas keeps her "Not-that-creepy smile" in place even as she watches the talks degrade into combat, combat initiated by the Starfinders... And to wonder why it was hard for Datch to find reasons to slander the Society. She shakes her head and starts to reach for her gun.

For the duration of the "negotiations" Sturmvanger has stood there looking imposing. He has also been somewhat bored with the conversation and was just about to demand that the ikeshti hand over the datapad when Rilynn acts.

"Nice trick," he comments before closing his mouth tightly and tensing his neck and body in preparation.

OK - that was somewhat unexpected

Initiatives:
Twila-5: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
Cha’mon Cha’mon: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24
Morvruul: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17
Rilynn: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19
Seggas: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21
Sturmvanger: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (4) + 0 = 4

red: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13
blue: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18
green: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20

red reflex: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18
green ref: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Red: -5; Green: -11 Green nearly looks like he's been snap frozen.

Cha'mon Cha'mon and Seggas are up followed by the mostly frozen Verthani.

Seggas mentally prods Sturm with a sigh and pulls out her weapon bringing it up as she looks at Rilynn, "If these men are too far gone to get good genetic samples from, I won't be happy." She then lines up a shot and fires at the man in green.

BioBolter ‘Bii’ (Castrolance) vs Green EAC: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
Acid Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5

Cha'mon Cha'mon, moves down onto the slope of a pool of dirty water to get a clear shot on the ikeshti. He pops his head up over the rim of the pool and then back down and then back up again before he fires a dart filled with a basic inhibitor in it from his needler pistol at the ikeshti.

Feinting Stunt: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24 If the skill check and attack are both successful the target is flat footed against all attacks for one round.
Needler Pistol vs. Ikeshti KAC: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23 If the attack hits the basic inhibitor reduces the target's AC by -2 for one round.
Piercing Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 3

Looks like red's AC takes a -4 penalty total for all other attacks against it this round.

Due to the Dragonkin Partner Bond, Seggas and Sturmvanger both go on the higher of their two initiatives as long as they're within 30' of each other. So...I'm gonna go ahead and go...

Seggas mental jolt is all it takes to get Sturmvanger moving. He was about to breath fire out on the creatures who just got iced but he doesn't have a clear line of fire and the Ikeshti is looking extremely vulnerable after Cha'mon Cha'mon's attack.

He steps up to get a clearer angle on them. There is a whisper then a snap as his bone blade slides out of his forearm and he slashes at the apparent leader of the group.

Heavy Bone Blade: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19
Piercing: 2d4 + 4 ⇒ (1, 1) + 4 = 6

@GM phaeton_nz: Did you see my question in the Discussion Tab?

Most of the terrain structures on the bottom left of the map look half height but there's a few structures that looks full height - indicated in magenta

Oh yeah, I keep forgetting about that Sturmvanger

Red: -14; Green: -11

Green, who has ice shards falling off him and looking rather blue, steps forward and smashes Rilynn in the face with cestus battle gloves.
cbg: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23 bludgeoning: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

Rilynn is next then Blue

Rilynn recoils from the blow which bloodies her moneymaker.

"Now you've pissed me off!"

She takes a step backward and recharges her breath weapon, then let's forth another freezing blast.

1 RP to instantly charge the Wyrmling Gland. Guarded step backward, then 15' cone aiming west off the top-left corner of the square to catch both green and red again, but not Cha'mon Cha'mon. Reflex DC 11 for 1/2

Attack, Wyrmling Gland(cold): 3d6 ⇒ (4, 3, 5) = 12

Green drops - he already had frostbite and that was enough to send him over the edge (only had one hp left)

ref: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23

The ikeshti also drops, even after saving, that was just enough to bring her down too (0hp). With her down, Blue immediately surrenders.

>>> Combat over <<<

"Well, that was efficient." Twila-5 steps gingerly around the corpsicles and retrieves the datapad. Glancing at the thug in the blue shirt, she remarks: "You're a smart one."

Pacing back behind Sturmvanger, she verifies that this is in fact the datapad they're seeking. (Assuming it is:) Once she's sure, she addresses the group: "We have what we want. Shall we go?"

"If you don't mind, I took a punch in the face for that and curiosity has the better of me. I'd like to see what 'evidence' is on that datapad."

Assuming Twila-5 has no objections, Rilynn connects her hacking kit, examines the datapad and then peruses its contents.

Computers: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (20) + 13 = 33

"Two uses of the breath weapon. Gutsy. And effective," Sturmvanger says to Rilynn.

There is a bemused expression on his face as she takes charge and he casts a glance toward Seggas.

Twila-5 hands over the datapad without fuss and watches over Rilynn's shoulder as she gives it a perusal. The Lashunta is clearly more adept than she is, and she hopes to pick up a few tricks through observation.

The evidence is very conclusive that Lerecti is innocent of the murder and it was actually authorised by someone called Karelite Bogdin.

When you bring the datapad back to Lerecti, the android thanks the party and presents you with the map fragment. Lerecti wishes the party well in your future endeavours and leaves you to their business

Seeing an opportunity to impress the doctor, Morvruul draws his swordcane and prepares to bring down the ikeshti's thugs in order to gain leverage over the alien and secure some sort of deal.

He waits for an opportunity to strike. When it arrives, he begins to move into action...

The ikeshti also drops, even after saving, that was just enough to bring her down too (0hp). With her down, Blue immediately surrenders.

Then, is forced to rethink. Not wanting to look foolish, Morvruul slowly tries to surreptitiously stow his weapon.

"If you don't mind, I took a punch in the face for that and curiosity has the better of me. I'd like to see what 'evidence' is on that datapad."

Morvruul struggles and strains to look over the lashunta's shoulder.

"Karelite Bogdin," he thinks quietly. This individual appears to have some clout or criminal enterprise that I may be able to coopt for my own purposes! Yes! If that is the case, it shall be mine! And these unwitting Starfinders will help me to do so!

"Bwahahaahahahahahahahahaahahahaahaaha!"

Rilynn flares an eyebrow at the convulsing Morvuul, then communicates telepathically to everyone else, <Is he always so chipper?>

Once they retrieve the fragment and return to the shuttle, Rilynn sends a message to VC Arvin: Task 1 complete. Advise location of next fragment.

<'Chipper' isn't the word I would use.>

VC Arven is delighted to receive that message and sends you to an upscale restaurant on Aballon to rest and regain your energy before the next assignment - on the Starfinders that is.

That message isn't too long in coming (see Handout 2 on Slide 4) with the result that you are now heading out to the Diaspora in the Pegasus Class Starship - Loreseeker

The Loreseeker, one of the Starfinder Society’s most prestigious exploration vessels, makes its way out of Absalom Station. The ship gracefully weaves through the light traffic of spacefaring vessels. Aside from a near-miss with an impatient kasathan transport, the trip out of Absalom Station’s orbit is uneventful.

You can overhear the exchange between Absalom Control and the Kasathan Transport as you leave

And just one more thing. While you dock, I'd like you to take the time to learn the Absalom Station Mantra: "Ivanova…is always right. I will listen to Ivanova. I will not ignore Ivanova's recommendations. Ivanova…is God. And, if this ever happens again, Ivanova will personally rip your lungs out!" Absalom Control out.

Once at a safe distance, the Loreseeker speeds up for a full-burn towards the nearby Diaspora asteroid field.

((Please prep for Starship Combat))

And just one more thing. While you dock, I'd like you to take the time to learn the Absalom Station Mantra: "Ivanova…is always right. I will listen to Ivanova. I will not ignore Ivanova's recommendations. Ivanova…is God. And, if this ever happens again, Ivanova will personally rip your lungs out!" Absalom Control out.

"Smugglers have uncovered and sold off the other two?" Morvruul repeats a portion of the Venture-Captain's message aloud as he ponders its meaning. "Then, our current project may be our last, best hope for a piece."

As an operative, Morvruul can fill most any starship role. He is a competent Engineer, Science Officer, and Pilot (all +10). Thus, he'd also make a good captain, though given his personality, I don't think anyone would want to receive orders from him. (Bluff +13, Diplomacy +7, Intimidate +10).

He is an adequate Magic Officer (+7 Mysticism)

Seggas cocks an eyebrow at Strum as everyone else seems to swarm around the data pad.

Seggas looks over at Morvuul laughing and blushes slightly before mentally responding to Rilynn <I find it kinda cute, but yes this is pretty normal for him... And I'm also a recovering maniacal laugh addict. Apologies if I fly off the handle at some point during this mission.>

Seggas hands the new lashunta a copy of her bio waiver on the Lorespire, containing a lot of legal jargon about gathering genetic samples, provisions for light genetic testing and a final agreement to not sue the doctor if an agreed upon experiment went slightly awry due to unforseen circumstances. "Mind signing this? I promise I will try to get an okay before using anything on you! I'll also need a small genetic sample."

Out of Game this is how Seggas scans people for later beneficial biohacks that don't need a roll or do damage.

Rilynn smiles at Seggas. This time it's natural, not the well-rehearsed facade she throws up when dealing with someone less desirable.

<There's only one way you're getting any of my DNA, and I don't know you well enough yet for that. Buy me a drink first, and make it stiff.>

Later, in that same deep vein, she listens with glee at Ivanova's reprimand, and before the Loreseeker hits the Drift, Rilynn sends a message to Station Tower letting the dockmaster know she has a new fan.

As Seggas cocks an eyebrow at him, Sturmvanger's raise in surprise.

Sturmvanger takes up a station on the starship...a large station. Fortunately, they're all configurable for creatures of wildly varying sizes and shapes.

As Absalom Control lays down the law, Sturmvanger is both amused and happy he's not piloting.

Deadpan, Twila-5 murmurs: "Ivanova is God... If I didn't already have a theme for my tattoos, I'd consider getting that emblazoned on me somewhere." as she familiarizes herself with the Lorespeaker's controls.

The trip takes 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8 days to arrive at the site of the mining station. The facility is inactive and surrounded by a field of varying sized asteroids. Thankfully, the rocks are in a relatively stable orbit, making the approach simple enough to not require a Piloting check.

The facility rests atop a particularly large asteroid, and the telltale yellow hazard striping of dwarven architecture can be seen from cursory visual scans. The entire space around the complex appears to be completely abandoned.

Science Officer want to make a sensor sweep?

Seggas clocks an eyebrow at the unexpected response from Rilynn. "Oh, if you wanted that you just need to say so! I can synthesize a drink that your body won't break down for at LEAST 24 hours. Though I do have to warn you before we move forward, I prefer being the Dom." She then gives the other woman an almost predatory grin.

In the drift, Seggas makes up a round of her (in)famous Knock-Out punch with explicit warnings that it won't be out of the average humanoid system for at least 24 hours, though generally 36+ is the norm, and that anything more than 3 drinks is pushing into the LD50 range.

She also plants a small blöb of biomatter on the science console that slowly over the course of a day takes over the console replacing it with a version made from miological matter, but operating mostly the same. "Miss Sci here, should increase the reaction speed by 10 percent and learns how different users use her to the point she should be able to help reduce user error and ultimately become exclusively voice activated. She also should be an easier interface for both barathus and khizar Starfinders to use as well!"

The teifling stands at the newly modified console and presses a few buttons and knobs as she scans their destination.
Computers: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

Cha'mon Cha'mon, flies the Lorespeaker in a slow orbit of the asteroid as Seggas works to scan if for any life forms.

Seggas detects multiple power signatures. One of the signatures is a spacefaring vessel, while the others come from several craterous rocks. She also identifies these sources as short-range defence turrets, likely controlled by the ship.

A short while later, a slim, dagger-like vessel emerges from a hiding spot between two particularly large asteroid clusters, its olive-coloured hull showing signs of recent and incomplete repairs. It approaches at a slow, cautious speed.

The hologram of a ysoki dressed in fine clothes and gaudy jewellery appears in the Loreseeker’s bridge, a wide grin on his face. You’ve come a long way, travellers. You can call me Mr. Smiles. I’m everyone’s best friend around these parts.

The ysoki, Mr. Smiles, looks off to the side, nodding at some unheard comment. Of course. Crank, Stock, Shell, Shuffle, and Breach all say hi. So, what can Her humble grandchildren do for you?

Get out of our way? Twila-5 thinks sardonically. She begins to sigh, then catches herself as it reminds her of her predecessor's incessant habit. Instead, she ambles off the bridge, then strides purposefully to the gunner's station as soon as she's out of sight. Settling herself, she flicks the switch on the comm so she can hear the conversation from the bridge. Here's hoping I'm wrong. She thinks without any hope at all.

Seggas plasters on her best 'not soooo creepy smile' as she quietly messes with the controls of Miss Sci and tries her best to msk the power signature of their weapons powering up, and Twilia being in the gunners chair.

Sturmvanger actually unstraps from his chair and stands, leaning with one hand on a bulk head. He casually looks around for access panels, knowing that unofficially officially the starfinders have lots of tricks for physically manipulating a ship to push it beyond its design specifications.

The ysoki, Mr. Smiles, looks off to the side, nodding at some unheard comment. Of course. Crank, Stock, Shell, Shuffle, and Breach all say hi. So, what can Her humble grandchildren do for you?

Mysticism: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

Followers of Lao Suo Po, eh? The evil goddess of assassins, rats, and thieves. This "Mr. Smiles" is clearly a "rat", but is he also an "assassin", a "thief", or both? ponders Morvruul. I had better keep him talking until I can find out.

"I am Captain Morvruul of the Starfinder vessel,Loreseeker," declares the witchwyrd. "But, more than a Starfinder, I am also a businessman--a merchant to be more precise."

"By your fine dress and clear charm, I suspect that you, too, are a being of business as well, are you not 'Mr. Smiles'?" Morvruul continues, hoping to keep the ysoki's attention. "If so, perhaps you can be something greater than a 'best friend' to us. You could be a 'best customer'."

"You see, while your jewelry is impressive and clearly indicative that you have fine taste, I have among my collection several fine pieces that you are likely to find even more magnificent. And you are in-luck, for I just so happen to have them with me. I would be willing to part with them for a reasonable sum and you, 'Mr. Smiles' appear to be both a mouse of means as well as one who is reasonable." Morvruul motions deferentially with three of his hands, even as he points at the multiple hits found among the scanning results with a fourth.

Bluff: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (1) + 13 = 14
Bluff w/2 nova promotional reroll: 1d20 + 13 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 13 + 2 = 25

Seggas, while trying to keep her smile in place, tries to manipulate Miss Sci into helping modulate Morvuuls's voice to sound more imposing.

Bluff Aid: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

She positively fails to realize the previous concole had no control over in coming or outgoing calls, so neither does Miss Sci.

Morvruul is able to keep Smiles talking to allow the science officer to make two computers checks to scan the other ship and scan for traps and disable them

Seggas starts to fiddle with Miss Sci, first scanning for any traps in the area, hoping to give that scan more time to process and give herself more time to think of countermeasures.

Computers, with computer node bonus: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 7 + 1 = 9

As soon as that wave of sensor particles is away she starts to fiddle with the controls and try masking her next, targeted scan on the other ship.

Computers, computer bonus: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 7 + 1 = 24

Finally getting the new console to work properly Seggas gives a smile back at everyone and says, as if also trying to reassure herself, "See she works!"

Unfortunately that first attempt sets off the detectors on the other ship. You hear someone offscreen saying Captain. They're doing active scans. before Mr Smiles snaps off communication.

On your main viewscreen, you see their ship starting to turn to face you.

Prepare for Starship Combat.

Slides set up

The Loreseeker is a Tier 2 vessel. Seggas finds out the following about the River Rat:
Medium explorer
Speed 10; Maneuverability good (turn 1); Drift 2
AC 16; TL 16
HP 55; DT —; CT 10

She also knows the location of the traps but they're still active. Another successful computers check can shut them down.

River Rat:
engineering: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22
computers: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19
piloting: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22 initiative
piloting: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23 evading

Engineering: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (4) + 13 = 17

Rilynn diverts power to the Science console to help shut down the traps.

+2 to Computers check

Cha'mon Cha'mon, accelerates the Loreseeker to attack speed and moves in on the River Rat.

Piloting + Ship's Bonus: 1d20 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 10 + 1 = 16 initiative
Piloting: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22 evade

Gunners can take the two +1 bonuses from the ship's computer.

"Doctor, please shut down that rat's traps before I have to do some exterminating of my own," Morvruul says by way of not-so-veiled threat.

Auto aid to Computers check due to +10 modifier. Seggas gets +2 to check

Seggas gives a small hiss as the enemies pick up her signal and she fails to properly find what she needed to.

With the jig up, she drops all pretense of secrecy and instead puts her full ability into creating a strong, un-blockable signal with all known codes for shut down. "Take THISSSSSS!"

Science, Aided, Diverted Power: 1d20 + 7 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 7 + 2 + 2 = 15

Seggas manages to disable the turret traps. Meanwhile the River Rat moves in order to go bow to bow with you before letting loose with its coilgun.

captain: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30
gunnery: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 6 + 2 = 19 dam: 4d4 ⇒ (1, 4, 1, 2) = 8 (1s becomes 2s)

They are evading.