[SFS_Aerondor] 03-20 Fleeting Truth: Everchanging revelation (11-14) (Inactive)

Game Master Aerondor

Fabula obviously dislikes everything around cursing with her gaze and rare phrases this planet and all the Starfinders who brought her here.

Meanwhile vanguards mood become heavy also as he feel being watched so this time Joe will try to observe everything around with Proximity helmet active to track dangerous movements.

Perception +Proximity helmet : 1d20 + 21 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 21 + 2 = 26

As far as team notice humanoid, Joe approach first to secure meeting.
-ID and biometrics, officer? You have chosen unproper place for a contact. I am officer Bread. ,-
Officer Bread from outside looks like as a large dark-golden Stag Suit powered armor, with head antlers and a Knight's shield attached to left wrist. His voice sounds a bit rude and demanding.
After checking everything, Joe changes his tone to more polite and less official:
- You may call me Joe, welcome aboard, Jaqueh.

Jaqweh happily shares his biometrics and ID. He completely understands Officer Bread's suspicion upon meeting a random Starfinder and Steward deep in the bowels of Aucturn.

"A pleasure to meet you, Joe," Jaqweh replies in Orcish and gives a nod to the silent Fabula.

He turns back to the waiting team. "Going over biometrics reminded me, would you all mind if I entered your biometrics into my microlab? It'll make it a lot easier to administer first aid on the battlefield if needed." He looks about at the unusually large number of agents and allies. "Though it only has a capacity for 6 beings..."

He'd like to attune his microlab to the 5 other primary agents plus Killdroid to deliver boosts and first aid without having to make an attack roll.

Tolar shrugs.

"Sure. Scan what you want."

Jacweh is also in on Id’s telepathic bond.

Jackojare will try to climb something to get a good advantage point to find his way athletics: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (15) + 19 = 34

"Glad to see another friendly face, even if it is a bit of a surprise. Name's Kait'lax, the bot is Killdroid, and my dwarf friend is Kihgtsa."

Kait'lax and Kihgtsa will submit samples.

The confusing spires take some time to navigate, you find yourself well into one confusing tower when...

init: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21

You discover what had made those footsteps.

Map is up

Status: Init, if you equal or beat a 21 you may also act. Nobody is surprised.
Joe:
Jackojare :
Tolar:
Id: s
Kait'lax :
Jaqweh :
McNasty: init 21

Remember you are in high gravity, which affects your movement and maybe fatigued. Please confirm how you are dealing with that as you roll initiative.

Id-Sinitis has been kind enough to remove the fatigue for myself and Jackojare so the only penalties should be the ones from high gravity. Tolar's speed is reduced to 30 and he is just holding his melee weapon.

initiative: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (16) + 13 = 29

I presume there is a ceiling here. Do we know about the SE route to McNasty?

Fabula asks to give her weapon, but Joe refuses and just cover her with a prepared shield as danger approach.

Initiative: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

The problem is - am LARGE :)

According to his usual habbits - Joe is the first in a march, unless we have an Operative. No? Then Powered armor is in front.

Actually Id has been emptying the 2nd-level tank each day to make sure the whole party isn’t fatigued, so nobody has those penalties.

Initiative: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

Id is looking the wrong way as the threat emerges.

Initiative: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21

I'm assuming the drone was adjacent to me when combat began.

Kait'lax orders the drone to move around the creature on the opposite side, while they take a position where they can see it better, and then try to recall what game it was in.

Profession (Vidgamer): 1d20 + 25 - 5 ⇒ (6) + 25 - 5 = 26

If Tolar can stand 10ft above the thing he will. Otherwise he'll move next to it as shown.

Tolar moves up to the beast.

"Friend or foe?"

He readies an attack if it does something hostile.

Init : 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

Jaqweh stops chatting with Id as everyone reacts to the sudden appearance of another being. He quickly cuts behind Joe to get where he can see it while drawing his new fancy hunting pistol. As the big critter comes into view, the lashunta activates a panel in his left arm and starts taking readings of its biology.

Microlab to identify: 20 + 18 = 38
Defensive Abilities and Offensive Abilities, please

You have explored the area and realised it is a dead end (stairs down dead-ended as well), so the whole map is revealed as you have explored it.
All areas on this map will be 15' high

Kait has absolutely no idea what this creature could be. Although he is sure it would make a most excent boss monster.

Jaqweh's lab identifies the creature as a void troll. Although the readings do indicate it is perhaps altered in some manner. He knows the void troll regenerates, and it does it fast. The lab reports perhaps a weakness in the regenerative abilities with respect to acid attacks. The lab also reports odd magical resonances in its hide, indicating perhaps some advanced type of resistance to magical influence or perhaps even the ability to reflect magical attacks back on the attacker.

@jaqweh Does your microlab let you take-20 in combat with these checks as a free action? Normally T-20 takes two minutes.

Status: Init, if you equal or beat a 21 you may also act. Nobody is surprised.
Jaqweh : 23
Kait'lax : 21
Jackojare : init roll still required.
McNasty: init 21
Tolar: 29 : readied attack 30/30
Id: 13
Joe: 7

Kait has absolutely no idea what this creature could be. Although he is sure it would make a most excent boss monster.

Killdroid turns on its speaker.

init: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20 init: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21 as said, I roll twice and take the worse result as a stain, makes my init a 20.

[ooc]Action from Kait still required.[/ppc]

Status: Round 1: Combat with a void troll... in the Obsidian Spires.
Kait'lax : 21
McNasty: init 21
Tolar: 29 : readied attack 30/30
Jackojare : 20
Id: 13
Joe: 7
Jaqweh : 23

Kait'lax moved and instructed the drone to double move. Much excite. So action.

Tolar seeing the troll is about to attack, launches his own preemptive strike. This blow connects, just. And it is a nice, hefty blow at that. The troll raws in rage, striking him in turn.

attack vs KAC, full attack: 1d20 - 4 ⇒ (1) - 4 = -3
attack vs KAC, full attack: 1d20 - 4 ⇒ (8) - 4 = 4

But off balance from Tolar, its claws strike nothing but air. The group looks in horror as the massive wounds start to rapidly close.

Status: Round 1/2: Combat with a void troll... in the Obsidian Spires.
Jackojare : 20
Id: i13
Joe: i7
Jaqweh : i23
Kait'lax : i21
Tolar: i21 :
McNasty: i21: 15 damage

"My readings indicate that acid damage can shut down that healing it's got. Let's see if we can't make acid hurt it even more."

He toggles a genetic dart into the chamber and fires at the troll while talking about the troll's abilities.

Injection pistol, Get 'em : 1d20 + 13 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 13 + 2 = 34
damage, P: 2d6 + 5 ⇒ (5, 1) + 5 = 11

"We're here to see the antiquarians in charge, so we'll ask only once that you stand aside."

Intimidate*, Expertise, Ferocity Blazon: 1d20 + 22 + 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 22 + (2) + 2 = 36

Standard action Improved Get 'Em to combine shooting + Get 'Em (+2 to attacks). Also, "as part of the action used to make the attack," selecting a genetic inhibitor to give the troll Vulnerability to Acid for 6 rounds, no save.

@Joe, when you attack, use full acid on your entropic strike rather than half acid / half bludgeoning to maximize the benefit of the acid vulnerability.

*Steward's archetype allows him to use Diplo for Intimidate and with Expertise. Improved Demoralize lets him do it as a Move action. Ferocity Blazon doubles the duration of a success. DC = 10 + target's Intimidate OR 15 + 1.5CR

Kait'lax tries to see if any other energy damage works well...

Ghost Killer Frost Staff of Nuclear Vengeance: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (6) + 14 = 20
Cold and Fire Damage: 4d4 + 5 ⇒ (1, 1, 1, 2) + 5 = 10

...while directing the drone to pour on the acid.

Corrosive Merciful Advanced Meteor Glaive: 1d20 + 14 - 4 ⇒ (17) + 14 - 4 = 27
Slashing and Acid Damage: 3d8 + 14 ⇒ (6, 5, 7) + 14 = 32 (not nonlethal)

Corrosive Merciful Advanced Meteor Glaive: 1d20 + 14 - 4 ⇒ (1) + 14 - 4 = 11
Slashing and Acid Damage: 3d8 + 14 ⇒ (5, 8, 2) + 14 = 29 (not nonlethal)

The troll looks oddly disconcerted by Jaqweh's words. Or maybe it is the genetic inhibitor that he injects. Either way, it hardly looks happy.

Kait tries out his staff, but can't get a good angle on the troll.
miss vs EAC

Killdroid swings its glaive, but the trolls solid skill prevents it connecting.
miss vs KAC

Status: Round 1/2: Combat with a void troll... in the Obsidian Spires. Bold may act
Jackojare : 20
Id: i13
Joe: i7
Tolar: i21 :
Void troll: i21: 26 damage, shaken; vulnerable to acid until round 7
Jaqweh : i23
Kait'lax : i21

I don't think Kait'lax or Killbot included the +2 from Get Em. Don't know if that would matter.

Id rounds the corner and locks onto the attacking troll.

Move, standard cast mind thrust IV. You mentioned reflecting spells so I’m guessing there’s a spell resistance roll needed.

Caster Level vs SR (Greater Spell Penetration): 1d20 + 11 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 11 + 4 = 25

Damage (Will DC 23): 10d10 ⇒ (10, 3, 10, 5, 5, 2, 10, 9, 4, 7) = 65 plus fatigued 1 round

Kill'Bot, inspired by Jaq, launches a backswing, which takes the troll by surprise. As does Id's mental assault.

will DC23: 1d20 ⇒ 17

Status: Round 1/2: Combat with a void troll... in the Obsidian Spires. Bold may act
Jackojare : 20
Joe: i7
Tolar: i21 :
Void troll: i21: 106 damage, shaken; vulnerable to acid until round 7; regeneration suppressed.
Jaqweh : i23
Kait'lax : i21
Id: i13

electricity damage to the Void Troll from Electrostatic Field, MK 2 on the first attack: 2d6 ⇒ (6, 6) = 12
electricity damage from the second attack: 2d6 ⇒ (3, 3) = 6

"Foe it is."

Tolar decides to be a bit risky and go all out on the thing before it regenerates.

Attack #1 using Soldier's Onslaught vs KAC including Get Em: 1d20 + 19 + 2 - 6 ⇒ (17) + 19 + 2 - 6 = 32
Ghost Killer, Holy, Piercing: 2d8 + 21 ⇒ (5, 1) + 21 = 27

Attack #2 using Soldier's Onslaught vs KAC including Get Em: 1d20 + 19 + 2 - 6 ⇒ (15) + 19 + 2 - 6 = 30
Ghost Killer, Holy, Piercing: 2d8 + 21 ⇒ (1, 4) + 21 = 26

Attack #3 using Soldier's Onslaught vs KAC including Get Em: 1d20 + 19 + 2 - 6 ⇒ (20) + 19 + 2 - 6 = 35
Ghost Killer, Holy, Piercing: 2d8 + 21 ⇒ (4, 2) + 21 = 27

extra crit damage +1d8 bleed: 2d8 + 21 ⇒ (7, 4) + 21 = 32

It seems pretty effective.

Jackojare moves into position and fires his rifle at the troll hit: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (1) + 19 = 20 vs KAC dmg: 2d8 + 13 ⇒ (6, 2) + 13 = 21 piercing

Joe barely reacts while things goes wide around because he decided to have a snack recently.

Now the vanguard use some entroy and headbuts the troll with an antlers, brinnging him all the possbile acid...
Attack, EAC, Get Em!: 1d20 + 18 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 18 + 2 = 30
Acid DMG: 2d6 + 24 ⇒ (1, 6) + 24 = 31

He than prepare a shield to defend allies.

And Just-Like-That the troll is ripped, torn and dissolved into a pile of something quite indescribable. And totally unregenerabable. About the only thing that survives is a small badge the troll was wearing.

The badge seems to be made out of some type of fungus and encrysterd with gemstones.

Yikes, you guys are nasty

It takes the best part of another week for you to find your way out of the Obsidian Spires.

A treacherous bridge pierces the air, leading to a lofty spire jutting from the side of the Citadel of the Black. Another bridge at the top of the spire connects it to the larger citadel, anchoring it in place over a yawning chasm. Several hundred feet below the spire, the spiked rooftops of lower levels of the citadel are visible. Scorch marks and charred corpses litter the bridge leading to the tower. A massive translucent vein pulsing with black ichor clings to the bridge and disappears into the second floor of the building.

The tower itself stands roughly one hundred feet tall, and a winding staircase twists around the outside the structure. The building is composed of ancient black stonework dotted with organic throbbing pustules. The top floor of the spire is entirely buried beneath a pulsating bubble of organic tissue that writhes and twists as if experiencing painful contortions. The dulled sounds of explosions echo from deep within the flesh bubble and cause the entire bridge to shudder.

A lone figure stands in the center of the bridge, wearing a hooded robe of deep crimson. Two pairs of eyes peer out from underneath the hood above a gaping mouth and pronged proboscis. A telepathic voice emanates from the creature: “Welcome, travelers.”

Id restores the life bubble en route. His antennae perk up as the telepathic voice speaks. Wish I could say we felt welcome. Who are you?

Joe will take the dead trolls badge for future investigation or needs.

--
AS far as Starfinders reach organic bridge, Joe carefully approach, covering ID. But do not engage until negotiations end.

Greetings, gatekeeper. , - Joe uses his circlet of Telepathy to connect ot the caped in crimson guy.

"My name is Dridapex. I am a scholar of this place and one with the Repository of Restoration.” thinks back the figure.

"And greetings gate warder." it thinks back to Joe.

What is the Repository of Restoration? Is this place safe? We were just harassed by a monster and we have reason to believe a band of Hellknights is en route to raze this place to the ground.

Greetings, Dridapex. What happened here? Jaqweh asks motioning to the scorch marks and charred corpses that litter the bridge. Did the Hellknights do this, or someone else entirely?

So many questions, let me answer as I can.

Id-Sinitis, this place is the Repository of Restoration. The other scholars and I live in a holy symbiotic relationship with the tower and labor for its restoration. The tower was once a sentient creature, you see, before it fell into ruin. A vein of blessed ichor still runs across this bridge and into the tower, however, and we use this ichor to restore the tower to its former glory. By drinking the ichor, we receive visions of relics, information, and corpses that are sacred to the tower. Whenever an Ichor Lord on Aucturn perishes, we send an emissary to bargain for and retrieve the Ichor Lord’s corpse, and then bring it here to merge with the tower. Over time, merging these artifacts, information, and corpses into the tower gradually restores its collective wisdom. With each piece of acquired lore, the power of the repository grows.”

It turns toward Jaqweh.
"Yes indeed. A group of Hellknights from the Order of the Pyre has attacked the Repository. I was not here when the attack occurred, but I can guess that their motive is to destroy the data that we store here. Their fanaticism knows no bounds.”

Id nods. Interesting. Well, the Hellknights are not done. They're seeking a data fragment stored in the Repository generations ago by a former First Seeker. We need to get to it first. Can you help us?

Yeah, what he said, get there first, preferably.

The Hellknights have burned their way to the top of the tower, where our most sacred data vats lie. They are now trapped beneath the flesh shield of the tower that you see above. The repository is a living organism responding to an infection. You won’t be able to reach the Hellknights while the shield is active.”

It sighs.

The Hellknights’ attack has triggered the tower’s defenses. My scholarly companions have been slain or become insensible with battle fury. The tower is now an inhospitable place to outsiders. The Hellknights are trapped at the top of the tower beneath a wall of impenetrable flesh, but I believe if we can quiet the defenses of the tower, we can cause the flesh wall to subside. Then you can defeat the Hellknight invaders.”

Id pauses. Is there any way to tell if the Hellknights already reached and destroyed the data we're looking for? And how do we bring the swelling down?

Kill the infection and the reaction to it will disperse. The Hellknights must be dealt with. Then... then we can discuss what data you came for... if it still exists.

<We understand. We expected to have to deal with the Hellknights while we were here anyway, so we may as well get it over with. Can you lead us to where they are trapped?>

Sounds like a case of 'we help you, then you'll help us.' That's perfect. What do you need us to do? Jaqweh asks.

Then he adds out of curiosity, In case we need to know this to be able to help, and since you mentioned it, what's an "Ichor Lord"?

Ichor Lords are the most powerful of orocorans, ruling fortresses across the surface of the planet. They receive dreams and guidance from the mind of Aucturn itself. explains Dridapex.

Image added to slides by the way.

I will accompany you across the bridge. We must mount the tower and remove the Hellknight infestation from the top.

The whole tower seems to shake as an explosion echoes down to you.

And we must do it quickly. I am a scholar, so while I may accompany you and provide advice, I cannot overcome the knights or the tower myself.

Tolar perks up at that.

"Leave the knights to us. As for the tower, We'll see. Never fought a building before."

under his breath he mutters "Blew one up maybe..."

Id nods somberly. We’ll deal with the Hellknights.

Hellknights again. Maybe this time we can nogotiate with a lictor or at least Signifer. But I thinks they will bring us more fire. Do we have fire protection? I am ready to move, my Will is stronger than used to be. Remove the inestaion sounds ...acceptful , - Joe comments the situation and decided to add:
Hey, bridgekeeper? Do you have around any relax area for kin like us.. with proper food and drinks ?

There is no time to relax! is the urgent thought from Dridapex.

But afterwards, yes. I can arrange a safe spot. With a small sample of your blood I could also arrange solid, liquid and gaseous support for your bodies.

Any additional preparations or questions? Or would you like to move on?
The fight with the troll was a few days ago, so you have recovered any abilities/hp/spells etc you used.

I like that idea. Jackojare will offer a small sample of his blood.

Dridapex extends its proboscis to sniff/lick/inhale/imbibe/experience/sample the blood of Jackojare.

By the time we emerge, suitable arrangements should have been made for your comfort..

The odd creature looks around to see if anyone else wants to have their blood sampled.