[SFS_Aerondor] 04-10 The Way In (Outpost V) (tier 7-8) (Inactive)

Game Master Aerondor

Odly enough, the cooling unit appears as if *it* is alive.

Well, that's odd. Kosigan projects only to its teammates, <I think they're hiding in there,> pointing to the cooling unit. Then, to the whole room, it adds, <Come on out, we won't hurt you.>

"Can we get access to the computer system and shut the drift engines down."

Computers Aid Another: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

I'll be on the lookout. Yarameh turns up the music louder, but carefully looks around, ready to open fire at any moment.

Y Data Y, has the highest skill modifier in computers?

"Keep an eye on that cooling unit."

Umbro-187, readies an action to shoot it if it comes alive and is actually an evil bot.

Nomoline investigates the cooling unit. What is it? Is the unit itself alive or is something hiding inside it? What is going on here?

Perception: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (6) + 16 = 22
Engineering: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (7) + 12 = 19

computers: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (15) + 18 = 33

With Kosigan's strange revelation about the cooling unit, Chk'tarlsh glances warily around the room. Long sword in hand, his antennae wave slowly in anticipation of trouble.

As Nomoline investigates the cooling unit, she comes to the conclusion that.... it is not actually a cooling unit. Rather it is something that looks *very much* like a cooling unit.

While not evident on the map, said cooling unit is right next to the computer terminal. Given this knowledge, I'll hold off processing Data's computer check until he confirms he wants to do that.

Data will take his chances, if the cooling unit is a mimic and attacks us then, well that is the chance he'll take and use his computers check.

Nomoline gently pokes the cooling unit with her sword. Does it react in any way?

Data sits down to start on the computer. The cooling unit, which until now and seemed like a very quiet cooling unit, takes umbrage at this and leaps at him. As it moves, the shape seems to change and shift.

Given your life sense I think no surprise here, we'll just do standard initiative

init: 1d20 ⇒ 7

Status: init, if you beat a 9 you may post:
Kosigan 42/72SP
Data 9/49SP
Yarameh 30/60SP
Nomoline 35/64SP
Umbro
Chk'tarlsh
Mimic? init 9

Initiative: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19

Looking back over this post, I'm not sure that I made it as clear as I'd thought that he was readying his shuriken. If you deem otherwise, please disregard the full attack and instead take a move and the first attack without penalty. Thanks.

On the alert for trouble, Chk'tarlsh anticipates the cooling unit's funny business and, deftly sliding in between Kosigan and Yarameh, flings his shuriken at the creature.

Microserrated shuriken 1: 1d20 + 9 - 4 ⇒ (18) + 9 - 4 = 23
Piercing damage: 3d6 + 3 ⇒ (4, 2, 3) + 3 = 12

Microserrated shuriken 2: 1d20 + 9 - 4 ⇒ (12) + 9 - 4 = 17
Piercing damage: 3d6 + 3 ⇒ (2, 6, 4) + 3 = 15

Umbro-187, readied an action to attack if the cooling unit was dangerous. Can he take that attack before combat begins?

You may all have weapons readied. You have a reasonable inkling that trouble is likely to happen.

@Umbro you can't ready an action outside of combat so far as I am aware. Initiative is a reasonable way to see if the cooling unit can act before you.

Plasma Bolter + DA: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 212d8 + 9 ⇒ (4, 5) + 9 = 18 and it is dazzled for 1 round (Blazing Strike + Loud and Proud)

Initiative: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18

Living cooling unit. Huh.

Kosigan switches its gear array to a heavy seismic pick and moves adjacent to the creature.

Recall knowledge?

I missed that we are rolling the initiative this time.

init: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24

Initiative: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22

Umbro-187, puts some space between him and the creature and then pulls the trigger on his dual acid dart rifle, sending lethal darts flying at it.

Dual Acid Dart Rifle vs. Mimic KAC: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (12) + 15 = 27 Umbro-187's steady sniper ability reduces the target's cover bonus by 2.
Acid/Piercing Damage: 2d8 + 11 ⇒ (1, 6) + 11 = 18

init: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18 he will move and missile the mimic dmg: 2d4 + 2 ⇒ (2, 3) + 2 = 7

Charles throws a couple of shuriken. The first hits, although the second bounces off something that may be tough skin, or maybe a metal hatch cover the thing was using as part of its disguise.

Yarameh blasts away with their surprisingly effective weapon. The cooling unit emits a warning beep as it something was wrong with it!

Kosigan changes to a closer up weapon and closes on the cooling unit, wondering if a pick could do some repairs. Life sciences to identify

Umbro backs up and fires. Eww... acid everywhere. Not liking the possibilities, Data backs up and unloads magical missiles on the thing.

Nomolie init: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16
Someone want to suggest an action for Nomoline, otherwise I'll just have her delay

Status: round 1. Bold may post
Nomoline 35/64SP
Mimic? init 9 - 55 damage, dazzled
Chk'tarlsh
Kosigan 42/72SP
Umbro
Data 9/49SP
Yarameh 30/60SP

According to her last post she was poking it with her devastation blade so I'd assume she would swing at it if it came to life. I put her token right next to it.

Nomoline swings with her nasty blade.
Devastation blade vs KAC: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (9) + 12 = 21
But it skids off the same plate that defeated an earlier shuriken.
miss

The mimic strikes out at Nomoline and Kosigan
attack vs Nom KAC 27, dazzled,FAP: 1d20 - 4 - 1 ⇒ (10) - 4 - 1 = 5 Miss
attack vs Kos KAC 23,dazzled,FAP: 1d20 - 4 - 1 ⇒ (18) - 4 - 1 = 13 Hit
B damage: 3d4 + 13 ⇒ (1, 1, 3) + 13 = 18
As well as being bashed, Kos finds hims-self grappled.

Status: round 2. Bold may post
Nomoline 35/64SP
Chk'tarlsh
Kosigan 24/72SP grappled.
Umbro
Data 9/49SP
Yarameh 30/60SP
Mimic? init 9 - 55 damage, grappling

Umbro-187, steadies his aim by putting a hand on the forward grip of his rifle before aiming for what he thinks is the mimic's head and firing. Move action to steady his aim using his rifle's heavy bipod.

Dual Acid Dart Rifle vs. Mimic KAC: 1d20 + 15 - 2 ⇒ (14) + 15 - 2 = 27 Deadly aim deducts a penalty from the attack roll, but adds extra damage. Umbro-187's steady sniper ability reduces the target's cover bonus by 2.
Acid/Piercing Damage: 2d8 + 11 + 4 ⇒ (1, 3) + 11 + 4 = 19

Chk'tarlsh clicks his mandibles as the open firing lanes close.

Changing tactic, he skirts around behind his companions, and past the control panel, closing in on the creature's other side, where he slashes at its exposed side.

Opportunistic sintered longsword: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 9 + 2 = 26 +2 from Opening Volley
Slashing Damage: 2d8 + 10 ⇒ (4, 4) + 10 = 18

More missiles on that thing as he pumps it best he can. dmg: 3d4 + 3 ⇒ (4, 4, 1) + 3 = 12

Plasma Bolter + DA: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 132d8 + 9 ⇒ (2, 2) + 9 = 13 and it is dazzled for 1 round (Blazing Strike + Loud and Proud)

With this shot, the half-drow holes the walls and destroys part of the consoles in the room. However, she is clearly having fun and rock is roaring all over the cabin.

Kosigan will try to break free.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17

It then changes its array to a sheath of nanites.

Umbro fires acid into the odd creature, causing it to writhe in pain. Charles decides good old fashioned kinetic damage may be the best way to go, slashing it heavily with his sword.

Data, the apparent initiator of the battle sends forth further magical power, blasting the odd thing. Yarameh is just having too much fun to concentrate on what she is doing.

Kosigan tries to escape the grapple, but the creature has too good a hold on them.

Nomoline has another slash with their sword.
nom slash: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 13 More sparks fly from the computer terminal that has certainly seen better days.

mimic renews grapple: 1d20 ⇒ 1 But it is enough to put the creature off and it fails to keep on a hold on Kosigan.

Status: round 3. Bold may post
Nomoline 35/64SP
Chk'tarlsh
Kosigan 24/72SP .
Umbro
Data 9/49SP
Yarameh 30/60SP
Mimic? init 9 - 102 ,

Plasma Bolter + DA: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 212d8 + 9 ⇒ (6, 7) + 9 = 22 and it is dazzled for 1 round (Blazing Strike + Loud and Proud)

Die finally!

"Keep the presssure on!" Chk'tarlsh calls. "We need to wrap thish up quihkly."

The shirren executes a rapid high-low combo.

Opportunistic sintered longsword 1: 1d20 + 9 - 4 ⇒ (15) + 9 - 4 = 20
Slashing Damage: 2d8 + 10 ⇒ (8, 4) + 10 = 22

Opportunistic sintered longsword 2: 1d20 + 9 - 4 ⇒ (12) + 9 - 4 = 17
Slashing Damage: 2d8 + 10 ⇒ (5, 1) + 10 = 16

Kosigan switches back to the pick and uses it.

Heavy Seismic Pick: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (14) + 11 = 25 vs. EAC
Sonic Damage: 1d8 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12 (critical deafen; boost 1d6, penetrating, powered)

Nomoline takes a solid grip on her sword and swings twice, missing and over-correcting only to land a firm blow on the floor.

Called Wrack Devastation Blade: 1d20 + 12 - 4 ⇒ (8) + 12 - 4 = 16 for 2d8 + 13 ⇒ (7, 8) + 13 = 28 slashing damage.

Called Wrack Devastation Blade: 1d20 + 12 - 4 ⇒ (1) + 12 - 4 = 9 for 2d8 + 13 ⇒ (1, 1) + 13 = 15 slashing damage.

Under the hefty assault the mid-ship mimic finally succumbs to its wounds and dies.

Data quickly puts out a fire on the terminal and disables the drift engine.

Looking around the room you spot a set of power tools, mostly not helpful although one could be easily made to operate as a static shock truncheon.

Umbro-187, reloads his rifle and says, "Our next objective is the bridge." He quickly leads the way back to the door to the bridge.

Should we rest first, many of us are hurt Data wants to spend an RP to recover SP, not sure about the rest of you.

<We have limited time here. If we rest now, we likely will not have another opportunity.

<I also recommend checking the door opposite before advancing. If there are more hostiles there, we will be caught in a pincer maneuver.>

Kosigan briefly switches to its sheath array and surges its nanites for healing getting 6 temporary HP and then reactivates its electrolocation graft.

We should keep moving if we can. As Kosigan said, we have limited time - we will likely only get one opportunity to rest before our window has expired.

I can get you back up if needed. Just make sure you keep enough resolve to stabilize.

I support it! Full speed ahead! And I agree - let's check that door too.

"The bridge is our primary objective. We can check the life signs after we've taken control of the bridge," Umbro-187 says without any emotion.

In character, Umbro-187 would go straight to the bridge, but I'm fine with whatever the group wants to do if that means checking the room with the life signs first.

So... someone needs to post an action for me..

Seeing that the rest of the group wants to check the door to the east, Umbro-187 reluctantly checks it for traps and then leads the way in.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12

Lingering long enough to reclaim his shuriken, Chk'tarlsh finds his companions have already decided the course of action by the time he joins then.

Nodding, the shirren readies for action as he falls in behind Umbro-187. "Let'sh do thish," he says, on the alert for danger. (Or, not...)

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12

I hope the door is at least not a mimic.

Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (20) + 12 = 32 traps and any dangers

Kosigan waits by the door to check that any life signs they find are not actually monsters disguised as machinery.

Nobody suspects the door is a another mimic. Maybe.. because it isn't.

The walls of this chamber are lined with cylindrical cells. Roughly half of the cells are occupied, each with a figure strapped to the wall inside. Helmets sprouting breathing and feeding tubes obscure the face of each captive, though status screens display the species, gender, and vital signs of those within. Most of the figures wear armor from the Pact Worlds, many adorned with Starfinder insignias.

Umbro-187, moves in cautiously. He signals with his hands to his more tech adept teammates to check the Starfinders in the cells while he secures the room of any threats.

He takes a hand off his rifle and scans the room with his motion sensor. blindsense 30' vibration

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15

Chk'tarlsh follows Umbro-187 into the room, scanning the room for threats.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17

Let's if this time we suspect that something is a mimic, then we will shoot first and then do all sorts of stuff. Okay?

Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (16) + 12 = 28 - potential hazards

Please sign up at rpg chronicles

You can roll your dayjob in the discussion here.

At the moment there are only three of you. Which is legal. If you would like a pregen to accompany you, you may want to discuss which would be best.

Currently it looks like you are a Mystic, a technomancer and a solider. average level 7. The only valid pregens are level 8 - which leaves you solidly high tier with a four player adjustment.

Soldier here! However, she prefers ranged combat ))

UPD Can I ask you to remove Radim Vesperra from the characters? I put a dot in the game thread with the wrong character first ))

Signed up!

Looking forward to kicking this off.

Day Job Roll (Profession Mercenary) w/ Prof. tool kit: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (19) + 15 = 34

I'm considering joining this game with either my level 6 mechanic or my level 8 soldier. Since this one has starship combat in it. My soldier is a good pilot and gunner and of course my mechanic is a good engineer or science officer. We'd still be playing higher tier no matter which PC I use.

What are we missing in terms of roles for starship combat?

Dotting in. profession accountant: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (6) + 19 = 25

What are we missing in terms of roles for starship combat?

Chk'tarlsh is somewhat specialised (read: limited) in his Starship combat roles.

He can do Gunnery and Chief Mate.

Are any of the current PC's good pilots?

Looks like Y Data Y with 13 is your best pilot...

Profession (Black Metal Artist): 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (10) + 17 = 27

My available starship roles are engineer, gunner, captain or magic officer (if that's a thing we want/need).

I have and will slot the Mystical Guidance Systems boon (gunnery checks for 1 weapon can use mysticism/wisdom in place of piloting/BAB/dex).

I don't have a day job roll, I will instead spend my downtime checking on box on my Cultivating a Faith boon.

Through the Cultivating a Faith, I receive 2 1st level spell gems - I will take Identify and Remove Condition, Lesser.

I need to level up to 8th - I'll get that done before the game starts.

I can bring my level 8 soldier. HIs piloting bonus is +18 so that would give us a decent pilot. Looks like we have an adequate number of gunners and engineers also. Everyone who is 6th level or higher can take advantage of the broadside action also.

Happy to have you Scottibotti. Can you make sure you add yourself to the rpgchronicles sheet.

Done.

Got room for a last second khizar nanocyte (who is 6th level and just needs to be updated online)? Or an 8th level pregen, if a 6 would mess up your subtier?

Sure.
Put your details into rpgchronicles (link in first post) and snag the last spot on the formal con sheet here

Has anyone ever tried the Azata before? Is it worth using?

I've not seen anyone use it (except when it was mandated in a scenario at the start of the season). That EMP weapon is very, very situational.

Time to assign starship roles! This is the best combination I could come up with.

Pilot: Umbro-187 +12
Engineer: Y Data Y +14
Magic Officer: Nomoline +19 (or Captain at +11)
Chief Mate: Kosigan +14
Gunner: Yarameh +12
Gunner: Chk'tarlsh +11

Kosigan is also bringing an Aeon Caster Launcher upgrade, which can repalce one light weapon with an aeon caster, which is a direct fire weapon that deals 3d4 damage and has medium range and the mystical weapon special property (allowing a gunner to use Mysticism + Wisdom instead of Dexterity + BAB/Piloting to attack.

Umbro-187 is slotting, Defender of the Fleet, Finest Engines. It increases our ship' thrusters by one step.

Umbro-187's piloting bonus is actually +18. There is a link in his tagline to his updated character sheet.

Does anyone have the boon that adds extra ammunition for our missile launchers?

The Drake's current weapons might be better than the Aeon Caster Launcher. We'll have to see what tier ship we are flying..

No extra Starship boons here.

Doublechecking APL before we go into the fight.
Nomoline 8
Kosigan 6
YdataY 7
Umbro-187 8
Sharles 6
Yarameh 6?
Total levels 41
average level 7
High Tier. Actually even if Yarameh is only 5, that would still have you high tier now I think about it.

Assuming you are going with the Drake..

Starfinder Society Drake Tier 8
Medium transport
Speed 89; Maneuverability average (turn 2); Drift 1 +1 speed from finest engines
AC 1624; TL 1523 +8 from pilot ranks
HP 100; DT —; CT 20
Shields medium (160 forward 40, port 40, starboard 40, aft 40)

Attack (Forward) persistent particle beam (10d6; 20 hexes), coilgun (4d4; 20 hexes)
Attack (Port) coilgun (4d4; 20 hexes)
Attack (Aft) laser net (2d6; 5 hexes)
Attack (Turret) heavy antimatter missile launcher (10d10; 20 hexes), light particle cannon (3d6; 10 hexes) Possible upgrade to Aeon Caster Launcher

Power Core Pulse Orange (250 PCU);
Drift Engine Signal Basic;
Systems basic medium-range sensors, crew quarters (good), mk 2 trinode computer, mk 6 armor, mk 6 defenses;
Expansion Bays cargo hold, escape pods

Modifiers +2 to any three checks per round, +2 Computers;
Complement 4–7

The aeon caster would be an upgrade if Nomoline ever fires it, as that will be a much better to hit than any third gunner we have.

I would suggest that, unless we have a specific reason to do otherwise, the pilot and two gunners use the computer nodes.

Magic officer looks like fun as I've not a great chance to hit the DC on the Captain's tasks, needing a 17 to hit a DC28.

Even if we use two gunners I suggest we have one gunner use the broadside action so we can fire all our forward and turret arc weapons each round.

Sounds great. Thanks for the game planning, everyone!

I've not had starship combat at 6th yet, so totally forgot about broadside.

The only useful Starship boon I have is:

Automated Defenses (Starship Boon): ... When you slot this starship boon, once per starship combat, a science officer can reduce the speed on a single tracking weapon fired at your starship by 50% for 1 round. Declare the use of this ability when the enemy weapon is fired but before its gunnery check is attempted. A science officer can spend a Resolve Point to activate this boon in any subsequent round or encounter. A starship can only be improved by a single copy of this boon.

You may have to remind me... but if you slot that boon, I guess you will use it the first time a tracking weapon is heading toward you?

You may have to remind me... but if you slot that boon, I guess you will use it the first time a tracking weapon is heading toward you?

No problem. Ha! True - that would be a good time to use in a lot of cases.

@Yarameh - given your better to hit, do you have a preference for weapon arc? And will you be employing broadside? (Thanks for the suggestion Umbro-187)

The turret seems to pack the largest punch/es - I'm happy to take the front arc.

We are not in position to fire the forward arc; so one of you can fire the antimatter missile launcher and the other the aeon caster launcher. Did we make a final decision if we are slotting that boon. The caster is a limited fire weapon I believe, just like the antimatter missile launcher. No need to broadside this round.

Thank you very much! Yes, I will be happy to use the turret missile launcher.
I will also ask to reserve one of the three +2 bonuses for me all the time.

Re: precognition and init.

I'm happy for Nomoline to use this by default for init bonus (and also happy for you to always assign a computer node for it).

What I'm uncomfortable with is to roll init and then have her use it only if it makes a difference. If she is going to use it round three, I'll reroll the init and provide the bonus. Let me know how you would like to go. I know this is kind of hard with her being botted, so it may make sense to just always have her on precog duty unless CigarPete gets a post in.

That's fair, let's go with reroll initiative and she does a precognition action. Umbro-187, will not use a computer node for the initiative roll.

Since I'm botting her I'll just have her do precognition every round.

For sure - she will do precog every round.

Sorry, didn't realize we would be moving so fast. Most of my other games are pretty slow. I'll make a point to check in more often.

Okay, in round 4 Nomoline will do a precognition action and Umbro-187 will not use a computer node for the initiative roll off. He will save it to use for a stunt or to give to the gunners.

If we can get a lock on action or a targeting aid action or both next round that would help our gunners quite a bit.

Sorry, just wanting to check - the objectives given to us were Drift engines, Bridge, then prisoners, correct?

Briefing post

The Drift Engine Room might be along way to Bridge. Do we know from our scan?

Fair to say Engineering is on the entry level of the ship, so if you head up toward the bridge you would likely miss it.

Chk'tarlsh doesn't have the skills himself, but my vote for next move is Engineering (wherever that may be) and disabling the Drift engines.

<There's someone in there, remember.>

Sorry, mad busy atm, so posting is a little less frequent than normal.

No problem. I hope it is nothing too crazy for you and that life soon returns to it's regularly scheduled programming.

Kosigan, your blind sight won't work here, as the robots are unliving. I assume you are using blindsence and blind fighting, thus the two rolls.

Please do remember you won't be able to target things further out than 30', or really take action that relies on you knowing things further out than that 30'.

That said, I'm really, really happy for other players to call out that things are further away, or up on the roof, to allow you to have a bit more flexibility. But they need to remember to do so.

Have we even hit the big bot once yet?

You have now.
Just.

Clustered up like you are, you will have to all be careful about cover.

Things may go slow as I just tested positive for covid. Given its been going through the rest of the family that is no real surprise but its taking it out of me a bit.

Health comes first. Take care and get all the rest you need.

I hope all is well with your family, too.

Time to break out some of the big toys folk, your rolls have not been great, and that big robot is just chewing through you at an ungodly speed.

You're not wrong!

Believe me - it's not for lack of trying!

Edit: what damage type is the big Bot dealing? I'm assuming Bludgeoning, but am happy to hear otherwise (particularly slashing).

I just noticed you posted you got covid. Hope you start feeling better soon.

I don't have anything with a damage die bigger than d20.

I've got more lightning bolts, I'm going to have to use them assuming I can get two robots constantly without getting you all.