[SFS/Shifty] The Great Grav-Train Robbery (A) (Inactive)

Game Master Nik B.

/dot in!

Flashbacks

Everyone (except Aramesh) give us a short tale of how Aramesh recruited you to the team.
* Barat, where did Aramesh find you, and what were doing?
* Kevan, how did Aramesh get through your antisocial demeanor and persuade you to join the team?
* Elena, did Aramesh find you, or did you find him?

Aramesh, want to give us all the downlow?

I think I missed it somewhere but who is Ardo Vonn?

"Thanks everyone for responding to my call. We've got a prime opportunity to not only get rich but deliver a gut punch to Ixo! They've got a grav train leaving Blastridge with some cargo that Ulrikka will pay a small fortune for. And we'll be accepting that fortune!

"So in summary, we'll find Brom among the other Ixo Syndicate personnel in the VIP passenger car, steal his datapad, take it to the cargo car, use the datapad to open the bay doors, find the right crate, get away on the enercopter, be rich!"

This part wasn't well covered in the module - but a clever daredevil enercopter pilot and another of Aramesh's partners in crime

Gotcha!

"And with a crew like this, this job will be like stealing candy from a baby!" adds Aramesh.

Aramesh's note to Kevan emphasizes sticking it to the Ixo Syndicate. Since Kevan reads EVERYTHING, he saw that and it appealed to him.

"As you command, shall we comply!" replies the ijtikri Barat Oza, his tentacles in the air forming a salute. With military precision learned from years working in the Veskarium military, Barat Oza has always valued one thing above all else: honor and the protection of the innocent. These qualities aren't easy to find in employers, but Aramesh's reputation as an "honest criminal" attracted Barat Oza to the team.

Aramesh was no Catarina, it wasn't even the tiniest fraction of her criminal brilliance. But when Aramesh's message had arrived at Elena's confidential data dropbox with promises of a vast sum of credits for a relatively straightforward robbery, Elena begrudgingly lowered her standards to respond to the envoy. Stealing from the very Syndicate that currently had dear Catarina in hard labor only made the job... personally optimal.

Now, Elena skitters around Aramesh, clicking thoughtfully as he describes the details of the job. The other biologicals participating in the mission seemed capable enough, if only barely. However, it was better if they did not think too highly of themselves and begin making overconfident mistakes. She comments "Newborn babies have very high grip strength. Therefore, taking candy from them is not particularly easy. I would revise your bank of colloquialisms."

Aramesh nods towards Elena, "Good point. How about easy as pie?"

Everyone gets the feeling Aramesh is amused at Elena's literal analysis and is now teasing the SRO, whether Elena knows it or not.

Present Day!

Slide up

“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.

Pausing for any questions or anything anyone wants to do

Can Aramesh have tried to do some research on Brom Lancaster beforehand? Figure out what species he/she is. Likes or dislikes. Personality traits. Past history. Anything that might provide a clue as to how to distract him or talk to him if we come face-to-face.

To my fellow criminals: We probably need some approach to swiping the datapad undetected. I'm not sure how that will work when Brom is in a car full of other armed guards. Anyone has any ideas? If not, hopefully something will click when we get in for a closer look at the situation.

Sadly, the research is not covered by the scenario, but opportunities to figure that out (and some other things!) may well arise as the scenario plays out :)

Vonn banks over the train coming in fast and low along the roofline before matching the speed of the train - "Ok, now jump!" - you land on the roof and the enercopter circles once and flies off, leaving everyone within crawling distance of an access hatch in the train roof. It’s locked from the inside.

Could be an engineering solution, could try knocking - over to you!

"Kevan, Elena, I believe the two of you hold the key to the front door?" says Aramesh with a chuckle.

Engineering to open the door, with Scientist Serum of enhancement: 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 12 + 2 = 33

Unless we are really in the wrong scenario, I am pretty sure the door will open

Aramesh, the open door you requested.

Probably too late already, but...

Aramesh will check the hatch for traps and other hazards.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12

And if none, Aramesh will back off away from the hatch, look at Barat and say, "Mind doing the honors, good sir?"

Elena lands on all eight pins, barely making a noise as she touches down. While Kevan handles the roof hatch's lock, she scans the surroundings.

Perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (7) + 13 = 20

(Questions: How many cars total and which one did we land on? Are there other roof hatches, such as one directly into the car where we expect to be the VIP passenger car, by appearance for example? Any exterior defenses that we knew about from the airborne approach?)

Also, would we have had a chance to research the train before the heist? Security systems, layout, etc.

Post got lost, but Kevan drank a Serum of Enhancement Scientist right before departing the copter.

And would have thought to look for traps before he opened the door
Perception to look for traps: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

not that it mattered

Barat Oza marches up to the hatch, weapons at the ready. Once the hatch is open, he jumps down to secure the area.

There are around a hundred carriages total. You have landed towards the rear of the train (62), and your eventual target is 67C.

Roof hatches are mostly reserved for cargo and baggage cars to facilitate loading.

According to Aramesh’s information this hatch leads to a baggage car, and the syndicate VIP passenger car is adjacent and will require access via a locked door.

You aren't tracking any external defences, this is still mostly a passenger train with regular passengers aboard - some are just more VIP than others. With that said, inside the train (in areas the Ixo own) may be a different matter.

***

After a cursory examination for traps or alarms, the hatch is quickly overcome by Kevans technical know-how, and surprisingly gentle touch for such a large looking bear.

The hatch opens into a nondescript baggage car, just as Aramesh predicted. At the end of the carriage a single nuar security guard is distractedly browsing the infosphere on his personal comm. It looks like he's just been put here as a last-minute addition, there is no obvious alarm button or signal system that you can see.

Opening the hatch hasn't alerted him, but entering the carriage you'd have to be pretty stealthy not to alert him (or be less sneaky - up to you!)

Stealth: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26

Aramesh attempts to slip in quietly, and while waiting for the others to enter the car, Aramesh draws his pistol and keeps it in hand. Juuuuuust in case.

Aramaesh moves in silently.

Barat Oza tries to slip into the carriage quietly, but knows no matter what happens, they have to get that comlink off the guard before he uses it to call for help. He tentacles flex in anticipation of smashing the comlink to pieces.

Stealth: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

This is not going to go well

Stealth, untrained, Dex bonus only: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16

Better than I expected

Kevan looks at Barat.
Sshh

Despite Barat's clanky entrance, Elena attempts to approach with stealth. She clings to the ceiling with her legs and has her needler pistol at the ready to fire the moment she has a clear shot.

Stealth: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (20) + 15 = 35

She skitters nimbly to a position right above the guard, clinging to the shadows.

I imagine that when Barat enters, everyone turns around and shushes, then everyone whips their head around to see if the guard noticed! Kind of like in some silly movie. hehehe!

Everyone lands like feathers, Barat lands like a bag of cement.

"Huh" the Nuar with the bright pink 'do turns, snorting its bullish nose threateningly.

R1
Barat
Kevan
GUARD

Barat Oza doesn't even have the grace to look embarrassed. "The best method of infiltration is to destroy all sentinels!" he shouts, rushing forward toward the Nuar.

Double move.

We need that Pathfinder teamwork feat that lets the group all use the highest person's Stealth mod :)

Yes please! Or at least something like the Pathfinder 2E follow the expert.

Elena readies to spring into action.

Kevan up!

Now I remember why I don't play Large Characters in Starfinder. Narrow corridors.

We need to keep him from raising the alarm.

Kevan casts Grease (Reflex DC 16 or drop) on the comm unit.

Then he moves up

Ref 1d20 ⇒ 16+Mod
The creature keeps a hold of the greasy comm, and turns on Barat - unloading a pretty strong looking headbutt!

"Making me miss my show!"

Attack 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (15) + 12 = 27 vs KAC
Damage 1d6 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13

R1
LNA
Aramesh

R2
Barat
Kevan
GUARD

"Your duty was to guard this vessel, not enjoy infosphere shows." says Barat Oza sternly, as one of his tentacles flicks out toward the comlink.

Using my Improved Combat Maneuver (Sunder) feat to try to smash that thing!

entropic strike: 1d20 + 9 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 9 + 4 = 21
damage: 2d6 + 10 ⇒ (6, 1) + 10 = 17

The tentacle slams home, Barat returning the favour.

R1
LNA
Aramesh

R2
Barat - acted
Kevan
GUARD

Guard 17

Aramesh points at the nuar guard and declares, "BULLSEYE!!"

Move action to put get 'em on the guard. +1 ATK to everyone against the guard.

Aramesh then yells to an imaginary ally, hoping to fake out the guard, "Yah, hit 'im from behind!"
Bluff vs 10 + sense motive / 15 + (1.5*CR): 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (19) + 13 = 32

Clever feint to make guard flat-footed to Aramesh and hopefully everyone else as well until the end of Aramesh's next turn.

The guard is bamboozled by Aramesh!

R1
LNA
Aramesh - acted

R2
Barat - acted
Kevan
GUARD

Guard 17 (Flat footed)

Kevan will take a guarded step forward and try a non-lethal attack on the Nuar.

Go down quietly, we don't want to seriously hurt you

Claw Attack vs KAC, non-lethal: 1d20 + 7 - 4 ⇒ (4) + 7 - 4 = 7
Slashing damage, non-lethal: 1d3 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 14

@GM: Just clarifying that my attack was against the comm, not the wielder. If I've got the Improved Sunder feat, I'm going to use it :)

@GM: Just clarifying that my attack was against the comm, not the wielder. If I've got the Improved Sunder feat, I'm going to use it :)

LOL ok, now he's REALLY mad, not only have you disturbed his show, you have obliterated his comm unit

***

Kevan swings a mighty paw, but it fails to connect "Not hurting me with those air-swings!", the Nuar also distractedly looks around for this extra mystery opponent Aramesh mentioned.

R1
LNA
Aramesh - acted

R2
Barat - acted
Kevan - acted
GUARD

Guard 0

Deceased biologicals usually had trouble alerting their superiors, so Elena endeavors to hasten this particular guard's demise. Still clinging to the roof of the car, she fires down into the guard, her motions swift...

Trick Attack (sleight of hand) vs DC20+CR: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (1) + 16 = 17 Nope

but not quite silent.

Needler Pistol: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26 Damage (P): 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

The needler bites deep!

The nuar tries headbutting Barat again!

Attack 1d20 + 12 - 4 ⇒ (2) + 12 - 4 = 10 vs KAC
Damage 1d6 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15

Attack 1d20 + 12 - 4 ⇒ (12) + 12 - 4 = 20 vs KAC
Damage 1d6 + 11 ⇒ (5) + 11 = 16

R2
LNA
Aramesh

R3
Barat
Kevan
GUARD

Enemy 8

Still trying to knock the Nuar out

Claw Attack vs KAC, non-lethal: 1d20 + 7 - 4 ⇒ (1) + 7 - 4 = 4
Slashing damage, non-lethal: 1d3 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 13

but flails ineffectually.

"Guys, no need to go easy on him! At least not yet.. Get 'im good!!"
Move action to put get 'em on the guard. +1 ATK to everyone against the guard.

Aramesh then takes a shot with his pistol!
Target is currently flat-footed to everyone until the end of Aramesh's current turn
corona laser pistol vs EAC, get 'em: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 6 + 1 = 15
fire damage: 2d4 + 3 ⇒ (1, 3) + 3 = 7

Elena skitters along the roof, using the motion to hide her next shot toward the nuar guard's chest.

Trick Attack (sleight of hand) vs DC20+CR: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (5) + 16 = 21
Needler Pistol w/get em: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 8 + 1 = 16 Damage (P): 1d6 + 3 + 3d8 ⇒ (5) + 3 + (4, 1, 7) = 20

Diverting a portion of her attention, she starts writing a space-yelp review for Big Kim's Needlers. The rest of the Pact Worlds needed to know about this tendency to malfunction.

This time the needler needles the wall.

The giant paw does not manage to slap the nuar.

Aramesh was almost on point with the pistol, but then the train lurched and the shot went into the wall.

R2
LNA - acted.
Aramesh - acted

R3
Barat
Kevan - acted
GUARD

Enemy 8

"You are outnumbered, and honor requires me to demand you surrender." Barat Oza waits a half-second, and when no surrender is forthcoming, proceeds to wail on the nuar!

Entropic Strike: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10
damage (acid and bludgeoning): 2d6 + 10 ⇒ (2, 4) + 10 = 16

The nuar seems unconvinced and seems pretty confident they can win this.

The bullish head comes down on Barat again!

Attack 1d20 + 12 - 4 ⇒ (10) + 12 - 4 = 18 vs KAC
Damage 1d6 + 11 ⇒ (5) + 11 = 16

Attack 1d20 + 12 - 4 ⇒ (7) + 12 - 4 = 15 vs KAC
Damage 1d6 + 11 ⇒ (5) + 11 = 16

R3
LNA
Aramesh

R4
Barat
Kevan
GUARD

Enemy 8

"We're probably gonna have to start actually hitting this guy sometime soon... get 'em!!"

Move action to put get 'em on the guard. +1 ATK to everyone against the guard.

Aramesh then tries to fake out the guard again yelling, "That's right, you're outnumbered! Do the cow-culus! Ya can't win!"
Bluff vs 10 + sense motive or 15 + (1.5*CR): 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (4) + 13 = 17

Clever feint to make guard flat-footed to Aramesh and hopefully everyone else as well until the end of Aramesh's next turn.

Claw Attack with Get'em vs KAC: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 7 + 1 = 11
Slashing damage: 1d3 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 14

Looking at my last six rolls, the high was a 4. I just cannot hit.

We will knock you out eventually. Give up now.

"Your bravery is admirable, noble nuar," observes Barat Oza, with growing respect in his voice.

entropic strike: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 9 + 1 = 26
damage: 2d6 + 10 ⇒ (2, 1) + 10 = 13