GM Jones - SFS Bounties 1-4 (Inactive)

Game Master Jones228

"We can try..." comments Kiikarah not fully convinced it will work. He begins trying to mop up the oil and collect it in the jugs.
Engineering: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16

Slowly and carefully, you collect a few gallons from the collected puddles into the empty containers and drain it back into the reservoir untill it appears in the sight glass. With that done, the control module, control arm and wiring harness slip easily into place. With that complete, you press the start button and the machine guns to life again - free of it's backlog of magical energy. The lights around you come to full power instead of the dim backup lights.

Satisfied you are done, you make the short journey back to Thamal to report to Councilor Kirslin Auganir.

"Hello again, Starfinders! I see the power grid has stabilized, wonderful job! What did you find?"

After the generator hums to life, Vitellius punches the air in the celebration. "Did you see that, Cambot! And my old man said I'd never hack it out in the 'real world'!"

Once back in Thamal, he makes sure to have Cambot ready to record the interaction between Councilor Auganir and the Starfinders.

Saratur speaks

"Well we met there Quibell, who started to use some of the reactor power to cultivate some of the plants. A fascinating person, they really looked for the well-being of the planet, and we were able to negotiate a deal, really a win-win situation. She will take care of the plants while not disturbing the generator anymore."

Saratur looks at the others

"Did I miss something? Ah yeah, some electrocution, and odd creatures that attacked us. But nothing that we couldn't handle."

You pass on Quibell's demands to the Councillor who accepts them without question. "This can only be an advantage to promoting tourism in Thamal. We can embrace more green spaces and attract environmentally conscious visitors. Thank you so much for a job well done."

Satisfied with your performance, she arranges the 200 credits to be transferred to your credsticks.

As you take your leave of the planet to head back to Absalom, you have a few days to rest aboard the transport. We have to settle Antethriss' disease track. A cure requires 2 consecutive DC12 Fort saves. Should you choose too, you can opt to seek medical treatment in Thamal as well

fort: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11
fort: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16
fort: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10
fort: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15
fort: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14

Antethriss spends his time on the return trip taking some much needed bed rest. While there are a few days they begin to feel worse, a good night's rest keeps them from progressing to far into sickness. Before the freighter docks once again at Absolom Station, Antethriss emerges from their quarters completely healthy.

As Vitellius hands in his latest report, a hot tip lands in his lap. Breaking news from the Liavara moon Arkanen. He knows who to call immediately.

Equipped this time with a drift-capable shuttle, you once again find yourself in orbit of Liavara. The trip this time takes less than a day before you find yourself on Arkanen, in the spacious waiting room of the research facility Elkrius. Otaia Nuvith, a female dirindi clerk summons you to follow her after a short wait. as she takes you into the heart of the facility, you find Dr. Tevurda pacing outside of an indoor animal habitat with glass walls. One of the panes of glass that circles the habitat is shattered, granting access to the humid, forested enclosure, although the glass shards have already been cleaned up and cleared away. Beside Dr. Tevurda is a security guard whose nametag reads “Genayvin.” Genayvin is a towering female lashunta who regards you skeptically but offers a firm handshake amd speaks respectfully to you. Dr. Tevurda is worried and frustrated. He speaks in a commanding manner, straight to the point and with little room for interruption.
“You’re here. Excellent, we’ve not a moment to lose. My name is Dr. Tevurda, head researcher and director of Elkrius. Elkrius is a research facility with a focus on preserving and studying Arkanen’s biodiversity—particularly the unique adaptations that have enabled life to thrive despite Arkanen’s atmospheric bleed and extreme electrical storms. This habitat held a pair of mistuors until late last night, when poachers attacked the facility and stole them. Mistuors are quadrupedal herbivores that went extinct due to overhunting shortly after the Gap. We genetically re-engineered the species here and were scheduled to reintroduce the specimens into the nature preserve in the coming days—under strict observation, of course. The mistuors were fully grown adults and a viable breeding pair. They’re the first to set foot on Arkanen’s soil in centuries!
“We reported the theft, but official aid is slow in coming. That’s a delay we can’t afford. These mistuors must be saved before they’re killed or sold!” Dr. Tevurda turns, leading the way from the habitat to a security office. “The poachers didn’t bother to hide their crimes. They were quick, efficient, and took down our security forces with little effort. You can view the break-in on our security feeds.”
Genayvin has the security recordings cued up before Dr. Tevurda stops talking. The recordings show a team of six entering the building and ambushing a pair of security guards before moving to the animal habitat where they shattered the glass, causing the mistuors to panic. The poachers shot the mistuors with tranquilizers, loaded them onto carts, and hauled them out of the facility. They Left in a convoy of three off-road vehicles, each equipped with a large cage.

The Dr is available for questions, or you may begin your investigation however you see fit

"Perfect! I was just thinking of launching a multi-part true crime comm-cast. I just need to find the right angle for the opening. Hopefully these Starfinders solve the case eventually--listeners are always disappointed with an unresolved mystery."

Vitellius watches the footage carefully, noting whether the off-road vehicles are from the animal habitat (an inside job would be a great twist for an episode!) or were brought in from the outside.

Kiikarah stretches out his wings after watchin the video. "What can you tell us about the Mistuors? Apart from their rarity, is there anything about them that would be especially desirable to poachers? Do they have any special needs?"

The off-road buggies appear to be a regular commercial design, and on the live security feed you can also see two buggies outside of a similar make. The reporter knows to follow his gut.

Additionally, everyone watching the video feed may attempt a Perception check.

Kiikarah stretches out his wings after watchin the video. "What can you tell us about the Mistuors? Apart from their rarity, is there anything about them that would be especially desirable to poachers? Do they have any special needs?"

Dr. Tevurda turns to answer Kiikarah. "They are quadrupedal herbivores that went extinct due to overhunting. They have antlers that absorb electrical energy from Arkanen’s atmosphere. Mistuors use this energy to enhance their bodies, granting them sudden bursts of speed or strength. When scared or angry, they emit this energy as electrical discharges channeled through their pelts. Keep them calm and try not to electrocute yourselves.”

For any additional investigation besides questioning, please include a roll you believe to be relevant. There are lots of options!

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

"Hmm. Well hopefully those buggies won't be hard to track. We do have someone skilled in tracking, right?"

Vitellius whispers to Cambot "Cambot, make you sure get this--I think it'll be the cliffhanger for episode 1 of the true-crime comm-cast."

He then turns with a flourish to Genayvin and Dr Tevurda and says with just a hint of accusation. "What I'd like to know is-- he pauses dramatically for effect "--how you happen to know one of the kidnappers?"

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17
Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24

Genayvin sighs. “That is Darvis Olem. They’re a scientist we fired a few weeks ago. Escorted them from the premises myself. Caught them trying to smuggle data and genetic samples out of the building. Olem’s a thief, plain and simple. I warned Dr. Tevurda they might try to escalate things.” At that, Dr. Tevurda shifts uncomfortably. “Bad publicity can ruin research facilities as easily as they can ruin corporations. Better to handle these things quietly, when possible. I didn’t think Darvis would resort to something this bold. They were a friend, once. Clearly I underestimated their anger. They were… less than pleased when their employment was terminated. Darvis is cunning and an excellent hunter. Don’t underestimate them.”

As you speak, Dr. Tevurda and Genayvin begin leading you to the facility’s front entrance. Genayvin withdraws a small electronic device from her armour. "As far as tracking, these devices should make that simple. The mistuors each wore a tracking collar. After a recent security breach, both animals were additionally injected with a subdermal tracker. The tracking device shows that the collars are offline, but the subdermal trackers are intact." she hands over the devices, as well as a pair of keys. "You're welcome to take our buggies. Each tows a cage which can carry a single mistuor if... when..." she corrects herself in from of the doctor .. you recover the animals, so they can be brought back here."

Dr. Tevurda speaks again. "I trust that with this equipment you should be able to locate the animals quickly. Time is of the essence here. We can offer you each 240 credits, as well as the eternal gratitude of Elkrius"

If there are any more questions, please feel free. Otherwise We'll be setting off into the dense forest.

Saratur stayed quiet during the briefing. Sorry busy week.

He simply patted his long tusks "I hate poachers, whatever their reasons, they seem to be interested in those creatures staying alive. We will bring them back"

Let us kick some poachers ars*s

Knowing that tracking these creatures is a time-sensitive matter, your team wastes no more time and mounts up on the pair of buggies. Elkrius is nestled among trees on the fringes of a lush forest. When you first leave the facility, it’s raining outside, and the sound of thunder rumbles in the distance. This rain imposes a –1 circumstance penalty to Perception checks throughout this adventure. It’s mid-afternoon; and you are aware that the sun will set in a few hours. Together, the forest canopy and the storm block sunlight, lowering the light levels from bright to normal light despite the hour.

At first you follow along a muddy path, but it slowly tapers off into wild overgrown trails. While you are sure you're headed in the correct general direction with the tracking device, you will have to navigate the steadily increasing foliage.

We are entering a skill challenge: One PC must declare that they are leading the skill check, and the rest may attempt to aid. A success will keep you moving towards your goal in good time, failure could impose penalties. Let's start with a survival check to navigate through the forest.

Finger on nose--not it!

Hunting. How I like it. Safari. Only we will not offend animals, but those who offend animals.

Antethriss clearly likes everything that is happening. He is happy to plot a route.

Survival: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

See! I knew we had a tracker with us. (No survival here)

That will do it!

Antethriss has an almost supernatural instinct on finding a path through the the fallen trees and thick underbrush. He points out any opening he can spot to help bring the buggies through. The going is rough, and the rain makes the ground slick and muddy. It will take careful driving to keep the buggies from getting bogged down in the mud, or hung up on a log.

Piloting check - same idea, one of you takes the lead on the check, everyone else may attempt to aid.

I think Vitellius is our best pilot, so Kiikarah will aid

Piloting (aid): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
or not...

Vitellius makes sure to hit all the muddy puddles as it'll make for some great B-roll later on.

Piloting: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20

Crushing it

Vitellius not only keeps the buggy from getting stuck in the rough terrain, but Cambot also captures some of the most dramatic crossings. With Antethriss pointing out the clearest path, and Vitellius bringing the lead buggy safety through, the going is steady. You move along this way for a few hours until you come to find you are following another set of tires tracks through the wilderness. As you Snake along with the tracks you come screeching halt. Felled trees cross your path - they look to have been cut down intentionally. As you get out to examine them you find yourself in a small clearing.

Doubling back could lose you valuable time, and lose track of the tire tracks. The quickest way may be through.

If you would like to attempt to move the trees, you may attempt an Athletics check - one lead, everyone else may assist

Saratur leaves the buggy and tries to aid with the trees

Athletics, aid: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11 I think
Antethriss has higher Athletics

His fins are not really aiding in the task, but he is able to aid

"This is why I should always have a crew with me when I'm out on a job. I hate manual labor!"

Trying Aid Another.

Athletics: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (18) - 1 = 17

Kiikarah lends Antethriss a hand with the moving the trees.
Athletics, aid: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

After warming up a little and stretching slightly, Antethriss gets to work...

Athletics: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18 - 22 total with 2 aids
No one has Life Science? )

I'm sure they spent more time cutting them down than we did removing them.

Working together, you haul the logs off the path with no time wasted. You have been an unstoppable force pursuing these captured animals. As you keep moving along the sun is nearing the horizon, and you begin to see some lights ahead through the trees. You slow your vehicles for a closer look.

Ahead of you - hidden amongst the trees - are several scattered modular buildings that looked to have been dragged or dropped here as a makeshift camp. As dusk approaches you can see the flickering of exterior and interior lighting.

We have arrived at the Paocher's camp. You guys did awesome on the journey. I have added a slide with a map and some concept art. How would you like to proceed?

Perception (dim light): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

Kiikarah is so focused on the path ahead he fails to notice anything else on the journey.

Upon their arrival at the outskirts of the camp, he tries to get the layout of the camp and identify how many people are in it and where the creates might be being kept.

Perception (dim light): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

It's hard for you to get to much detailed information from this range. The building to the north west #1 looks to be the largest structure, The building in the center #3 looks to be a tent covering a few smaller structures, and to the north east #5 there seems to be a generator running. The drone of it's combustion engine carries from the encampment. You can see various overhead wires running to each of the modular structures, but Kiikarah also notices another wire leading away from the encampment.

The rest of the buildings appear to be very similar is size and shape and it's difficult to discern any kind of purpose to each.

Perception, DC15: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

Saratur looks ahead and says "Ok, so we travel few miles further that way, then try to come from he side. What? The camp is right here? Where I can't see it!" says Saratur clearly loosing it in the forest

I am eager to drive to the middle of the camp with buggy and do it the action movie style ;)

Kiikarah tries to follow the wire...

Perception (dim light): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22

"Careful!" he says quietly. He points out the ring, and closest detonators. "Looks like they've wired up this place for protection and alarms."

After Kiikarah's words, Vitellius *just* manages to control his instincts to drive into the camp at full speed to get guns a'blazing and high-octane action in the "war correspondent" genre.

Instead, he slows down and sighs. "Well, I guess you can do it some other way. But it won't be as interesting to watch . . ."

So, what I'm hearing is 2 votes for guns blazing! If you would like to attempt to disable the trap you can attempt a DC12 computers check to disable the motion sensor, or a DC12 Engineering check to disable the detonator. Otherwise it's up to you guys to decide on how to enter the camp and where you want to check out first.

Hearing no one speak up for the quiet option, Vitellius revs the engines and charges the vehicle into the camp! As the buggy bounces and shakes on the rugged road, he shouts "Hope you're recording all this, Cambot!"

Amazing

The lead vehicle speeds off towards the camp with a roar. The second buggy doesn't have time to fully absorb what's happening for a moment. As Vitellius crosses the line of the trap identified by Kiikarah, it detonates. Dirt is sent flying in all directions as the ground seems expand from the blast.

Sonic Damage, to vehicle: 1d6 ⇒ 2

The buggy rocks and the trailer leaves the ground for a moment before slamming back down on it's wheels. Vitellius keeps it pointed right for the centre of camp. ahead of you, the tent structure appears to be covering 3 large animal cages. The nearby buildings are a sudden flurry of activity. Lights come on and figures appear in the doorways. Straight ahead of you appears a male dirindi who matches the description of the exiled researcher - Darvis Olem. You think anyway, you're going pretty fast.

I've paired Vitellius and Antethriss based on their skill checks on the way in, it seemed as thought they were in the lead buggy.

Shots ring out as the poachers are alerted to your presence from the exploding trap. Darts strike the driver's side of the lead buggy, missing Vitellius. On the passenger side Antethriss is struck by a dart as he passes by a poacher leaving his bunkroom. 5 points of peircing damage

Edit: Dart included a Tier 1 Sedative, which deals 1d4 ⇒ 3 nonleathal damage - I can't find a save DC for medicinals

Saratur and Kiikarah - If you're following these two in, I've placed your vehicle on the map. You would have crossed the trap without trouble now that is has already been triggered, and have a little more time to size up the situation - You are up to act!

Initiative - bold may act!
Poacher, Red
Poacher, Green
Saratur
Kiikarah
Olem
Antethriss
Vitellius

Here are the vehicle combat rules for reference.

We will use the Exploration Buggy Stats

Kiikarah has piloting +3 whihc makes him the most qualified of the two to pilot :D

Saratur reaches out of the buggy and tries to bite the poucher.

"Prepare to board!"

Fangs@green, moving car: 1d20 + 3 - 2 ⇒ (7) + 3 - 2 = 8
Damage, piercing: 1d3 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

But misses, and not entirely due to the buggy

Kiikarah recovers quickly from Vitellius' surprise attack, and the explosion. He guns the engine and follows the other buggy into the camp.

As Saratur tries bite the one poacher, Kiikarah takes a shot.

Skipshot pistol vs green: 1d20 + 3 - 2 ⇒ (6) + 3 - 2 = 7
With about as much luck...

As the lead buggy races out of the dim light towards the buildings, Olem raises his rifle at the driver. He can barely be heard over the roar of the engines "They're coming for the mistuors!"

Sub Zero ice carbine vs Vitellius EAC: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
Damage C+P: 1d8 ⇒ 2

The shot strikes the window in front of Vitellius off-center.

Initiative - bold may act!
Poacher, Red
Poacher, Green
Saratur
Kiikarah
Olem
Antethriss
Vitellius

"Whoa! Hey!" shouts Vitellius. His buggy screeches to a halt and he gets out, irate. He shouts at Olem. "Don't you know who I am? Hello--journalist! Duh! You can't shoot at me!"

Vitellius's reminder of common courtesy on the battlefield may demoralize Olem.

Intimidate (demoralize): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26

"Don't you know who I am? Hello--journalist! Duh! You can't shoot at me!"

Olem is a litle rattled by this. "You... you came racing in here! what was i supposed to do!"

Botting Antethriss. Gotta keep pushing, ka-chunck ka-chunck.

Antethriss climbs out of the parked buggy and races over to Olem, attempting to slash at him with the knife while he is startled by the journalist.

Survival knife vs KAS: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21
Damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

As this happen the remaining poachers contine firing at the second vehicle.

Red Vs Saratur: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 4
Green vs Kiikarah: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 6

Both land well aimed shots despite both their targets having some form of cover in the vehicle.

Initiative - bold may act!
Poacher, Red
Poacher, Green
Saratur -4SP
Kiikarah -6SP
Olem -4HP
Antethriss -8SP
Vitellius

Kiikarah stops the car, and jumps out. Pulling his whip from off his hip, he uses it to strike at the nearby poacher.

Entropic Strike vs Green: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10
Damage (acid): 1d3 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

Saratur keeps on striking at the Green

Jaws@Green vs KAC: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
Damage, piercing: 1d3 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Damage critical, piercing: 1d3 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

And this time he gets a hold of the poacher!

Saratur lands a deviating strike on the poacher he has approached. As the giant Morlamaw towers over him, his eyes go wide with panic. It looks like he's ready to flee.

Kiikarah just connects with the other. Entropic strike targets EAC correct?

Olem recovers from the slash of Antethriss' knife and draws a large hammer from his belt to retaliate.

Assault Hammer vs Antethriss KAC: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16
Damage, B: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

The hammer connects, dealing a massive blow to the draelik.

Initiative - bold may act!
Poacher, Red -10HP
Poacher, Green -4HP
Saratur -4SP
Kiikarah -6SP
Olem -4HP
Antethriss -8SP -9HP
Vitellius

EAC Correct

Seeing Antethriss take a hammer to the torso from the lead poacher, Vitellius rushes over. He holds a large microphone right in front of the draelik's hood opening. "That was a massive blow, and yet you're still in fighting trim! Can you describe for the viewers at home just what you're feeling right now?"

Doing a move action and a Motivated Inspiring Boost on Antethriss to restore Stamina Points (9)

Motivated Inspiring Boost: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

Awaiting Antethriss - I will bot this evening if we don't hear from them. In the meantime we can continue with the Poachers and Satatur and Kiikarah.

The poacher in Saratur's reach stares up at his attacker in terror and steps away. "This don't pay enough to deal with this, I'm outta here!" He turns and runs out of the camp, dropping his rifle as he does so. Guarded step away, and then he's moving off the map

The remaining poacher calls after his associate. "Hey, get back here! don't leave me with them! He chooses to remain in the fight and fires again at Kiikarah.

Needler Rifle vs Kiikarah: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5

...but the situation seems to have gotten the better of him. His nerves cause him to miss.

Initiative - bold may act!
Poacher, Red -10HP
Poacher, Green -4HP
Saratur -4SP
Kiikarah -6SP
Olem -4HP
Antethriss -8SP
Vitellius

Saratur slowly moves towards the other poacher and tries to bite them

"You are next pal!"

Jaws@green: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Damage, piercing: 1d3 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

But Saratur hits the wall behind them

Entropic Strike vs Green (EAC): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Damage (acid): 1d3 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

Kiikarah lashes out again, but ends up pulling his strike as Saratur gets too close.

Knife slash: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
Hammer: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12
Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Antethriss misses. Saratur misses. Kiikarah missed. Olem misses. Everybody misses in that order.

Initiative - bold may act!
Poacher, Red -10HP
Poacher, Green -4HP
Saratur -4SP
Kiikarah -6SP
Olem -4HP
Antethriss -8SP
Vitellius

Vitellius gets closer to Olem. "Now Mr Olem, allegations have been made by your former employers linking you to the theft of some animals. Care to comment?" He pushes the microphone right in front of the poacher's face.

Vitellius does a guarded step to get in Olem's face and then does Total Defence.