SFS 2-15 - The Infernal Gallery (KS) (Inactive)

Game Master phaeton_nz

"You name it, I'll try it." says Liftt.

"I find the Drake pretty robust. Pegasus is a little jumpy at times. I've never flown an Azata though, so that would be good too. Good scanners and computers too if we are doing an investigation."

-Risk info due to agents bad attitude taken. Clear things and make plot after main mission. Never flew Azata before. Try? ,- Schuka sends another message.

The Stellifera try's to be serious but wise character may say those are youngsters habits.

At this time, Altronus, who went to everyone for coffee and donuts, returns to Arvin's office and treats everyone to food.

Well. In a drift to a strange house that seemed to the seekers of easy money? Someone else would have laughed at it, but not me. I'm sure the grays are involved in this.

After that, he embarks on a long, semi-scientific discussion about conspiracy theories and those oddities that can be found in Drift and how it is connected.

I have not done a mission in an Azata before. Something with good sensors would make sense, since this sounds like a really odd phenomena.

You select a Tier 4 Azata class starship, named Stingray. (Specs are on the slides.)

The trip takes only days: 3d6 ⇒ (6, 4, 4) = 14. The only notable event is the discovery of a beacon leftover by a vessel belonging to the Church of Triune.

Mysticism: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (1) + 11 = 12

The digital dice hate me.

What in the universe is that?

computers, trained: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16
culture,trained: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16

"Oh look at that beacon. The scars are odd though.. There are several logs pertaining to a vessel known as the Three Eyes of Illumination that was heading out into the Vast in order to examine a series of Drift beacons that had suddenly gone dark.."

He shakes a little. "That isn't ominous at all.. I mean, captains normally do that type of data dump only if they know they are going somewhere dangerous. We should squirt this data back to Absalom station..."

He stretches out for a bit. "I like the Azarta. Good solid ship. Lots of information. And check out all these safety systems!"

I can't remember what we settled on for roles. Did someone want Magic Officer? I could also do Captain, or just plink away on a secondary gun.

Liftt downloads, then transmits the data to Absalom Station. Maybe it will be useful to someone.

When you reach your destination, you see that a massive chunk of fetid swamp floats amid the swirling purple and pink void of the Drift. Water pours off the sides of the planar bog, forming globules of green and brown water that float slowly away. Blocking the path to the Drift Bog is an ominous red starship, all hard angles and protruding spikes, its hull marked with a distinct insignia–a trio of black talons tearing through a white circle wreathed in black flames.

((Picture on slides))

You receive an incoming communication. Do you answer?

Liftt turns to look at the captains chair. "Want to pick that up, captain?" he asks.

"It's good they are not opening with a volley of missiles. If I thought there was going to be a battle, I'd have suggested a different ship.."

He glances over to the science station "Can we get a read on them at all?"

Zemir, I don't think we decided firmly. I'll take Captain for now, but we can swap out if you like. I am actually a better Magic Officer, but either works for me.

Velorum answers from the Captain's Chair:

Let's see what they have to say. Does anyone recognize that insignia?

Culture to recognize the distinct insignia–a trio of black talons tearing through a white circle wreathed in black flames: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8

Two Natural 1's in a row. How long can this last?

Computers: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24
Culture: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

Schuka contemplates space through illuminator. Schuka shares known info with Velorum via Telepatic message but does not comment it. Unless suggestion to gather the beacon data to maybe find somethin regarding Three Eyes of Limitation.

-I was born to swim. But now I am in space. Behold.

A holo-display flickers to life, revealing a scowling tiefling woman with deep purple scaled skin, curling ivory horns, golden eyes, a shaved head, and a jagged scar running across her cheek. Attention, Starfinders. This is Reva Monstratti of the Devil’s Talon, captain of the Malice. We have legitimate claim to this site and all objects therein. Identify yourselves and state your purpose here. Speak, or be destroyed.

Culture Check: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22

We don't want to fight, but we are on a mission investigating some odd artifacts found here. Unfortunately, the person that found the items turned up very sick, so there are concerns that the area might be irradiated, or poisonous? We're not sure.

Diplomacy, since I'm not lying: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21

culture: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
"Looks like a Hellknight vessel to me. But I've only seem them in vid-shows. Still, a law abiding group like that... maybe ask them what the basis of their claim is?"

Schuka is likely to report to a Captain of the ship, but in current circumstances we are missing onem right? So the stellifera quickly sends e messaage to a group chat:

-Devil’s Talon are mostly comprised of failed Hellknight aspirants who banded together under mysterious benefactors. Mercenaries. Mercenaries can not dictate such ultimatums to Starfinders. I suggest we DDos them with some Strawberry Machine Cake music with a wish to back off. Actually who is our current captain or a shoal leader?

on internal comms only

Since I seem to be Captain by default, I am open for suggestions as to how to approach this Devil's Talon group? It was suggested that we might challenge their legal authority, and one alternative would be to try and convince them we should control this location under a quarantine, perhaps under Pacts Worlds Authority? I am open for suggestions.

There's actually not much time for suggestions as alarms go off indicating that the Malice has raised shields and locking on weapons. It' obvious that they're going to fight.

--- Starting Starship Combat ---

Round 1 - Engineering Phase.

I would suggest a sword duel, but it's too late.

Zemir peers out the cockpit screen, his eyes peering through multiple realities at once!

Mystic Officer Role, attempting the Precognition task to give the Pilot a +2 bonus to their Piloting check to determine piloting order.

Mysticism (DC 16): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

May as well roll their piloting check etc

engineering: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12
computers: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24
piloting: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (14) + 13 = 27

Hazard: : Large quivering orbs of hellish swamp water float off the Drift Bog and through the Drift. Murky but translucent, the water is a hindrance during starship combat. Hexes containing swamp water are difficult to see through. Pilots flying through these hexes take a –2 penalty to their Piloting checks. Gunners utilizing direct-fire weapons through these hexes take a –2 penalty to their gunnery rolls, though tracking weapons move to avoid striking this planar debris.

((I'll put the tokens on as soon as I can - have to make them))

With a mental eye roll, Twila-5 strides back to the Engineer's station. You ask for info, then start a fight before giving us a chance to answer. Geez.

+7 Engineering. I'm happy to switch to Chief Mate (+11), but I think someone already claimed that.

Tokens on map - Engage

Schuka jumps on a Science Officer position because it is most unknown and unoccupied. She manipulates scanners to pick relevant info regarding opposite ship's configuration.

Computers to scan: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25

pilot init, node: 1d20 + 17 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 17 + 2 = 35 I normally take a node for init each round.

"Oh my. Oh my. Oh my.." mutters Liftt.

"Ahhh.... umm..... Everyone make sure your harnesses are done up tight. This might get rough." calls out the pilot as he takes evasive maneuvers.

"What tactics do you want captain? Keep them at range?"

Looks like they get to move first. Hurrah!

"Not again..." is the quiet murmur from the CAAMC.
"Yes, again." is the quick reply from the pilot.

They fly up to get in your face and evade.
evade: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (15) + 13 = 28

Skirting the formidable enemy ship, Liftt gracefully sends the Azata is a series of graceful, and not too tight, turns.

"Can anyone tell which way their weapons are facing? I can try and stay on their blindside if they have one..."

evade DC16: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (8) + 17 = 25

Assuming we have a tier4 ship, evade and pilot ranks give us AC and TL of 20

Twila-5, I will gladly give up this role. I always prefer to be a Gunner. Not the best bonus, but hey! I just need to throw 20 and everything will be fine. That's how it works .))

Diplomacy to encourage the Gunner on the turret: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27

We didn't want this combat, but now we are in it to win it! Blast them out of the sky!

Did Society adopt the Critical Success rules from Starship Operations Manual?

Twila-5, I will gladly give up this role. I always prefer to be a Gunner. Not the best bonus, but hey! I just need to throw 20 and everything will be fine. That's how it works .))

Thanks, but it looks like we won't have an engineer if I switch.

Realizing that getting as much info on the enemy up front is a wise tactical move, Twila-5 diverts power to the computers for Schuka.

Divert Power to Science Equipment DC 16: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

It doesn't work. Ugh. Rusty. She shakes her head at her ineptitude before clearing her mind so she can focus on her next task.

They fire their turret torpedo launcher at you, aiming for your port side
gunnery: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19 damage: 2d8 ⇒ (2, 5) = 7

Liftt seeing the approaching torpedo sends the Azarta into a graceful dive, narrowly dodging the approaching menace.

Yes! Miss due to evade!

- Cpatain on the bridge! Does anybody shoot back at these dumb mercenaries? We should start. I will change position and support Altronus at weaponary, if noone wants. Nice manuers! - Schuka send another interom message, lloking at scanning results.

To GM. I made 25 to Scan enemy vessel. Please, provide some info regarding it.

Altronus looks almost meditating when he smoothly presses the shot button. Those who are nearby notice that he is quietly humming an ancient war song that came from his home world.

Turret: 1d20 + 5 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 5 + 2 + 2 = 204d4 ⇒ (1, 4, 4, 1) = 10 I used +2 from computers. I also added +2 from the captain's support, but maybe more is needed there because of the crit?

Missed the scan, sorry

Malice - Tier 3
Medium Transport
Speed 8; Maneuverability average (turn 2); Drift 1
AC 16; TL 17
HP 70; DT — ; CT 14
Shields basic shields 40 (forward 10, port 10, starboard 10, aft 10)
Attack (Forward) heavy laser cannon (4d8, 10 hexes)
Attack (Aft) gyrolaser (1d8, 5 hexes)
Attack (Turret) light torpedo launcher (2d8, 20 hexes)

"Looks like we want to keep to its flanks.." mutters Liftt.

He plots in a quick "holding" pattern that should do the job.

init for next turn so you don't need to wait for me.: 1d20 + 17 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 17 + 2 = 22

They miss you but you hit them, reducing their port shield to zero.

--- Round 2 ---
engineering: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12 extra power to shields
computers: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21 rotate shields
piloting: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (10) + 13 = 23 initiative

Looks like you move first.

"Drat, I didn't expect that.." sighs Liftt as the Hellknights ship pulls an unexpected stunt.

He maintains his series of gentle twists and turns

evade dc16: 1d209 + 17 ⇒ (67) + 17 = 84

Moved on map. I assume blue is their front? So we are behind them now?

Yes ... blue is the front.

That's some good information. Pleased that Schuka was able to glean so much despite her ineffective help, Twila-5 switches the power diversion to the weapons instead.

Engineering to Divert Power: Weapons DC 16: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14
Failure.

Messed up evade roll, but I can't fail it, so no biggie there.

Sorry, I'm a bit confused--what phase are we in?

Pilots rolled initiative and our pilot moved. There is lots of Out Of Cycle rolling going on to try and avoid delays, like this.

Velorum will go ahead and roll to Encourage the Gunner on the Turret.

Diplomacy to encourage the Gunner on the turret, DC 15: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

We hit them pretty good on the last pass. Keep it up.

They shoot at you with their turret weapon
gunnery: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14 damage: 2d8 ⇒ (4, 1) = 5

Schuka suggest to get closer so that we may use EMP forward weaponry and that we should attack from 1 or 2 directions.

The Stellifera is relatively calm as far as shields sustain

Turret: 1d20 + 5 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 5 + 2 + 2 = 264d4 ⇒ (2, 3, 1, 3) = 9

And that is their stern shields gone as well and a scorch on their hull (-1 HP)

--- Round 3 ---
engineering: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22 extra power to shields
computers: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24 rotate shields
piloting: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (19) + 13 = 32 initiative

Is THAT all you've got? taunts the opposing caption.
intimidate gunners: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20

"Oh my..." mutters Liftt, a sentiment that seems to be echoed by his CAAMC

He twists and turns to try and stay on the damaged side of the Hellknight ship.

pilot init, node: 1d20 + 17 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 17 + 2 = 22

Luck however is not with him.

"Closing in on them." he adds.

The shirren keeps the Azata using a series of graceful but hopefully unpredictable twists and turns.

evade, DC 16: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (6) + 17 = 23

They attempt a standard flip and burn
piloting: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (11) + 13 = 24

which they succeed at before firing with their heavy laser cannon
gunnery: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10 damage: 4d8 ⇒ (8, 7, 7, 4) = 26

and their light torpedo launcher
gunnery: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25 damage: 2d8 ⇒ (8, 7) = 15

-Get ready for torpedo impact! , - Shcuka sends emotionless PC-produced voice message through intercome and suggests engineer to reconfigure reactor and refill shield power.

Meanwhile the stellifera locks computer to target enemy weapons
Computers to Target System: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27