[SFS/Gameday XII] 5-99 Battle for the Bulwark (Inactive)

Game Master Kludde

Altronus steps up to the pulsing obelisk that represents the plane of earth, and attempts to attune with it. For a moment, he feels a sharp pain in his mind as the obelisk rejects him. The obelisk trembles ominously, falling out of sync with the others for a split second, then resume it's vibrations in synch with the others.

----(Obelisks)---
Air
Earth (1xF)
Fire
Metal
Water
Wood
----(Players)---
Altronus (E: F)
Hellih
D'Zilyyt
Swizzers
Blinky
Navasi
---

Blinky realises his friends aren't all that intimidating, but then neither is he in the big picture because being a giant teddybear most people think he's cute and cuddly (until the apex predator lunges).

He wanders over and growls at the thing as menacingly as he can manage.

Metal - Intimidate 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23

Highest intim in the party is Swizzers and Blinky so...
Hey Doc, can I get a Biohack +2 plz?

Seeing Blinky ook unsure, the biohacker gives him a quick shot to get his heart-rate and agression levels up.

If asked, Diz would happily have given a skill-boosting biohack to Blinky before that (would give +2)
He also has a social hireling that could let him try to Cyrano-de-Bergerac it if needed

While the koala then approaches it, D'zyliit turns to the other strange obelisk Wood. Fascinating, he thinks aloud as he examines the object. Had not realized wood was considered a core elemental facet. Is it just representative of overall life...?

Medicine: 1d20 + 21 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 21 + 2 = 36

Swizzers is usually full of confidence, but she looks hesitant to get involved with strange magics of unknown origin and effect. Still, she doesn't want to let the team down and tries to help out.

I'll go with Air.

Acrobatics (+obelisk bonus): 1d20 + 15 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 15 + 4 = 27

Hellih enables his custom code. Using hireling for intimidation

He looks angrily at the metal obelisk trying to not get intimidated himself

Intimidation, hireling: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (8) + 11 = 19

Blinky is... close (I need I need some flavor, perhaps, on exactly how metal Blinky is growling.)

D'Zyliit connects with the obelisk representing wood, and feels a strong clarity of purpose pulsing though him. (D'Zilyyt gets a +2 to Will saves. The first time he fails a save, it is turned to a pass, but the bonus is lost when that happens)

Swizzers is... close (Again, some role-playing may get you a bonus here, we need to know exactly how airy Swizzers movements are.)

Hellih tries to convince everybody he is really metal, but only ends up scaring the obelisk into vibrating out of harmony for a few second.

Everybody can still try other checks, as long as I can figure out the order, don't let the round tracker confuse you

----(Obelisks)---
[_] Air
[_] Earth (1xF)
[_] Fire
[_] Metal (2xF)
[_] Water
[X] Wood (D'Zilyyt)
----(Players)---
Altronus (Ea: F)
Hellih (Mt: F)
D'Zilyyt (Attuned to Wood)
Swizzers (A: F?)
Blinky (Mt: F?)
Navasi
---

Navasi approaches the water obelisk with respectful caution.

"Well, hello there," she begins, taking a closer look at the obelisk. "You're just beautiful, aren't you? Tell me - what secrets are you hiding? Help me to understand you better."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 14 + 1d6 + 1 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 14 + (4) + 1 + 4 = 38 with Expertise and +4 bonus

Correction, I have made a mistake: the bonus for D'zyliit is different

D'Zyliit connects with the obelisk representing wood, and feels a deep connection with all living things as the obelisk zooms with the sound of crickets at nighttime. D'zilyyt gets to choose one of two: either heal fully, or get the ability to cast Mystic Cure as a 3rd level spell once

navasi approaches the water obelisk. The obelisk's vibration briefly turns to a gurgling sound, much like that of a whale. Navasi feels a strong clarity of purpose pulsing though her. Navasi gets the +2 to Will saves. The first time she fails a save, it is turned to a pass, but the bonus is lost when that happens

----(Obelisks)---
[_] Air (Acrobatics to fly or Piloting)
[_] Earth (1xF) (Athletics)
[_] Fire (Mysticism):
[_] Metal (2xF) (Intimidate)
[X] Water (Navasi)
[X] Wood (D'Zilyyt)
----(Players)---
Altronus (Ea: F)
Hellih (Mt: F)
D'Zilyyt (Attuned to Wood)
Swizzers (A: F?)
Blinky (Mt: F?)
Navasi (Attuned to Water)
---

@GM: I do appreciate the thought, but I think Swizzers is so uncertain of whether this is a good idea that failing is the more plausible outcome story-wise :)

Blinky is drugged up from whatever was in the good Doctors cocktail, what remains is a gigantic bear higher than a long-haul trucker jacked up on all the no-doze washed down with a gallon of energy drink and a sporting mean streak a mile wide - the glowering bear rumbles at the inanimate object and with the amount of pre-workout washing around his system he looks on the verge of just tearing the thing and throwing it at the wall - Blinky shouts something at it, the sentence almost incomprehensible as he reverts back to animal grunts and seemingly forgets his words, just an angry apex-predator annoyed by something trying to resist him in HIS kingdom.

The guttural roar of anger and frustration is heard across the whole Bulwark and was so metal that Abysshead has apparently called to see if it can be sampled into their next single 'Murderdeath on the forsaken Bulwark. Strawberry Machine cake were not available for comment.

Swizzers's acrobatics ability draws a brief swoosh from the air obelisk, only for it to fall out of tune and cause a dissonant headache in the skittermander.

Blinky's battle cries drive a resonance in the obelisk that sounds like a divebombing sound followed by a riff of high-pitched notes, enough to strike terror into the enemy. From here, you can treat all weapons you wield as if they have the ominous fusion. (You did bring something to wield, no?)

---
[ooc]Anyone want to give Air, Earth or Fire a shot?
---

----(Obelisks)---
[_] Air (Acrobatics to fly or Piloting)
[_] Earth (1xF) (Athletics)
[_] Fire (Mysticism):
[X] Metal (Blinky)
[X] Water (Navasi)
[X] Wood (D'Zilyyt)
----(Players)---
Altronus (Ea: F)
Hellih (Mt: F)
D'Zilyyt (Attuned to Wood)
Swizzers (A: F)
Blinky (Attuned to Metal)
Navasi (Attuned to Water)
---

Now I'm going to dance an ancient martial dance that my ancestors performed thousands of years ago to ride a sandstorm and rush at enemies on its mane!

Air: Acrobatics: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (17) + 15 = 32

Hmm, I guess the above would take care of Air, And Hellih has poor mod in Athletics and brutal in Mysticism. So I will give others moment to shine

Hellih looks at Altronus doing his magic with Air Obelisk.

"I don't thin I will have any success with the other two"

D'zyliit glances at the firery obelisk warily. I could perhaps assist with that one. Earth...less so

Unsure if we could attempt to Aid another's check here: if so Diz might be able to help with Mysticism possibly.
Could also gives some more +2 enhancement boosters for Earth/Fire attempts if there are good Athletes/Mystics who want to try

Aid another is not allowed for these checks, but enhancements do work.

Altronus showcases his agility, and the obelisk answers with the sound of swooshing wind and flapping wings. Altronus gains the ability to cast flight as a 3rd level spell-like ability, once

Any of you can try the last two obelisks (you can be attuned to more than one). Either that, or call it a day and report back (which is fine, the mission is a success either way)

---(Obelisks)---
[X] Air (Altronus)
[_] Earth (1xF) (Athletics)
[_] Fire (Mysticism):
[X] Metal (Blinky)
[X] Water (Navasi)
[X] Wood (D'Zilyyt)
----(Players)---
Altronus (Ea: F, Attuned to Air)
Hellih (Mt: F)
D'Zilyyt (Attuned to Wood)
Swizzers (A: F)
Blinky (Attuned to Metal)
Navasi (Attuned to Water)
---

Weapons? Blinky bashes things apart with his bear hands! He has weapons, he just does more damage punching holes in things

I can take a crack at Mysticism and Athletics, giving anyone else a go first. I can pull an 18 Ath and 15 Myst

If no one else is trying Blinky will take alllll the drugs off the Doctor and go ham, I just don't want to hog things

Officer Swizzers stands back and guards the perimeter.

I'm good to head back when others are ready.

Maybe just roll in spoilers, so I can apply the rolls after a 24h timeout?

I have no mysticism, and I have already failed the earth.

I'll split with Blinky, if no one else can do either. Navasi can only do Athletics (only +11 is a bit less than Blinky's though) as no points in Mysticism.

Navasi gratefully accepts the performance supplement from D'zyliit. Drawing a deep steadying breath, she rolls her shoulders and pushes against the obelisk with all the strength she can muster.

Athletics: 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 11 + 2 = 30

Ugh Blinkys Mysticism is via his Hireling so that probably doesn't work as it would attune to an NPC, his actual Myst is a bit meh - all good let's move on

Navasi confirms her strength and reliability by attuning with the earthen obelisk, which gives the deep rumbling sound of an earthquake. Navasi gets a +2 bonus to their AC to resist combat maneuvers

With that, the team returns to report to Naiaj, who takes great interest in the report You figured out some of the ancient rituals of the founders. I'm glad we can do some actual uncovering, even though our prime goal is to capture the bulwark.

Mission success! Where to next?

Spire control center

Without any pause, the comm units of the team flash up again, this time a message from Ixthia, who asks you to accept a mission to the spire control center. Only second after accepting, another message comes in.

“Thank you for accepting this mission. We’ve identified a control center at the pinnacle of the Voidglass Spire. It is our belief that this is the core of the psychic transducer, which transmits thoughts and psychocorporeal foes across the battlefield via shadow beams. Investigate this control center and shut down the psychic transducer. If our luck holds, this will render their greatest weapon useless—the Voidglass Spire will be a hollow shell. Good luck, Starfinders. Our hope goes with you.”

Ixthia's directions lead to the entrance of the control room. There's a shimmering barrier of psychic energy protecting the entry point, as if solidified stubborness itself is protecting the control center. The psychic energy looks to be emanating from the control center, can be disrupted, but likely recharges when enough time has passed.

You can damage the barrier with weapons, or with a mysticism check to challenge the willpower of the barrier.

---(round 1)---
Altronus
Hellih
D'Zilyyt
Swizzers
Blinky
Navasi
---

House GM post

“Starfinders,” Ixthia announces. “The Voidglass Spire is nearly ours, but General Itharris and Lieutenant Ulgaran remain at large. Finish your missions and report for further instructions.”

Table GMs, this is your 1 day (5-minute) warning.

House GM post

Hoisting their weapon aloft, Ixthia shouts, “Starfinders, the time has come for our final assault. General Itharris and the last of her soldiers have retreated to the heart of Sangoro’s Bulwark and are defending it to the last! We must sweep them from the Bulwark forever!”

Table GMs, Part 4 has begun.

Desire to know more intensifies!

will be able to post in about an hour

The battle for Sangoro’s Bulwark rages in a beautiful cavern, marred by the Voidglass Spire and damaged by the gunfire, shrapnel, and magical attacks. To the north, the ground drops away to a glowing cenote, its waters churning violently. To the south, the lower reaches of the Voidglass Spire emerge from the ground, rising into the air and puncturing the ceiling in its quest for the sky with no regard for the damage caused to the ancient architecture of Sangoro’s Bulwark.

All around, Starfinders and grioths engage in heated combat. Emerging from the enemy throng are two formidable grioths who bark orders to the surrounding soldiers: Lieutenant Ulgaran, muscular and fierce, with white fur and a bellowing voice that spits curses and insults as often as he swings his voidglass sword; and General Itharris, terrifying in a metal and crystal containment suit, wielding a plasma sword and rifle.

General Itharris raises her sword and bellows at the top of her lungs. “Come to your death, Starfinders! I am that which gnaws and consumes! The terror in the dark! The corruptor of souls! Face me and embrace the Void!” Her voice reverberates with psychic power, tearing through the mind and leaving behind an ominous weight. A telepathic din rises in response, as the soldiers cheer for the coming bloodshed.

Lieutenant Ulgaran snarls. “You heard the General, maggots! Show them our strength! Draw out their fear! Tear apart the Starfinders!”

The Lieutenant engages a different group of starfinders, but the general seems to have set his eyes on your group, bringing a contingent of four soldiers along...

---
Swizzers
Blinky
Diz
Altronus
Hellih
Navasi
---
General
Soldier
Soldier
Soldier
Soldier
----

Buffs/debuffs please

Blinky pauses a beat before racing into the throng of combat...despite being super keen to punch the daylights out of the General.

Hellih looks at the general and at Blinky "If you want to tear its limbs apart that would be the time."

He adjusts his rifle and aims it over Swizzers head

Pew@yellow: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (1) + 11 = 12
Damage, laser, superior fire power, overcharge: 3d6 + 14 ⇒ (1, 5, 6) + 14 = 26

He sends a massive laser beam at the ceiling

"THat was your last warning!" tries to hide his horrible shot

Officer Swizzers sprints to jagged rock and shouts at General Itharris. "Yes, you are under arrest, General! Surrender now or by the authority of the Stewards we will use force!"

Swizzers always gives them a chance to surrender, even if they always seem to say no.

Intimidate (demoralize): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16

D’Zyliit likewise advances towards the gritohs - but not before firing a quick dart into Blonky that thickens the koala’s hide.

Move, and boosting Blinky’s AC by 1 for 6 rounds with a Biohack
The rebuffs may come next turn (assuming I can actually hit anything this time)

Hellih opens the battle by firing a warning shot. Swizzer's attempt at scaring the general isn't particularly effective, so D'zyliit decides to bolster up Blinky (even though he mistakes him for his brother, Blonky)

---
Swizzers
Blinky
Diz
Altronus
Hellih
Navasi
---
General
Soldier
Soldier
Soldier
Soldier
----

Anyone else?

I was kind of hoping to get Altronus and Navasi into the fight (eg get em etc) - if they haven't posted by tomorrow morning then Blinky will rush into certain danger and see how he gets on...

I'd ask for actions from Altronus and Navasi at this point, since the 24h point has passed

Sad koala... here goes!

Navasi pushes down to get closer to the action "GO GET 'EM BLINKY! WE SUPER BELIEVE IN YOU!"

Altronus also moves down towards the melee!

Blinky then rushes headlong into danger as DocJr gets the medkit ready again, waiting for the bloodbath.

Imp Get em!
Trick - Survival 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (19) + 20 = 39 = CR or lower tricked
Unarmed strike 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 12 + 2 = 34 FF KAC
Damage 2d6 + 26 + 6d8 ⇒ (3, 6) + 26 + (5, 6, 8, 7, 6, 6) = 73
+Disarm (DC17 Reflex or Blinky has her sword)

Jeez, yeah, right - I think she just got Drop Bear'd.

Reflex: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15

Blinky looks like he's about to tear the general limb from limb, and eventually manages to grab a hold of the pike the general is holding. It's a miracle the general's arms isn't somehow still attached.

The general's armor is thoroughly cracked, and a nasty caustic slime seeps out, forming into a full-fledged extra tentacle.

The soldier divide up, the general and one of them facing Blinky, two more facing Altronus and one circling around the back

The general slaps the tentacle in Blinky's face, while the soldiers press on

Tentacle, Blinky: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (8) + 21 = 292d10 + 18 ⇒ (10, 5) + 18 = 33
Meteor Glaive, Blinky: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (15) + 14 = 291d12 + 12 ⇒ (4) + 12 = 16

Meteor Glaive, Alty: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (18) + 14 = 321d12 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 13
Meteor Glaive, Alty: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (2) + 14 = 161d12 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 14

Meteor Glaive, Navasi: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (3) + 14 = 171d12 + 12 ⇒ (10) + 12 = 22

---
Swizzers
Blinky
Diz
Altronus
Hellih
Navasi
---
General (73)
Soldier
Soldier
Soldier
Soldier
----

Hellih looks at the others "So we focus on general? Fine by me"

Pew, pew@general vs EAC: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (7) + 11 = 18
Damage, laser, superior fire power, overcharge: 3d6 + 14 ⇒ (6, 4, 4) + 14 = 28

No, kill the soldiers first, it's easy, but they are dangerous! A bullet is a bullet, and a blade in the heart is... you got it. And with these words, Altronus pounces on the nearest soldier (blue).

solar weapon: 1d20 + 14 - 4 ⇒ (4) + 14 - 4 = 143d6 + 13 ⇒ (1, 4, 1) + 13 = 19 - slashing vs KAC
solar weapon: 1d20 + 14 - 4 ⇒ (16) + 14 - 4 = 263d6 + 13 ⇒ (2, 2, 5) + 13 = 22 - slashing vs KAC

If the Killer Koala suddenly has a reach, then +2 for the flank.

Hmm D'zyliit thnks as he hears contrasting strategies. The doctor's forte is not combat, so for the moment he tries to heed Altronus' yell while responding to his allies. True. Maybe these will slow them down. But after that, I believe Blinky could use support. And if the general falls, perhaps these others will see the day is lost!

Full attacking vs Blue and Yellow this rounds, quickly generating some sedatives and minor inbitors on the darts. Blinky: coming to help you in a moment!

Attack v Blue KAC: 1d20 + 13 - 4 ⇒ (11) + 13 - 4 = 20 for Piercing: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7 and nonlethal: 4d4 ⇒ (3, 3, 4, 2) = 12 And if hit -1 to attack rolls for 9 rounds
Attack v YellowKAC: 1d20 + 13 - 4 ⇒ (14) + 13 - 4 = 23 for Piercing: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8 and nonlethal: 4d4 ⇒ (3, 3, 3, 1) = 10 And if hit -1 to attack rolls for 9 rounds

15/64 - 49/49

Nice sword, what is it?

Going to Meta here for a minute, but if someone could be so kind as to use the Unexpected Reinforcement buff as a swift action, Blinky would super appreciate it to get the edge on the BBEG. My action is based on the expectation someone will kindly do so, and that Navasi will either Get'em on the General (or on everyone) - the mooks aren't that dangerous it seems and the general is probably jacked to the moon

Bypassing the rest of the melee, the First Aid bot runs in behind the general and points needles and scalpels at the general menacingly (giving Flanking!)

Blinky is covered in blood and ichor and despite the blows he is receiving seems happy enough to stand and trade with the general, he admires his new sword for a minute, then tries knocking the opponent out.

Imp Get em!, Harrying Fire, Flank
Trick - Survival 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (10) + 20 = 30 = CR or lower tricked
Unarmed strike 1d20 + 12 + 2 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 12 + 2 + 2 + 2 = 27 FF KAC
Damage 1d6 + 13 + 3d8 ⇒ (2) + 13 + (3, 5, 7) = 30
+Off Target -2 to hit

Seeing enemy soldiers about to overrun her position, Swizzers empties her pistols while she still has time!

Full attacking the blue grioth.

Compliance Flash Ray #1 vs Blue EAC: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23
damage (F, nonlethal): 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

Compliance Flash Ray # 2 vs Blue EAC: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17
damage (F, nonlethal): 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Going to Meta here for a minute, but if someone could be so kind as to use the Unexpected Reinforcement buff as a swift action, Blinky would super appreciate it to get the edge on the BBEG. My action is based on the expectation someone will kindly do so, and that Navasi will either Get'em on the General (or on everyone) - the mooks aren't that dangerous it seems and the general is probably jacked to the moon

Diz would gladly - had forgotten about that boon

Thanks! Blinky can weather another round of beatings I think, but the two of them at the same time is tough...hoping when Navasi pops up I can get some SP back :)

Hellih's round only cause a few dinks in the general's armor.

Altronus is beset by two soldier, and just starts ripping into one, scoring a single hit.

Blinky find himself holding an advanced pike made of voidglass. Using his sharp claws, though, he rips another hole in the generals armor. Alarmingly, another gust of caustic ooze flows out, forming into another tentacle aimed at him.

Swizzers goes full on at the blue soldier, dealing another few scratches.

---(Round 2)---
Swizzers
Blinky
Diz
Altronus
Hellih
Navasi
---
General (103, -2 ATK)
Soldier - Blue (50, -1 ATK)
Soldier - Yellow (18, -1 ATK)
Soldier
Soldier
----

"YOU CAN DO IT BLINKY! YOU'RE SO BRAVE AND SO STRONG AND EVERYBODY LIKES YOU - YOU SHOULD TOTALLY GET THAT GENERAL!"

Navasi props up Blinky!

Get'em on the General
Reinforcements (Harrying on the general)
Inspiring Boost +19SP

Navasi comments on the likeability of Blinky, and the general doesn't seem to agree

There's two nasty tentacles that writhe and slam into Blinky, but only one attack manages to get past the Koala's armor.

Tentacle full attack, Blinky: 1d20 + 21 - 2 - 4 ⇒ (14) + 21 - 2 - 4 = 292d10 + 18 ⇒ (10, 9) + 18 = 37
Tentacle full attack, Blinky: 1d20 + 21 - 2 - 4 ⇒ (2) + 21 - 2 - 4 = 172d10 + 18 ⇒ (5, 10) + 18 = 33
Tentacle bonus attack for extra tentacle, Blinky: 1d20 + 21 - 2 - 4 ⇒ (4) + 21 - 2 - 4 = 192d10 + 18 ⇒ (2, 1) + 18 = 21

Bite, Blinky: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (3) + 14 = 171d4 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13

Despite the slowing drugs that DZ introduced, the two soldiers manages to hit Altronus, though with minimal force.

Bite, alty: 1d20 + 14 - 1 ⇒ (16) + 14 - 1 = 291d4 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11 Plus DC 13 Fort save
Bite, alty: 1d20 + 14 - 1 ⇒ (9) + 14 - 1 = 221d4 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11

Navasi takes a nasty bite from the soldier harassing her.

Bite, Navasi: 1d20 + 14 - 1 ⇒ (17) + 14 - 1 = 301d4 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12 Plus DC 13 Fort save

---(Round 2)---
Swizzers
Blinky
Diz
Altronus
Hellih
Navasi
---
General (103, -2 ATK)
Soldier - Blue (50, -1 ATK)
Soldier - Yellow (18, -1 ATK)
Soldier
Soldier
----

Diz moves to get a slightly better angle on the general, then ingeniously creates a special treat for him as the doctor fires.

Spark of ingenuity to combine the AC and attack reducing biohacks

Attack v General KAC: 1d20 + 13 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 13 + 2 = 29 for Piercing: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
if hits, he gets -2 AC and -1 on attacks for 9 rounds