SFS 1-03 Yesteryear's Truth (KS) (Inactive)

Game Master phaeton_nz

Gameplay Thread. Please dot and delete or just make a post to join.

"Yeah, right, so, I'm minding my own business, trying to find a gig. Saw an ad, I thought it was for pirate radio, and I thought that's bloody perfect, because I'm a musician see? Turns out it was for pirates. Next thing you know, I'm on a cruise ship, posing as a musician while I'm feeding info to the crew. Now, I'm here in the Society, looking to lay low from Johnny Law, yeah?"

Venture-Captain Arvin stands before a hologram of a planet that appears to have been ravaged by some disaster; there is very little water and no obvious greenery. Greetings, Starfinders, he says, without turning. You are looking at Elytrio, a newly charted planet in the Vast. While you might dismiss it as a lifeless rock at first glance, it still has mysteries to plumb. The starship that discovered it was attacked by some kind of orbital defense system when it got too close; the vessel didn’t have the firepower to respond, so the crew made a prudent retreat. But we Starfinders don’t let these sorts of things go. He pauses before continuing. I’d like you to take a starship, travel to Elytrio, and discover all you can about it. If you find any inhabitants on the planet, do everything in your power to make peaceful contact with them. If the place is deserted, try to locate information about who might have built those defenses. Once you’ve got something interesting, report back to me here at the Lorespire Complex. Any questions?”

Orbital defense? Sounds like my type of scrap. Top Down, a Kasatha in a flight suit, wearing a rebreather wher enormally the scarf would be, says Callsign Top Down! he loudly conveys in to the room by means of introduction. Let's see if they catch up with me.

What exactly are we up against here? Anyone pick up the phone while your crew was there?

A thin beetle-folk with diaphanous wings flutters into the room, and takes their place with the others, bobbing excitedly.

"I am always interested in visiting new places! It gives me a chance to find my way back home again, after I was lost in that freak Drift accident..."

Yeah, the drift can be a dangerous place. Top Down says Fortunately, I practically live here. What happened to you?

No replied Arvin. We didn't get much time to scan. Initial scans were too brief to get too many details. The other Starfinders did report trace amounts of radiation in the atmosphere, so there is a distinct possibility the planet’s current appearance is not entirely natural.

Xagyg scratches his cheek awkwardly.

"It's actually a little embarrassing. You see, my people live in this one, big city, surrounded by an impenetrable dome that keeps us safe. We don't really know how any of the stuff works - it just *does*; you see, it was all set up by our distant ancestors, and we had lost the knowledge of how the technology worked.

They didn't know where I was from, but I joined up with the Society in the hope that, one day, I would find my way home!"

Well, trace amounts of radiation, that's my cue to get a radiation badge. I've got enough arms as it is. Four-way high-five!

Top Down holds up all four hands for high fives, without considering the logistics for people around him.

C'mon, high-five...

He listens to Xagyg's story, and says Yeah, I hate it when old folks throw away the manual. he says, and the more seriously Home is such a small place to get stuck to, when space and time are so wide.

He then adds, with some twisted version of indicating time But hey, you've already been there once, and you'll always have been there in the future, maybe even twice.

Cheesy Precog foreshadowing, if you'll allow

"I agree. Now that I have experienced that there is an enormous, beautiful, terrifying, and wondrous universe out there, I don't think that I could ever go back to the way I used to be... but it would be nice to know where home *is*. Knowing that there is somewhere I *can* go back to, even if I never do, gives a lot of peace of mind.

I also would be happy to try and let the others know about the universe outside the city; I would love to help them broaden their horizons, too!"

An elderly man, dressed in his classic attire that conceals a sleek utility coverall, arrives, captivated by the unique sight before him—a hologram of a planet devoid of water.

"Ah, mysteries. I love mysteries," he muses, echoing the sentiments of the venture-captain. "Xeno here. Apologies for any tardiness. Or am I?" he says with a grin.

"Finding something or someone unusual is my cup of tea!" he adds, taking a seat, though it seems a bit odd as they're likely about to leave after the mission briefing.

"Heading into the unknown sounds thrilling!" he remarks, adjusting his garb to avoid stepping on it. "Well, I think I don't have any questions."

"Sounds like a simple enough assignment." chimes a ysoki as he absentmindly knocks a writing implement off of the Venture-Captain's desk.

"Starfinder Tuek, at your service." He gives a well-mannered bow, easily scooping up the dropped implement in his left hand, before depositing it within a cheek pouch.

So .... no further questions?

"Oh, they got an automated defense, or maybe they don't like visitors. What if they dont want peaceful contact?"

Then get the heck out of there. Defend yourselves, of course, but let’s not start a war here. Return to Absalom Station and we’ll assess our options from there.

Niobrar writes down "do not start a war" and after a moment's consideration, underlines it.

"The message is well understood." Xeno nods happily at the instructions to them. He then stands up, ready to leave and go for the mission. "Maybe we can go now?" he inquires the others.

"Sounds good to me!"

The venture-captain trusts the Starfinders to make their own decisions when out in the field, and dismisses them to purchase any last minute
supplies they might need. He informs them a starship of their choosing, will be programmed with the proper coordinates and awaiting in Docking Bay 27 when they are ready to leave.

Three for the Drake and two abstentions. Looks like you're flying a Drake class starship

A small robotic drone intercepts you as you depart from your briefing. The drone projects a holoscreen with the image of a confused looking ysoki child, whose head is quickly pushed out of the screen by an older ysoki woman. Fitch from the Wayfinders here. Sorry about Kirkath popping on the screen; kids always like the holoprojectors. Anyways, long and short, I hear you’ve been assigned to explore Elytrio. First contact is important. Need to make a good impression. Wayfinders specialize in this sort of thing, so I wanted to offer some help! The drone has a translation module strapped on its back. It’s not as reliable as some magical solutions you might have, but if you’re in a pinch for communicating, it might help!

Sure enough, there's a tetrad certified translator duct taped to the drone.

Free duct tape! Top Down says That always comes in handy!

I think the captain should hold this, he says, pointing to the translation device. Top Down himself walks to the pilot chair. Mind if I?

+11 for piloting, so if you have more TD can give up his seat

Xagyg nods.

"Fine by me!"

He then heads straight for the turret.

It takes you 5d6 ⇒ (5, 2, 6, 2, 6) = 21 days to make the trip. The trip is mostly uneventful, though you pass a ysoki salvage barge named Clutter Collector. The ship’s captain, a ysoki named Winks (female ysoki) opens a communication link to talk to the Society starship, more out of boredom than anything else. She thanks you for any conversation they engage in before having to end the link an hour later as her ship moves out of range. After re-entering normal space, your vessel is less than a few hours’ travel from your destination.

As you approach Elytrio, their comms suddenly squawk to life, filled with a crackling robotic voice in an alien language. The tone of the message is strident.

Culture: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

"Well, they don't like us," Niobrar says, "If we run away now, we all survive."

Technically Niobrar has a better piloting, but I have several options. I can do scans on the Computer.

Culture: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

Attention Alien vessel making alarming warning sounds. This is starfinder vessel Thunderbolt. We come in peace. Wir kommen in Frieden. Siza ngokuthula. Nosotras venimos en paz. Не стреляйте в блондинку.

Probably a good moment to roll paradoxes:
P5x: 3d20 ⇒ (18, 2, 15) = 35

Culture: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18

"It is a warning," confirms Tuek. "Though, if we are to run away, let us first be certain not to do so empty-handed."

Tuek assumes the role of chief mate.

Subsequent recurrences of the message stutter and distort like a corrupted audio file, eventually cutting off with a loud burst of static. Simultaneously, a hemispheric vessel—an orbital drone platform—comes into view from behind one of the planet’s moons. It approaches your starship, and while it has no visible weapons, it does emit a ring of red light from the edges of its flat bottom hull.

Computers: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11

"I wonder what it tells us..." Xeno is clueless about the vessel approaching them. "No weapons, so it is safe?"

There's only one way to find out, Top Down says, and opens the comm link Platform, this is Top Down requesting Fly-By Without waiting for an answer, he pushes the throttle forward with both right hands, pushing himself firmly into his seatback. Oh, and hold on!

Computers: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22

"There's no one on board on that thing, so no one to reason with, luv."

Hey, we came here expecting trouble, and we got trouble. Raise your hands if you are surprised Top Down says, keeping two hands on the throttle and another two on the control panels.

Is Inspector Xagyg still here? - otherwise I'll have to bot

Definitely still here!

Xagyg nods with genuine regret.

"Trouble is, sadly, not unexpected. It seems like wherever the Society sends us, there is always trouble...."

Xagyg actually recognises the language. The message says Unknown vessel: turn back or be destroyed.

You are flying a Tier-2 Drake - Combat has been initiated.

Round 1 - Pilot initiative - you win.

"That is odd... The accent and syntax are... off... but I can understand it!"

He gets very excited, practically vibrating.

"We really need to see what is down there!"

Top Down?

"Please get us within range, so I can use the turret's missile launcher effectively!"

Top Down!

Wait until you see the whites of their silos! Top Down says as he flies full blast ahead.

Piloting: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26

Nodding his thanks, Xagyg uses the computer's targeting support, and tries to fire a missile straight down the throat of the target!

High Explosive Missile Launcher: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 6 + 1 = 9, for 4d8 ⇒ (3, 8, 6, 2) = 19 damage.
Reroll, with stars: 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 6 + 1 + 2 = 20.

That hits the platform impacting on it's shields taking out the starboard shield and doing hull damage

It launches a drone

--- Round 2 ---
Piloting initiative:
drone: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14
platform: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11

engineering: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22
computers: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28

Top Down = Pilot
Xagyg = Gunner
Niobrar = Gunner?
Xeno = Engineer/Science?
Tuek = Chief Mate

If I missed your action in the first round, please take one.

<Round 1>
Niobrar takes to the scanners array, and wants to get a measure of their opponent.

Computers to scan the ship, with triode bonus: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 9 + 1 = 11
DC is 5 +1.5 x Tier so I should hopefully still get something)

<Round 2>
Niobrar tries to lock on to the platform's power core.

Computers to Lock On : 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27
DC is the same as above, so I really hope we should lock on. We crit on a 19-20, and the first crit threshold automatically affects their powercore

Round 1
Tuek starts ripping open access panels, turning secured valves, and manually bypassing safety systems to help the engineer get more out of their systems when they take the divert or overpower action.
Acrobatics: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27

Round 2
Tuek hops onto the forward gyrolaser.
Gunner w/trinode computer: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 4 + 1 = 18
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 4

Round 1

Xeno attempts to scan the ship as well.
Computers: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28

Seeing Tuek go for the gyrolaser, Xagyg calls out cheerfully:

"There is a coilgun in the turret that you can use, too!"

It also does more damage than the laser (4d4).

You get the following data on the platform.
Medium starship drone platform
Speed 6; Maneuverability average (turn 2)
AC 14; TL 13
HP 70; DT —; CT 14
Shields basic 40 (forward 10, port 10, starboard 10, aft 10)
Attack (Any) drone launch
Power Core Pulse Gray (100 PCU); Drift Engine none; Systems basic computer, basic medium-range sensors, mk 2 defenses, mk 3 armor; Expansion Bays drone bays

What are the gunners targetting? And still waiting for pilot initiative and actions.

Pilot, init round 2: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (1) + 11 = 12

With a *clunk* the engines briefly drop out. Top Down restarts in an instant, but the momentum is lost. Bloody manual drives Top Down says, then shouts All under control! Closing!

Round 2:

Xagyg, with Friend Computer's assistance, lines up another shot on the platform.

High Explosive Missile Launcher: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 6 + 1 = 19, for 4d8 ⇒ (6, 2, 1, 3) = 12 damage.

What are the gunners targetting? And still waiting for pilot initiative and actions.

Tuek targets the platform. "Cut off the head, etc. etc."

I think the second half of my last post was lost in transit. Top Down just flies too fast for the forum

This one move I like to call the 'in your face'! he says, as he flies right up to the platform.

Move indicated on map

The platform moves away from you and launches a second drone. You move up to where it was and turn to face it. The first drone slips behind you.

The platform is hit with the with the high explosive missile on it's rear shield, taking it out and doing more hull damage. The gyrolaser also hits.

ct1: 1d100 ⇒ 15

The drone fires at your rear shields with a light laser cannon.
llc: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14 damage: 2d4 ⇒ (3, 2) = 5

Round 3 initiatives:
platform: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26
drone 1: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15
drone 2: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20

engineering: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22
computers: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19

Drone 1 goes first, then you, then drone 2, then the platform.

Drone 1 attempts to flyby but fails to do so, leaving it open for your shot.
flyby: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11
Having perfect mobility (turn 0) it then turns to face you.

Computers to Target System: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12

Xeno aims for the drone as his target! "Let's bring that thing down!"

Niobrar switches over to the captain's chair, "Hey, gunner, why don't I play you a little fight music."

Diplomacy to encourage the gunner using the Missile Launcher, DC 15: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21

+2 to your attack roll.