GM Valen's Starfinder Society Scenario #1-12: Ashes of Discovery (Desna) (December 2023)(Tier 1-2) (Inactive)

Game Master Lysle

You have received a summons to the Lorespire Complex on Absalom Station. There, you are to receive your assignment from Guidance. The networked entity is comprised of the personalities of prominent former Starfinder Society members, including the majority of First Seekers.

A wiry, crested dinosaur wearing a crisp Steward's uniform - looking like he just stepped out of a recruiting poster - steps into the room. He stands ramrod-straight near the other agents and takes up a parade rest stance, announcing formally, "Tactical Officer Kalhoun, reporting for duty."

What looks like a human female but with green hair and blue skin and wearing clothes that look more suited to underwater wear as well as large spectacles steps in.

Ah .. is this the right place for Guidance? I'm Vega Capella

Reporting in. Hey nice to meet you all.

A tall Lashunta female approaches. Her antennea twitching as she ealks. Her body covered in the Castrovalean style for travel wear. A mix of Elven and Lashuntan fashion and function. Muted browns and greens with even brighter greens and dabs of colors here and there.

She smiles her big eyes looking at the others as she holds onto her slender metallic staff. " Hello felloe travellers, I am Hesori Zuo, Priest of Zuoken and his silent way. May your mind and body find balance and peace" she offers to her soon to be companions.

Priest of Who? Vega asks.

" Zouken, I think he is a lost diety. I have little info on him aside teachings of psyhic disciplines and martial arts. I must admit my martial prowess is not the same as others." She says with a hint of regret. Her antennae drooping a bit.

" If you wish I can ralk about him somemore. Though as I said I only know a little" the Lashunta reiterates shiftinf on her feet shifting, a bit uneasy.

I have to admit to some curiosity, although my family line is Desnian, well, with a few exceptions, all the way to the Gap and perhaps Beyond. And maybe I can help you find more.

A cluster of sleek black computers rests against the far wall of the meeting room. The Starfinder Society emblem at the center of the server cluster shines and begins projecting a stream of holographic light. The light takes the form of humanoid figure bereft of any definition, standing at the end of the meeting table closest to the servers.

“Greetings, I am Guidance. I have a new assignment for you. Please observe.”

The projection gestures a flicking hand to its side, and a stream of data detailing an outpost made of interconnected circular chambers scrolls beside it.

“One of the Pact Worlds’ most prestigious organizations recently discovered a dataset detailing the location of an outpost abandoned over two hundred years ago," Guidance explains. "The organization has requested that the Starfinder Society dispatch a team of agents to secure the site, along with any remaining equipment or data. Your team will travel to this outpost and retrieve as much information about it as possible. You should also salvage any relevant equipment, which the Society will take as part of its payment. If you have questions, now is the time to present them."

Please provide the requested modifiers on this Slide.

Any questions for Guidance, Starfinders?

Is it an aquatic outpost? Vega asks hopefully And which system is it in?

A diminutive cuttlefish-like creature, riding around in a self-moving fishbowl, communicates telepathically.

Well, if it is an aquatic planet, then they have certainly allocated the right cephalopoid for the job!

He then waggles a tentacle in greeting to the other assembled starfinders.

Greetings! My name is a bit difficult to explain to those that can't communicate by colour-shifting their skin, but the closest approximation in the standard galactic tongue would be Gold-Flecked-Black. I mostly handle wet-work, infiltration, and mental manipulation.

"I was a good enough swimmer at the Academy, but I admit I'll be at a disadvantage if we are underwater for extended periods of time. I hope the Society will provide appropriate gear for those of us who dwell on land if that's the case.

"What information in your dataset will help us prepare for the mission? Are there any known dangers at the location?"

I have the [i]Life Bubble[/i[ spell if that helps.

I have the Life Bubble spell if that helps.

"Sadly Life Bubble isn't one of my spells, but I do imagine we will have enough time to procure equipment. Greetings colleagues, I am Celebryn Edasseril of Kyonin. It's a pleasure."

A cluster of sleek black computers rests against the far wall of the meeting room. The Starfinder Society emblem at the center of the server cluster shines and begins projecting a stream of holographic light. The light takes the form of humanoid figure bereft of any definition, standing at the end of the meeting table closest to the servers.

“Greetings, I am Guidance. I have a new assignment for you. Please observe.”

Please provide the requested modifiers on this Slide. PROVIDED

Any questions for Guidance, Starfinders?

"Guidance, the projection is a little unclear to me: is that lightning reflected on the dome sides, or are those cracks? Clearly the settlement is domed for some environmental reason, it would just be helpful to know what that is."

Sorry for the delay. Hopefully, it will be the last one for a while.

Is it an aquatic outpost? Vega asks hopefully

"It is not." Guidance replies with the precision of an AI.

And which system is it in?”

“The system is located in Near Space and bears the designation of the 'Sleeping Star' per the Church of Desna." Guidance replies.

"I was a good enough swimmer at the Academy, but I admit I'll be at a disadvantage if we are underwater for extended periods of time. I hope the Society will provide appropriate gear for those of us who dwell on land if that's the case.

"What information in your dataset will help us prepare for the mission? Are there any known dangers at the location?"

"The outpost has been identified as 'Colony-818' by the Church of Desna," Guidance explains. “The Church of Desna has a history of encouraging travel and exploration in space. The outpost’s location was near a holy site and intended as a waystation for travelers and faithful alike."

"The planet where the outpost is located is a terrestrial world. No large bodies of water have been detected on its surface although, based upon preliminary, remote scans, there appears to be a significant number of crators covering the planet's surface. The planet is approximately two-thirds the diameter and mass of Castrovel. However, its gravity is twice that of Castrovel."[/b]

“Beyond the environment of the planet, it is unknown what threats may exist at the outpost. You should prepare for many possibilities, such as pirates, large predators, hostile native cultures, or supernatural events."

"Sadly Life Bubble isn't one of my spells, but I do imagine we will have enough time to procure equipment."

“You are correct. Equipment may be procured prior to departure.”

"Guidance, the projection is a little unclear to me: is that lightning reflected on the dome sides, or are those cracks? Clearly the settlement is domed for some environmental reason, it would just be helpful to know what that is."

"The projection does not depict the actual outpost, but instead is drawn from a catalogue. I believe the reflection to which you are referring constitutes tailored visual imagery added to existing images for advertistement purposes in an effort to attract attention, stimulate curiosity, illustrate product features and benefits, create and develop a personality for a product, associate the product with certain symbols and lifestyles, and establish a brand's identity in the minds of the target audience," Guidance notes. "The outpost is a prefabricated modular design constructd by Veylen Enterprises. These outpost models used to be quite common. However, the presence of unfamiliar modifications is very possible.”

Guidance concludes, “For this assignment, you have been authorized use of a Drake or a Pegasus starship. Both starship frames can complete this assignment. Please consider the following advantages when making your decision: Drake frames have greater firepower, whereas Pegasus starships are equipped with advanced science labs and sensors. As always, to optimize the chances of completing the assignment, it is recommended that each Starfinder team choose a ship that covers any area of weakness. However, the final decision is based on your personal preference. Safe travels.”

PCs should now each indicate their starship preference, note any purchases before departure, slot boons, and finalize starship roles.

Drake. Definitely the Drake.

Vega looks a bit disappointed at the news but then shrugs it off. It's Desnian. That could be interesting enough on it's own.

She types in instructions into her datapad to pull up the location of the Sleeping Star system. If it's not in her database, she'll ask Guidance for the location.

I presume the air is breathable? she also asks.

Vega doesn't really care what sort of ship it is, but the player prefers the Pegasus

Looks like Vega is the Science officer, Kalhoun is the better pilot

We should travel in the peaguses and get to places faster or outrun any dangers we encounter.

I presume the air is breathable? she also asks.

"Your presumption is consistent with the preliminary atmospheric data," notes Guidance.

So far, 1 vote for Drake; 2 for Pegasus. Once we reach a simple majority, I will move us to the next encounter.

"This is a science mission. The Pegasus would be a better choice."

Can we make another pass on these votes indicating some factors of interest?

Celebryn will vote for the Drake, most simply because 3 generic modifiers is more than 2, and it makes it more likely that we could allocate a modifier to the Mystic Officer's roll versus the Pegasus where there are only 2. The generic modifiers seem more valuable to me than the computers mod, but that is just me.

A Pegasus sounds cool but I heard rumours that the one named Spitfire may not be safe. Seems the last few pilots sort of .... broke it or at least bent it so I heard. Well ... I heard this mechanic say he was going to have to bash it back into shape.

GM may want to prepare a coin flip in case we end up 3-3.

"A single ship not up to spec is not an indication that the entire line needs to be scrapped. I'm sure a fine mechanic like yourself can keep a Pegasus-class in top condition."

At least they're not sending us in an Azata.

Im not familiar with either ship, but Ill go with the Drake, if it procides more general bonuses over all.

" I lack alot of starship knowledge. I am more a passenger and counciler then a pilot or mechanic. If this Spitfire Pegasus is indeed the one which we shall be using and it has a history of lets say slap shot repairs then May we then look at The Drake. It may he in better condition" The priestess says very much aloof and looking off as if listening to something very distant.

"However, the final decision is based on your personal preference. Safe travels."

"I was in error. Correction: The final decision is based on random chance."

Coin Flip: 1 Drake, 2 Pegasus: 1d2 ⇒ 2

The journey to your destination takes: 3d6 ⇒ (5, 1, 1) = 7 days of Drift travel. During this time, the you have plenty of time to assume your roles aboard the starship, Pegasus. Shortly after your starship arrives in system, the ship’s sensors pick up an unusual object coming directly toward you!

ROUND ONE OF STARSHIP COMBAT BEGINS!

Engineering Phase Begins!

Also, Pilot may roll Initiative.

Map now available on Slides.

No one mentioned Engineering on the slides, but Vega has a +8, so she should probably fill that role when needed.

Life Science: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

Piloting, Initiative: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28

She can take engineering, but first she'll use the ships sensors to find out what this unusual object is before scooting her chair (assuming it is on wheels ((unlikely))) over to the engineering console.

computers: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21

As the check occurs before combat, any other PC may attempt the Life Science check above, if they so wish.

Engineering Cont'd

Creature (red), Piloting, Initiative: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15
Helm Phase Begins

The creature approaches the Pegasus, then begins to circle it in a predatory manner.

Vega's scans reveal the following:

LIVING STARSHIP (?) TIER 1
N Medium starship aberration
Speed 10 (12 currently)Maneuverability good (+1 Piloting, turn 2)
AC 14 (16 currently); TL 11 (13 currently)
HP 55; DT —; CT 11
Bioshields 40 (forward 10, port 10, starboard 10, aft 10)
Attack (turret) tracking quills +3
Range short; Damage 3d6; limited fire 5

PC in Pilot role may now take Piloting actions, move, and position ship on Map.

Remaining PCs in Captain, Chief Mate, or Science Officer roles may now act

Gunnery Phase Begins!
PCs in Captain or Gunner roles may now act

Moving us to where they are in coilgun range, but out of range for our other weapons and the one of theirs we know about.

No reason to do anything other than evade, though, in case they do have a longer-range weapon they can bring to bear.

Piloting: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24

Great. So we are literally going to be eaten, ship and all...

Cursing, Gold-Flecked Black tries to shoot it.

Coilgun: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 5 + 1 = 22, for 4d4 ⇒ (3, 4, 1, 4) = 12 damage.

chief mate acrobatics: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17 doing a manual relignment in case somebody wants to scan, since it is the only useful thing he can do.

I'll see if I can retune the shields so we taste like space licorice

Celebryn Edasseril and Hesori Zou may act.

Information on starship roles can be found here!

Hesori will gather the energies about her and the ship and seek out the creature out adding in the targeting by leadinf Eldritch Aid

Mysticism: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12

Moving us to where they are in coilgun range, but out of range for our other weapons and the one of theirs we know about.

No reason to do anything other than evade, though, in case they do have a longer-range weapon they can bring to bear.

[dice="Piloting"]1d20+9

Not that this roll probably needs enhancement, but could Bryn maybe do a Procognition roll next turn?

Mine was a Eldritch Shot push.I didnt see Push when I first went

As the Pegasus fires upon the creature, it releases a tracking quill.

Gunnery (tracking qull) w/range: 1d20 + 3 - 2 ⇒ (1) + 3 - 2 = 2

The space around the creature seems to cascade in energy as the coil gun projectile strikes bioshields and then proceeds to pierce the creature's body. Its quill, however, continues out into the depths of space.

STARSHIP COMBAT ROUND TWO BEGINS!

Engineering Phase (Round Two) Begins

Creature (red), Piloting, Initiative: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22

All PCs who wish to act in the Engineering Phase may now do so.

PC in Pilot roll should roll Initiative.

Piloting Initiative: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19

Guess I'm moving first. I can do a flyby and potentially give us an extra shot, or keep us far enough that we can still hit with the coilgun but their quills are too slow to reach us.

Is the quill about where the X on the map is?

Is the quill about where the X on the map is?

The quill never got a lock.

STARSHIP COMBAT ROUND TWO CONT'D!

Engineering Phase (Round Two) Cont'd

All PCs who wish to act in the Engineering Phase may now do so.

Helm Phase (Round Two) Begins!

All PCs who wish to act in the Helm Phase may now do so.

Kalhoun, Tac Officer wrote:

Is the quill about where the X on the map is?

The quill never got a lock.

Assume it is aimlessly adrift and not a part of the combat.

STARSHIP COMBAT ROUND TWO CONT'D!

Engineering Phase (Round Two) Cont'd

All PCs who wish to act in the Engineering Phase may now do so.

Helm Phase (Round Two) Begins!

All PCs who wish to act in the Helm Phase may now do so.

** spoiler omitted **

SCRY: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20

"We do NOT want to be anywhere close to that creature."
Celebryn relays all of the ship data to the bridge crew

"Acknowledged. Bringing us aft of the creature. Evasive pattern phi."

Evade DC 13: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10

"Or was it psi?"

Vega adds more power to the weapons.
engineering: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25

STARSHIP COMBAT ROUND TWO CONT'D!

Engineering Phase (Round Two) Cont'd!

Helm Phase (Round Two) Cont'd!

The creature gives chase!

Creature movement now posted to the map on Slides.

Gunnery Phase (Round Two) Begins!

Hesori Zou, Rover Yi, and Gold-Flecked Black may each act this round (please indicate what action your skill check is for).

Note: Any of you new to either PbP or Starfinder may have noticed that I am not running starship combat quite in the strict order described in the Core Rulebook. Instead, though I am trying to maintain some order, I am employing some of the conventions/methods that have been adopted for starship combat on these boards that allow for efficient gameplay despite the asychronous nature of PbP.

Not liking this one bit, Gold-Flecked Black takes another shot with the coilgun.

Coilgun: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 5 + 1 = 19, for 4d4 ⇒ (4, 3, 2, 1) = 10 damage.

Hesori will focus in hopes of bolstering the guns efficiency. Eldritch Shot

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13

chief mate hard turn: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24 acrobatics

Again, as the coil gun of he Pegasus fires upon the creature, it releases a tracking quill.

Gunnery (tracking qull) w/range: 1d20 + 3 - 2 ⇒ (18) + 3 - 2 = 19
Damage: 3d6 ⇒ (3, 2, 1) = 6

The space around the creature seems to cascade in energy as the coil gun projectile strikes bioshields. Its quill, however, impacts against the shields of the Pegasus leaving them somewhat depleted.

STARSHIP COMBAT ROUND THREE BEGINS!

Engineering Phase (Round Three) Begins!

All PCs who wish to act in the Engineering Phase may now do so.

Creature (red), Piloting, Initiative: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23

PC in Pilot roll should roll Initiative.

This time Vega boosts the shield power.
engineering: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24