GM Zoomba's Cornered Rat (Inactive)

Game Master Zoomba

Sefel frowns at seeing the bodies, but does lean in to check them out.

DC30 Life Science: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (14) + 17 = 31

They are in a sort of mummified state, likely due to the relative scarcity of microbial life here. Otherwise they would decay. These dwarves have been dead for decades.

Varuthalla doesn't notice any traps or hazards in the room. As Sefel examines the bodies, and moves closer to confirm his suspicions, Kosigan raises up their hands in alarm. The khizar's lifesight pings some fungi in the tunnel cracks ahead of a type they haven't seen before down here. And with their knowledge of Life Science, the nanocyte recognizes that these Lentinus Sciaro emit dangerously toxic spores - spores corrosive enough to even eat through armor!

With Vosigan's warning, you're able to carefully avoid the fungi and a potentially nasty Wisdom poison but soon come to a solid bit of wall in front of you. A dead end. :(

Backtracking to the last intersection, you are able to continue down the other right path. It winds and winds again through the rock before splitting once more at a crossroads...

Right path or Left path. Ain't mazes fun?
Elapsed time so far: ~25 minutes

"We first went right - led to a dead end and backtracking. Then we went left - led to a dead end, and more backtracking. So, at least, it hardly seems to matter what we choose?" Varuthalla opines, heading down the right path, keeping an eye open for nastiness.
Perception if needed: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (13) + 13 = 26

"If I were designing a maze ..." says Gunnz.

"And I know people tend to try to keep left... or keep right. I'd have the path alternate through the maze. Also makes it easier to find my own way..."

She checks with Varuthalla. "So left was right.. that is correct the first time, and right was ahh correct the second time. Lets try left this time."

"Sure thing - a scale's as good as a scratch, in a maze like this." Varuthalla shrugs; she's fine to go any which way.
Left it is!

Using Gunnz's logic, you set down the left-side passage.

The tunnel conitnues to wind back and forth. you think its taking you closer towards the 'core' of the asteroid, but its difficult to tell in these warrens. One thing that you do notice is that the stonework around here seems slightly different that that you've seen before.

Hmm... interesting stonework!

DC30 Engineering: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (3) + 21 = 24 Sefel can't quite make out anything about it's distinctness.

Does anyone else recognize it?

Engineering: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (18) + 18 = 36
"It looks like these tunnels were once part of a mining operation - but the signs are old. Very old. Definitely hasn't been in use for decades."

<That explains much. Mining tunnels are less likely to collapse, so it's as good a path as any.>

"That would also explain the dwarves... they are renown miners. Odd that they would be using manual labor rather than bots for a task like this though.." mentions Gunnz.

Continuing on the tunnels do indeed seem more stable, but after another few minutes you come across a long-abandoned crate. Inside rest four vials mk 3 serums of healing each of which is etched with a symbol of an iron hammer.

Unfortunately shortly beyond the crate are a series of several brief tunnels, all of which again dead end. You can quickly double-back to the last intersection to continue down the opposite path...

The tunnel path continues to wind back and forth but after a few minutes down it it widens into a wider room. Another narrow opening sits at the other end of this roughly 60'x30' cavern. But as Troivayan is about to pass through into the room Gil-Oloth yells out a word of warning. In the walls of the chamber she notices five tiny apertures that looks vaguely like eyes, and there are minuscule motion sensors set about the space.

There seems to be a trap ahead, though you were able to spot it. Engineering might be able to disable it, though several checks would be needed (one for each 'eye')

Varuthalla would help Gil-Oloth or Sefel take a look at the vials.
Mysticism Aid: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
...but mostly she just gets in the way.

"Yikes - good eye, Gil-Oloth. Wouldn't want to set these off." She'll pull out her trapsmith's kit and get to work trying to ever-go-gently disable as much of the trap as she can.
Engineering: 1d20 + 18 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 18 + 4 = 34

DC21 Mysticism, symbol on healing serums: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (2) + 18 = 20 ...

Sefel can't quite make out what the symbol on the serums means, but he knows it has to be related to the dwarves. He can't let get of it for several minutes after, trying and trying to place it like something lost in his memory.

Well, I guess it was another dead-end anyway.

It's only when they reach the next, trapped, chamber that he gives up on it. To further refocus he attempts to help Varuthalla, carefully, with the trap.

Good eye indeed...

Engineering aid: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (2) + 21 = 23

Two 2s... to too tutu

If it cans help, GIl-Oloth see what's ethereal and invisible

Mysticism: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (7) + 16 = 23
Auto Aid on Engineering

The symbol is one of a forgotten dwarf god, Torag. Disappeared during the Gap. These tunnels are old indeed.

My Third one is open. Even when asleep, I'm always vigilant. says Gil-Oloth before going back into her half-asleep state.

With the aid of her allies (on top of her own considerable engineering skills) Varuthalla is able to temporarily shut off the motion sensors long enough to disable the first 'eye'. As she does so, the sylph notices several shadowy daggers within the walls, ready to launch. And with that first eye closed, she and the party are able to carefully continue until all five apertures are sealed and rendered harmless. Success! And while each eye needs a check, since you noticed them and with your skill mods (plus aiding) you could not fail to disable the rest in turn

With the chamber safe the six of you can cross it safely. And not long afterwards you find yourselves at...well at yet another intersection...

Sefel sighs.

Oh good, our prize is another "choice".

He peers down both tunnels.

DC30 Engineering: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (2) + 21 = 23 This can't keep happening...

Anybody else have a preference here?

engineering: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (5) + 16 = 21

"Good spotting on those eyes in the wall. Very creepy." notes Gunnz as she slips along near the front of the party.

Engineering: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (20) + 21 = 41

Opening an eye, Gil-Oloth says in a otherwordly voice We can't take the lef tunnel or Fate will fall on our heads!

Then after she opens her second, or third, eye, she adds in her normal voice This way. as she points toward the right tunnel.

"That rat is just delaying the inevitable!" grouses Troivayan as the effects of his excitant begin to wear off.

<I am less worried about fate than structural integrity, but let us follow your advice.>

Following Gil-Oloth's advice you head rightward.

After a short stretch the trail bifurcates again. No, more than that: you enter a section of the maze that is filled with crisscrossing tunnels. Making your way down and around the looping and intersecting openings you suddenly hear a noise, and Kosigan's senses begin tingling. Moving about in the tunnels ahead are a trio of ysoki. And they don't seem to have seen you yet!

New map posted. And you all have a SURPRISE ROUND ON THEM!

Initative (Surprise round)

something
Sefel (surprise round)
something
Gunnz (surprise round)
Gil-Oloth (surprise round)
Varuthalla (surprise round)
something
Troivayan (surprise round)
Kosigan (surprise round)

Troivayan staggers toward the ysoki, hands crackling with energy. "Get it done . . ." he mumbles to himself.

Move action to move forward and manifest solar weapon as part of the move.

Attuning 1 photon.

Faster than should be possible for a heavy weapon, (yay new feat being useful!) Varuthalla snaps her stormcaller, up and offensively. Then, she'll summon her meager technomantic dabblings into coherent magical intention, and casts Supercharge Weapon on it.
Alternatively, if either Sefel, Gunnz, or Gil-Oloth would want that Supercharge, she'd happily oblige - just say the word and it's yours.

In the instant that his companions spring into action, Sefel's danger sense goes off and he begins incanting a techno-arcane speed boost!

[standard] Cast haste; targeting: whole party; duration: 10 rounds

Gil-Oloth's couch moves, while the vines around it starts to sprung to life, in the middle of the crossroad allowing the elf to attack one of the Ysoki.

Gil-Oloth shoots at red.

Aphelion Laser Rifle vs EAC Red: 1d20 + 11 - 1 ⇒ (6) + 11 - 1 = 16
Damages, F&So: 3d6 + 9 ⇒ (4, 6, 1) + 9 = 20

The couch can make AoO within 10ft. with its Xenolash immature

Kosigan surges its nanites arrays swiftly so the sheath is less powerful, but it has a hammer and then moves toward the creature to the north.

<Hello.>

With the yoski unaware, Gunnz fires a quick shot into them.

stealth trick attack: 10 + 24 = 34
attack vs FF EAC: 1d20 + 15 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 15 + 2 = 21
damage: 2d6 + 5 ⇒ (3, 5) + 5 = 13
tricky damage?: 5d8 ⇒ (6, 4, 1, 2, 6) = 19 And bleed 10

Does Gunnz have a way to Trick Attack during a Surprise Round? Normally that is a Full action (though I have not played an operative at high level play myself and thus could easily be missing something)

Jumping to action, Sefel enhances the party and Varuthalla charges up her gun while Kosigan and Torivayan race ahead to get in the rats' faces. Gil-Oloth's shot misses her target but Gunnz's squarely strikes the enemy down the corridor.

The injured agent confronted by Cosgian stbas out at the khizar with its knife from the left. No, wait, it's a feint! The tricky strike hits the plant right in its knee joints, and Kosigan risks crumpling from the low blow.

Trick: 1d20 + 26 ⇒ (18) + 26 = 44
Strike v flat-footed: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (12) + 15 = 27 for Slashing: 2d4 + 8 ⇒ (2, 1) + 8 = 11 plus? 4d8 ⇒ (4, 2, 7, 6) = 19
Kosigan: I need a DC 19 Reflex save or else you’re knocked Prone

Initiative

red ysoki 13+(?) damage
Sefel, hasted
something
Gunnz, hasted
Gil-Oloth 24/45 SP hasted, fatigued
Varuthalla, hasted, gun supercharged
Something
Troivayan, hasted, fatigued, photon 1
Kosigan 78/108 SP, hasted, fatigued, need Reflex save

Reflex Save: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 7 + 1 = 19

Too occupied with its own offensive strategy, the khizar is knocked off-balance by the enemy, but its nanocytes keep it on its feet.

Thank you, secondary array!

oopse, no, so just a simple attack, which is likely a miss

It will still (just) hit even without the flat-footed. Less damage and no bleed though (so far at least)

Sefel begins thinking about what spells might help him here, but for now he seems to be out of view of most of the action. He draws his tactical autobeam rifle and moves into the tunnel to the right with Troivayan.

[move] Draw weapon
[move] 30 ft

Thank you, secondary array!

A wonderful array! But...is that save also including the penalty from being fatigued?

Sefel advances to support Troivayan And as Varuthalla points out in the discussion thread, you can draw a gun as part of moving (so long as you have at least +1 BAB, a bar all of you easily clear at this level) so it you'd like to have fired as well I'll gladly allow that retcon.

One of the two ratfolk the lashunta is moving towards darts to the right. In the dim light the solarion momentarily loses track of them, but their shot isn't quite true enough to get through Troivayan's durable armor even with him caught off-guard and tired.

Trick?: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (13) + 24 = 37
Strike: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (6) + 17 = 23 for Fire: 3d4 + 8 ⇒ (2, 2, 2) + 8 = 14 plus 4d8 ⇒ (3, 5, 8, 8) = 24

As the strike back and move about the tunnels, you all hear them squeak out to each other in ysoki.

Initiative

red ysoki damage
Sefel, hasted
blue ysoki
Gunnz, hasted
Gil-Oloth 24/45 SP hasted, fatigued
Varuthalla, hasted, gun supercharged
Something
Troivayan, hasted, fatigued, photon 1
Kosigan 78/108 SP, hasted, fatigued

Its nanites try to keep Kosigan upright, but just don't seem to have the energy...

Gunnz slips into the nearby shadows and takes a quick shot at the red rat.

tricky: 10 + 24 = 34
attack vs EACm,FF: 1d20 + 15 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 15 + 2 = 19
So damage: 2d6 + 5 ⇒ (4, 3) + 5 = 12
tricky damage: 5d8 ⇒ (4, 6, 6, 2, 2) = 20 Plus bleed 10

"Tricky little things aint they."

Hasted, Varuthalla pushes forwards behind Troivayan, and then leverages her stormcaller against her frame to really give the ysoki the what-for.
"Hey Laoites! Your maze sucks!"

I think that from where she is, Varuthalla can target both Blue and Green with her flexible line? I drew a teal line from her corner to Green's corner; it clips the edge of the cavern wall, but I think Green's still visible? I've never been entirely sure on how cover works with flexible lines (do you calculate cover based on the line's starting point, or the shooter's square) so I'll leave that call to you, GM Zoomba, on if Green has Cover or not :)

Stormcaller vs Blue & Green's EAC: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (1) + 15 = 16
E dmg, supercharged, heavy fire: 2d8 + 9 + 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (4, 3) + 9 + (5, 6) + 4 = 31

Yeeeaaaaah, t-shirt re-rolling that one (◔_◔) Thanks, Ghost Goblin Ale T-Shirt!
Reroll with Novas: 1d20 + 15 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 15 + 4 = 39

Ah yes, perfectly balanced XD Varuthalla's Unstoppable Line gear boost means she gets to choose which target in a line attack eats the crit; Green Dude in the shadows hanging around back feels more threatening, so, she'll go for that.
Crit dmg to Green: 2d8 + 9 + 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (6, 5) + 9 + (3, 3) + 4 = 30

I think that from where she is, Varuthalla can target both Blue and Green with her flexible line? I drew a teal line from her corner to Green's corner; it clips the edge of the cavern wall, but I think Green's still visible? I've never been entirely sure on how cover works with flexible lines (do you calculate cover based on the line's starting point, or the shooter's square) so I'll leave that call to you, GM Zoomba, on if Green has Cover or not :)

Yes, green is visible to you, and since for flexible lines any actual cover modifiers would be things in the line's path - in this case btw the 'green' and 'blue' ysoki presumably - you're good: there's nothing in between them right now :)

As Kosigan fall down, their tired joints finally giving way, Gunnz manages to trick her target just enough to clip them. The hit seems to have knicked an artery as a lot of blood is starting to bleed.

Meanwhile Varuthalla's gun generates two small storm clouds around the other ratfolk. A massive bolt of lightning arcs between them, jolting the nearer target but deeply shocking the more cloaked ysoki further down the tunnels.

Initiative

red ysoki damage 45 damage, bleeding 10
Sefel, hasted
blue ysoki 31 damage
Gunnz, hasted
Gil-Oloth 24/45 SP hasted, fatigued
Varuthalla, hasted, gun supercharged
green ysoki 61 damage
Troivayan, hasted, fatigued, photon 1
Kosigan 78/108 SP, hasted, fatigued, prone

The couch moves and its vines tries to attack the bleeding Ysoki.

Xenolash Immature vs KAC: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (11) + 11 = 22
Damages, S&A: 2d4 + 12 ⇒ (2, 2) + 12 = 16

Gil-Oloth from her couch shoots at the same target.

Sooo tiring...

Aphelion Laser Rifle vs EAC Red: 1d20 + 11 - 1 ⇒ (13) + 11 - 1 = 23
Damages, F&So: 3d6 + 9 ⇒ (5, 3, 1) + 9 = 18

Gil-Oloth's divan ambles forwards and strikes in tandem with Gil-Oloth herself. Together both strikes connect and that bleeding rat is looking a lot less lively than a few seconds ago.

Away from that fracas the cloaked ratfolk glares at Varuthalla and Troivayan in equal measure. Focusing for the moment on the burly human glowing and racing towards them they say Stay there a while. We will deal with you later before moving north.

Troivayan - I need a DC 19 Will save from you vs Hold Person!
(and even if you succeed, you'll take a –1 penalty to AC, attack rolls, and skill checks until the beginning of your next turn from the strain of fighting off the command)

Initiative

red ysoki damage 79 damage, bleeding 10
Sefel, hasted
blue ysoki 31 damage
Gunnz, hasted
Gil-Oloth 24/45 SP hasted, fatigued
Varuthalla, hasted, gun supercharged
green ysoki 61 damage
Troivayan, hasted, fatigued, photon 1, need Will save
Kosigan 78/108 SP, hasted, fatigued, prone

Troivayan's cackle as the ratfolk's spell fails to take hold is a little maniacal. The combination of stimulants in his system like the excitant and haste combined with his natural fatigue and the lingering remnants of the spell make for a strange cocktail! "I want you to see what I see!" he says cryptically, advancing on the foe.

Move action from haste and then full attack vs Blue.

Will save vs hold person: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27

Solar weapon # 1(fatigue, hold, full) vs Blue KAC: 1d20 + 17 - 1 - 1 - 3 ⇒ (18) + 17 - 1 - 1 - 3 = 30
damage (S) (photon): 6d6 + 16 + 3 ⇒ (4, 4, 2, 5, 2, 4) + 16 + 3 = 40

Solar weapon # 2(fatigue, hold, full) vs Blue KAC: 1d20 + 17 - 1 - 1 - 3 ⇒ (19) + 17 - 1 - 1 - 3 = 31
damage (S) (photon): 6d6 + 16 + 3 ⇒ (5, 3, 5, 3, 3, 2) + 16 + 3 = 40

Finishing my turn, since I forgot Sefel can draw while moving...

finish hasted movement, 30ft more
[standard] shoot at BLUE
tactical autobeam rifle attack BLUE, fire damage: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (11) + 13 = 245d4 ⇒ (4, 2, 1, 3, 4) = 14

The 'blue' ysoki - already struck by Sefels' shot as he advanced :) - is ravaged by Troivayan's quick pair of strikes. They crumble to the ground

Grandmother...I will join you soon...

Initiative

red ysoki damage 79 damage, bleeding 10
Sefel, hasted
blue ysoki
Gunnz, hasted
Gil-Oloth 24/45 SP hasted, fatigued
Varuthalla, hasted, gun supercharged
green ysoki 61 damage
Troivayan, hasted, fatigued, photon 1
Kosigan 78/108 SP, hasted, fatigued, prone

Kosigan rises and brings its hammer down upon the foe.

Paramangetic Storm Hammer: 1d20 + 14 - 1 ⇒ (4) + 14 - 1 = 17 vs. KAC
Bludgeoning and Electricity Damage: 3d6 + 14 ⇒ (6, 3, 4) + 14 = 27 (can be half/all converted to cold, electricity or fire)
Miss Chance if target not alive (both ≤ 50 = miss): 2d100 ⇒ (45, 2) = 47
plus bleeding 1d6 (Fort DC 20 negates)a

Well, near the foe at least.

Kosigan rises and swings but their hammer clangs against the tunnel wall as their target ducks. The foe slices back and cuts a few more stray branches from the khizar, but continues to bleed and looks fading.

Trick?: 1d20 + 26 ⇒ (18) + 26 = 44
Knife strike: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (16) + 15 = 31 for Slashing: 2d4 + 8 ⇒ (1, 1) + 8 = 10 plus 4d8 ⇒ (2, 3, 6, 1) = 12

Initiative

red ysoki damage 89 damage, bleeding 10
Sefel, hasted
blue ysoki
Gunnz, hasted
Gil-Oloth 24/45 SP hasted, fatigued
Varuthalla, hasted
green ysoki 61 damage
Troivayan, hasted, fatigued, photon 1
Kosigan 56/108 SP, hasted, fatigued

Slipping silently around the edge of the combat, Gunnz fires a second time at the yoski in red fur. Which is rapidly turning redder by the moment as the bleeding wound surely takes its toll.

trick: 10 + 24 = 34
atkj vs EAC: 1d20 + 15 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 15 + 2 = 34
So damage: 2d6 + 5 ⇒ (3, 4) + 5 = 12
sneaky damage: 5d8 ⇒ (6, 5, 6, 5, 7) = 29 Plus FF vs everyone

Gunnz's shot proves too much for her target. As they drop, they gurgle master...i fai... as they collapse, dead.

Initiative

red ysoki
Sefel, hasted
blue ysoki
Gunnz, hasted
Gil-Oloth 24/45 SP hasted, fatigued
Varuthalla, hasted
green ysoki 61 damage
Troivayan, hasted, fatigued, photon 1
Kosigan 56/108 SP, hasted, fatigued

Varuthalla (free action) drops her stormcaller, then hustles up and around to get a bead on Green, drawing her singularity cannon as she goes.
"Sorry, friend, but it's not your day," she says as she tries to angle a momentary microsingularity to pull Green closer to Gunnz.
Singularity Cannon vs AC 5: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (18) + 15 = 33
Force B dmg, heavy fire: 2d10 + 9 + 4 ⇒ (5, 1) + 9 + 4 = 19
(5 ft Explosion; Ref DC 21 for ½ dmg; if Green fails that, another Ref DC 21 or Varuthalla moves Green 10 ft away from her and towards Gunnz.)

Reflex v damage: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12
Reflex v movement: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15

An explosive rakes the remaining Laoite and sends her hurtling further down the tunnel.

Initiative

red ysoki
Sefel, hasted
blue ysoki
Gunnz, hasted
Gil-Oloth 24/45 SP hasted, fatigued
Varuthalla, hasted
green ysoki 80 damage
Troivayan, hasted, fatigued, photon 1
Kosigan 56/108 SP, hasted, fatigued

From the shadows Gunnz fires at the last of the yoski before retreating back into deeper shadow.

trickyness: 10 + 24 = 34
attack vs EAC,FF: 1d20 + 15 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 15 + 2 = 28
[So damage: 2d6 + 5 ⇒ (1, 3) + 5 = 9
trick damage: 5d8 ⇒ (5, 6, 2, 8, 7) = 28 Plus bleeed 10

Sefel jogs through the tunnels. When he comes to a junction he looks right, then left seeing Varuthalla. Moving past her he sees the last eligible target.

[move] 45 ft
[standard] shoot at GREEN
tactical autobeam rifle attack GREEN, fire damage: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (17) + 13 = 305d4 ⇒ (1, 1, 2, 2, 4) = 10