Pogo only has two skills that have a chance of a high result: engineering and medicine. He'll start with engineering. He'll explain how our weapons took the Fermawr down while we took only minor wounds. "These and other weapons can be yours if you enter into trade with our worlds. Don't throw that all away in anger over your inability to deal with the predators of your world." Engineering:1d20 + 11 ⇒ (11) + 11 = 22
Male Ze/Zim LN Contemplative Cyberbourn Technomancer (enhanced) 1 EAC 11, KAC 12|SP 5/5 HP 6/7|RP 4/5|Fort -1, Ref +0, Will +5|Init: +0 | Perc: +4| Speed 30 ft average fly base speed 5|Spells: 1st 0/2| Active conditions: None.
Asgrok's actions:
1st choice, if allowed would like to use Profession Philosopher to go over the Starfinder Society's Philosophy on dealing with other cultures to show that respecting of ixtli culture and way of life and that of any culture we encounter is at the foundation of what we believe in.
Profession Philosopher:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13 "The Starfinder Socity believes that all cultures should be respected."
2nd choice, if I can't use Profession Philosopher the only skill I have on the list is engineering.
Engineering:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23
Besides the weapons, Pogo mentioned there are things like electric fences and sensors that could help keep them out or give you an early warning when they start to get closer."[/b]
Male LG human law officer soldier (guard) 3 | SP 12/27 HP 25/25 | RP 2/3 | EAC 13; KAC 15 | Fort +5; Ref +3; Will +4 | Init: +6 | Perc: +2, SM: +5 | Speed 30 ft | Expendables: Gauntlet Charge: 20/20 | Active conditions: None.
Was there any option for a 10-minute rest before we came out with Hetta?
Wilson surveys the crowd in front of them, assessing the situation and offering whispered advice to the others about how best to proceed, who to watch out for, and so on.
Male Ze/Zim LN Contemplative Cyberbourn Technomancer (enhanced) 1 EAC 11, KAC 12|SP 5/5 HP 6/7|RP 4/5|Fort -1, Ref +0, Will +5|Init: +0 | Perc: +4| Speed 30 ft average fly base speed 5|Spells: 1st 0/2| Active conditions: None.
Asgrok tries to find similarities between ixtli faith and common faiths in the Pact Worlds
Mysticism:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7 "The foundation of faith is almost the same in most cultures."
Male LG human law officer soldier (guard) 3 | SP 12/27 HP 25/25 | RP 2/3 | EAC 13; KAC 15 | Fort +5; Ref +3; Will +4 | Init: +6 | Perc: +2, SM: +5 | Speed 30 ft | Expendables: Gauntlet Charge: 20/20 | Active conditions: None.
Wilson tries to also offer some information on the helpfulness of Pact World technology.
Pogo points out how the wounds suffered by their kith were those of a wild beast, whereas he and his fellow starfinders have weapons that leave very different wounds.
Male Ze/Zim LN Contemplative Cyberbourn Technomancer (enhanced) 1 EAC 11, KAC 12|SP 5/5 HP 6/7|RP 4/5|Fort -1, Ref +0, Will +5|Init: +0 | Perc: +4| Speed 30 ft average fly base speed 5|Spells: 1st 0/2| Active conditions: None.
"Another way our technology could help you avoid or hunt the predators here is the use of flying vehicles, this way you can move around and never be in the range of danger from predators on the ground." Engineering:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21
Pogo is running out of ideas on how to placate the mob. He falls back on hoping they can see reason.
"If you really want to be rid of us, let us look for Envar and hustle him away. If you kill us, our organization will be forced to send a rescue squad and then you'll just have more of our kind to deal with."
Male LG human law officer soldier (guard) 3 | SP 12/27 HP 25/25 | RP 2/3 | EAC 13; KAC 15 | Fort +5; Ref +3; Will +4 | Init: +6 | Perc: +2, SM: +5 | Speed 30 ft | Expendables: Gauntlet Charge: 20/20 | Active conditions: None.
Wilson continues showing off tech.
Engineering:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14
NG Nuar Law Officer Robot Dad Nanocyte 3 | 30/30 SP 24/24 HP 4/4 RP | EAC 14 KAC 16 | Fort: +6 Ref: +2 Will: +4, +1 vs bleed, disease, poison, sleep | Perc +8/+10 Sense Motive +10 Darkvision 60 ft | Stealth +1/+3 Speed 30 | Nanite Surge 4/4 | Current form: Crafty | Active Conditions: None
Oshari, sensing that whatever the outcome, the negotiations seem to be coming to an end, hopes to add some about how their gear was able to defeat the beast that attacked their people, and perhaps it could be of use in the future (when used safely).
Oshari gives his own lecture about how to safely use Pact Worlds technology, and the last of the rage seems to drain from the crowd.
8 Negotiation points is enough to earn the maximum rewards for this encounter, so no need to continue.
The mid-afternoon sun abruptly disappears. Rukos’ fingers tense around their spear defensively. A vast shape moves across the sky, blotting out all light. Rukos’ eyes grow wide. “Katura!” They murmur. “Behold, the Dark Hunter’s greatest servant.” Turning, Rukos waves to their fellow ixtli. “Get back home, now!”
At their words, the crowd disperses and ixtli scramble away from the cave, expertly dodging their way through the rocks. “You say that you’re not a threat to us?” asks Rukos. “Then let your actions show if that’s true or not. Prove yourselves, now!” Rukos hurries after the group, running back in the direction of the ixtli’s home tunnels—chased by the shadow of the great, eellike predator writhing through the sky above.
At this point, you can hurry to your starship, seek out the Triumvirate, or try to find other cover for yourselves.
If the Starfinders can get to their ship, Pogo is in favor of using the ship's weapons on the beastie or if nothing else, search for other signs of Envar.
Male Ze/Zim LN Contemplative Cyberbourn Technomancer (enhanced) 1 EAC 11, KAC 12|SP 5/5 HP 6/7|RP 4/5|Fort -1, Ref +0, Will +5|Init: +0 | Perc: +4| Speed 30 ft average fly base speed 5|Spells: 1st 0/2| Active conditions: None.
Is Katura something we can fight from our starship?
"Not today." Asgrok says just in case it works.
"Not counting on that saying working so we need a backup plan quick. If we can fight this Katura from our spaceship that might help change their opinion of us."
Male LG human law officer soldier (guard) 3 | SP 12/27 HP 25/25 | RP 2/3 | EAC 13; KAC 15 | Fort +5; Ref +3; Will +4 | Init: +6 | Perc: +2, SM: +5 | Speed 30 ft | Expendables: Gauntlet Charge: 20/20 | Active conditions: None.
If it looks like they can ge to the ship, then Wilson spurs Domehead to run in that direction as quickly as possible.
The Starfinders rush to the ship. It takes about 10 minutes, but the katura is too busy with the town to notice them until they take off.
This combat uses the Starships in Atmosphere rules, which limits your maximum safe speed and may have other effects. You begin in the lowest layer and the atmosphere is normal, so you will take 6 HP damage for every hex beyond 1 you move in a round.
The creature turns to the Starfinders. It looks like you will have a fairer fight against it this time around.
Male LG human law officer soldier (guard) 3 | SP 12/27 HP 25/25 | RP 2/3 | EAC 13; KAC 15 | Fort +5; Ref +3; Will +4 | Init: +6 | Perc: +2, SM: +5 | Speed 30 ft | Expendables: Gauntlet Charge: 20/20 | Active conditions: None.
Wilson takes a position as Chief Mate, starting by doing what he can to give more maneuverability to the pilot. (Who I assume will be Pogo.)
Pogo takes the pilot station and concentrates on maneuvering the ship to give it an advantageous attack position. His choices are limited by the need to move slowly through the atmosphere.
Not a lot of choice with a maximum move of 1. Pogo will move 1 hex forward. The turret coilgun has a range of 20, so wherever the creature moves it should be in close range.
With this limited movement rate, Wilson might want to ret-con the Chief Mate action, as I don't think it really helps to give it more maneuverability, at this point, at any rate. The fore cannon has a range of 5, so it will be at -4 to hit, but if we can have a gunner in both the turret and fore port, we could take both shots and hope to get lucky on the cannon shot. That's assuming the creature doesn't move out of the fore gunner arc.
Male Ze/Zim LN Contemplative Cyberbourn Technomancer (enhanced) 1 EAC 11, KAC 12|SP 5/5 HP 6/7|RP 4/5|Fort -1, Ref +0, Will +5|Init: +0 | Perc: +4| Speed 30 ft average fly base speed 5|Spells: 1st 0/2| Active conditions: None.
Options for gunners
Wilson +5? (dex + piloting ranks)
Pogo +4
Oshari +1
Asgrok +0
I almost wonder if Oshari should pilot since we can only move 1 per turn, although that might depend on how fast the Katura moves, and how it attacks.
Are we still in round 1? The Katura is in range of our coil gun. Do we get an attack roll? If Wilson and Pogo have used their actions then Oshiri should make the attack roll this round.
Having a high piloting skill increases the chance of winning initiative. But if others wish it, Pogo can shift to the turret for round 2 if Oshiri wants to take the piloting role.
NG Nuar Law Officer Robot Dad Nanocyte 3 | 30/30 SP 24/24 HP 4/4 RP | EAC 14 KAC 16 | Fort: +6 Ref: +2 Will: +4, +1 vs bleed, disease, poison, sleep | Perc +8/+10 Sense Motive +10 Darkvision 60 ft | Stealth +1/+3 Speed 30 | Nanite Surge 4/4 | Current form: Crafty | Active Conditions: None
Oshari, caught in the rush of Starfinders taking positions, finds his way to the gunnery chair, despite the fact that his hands are too large for the controls.
Pogo suggests Wilson move to the coilgun controls, Oshari move to the Engineering station, with Pogo and Asgrok maintaining the roles of pilot and science officer. If/when the creature gets within close range, we can consider shifting someone to forward EMP Cannon, if we think an EMP will affect the creature.
There is a link in Pogo's header to a copy of the Azata Control Sheet. I'll update it if/when we take damage or make other changes. Has anyone made a life science roll to see if we know anything helpful about this creature? We need to know if the EMP weapon can affect it. It normally affects things like computer systems, but it might affect the brain of a creature, I suppose.
Also, the ship's computer gives a +1 to any three rolls plus +1 to piloting, so add that in when you make a roll.
"It's climbing! That's good! The atmosphere is thinner and we can maneuver better and go faster."
Pogo is still fighting the atmosphere, something the creature is apparently well evolved to move through. Pogo increases the speed and continues to close on the Katura. Moved ship two hexes forward.
Male Ze/Zim LN Contemplative Cyberbourn Technomancer (enhanced) 1 EAC 11, KAC 12|SP 5/5 HP 6/7|RP 4/5|Fort -1, Ref +0, Will +5|Init: +0 | Perc: +4| Speed 30 ft average fly base speed 5|Spells: 1st 0/2| Active conditions: None.
First time playing Science Officer against a living creature. When, how is life science used is it part of using the scanners or just a check on its own? Looks like it might be best as a minor crew action similar to Visual Identification. Do scanners even work on Living creatures?
I don't see anything that would allow it, and you already made life science checks to identify it on the ground. Still Computers to get any additional useful information. And it does have stats like a starship, so you will learn things if you are successful.
Male Ze/Zim LN Contemplative Cyberbourn Technomancer (enhanced) 1 EAC 11, KAC 12|SP 5/5 HP 6/7|RP 4/5|Fort -1, Ref +0, Will +5|Init: +0 | Perc: +4| Speed 30 ft average fly base speed 5|Spells: 1st 0/2| Active conditions: None.
"I'm not sure if it has a ranged attack, or it would have attacked us already, if it doesn't have a ranged attack it might be best to keep our distance and use our long-range weapons. I got a bad feeling about what could happen if it gets its tentacles wrapped around our ship. Scanning now to double check."
Helm phase: Asgrok tries to scan the Katura again to see what else we can learn.
Pogo says, "I'll try to make it chase us and hope we can keep it following by while staying out of reach so we can hit it with the coil gun. Oshiri, how about you fire the EMP cannon at it while we are facing it, since there isn't much you can do at engineering at the moment. I'm going to do a flip and burn in a moment."
The EMP Cannon is at -2 for range, but gets +1 from the ship computer, so it's worth a shot, so to speak, just in case it does affect it. We were supposed to get a gunnery check last round from Wilson. Then we need another for this round.
Since we have seen it, can we know what range the tentacles reach in terms of starship combat hexes?
"Melee" weapons in starship combat usually have a reach of 1 hex. You would need a scan that includes weapons to get more detail.
Asgrok determines the following information about the katura:
The katura is a small starship magical beast. No crew, speed 10, maneuverability good (turn 1). AC 15, TL 14, HP 35/35, shields - fore 15/15, port 10/10, starboard 10/10, aft 15/15. Core PCU n/a.
Male LG human law officer soldier (guard) 3 | SP 12/27 HP 25/25 | RP 2/3 | EAC 13; KAC 15 | Fort +5; Ref +3; Will +4 | Init: +6 | Perc: +2, SM: +5 | Speed 30 ft | Expendables: Gauntlet Charge: 20/20 | Active conditions: None.
Wilson fires the coilgun, using the ship's targetting computer to try to get a lock on the target.
Can we turn at level 2 and then descend to level 1 to be in a position to attack or do we need to descend first and take the penalties to movement? Can we fire on it from higher altitude, perhaps with some kind of stunt? Not sure how much altitude changes for the different levels. They can move first and Pogo will try a stunt to change direction and let it chase us, since our EMP cannon is not likely to help. Oshari may as well return to Engineering.
Titanic Slam (Ex) Once every 1d4 rounds, the katura can make an attack that deals 4d6 damage on a hit to a ship that is adjacent and in its forward arc.
Male Ze/Zim LN Contemplative Cyberbourn Technomancer (enhanced) 1 EAC 11, KAC 12|SP 5/5 HP 6/7|RP 4/5|Fort -1, Ref +0, Will +5|Init: +0 | Perc: +4| Speed 30 ft average fly base speed 5|Spells: 1st 0/2| Active conditions: None.
Asgrok's brain swells up a bit, a sure sign of a nervous Contemplative.
"This thing has more reach than I thought, 10 is a long tendril! and I think it's about to slam us if we get too close and are in its forward arc."
NG Nuar Law Officer Robot Dad Nanocyte 3 | 30/30 SP 24/24 HP 4/4 RP | EAC 14 KAC 16 | Fort: +6 Ref: +2 Will: +4, +1 vs bleed, disease, poison, sleep | Perc +8/+10 Sense Motive +10 Darkvision 60 ft | Stealth +1/+3 Speed 30 | Nanite Surge 4/4 | Current form: Crafty | Active Conditions: None
Oshari tries to divert power to the coilgun, staying just in the edge of safety regulations. "We're not gonna be able to go any faster at this height, so let's try and get as much out of this shot as we can."
Engineering, Divert Power to weapons:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15
Has the Katura moved for the upcoming round? Also, is it limited by the atmosphere as we are, movement of 1 at lowest altitude? It looks like we won't be able to avoid the tentacles, but we can try to avoid the slam attack. I'll move our ship once I'm told that the katura has moved for this round, since our initiative was higher.
Pogo tells everyone to hold onto something. He moves forward and then hits the directional thrusters full blast to rotate the ship 180°. Flip and burn stunt. Then he descends to the katura's level. "Fire when ready! I'll keep us ahead of it."
Piloting:1d20 + 11 ⇒ (20) + 11 = 31
From this point on, I suspect we'll just be trading attacks with no change in relative positions. It may be possible to predict the outgome given the gunnery rolls and likely damage done.
Male LG human law officer soldier (guard) 3 | SP 12/27 HP 25/25 | RP 2/3 | EAC 13; KAC 15 | Fort +5; Ref +3; Will +4 | Init: +6 | Perc: +2, SM: +5 | Speed 30 ft | Expendables: Gauntlet Charge: 20/20 | Active conditions: None.
Wilson again fires the coilgun with the help of the targeting computer.
