Male CG Human Ace Pilot Operative 13 | SP 104/104 HP 82/82 | RP 10/12 | EAC 32; KAC 33 | Fort +8; Ref +14; Will +11 | Init: +14 | Darkvision; Perc: +23, SM: +15 | Speed 70 ft. (Land, Fly) 40 ft. (Swim, Climb) | Active Conditions: none.
Maverick prepares to enter the next room when the others are ready. In the mean time he checks the open doorway for traps.
Perception:1d20 + 23 ⇒ (4) + 23 = 27
Does any of the damage Mav took in the game carry over to the real world?
I answer, oh dark Master! The corpse of Lecti responds Now that you have bested me, my allegiance lies with you!
DC 33 Sense Motive:
Yep, he's trolling you. The nerve.
Carlos can ask his six questions
In the last room, white lines cross the black floor, walls, and ceiling like a wireframe grid. The furniture in this room, which includes storage shelves and a bank of monitors, are outlined in the same way. Along the southern wall, the design contorts into a spiderweb that binds three patrons to the wall.
Male CG Human Ace Pilot Operative 13 | SP 104/104 HP 82/82 | RP 10/12 | EAC 32; KAC 33 | Fort +8; Ref +14; Will +11 | Init: +14 | Darkvision; Perc: +23, SM: +15 | Speed 70 ft. (Land, Fly) 40 ft. (Swim, Climb) | Active Conditions: none.
Male CG Human Ace Pilot Operative 13 | SP 104/104 HP 82/82 | RP 10/12 | EAC 32; KAC 33 | Fort +8; Ref +14; Will +11 | Init: +14 | Darkvision; Perc: +23, SM: +15 | Speed 70 ft. (Land, Fly) 40 ft. (Swim, Climb) | Active Conditions: none.
Oh, dark lord! Only to enable your transition to the other side! You have made me see the ways, I serve only your glory! Nothing would please me more than finally granting you the gift of death!
Male CG Human Ace Pilot Operative 13 | SP 104/104 HP 82/82 | RP 10/12 | EAC 32; KAC 33 | Fort +8; Ref +14; Will +11 | Init: +14 | Darkvision; Perc: +23, SM: +15 | Speed 70 ft. (Land, Fly) 40 ft. (Swim, Climb) | Active Conditions: none.
Maverick looks to see if there is a safe way to remove the patrons from the wall.
Male CG Human Ace Pilot Operative 13 | SP 104/104 HP 82/82 | RP 10/12 | EAC 32; KAC 33 | Fort +8; Ref +14; Will +11 | Init: +14 | Darkvision; Perc: +23, SM: +15 | Speed 70 ft. (Land, Fly) 40 ft. (Swim, Climb) | Active Conditions: none.
Will Save:1d20 + 11 ⇒ (1) + 11 = 12
He'll use his aeon stone to re-roll. If Mav used the aeon stone in the video game does that mean he's used it once already in a 24 hour period? I assume the game was virtual reality in terms of ammo expenditure, etc...
Virtual in terms of ammo expenditure, but real in terms of damage
Maybe the ambulance can't find the address?
Maverick spots something disturbing as he moves to the patrons
Maverick:
Maverick recognises the wireframe grid as a holographic projection, and can clearly make out three VR units along the south wall, which crowd this room. To the north, a wall of monitors displays footage of every corner of the arcade. A screen shows thumbnails of the VR games in process. The west wall is a window looking out onto the main arcade floor and the east wall is inset with shelving units stacked with cardboard boxes.
There's also a huge monstrous... object? What is that thing? Some grotesque flying saucer with several gaunt child-like figures visors sitting on it.
The three patrons in this room are wearing VR equipment attached to their heads and are mounted to the south wall, and they look to be hostile to the Starfinders.
Computers, Perception, or Sense Motive to know more about the patron
Male CG Human Ace Pilot Operative 13 | SP 104/104 HP 82/82 | RP 10/12 | EAC 32; KAC 33 | Fort +8; Ref +14; Will +11 | Init: +14 | Darkvision; Perc: +23, SM: +15 | Speed 70 ft. (Land, Fly) 40 ft. (Swim, Climb) | Active Conditions: none.
Perception:1d20 + 23 ⇒ (11) + 23 = 34
"We've got a situation here. I can't believe I'm saying this, but there is a UFO in this room ."
Male Ysoki Ace Pilot Mechanic 13 (SP 104/104) (HP 106/106) (EAC 26, KAC 28) (Fort +10, Ref +17, Will +6) (Init +13) (Perception +23)
Carlos, Buzz already claimed the head ;-) He intends to have it reanimated, and given an eternity of suffering on Eox - I think being locked in a buggy VR simulation of 'Pong' would be a suitable torment for a programmer!
Male CG Human Ace Pilot Operative 13 | SP 104/104 HP 82/82 | RP 10/12 | EAC 32; KAC 33 | Fort +8; Ref +14; Will +11 | Init: +14 | Darkvision; Perc: +23, SM: +15 | Speed 70 ft. (Land, Fly) 40 ft. (Swim, Climb) | Active Conditions: none.
Maverick activates his Mask of the Mantis. Allows him to see invisibility.
Gabbers has a hard time seeing through the illusion, but Buzz and Roquefort clearly see the ufo in the room (You can both read the 'Maverick' spoiler I posted earlier)
Gabbers looks at the movement of the patrons, and suspects they're not moving by their own will, but are being controlled somehow.
Male Ysoki Ace Pilot Mechanic 13 (SP 104/104) (HP 106/106) (EAC 26, KAC 28) (Fort +10, Ref +17, Will +6) (Init +13) (Perception +23)
Computers: 1d20 + 29 ⇒ (8) + 29 = 37.
Recognising what he presumes to be Grays, Buzz addresses them (first in Common, then repeating it in Aklo, just to be on the safe side).
"This particular experiment is a bust. Out of professional courtesy, and because I have a good connection with one of your people, I suggest that you pack up, and leave immediately. I strongly suggest that you don't ignore this recommendation - the authorities are on their way, and I know that your people like to avoid attention, when possible."
I fully expect them to ignore me, but that will act as a salve for my conscience; when someone tries to murder me, I feel less bad about obliterating them in return ;-)
Buzz also recognises that these patrons are controlled through their VR headsets, and his words have absolutely no effect.
He would be able to remove that headset, but it takes Computers, Engineering, or Sleight of Hand skill.
And a standard action. Since I've only seen talk, Buzz can still act.
Just a recap of the situation as you've figured it out: There a big saucer creature in the corner hidden behind an illusion, and three patron tethered with VR headset that don't seem to be moving on their own accord, but rather dominated by their VR headsets.
Male CG Human Ace Pilot Operative 13 | SP 104/104 HP 82/82 | RP 10/12 | EAC 32; KAC 33 | Fort +8; Ref +14; Will +11 | Init: +14 | Darkvision; Perc: +23, SM: +15 | Speed 70 ft. (Land, Fly) 40 ft. (Swim, Climb) | Active Conditions: none.
As Buzz and Roquefort begin to free the patrons Maverick levels his semi-auto pistol at the flying saucer.
"If our little green men make any sudden moves. I'm not asking any questions."
Readying an action to quad attack if the grays make any aggressive moves.
Male CG Human Ace Pilot Operative 13 | SP 104/104 HP 82/82 | RP 10/12 | EAC 32; KAC 33 | Fort +8; Ref +14; Will +11 | Init: +14 | Darkvision; Perc: +23, SM: +15 | Speed 70 ft. (Land, Fly) 40 ft. (Swim, Climb) | Active Conditions: none.
I checked the rules and I guess I can't ready a full action, so I'll have Mav just ready a standard attack. He will also use his move action to draw his needler pistol in his other hand.
Roquefort tugs hard at the cable, but the nasty little latches on the backside make it hard to remove. Buzz fares a lot better, and when he removes the headset, the connected patron just passes out, dropping to the floor prone, convulsing, but no longer any threat.
I need an action for Gabbers. One of the options is to spend a full round disbelieving and roll another will save (at +4)
Gabbers moves over, through the lined room and to the patron, and removes the headset, much to the same effect as before - the patron collapses to the floor, convulsing.
Those who can see the flying saucer see the little creature on it tap and adjust controls. The room distorts again, turning into a massive battlefield strewn with barbed wire. Artillery shells are exploding left and right and strange bi-planar flying machines are strafing the ground with machine gun fire
I need everybody except Roquefort to make a Will save vs DC 21. If you fail this save, make another one versus DC 23 or take 4d10 ⇒ (2, 2, 8, 1) = 13 damage
Gabbers personal comm unit bleeps up, and displays a message New Objective: get to the other side of the trench!
I need another, separate will save for Gabbers
The last patron turns into an old-fashioned cavalry soldier, and attacks Buzz with a sabre (Though Roquefort can see that this is actually a Buzzblade - a very appropriate weapon to attack Buzz with.)
Male CG Human Ace Pilot Operative 13 | SP 104/104 HP 82/82 | RP 10/12 | EAC 32; KAC 33 | Fort +8; Ref +14; Will +11 | Init: +14 | Darkvision; Perc: +23, SM: +15 | Speed 70 ft. (Land, Fly) 40 ft. (Swim, Climb) | Active Conditions: none.
Will Save:1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26
As soon as Maverick sees what the saucer people are doing he opens fire.
Male NG ysoki icon envoy 11 | SP 70/88 HP 68/68 | RP 8/10 | EAC 28; KAC 30; DR 2/- | Fort +5; Ref +12; Will +8 | Init: +9 | Perc: +11, darkvision 60 ft., SM: +15+1d6+2 | Speed 40ft | Expendables: Gelid Hail 20/20, Pulsecaster 20/20, Radshot 40/40, mk1 healing 5/5, mk2 healing 2/2, sp. amp. remove condition 2/2 | Active conditions: Con -1, -11 SP (
Will save:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13 Will save:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9
Okay, well, I assume I'm going to have to move across the trench, but let me know the parameters. Can I make a Medicine check to try first aid on the patron or anything?
Patron? You must mean that soldier on the ground, who has passed out from exertion. He seems to be alive, just completely exhausted from the ordeal. Once your comrades get him out of here, he'll likely recover. Meanwhile, artillery shell are exploding left and right, and the haunting sound of machine gun fire is interrupted by... WHAT THE HELL IS THAT DRAGON DOING UP THERE?
The group sees Gabbers pick up his datapad, and being horrible engrossed by an 8-bit game that seems to involve jumping over barbed wire fences while explosions blasts left and right. There's also a pixelated dragon flying overhead.
Carlos' steeled mind avoids being sucked into the same game. Buzz and Roquefort yank at the cable, and Roquefort finally finds the VGA cable, unscrews those old-fashioned thumb screws, and frees the final patron.
Maverick guns away at the flying saucer monster, and pierces the little creatures sitting on top of it several times. Every time he scores a hit, they little VR-covered men seem to hiss in unison, betraying a common control.
Gabbers can choose to ignore the game and make a normal action, or spend a round trying to make a will save
The saucer men charge up and arcs of electricity jump at Maverick
---
Carlos [Saved vs room]
---
Buzz [Saved vs room]
Gabbers [Not Saved vs room; in a game]
Maverick [Saved vs room]
Roquefort [True Seeing]
---
Big Saucer (65)
Patron (Detached)
Patron (Detached)
Patron (Detached)
---
m CN halfling (necrograft) Shadow Mystic 13 [Spacefarer] | sp 111/111 | hp 80/80 | rp 9/12 | EAC 28 KAC 29 | F+8 R+10 W+16 [+2 mind effects or +4 vs fear] | resist Sonic 5 Cold 10 | Init +5 [DISADV] | Perc +24 | DV60' | Stealth +25 [+4 in shadow] | Spells L1 3/6 L2 5/6 L3 5/6 L4 3/4 L5 3/3 | Shadow Weaver 11/12 | Concealment 20% (+), Resistant Armor (DR10/-) & See Invis (130 min both)
Pain is an eternity. Eternity is me. There has never been a time when I was not and there will never be a time when I will not be. So as the pain was and will be with you forever.
Pronouncing ritual words that resonate in everyone's soul as something deep, embedded in the original dna and at the same time very chthonic, Carlos clenches his hand into a fist and blood begins to flow from his clenched fingers.
At the same time, the little monsters on the platform begin to drop dead...
Soul Surge spell, -21HP to me & 21d8 ⇒ (3, 3, 3, 6, 8, 3, 8, 4, 4, 3, 5, 2, 5, 4, 8, 7, 4, 3, 4, 5, 1) = 93 to them with no save or SR UPD I missed that there is an attack roll: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (17) + 16 = 33 vs EAC Sweet .)
sp77 | hp68 | rp 11 | EAC 31 KAC 31| fort +7 ref +13, will +12 | init +14| Perc 23 (31v Traps) (DV)/ Ysoki Op (Detective) 10 Forensics Master Hireling - Life Sci/Physical Sci/Mysticism (+19)
Roquefort pauses in a strange expression of admiration of Carlos "You beautiful monster" he mutters as he beholds the raw otherworldly tapestry-inspired mind scourge of the saucer creature.
Male CG Human Ace Pilot Operative 13 | SP 104/104 HP 82/82 | RP 10/12 | EAC 32; KAC 33 | Fort +8; Ref +14; Will +11 | Init: +14 | Darkvision; Perc: +23, SM: +15 | Speed 70 ft. (Land, Fly) 40 ft. (Swim, Climb) | Active Conditions: none.
Electricity arcs all around Maverick, but none of it actually touches him.
He doesn't know what to think about his teammates antics, so he just sends another barrage of explosive rounds at the saucer.
Buzz hits the metal underside of the saucer, which is heavily armored and deflects the blast. Nothing can save it from Carlos, though, who sacrifices his own well-being to impede that of the monster in the room. With a shriek, the daemonic creature takes the hit, screaming so loudly that Roquefort is thrown off-target.
Maverick's sprak of fire strafes the remaining minions on the top of the saucer, and when he is finished riddling the gaunt kid-like appearances with holes, the saucer floats, motionless, without any residual activity.
Combat over!
As Gabber's game cuts out, the prone patrons slowly return to consciousness Whoa, that was really realistic one says, hey, are you part of the promo team? You are dressed up just like that slayer in this demo game...
Exactly ten minutes and 24 seconds after the call to station security, the first forces arrive on the scene. What happened here? a rookie security officer asks, clearly a bit out of his depth, while a more veteran officer remarks ah, I've seen this too many times. I'm getting too old for this... He looks at the group for an explanation.
Game almost done! Can you all roll day jobs if you have them?
Male NG ysoki icon envoy 11 | SP 70/88 HP 68/68 | RP 8/10 | EAC 28; KAC 30; DR 2/- | Fort +5; Ref +12; Will +8 | Init: +9 | Perc: +11, darkvision 60 ft., SM: +15+1d6+2 | Speed 40ft | Expendables: Gelid Hail 20/20, Pulsecaster 20/20, Radshot 40/40, mk1 healing 5/5, mk2 healing 2/2, sp. amp. remove condition 2/2 | Active conditions: Con -1, -11 SP (
Gab seems disoriented as the game cuts out, shaking his head. "Man, that game was really addictive..." Already, though, he's thinking, and begins making notes in his wrist computer for his next comedy set.
"Well officer, seems a few people went rogue and enslaved the minds of innocent gamers to suck the life force out of them - almost the perfect cover...almost. The ringleader has been eliminated, but we will be chasing up some further leads" Roquefort hands over a business card "Call if you need help"
Roquefort ensures the victims are getting sufficient medical attention, then completes a painstakingly thorough investigation of the scene to ensure no stone is left unturned.
Male CG Human Ace Pilot Operative 13 | SP 104/104 HP 82/82 | RP 10/12 | EAC 32; KAC 33 | Fort +8; Ref +14; Will +11 | Init: +14 | Darkvision; Perc: +23, SM: +15 | Speed 70 ft. (Land, Fly) 40 ft. (Swim, Climb) | Active Conditions: none.
Profession: Top Gun Instructor:1d20 + 28 ⇒ (19) + 28 = 47Mav has a boon that allows him to multiply his day job result by four to determine his final amount of credits.
Maverick goes to take a closer look at the flying saucer. His natural interest in flying machines of course makes him curious about the UFO.
m CN halfling (necrograft) Shadow Mystic 13 [Spacefarer] | sp 111/111 | hp 80/80 | rp 9/12 | EAC 28 KAC 29 | F+8 R+10 W+16 [+2 mind effects or +4 vs fear] | resist Sonic 5 Cold 10 | Init +5 [DISADV] | Perc +24 | DV60' | Stealth +25 [+4 in shadow] | Spells L1 3/6 L2 5/6 L3 5/6 L4 3/4 L5 3/3 | Shadow Weaver 11/12 | Concealment 20% (+), Resistant Armor (DR10/-) & See Invis (130 min both)
Carlos will study the bodies of the dead little monsters for some time, checking that each of them is dead. The check looks like a control headshot, but it is done so slowly that it looks more like some kind of gloomy dynamic meditation.
When he finishes, he looks around and sees Roquefort, who communicates with the guards and quietly says to himself, He has not yet been swallowed up by darkness... How he's holding up?... However, this is temporary... He'll be here, alone, forever... Like me.
With these words, the yellow figure with tentacles under the cape throws on himself cloak of shadows and leaves in way only he knows...
No dayjob. Thank you for the wonderful game, Kludde! Thanks to all the players. Shall we go fight Azlanti? .)
Thanks a lot for helping, citizen. We'll take it from here The security squad takes over the scene after some questioning, and in the aftermath it becomes clear that the monstrous creature hiding in the back was an alorbidaemon.
---
Not a devil (doesn't smell of sulphur) or a demon (doesn't smell of brimstone), but a daemon (yugoloth in the old tongue), the unpredictable, neutral power brokers of the lower planes.
The Alorbidaemon feeds on the life-force of unsuspecting victims by engaging them in fictional scenarios, gaining energy by feeding to the wild fantasy of the players, while keeping them engaged in an endless loop of games.
I plead the fifth
Alorbidaemons are a more powerful version of Alucidaemon, 'loths created by the death of victims who neglected themselves while playing video games. Alorbidaemons look like the amalgamation of several Alucidaemons, each one of them seemingly engrossed in a virtual reality game, and together having the power to distort reality itself around it, providing deadly entertainment to unsuspecting victims.
--- Manual of the lower planes, publisher redacted
