[SFS] 6-15 Extraction from Azlanti Space (Inactive)

Game Master Kludde

Earlier

Speaking to the vesk in vesk, "Я знаю, что виски веск довольно крепкий, но пробовали ли вы пинту хорошего гномьего эля?"

In the present.

"Ad cursum navis nostrae."

He shows them his counterfeit ID card and then tells them the password.

Troivayan bristles at the Azlanti guards' question. He hates bullies (forgetting that sometimes, when he's in a bad mood or has taken the wrong cocktail, he becomes one). The shadowy mote of energy that trails behind him begins to subtly crackle with energy as he clenches his fists. If these jerks give us a hassle, subtlety or no subtlety, I'm going to shove their stupid helmets up their . . .

Kōlēfō is in on the game these guards are playing: they're just making a bit of show, but have no intent of causing any issues. They're just looking for a good laugh in startling some newcomers. When Benoit shows the ID card and tells the password, the guards break into a smile and confirm what Kōlēfō knew all along hah, we're just joking around with you, we had you good there, didn't we?

Go on, you're cleared to depart! the guards says, much more jovial than before.

On board the ship, the group finds the navigation computer already has coordinates pre-entered for Eronesse on New Thespera.

It's three days of travel deeper into Azlanti territory. New Thespera from orbit is a complicated grid of landmasses, massive structures, and floating vehicles. Warships of various sizes form an intimidating mesh in patches of the planet’s orbit. There’s not much time to absorb the sight of the planet before a gravelly voice flatly intones over the ship’s comms, “State your business and registration number.”

Benoit is drinking another cup of coffee, but he still is able to give the Azlanti the the ship's registration number.

"Venimus traditionem exciperent."

Vetus est, sed coercet

After a few terse moments, the Forlorn Departure is allowed to proceed to Eronesse.

Nothing in Eronesse moves at a modest pace. Not the space lanes or the airport or the people on the streets. The only constant is the churn of movement, the dazzling lights and the curved Azlanti skyline. Eronesse offers no rest to the senses of its visitors.

In contrast to Atuity, there are very few non-Azlanti anywhere that are not in a position of service or deference to the Azlanti citizens. Many seem resentful, but most seem resigned. The Azlanti they serve seem not to notice or care at all, keeping to their hectic activities and imbuing the streets with frenetic energy.

The group has some basic information on locations on Eronesse regarding where to look for Felthaum: they know the location of his apartment, and they know where he used to work: the Ministry of Citizenship. They also know the designated extraction point where Felthaum was supposed to wait, a cafe and lounge called Conqueror’s Rest.

Each of these is about an hour away. Where do you want to head first?

"Let's start at his apartment." Q-K suggests.

She fiddles with her holoskin, cycling thru several personas - drow (seen before), elf, human, azlanti, kalo, & cave vest.

"D'ya think that the Azlanti skin will be too much?"

"We should have at least one 'Azlanti' with us. It would be unusual for there to be a group of servants with no master."

Kōlēfō creates himself a cover identity as an imported curiosity whose role is probably not to whisper 'memento mori' to his boss.

Disguise: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (11) + 23 = 34 enhanced by disguise kit, vocal modulator, Master of Disguise exploit and Fool Detection ability

He will also assist anyone else who wants to look like they fit in.

"Before we head anywhere," Orion mentions "A city like this must have a thriving marketplace. Could we swing by to purchase a few spell gems?"

If possible to do so GM, Orion will gladly purchase spell gems of shared language for the whole party that needs them (four of us I think?). Give Benoit a break from being our only communicator.

After that, he thinks looking at the apartment first makes sense.

Quantum-K also speaks Azlanti

Felthaum’s house is in the middle of a neighborhood of small stone domes. The houses each have perfectly trimmed lawns and immaculate landscaping. The steady hum and whirr of maintenance robots on the adjacent properties seems to be the cause of all the orderly appearances.

The neighborhood looks to be well-kempt, and Felthaum's lot is no exception. The group soon sees some neighbours walking about. Ave cives. Te non vidi prius. Quomodo fruens vicinia?

If you interact, please roll a diplomacy check

Quantum-K gives the neighborhood a close look, then nods appreciatively.

"Salve civis. Vicinitas tua bene conservata est. Tua civilis superbia constat.

"Ave civica virtus in me multum habeo. Una cum cervisia nanorum lagena."

Haha! Bene dictum, brevis aliena. Vos uti possumus! Ex quo Felthaum discessit, partes viciniae nostrae satis taediosae fuerunt!

"Neminem delectat factio hebes. Felthaum est quem quaerimus — num memorant quo ibant?

Nescio. Abhinc menses reliquit, sed ordine servato domum suam.

Do you want to go to investigate the house?

yes

"Hmmm. Adventus noster aliquid ex improviso est. Fortasse nuntium nobis intus reliquit."

"Nostram gratiam pro tuo tempore. Non te ulterius perturbent conabimur." Orion adds.

I am posting assuming we were able to acquire those spell gems. If not, let me know GM.

Happy to take a look around (and possibly in) the house

Yes, you can just record the expenses for the spell gems, they were available

The group decides to have a look in the house, which doesn't seem to be anu cause for alarm from the neighborhood at all. The inside of the apartment has been completely turned over, and everything of use has been taken.

There's also an abstract painting of a bottle of wine, with a border of strange cyphers.

Culture and/or Sense Motive to know more

There are some more books and puzzles scattered about Felthaum’s bedroom, which contain highlighted passages and codewords that - to the trained eye - look like Starfinder cyphers.

Culture or Mysticism to decipher

Troivayan disappears into the bathroom and returns looking focussed--perhaps even a little manic.

Using a Tier 1 Excitant.

I'll use my 1/day theme benefit for a small bonus on the Mysticism roll below.

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16
Mysticism (+theme): 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 12 + 2 = 33

Searching houses is much more fun than pretending to be a servant.

Perception: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (5) + 18 = 23

He orders his hireling to work on the codes.

Culture, Wine: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (20) + 19 = 39
Culture, Puzzles: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (10) + 19 = 29

Perception: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (14) + 18 = 32

Perception: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (8) + 14 = 22
Wine Culture: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (9) + 19 = 28
Puzzle Culture: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (15) + 19 = 34

Orion moves carefully around the tossed residence as he looks. "It's good to see the Azlanti 'hospitality' towards their neighbors." he notes dryly. "They enjoyed Felthaum's presence as an exotic novelty, yet lifted no finger to notice his home had been robbed."

Perception: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (20) + 17 = 37

Culture for the wine: 1d20 + 20 + 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 20 + (6) + 2 = 36
SM for the wine: 1d20 + 15 + 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 15 + (6) + 2 = 38

Culture for the cipher: 1d20 + 20 + 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 20 + (2) + 2 = 34

After ensuring that no nosy neighbors are lurking about, Q-K pops open the cache hidden under Felthaum's bed.

"He didn't get a chance to grab his go-bag."

The secodn lieutenant quickly point out that the ciphers around the painting translate to form a phrase. It says, “Ghwenti Ghanti—I eat grapes on the hills, I like drapes and frills.” With cyphers typical of the Society, this would be someone’s name followed by a secret passphrase.

Troiyvayan is on something, but also onto something: it looks like Felthaum was researching a Lissalan cult called the Seven Stars. Felthaum notes that the cult is a great danger to the Pact Worlds, but doesn’t mention the nature of the threat. There's also a hidden, mostly empty note about something called the “Sihedron Guard,” though the note raises many questions without providing any answers.

Suddenly, four sleek, gunmetal gray robots burst into Felthaum’s home, coming to an abrupt halt as they survey the interior. There is a loud click from each as their chassis opens and lifts, transforming into hulking bipedal robots. “Your lack of compliance has been noted. Pacify intruders,” they say flatly as they trudge forward.

Can you all put your token somewhere in the dotted box?

---
Quantum K
Troivaiyan
Kōlēfō
Orion
Benoit
---
Robot
Robot
Robot
Robot
---

"Good work Kvadroz" Orion says as the vesk ally translates the cipher about the painting. "Perhaps they might be a con-"

The android cuts off his words as Felthaum's abode is abruptly crashed by four aggressive arrivals.

"We need to drop them swiftly and leave. More people will notice this." Orion says as he begins to glow. moving up toward one of the robots and possibly provoking from Pink in doing so the dark mote that had been floating around him flies to his hand and hardens into a black sharp spear. He stabs out at the machine

Attack v Pink KAC: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (4) + 21 = 25 for Piercing damage: 7d6 + 25 + 3 ⇒ (2, 6, 2, 6, 2, 1, 3) + 25 + 3 = 50
It ignores 5 of their DR (if any) due to Penetrating attack

Photon mode 1. Also ranged attacks v Pink (or anyone I threaten) get +1 circumstance bonus to hit (Coordinated Shot)

"Little cramped in here, but I'll see what I can do."

The skittermander moves into an open hallway, firing on the robot 0-Rion is engaged with.

Engineering: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29

Energy weakness if I succeed. Kōlēfō will pull the semi-auto pistol if he gets nothing or the highest damage weapon that hits a weakness if he does.

Trick Attack ≤ CR: 10 + 23 + 4 - 20 = 17 plus debilitating trick
Ranged Attack: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (15) + 16 = 31
> Piercing Damage: 3d6 + 5 ⇒ (5, 5, 1) + 5 = 16 or
> Acid Damage: 3d4 + 5 ⇒ (4, 2, 1) + 5 = 12 or
> Cold Damage: 2d6 + 5 ⇒ (2, 5) + 5 = 12 or
> Fire or Sonic or Electricity Damage: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
Trick Damage: 5d8 ⇒ (8, 7, 4, 6, 2) = 27

Benoit's meteor glaive ignites and and the smell of burning petrol fills the room

"Finally some gratuitous violence. That's what I've been waiting for."

He swings the glaive in a wide arc so that it potentially strikes the security bot next to him twice.

Glaive + Coordinated Assault vs. Blue KAC: 1d20 + 16 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (18) + 16 + 1 - 4 = 31
Fire/Slashing Damage: 3d8 + 17 ⇒ (5, 7, 5) + 17 = 34

Glaive + Coordinated Assault vs. Blue KAC: 1d20 + 16 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (11) + 16 + 1 - 4 = 24
Fire/Slashing Damage: 3d8 + 17 ⇒ (4, 3, 4) + 17 = 28

Benoit's combat drone TEC-9 reacts as its intricately programed AI was designed to and it immediately lines up its Colossus Coil with the target Benoit is attacking and fires.

Colossus Coil + Coordinated Assault/Shot vs. Blue EAC: 1d20 + 13 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 13 + 1 + 1 = 29
Electricity Damage: 3d8 + 12 ⇒ (5, 1, 5) + 12 = 23

Coordinated Shot bonus for anyone attacking blue if you have a clear shot on it.

Q-K [i[calls[/i] her HFD Sonic rifle into her hands, snapping it up to fire at blue.

"Get 'em. Get'em all." she says, in a tone that you know was mean as a command, not a request.
Attack +2 & Damage +2 vs all the bots until the start of Quantum's next turn.

Rifle shot vs Blue: 1d20 + 19 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 19 + 1 + 2 = 35
sonic damage: 4d10 + 13 + 2 ⇒ (5, 9, 1, 6) + 13 + 2 = 36

Orion moves ahead and takes a stab at the robot, while Kolefo remembers that constructs are particularly vulnerable to electric energy - and makes good use of that knowledge.

Benoit focuses on another robot, and deals two devastating hits, while his drone adds to the damage.

Quantum K shoots at the same target and causes the robot to smoke heavily.

---
Quantum K
Troivaiyan
Kōlēfō
Orion
Benoit
---
Robot - Pink (94)
Robot - Blue (132)
Robot
Robot
---

"Bring it you bastards!" shouts Troivayan, going from slow drift to full afterburners in an instant. His fists start to crackle with coruscating black energy as he moves towards the nearest robot and lashes out with a haymaker.

Move and attack to the robot to the top-right (and attuning to Photon each round).

Solar Weapon vs KAC: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (7) + 17 = 24
damage + Photon (S): 6d6 + 16 + 3 ⇒ (1, 5, 3, 2, 6, 2) + 16 + 3 = 38

Troivayan - does that include the +2 Attack & +2 Damage from the Get'Em?

Nope, thanks!

Troivayan does his part by blasting a big hole in the robot with a loud crackling sound.

Numbing Beam, Benoit: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (20) + 19 = 393d6 + 10 ⇒ (4, 6, 6) + 10 = 26 NL
Crit damage: 3d6 + 10 ⇒ (2, 6, 5) + 10 = 23 Staggered for 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4 rounds, DC 17 Fort to reduce to 1

Slam, Benoit: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (8) + 22 = 302d10 + 18 ⇒ (10, 2) + 18 = 30

Benoit takes a numbing hit straight to the chest, knocking the wind out of him as the second robot takes advantage to slam into the dwarf.

Slam, 0rion: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (15) + 22 = 372d10 + 18 ⇒ (6, 9) + 18 = 33
Slam, 0rion: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (1) + 22 = 232d10 + 18 ⇒ (3, 8) + 18 = 29

On the far side, 0rion is beset by two robots, and takes a deft hit from one of them.

---
Quantum K
Troivaiyan
Kōlēfō
Orion
Benoit
---
Robot - Pink (134)
Robot - Blue (132)
Robot
Robot
---

Troivayan launches another unskilled (but incredibly fast) haymaker followed by an upper cut.

Full attack.

Attack # 1 (full+get'em): 1d20 + 17 - 3 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 17 - 3 + 2 = 19
damage (S) (+photon): 6d6 + 16 + 3 ⇒ (6, 2, 4, 2, 1, 6) + 16 + 3 = 40

Attack # 2 (full+get'em): 1d20 + 17 - 3 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 17 - 3 + 2 = 26
damage (S) (+photon): 6d6 + 16 + 3 ⇒ (5, 1, 6, 2, 3, 4) + 16 + 3 = 40

The skittermander tries to finish off the pink robot that Troivayan attacked, or the Orange one if the solarian took it out.

Trick Attack ≤ CR: 10 + 23 + 4 - 20 = 17 plus debilitating trick
Ranged Attack: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (1) + 16 = 17
Electricity Damage: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10
Trick Damage: 5d8 ⇒ (3, 8, 5, 2, 1) = 19

And probably breaks one of Felthaum's bottles of expensive liquor.

As Orion is struck, his enhanced frame absorbs much of the blow, and sparks shoot out along his armor to shock back at the robot.
the one that hit him takes ELECTRICAL: 2d6 ⇒ (6, 2) = 8 from his electrostatic field.

His glow then brightens further, as the solarion’s spear begains to crackle with flame and plasma as he strikes out at pink.

Move action Plasma Sheath, then Strike

Attack v Pink KAC: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (16) + 21 = 37 for Fire damage: 7d6 + 25 + 3 + 6 ⇒ (6, 3, 2, 1, 1, 5, 2) + 25 + 3 + 6 = 54

97/117 SP, photon 2

Troi misses, adjusts his aim and then knocks the robot on the chin. It's enough to separate the head from the robot's body, and to make the lights go out.

Kōlēfō re-aims, for the orange robot, but shoots somewhere in between the pink and the orange one.

---
Quantum K
Troivaiyan
Kōlēfō
Orion
Benoit
---
Robot - Pink (DOWN)
Robot - Blue (132)
Robot
Robot
---

With the one foe dropped, Orion instead charges forwards to stab at Orange instead

same actions as above then, except the Standard action would be to Stellar Rush so Orange gets an AoO on me as I approach and strike it.

full attack vs Blue's EAC, shift to Red if 1st hit drops Blue: 1d20 + 19 + 1 - 3 ⇒ (17) + 19 + 1 - 3 = 34
sonic vs Blue: 4d10 + 13 ⇒ (1, 1, 7, 9) + 13 = 31

full attack vs Blue's EAC, shift to Red if 1st hit drops Blue: 1d20 + 19 + 1 - 3 ⇒ (19) + 19 + 1 - 3 = 36
sonic vs Blue: 4d10 + 13 ⇒ (2, 3, 6, 3) + 13 = 27

"I've got Blue!" Quantum says to Benoit.

The bot's cold beam luckily deflects off the seemingly antiquated helmet Benoit is wearing. Dented Kasa, spending 2 resolve points to negate the critical hit damage and staggered condition.

Benoit suffers from a momentary brain freeze, but quickly recovers.

"Damned bot," he curses as he rushes at red and swipes at it with his glaive.

Glaive vs. Red KAC: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (16) + 16 = 32
Fire/Slashing Damage: 3d8 + 17 ⇒ (2, 4, 4) + 17 = 27

TEC-9 repositions for a clear shot on the same bot.

Coordinate Shot is applied to red.

0rion rushes for the Orange robot, who takes the opportunity to swipe at the android before taking a knock himself.

Slam, AoO, Orion: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (19) + 22 = 412d10 + 18 ⇒ (8, 1) + 18 = 27

With two devastating hits, Quantum K drops another robot, leaving only two standing. Benoit is the first to damage the last one, while the robot hit back at the Solarion and Dwarf.

Slam, Benoit: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (4) + 22 = 262d10 + 18 ⇒ (3, 7) + 18 = 28
Slam, Orion: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (14) + 22 = 362d10 + 18 ⇒ (7, 7) + 18 = 32

---
Quantum K
Troivaiyan
Kōlēfō
Orion
Benoit
---
Robot - Pink (DOWN)
Robot - Blue (DOWN)
Robot - Orange (66)
Robot - Red (27)
---

The skittermander keeps going at Orange.

Trick Attack ≤ CR: 10 + 23 + 4 - 20 = 17 plus debilitating trick
Ranged Attack: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (13) + 16 = 29
Electricity Damage: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10
Trick Damage: 5d8 ⇒ (4, 1, 4, 5, 6) = 20

Flat-footed on trick, since I need to actually say I'm doing that.

"Stay on target."

Which translates to a Get'Em for Q-K on Red, for +2 Attack.

sonic attack vs Red's EAC: 1d20 + 19 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 19 + 1 + 2 = 26
sonic damage: 4d10 + 13 ⇒ (4, 3, 7, 6) + 13 = 33

Benoit ducks under the bot's wild attempt at a punch and then returns the favor along with TEC-9.

"You don't like it up close and personal do yee."

Glaive + Coodinated Assault + Get 'Em vs. Bot KAC: 1d20 + 16 + 1 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (3) + 16 + 1 + 2 - 4 = 18
Fire/Slashing Damage: 3d8 + 17 ⇒ (6, 4, 3) + 17 = 30

Glaive + Coodinated Assault + Get 'Em vs. Bot KAC: 1d20 + 16 + 1 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (5) + 16 + 1 + 2 - 4 = 20
Fire/Slashing Damage: 3d8 + 17 ⇒ (4, 3, 1) + 17 = 25

Colossus Coil + Coordinated Assault + Get 'Em vs. Bot EAC: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (15) + 13 = 28
Electricity Damage: 3d8 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (7, 3, 4) + 12 + 2 = 28

Orion takes the brunt of another slam as the robot reacts to his approach and Orange takes ELECTRIC: 2d6 ⇒ (4, 6) = 10 damage, but narrowly dodges its later swing.

Up close, the android stabs out in a furious onslaught of three quick strikes, hoping to bring it down.

Full attack v Orange KAC: 1d20 + 21 - 5 ⇒ (15) + 21 - 5 = 31 for Fire: 7d6 + 25 + 3 + 6 ⇒ (4, 1, 3, 1, 4, 4, 2) + 25 + 3 + 6 = 53
Full attack v Orange KAC: 1d20 + 21 - 5 ⇒ (13) + 21 - 5 = 29 for Fire: 7d6 + 25 + 3 + 6 ⇒ (3, 3, 1, 6, 2, 1, 1) + 25 + 3 + 6 = 51
Full attack v Orange KAC: 1d20 + 21 - 5 ⇒ (18) + 21 - 5 = 34 for Fire: 7d6 + 25 + 3 + 6 ⇒ (3, 3, 1, 5, 2, 5, 4) + 25 + 3 + 6 = 57

83/117 SP, photon 3

With energy crackling around him, Troivayan charges the nearest robot!

Doing a charge attack vs Orange (no penalties to charge due to stellar rush), but I will provoke an AoO of it has reach.

solar weapon vs Orange KAC: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (3) + 17 = 20
damage (S) + photon): 6d6 + 16 + 3 ⇒ (6, 3, 6, 4, 2, 6) + 16 + 3 = 46

Kōlēfō sends spark surging through the assailant, and somehow disrupts its servos, while Quantum K blasts the other robot with some sonic oomph.

Benoit's glaive only serves to distract the robot, but the colossus coil hits and wreaks havoc on the robot's circuitry.

0-Rion sparks electricity, and then brings down the robot in a fury of fire.

Troivayan tries to take out the last enemy, but alas, he misses.

The last robot makes one last attempt to punch Benoit.

Slam, Benoit: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (9) + 22 = 312d10 + 18 ⇒ (9, 9) + 18 = 36

---
Quantum K
Troivaiyan
Kōlēfō
Orion
Benoit
---
Robot - Pink (DOWN)
Robot - Blue (DOWN)
Robot - Orange (DOWN)
Robot - Red (102)
---

"Just one to go - Take 'em down, folks!" cheers Q-K
Another +2 vs Red

Attack on Titan-bot Red's EAC: 1d20 + 19 + 1 + 2 - 3 ⇒ (18) + 19 + 1 + 2 - 3 = 37
sonic damage vs Red: 4d10 + 13 ⇒ (5, 3, 9, 10) + 13 = 40

The bot's fist connects just barely with Benoit and a surge of electricity arcs back in its direction. electrostatic field

Electricity Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (6, 6) = 12

Benoit and TEC-9 unleash another combined assault on the final bot.

Glaive vs. Bot KAC: 1d20 + 16 + 2 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (8) + 16 + 2 + 1 - 4 = 23
Fire/Slashing Damage: 3d8 + 17 ⇒ (7, 3, 4) + 17 = 31

Glaive vs. Bot KAC: 1d20 + 16 + 2 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (4) + 16 + 2 + 1 - 4 = 19
Fire/Slashing Damage: 3d8 + 17 ⇒ (1, 4, 8) + 17 = 30

Colossus Coil vs. Bot EAC: 1d20 + 13 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 13 + 1 + 2 = 26
Electricity Damage: 3d8 + 12 ⇒ (2, 4, 3) + 12 = 21