[YEE/SFS/ACE] 7-04 Inheritors of Gadrathar (Inactive)

Game Master Kludde

Dirk takes his rifle and fires at the remaining ooze.

needler rifle: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19

damage: 1d6 ⇒ 3

Theseius lights up the ooze, followed by Cha'mon who blasts the ooze right into the thickest part, sending globs of the creature flying. Dirk fires a barb, while Shari is ready to assist anyone getting hurt.

Oozes are immune to critical hits, or it would have been down :-/

The massive parasite flies over to Mich, trying to suck the skittermander dry

Lattice Stab, Mich: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (11) + 12 = 231d6 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12 With DR 5 and Shari's assists, there's no damage. I need a DC 13 Fort save to avoid becoming immobilized and taking 1 Con damage

---Round 3---
Cha'mon
Shari
Mich Igan
Dirk
Blinky
Theseius
---
Ooze - Blue (41)
Ooze - Red (DEAD)
---

Cha'mon calmly aims his sniper rifle at the last ooze.

"Just like pouring salt on a slug."

Bluff (Feinting Stunt): 1d20 + 16 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 16 + 4 = 40
Plasma Guide vs. Blue EAC: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19
Electricity/Fire Damage: 1d10 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

The ooze is flat footed to Cha'mon and everyone else's attacks this round.

Fortitude DC13: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

HELPING!

Says Mich who lights like a torch and explodes in a fiery nova!

Super Nova: Fire Damages, Reflex DC17: 5d6 + 1 ⇒ (2, 3, 2, 6, 5) + 1 = 19

Cha'mon lands another one of his bullseye shots, and the ooze finally perishes.

Combat over!

Kyrsine instruct their mystics to help heal the Starfinders, but the mystics quickly realize nobody has been hurt.

What follow Kyrsine explains, is a trial of knowledge. You must demonstrate your understanding of the history of this place, Gadrathar Fortress, and how the copi and copaxi play into it.

Each PC must participate in some way, reciting either historical facts about Tabrid Minor or discussing how Triune’s Signal affected the planet, the tragic history of the robots, the ecological importance of the copi, the Starfinder Society’s involvement in recent events, or anything else that is relevant to copaxi or Gadrath history.

For everyone of you, I need a Bluff, Computers, Culture, Life Science, Medicine, Mysticism, Physical Science, relevant Profession, or Survival check as appropriate to the facts you're discussing.

Shari talks about the magical structure of this world, about the spiritual connections of different beings and how magic and spiritual balance are important on the path of self-improvement.

Mysticism: 1d20 + 12 + 1d6 ⇒ (15) + 12 + (6) = 33

"It's the historical importance of the people place and culture that fascinates me, and how they were able to establish their ecosystem..."

Survival 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (6) + 17 = 23

"But then I suppose if I already knew all about it I wouldn't be here, so very keen to learn now we've arrived"

Theseius talks about current copaxi culture as well as the history.
culture: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22

Computer: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (15) + 12 = 27

I can help about that! says Mich who quickly access his datastore to find some element of the place's history.

That's enough for a success

Kyrsine seems impressed, even by Theseius' balanced view of history.

Finally, you must prove your ability to manipulate the forces of balance that govern Gadrathar Fortress itself.

This can be done by demonstrating any non-cantrip spell or spell-like ability, the manipulation of solarian cycles, or by engaging a vanguard’s entropy power. If you don't possess such power, you can also attempt to use your force of will to manipulate the subjective gravity present in the chamber by succeeding at a Will Save

can I use my gravity abilities?

"Manipulate gravity, now that is something I don't have in my bag."

Will 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15

Sadly he isn't very overBearing.

If this was a parabolas arena I probably could

will: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20

Mich demonstrates his ability of balance by manipulation the solarian cycle.

Me helping! Balance is everything.

can I use my gravity abilities?

Yes, that's the point :)

Impressive Kyrsine says, you have passed all our tests, and we'll share with you this.

Most of the fortress towers are collapsed in on themselves and cannot be entered. We occupy those few that are still intact, while the core “remains in the care of those who came before.”

Various places inside the core are occupied by elementals who have taken over copaxi places of residence and by undead copaxi who never left the fortress.

As you eneter, we hope you will be able to retrieve artifacts and images of the fabled copi gardens and “water spheres” the ancient occupants of the fortress used as meditative foci.

The last copaxi master of the fortress supposedly still resides at the heart of Gadrathar’s core, reaching out through the copi veins to observe and manipulate events to their whims. You can expect that everything you do inside the core of the fortress will be observed.

Since you have performed so well in our test, we'd offer you to create copies of our records and knowledge, so you can disseminate them to the Coenocopi Foundation as potential allies. We should have these records ready by the time you return and are ready to depart the fortress.

The Gadrath mystic then steps forward, handing each adventurer a Mk 3 serum of healing.

---

The Gadrath bring the group to the core sections of Gadrathar Fortress. Fractured into spherical lobes, the core is constantly rotating with unpredictable outcomes. Time and the constant rotation has worn down most of the room, leaving them into undecipherable husks of their former selves.

The first room of note is a large chamber. The chamber has the look of a communal meeting and dining hall, though to non-copaxi eyes, the tables might look a bit strange, given how copaxi eat by allowing their polyps to reach out and absorb food from between their body plates. Each table has a bowl-like depression set into it where dishes of stew could be served, or where incense-laden poultices could be steeped.

To study the great hall and learn more about it through context clues, the you can attempt a Bluff, Culture, Physical Science, Sense Motive, or relevant Profession checks

Bluff: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (17) + 16 = 33

Cha'mon has a look around.

culture: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22

Prof Archaeologist 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (17) + 16 = 33

"Ahhh, now I get it!"

Dirk uses his black hole ability to gently move one of the Starfinders.

"See..."

- - - -

"Let me have a look at the hall." he says walking over.

Culture: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

He scratches his head.

"I got nothing." He looks around again. His stomach gurgles. "Although I could go for a bowl of stew or a pizza!"

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 14

Interesting. It's not clear what exactly, but it's interesting.

The group figures out that Gadrathar Fortress did not originally rotate, and that it was never designed to. Almost all of its rooms did, however, lean into interlocking circle motifs. The original inhabitants used these circular designs to help center themselves metaphysically in their daily lives.

The great hall originally hovered above a powerful ley line that the fortress’ builders discovered emerging from the south pole of Tabrid Minor. The fortress was built in its original position specifically so the ancient order’s founders could try and find points of inflection and connection within themselves and the copi of their world. Masters of their way could then better manipulate gravity on (and above) the surface of their planet.

Some records even suggest that copaxi who attain higher levels of spiritual consciousness might one day be able to control the gravity of other celestial bodies such as moons, planets, and stars.

The group also find a compartment near where two of the highest-ranking members of the order used to give sermons. Inside are two pairs of gauntlets that function as ember ignurso knuckles.

---

The next area of note is a small workshop. The place is an absolute mess, but because its materials are sturdy and expertly made, there are still things left to discover.

Curved benches and work tables line the walls around a depression where a podium stands—a place for a teacher to give lessons. Each table has old gear suggesting that crafting took place here, such as holders for lamps, magnification glasses, and more.

To study this workshop and reliquary by acquiring unbroken tools or studying shattered ones, I need a number of successed at Culture, Engineering, Mysticism, Sleight of Hand, or relevant Profession checks.

Profession: Archaeologist: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (14) + 16 = 30

"What a mess," Cha'mon comments.

Indeed.

Sleight of Hand: 1d20 + 18 + 1d6 ⇒ (9) + 18 + (1) = 28

Prof Archaeologist 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (1) + 16 = 17

"Where do I even begin here...!"

Theseius examines the workshop.
engineering: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (12) + 13 = 25

The group examines the room, and it's possibel to shake the feeling that someone is actively watching the group...

After some studying, Cha'mon and Shari learn that the copaxis who came to Gadrathar Fortress learned to commune with the evolved copi that lived within themselves and to channel their awareness through both magical and non-magical ritual foci that they created.

They would use this to connect on a metaphysical level with the soul of their world itself—the primal awareness of Tabrid Minor’s collection of copi, the same copi that is currently at risk of ecological collapse.

Besides spending their time making items to help them focus their meditations, the mystics and solarians also crafted many magical relics.
There's a single bauble that retains mystic power.

This is a least gluon weapon crystal.

---

Exploring deeper into the fortress, the feeling of being scrutinied becomes stronger. Eventually the group happens upon a large open area hundreds of feet in diameter. At the center of this space are a series of medieval-style towers, surrounded by a moat.

It's quite clear that the towers remain intact, and it visibly contains copaxi remains, and likely objects that are certainly of historical
importance.

The new tenants of this area, a group of air elementals, seem to have claimed this place as their home, treating the copaxi remains with a high degree of disrespect.

They have adorned themselves with fossilized pieces of dead copaxi solarians and ancient pieces of armor, and they seem to be taking turns as lords and ladies of the tower, giving each other commands by pantomime in a carefree manner.

When the elementals spot the group, they hurl debris and shout Shoo! Do not enter our court! Solids are not welcome here!

"Well I want to look at the objects of archaeological and cultural significance here, so how do you want to work this out?"

"I suggest you listen to him. He is after all a bear and has a temper..."

Bluff: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (10) + 16 = 26
Bluff: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (3) + 16 = 19 Will spend a resolve point to use Enhanced Communalism again and roll the check twice. Cha'mon then gets to use the higher roll.

"We just want to look around"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18

Eh! Have some respect for the dead copaxi! Haven't you realized that these are remains?
I'm sorry but you need to treat with more respect these artifacts of the past and the history of this place. The first step will to stop playing with them and the second the let us explore this compiex and be able to understand what happened here.

Says Mich

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 11 + 1d6 ⇒ (5) + 11 + (5) = 21

You go on! the elemental says to Blinky, and the other elemental adds a very insistent You. Go. On! when the other members chime in. Looks like these guys have an appointment with next week.

You can still opt to leave, but these guys are itching for a fight, so:

---
Blinky
Cha'mon
Shari
Theseius
Dirk
---
Elemental
Elemental
---
Mich Igan
---

"We tried to talk it out with you. Seems you were spoiling for a fight."

Bluff (Feinting Stunt): 1d20 + 16 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 16 + 4 = 21
Plasma Guide vs. Red EAC: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18
Electricity/Fire Damage: 1d10 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

If Cha'mon's bluff roll succeeds red is flat footed to Cha'mon's attack. If his bluff and attack succeed red is flat footed to everyone's attacks until the beginning of Cha'mon's next turn.

Bliny fires up the jetpack and begins flying towards the opponents like a giant fur-missile.

Moved

You disrespect the ancestors Theseius exclaims.

He moves forward and takes a shot at the reddish one with a corona laser pistol.
clp: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8 fire: 2d4 + 2 ⇒ (1, 4) + 2 = 7

His drone also lifts off to give Blinky covering fire.

Does the drone get an attack as well?

Cha'mon blast the air elemental, and the bolt of plasma lights up in a mini-thunderstorm.

Blinky flies in, under the cover fire of Theseius, who misses.

---
Blinky
Cha'mon
Shari
Theseius
Dirk
---
Elemental - Red (14)
Elemental
---
Mich Igan
---

The Earth Elemental is behind you, huh! Simultaneously with this shout, Shari shoots where the air elemental might have eyes.

VS RED
Bluff: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (10) + 14 = 24 - Clever Feint* + Inspiring Combo
Laser Pistol: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 251d4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5 - Fire vs EAC

*Even if you fail, that enemy is flat-footed against your attacks until the end of your next turn. If you succeed, the enemy is also flat-footed against your allies’ attacks until the end of your next turn.

Clever Feint Reload: 1d10 - 3 ⇒ (5) - 3 = 2

What? Where? the Elemental does indeed look behind him, and Shari hits the creature in the back of the 'head'.

Angry, the elemental swoop in at the furry rocket.

Slam, Blinky: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (20) + 12 = 321d6 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7
Crit: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7
Slam, Flanking Blinky: 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 12 + 2 = 181d6 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

---Round 1---
Dirk
Mich Igan
---Round 2---
Blinky
Cha'mon
Shari
Theseius
Dirk
---
Elemental - Red (19)
Elemental

Mich starts to glow and as they flies toward the red elemental a sword of pure light appears in one of their hands.

Then they strikes the creature. Helping!

Solarian Weapon vs KAC red: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (10) + 12 = 22 +2 flank if possible
Damages, S: 1d6 + 16 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 16 + 1 = 23

"Keep that one occupied Mich, I'll help Blinky."

Cha'mon moves and fires another plasma bolt at the elemental battling Blinky.

Bluff (Feinting Stunt): 1d20 + 16 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 16 + 4 = 36
Plasma Guide vs. Red EAC: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29
Electricity/Fire Damage: 1d10 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15
Critical Electricity/Fire Damage: 1d10 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

Red has to roll on the wound table and is flat footed to everyone's attacks this round.

"That was a hit?" Blinky barely registers, then swings back.

Trick attack (Take 10) DC11 or Lower tricked.
Attack 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (8) + 13 = 21 vs FF KAC
Damage 2d6 + 14 + 4d8 ⇒ (1, 1) + 14 + (3, 1, 6, 8) = 34
+Off Target, -2 to attacks.

Theseius's drone takes a shot at Red in order to help Blinky while keeping pace, as per it's programmed instructions - help who you are assigned to.
alp: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19 fire: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Meanwhile Theseius fires at the approaching Blue
clp: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9 fire: 2d4 + 2 ⇒ (1, 3) + 2 = 6

Laser Pistol: 1d20 + 7 - 4 ⇒ (18) + 7 - 4 = 211d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4 - Fire vs EAC
Laser Pistol: 1d20 + 7 - 4 ⇒ (1) + 7 - 4 = 41d4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6 - Fire vs EAC
vs RED

Mich is helping a lot, by bringing down an elemental, and Cha'mon on-target shot is followed up by Blinky, who stoically dismembers the other elemental.

Combat over!

Inside the training tower are a large number of copaxi remains which the air elementals have assembled into a mockery of armored statues frozen in embarrassing poses. The centerpiece of this grisly display is a pedestal containing two items of note— a copaxinite helm (see handouts) and a mk 1
molting coat module (Starfinder Alien Archive 4 133).

---

You can take a rest if you want...

---

After exploring the elemental court, the passages are non-remarkable until the group comes up on the fortress library. The library is unique on Tabrid Minor in that all its texts are preserved in magic hexagonal plates of copi, willingly bound in place with the knowledge of a book or with an individual’s memory permanently stored within its matrix.

To access this knowledge, one must hold the plate and meditate, absorbing it and breathing it in—the more spiritually balanced the individual is, the faster they can “read” the text. The secret of making these texts, whose “length” is measured in segments not unlike tree rings on a forest planet, is long forgotten, but the collection here is vast and valuable.

Even creatures who do not understand the copaxi language can still absorb the meaning behind the words stored within each plate, ensuring that the lore kept in this place is accessible to all.

To meditate on this wisdom, the adventurers must succeed atDiplomacy, Medicine, Mysticism, Perception, or relevant Profession check.

Theseius carefully reposes the remains into less embarrassing poses.

diplomacy: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (10) + 12 = 22

Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (19) + 12 = 31

Mich sats in a lotus pause and starts breathing in, and breathing out to get in synch with the place.

Medicine: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (16) + 14 = 30

Prof (Archaeologist) 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (9) + 16 = 25

"Interesting ideas, starting to make more sense"

Mysticism: 1d20 + 12 + 1d6 ⇒ (16) + 12 + (1) = 29

And why did I even learn Copaxi if everything is clear without words...