[Gameday XIII] [SFS] 4-08: Precious Cargo (Inactive)

Game Master thoughtfulmonkey

Written by Diego Valdez for Tier 1-4

The scene opens on a pale pink nebula set against an infinite sea of stars. A starship drifts into view; its engine burning silently.

The camera glides towards the ship, past the 10 ft. high letters of PEGASUS painted on the side, and in through the main viewport.

As the camera moves around the inside of the ship, please introduce your characters and what they’re currently doing.

A 11 foot green dragonkin with metal guards, woven chain sheets, and force fields stretch between the engraved metal bands from his lashunta ringwear. On the hip, a holster holds a pistol. He holds his backpack in his hand.

Bibframe looks at the console to determine if he shows an eagerness to deliver his best in a ship.

A fairly nondescript human walks in, wearing a uniform that marks him fairly clearly as a private security guard, of the sort you would find working at a concert or local shopping center.

At odds with this look, though, are the armaments he's wearing. Holstered at his side is a static arc pistol, but one hand is encased in a powered battle gauntlet and strapped onto his back is a cryopike. An assortment of pouches and pocks on his uniform and belt are filled with other equipment.

In addition, a few feet behind him, a large pachycephalosaurid enters the room.

The guard nods to the dragonkin as he begins to prepare some coffee. "Mornin'." He glances back at the pachycephalosaurid. "No coffee for you. You know how you get ... I'll give you a bite of a donut, if you're good." Turning back to the dragonkin, though, he offers, "Want some?"

Bibframe looks at the donut and the coffee. "Sure. It is a pleasure to eat a little bit or get a drink. "

Wilson serves some up to the dragonkin. I'm assuming we traveled here on this ship so have likely exchanged names already.

He pulls one of his donuts in half, and tosses one piece of it toward his pet dinosaur, who eagerly catches it and chews it up. "Don't remember if I introduced her, but this is Domehead." He takes a sip of his coffee, seems to consider its flavor for a moment, then shrugs and drinks some more.

A large nuar in a dress shirt and tie enters the room, narrowing his eyes at the doorframe. "Appears properly sealed..." He shakes one of the mounted console chairs, trying unsuccessfully to knock it over. "Withstands force well."

He nods to the security guard as he sips from his own coffee. "Wilson."

A grey-blue blob of nanites sits on his shoulder, a digital display showing a starry-eyed smile as it looks around the room in delight.

The nuar extends a hand to Bibframe. "Oshari Soteria, Health and Safety. This is Ariadne." he gestures to the blob.

Bibframe extends his claw to the cup. "Thanks!" and takes a sip of the liquid.

After Oshari arrives, he extends his other claw. "My pleasure! Bibframe."

Wilson smiles and nods to Oshari. "Nice to see you again, Officer Soteria." He has a seat, pulling up his comm to see if there are any new orders on how to proceed.

Wilson opens his comms to see an empty inbox. As he stares at the screen, a new message appears, accompanied by an alert sounding throughout the ship.

The message automatically opens and displays on all nearby screens.

Emergency distress beacon. Designation Avid Dreamer; Automatic Cargo Hauler 357, operated by Multifold Industries.

Please forward message to Multifold Industries. Thank you.

U2FsdGVkX18G50sMV3WDnBXE3INN38+6zhTkFk2h5AY1lVjfiykU8F1xU8xEqTlaHTl45gB6e9N kwXXKvOtTKCRzpd81za07Df69G2Cnb/Y+2Zop5Al8Kfb/GLr8c1MF53IM79ThYvplbPg8jictZ1 lS/vlVkD5NbmdKxC2Zp4Nq66N2nnv3gmnY1fKq1A2Rt50QCsgUvPfsn2SXF0okiaABixc8MFIRB dM8LmgDgDJz/6hK4DIrFOLb3dDKmPKOhN7h2rAccSDAbM5GwzPCIOwA8m6NRYDyQVesxwPGnGTi rLDqBc4Jq7PwnDjgGm5m0hAlzyj6r4t1Ca8XoTjG++v5/Yo6Bm51GOTmG04hXVVbG2GvZws7+zM XMZzK1AWu1KVuT44cA1YhQnYOBcFv5QBq2bPxrA8y1msAzsc96unBGOAbYIi0BM8ADjT5bOPA

You recognize that the second part of the message is encrypted.

What do you want to do?

Bibframe says "We need to answer to it, but someone can decipher the rest."

Wilson frowns. "Well, it's for Multifold Industries, not for us. If they wanted just anyone to read it, they wouldn't have encrypted it. Can someone figure out where it's coming from? We should go and investigate the distress call, even if we don't know what the message says."

Bibframe says "We need to answer to it, but someone can decipher the rest."

"Agreed."

What kind of check is it to decipher it? As for navigating, I've got a +5 Piloting, so if I can aid I can do that, but I'd imagine someone else would have a higher modifier.

When you review the message, you find that it doesn't include any location information for the sender. If it was a repeating message, you may have been able to trace it. But as a single message, it will be impossible to locate the origin.

Computers to attempt to decrypt.

Oshari attempts to decrypt the message.

Computers: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

He grumbles in frustration. "Computers nowadays..."

Oshari is unable to decrypt the message.

Someone else could try to decrypt the message with Computers or other appropriate skill. Otherwise as Wilson mentioned, this is a message for Multifold Industries.

I am untrained in Computers. I notice there are only 3 PCs. Will we be running a pregen for the 4th slot? If so, I recommend Quig or Raia to give us some tech support.

To set appropriate expectations, I'll tell you it's a DC 20 Computers check to decrypt the message.

Finding the origin of the message also isn't as hopeless as first suggested. DC 20 Computers, Engineering, or Piloting check to get a good idea of the ship’s location.

Oshari starts trying to pinpoint the origin of the message.

Engineering: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27

Against the odds, Oshari is able to adjust the ships sensor array to pick up echoes of the message reflected off various celestial bodies. With this new information he's able to triangulate the origin.

It takes 1d6 ⇒ 2 days of in-system travel to reach the source.

Is there anything that you want to do en route?

Bibframe tries to know what they may find at the other end, despite being not the most tech friendly individual.

Bibframe would know that the ship's designation "Automatic Cargo Hauler 357" means that it's an automated transport ship, which typically operates without a crew.

Anyone who's trained in Culture can make a roll to see if they know more.

Culture: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11
"Huh, weird, didn't know you could run ships without a crew."

Since officer Wilson hasn't heard about automated ships before, he can surmise that they aren't common, and likely a speciality of Manifold Industries.

You eventually arrive at the coordinates that Oshari identified, and find a ship adrift and slowly rotating. See handouts.

Scans reveal that both its main engines and stabilizing thrusters are nonfunctional, but its hull and shields are intact and haven’t sustained any exterior damage.

To dock with the ship, you’ll first have to match its rotation.

Piloting check required.

Bibframe looks at the pilot, and to the screen if he needs a push as a captain or as a chief mate.

Wilson glances around and notices no one else is piloting the ship, so shrugs and gets in the seat. "Okay ... Now, let's see.."

Tier 4 Pegasus, right?

Piloting w/ ship modifier: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 6 + 1 = 12

He winces as he comes in a little fast for the docking.

Forgot Raia had a +9. Can we make my roll an aid check and Raia the lead on the check? then the Captain can maybe boost her a bit...

Raia sees the disaster that's happening and shakes her head, taking the controls. "Just try to slow the angular momentum ..."

Raia's piloting w/ aid and ship modifier: 1d20 + 9 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 9 + 2 + 1 = 32

Wilson notices his error a fraction of a second too late. The proximity alarm begins to play, followed by a loud, but brief, sound of metal grinding against metal that echoes through the ship.

Wilson manages to avoid doing any noteworthy damage to either ship, but when you back away to prepare for another attempt, you notice that the manoeuvring thrusters on the other ship fire for a few seconds, increasing its rotational speed.

Despite the increased difficulty, Raia is able tweak the approach vector, and expertly slots the Pegasus into position.

You make your way down to the airlock. The docking umbilical is firmly in place, creating a short corridor between the two ships. You open the airlock of the Pegasus, and are presented with the exterior airlock door of Automatic Cargo Hauler 357.

Computers, Engineering, or appropriate profession to open the airlock. Or Athletics to force the door. It's a tight space, so only one character can aid a check. The aid roll would need to come first.

Raia goes to open the airlock, muttering, "Need to get some specialized security tools for these situations ..."

Computers: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (17) + 14 = 31

The moment Raia touches the control panel, jets of compressed air shoot out from vents in the door.

Compressed air trap: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (18) + 13 = 31 Vs KAC 16.

Bludgeoning damage: 6d6 ⇒ (3, 5, 5, 5, 6, 3) = 27

Save to avoid pushback: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14 Vs DC 14.

Raia is brutally pummelled by the jets, but manages to hold her ground, and in the brief moment before the trap resets, opens the airlock door.

You step through the narrow door (sized for medium creatures, so large creatures need to squeeze) into a cramped airlock.

Magnified by speakers in the walls and ceiling, a voice echoes through the ship “Attention, unauthorized intruders. There’s nothing for you to do here and nothing for you to steal. Scans of your ship have been taken and will be forwarded to authorities if you attempt to take any of my cargo. I don’t want to hurt you. Leave immediately, or I will activate full defense mechanisms.

You can attempt to reason with the voice through a mix of Bluff, Diplomacy, and Intimidation. Two consecutive successes are needed. First failure fails the check.

Without affecting that attempt, anyone can also make a Perception or Life Science check to learn more about the voice. And anyone can also make a Sense Motive check.

Raia, being a xenobiologist, considers what she can identify about the life form from the voice.

Raia's Life Science: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (1) + 14 = 15 DC to identify rare creatures reduced by 5 if that applies here

Wilson stays quiet, not really the talking type, but listens to see if he can tell anything from the voice.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

Raia does have a +7 Diplomacy, so it seems like maybe she and Bibframe would be the best 2 at negotiating our way through this.

Bibframe answers "We found the message, and we are here to provide assistance."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17

Oshari, leaving the actual diplomacy to his more charismatic allies, narrows his eyes at the speaker through his glasses.

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14+2 to pierce disguises
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18Reduce the DC by 5 to detect deception or discern secret messages, but automatically misinterpret if failed

Raia backs up Bibframe's diplomacy. "Yes, we received some sort of message and thought it might have been a distress call."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

Raia and Oshari determine that the modulated voice isn’t natural, though it has been designed to mimic humanoid speech.

"I am in distress, but the message was not meant for you. You can't assist me."

Segmented metal arms descend from the ceiling.

Bibframe: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (8) + 0 = 8
Wilson: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26
Oshari: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (17) - 1 = 16
Raia: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
Mechanical arm 1: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22
Mechanical arm 2: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11
Mechanical arm 3: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

This is going to get crowded. I'm presuming from the marching order that Wilson is riding Domehead. Is that right?

Round 1

➤ (26) Officer Wilson [SP: 27/27] [HP: 25/25] [RP: 3/3]
(22) Mechanical Arm-1 [HP: 0]
(16) Oshari [SP: 30/30] [HP: 24/24] [RP: 4/4]
(11) Mechanical Arm-2 [HP: 0]
(10) Mechanical Arm-3 [HP: 0]
(8) Bibframe [SP: 14/14] [HP: 20/20] [RP: 4/4]
(5) Raia [SP: 0/20] [HP: 17/24] [RP: 6/6]

Officer Wilson is up.

The mechanical arms won't move, so Oshari can also act.

GM: That was what I was intending, but I probably wouldn't have ridden him through the umbilical and into the airlock, so we'll say I'm dismounted at the moment.

Identify Creatures with Engineering: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15

Wilson sees the robot arms and draws his weapon.
Swift Action: Summon called weapon. If I identify that they're weak to electricity I'll get my static arc pistol and switch it to lethal (Move action). If not, then I'll get my cryopike

"Well, if you're in distress, it really doesn't seem like it makes sense for us to leave without helping. Listen, I'm a security guard and Oshari here is a safety officer too. Our job is helping people." He motions toward his security badge.

Profession(private security guard): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29

The nanites on Oshari's shoulder swoop down, forming into a doshko charged with electricity. Move action - gear form

"What he said. These arms are definitely not up to code."

Officer Wilson identifies that the mechanical arms are indeed weak to electricity.

There is no response from the ship and the mechanical arms show a clear intent to forcibly remove you.

Mechanical Arm-1 vs Officer Wilson
> Slam: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27 Vs KAC 15
> for B: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

Mechanical Arm-2 vs Oshari
> Slam: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23 Vs KAC 16
> for B: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

Mechanical Arm-3 vs Bibframe
> Throw debris: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18 Vs KAC 14
> for B: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Bibframe hasn't acted yet, so won't get an AoO. Oshari will get an AoO against Arm-2 before the grapple.

Mechanical Arm-1 grabs Wilson and Mechanical Arm-2 grabs Oshari. Both are now grappled.

(26) Officer Wilson [SP: 16/27] [HP: 25/25] [RP: 3/3] - grappled
(22) Mechanical Arm-1 [HP: 0]
(16) Oshari [SP: 23/30] [HP: 24/24] [RP: 4/4] - grappled
(11) Mechanical Arm-2 [HP: 0]
(10) Mechanical Arm-3 [HP: 0]
➤ (8) Bibframe [SP: 9/14] [HP: 20/20] [RP: 4/4]
➤ (5) Raia [SP: 0/20] [HP: 17/24] [RP: 6/6]

Bibframe and Raia are up.

Storm Doshko, EAC: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13, Electricity: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Aren't combat maneuvers typically against KAC+8?

Also, I have a gauntlet in the hand that doesn't have the pistol, so would I get AoO as well? I'll go ahead and roll it in case.

Gauntlet AoO w/ opportunistic fusion vs EAC: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 5 + 2 = 13
Gauntlet damage (sonic) w/ opportunistic fusion: 1d6 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 2 = 10

Domehead screeches in alarm as the machine arms grab his friend.

Aren't combat maneuvers typically against KAC+8?

The Arms' Slam attack has the Grab property, so they get to grapple at KAC+4. It's like they have the Improved Combat Maneuver feat.

Also, I have a gauntlet in the hand that doesn't have the pistol, so would I get AoO as well?

On Arm-2? Yeah, that makes sense.

Oshari and Wilson's combined attack on Arm-2 severs the grabbing arm. As it drops to the floor, the rest of the arm retreats into the ceiling.
Since AoOs resolve before the trigger, Oshari is unharmed.

Bibframe and Raia are up.

Raia draws her thunderstrike pistol and fires at arm 1.

Move action: Draw thunderstrike pistol. Standard action: Attack arm 1

Pistol attack vs. EAC: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26
Pistol damage (sonic): 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Pistol has a DC 14 crit deafened effect, but I assume that the arm is immune to that.

Bibframe attuned to the photon mode. It strikes Arm 1 with the solar weapon.

Solar Weapon vs Arm 1 KAC: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 121d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Raia crit damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Raia's shot connects with arm, and the echo reverberates around the room.
Yep. Immune to anything that requires a Fortitude save, which includes deafen.

Bibframe's strike misses by millimetres.

Round 2

➤ (26) Officer Wilson [SP: 16/27] [HP: 25/25] [RP: 3/3] - grappled
(22) Mechanical Arm-1 [HP: -7]
(16) Oshari [SP: 30/30] [HP: 24/24] [RP: 4/4]
(10) Mechanical Arm-3 [HP: 0]
(8) Biframe [SP: 9/14] [HP: 20/20] [RP: 4/4]
(5) Raia [SP: 0/20] [HP: 17/24] [RP: 6/6]

Wilson is up

Wilson whistles a command and Domehead headbutts the arm that's holding him.

Headbutt attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20
Headbutt damage (bludgeoning): 1d4 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8