SFS1e- Following the Trail of Rasheen (KS)

Game Master phaeton_nz

Oh thank you Rhisni's voice says. I can now link back with my body

Oh. Have you encountered Khendai yet?

Sorry for my absence. Baaad travel and work week.

"No, we have not. What can you tell us about Khendai?"

I believe she's lurking in the warehouse area to ambush anyone who comes by. She got tricked by Dortay into one of the sarcophagi to transfer her mind into the servers. Unfortunately something went wrong and she got transferred into a varculak - a form of undead. After she woke up, she's been waiting for the next corporation ship, but they haven't come, and between the trauma of undeath, years of isolation, and dwindling supplies, the varculak has become increasingly paranoid and irrational. Please take her alive and get her help.

Rishnu then asks thatyou take Khendai alive, if possible, perhaps even utilizing Khendai’s stasis sarcophagus to forcibly transport Khendai somewhere they can get help. If you manage to calm or capture Khendai, Rishni recommends contacting the CEO of Corbosi Inc., pointing out that Khendai never resigned or retired, and is still entitled to the company’s benefits package (and over a century of back pay). She offers to record a message explaining the situation to the current corporate leadership and requesting assistance for Khendai.

Qimok has been quiet for some time, being an expert in neither architecture nor computers, but once Rishni is reconnected, some of her new information does prompt him to speak up. "What an appalling fate," the skittermander says, but with more empathy than might be expected from a devotee of the crusader goddess. "If you wish us to take her 'alive,' it would be very helpful if you could tell us what you can about the capabilities of a varculak. Particularly if the lore about them describes any specific way to incapacitate one without destroying it."

Attempting a check here but I don't expect Qimok's bare-minimum training to reveal anything: Mysticism: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3 Yup, zilch.

"Also, what became of your Lady Dortay? Is she still among the living? Or has she ascended to another state of being?" This conversation has raised the subjects of both undeath and digitized consciousness, and Qimok doesn't know enough about Kalistrocrats to know their preferred fate after death, so the soldier deliberately phrases this question to leave many possibilities open.

Varculak?: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (7) + 11 = 18

Borq wanders through the server room, examining everything he can get his many hands on. "You might just need to grab them until we can beat them unconscious, Qimok. Though I don't think that works with undead, does it? Anyway, Rishni, tell us more about these scarcophagi. You can upload your consciousness with them? When did the last supply ship come? How long as Khendai been...altered? Why did Dortay trick Khendai into this thing anyway?"

'I wish I could get a century of back pay. But maybe without the undead part...'

Is there anything here Borq could kitbash into manacles or something to restrain a body?

"And, yeah, that recording would be good. Khendai probably needs all the help they can get."

Rishni tells you the story.

Once utterly loyal to Dortay, time has left the AI Rishni disillusioned with her mistress. In the past, Dortay was a productive architect who managed her corporation like a true profiteering Kalistocrat and brought the past alive through her creations. Over the centuries, Rishni watched as Dortay syphoned funds from Corbosi Inc. for her own vanity projects, nearly driving the company into the ground until Dortay’s great-granddaughter ousted Dortay from the company. Since then, Dortay has sulked in a lethargic stupor, lazing within her palace and leaving Rishni and the other AIs to continue their research into the architecture of ancient Golarion. Without Dortay’s maintenance, Tombworld’s network degraded, preventing the AIs from interacting with external infospheres and digital repositories, and cutting Rishni off from her cybernetic body. Perhaps the most damning of Dortay’s sins, in Rishni’s eyes, was the treatment of Khendai.

Rishni had always believed Khendai chose to join she and the other AIs in death alongside Dortay, and mourned when Khendai’s mental upload failed. When Khendai awakened as a varculak not long after Dortay went into isolation, Rishni realized Khendai had been deceived and murdered by their mistress. By then, the network had degraded and Rishni was unable to help Khendai escape, either physically or by digitally hailing Khendai a shuttle out of Dortay’s tomb. Rishni decided that the Prophecies of Kalistrade didn’t justify Dortay’s treatment of her subordinates in the name of self-defined perfection. While she and the other AIs want to continue the good work Dortay did in researching Golarion’s cultural history, Rishni believes Khendai must be freed, and Dortay must be permanently put to rest.

Mysticism, varculak: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (13) + 13 = 26

"Dortay sounds like she's trying to become a perfect a+&!!*!"

Keskodia seems to be struggling with what he has learned.
"Pharasma doesn't take kindly to messing with fate, but perhaps Khendai's fate is not yet written, and Dortay's fate is."

Mysticism: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (8) + 21 = 29

Borq eyes go wide as Rishni relates her tale. "I'm with Dakoyo on this one. I don't know of a way to turn someone back into a person after they became undead, but maybe someone does. At the very least, we can ask Khendai what she would like to happen." His face hardens as he fiddles with a couple of knives. "Dortay, on the other hand, needs to be taken out."

"Aye, Dortay is long overdue for her final performance review with the Lady of Graves," Qimok opines grimly as he draws his curve blade to check its edge. This weapon typically hums softly when drawn, and emits whistling music when used to attack, thanks to its merciful fusion. But now that he knows that he will soon be fighting undead, the skittermander soldier very deliberately deactivates the fusion, and the sword falls completely silent.

You'll fine Dortay in the garden pyramid and Khendai further up. Go through that door into the gardens

Keskodia enters the garden
"I hope they are in the mood for talking."

A gazebo in the west half of this indoor garden features comfortable furniture and overlooks an artificial pond. The once carefully tended decorative plants have grown wild, nearly overwhelming the garden’s four sculptures of abstract humanoid dancers and its central white and glass obelisk. To the east, a wide set of stairs leads up to the entrance of a grand palace.

On the ground near the gazebo is an old-fashioned, password protected datapad with a dead battery

"Paydata!" Raia looks around carefully then moves forward and scoops up the datapad.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19

Cast transfer charge to put a low charge into the datapad from one of her gun batteries.

Borq stands on tiptoes to take a look at the datapad. "I've got a spare battery if we want to turn it on."

Perception: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (2) + 20 = 22

As the team moves further into the pyramid, Qimok draws his weapons in order to have them at the ready when they encounter trouble. Besides his armor-mounted laser, he carries his pike in two hands, his curve blade in two more, and his shield in a fifth, leaving one hand free for punching, grabbing, or helping, as needed.

As Dakoyo and Borq investigate the datapad, the soldier takes up a defensive position nearby to keep watch for any threats interrupting his companions' investigation.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

"I don't think Pharasma considers it an anathema to reverse the fate of a data pad."

You can power on the datapad.

The four sculptures, executed in a mix of metal and exotic wood, average 7 feet tall.

Borq stands on tiptoes to take a look at the datapad. "I've got a spare battery if we want to turn it on."

...

Oh please let me cast this cantrip instead. It will be a first!

Computers: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (12) + 21 = 33

Raia browses through the files on the datapad with Borq. "Looks like Dortay didn't know when to quit. Her family was trying to get her to retire, and relinquish her expense account."

I had a player use it on an anacite at Origins. ;)

"I'm guessing she didn't take too kindly to that. Is there a date on the last communication?"

Borq looks around at the sculptures. "Those are *very* impressive." He walks over to the base of one and looks up...and up.

Culture: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (4) + 12 = 16 -5 DC artistic innovations and traditions

*sigh* I finally get a chance to use my art benefits and I roll a 4.

"Yup. Impressive." You can practically see his fingers twitch with the desire to climb.

Culture: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (9) + 16 = 25

"Whoever made these statues must have had some culture and skill."

I can sympathize. Had a character with blind fight get his big chance to use it at last, rolled badly, and then got knocked to zero HP by his opponent.

Aid Culture: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (8) + 14 = 22

"Those shapes flow like traditional lashunta nature forms. "

She doesn't mention that they also 'flow' like other traditional nature forms including elven. Shape and expression may transcend culture, but some cultures are more important and some aren't worth mentioning.

You get a message on your comms

How's it going guys? Found the lost treasure yet? Or the X that marks the spot? If not, what's your next move?

Keskodia moves over to the gazebo to make sure there is not an x on the floor. If there is nothing there, Keskiodia moves to the stairs leading to the palace, and then to the passageway to the North.

Perception: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (5) + 17 = 22

No 'X' on the gazebo. Keskodai then moves to look into the palace, but presumably not entering. A series of red columns line the path into Dortay ven Corbosi’s personal palace, each with a small golden lamp at its base. In the center of the grand entry hall is a pyramid of polished red stone, encrusted with gemstones and topped by a series of mirrors that concentrate sunlight streaming in from a skylight onto the body of a woman dressed in white robes who is lying down on top of the pyramid.

The northern passage leads into a kitchen like area that looks like it's been ransacked.

Keskodia telepathically lets the rest of the party know what they saw on top of the pyramid.
"I wonder if that is Khendai?"

At the northern passage
"Looks like someone ransacked the kitchen. I wonder how recently it happened?"

"Rishni said that Dortay would be on her pyramid and Khendai would be further up? Or something like that." He moves stealthily over to the body to see what might be there.

Stealth: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 13
Perception: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (3) + 20 = 23

And trips over his own feet on the stair.

As soon as Borq enters the palace ... the woman risrs from the altar. Her lip curls in disdain as she telepathically shrieks, Impure defilers! You’ll die for this intrusion!

And that's when the fight started Your Honor

Initiatives:
Borq: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (12) + 13 = 25
Keskodia: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20
Qimok: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14
Raia: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21
Thrym: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (19) + 12 = 31

Dortay: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21
ASN: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

Thrym and Borq are up first before Dortay

Listening to the anguished wails of the spirits, Thrym strides forward, and tries to put the source of their torment to rest, firing an incendiary flare at Dortay.

Trick - 35. Flat-Footed for 1 round.

Ghost Killer Underwater Dazzler Flare Pistol (EAC): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 13, for 1d6 + 3 + 4d8 ⇒ (2) + 3 + (5, 4, 8, 3) = 25 Fire damage.

Borq startles backward and shoots reflexively.

Survival to Trick Attack, take 10: 10 + 17 + 4 = 31 for Trick Damage: 4d8 ⇒ (1, 2, 5, 8) = 16

Pew pew (single-valve plasma ring): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (5) + 11 = 16 for E&F Damage: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4 with crit wound

Not sure where she is on the map? Borq qould like to not be next to her, if possible.

Both those shots miss. She is on top of the pyramid.

Dortay fires back witrh an aphelion laser pistol
T/B: 1d2 ⇒ 2 1=Thrym, 2=Borq
alp: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (1) + 18 = 19 fire: 3d4 + 10 ⇒ (3, 2, 1) + 10 = 16

Everyone else is up.

@All: The palace map is on slide 5. Everyone needs to copy their tokens to the starting area.

@GM: There appears to be a second enemy at the base of the pyramid, but that hasn't been mentioned in any posts yet. Is it active and visible? Also, what skills are needed to recall knowledge on that and on Dortay? (I'm guessing Mysticism for both?)

And I will make an action post for Qimok in the morning. I'm overdue for bed right now as it is...

"That's not very nice."

Same questions as Qimok. Based on the image label I'll make a mysticism check. Also copied icons for Keskodai and BOrq to slide 5, but take no responsiblity for their placement. Move them where you will.

Dortay: Mysticism: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21 (+1 if outsider)
Other thing: Mysticism: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15 (+1 if outsider)
Holy Oeddertchonk! Qimok might know something!

Qimok rushes forward, curve blade and pike at the ready, and fires his shoulder cannon twice at the undead woman who had the nerve to shoot at his fellow skittermander. "For valor! And justice!" the gladiator bellows.

Use Hyper (1/day) to move, then full attack vs. Dortay.

seeking corona artillery laser: 1d20 + 10 - 4 ⇒ (18) + 10 - 4 = 24, damage (F): 2d8 + 7 ⇒ (2, 1) + 7 = 10

seeking corona artillery laser: 1d20 + 10 - 4 ⇒ (20) + 10 - 4 = 26, damage (F): 2d8 + 7 ⇒ (8, 5) + 7 = 20
crit damage: 2d8 + 7 ⇒ (5, 3) + 7 = 15 plus burning 1d6

Note: Qimok has 10 ft. reach with his pike, if the other enemy moves close enough to him to provoke an AOO.

Nicely effective turn! Qimok pats himself on the back with his one free hand.

The promised Mysticism check : 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (15) + 13 = 28

Keskodia takes a double move, drawing his corona laser pistol.

It's there to remind me where it starts - currently it looks like a pile of pebbles

Qimok recognises Dortay as a silicon mummy - an undead creature. (One question. Both those shots hit.

Raia determines the same thing (one question)

<=25: 1d100 ⇒ 76

((Dortay -45))

Question: DR?

Immunities?

Raia makes a throwing motion and two flaming spheres fly toward Dortay.

Then she moves forward while drawing her pistol.

Magic MIssile, force damage: 2d4 + 2 ⇒ (3, 3) + 2 = 8

Dortay: Immunities - Undead immunities. DR: 10/adamantium ((-53))

The pile of 'pebbles' rise up, coalescing into a cloud of whirling aeon stones before hurling magic missiles back at Raia
force: 2d4 + 2 ⇒ (2, 1) + 2 = 5

Thrym and Borq are up first before Dortay

Thrym grimly fires another flare at Dortay.

Trick - 35. Flat-Footed for 1 round.

Ghost Killer Underwater Dazzler Flare Pistol (EAC): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29, for 1d6 + 3 + 4d8 ⇒ (4) + 3 + (7, 7, 4, 2) = 27 Fire damage.

"What in the nine hells is that?" Borq squeaks as he fires again at Dortay.

Mysticism for the aeon thing: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (7) + 11 = 18 in order: DR, Resistances, immunities, weaknesses

Survival to Trick Attack, take 10: 10 + 17 + 4 = 31 for Trick Damage: 4d8 ⇒ (2, 3, 3, 6) = 14
Pew pew (single-valve plasma ring): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (13) + 11 = 24 for E&F Damage: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4 with crit wound

1d6 ⇒ 6 ((Dortay: -94))

Aeon Stone Network: Fine construct (Swarm, Magical, Technological): DR 1/- (ranged attacks only), Resistances: All energy types 1(ranged attacks only)

Could you please put a copy of your tokens on Slide 2 and label them so I can tell who is who. And there should be five of you. Who is not on the map?

Looks like we're missing Keskodai

Did I miss something? I check in several times per day, my token is on both slide 2 and 5. My last action was a double move.

No, it's Thrym whose token we're missing. He's taken a turn, but we don't know where he is on the map yet.

And Borq and Dakoyo need to put copies of their tokens (with labels) on slide 2, like Keskodai and I have done.

Sorry, I'm blind

Sorry, I'm blind

It's fine, sometimes I've missed my turn because several posts happened, but the last people posting were the same as when I had checked before.

Dortay steps to the left and casts Arcing Surge. The line of electricity goes through Raia and Borq.

electricity: 10d6 ⇒ (5, 3, 1, 6, 4, 3, 1, 5, 5, 6) = 39 ref DC 21 for half.

Everyone but Thrym and Borq are up

Keskodia takes a double move trying to get to the back side of the pyramid.