SFS1e- Following the Trail of Rasheen (KS)

Game Master phaeton_nz

Borq has no idea but it looks like it's not safe to touch as you would get a rather nasty shock off it as well as an EMP that would affect your technological equipment.

It's a trap. To disable it, you need Engineering or Mysticism, and that roll above isn't high enough

The floor of B5 is crisscrossed with the brown tendrils of some native plant which has burst in through the base of the pitted walls.

Keskodia moves a little bit closer and tries ot disable it with mysticism

Telepathically
"Could be a magical trap, let me try."
Mysticism: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (17) + 15 = 32

Keskodia succeeds, by suppressing the battery’s solar connection.

"Trap? I'll be there in a second. "

Before following Keskodai, Raia observes the tendrils closely and tries to match what she sees to species she knows.
Life science to ID tendrils: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (7) + 20 = 27
Perception, to get close to tendrils without stepping on any: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23
Will share any knowledge with the team.

When her examination of the plants is done, Raia follows Keskodai toward the purple glow generator. She's impressed by his ability to disable the device without tools.
"Why make a trap that's so obvious? Oh. " An answer suggests itself immediately and she looks around for another trap that uses this one as bait.

Perception, in B2: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

Qimok follows Borq and Keskodia towards the battery, but keeps back as they examine and disarm it. He then moves past them to look into the next room (B3).

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21

Kesokdia examines the trap to see if it was meant to slow people down or if it's guarding or hiding something.

"I wonder if the trap was just meant ot slow people down, if it is hiding or guarding something right here?"

Perception: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (4) + 17 = 21
Cast detect magic

Trouway follows from behind the group, and tries to see if we are missing something.

Perception: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (13) + 14 = 27

Even with everyone looking, there is nothing else here. It is not magical either.

But with the trap disabled, its light turns off, revealing both the duplicitous nature of the device and Rasheen’s stylized R insignia scratched into the glass. Without the light, it is also clear that the device looks so unusual because it was originally a cobbled-together piece of junk created by an engineer with more enthusiasm than technical skill and is now worth little more than scrap.

Raia also identifies those tendrils as belonging to a toxic creeper plant, an aggressive weed that most known species in the universe are highly allergic to. While the poison is contact-based, creeper vines are covered in ultra-thin barbs that penetrate most materials, meaning armor and environmental protections won’t guard against exposure if the PCs step on or touch the toxic creeper vines.

Satisfied she's identified the viny plants, Raia steps back to the south.

Passing Trouway she gestures to the northwest and telepathically says, "If you're thinking of wandering, don't go that way. "

Joining the others a few seconds later she warns everyone more completely,
"There's a poisonous vinelike plant among the ruins on the west side. It can penetrate armor. Keep alert for fine tendrils in this area.
I recommend that we move counter clockwise around the ruins in our exploration. Although it is possible that a widespread fire-based attack could eliminate the threat completely with little risk. "

So on to B3?

"Since we are following the trail of past events, counterclockwise seems like a good choice to unwind time."

Keskodia moves to the entrance of B3 and looks in.

Perception: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (9) + 17 = 26

Very glad that he didn't try to touch the thing himself, Borq follows the rest of the group around to B3.

Trouway follows from the back towards the next part.

The clouded but still faintly transparent aluminum shards clinging to the edge of the outer wall here hint that it was once one huge window. The forces of nature encroached on this space long ago, with dirt and plant life spilling in from the outside.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8 Pfffft....

"Interesting, look at that storage crate," exclaims Trouway as he points towards the crate close to the back wall.

Perception: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (19) + 14 = 33

Keskodia moves to area A4

"We already found a black box, perhaps this crate is a treasure box belonging to Rasheen?"

Keskodia pauses, thinking of options.
" Or it could be another trap."

More thinking, more options.
" Or it could belong to the bandits."

Another pause.
"Which means it could be trapped, but for different reasons."

To get to B4, you need to go through B3. As you do so, some rather exotic plants try to eat you.

Initiatives:
Borq: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (1) + 13 = 14
Keskodai: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17
Qimok: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11
Raia: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19
Thrym: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (6) + 12 = 18
Trouway: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

red: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (13) + 0 = 13
blue: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (15) + 0 = 15
green: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (2) + 0 = 2
yellow: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (9) + 0 = 9

Trouway, Raia, Thrym, and Keskodai are up before Blue.

Keskodia takes a 5-foot step back while drawing a shock grenade, then throws it at the North East corner of yellow, which should hit yellow, red, and green, but misses all of us.

Hit point on square DC 10: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26
shock grenade II +6 (explode [15 ft. radius, 1d12 E, DC 14 reflex save for 1/2 damage.])
Damage electrical: 1d12 ⇒ 10

Trouway pulls his Corona Laser Pistol and shoots yellow. Afterwards, Trouway notes if the fire may do something.

Corona Laser Pistol: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19
Fire Damage: 2d4 + 3 ⇒ (2, 2) + 3 = 7

Shouldn't Trouway be able to do a trick attack? IIRC, there was a ruling that you can draw a weapon as part of a trick attack full action.

ref(red): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21
ref(yellow): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22
ref(green): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15

(red: -5; yellow: -7; green: -5; blue: 0)

They seem to be somewhat resistant to fire.

How did such a pile of jink manage to operate for all these years.

The blast of Keskodai's grenade rouses Raia from her study of Rasheen's trap. Her head whips around and she looks to where the others are, ahead of her.

Blue shuffles five foot towards Keskodai and attempts to Hold Person.

Will save please.

Borq is up before Red.

With strong misgivings about the further destruction of local wildlife, Thrym nonetheless attempts to render assistance, firing at the one that targeted Keskodai.

Trick Attack - 'Take 10' = 34. Flat-Footed for 1 round on a success.

Tactical Skipshot Pistol(KAC): 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (14) + 13 = 27, for 1d4 + 4 + 4d8 ⇒ (3) + 4 + (5, 1, 7, 3) = 23 Piercing damage.

Will: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (4) + 12 = 16

Somehow missed Raia's name in the list of people to go. Sorry. My last post was a just a place holder.

Raia dashes north toward the fight. Along the way she pulls out her second battery. Move as shown.

She stops, heaves the battery toward the plants, and casts explosive blast. The battery flies straight to the spot she'd imagined and explodes, engulfing three of the plant creatures.

Red circle shows area of effect.

damage, Ref DC 20 for half: 9d6 ⇒ (1, 1, 3, 1, 2, 3, 6, 3, 1) = 21

Oh that hurts. Terrible damage roll, they're fire resistant, and I'm out of batteries.

And if I'm allowed: ID creature, life science: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (20) + 20 = 40

Borq tumbles behind Raia, aiming at Yellow with their zero pistol.

Survival to Trick Attack, take 10: 10 + 17 + 4 = 31 for Trick Damage: 4d8 ⇒ (1, 3, 8, 2) = 14
Pew pew (subzero hail pistol): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (7) + 11 = 18 for C&P Damage: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

Or not.

Raia recognises that they are Harpy Jasmine plants and realises that they are not native to this world. They have blindsense(thoughts), resistance to fire, but vulnerable to cold.

Keskodai freezes in place.

Raia throws a battery grenade
ref(red): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
ref(yellow): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13
ref(green): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9

Borq's shot hits.

(red: -21; yellow: -45; green: -21; blue: -23)

Red shuffles forward and tries to Hold Person Trouway.

Qimok is up.

Raia watches her fireball with some disappointment, but the creatures reaction to it spurs recognition.
"Anybody have a cold attack?! Fire's no good."

Initiatives:
Trouway: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23
Raia: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19
Thrym: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (6) + 12 = 18
Keskodai: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17
.
blue: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (15) + 0 = 15
.
Borq: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (1) + 13 = 14
.
red: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (13) + 0 = 13
.
Qimok: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11
.
yellow: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (9) + 0 = 9
green: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (2) + 0 = 2

Qimok is a bit slow to react to the threat, but when he does, he launches into a blur of motion. Seeing Keskodai paralyzed and Trouway isolated, the skittermander circles around Green to take up a position near the shirren, before thrusting his pike at the plant responsible for the mystic's condition.

Use Hyper to get extra move action. Two moves (see line on map for route; passes 10 ft. from Green, if relevant), then attack Blue.

invigorating tactical pike: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (11) + 12 = 23, damage (P): 1d8 + 13 ⇒ (3) + 13 = 16 (reach 10 ft.)

"Sorta? It's piercing, too." Borq waves his gun hand...just one of them, keeping an eye on the walking plant things.

(red: -21; yellow: -45; green: -21; blue: -39)

As Qimok goes past Green it lashes out with a vine
vine: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (19) + 12 = 31 bludgeoning: 1d6 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15

Yellow and Green shuffle up. Green tries to Hold Person Qimok and Yellow tries to Hold Person Raia.

Trouway (will save required), Raia (will save required), Thrym, and Keskodai(held) are up.

With Qimok turning his attention to Blue, Thrym focuses upon Yellow.

Trick Attack - 'Take 10' = 34. Flat-Footed for 1 round on a success.

Tactical Skipshot Pistol(KAC): 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (7) + 13 = 20, for 1d4 + 4 + 4d8 ⇒ (4) + 4 + (7, 3, 5, 2) = 25 Piercing damage.

Yellow gets shredded.

Will Save: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

Does that mean I don't have to save?

Will save, in case: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20

Raia steps forward for a better view of the fight. On the way she draws her pistol and fires at the closest plant.

aphelion laser pistol v red EAC: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26 ... damage: 3d4 + 4 ⇒ (2, 1, 2) + 4 = 9 F; critical burn 1d4; boost 1d4

Fire damage, but the best I can do while moving. Next turn I'll try something else.

Will: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14

That's almost certainly a fail, so Qimok will use his Resolute Mind finitirum augmentation as a reaction to avoid being paralyzed (costs 2 RP).

I've been trying to post this since last night; it won't save until now.
Will: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (19) + 12 = 31

Raia saves. Qimok uses Resolute Mind to avoid the paralysis. Trouway gets frozen. Keskodai shakes off the effect.

(red: -26; green: -21; blue: -39)

Blue lashes out with a vine at Keskodai and attempts to Grab with it.
vine: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (14) + 12 = 26 bludgeoning: 1d6 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14

Borq is up.

(Botting Borq while my partner is away.)

Borq moves a closer to get a better shot with his rather short-ranged pistol, then shoots Green from behind cover.

Survival to Trick Attack, take 10: 10 + 17 + 4 = 31 for Trick Damage: 4d8 ⇒ (8, 2, 3, 3) = 16

Pew pew (subzero hail pistol): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (20) + 11 = 31 for C&P Damage: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

eat some crit damage!: 4d8 + 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (3, 2, 3, 8) + (1) + 3 = 20 plus bleed 1d4

Green also gets shredded and turned to salad.

Red moves and tries to grab Trouway with a vine.
vine: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (18) + 12 = 30 bludgeoning: 1d6 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13

Qimok is up.

"I've got this one--help nufriend Trouway!" Qimok calls out, pointing at his human teammate with a free hand as he focuses on trying to take out the more damaged plant.

Full attack on Blue (reach 10 ft):
invigorating tactical pike: 1d20 + 12 - 4 ⇒ (8) + 12 - 4 = 16, damage (P): 1d8 + 13 ⇒ (6) + 13 = 19
invigorating tactical pike: 1d20 + 12 - 4 ⇒ (17) + 12 - 4 = 25, damage (P): 1d8 + 13 ⇒ (3) + 13 = 16

The plant barely avoids the first attack, but not the second.

(red: -26; blue: -55)

With both Yellow and Green gone, Trouway, Raia, Thrym, and Keskodai are up.

Trouway will trick Red plant, and shoots at it.

Sense Motive for Trick Attack: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (8) + 18 = 26
Corona Laser Pistol: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12
Fire Damage: 2d4 + 3 ⇒ (1, 3) + 3 = 7
Sneak Attack Damage: 4d8 ⇒ (1, 6, 7, 8) = 22

Thrym moves forward and blasts Red.

Trick Attack - 'Take 10' = 34. Flat-Footed for 1 round on a success.

Tactical Skipshot Pistol(KAC): 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (17) + 13 = 30, for 1d4 + 4 + 4d8 ⇒ (1) + 4 + (2, 6, 5, 6) = 24 Piercing damage.

Raia gathers herself then sends three bolts of green energy at the plant attacking Trouway.

I think with their fire resistance that magic missile as a full round action is my best.

Force Damage v red: 3d4 + 3 ⇒ (4, 4, 2) + 3 = 13

Trouway misses but Thyme does not. Red withers and dies. Seeing that Raia redirects her missiles to Blue which also withers and dies.

--- Combat Over ---

"Anyone need a...hand?", he grins widely and wiggles 30 fingers at his teammates, before reloading his pistol and taking a look around the room.

Perception: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (18) + 20 = 38

"Other than being frozen still for a bit, I think I'm fine. Looks like Qimok took a hit. Qimok, do you need to rest?"

@Borq: I'm pretty sure skitters only have 24 fingers. All the art I've seen gives them 4-fingered hands (though I wouldn't be surprised if the species has a high rate of polydactyly). Also, didn't you joke once about Borq losing a finger or two in kitchen accidents? ;-)

"Just the one, and I braced for it," Qimok replies breezily. "The hard part was resisting whatever these things were trying to do to our minds." He mutters a Vesk curse as he uses his weapons to double-check that the plants are completely dead. "But I wouldn't mind a short breather if the local wildlife will allow it."

Assuming no interruptions, he'll spend 1 RP to regain SP, even though he only lost about 1/4 of his.