SFS1e- Following the Trail of Rasheen (KS)

Game Master phaeton_nz

"You can run but you can't hide!" Borq's fingers dance along the pilot's board, aiming the ship at the damaged port side.

ship moved

With the heavy missile weapon out of ammo, Qimok simply focuses on the big forward gun, using the computer to improve his accuracy again.

particle beam (forward): 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 9 + 2 = 18, damage: 8d6 ⇒ (6, 2, 1, 3, 2, 4, 5, 4) = 27

"Nice shooting!"

Ears punches a button to change his console's functions away from general power generation and distribution to focus on the shields. He bleeds as much power as he can from the right shield, and throws it onto the forward one.

"Borq, keep them out of our right arc! I'm pulling power off that shield!"

Science Officer, rebalance shields v DC 19: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (20) + 15 = 35

We've got about 75 shield points, so I've got to leave 8 on the right shield. That will let me put 17 on the forward.

Even though they're not evading that just misses

They fire back, turret weapons into your forward arc - yet again.
diplomacy: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21
gunnery: 1d20 + 11 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 11 + 2 + 2 = 31 damage: 2d8 ⇒ (1, 6) = 7
gunnery: 1d20 + 11 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 11 + 2 + 2 = 35 damage: 2d8 ⇒ (2, 4) = 6

--- Round 7 ---
engineering: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (4) + 16 = 20
computers: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (9) + 13 = 22
piloting: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (13) + 11 = 24

Jek can move to one of the guns this turn, Jek is only +5 with guns but for one attack can roll twice and take the best.

Thrym continues to tear more cladding off the walls.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (5) + 18 = 23.

Ears grins because the shields absorb the whole of the enemy attack, but rebalancing the shields again would leave half the shields vulnerable. That's asking too much, even for a pilot as skilled as Borq.

" That's great Thrym! Can you do something to help Qimok shoot straight now?"
Per his request a round or two back.

Ears will Switch back to engineering. Divert power to shields, and speed, since Thrym nailed his check.

Enginering, divert, v DC 19, shields, speed: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (9) + 15 = 24 That's 10 shield points back to the front shield.

Jek can move to one of the guns this turn, Jek is only +5 with guns but for one attack can roll twice and take the best.

Good plan.

Since the limited fire weapon is out, we have two weapons to use at most, so don't need both Thrym and Jek to help Qimok. We do, however, need to keep our forward arc towards them to use our highest-damage weapon, or to have more than one weapon available.

"Thrym is 2 levels higher than Jek and has a 24 Dex, after Jek uses their one chance to roll twice, it would be better for Thrym to gun Thrum's gunnery is +12 that's a lot better than Jek's +5

Keep chasing them! Get on their six! Momo keeps egging on Borq

Pilot Assist: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (20) + 11 = 31

Since the limited fire weapon is out, we have two weapons to use at most, so don't need both Thrym and Jek to help Qimok. We do, however, need to keep our forward arc towards them to use our highest-damage weapon, or to have more than one weapon available.

Qimok didn't broadside last round. If he can't broadside anymore, the best plan this round might be to have Jek use his best of two roll as secondary gunner while Thrym uses the chief mate's ability to improve targeting for Qimok. After that it looks like Thrym is our best secondary gunner.

Qimok's down to 2 RP after five broadsides, so it didn't seem worth doing with one of our two big guns out. Thrym would actually be our best gunner, at +12 (Q is only +9, being 6th level and not solely focused on Dex).

To save time here are my actions for rounds 7 and 8

Round 7

round 8
Precognition DC 10 + 1.5 ship tier 6 = DC 19
Mysticism: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (3) + 14 = 17
On success + 2 to piloting

Qimok's down to 2 RP after five broadsides, so it didn't seem worth doing with one of our two big guns out. Thrym would actually be our best gunner, at +12 (Q is only +9, being 6th level and not solely focused on Dex).

Makes sense. Borq's doing a great job. I'm pretty sure they'll stay in our front arc, so we can plan on two shots a round. [disclaimer]Past performance can guarantee future returns. [/discliamer]

Who's the pilot? Waiting for a roll

Sorry, I was out of state.

Borq grin widens even further, as he continues to follow the ship around.

Piloting init: 1d20 + 17 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 17 + 2 = 29

Piloting, aid: 1d20 + 17 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 17 + 2 = 38

Probably evading, but might flyby if the ship doesn't line up nicely.

They keep trying to get away from you as well as keeping their port side from you.

((Moved))

evade: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26

Fortunately, all this twisting about isn't affecting the download - but, oh boy, isn't it slow.

Borq angles past their starboard, allowing Qimok a chance to give them a warning shot up their nose. Fly by instead of evade

As Borq skillfully flies in close to the Congregation, Qimok fires a broadside with the forward guns into their port side.

Broadside (-1 RP) during flyby attack:
particle beam (forward), +2 from computer: 1d20 + 9 - 2 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 9 - 2 + 2 = 29, damage: 8d6 ⇒ (3, 2, 3, 5, 5, 5, 1, 4) = 28
coilgun (forward): 1d20 + 9 - 2 ⇒ (13) + 9 - 2 = 20, damage: 4d4 ⇒ (1, 2, 4, 2) = 9

I'm going to assume that Jek will take over the port coilgun (with our last computer bonus) for the regular gunnery round shot, using the spoiled rolls in their last post.

Jek will fire the port coilgun as pre-rolled if needed, with Qimok's nat 20 with the particle beam I'm hoping there is nothing left to shoot at.

If the ship is not destroyed, rolls from my last post's spoiler
Best of 2 rolls from Communalism
Gunner: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 5 + 2 = 24
Gunner: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 5 + 2 = 20
Damage : 4d4 ⇒ (3, 2, 3, 3) = 11

Ow! Not too close! We don't have a collision waiver!

Keep assisting the pilot: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (6) + 11 = 17

The particle beam rips through their shields but the coilgun just misses. The port coil gun also hits.

The ship is not destroyed but is very badly damaged. It attempts to flee.

ct: 1d100 ⇒ 12
ct: 1d100 ⇒ 47

"That was my one good shot, Thrym I think it's your turn as gunner."

Precognition DC 10 + 1.5 ship tier 6 = DC 19
Mysticism: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (5) + 14 = 19
On success + 2 to piloting

Did they fire on us? What's our forward shield look like now?

Ooops. I knew I forgot something

Before they flee, they make some parting shot with their turret.
diplomacy: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21
gunnery: 1d20 + 11 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 11 + 2 + 2 = 19 damage: 2d8 ⇒ (2, 6) = 8
gunnery: 1d20 + 11 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 11 + 2 + 2 = 33 damage: 2d8 ⇒ (7, 4) = 11

"They appear to want to flee," Qimok observes with obvious satisfaction. "Shall we allow them to survive to endure the shame of their ignominious defeat once the rest of Corpse Fleet hears of this battle?"

Also, OOC, if they flee, will be have time to finish our download in peace?

"I say let them flee that way the rest of the Corpse Fleet will know it's better to sell t-shirts them mess with the Starfinder Socity! I spilled my popcorn in all the excitement I could make more while we finish the download."

As long as they don't bring in reinforcements, let's not risk it. Let's recharge the shields and make repairs, then finish watching the movie?

You can finish the download without further hassle. Once it is done, you can return to Absalom Station.

Upon returning to Absalom Station, the PCs can meet Radaszam in the Lorespire Complex for a full debrief. The vesk faction leader is exhilarated to have his theory proven correct, and to be on the trail of the legendary Jelev Rasheen. Radaszam eagerly indicates that he plans on presenting the data package to Historia-7 of the Dataphiles upon her return from taking some “personal time.”

"Good work, nufriends!" Qimok says as he and his crewmates watch the Corpse Fleet ship limp away with its skeletal tail between its legs.

Back at Absalom Station, Qimok contributes to the debriefing with typical skittermander enthusiasm, though he deviates from the usual stereotypes by needing far fewer reminders to stay on track. He is also generous with praise for his teammates' deeds, and seems to be eager to join them for future missions.

"Good shooting Qimok, you really gave that ship a beating they won't forget, and since they are undead that's a long time to not forget! Momo is right we should get the ship ready before movies and popcorn."

At the meeting with Radaszam
"Just so the next Starfinders that encounter the corpus fleet know, the corpus fleet doesn't sell t-shirts."

Jek needs to level up before moving to the next scenario I figured some of that in advance so shouldn't take too long

just after ship combat

Ears pirouettes on his chair. "Great work, team! Way to send those boney deaders packing!"

That was one of the best ship combats ever. Good team coordination. Good rolls. . Borq was able to keep the corpse-ship where we wanted it. Qimok and company were accurate. I've had so many ship combats turn into terrible boring slogs because everyone, but especially the gunners, were on a cold streak with the dice.

With Radaszam

Ears chews on something throughout the debreifing with the venture captain.
He has a concise report file ready that posts to Radaszam's account. "I'm happy that you're happy. If Historia wants some help analyzing that info, have her call me. "

He turns to the other team members, swallows whatever he is chewing, straightens up. His voice softens, "Should an opportunity arise in the future, I'd be happy to fly with any of you again."

Corps Fleet huh? Wonder what they're up to? Might send a couple of Steward ships to have a look.

But well done all of you Hopefully that'll teach 'em a good lesson.

With the mission apparently over, Thrym drifts away to his herb garden.

Day Job - Profession(Herbalist): 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (11) + 18 = 29.

"I better help patch up this ship before we need it again.
Jek uses their downtime to help fix up the ship.

Day job Profession maintenance worker with tool kit: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (18) + 16 = 34

Meanwhile, Thrym remains completely oblivious to just how much damage he caused whilst trying to 'help'...

Jek thinks to them self
"I know we took a few hits but this damage seems to have come from the inside."

"Hay, anyone see any glitch gremlins by chance, I think something has been messing with the ship."

When Jek gets to the engine room for maintenance, Jek looks around to make sure no one is liking.
"I wonder what happens if you put unpopped popcorn in the engine reactor?" only one way to find out..."

Jek puts some popcorn seeds in the reactor and warms the engine up...

"Oops that doesn't look good."

Nope - popcorn isn't really meant to glow - or melt.

Anyone else with day jobs?

Qimok spends his downtime training new Starfinders in the glorious arts of war--both hand-to-hand combat and heavy weaponry.

Qimok has the Instructor boon slotted, so will check 1 box per point of Ehu Rep earned, and spend his Downtime to check one additional box.

Ears takes his pay and returns to his lab where he conducts serious research, apparently focus on how high things will go when they are blown up.

Profession, professor: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

Sorry, forgot about the day job.

That's the end of this part. I'll get Chronicles out soonish. Who's in for the next one?

RPG Chronicle signup for 2-22 Rasheen's Reception is up

Count me in!

Totally in.!

I'm in, and I promise not to put popcorn in the reactor again...

Borq cheers as the ship flees with its tail between its legs.

"I definitely need a Corpse Fleet T-shirt now. 'I fought the Corpse Fleet and all I got was this lousy T-shirt?' Maybe?" He grins and introduces the hexoglin to popcorn. She particularly likes the melty ones.

Celebrity Chef: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (2) + 23 = 25

25*2*3 = 150 gp

Borq levels to 7

Definitely in!

Oh, and I'm in, too. :)

Momo is in! The one after that is going to be tricky, though, unless I finally make work of project Deedee and collect my GM chronicles

Day Job, Dancer: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (14) + 11 = 25

OK. I'll start on Chronicles and I have to get this game added to the Outpost VIII list. Hopefully, if we're fast we can be finished before Outpost ends

You have responded to a joint summons from Radaszam, chief of the Acquisitives, and Celita, leader of the Dataphiles.

In the depths of one of the Lorespire Complex’s computer labs, the android Celita sits in front of multiple monitors, analyzing lines of code that scroll by at blinding speed. Radaszam stands behind her, turning to greet the arrivals. Good, you’re here. Some of you may remember a job from awhile back, tracking down the last voyage of Jelev Rasheen. She was a top-notch explorer from the early days of Drift travel, when there weren’t as many beacons and things weren’t as easy. She regularly went out from Absalom Station for uncharted territory, came back with rich hauls and tall tales! While most of the stories about her got inflated in the telling, she definitely existed. Another team found one of the claim beacons she used to mark her expedition routes on an earlier mission. Celita and her Dataphiles have been cracking the encryption on it since, and we finally have coordinates.

Radaszam continues, Rasheen’s first beacon was on some ice moon in the Vast, but then she backtracked into Near Space. We have no idea why. Maybe she needed to make repairs or just got word of a likely treasure-hunting site. Whatever happened, the beacon we have points to Kizmatta, one of the two main planets of the Marixah Republic. We reached out to the owner of the land around the coordinates. He says that they sit on an archaeological site, but he’s willing to help us get excavation rights if we play some local politics.

Celita interjects, Unfortunately, due to the beacon’s location, this mission may have some political ramifications. The Marixah Republic has found itself embroiled in a border dispute with the Gideron Authority, a neighboring power mostly run by hobgoblins and their kin. Among other issues, they claim that hobgoblin ruins within Republic space are proof that those systems were ruled by their predecessors. It is highly likely they will object to a third party encroaching on an ancient hobgoblin site. Our contact, Vekkhad d’Salaz, is the Director of the Heartfire terraforming corporation. He sent the following message.

As head of the family, as well as Heartfire, I am honored to be called to assist the Starfinder Society. The coordinates you have provided are in the center of an ancient hobgoblin archaeological site. Given the current tensions with the Gideron Authority, the Society would be well advised to go through the proper channels to acquire permission to excavate. If the Society is willing to send representatives capable of conducting negotiations and excavating quickly, I will do what I can to put you in contact with the appropriate people on Kizmatta. Next week Heartfire will be hosting a reception, which several officials in the relevant offices will be attending. Your representatives would be most welcome to open negotiations there.