GM Frost's (SF2E) S01-04 The Great Absalom Relay [PbP Gameday XIV]

Game Master Frozen Frost

Society: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Not a crit fail...

(Gabitha has not done any missions yet; everyone else is just so quick to volunteer... :) )

Gabitha is the most chill skittermander I think I've ever encountered. In a just universe, she'd have been the one doing the repelling thing when the other team needed help.

Klicknop says, "Um, well, we're probably nearing our last challenge ... so I suppose that we should make sure that Gabitha gets a chance to participate." To the non-skittermanders, their tone clearly implies uncertainty about placing any responsibility, let alone the fate of their role in this competition, in the hands of a skittermander.

Once the Starfinders determine and locate the building, they’re greeted by Joia Mollen, an incredibly well-respected member of the tight-knit community.

A human woman with a kind smile rises from a comfortable rocking chair in the lobby of this cozy community center. “Greetings, Relay racers! My name is Joia Mollen and I welcome you to Little Akiton. This is your final obstacle before the final gauntlet, and I’m afraid you’ve reached a decision point!”

“You have your choice of two tasks to complete, each reflecting the culture of this wonderful neighborhood. All team members will need to participate, no matter which task you choose.”

“Your first choice is to Live it Up! There’s a block party just down the street, and they need some entertainment. A local dance crew will teach you a routine, and you’ll need to perform it to the crowd’s satisfaction.”

“Alternatively, you can Choke it Down. Sunny’s Diner is a neighborhood staple and the home-fried grubs in gravy are a particular treat. If each of you can finish a full portion, you’ll be on your way!”

At this point, everyone is participating, but you need to choose which task to complete: Live it Up! or Choke it Down. You can switch at any time and begin from scratch with the other task, but doing so loses you one Race Point every time you switch.

Which task will you choose to complete?

"Did someone say 'party?' Um, I mean, what do you think, Gabitha?"

Klicknop says, "I certainly vote for the party ... the idea of eating grubs is unpalatable to someone who started life in larval form."

"I dunno. Maybe Gabitha is hungry. She didn't get any takeout back at the restaurant."

Gabitha turns funny colors at the thought of eating fried grubs. She'd really prefer to avoid that.

"Well, then... block party it is, I suppose?"

"WOOOOOOOO!!!!!"

"You'll go party, then! Follow me!" the woman motions to them to follow her.

Upon their arrival, the street is packed with crowd of different sorts. She then talks to the dance crew that will be teaching the Starfinders.

"So, are you ready to learn some dance moves to hype the crowd?" the crew leader tells them and each member of the dance crew approaches each Starfinder as their partner to teach the dance moves.

The entire party will need to learn a dance from a member of a local street dance crew, then perform it for a block party using DC 15 Performance, Acrobatics, Diplomacy, or Deception. To complete this task, the party must earn a number of successes equal to half the number of PCs (rounded down) in the same round, to represent a successful performance. Examples of relevant Lore skills include DC 12 Dancing Lore and Music Lore.

Everyone is up for Round 1!

Gabitha starts a complicated dance that seems to mostly involve trying to hug everyone around her.

acrobatics: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13

Apparently Luna has 2 left feet

diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25

Nevasi may not be the best dancer but she quickly recruits several members of the street dance crew to walk her through the motions.

Dae worksthe crowd.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24

Acrobatics (untrained): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19

Klicknop, surprisingly, picks up the dance moves quickly. "Get jiggy with it!" they scream to the blaring music of Strawberry Machine Cake.

The Starfinders quickly pick up the dance steps and, with confident flair, showcase their moves to the crowd. Even with Luna struggling, it is overshadowed by their energy and rhythm, which makes it easy for others to follow along, turning the moment into a lively celebration that sweeps everyone into the heart of the party.

Once done, a male ysoki mechanic gives them their next clue. The final clue is a simple instruction:

“The Great Absalom Relay ends where it began!”

No checks are required as this means everyone must be racing back to Jatembe Park.

Once the Starfinders arrive at Jatembe Park, they must complete the final gauntlet, a colorful obstacle course built out of existing park structures. They begin this course without difficulty but partway through, their rivals—the Zo! Media Superstars— attempt to take out the competition.

“Should we do it, boss?” a stocky man asks Liall as the Zo! Media Superstars catch their breath at the end of an ornamental bridge.

“I’m not so sure, Russ. The techs said they weren’t sure exactly what—” she begins to respond.

“Ah c’mon! They’re right on us! Forget this, I’m doin’ it.” The man pulls a spherical grenade out of his pack and shouts “Enjoy this, Starfinders!” before hurling it toward the end of the bridge. A burst of smoke and magical energy issues as the grenade collides with the ground. Before the smoke clears, the opposing team’s expressions change to surprise. “Uh... Have fun, Starfinders!” Liall shouts as she quickly ushers her team to the next obstacle.

An experimental null-space conjuring grenade has released two augmented boars that seem enraged upon seeing the Starfinders!

I don't have everyone's icons, so kindly put them inside the red box on the Map before your turn.

⬤ FINAL GAUNTLET! Round 1 ⬤
Terrain Feature(s): The water’s surface is 5 feet below the bridge. The water is 10 feet deep and calm (DC 10 Swim).
Map Link: ENCOUNTER MAP

➤ BOLD NAMES CAN ACT; STRIKETHROUGH MEANS ELIMINATED.
➤ Gabitha (AC 17) (13/13 HP)
➤ Dae (AC ) (0/ HP)
➤ Navasi (AC ) (0/ HP)
Red Cy-Boar (- HP)
Blue Cy-Boar (- HP)
Navasi (AC 16) (16/16 HP)
Klicknop (AC 15) (17/17 HP)
Luna (AC ) (0/ HP)
Yellow Cy-Boar (- HP)

REFERENCES

Klicknop perks up as they learn of the final challenge. "Obstacle course? Wow ... I'm actually prepared for this!" They immediately cast tailwind on themself as they start the obstacle course.

Speed 35 for the next hour after starting the obstacle course.

Gabitha casts bless, which gives her companions +1 on attacks.

Navasi frowns. "Well I'm pretty sure that's against the rules." She draws her pistol then turns to her team and issues a command. "Okay team. We need to blast those things before anyone gets hurt. Get that one with the blue carapace."

Semi-Auto Pistol vs blue: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 5 + 1 = 10
damage, P: 1d6 ⇒ 4

◆ Interact, ◆ get 'em, ◆ strike

Get ’Em! vs blue ◆ to ◆◆ (directive, envoy) You single out an enemy for you and your allies to focus your attacks on. Select an enemy within 60 feet that you can see. You and your allies gain a +1 status bonus to attacks against that target until the beginning of your next turn.

"Hey, wasn't expecting an animal taming show as part of the race!"

Dae rushes toward the board, a ribbon of pure light forming in their hand as they go. They take a swipe at the enemy that Navasi pointed out.

◇ Attune

◆ Stride

◆ Stride

◆ Strike Blue

Photon-Attuned Solar Weapon: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 7 + 1 = 21
Bludgeoning Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11
Fire Damage: 1 = 1

Gabitha casts Bless. Navasi shoots but misses. Dae attunes, and then swipes at Blue with their solar weapon. hit, 11 B + 1 F damage

Red Cy-Boar shoots lasers from its eyes at Dae!
Laser Eye: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21 hit
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5 fire damage

Laser Eye: 1d20 + 8 - 5 ⇒ (8) + 8 - 5 = 11 miss
Laser Eye: 1d20 + 8 - 10 ⇒ (15) + 8 - 10 = 13 miss

Blue Cy-Boar meets him with its tusk!
Tusk: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28 hit
Damage: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (2, 6) + 4 = 12 P damage

Tusk: 1d20 + 10 - 5 ⇒ (4) + 10 - 5 = 9 miss

⬤ FINAL GAUNTLET! Round 1 ⬤
Terrain Feature(s): The water’s surface is 5 feet below the bridge. The water is 10 feet deep and calm (DC 10 Swim).
Map Link: ENCOUNTER MAP

➤ BOLD NAMES CAN ACT; STRIKETHROUGH MEANS ELIMINATED.
Gabitha (AC 17) (13/13 HP)
Dae (AC 17) (2/19 HP)
Navasi (AC ) (0/ HP)
Red Cy-Boar (- HP)
Blue Cy-Boar (-11 HP)
➤ Navasi (AC 16) (16/16 HP)
➤ Klicknop (AC 15) (17/17 HP)
➤ Luna (AC ) (0/ HP)
Yellow Cy-Boar (- HP)

REFERENCES

"Yeowch! Can we get an FX tech over here? These lasers are not calibrated properly."

Klicknop mutters, "Who can't we ever have them run toward us?" They glance over their shoulder at Gabitha and says telepathically, "Looks like we have some healing needs. Strategically, if you let Dae get knocked unconscious, and the boars advance before you heal them, then we will have them flanked." They are a cold and methodical technomancer.

Klicknop pulls up the comm unit on their armor, broadcasting a signal to interfere with the temporal operations of the Cyber-boar technology to re-experience the damage it recently took.

◆◆ Cast a Spell: injury echo on blue, DC 17 Will save
injury echo damage (bludgeoning): 1d8 ⇒ 2

As they complete the spell, the armor glows with defensive energy.

◆ Overlock Gear: +1 AC and anyone hitting me with melee takes 1 bludgeoning damage, duration: 1 minute

DC 17 Will save: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18 vs Injury Echo (Success, 1 B damage)

Klicknop echoes a signal that knocks some tech components of the Blue Cy-Boar for minimal damage.

⬤ FINAL GAUNTLET! Round 1 ⬤
Terrain Feature(s): The water’s surface is 5 feet below the bridge. The water is 10 feet deep and calm (DC 10 Swim).
Map Link: ENCOUNTER MAP

➤ BOLD NAMES CAN ACT; STRIKETHROUGH MEANS ELIMINATED.
Gabitha (AC 17) (13/13 HP)
Dae (AC 17) (2/19 HP)
Navasi (AC ) (0/ HP)
Red Cy-Boar (- HP)
Blue Cy-Boar (-12 HP)
➤ Navasi (AC 16) (16/16 HP)
Klicknop (AC 15+2 w +1 from Shield Spell, +1 from overclocking armor) (17/17 HP) | Overclock Gear (1 min): +1 AC; melee attackers take 1 B dmg
➤ Luna (AC ) (0/ HP)
Yellow Cy-Boar (- HP)

REFERENCES

Navasi seems to be on the initiative list twice.

Apologies. Too many things happening ATM

"Wha-" is all Luna could get out before seeing the hostile creatures. Her mind thinks fast as she draws her semi-auto pistol. With a sudden burst of inspiration, she concentrates and enhances her weapon.

◆ Interact to Draw
◆◆ Enhance Weapon (Becomes a +1 Striking Weapon)

Navasi seems to be on the initiative list twice.

Huh, didn't notice that. Tracker updated.

Luna draws weapon and enhances it.

Yellow Cy-Boar also shoots lasers at Dae!
Laser Eye: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25 hit
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 6 fire damage

Seeing that Dae falls to the ground, it moves toward the others and shoots Navasi.
Laser Eye, Agile, MAP: 1d20 + 8 - 4 ⇒ (15) + 8 - 4 = 19 hit
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 4 fire damage

While the SStarfinders deal with the rampaging cy-boars, other teams arrive and attempt to pass them on the course. Other passing teams can help you to Aid for a given round during your battle with the cy-boars! See ◆ Request Passing Team for Help! below.

The Free Captains Team arrives and is about to pass the Starfinders.

⬤ FINAL GAUNTLET! Round 2 ⬤
Terrain Feature(s): The water’s surface is 5 feet below the bridge. The water is 10 feet deep and calm (DC 10 Swim).
Map Link: ENCOUNTER MAP

➤ BOLD NAMES CAN ACT; STRIKETHROUGH MEANS ELIMINATED.
➤ Gabitha (AC 17) (13/13 HP)
➤ Navasi (AC 16) (12/16 HP)
Red Cy-Boar (- HP)
Blue Cy-Boar (-12 HP)
Klicknop (AC 15+2 w +1 from Shield Spell, +1 from overclocking armor) (17/17 HP) | Overclock Gear (1 min): +1 AC; melee attackers take 1 B dmg
Luna (AC ) (0/ HP)
Dae (AC 17) (0/19 HP) | Dying 1, Prone
Yellow Cy-Boar (- HP)

REFERENCES

"Time to raise the house lights..."

*thud*

Klicknop says telepathically to Navasi, Hey, do your persuasive talking thing and get them to help us! Appeal to their sense of fair play or something! Well, maybe not with the Free Captains, but still ...

↺ Communalism (if needed)
Frequency 1/day
Trigger An ally within 10 feet fails a skill check requiring 3 actions or fewer.
Effect You broadcast helpful encouragement or pertinent information to your ally’s mind. Your ally rerolls the triggering skill check and takes the better result.

"Hey don't just stand there. Help out. This is for charity after all!"

diplomacy, request help vs Free Captains DC18: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

"Great! Now finish off that blue one!"

Semi-auto pistol vs blue, aid, bless: 1d20 + 7 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 7 + 1 + 1 = 26
damage, P: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

◆ Request help, ◆◆ Get Em

The tracker says that Luna is also at 0 HP, but that appears to be an error from what I can tell. Also, it says I have a shield spell up and I don't, just the overclocked armor.

Gabitha holds her healing action at the ready waiting for the red and blue boar to act. It is not helpful to heal someone prone on the ground in front of two enemies.

Delay for Gabitha until right before Klicknop

I don't have Luna's HP so it is 0 in tracker. As for shield, that's a mistake, since I already noted your overclocked armor.

Navasi calls for the help of one of the Free Captains, "You're going to shoot that? I'll distract it." they say and goes playing with her target. Navasi hits. hit, 7 P damage

Gabitha moves to stabilize Dae for now, hoping that the boars will not have their attention on the solarian.

Red Cy-Boars runs and lasers Navasi.
Laser Eye: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16 hit
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 6 fire damage

Blue Cy-Boar gets past Dae and lasers Klicknop
Laser Eye: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28 crit
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5 fire damage x2

Yellow Cy-Boar twitches and fall to the ground.

⬤ FINAL GAUNTLET! Round 2 ⬤
Terrain Feature(s): The water’s surface is 5 feet below the bridge. The water is 10 feet deep and calm (DC 10 Swim).
Map Link: ENCOUNTER MAP

➤ BOLD NAMES CAN ACT; STRIKETHROUGH MEANS ELIMINATED.
Gabitha (AC 17) (13/13 HP)
Navasi (AC 16) (6/16 HP)
Red Cy-Boar (- HP)
Blue Cy-Boar (-19 HP)
➤ Klicknop (AC 15) (7/17 HP) | Overclock Gear (1 min): +1 AC; melee attackers take 1 B dmg
➤ Luna (AC ) (0/ HP)
➤ Dae (AC 17) (0/19 HP) | Unconcious, Wounded 1, Prone

REFERENCES

Upon checking, there are only five PCs in this game and I adjusted the encounter to be harder. I will remove Yellow so that it returns to normal encounter.

Dae waits for help.

If needed...

Botting Gabitha. Vitality Pool 10

After the blue boar acts, Gabitha sends healing energy to Dae.

◆ Transfer Vitality: +10 HP to Dae. Vitality Pool: 0

She then blasts a beam of divine energy at the red boar.

◆◆ Cast a Spell: divine lance
divine lance spell attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7
divine lance damage (spirit): 2d4 ⇒ (3, 1) = 4

Klicknop then pulls up a different spell, summoning a burst of acid that explodes on both the red and blue boars.

◆ Cast a Spell: energy sink (-1 Focus Point)
◆◆ Cast a Spell: caustic acid - DC 17 Reflex save versus 1d8 ⇒ 6 acid damage (1 persistent on crit fail)

Klicknop diverts some energy from the spell to gain protection against the boars' lasers.

From energy sink, resistance fire 2 for 1 minute