"For the record, since you asked, that was Abyssal, the language of demons. Do not confuse it with Infernal, the language of devils. Noone will be happy if you do. Also, yeah, we should report in and debrief. Good job everyone."
Berith stops herself from making a comment about 'not all tieflings' just when she realizes she actually is the only one that understood the quorlu. "Serves me right for going for the 'easy A'. Yeah I can understand them."
"Hindi ito ang gusto namin dito. Kailangan naming ihinto ang halimaw na iyon upang sirain ang iyong tahanan."
Abyssal:
"This isn't what we wanted, here. We had to stop that monster," She points at where the concavion was, "From destroying your home and families."
Boon Roll 19+:1d20 ⇒ 15 So I don't have to preview and edit:1d3 ⇒ 2
Though, for reference, as GM I was told on the Org Play discord that people could pick. That may not be correct, for some reason I didn't get any of the normal GM emails this con, so ignore me if those said to roll for boons. ((I'd definitely want the Season 1 Explorer boon, if I got to pick.))
If she'll allow it, Berith would spend her move action overcharging Vyviane's shot so that it does extra damage and the expense of tripple charge use.
Possible extra cold and bludgeoning damage:1d6 ⇒ 2
"There are extra batteries on my belt and on Shai's saddle if you need them." She adds, over the din of the blasting.
Overcharge and Attack (Standard), Shai Attacks. Berith's Ranged Attack vs EAC:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16 Berith's Fire Damage:1d8 ⇒ 2 Berith's Overcharge Fire Damage:1d6 ⇒ 5 Shai's Ranged Attack vs EAC:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10 Shai's Plasma (F&E) Damage:1d10 ⇒ 6
By my count, that Shai will need to reload next round, not that it matters (I don't think she can do any damage unless she crits), and Berry has 1 more round before she needs to.
Yeah, I've had PbP con games that completely ran over time before. It's no big deal to me if we run long or finish early as a player. I'm having fun either way.
I can't speak for anyone else, but I don't feel like either of you are holding us up. This is a pretty long scenario and we've been maintaining a healthy pace, I think. I know I can only check in like once or maybe twice a day myself, so I'm not sweating anyone else in the same boat, personally, no matter what time that check is.
Looking around the group, it appears that Elwin is the only one using a powered weapon that isn't shooting lasers or electricity, so she says, "Elwin, you need a boost?"
If he says yes. I spend a move action overcharging his weapon, it does an extra d6 of damage, but takes 3 charges instead of 1.
In case Elwin doesn't see this before posting:
Elwin Overcharge Damage:1d6 ⇒ 1
She then turns a dial on her own weapon and fires, before directing Shai to fire as well.
Overcharge and Attack (Standard), Shai Attacks Berith's Ranged Attack vs EAC:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18 Berith's Fire Damage:1d8 ⇒ 1 Berith's Overcharge Fire Damage:1d6 ⇒ 5 Shai's Ranged Attack vs EAC:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11 Shai's Plasma (F&E) Damage:1d10 ⇒ 1
Berith looks at her gun that only shoots fire. Then she looks at her other gun that shoots electricity. Then she looks at her drone's gun that shoots fire and electricity. "Well... pronk. Who here isn't pew pewing with the lasers?"
"Oh? I don't like the sound of 'Oh'! Know anything more than 'incoming'?" Berry asks as she pushes her drone forward to catch up with Ziamat on the bridge.
If Blue is still alive after Ziamat's hit:
Berith readies an action (Standard) to fire after her drone's movement, directs her drone to move (Move, granting the drone an extra Move action), the drone moves (Move action), and they both fire (Readied Action plus drone Standard action. Berith's Ranged Attack vs EAC:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18 Berith's Fire Damage:1d8 ⇒ 3 Shai's Ranged Attack vs EAC:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6 Shai's Plasma (F&E) Damage:1d10 ⇒ 1
If Blue is Dead:
Berith directs her drone to move and readies an action to fire at any 'incoming baddies' that come out of the portal. The drone moves and readies an action to fire at the same creature when it appears. Berith's Ranged Attack vs EAC:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7 Berith's Fire Damage:1d8 ⇒ 6 Shai's Ranged Attack vs EAC:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24W00t Shai's Plasma (F&E) Damage:1d10 ⇒ 3 Shai's Crit Plasma Damage:1d10 ⇒ 9
That's why I was putting my gunnery checks in spoilers. To help prevent meta-gaming feelings. I haven't tried it, yet, but I think the next time I run PbP, I'll be doing the pilot init in a spoiler tag for both the NPC/PC ship and telling the pilot what they know in that same spoiler tag. I know not everyone is fond of letting the GM roll for the players, though.
I do want to mention, though, that I don't believe the Captain can aid on the initiative check for piloting. The encourage action specifies it only works to help with other crew actions, and the init check isn't one of those. As far as I know, the Magic Officer ability is the only one that can help with the init, though Demand may work, I'm not sure.
I'm pretty sure the rule is that min damage is always 1, and that nat 20 is still a crit. So I'm going to assume I took 1 damage from that crit.
Berith says, in Abyssal, "Magandang pagpipilian!" As she pushes Shai into action. Shai carries the two of them north to get a clear line on the cultists and they open fire with their weapons.
Abyssal:
"Good choice!"
Berith readies an action (Standard) to fire after her drone's movement, directs her drone to move (Move, granting the drone an extra Move action), the drone moves (Move action), and they both fire (Readied Action plus drone Standard action. Berith's Ranged Attack vs EAC:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16 Berith's Fire Damage:1d8 ⇒ 6 Shai's Ranged Attack vs EAC:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11 Shai's Plasma (F&E) Damage:1d10 ⇒ 2
Crap! I'm sorry, Tixylix. I thought I was the only gunner and you were doing Engineering. I'll take the coil gun this round if you want to take the light laser cannon. Actually, can we get a sound off on positions/roles? I know we said it at the very start of the scenario, but it's been a while.
"Aligning the computational matrix for another shot. Just keep it close and off our tail a little longer."
Same as before, I plan on using the computers. If the captain feels obliged, I wouldn't mind an encourage or a demand on the coilgun.
Gunnery Round:
Firing at will again, same as before, if something doesn't apply because of someone else's actions, please adjust accordingly. I won't fire the light laser cannon if it doesn't make sense to do so.
Gunnery Check, Light Laser Cannon vs AC with Computer:1d20 + 5 - 4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 5 - 4 + 1 = 5 Laser Cannon Damage:2d4 ⇒ (4, 3) = 7 Crit Effect, if applies:1d100 ⇒ 45 Gunnery Check, Turret Coilgun vs AC with Computer:1d20 + 5 - 4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 5 - 4 + 1 = 4 Coilgun Damage:4d4 ⇒ (2, 1, 2, 1) = 6 Crit Effect, if applies:1d100 ⇒ 15
"If you can keep them off our tail, and at close range, that would help! Oh, and I am probably gonna need the computer to chart my firing solutions." Berith says as she preps the guns for firing.
I plan on taking both computer nodes for shots, unless someone strenuously objects.
Gunnery Phase:
Assuming they end up in our forward, port, or starboard arcs, and at close range (5hexes or less), I plan on using Fire at Will to fire both that arc's light laser cannon and the turret coilgun. I want to inflict as much damage early as possible. The shots below include the -4 penalty from Fire at Will and the +1 from the computer nodes. If anyone takes a node away, or if we end up with them in our aft arc, or at medium/long range, ignore the light laser cannon shot and the appropriate penalties/bonuses.
My wife has two drone mechanics, one at level 13 that played through dead suns, and one at level 10 that's an SFS character. I stole the idea from her. But I'll be happy to tell her you liked it. It's honestly less powerful at higher levels (even with Improved Overcharge) and much better for melee characters with the recent FAQ. It's still super fun, though.
Seeing more show up, Berith decides to try and finish the fight quickly. "It's time for a power up." she hoots, before setting the volume up to 11 on both her and Shai's weapon. The both fire at the new comers.
Having literally none of the skills necessary, Berith moves to the center of the group, drawing her laser rifle and activating Shai's protection algorithms. "I'll stand watch for an ambush."
The Commencement isn't a quest pack, so it's really up to the party/GM how they handle it. Some of the missions are pretty long in game time, so it makes sense to have a night's sleep or whatever between them, but it doesn't say anything in the scenario about it, so it's a GM call. For quest packs (like ITU, 1-16, and 2-03) though, yeah. You're supposed to treat each quest like a brand new gaming session. Everyone starts each quest at full health/stamina/resolve/spells/charges on batteries. Each mission in this is a full 'reset' for the characters.
Berith uses her previous skill check as a full round action, since she doesn't have to direct her drone, though, and it doesn't need to move, the drone still can fire this round.
While Berith attempts to solve the equation, Shai opens fire on the same guardian as before.
Round 1 Redo: Berith readies an action (Standard) to fire after her drone's movement, directs her drone to move (Move, granting the drone an extra Move action), the drone moves (Move action), and they both fire (Readied Action plus drone Standard action. Attacks are vs Red. Berith's Ranged Attack vs EAC:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21 Berith's Fire Damage:1d8 ⇒ 7 Shai's Ranged Attack vs EAC:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22 Shai's Plasma (F&E) Damage:1d10 ⇒ 9
I'm running games for Crittercon this weekend so I'll be out of pocket starting tomorrow morning. I'll try to check in at least once a day, but I may be unavailable. If it's a crucial moment, please don't hesitate to just bot me if needed.
I don't think they picked a good map for this particular part of the adventure. A menhir is a stone marker that generally stands vertically, like an obelisk or henge (think Washington Monument or Stonehenge). But yes, the horizontal stone thingy with the crown is meant to represent that, though the one on the map has fallen over for some reason.
Berith follows the group down the stairs. As Rhys wanders off, she says, "While I'm itching to get this over with, too, we should probably stick together."
Engineering Check:1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27Don't roll a 1. I didn't roll a 1.
"Well, this looks fun. I guess we're all swinging across." She ties a vine to the frame of Shai and tells it to try its best. She gives the drone a push to try to help it.
Berith Aid Another, if Possible:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9No good either way.
Shai Athletics Check:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25
Shai lands on the other side and does a little dance as it waits for its master.
Berith shudders and grabs her own vine. "Venture Captain, Ho!"
The combat droid easily catches itself, but Berith rolls off her back and falls into the rocky pile.
Piercing Damage:1d6 ⇒ 5
She attempts to free herself from the jagged pile, biting her lip to keep from screaming at the scratches.
Acrobatics Check:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
As she climbs out, cut and bruised she looks at her drone companion, "Thanks for that. Remind me to upgrade you with a safety belt." She shakes her head in disgust at her own non-athleticism before climbing back into the riding saddle.
"I don't know that I'd call, 'let the black hole win' a plan but we definitely can't let that happen." Berry says as she presses Shai forward again for a better line on Raval before firing.
Berith readies an action (Standard) to fire after her drone's movement, directs her drone to move (Move, granting the drone an extra Move action), the drone moves (Move action), and they both fire (Readied Action plus drone Standard action. Berith's Ranged Attack vs EAC:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6 Berith's Fire Damage:1d8 ⇒ 8 Shai's Ranged Attack vs EAC:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21 Shai's Miss Chance:1d100 ⇒ 63High is good. Shai's Plasma (F&E) Damage:1d10 ⇒ 10
"Good work, Shai. Now if only my rifle weren't crap."
Oops, yeah, the drone doesn't have darkvision forgot they don't get that. I'll go ahead and roll the will save, but drones are immune to mind-affecting and pain effects, if it's what I think it is.
Shai Miss Chance:1d100 ⇒ 24 Shai Will Save:1d20 ⇒ 3
Berith shouts back while pointing her gun, in Abyssal, "မဟုတ်ပါ၊ ထိုမိန်းမကိုသတ်ပါ" before pressing forward again on her drone's back.
Abyssal:
"No, Kill that woman!"
Berith readies an action (Standard) to fire after her drone's movement, directs her drone to move (Move, granting the drone an extra Move action), the drone moves (Move action), and they both fire (Readied Action plus drone Standard action. Berith's Ranged Attack vs EAC:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11 Berith's Fire Damage:1d8 ⇒ 3 Shai's Ranged Attack vs EAC:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19 Shai's Plasma (F&E) Damage:1d10 ⇒ 7
I have darkvision, and I think she's in range to ignore the concealment.
I've added my tokens to the slides and grouped my drone and character tokens since I'm riding on its back. Sorry for not doing that sooner. I completely forgot.
With a start at the sudden but expected violence, Berith readies to attack Raval then directs her drone to move forward into a better firing position. Shai lurches into action, bounding forward. Both Berith and Shai open fire.
Berith readies an action (Standard) to fire after her drone's movement, directs her drone to move (Move, granting the drone an extra Move action), the drone moves (Move action), and they both fire (Readied Action plus drone Standard action. Berith's Ranged Attack vs EAC:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9 Berith's Fire Damage:1d8 ⇒ 7 Shai's Ranged Attack vs EAC:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9 Shai's Plasma (F&E) Damage:1d10 ⇒ 9
Fairly certain she missed, she adds, "I knew I should have aligned my sights before leaving the ship."
Berith returns the favor by holding up her gun in a cocky fashion right back at her. "Is that name supposed to mean something? I've been away for a while. Killing Jinsuls."
