Shiktal's page

Hopefully everyone had good holidays. I am back in town now, my posting should stabilize. :D

Gwin is the best gunner among those options (1 piloting rank + 3 dex for +4), but in general I feel like the Captain can probably grab a gun while Gwin and I keep the shields high as possible.

"I suspect the drones are being operated from the platform. Without a central control, the drones will likely be dead in space!" Shiktal says as she furiously attempts to boost their shield power.

Engineering DC13 Divert to Shields: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28

Restores 5% of PCU to shields, meaning we get 6 shield HP. Probably want 3 in each of the side arcs.

Shiktal grimaces as a damage report on the hull flares across her status screens. She quickly dives into the power systems and rigs a burst of energy towards the shields.

Engineering DC13 (Divert to Shields): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10

Unfortunately she's not able to get the cables lined up properly and no power flows towards the shielding systems.

As Shiktal watches the CIC headsup displayed by her custom rig and frowns.

"We should focus all fire on the hub. If we don't stop it deploying more drones, we'll find outselves overwhelmed very quickly."
Shiktal calls through the ship's comms from her place in the bowels of the ship.

Shields look okay for now, gonna focus on offense. Using a computer node.

Engineering DC13 to boost Gunnery (1s -> 2s): 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 8 + 1 = 13

Shiktal's keeping track of the fight through her Custom Rig, which is feeding her information from the ship's computer.

Engineer DC13 to boost Guns: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19

All gunnery damage gets to change 1s to 2s this round.

"Boosting the engines, put us where you need to Jim." Shiktal calls before manually re-routing power into the engines, giving them a temporary kick.

Engineering DC13: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14; increases speed by 2.

Several times during their discussions on the trip out, Shiktal excuses herself to leave and meditate at a small shrine to Yasaera she has constructed in her room, to clear her mind and recommit herself to the Truth and to Knowledge. After this, she usually returns to begin the discussions anew.

"Let us get a good reading of what we're up against. Boosting the sensors." Shiktal calls through the ship's intercom from the bowels of the ship.

Engineering Check to boost Science Officer actions (+2).
Engineering vs DC13: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27

Usually you just post which boons you are slotting here. And it should be fine for you to go ahead now.

We can head to the ship whenever you are ready Z..D, the stuff with the gem was just a bit of flavour fir shopping.

Generally facts require testing and proof. And what is truth but the facts? Unless you ascribe to a different epistomology of truth? Shiktal responds to Azara, in as quippy a manner as anyone has heard, before she follows Ears out the door.

Shiktal leads Ears to a magical supply shop, and after perusing for a few minutes, selects a spell gem and hands it to Ears.

Are you able to use this? I would like to have every opportunity to avoid violence which might cost life. This may help.

The spell gem is Comprehend Languages, which Ears should be able to use.

Unless there is something else, I need to go acquire a specialized piece of equipment. Would you join me Ears? I may require your expertise. Shiktal asks politely as she prepares to leave.

Shiktal turns and gives the newcomer an impassive stare, before nodding and returning her attention to the briefing. Telepathically, she responds to the Lashunta. When she does, her telepathy is clear and vivid, accompanied with images and various minor sensations to give nuance and depth to her words. Welcome, Azara. My spoken name is Shiktal. It sounds as though you have some hypotheses on the nature of time and reality. It seems as though we may have a lengthy journey in front of us, I look forward to examining any materials you have on these hypotheses and discussing them.

Shiktal is slightly put off by Jim's manic look but then it is gone a moment later. They had a full crew, even with the mercenaries the Society had taken on recently, Shiktal was relatively certain they wouldn't attempt to steal the ship. Hopefully not with her aboard at least.

We are certain the defenses are automated? It would be a poor show of friendship if we were to murder anyone aboard. Shiktal asks, as she clicks something on her armour. She appears to be calibrating her custom rig to work better with starship systems.

Yasaera has seen fit to have guided my learning, and I am familiar with both the Pegasus and Drake class ship systems and can work on the internals during the battle itself.

My vote is for the Drake in this instance. More health and a better computer is worth the small loss of firepower, IMO. (The Drake is actually more heavily armed, but the missile launcher only has 5 ammo so the Pegasus will be more consistent in damage dealing).

On a side note, if folks want I whipped up some printable "quick reference" sheets for each Starship role for my RL group which I could share with the group. Gives you an idea of what you can do each round in a concise format.

Here it is.

In some places I used shorthand to fit everything in and to keep each sheet to 1 page each. All the checks add 1.5x the starship tier (2 x 1.5 = 3), and Easy is 10, Moderate is 15, Challenging is 20, for a total of Easy = 13, Moderate = 18, Challenging = 23

We could probably use a face-type Captain-y kinda character lol.

It's a Wayfinders mission, with some Starship combat as well.

Shiktal could serve as Engineer or Science Officer.

Shiktal would gladly play with the group again. I'm in for 1-03.

Looks like the consensus is to turn Talbot over to AbadarCorp?

As for Jim - you seemed a little uncertain on the dying rules, so just fyi - once you have stablized (by spending 1/4 of your RP), on the next round you can spend 1 RP to become conscious again at 1 HP.

Medicine is one area where my knowledge falls short, I am afraid. Shiktal replies as she slings her rifle and moves quickly over to the cart to attempt to provide what limited assistance she could.

Back in Tasch

Indeed, the Abadarites have as much claim to him as we, and I suspect their notion of justice will be more even-tempered than those here on Akiton once it's known that he fooled them all. Shiktal says succinetly.

To Philt, she clicks her mouth open and shut in a gesture of satisfaction. Indeed, we have recovered what he stole, and I believe we are ready to release him into your custody.

Shiktal's preference is to take Talbot alive.

Reflex Save: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

Shiktal leaps backwards just in time as the cart zips the other way. Enough of this banality Talbot. comes loud and clear through Shiktal's practiced telepathy before she levels her rifle and fires.

Move action to combat track Talbot, standard to fire

Tactical Plasma Bolter vs. EAC: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16 Damage: 1d10 ⇒ 4

Well that shot looks like a kill steal if I have ever seen one.

Shiktal hustles as quickly as she can down the track after the runaway minecart.

Double move for a total of 40ft.

Shiktal is fresh and has no rep/fame.

Shiktal clicks a button on her weapon and the battery pops free, smoking as it lands on the ground. She quickly loads another and takes aim at the remaining human.

Please surrender, we have no quarrel with you. she implores, raising her weapon and looking down the barrel.

Move action to reload, standard action to fire at blue
Tactical Plasma Bolter: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15 1d10 ⇒ 7

Reflex Save: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11 Ouch!

Shiktal grimaces as the cart smashes against her as it whizzes by. Nevertheless, she presses on, aiming now for the gunman in the least amount of cover.

Move action to track Yellow and then standard to fire
Tactical Plasma Bolter: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23 Damage F&E: 1d10 ⇒ 4
Hot dang two crits in a row!: 1d10 ⇒ 8

No worries! I was having trouble posting as well due to a hand injury, mostly healed now though. :)

That's not entirely true Ears. We did enter into an arragement with the Abadarites. Shiktal says to her ysoki companion, though the telepathy is kept private.

Shiktal sees Patterson and Hish dive into the minecart after Talbot and recognizes that their numerical advantage will be rapidly dwindling, she instead focuses on working in concert with Gwin. As such, her rifle is levelled and her exocortex begins to track one of the pistol-wielding humans.

Move action to use Combat Tracking on Red Face
Standard Action to attack Red Face
Tactical Plasma Bolter /w Tracking vs EAC: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23 E&F damage: 1d10 ⇒ 3
Critical Hit!: 1d10 ⇒ 5

Engineering DC12: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9
Physical Science: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18

Shiktal makes a face as she examines the scene before her. That ore there is definitely thasteron ore, unrefined.

It seems to me that Talbot is leaving things laying about. I wonder if he has heard of our continued survival. I wonder what he left in these crates. Shiktal moves over the metal crates, and finding them locked, triggers her custom rig to snake out of her armour. The rig looks almost like a hose which articulates on it's own as Shiktal guides it telepathically.

Engineering (Pick Lock): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18

Shiktal moves forward quickly again, and lines up the Shobahd in her sights...

Move action to go 20ft, standard action to fire.
Plasma Bolter: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13 Damage: 1d10 ⇒ 7

Seeing Ears get a flood of help from her companions, she turns to support their flanker, and fires at the ysoki engaging Hish.

Plasma Bolter vs. EAC: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11
Damage: 1d10 ⇒ 9

She will then move up to support him more directly, jumping over the bar and moving along the energy field.

Ears! Shiktal cries out, the time for hesitation passing. She stands and triggers her exocortex to assist in tracking the one who shot Ears. She levels her bolter and squeezes the trigger, snedong a bolt of superheated plasma at the offending ysoki.

Move action to trigger combat tracking on yellow, standard action to fire.
Plasma Bolter /w Combat Tracking vs EAC: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10 Damage: 1d10 ⇒ 6

Shiktal will delay for now, partially so the group can be together. We can recognize that an offensive spell was cast, yes?

Shiktal moves quickly to get into cover behind the bar.

Shiktal draws on her time spent studying and calls out in Akitonian:

Combat action is to double move to get behind the bar for cover. If I counted right 40ft should get me behind thr 3rd stool from the right.

Perhaps we can attempt a diplomatic solution before there is violence? These people have been deceived by Talbot, and we may be able to reason with them. Shiktal replies worriedly to her comrades. Still, her plasma bolter finds it's way into her hands as she moves to glance out the front door.

Shiktal nods.

Shiktal looks at the Shirren representing AbadorCorp, and interjects in the conversation.

Shiktal deliberately omits directly mentioning Talbot's name just in case folks might be eavesdropping on the coversation.

@Hish feel better soon!

@Thom if you are still interested, there is a slot open still on my half-alive streets game.

It seems Ears has used his namesake well, and we know at very least, we are hot on Talbot's trail. He is here in town. Shiktal relays to the rest of her companions, glancing over towards where Ears was at the bar.

I am worried that Talbot may have set a trap. He has angered AbadarCorp, and his trail was nothing short of simple to follow. He was not described as reckless, but his actions thusfar seem exceedingly so. We ought to be cautious going forward. Shiktal concludes, including Ears in the coversation if able.

Shiktal has the Extended Telepathy feat, and so her telepathy range is 60'. If that is not enough to include Ears, no problem.

AbadarCorp? Here? Strange indeed...

Shiktal stands impassively waiting for Hish who had taken point in the conversation.

Shiktal looks decidedly uncomfortable with the grungy bar crowd, her gaze sweeping through the room...

Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Shiktal is not taking in much information, suddenly nervous and unsure of herself in this unfamiliar setting. Luckily her fellows are nearby and seem perfectly comfortable in these situations. Shirren instincts kick in and she follow Hish as he makes his way to the back.

Drift fuel...on Akiton? That's...new. Hishrizzik relays the information to the group.

Shiktal nods thoughtfully. Well done Hish. I admit my working knowledge of these matters is somewhat limited. It is quite different, reading about these places in a book. We ought to exhaust any leads in the city before investigsting Tasch.

Diplomacy: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (4) - 1 = 3

Shiktal's abrupt and somewhat rude demeanor makes it abundantly clear that she has very few dealings with people outside her comfort zone. She is still quite green.

No problem!

It occurs to me that we lack a "face" type character, so the charisma checks might be a crapshoot hah. Still worth tossing a dice at.

Honestly that makes so much sense, the +4 always seemed high to me.

I only recognized it cause one of my PCs is a Ghost Operative IRL. I suspect it was a copy-paste error, any specialization which does NOT use a Dex-based Trick Attack DOES get a +4.

I assume it is polite to wait for other to react to what Hish and I have had to say instead of responding to Hish straight away?

Also I was snooping a few character sheets and noticed some things:
Hish - the ghost specialization has been errata'd so the stealth bonus is only +1 when Trick Attacking.
Gwin - Your survival knife is listed as +0, but as it is an operative weapon, you can use your Dex to attack in melee instead of your strength.

Culture Check (Recall Knowledge): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23

Shiktal raises a clawed hand to scratch at her chin, looking momentarily pensive. It is likely that our fugitive chose Akiton for a specific purpose. I suspect he has a plan in mind. Akitonians are notoriously insular, and his arrival - especially if he was already using this Stone - would not have gone unnoticed.

It is with revulsion that Shiktal address the comment regarding a mass killing spree. I realize that the Society has fallen on hard times, but I should hope that it should go without saying that we are not butchers, nor are we the Society's assassins.

Shiktal steps forward, coming forwards from her position at the back, arms spread wide in a peaceful gesture. While the Society may not care for the fate of Talbot, but I suspect retrieving the artifact and leaving him stranded on Akiton would be a death sentence as sure as a bullet. His crime is not so severe. Should we capture him, I shall see that he is delivered to law enforcement here on the station.

Shiktal stands impassively at the back of the briefing room. Like Hishrizzik she too is a Shirren, though in stark contrast to Hish's trenchcoat she is dressed in resplendent armour polished to a fine shine. Emblazoned on her chest is the divine symbol of Yasaera - an atom with a brain for the nucleus. A large rifle is sling across her back. Her antennae swivel about the room subconsciously.

When her telepathic voice comes, it is clear and concise, occaisionally aided by pictures, emotions, or scents when appropriate. I am as interested in my companions as to what was taken, but I would also like to be clear about objectives. Recovering the artifact is the primary objective. I assume we are also to return Reynald Talbot here to face justice?

Thanks for having me aboard. Yesterday was brutal at work. I had to rush 'Ears' creation and I make mistakes at the best of times. I'll double check him tonight.

Meanwhile

Tom Kinnare , Ears, 90661-702, Technical consultant.

Looking forward to playing with you all.

At a glance I can see you've listed your speed as 20, but Ysoki have 30ft base.

Player Name: FireclawDrake
Character Name: Shiktal
SFS Number: 54710-701
Day Job: Archivist: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29

Excited for my first SFS game! Should we post in gameplay right away or hold off till everyone has reported?

Edit:Nevermind lol. I see we have begun.