TerminalArtiste's page

OK, I've gotten a fair bit done!

Level up: +1 to all current skills, new Expertise Talent (Expert Advice, which makes me aiding another on social stuff that much better), new Feat (Shot on the Run)

Gear: updated defenses for the silver armor (I cannot believe I was running around in item level 3 armor this long!), added my quick release sheath plus deflective reinforcement and a glamer projector (:3c) and upgraded the zero pistol to hailstorm-class, for 2d6 Cold damage at base.

I'll get back to gear another day.

Edit: Sammad would also like to snag some of the really spicy snacks, if Ordyt hasn't helped himself to all of them ;).

Sammad looks frantically to Ordyt as he hears the oread's plan. "I...I don't want to die, Ordyt!"

But as he considers the scenario, how this mighty creature had laid low all of his friends now, some more than once, he...realizes that there's no way out. Even if he surrendered, the dragon was as likely to simply cook him as she was to let him live. Probably much more likely, under the circumstances.

He inhales deeply, then exhales, an impish grin rising on his face. "But I'm probably going to, aren't I? And if I do...I can't imagine a better reason." And then he opens comms to the group. "Or a better group of bleeding hearts to do it alongside."

Then he stands and steps towards the dragon, pistol still in hand. "HEY! You...you great ugly LIZARD! Look at me, you bastard! YOU CAN'T HAVE THE SUN! NONE OF YOU REPULSIVE FASCISTS CAN!" He punctuates that last word with a shot directly towards her.

He hopes that the distraction helps split her focus enough for Ordyt to pull off his insane plan.

Screamer decoupler, improved get 'em: 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 10 + 2 = 31

A damage: 1d10 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

That'd be swell, ngl. As much as I love being y'all's hype man

Finished leveling up Sammad.

Ability Boosts to Dex[18], Con[14], Int[16], and Cha[19]

New Improvisation: Clever Improvisations, I basically get one free Resolve-boost for Improvisations per 10-minute or 8-hour rest.

Skill ranks into all of my current skills, including Culture to learn Anassanoi, and one extra rank into Stealth so that I actually have a bonus to that now. Sort of surprised that wasn't there already, truthfully.

Sammad hypothesized a link between the shamblers and the psychic weapon a couple of turns ago, right before they started going for Flint.

Sammad nods sleepily at Ordyt's response. "Exactly, my friend. This isn't a holo-drama, it's war. And for the enemy having every advantage, objectively, we're still managing some successes."

He then lets out a long yawn and does a full-body stretch as he adjusts in his seat. "Lady of Flame, I need a nap...wake me when we arrive..."

"Your "job", Grunph, is keeping people in slavery. And harnessing the suffering of those slaves to power a weapon of mass destruction pointed at the Archipelago." He pinches the bridge of his nose, then composes himself.

"Now you seem like a reasonable sort, so if being an accomplice to fascists and murderers doesn't appeal to you, it's not too late to join the righteous side. Hells, if money's what you want, we could work out a deal for salvage rights on the Legion's tech. It'll fetch a pretty penny, of that you can be sure."

He extends a hand towards the nuar, his expression earnest.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (11) + 21 = 32

Expertise: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Sammad cocks his head towards the door as he hears someone speaking to Mari. "Oh? Is someone finally willing to listen to reason? I'll be right there!"

He moves into the room, lowering and holstering his pistol as he sees the nuar. "Greetings! Would you believe you're the first Legionnaire we've encountered who hasn't tried to shoot us on sight? I find that very promising, personally." He gives his biggest most beaming smile, careful not to show his predatory teeth. "I'm Sammad Al-Fayir, Emissary of the Al-Fayir Cooperative. Could I have your name?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (10) + 21 = 31

Expertise: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Sammad takes a step closer to Vessu, the faintest trace of a smile beginning to show as he can tell that Vessu is breaking under the pressure. He beings himself back to flinty stoicism before replying, "You imagine correctly, Vessu. And I'd like to show you what happened to the last folks that tried, but...they're less than dust deep within the sun now. But before I let the Captain have his turn, I have a simple question for you."

Another step closer, and Sammad leans in. "Please, Vessu, help me understand, with your sterling technical mind..."

He locks his fiery yellow eyes with Vessu's, and lets his lips part just enough to show his predatory sharp teeth. "...what are you hiding?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (14) + 21 = 35

Oh, just when I thought I couldn't love the Thaumaturge class and Mios more...an excellent story!

Sammad's easy demeanor evaporates in an instant at Vessu's outburst, replaced by a flinty frown. He rises to his full height slowly, shaking a wrinkle out of his uniform before clasping his hands behind his back. "Let me be clear, 'savior of Asanatown'; we will be going nowhere until this threat to the safety of our expedition is unraveled and neutralized. Now, I'm going to call my Captain in here, and together you and he and I will get to the truth of the matter."

Sammad's face becomes grim as the evidence of sabotage is laid out before him, and he steeples his fingers as the others agree to separate the suspects for interrogation.

"Leave it to me. My training under the Cooperative included 'loyalty assessment', though I can't say I ever hoped to put those skills to use in....well, really any fashion." He rubs the back of his neck sheepishly at that, gaze carefully avoiding the others.

--

Deciding that he and Flint would be more effective separately, and trusting the Captain's honest charisma, Sammad questions the other 2 suspects.

Interrogation 3:

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (15) + 21 = 36

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (15) + 13 = 28

Interrogation 4:

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (4) + 21 = 25

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (1) + 13 = 14

I love that some of the notable traits of the two Dark Archive iconics are Mios distrusting rich people and Thaleon thinking laws are pointless.

The psychics are our true comrades!

Have fun!

Sammad steps around the corner as Flint rushes forward. "Well, I suppose we did expect this. Strike true, comrades!"

As he calls out, he fires toward the steaming floor towards the Heliacus!

Improved Get 'em. +2 to attack rolls against the Heliacus until the start of my next turn.

Zero Pistol, Get 'em: 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 10 + 2 = 30 C Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Miss C%: 1d100 ⇒ 4

Well, Sammad has been leveled up. +1 to all of his skill ranks, with a nice +20 to Diplomacy now, and +1 to BAB, Ref, and Will.

The only new feature he gains is a new improvisation, so I decided on Improved Get 'Em because I use it more than any other. He now gives +2 to attack rolls, can use get 'em alongside an attack, and can use a Resolve Point to give +2 to attack rolls against all enemies within 60 feet.

"This would be a poor place for flammable liquids, I think...if only I'd paid more attention to my chemical engineering tutors, I'd have advice for you, Captain."

"Both excellent questions, and I wish I had a clue as to the answer," says Flint humbly.

To Belmarniss, he says, "I am hoping we can find out the implications our actions might have in the process of learning how to solve the puzzle, but we must balance the potential harm we might do by releasing the entity trapped here or collapsing the bubble against the potential benefit gained by increasing our knowledge. In truth, the technology here is above my head, but I trust you and Mari to go carefully and tell us if we *should* proceed, not just if we *can* proceed."

To Ordyt, he adds, "Perhaps the Legion merely seeks the knowledge here to improve its power--or it may seek to release and/or control the entity imprisoned here. We know of two ways to enter here now -- one with the Aklo tome, and then there is that portal. I feel that we must either get to the bottom of this mystery or cut off any avenue for the entity to escape before we leave so as to stymy the Legion's plans, for I am sure they are not in our best interests."

"Perhaps with your background you can shed some...ahem...*light* on the subject, Ambassador Sammad?" Flint suggests.

"Awful joke, Captain," he retorts with a faint chuckle.

Then he looks pensively to about the room. "I wish I had light to shed, Captain. The only clue I've had is the location of their shipyards, and this doesn't give us any further leads on that place...Ordyt does raise some good points, though."

He turns and paces as he continues to speak. "These fiery spirits are a curious find in a place known for supernatural darkness. Perhaps the entity imprisoned here is not one that fears the fire's light, but one who would be strengthened by it...and given their affiliations with the Plane of Fire, the Legion might think that they can weaponize it by breaking its containment."

Sammad flinches away from the gruesome violence, and then clears his throat. "As if this place didn't have big enough 'horror tri-vid' vibes already...I suppose we'll be avoiding that hallway and those doors?"

He looks nervously among the group. "Please?"

I knew it was a good idea to keep the zero pistol!

Sammad woops as he sees his shot make contact with the Ashen Rain, then clears his throat. "Please help, Popoko...I'll need it to pull off another like that..."

Gunnery: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 8 + 2 = 12 Damage: 8d6 ⇒ (4, 2, 1, 2, 2, 5, 1, 5) = 22

The dice roller giveth, and the dice roller taketh away... ;_;

Sammad grimaces as his shot misses the Ashen Rain. He chuckles nervously, "Let's take another crack at that, shall we?"

Particle Beam: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 8 + 2 = 30 Damage: 8d6 ⇒ (3, 6, 6, 1, 3, 2, 3, 4) = 28

Sammad cracks a small smile at Bel's words of encouragement. "If we survive this all, old friend, we've got to start a motivational speech business. Captain could get in on it too, if he wanted," he finishes with a toothy grin towards Flint.

Flint narrows his eyes as the discussion turns to having Sutrum hide with the scientists, he considers what they know of this dwarf…He can’t keep a secret and he knew the cultist personally prior to the attack…Quietly to Sammad, he says, ”What do you think of this one? Should we keep an eye on him for now and keep him away from the tablet?”

[dice=Sense Motive]1d20+1d6+10

Sammad quirks an eyebrow at Flint's words. He whispers back, "We can't drag him into a firefight, Captain...I don't love it, but he's better off in safety."

He then glances to Bel, "Besides, the tablet's safe as can be-in our very own Star-Knight's hands. I know you trust Bel to handle it." He gives a small smile, with the barest trace of a knowing smirk.

Sammad surges after the elf, making it around the corner and firing off a series of shots after him!

Zero Pistol, double tap #1: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29

Cold: 1d6 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

Zero Pistol, double tap #2: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11

Cold: 1d6 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

The wound in his throat distracts him, though, and a cough throws off his aim.

Fingers crossed that he only had 10 HP or less left!

Sammad grimaces as another shot fails to land against their tricky foe. Looking at Ordyt and Flint's grievous wounds, he calls out, "We've come too far for you all to be dropping now. Finish. This. FIGHT," putting all his effort into the final word.

Inspiring Oration, popping a Resolve Point to add my level to the healing gained. All allies gain 25 Stamina Points with that.

I should have power back by the 8th, according to our utility company. Hoping for sooner, though.

Update: I'm back home and safe, but restricted to phone-posting for the foreseeable future. My place is on generator power only right now. Hoping we get power restored in the next couple days.

So it seems I have to report in to my hospital because of Hurricane Ida tomorrow morning. I'll probably be there through Monday evening, but might be as long as Tuesday before I'm allowed to go home. Cellion, bot me well please.

If anyone else is in Ida's path, please stay safe!

Sammad gives a small smile at Otlo's cheery attitude. "What a fascinating branch of study! I confess that I know little about biology, but your work certainly does sound like a worthy field!"

He looks around the entryway, then back to Otlo. "Friend, I know you remain unconcerned about the Legion, but we have met them firsthand. They are ruthless and belligerent-they would stop at nothing to obtain that tablet. It would simply be safer if we were to remain here while you translate it, and we'll all do our best to not interfere with your work while we enjoy your hospitality."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (16) + 19 = 35

Sammad's eyes widen as Ordyt gets up from his seat. "Ordyt, sit back down! That hatch will just be another entrance for them, and if they get inside we're all done for!"

"It was worth a shot, Ambassador--and you did distract him enough for us to get the drop on him, even though he was too arrogant to share the coordinates with us," replies Flint, rising and grasping Sammad on the shoulder.

Sammad turns his head slightly, reaching up to touch Flint's hand with a slight hesitation. "Thank you, Captain."

As Mari shows everyone the datapad, Sammad takes on a pensive expression. "This efreet could only be adoptive family, if that - more likely a commanding officer. This blend of pride and familial tone with a focus on achieving objectives...it's almost...familiar." He blinks slowly once and his jaw slackens, before he clears his throat and composes himself again.

And at the closing salute, his brows furrow. "The Malikah...wasn't that building where we fought Jalusaan owned by a Malikah group? Given the Brass Dragon's connections to that place...could this be a glimpse at the mind behind all this?"

Sammad holsters his pistol forcefully, breathing heavily as adrenaline rushes through his body. As he watches Sulphrax fall and Flint rise again to be healed by Ordyt, he puts on a small smile, then steps over.

"How dashingly reckless, Captain. Good thing you didn't martyr yourself...Bel would never let us live it down," he says with a chuckle and an impish grin at his friend.

He turns to look at the pile of ash that was once a salamander, and lets out a small sigh. "Let's hope he has data with the coordinates we need. I'm sorry for dragging that out...I thought it was the best way." He looks down and away, refusing to meet anyone's eyes.

Sammad looks to Marisol as Sulphrax draws nearer, speaking sternly in his best impression of a soldier. "Specialist Marisol, get the Breath of Embers remote-started, so we can leave all the faster."

He then looks back to Sulphrax, "Liutenant, if you could give her the coordinates for our destination, that would only expedite our progress."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (5) + 18 = 23

Expertise: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Sammad shoots Flint a disapproving glare, then whispers over comms. "No, Captain, not yet. We need to uncover where this 'Kahlannal' location is..."

He pauses, hand stroking his chin. "I remember the name. The Breath was constructed there...Surely it must be pivotal to the Legion's, and probably Nurleth's, schemes."

Sammad suppresses a groan at the salamander's rank attitude, giving a curt bow in exchange. "My apologies, this city is positively impenetrable to newcomers, to say nothing of the magnitude of the journey to Noma in the first place. My superiors neglected to appraise us of your precise location, as well. But we're here, and ready to proceed...if you'll just confirm your identity, please?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (8) + 18 = 26

Expertise: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

He then whispers to Flint and the others, "One thing at a time - let's start with not getting into a fight with him and those elementals he's got on guard."

I mean, given these things are basically plasmoebas, it'd technically be a parent-sibling. You know, mitosis and all that.

Well look who succeeded at their Life Sciences check! ;D

I return, was simply too tired to post yesterday. My sleeping arrangements at the hospital were...not great, and I had to work yesterday. Things were at least quiet, thankfully.

Sammad has been leveled up. Skill ranks are the same, all +1, because why mess with what works?

His Corporate Agent theme grants him the Networking ability, which allows him to gather info more quickly.

For his 6th level improvisation, I took Inspiring Oration, which allows him to heal everyone when he makes a boost, which I'm sure will come in handy at some point.

Sammad thinks quickly, and nonchalantly drops the keyfob to the ground. Holding his hand limp at his side, he reaches out with the other and slaps his shoulder, to seemingly no effect. "Maybe it's not the keyfob...maybe it's me?" He sways slightly, propping himself against the car. "All the fun I had, I should've eaten...my blood sugar may be...," he trails off before slumping to the floor of the garage weakly.

Bluff: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (12) + 13 = 25

Seeing Ordyt get knocked back clear out of the plant's aura, Sammad gasps. He calls out, "Stay standing, Ordyt, we need you!"

Inspiring boost for 15 sp back

He grits his teeth and fires another shot at the plant, aiming to take it down before it can do more harm to his friends!

Pulsecaster Pistol: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26

Electric (nonlethal): 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

>.> sees what both of you did there >.>

Sammad nods curtly at the Captain. "Emissary Sammad Al-Fayir, Captain. Pleased to make your acquaintance, though I wish it was under better circumstances."

He takes a sip of the offered drink, then continues. "I don't think I have any information that my comrades haven't already volunteered, but I do have a request, if possible. The Deep Cultures Institute's Far Station is in imminent danger-would the Dawn Patrol be able to dispatch some craft in order to ensure that facility's safety? We have comrades, even friends, aboard, and the Brass Dragons are a ruthless outfit-we've seen that firsthand today."

He takes a second to collect himself, remembering the awful sight of Kerschiu and his bomb collar. And for that matter, their Asanatown facility is also bugged-we must ensure that they're safe there too. Is there anything you can do to help?"

A wide grin breaks on Sammad's face as the computer displays its message. "Mother of Flames...I can't believe that worked. I did it!" He jumps and woops once in a rare moment of unrestrained joy.

"I take it back, Sammad, I could kiss you!" Ordyt points excitedly to the bobblehead, then winces as his injuries protest. "Whatsername! That one! That's the password!"

"Business before pleasure, Ordyt," Sammad replies with a wink. "Let's get out of this murderous hellhole first."

Sammad exhales in relief as Mari locks the door, then moves over to Bel, Ordyt, and Flint in turn, delivering each a dose from his stash of healing serums.

Healing Serum (Bel): 1d8 ⇒ 5

Healing Serum (Ordyt): 1d8 ⇒ 2

Healing Serum (Flint): 1d8 ⇒ 4

He cracks a smile at his handiwork, then waits for his comrades to rouse themselves.

"Coming, Marisol!" Sammad doesn't even spare a glance in the Commander's direction, rushing to Bel's side opposite the sylph. He looks over Bel's wounds, and tries his best to supplement Mari's efforts.

Aid Another (Medicine): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12

Sammad hears Flint's call and moves into the room, standing at the entrance to the side room with Flint and the Commander. He holds his pistol at the ready.

"I am with you, Captain. Gather your strength, and we will take this one together."

Inspiring boost to give Flint back 11 SP.

"So...we send Sammad out in his briefs with a wrench to smash it? What's our best way forward, Mari?"

Sammad quirks an eyebrow at Ordyt's comment. He mutters under his breath, "I'm not opposed to that...I'm even wearing briefs today, for one thing."

At Mari's suggestion, he sighs. "Or we could do the boring yet sensible thing...another time, perhaps, Ordyt."

He then unholsters his hail pistol and peeks around the corner like Mari, then fires at the apparatus.

Hail Pistol: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27

Cold+Piercing: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

...so what happens when one crits an object?

"You're not martyring yourself before I do, Flint!" Belmarniss barks as she follows after him, trying to squeeze around the car and attack as well.

[dice=Junksword]1d20+6
[dice=Bludgeoning+Slashing Damage]1d8+9

"NOBODY'S getting martyred! Will you two please try to stay alive!?"

Sammad sees Flint stagger from the azer's spell, and calls out to him in a concerned voice, "Captain, stay strong! We need you!"

Inspiring boost for 11 SP, which should largely negate that attack.

Sammad moves over to the strange creature, putting on a friendly smile as he starts speaking in Ignan.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (14) + 15 = 29