Usyl Hayet Esmar's page

Dennis, that was awesome - thank you for running!
Everybody, it was fantastic getting to play with you!

That was probably one of the best PbP games I've ever played in!

Usyl would drop anything and everything he's holding or doing and rush to Zigvigix, throwing every healing spell and power he has to try to save the shirren's life, frantically calling out for a medevac on his comms, trying to keep panic out of his voice...

Downtime: Cultivating a Faith - Master Level, Box 5/5 :)

Usyl will spend the trip back tending to the wounded Starfinders as best he can. He will also debrief those who are willing to share intel on the enemy forces, details of their capture, and so on.

Upon returning home, Usyl will continue assisting the repatriated Starfinders and others reach medical/relief berths and transports home.

However, even the hellknight is moved by the reunion of his faction leader and Celita, as he momentarily pauses his work to stand beside Lucius and the others to take the sight in.

Grimacing as he's shot multiple times, the hellknight's armor lights flare an even brighter hue of crimson as he glowers. With Blinky looking almost healthier than he is, Usyl decides to press the assault.

He strides forward, weaving one hand into half of a kuji-kiri symbol before reaching out to deliver an Eclipse Touch on Deckhand 1.

Touch Attack: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12 vs. EAC
Bludgeoning Damage: 3d6 ⇒ (1, 4, 1) = 6 (Force)

*sigh*

Will use RP to stabilise :)

No need, I got ya!

Usyl's armor absorbs most of the electricity he's shot with and he shrugs it off. He sighs a little bit internally, but stays on-task keeping everyone in the fight. He focuses his resolve (-1 RP) to use Empowered Healing Touch once more (Blinky heals 25 hit points once again!), intoning "On your feet, Starfinder." once his bullish companion opens his eyes.

He then glares at the admiral. "And you. Shut up."

Improved Demoralize: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (16) + 14 = 30
DC = 10 + your opponent’s total Intimidate skill bonus, or 15 + 1-1/2 × the opponent’s CR, whichever is greater.

If you succeed, the target is shaken for 1 round. The duration increases by 1 round for every 5 by which the result of your check exceeds the DC.
Grim Trophies Armor Upgrade: While wearing armor with grim trophies, if you successfully cause a foe to be shaken, the foe applies the –2 penalty from that condition to weapon damage rolls in addition to the other rolls it normally applies to.

Mike was just poked to be reminded that Blinky's weapon is two-handed, so Usyl will instead enhance Blinky's natural weapons. Thank you, Dennis!

Usyl opts to not use any victory cry powers after Lucius's critical hit, hoping for a chance to use one to assist Blinky.

Usyl narrows his eyes with determination and rushes into the fray. "We are the order, piercing forward."

Getting within reach of Blinky, he reaches out one hand to his ally's back and uses Empowered Healing Touch (Blinky heals 25 hp) as a standard action.

Then as a swift action, he casts Phase Blade on Blinky's axe.
(For the next round, its attacks resolve vs EAC instead of KAC, but this does not change its damage type)

Usyl nods, hands ready with chain, spell, and gun.

Ha! Just realized Shifty was here. I knew I liked Blinky! Conrad DEFINITELY spends the time getting his mind back in the game. "It's okay Usyl, this water of life is the base of the pillar of my secret way, nothing weird."

<3 Hah! Fantastic!

Usyl ponders if this is a weirding way or not, but dealing with heretics is beyond the purview of his chapterhouse within the Hellknights...so he decides there is no-room for dissent on this mission and lets it go without comment.

conrad cracks open not only a hip flask, but two, and mixes himself up a drink he calls a "Manhatten-from-a-six-demon-bag." "Anyone want one? It'll help for the inevitable s+%$show to come."

Usyl stares in Hellknight.

While the others rest, he stands guard, making sure he's ready for when they return to being on-mission. He casts Telepathic Message on the group, in case something interferes with our comms.

Quick note - if you don't take a 10-minute rest to recover stamina, you won't benefit the next time Usyl uses his "Keep Moving!" Victory Cry.

An ally can be affected by each specific victory cry (regardless of its source) only once until they take a 10-minute rest to regain Stamina Points.

Usyl would motion for Blinky to wait half a moment for him to act. He would first maintain the overbearing stare (free action), then touch Blinky's blade, casting Venemous Weapon on it.

The next 5 attacks Blinky makes with that weapon are poisoned. Each creature damaged by these attacks must succeed at a DC 18 Fortitude save or be sickened for 2d4 rounds.

He will then growl at the mimic in a threatening manner, leveraging his Hellknight armor's natural imposing angles, hellish-red armor lights, and enhanced spikes added on for additional effect. (Move Action: Improved demoralize - sense-dependent, so as long as the mimic can hear, it can be affected).

Intimidate: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (17) + 14 = 31
DC = 10 + your opponent’s total Intimidate skill bonus, or 15 + 1-1/2 × the opponent’s CR, whichever is greater.

If you succeed, the target is shaken for 1 round. The duration increases by 1 round for every 5 by which the result of your check exceeds the DC.
Grim Trophies Armor Upgrade: While wearing armor with grim trophies, if you successfully cause a foe to be shaken, the foe applies the –2 penalty from that condition to weapon damage rolls in addition to the other rolls it normally applies to.

---

GM: The goal is for Usyl to do these before Blinky acts, so that if the mimic can be demoralized, its shaken condition would apply to its save vs. sickened, etc. Thanks!

Will post in a little bit, but Usyl has an action that would modify Blinky's attack. Just want to note it now while I have a moment.

[dice=Holy Called Membrane Holdout Pistol vs FF, Get 'em!]1d20+9+2

Sigh. Nice try.

You should still roll damage, just in case. You're getting bonuses from Conrad, plus flat-footed...who knows?

Life Science: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12
It may be silly, but I'm going to use my t-shirt reroll on this.

Life Science: 1d20 + 5 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 + 5 = 28

Usyl's eyes go wide at first but then narrow behind the blood-red visor with determination.

"It's a midships mimic! No special weaknesses, resistances, or immunities...but it IS a living creature, which means..."

(Swift Action)

Usyl then weaves one hand into a mudra, focusing his inner strength to lash out at the creature!

Mind Thrust 2: 4d10 ⇒ (9, 9, 3, 1) = 22 Damage
DC 18 Will Save for half

Finally, Usyl takes a guarded step in front of the door to start setting up a flanking position for the others.

Usyl's shadow chain has 10' reach, so he is already set to provide a flank for anyone who can get to the opposite diagonal area. Also, yay! Something my mind-affecting and poison spells will work against!

Apologies - I wasn't expecting the game to continue going at full speed during the holiday weekend.

As Starfinders and others are being unplugged and rescued from those devices, Usyl would be giving each one a once-over to check on their well-being, mentally making notes in case future triage is necessary in case of emergency or evacuation. When Zigvigix is revealed, the kasathan exo-guardian stands to attention and salutes. "Good to have you back."

In the new chamber, he will carefully look around, standing watch while the rest of the team focus on disabling the drift engine - as Blinky did note, there were life signs in this area...

Perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (18) + 13 = 31

We should consider a 10 minute rest at some point after disabling the engine, too. Usyl can only help heal a little bit of stamina and that only 1/round and in turn then only if that person drops an enemy in combat.

Usyl points out the serums. "The rest of you should take those. I can keep you going, but if I fall, you might need them."

He then takes Blinky's advice to heart and also looks for traps or other hazardous mechanisms.

Perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (13) + 13 = 26
(GM, if there is a trap and a that roll fails, I will use Dream Whispers to add +2 to it)

If he does not see any threats, he will order his Armiger Sayyadina to assist Blinky while he maintains watch near the door.

Athletics aid another: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

Usyl will wait to see if anyone can disable all of this, but if not...

Taking a deep breath, Usyl takes off as fast as he can through the trapped area, only barely having enough speed to make it through from one side into the hallway Blinky entered.

No worries - that just means Phoebe doesn't need to take a 10min rest before I can use Regroup! on her again, lol.

As Usyl takes stock of the area, he looks around for any useful intel or equipment;

Perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (19) + 13 = 32

...while noting to the others through comms, "I regret to inform you that a majority of my magical abilities are not useful versus purely robotic forces, and these ones seemed to be without a mind that could be affected, as well. If any of you use kinetic weapons but would like to have an easier time landing blows, let me know and I will remain by your side to enhance your armaments. Between that, healing, and intimidating even machinery, I will make sure to do my part here."

(Huzzah that demoralize works vs constructs and undead, at least)

Usyl blinks, then regains a calm tone. "Exceptional shot, Phoebe."

Assuming Phoebe kills it, Regroup! victory cry to restore 9 Stamina to Phoebe as a reaction.

Knowing he's not a great shot at-range, but also knowing that most of his magic will be useless on board this ship, Usyl moves to the side a bit while drawing a pistol, attempting to provide Harrying Fire.

Harrying Fire: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14 vs. DC 15
(that's a fail, unless get 'em is on R1 lol)

GM, can I assume that we would have been able to draw weapons before our breaching craft launched? If so - you would all have seen Usyl slowly draw a long shadowy chain from one wrist, eerily clanking out to the ground one link at a time.

Usyl calls out to the others over their comms, "they have some sort of healing runes on their bodies they can activate to help each other. Be wary of it if they close in with each other."

Unable to react before he first begins moving, he is unable to give a proper victory cry from Lucius's perfect shot. Instead, he advances at double-quick time, stopping not far behind Blinky.

Finally close enough, he locks his gaze on R2, channeling overbearing hate into that gaze, to see if it works on these robots. (technically Usyl went before Conrad so he'd target 2, even if it ends up that Conrad's post above me killed it)

Fail = R2 takes a -1 to AC.

(Double-move, swift action stare)

GM, just reminder that Usyl has a reach weapon for threatening AoOs if allowed to draw it, and also Victory Cry reactions if an ally drops one of the enemies. If an ally is down SP and drops an enemy, Usyl will use "Regroup!" but if that ally is not hurt, he'll use "Keep Moving!"

Unfortunate epiphany...all of my mind-affecting and poison spells/effects are going to be completely useless on this ship, aren't they? :P

Mysticism in advance to ID: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (6) + 15 = 21

Earlier:

"Conrad, baby, they just said that they 'don't really know enough about the enemy ship to know for sure where the bridge is'. says Lucius, shaking his head. "Starfinders these days."

He then pulls a bottle of something out of his left cheek, and takes a swig. "Anyone want some?"

Usyl stares at Lucius through his armor's red-tinted visor. "Everything in moderation, friend. Empirical evidence and past experience both allow me to faithfully say that you do not want a Hellknight conducting a mid-mission sobriety check."

"If we can't secure the bridge, do we have a way of detonating the ship? If they run solid counter penetration and drive us back then it will only be a matter of time before they bring the thing back on line"

Usyl nods at this question, and follows up with another.

"And this assault craft - is it durable enough to breach the hull of the enemy vessel and still be space-worthy afterwards in case we need to make a hasty exit, with enough cargo room in case these life forms are indeed prisoners in need of rescue?"

Usyl stands to attention before speaking. "Given the size of this armada and the advanced nature of their robotics, how certain are we that this single point on this single will actually enable us to control the entire armada?

That should be "this single point on this single ship will..."

Sorry about that ><

Usyl stands to attention before speaking. "Given the size of this armada and the advanced nature of their robotics, how certain are we that this single point on this single will actually enable us to control the entire armada? The strategic consequences of such a singular vulnerability in any armed force...this smacks of something I've only heard about from starfighter holovids - thermal exhaust port chain reactions and such."

"Also, approximately how many life forms were detected? Do we have any information on their proximity to the bridge, or if there is any reason to suspect that they are in fact prisoners and not guiding this robotic force?"

"Just as we would sin the artisan who blames their tools for shoddy fusions or spell gems, so too we should praise those who do their duty regardless of whether or not they have specialized consoles at-hand to make their task easier. Remain focused, everyone. Try to remember that we are nearer to the wolves' den than we are to reinforcements."

Usyl tries to remain focused on funneling magical energies to aid Lucius in his endeavor.

Mysticism: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (7) + 15 = 22

Usyl will continue to remain in a mystic (purple?) haze, trying to feed magical energies to support Lucius and his scanning attempts.

Mysticism: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (6) + 15 = 21

Great job, everyone!

For the first round, Usyl will try to harness the harmonic resonance lingering from the launch of nuclear weapons into magical energies to support Lucius's efforts in scanning.

Mysticism: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (3) + 15 = 18 (support)

If scanning is the centerpiece, I recommend we dedicate at least one of the tri-nodes to Science/Magic, by the by.

Usyl weaves his hands in mystical patterns, trying to give Blinky an edge in maneuvering.

The nukes went in the turret

I’d think first volley should be the heavies. Two gunners, one firing the particle beam, one firing the nuke.

Save the coil guns for when we run out of missiles (or cannot track the particle beam)

I think Phoebe was trying to ask Ishkatik who is firing which weapon this round, Lucius.

It's possible they have another one on the other side, too, and I just didn't roll high enough.

Sorry for the delay - yesterday was a weird day

Before first contact, Usyl activates his armor's environmental protections, to better help should the enemy vessel carry nuclear weapons. During the engineering phase, Usyl's four hands move above the ship's sensor controls as he reaches out with his mystically-attuned senses, trying to pull from the ether that which can be gleaned about what is there...

Scrying: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (20) + 15 = 35
(DC 5 + 1.5 × target starship tier + its bonus from defensive countermeasures)

Holding his four mudras in perfect alignment with each other and the galactic leylines (known as the "melfina"), his eyes remain closed as he begins reciting data about the opposing vessel as it streams to his mind and soul. His Armiger takes notes into a data pad so it can be posted to everyone else's respective console:

If you succeed at this check, you learn the first unknown piece of information on the following list. For every 5 by which you exceed the check, you learn another unknown piece of information. Subsequent checks reveal new pieces of information, continuing down this list:

"A signal jammer is a good thought, Usyl, but I don't think you'll need one. You'll ambush the patrol ship as it passes on the far side of Cantlah-4 from the enemy fleet. The same magnetic rings that interfere with scanning and currently keep us hidden should be enough to prevent the patrol from signaling for help."

Usyl nods. "Exceptional. My compliments to whomever authored the astrogation charts for our mission."

After rising to his feet, Usyl and Armiger Sayyadina rise and give a salute before following Blinky and the others to the Drake. Usyl takes his seat near the Engineer's station and begins meditation to best fulfill his role as Magic Officer.

(Giving myself links to Magic Officer and Open Crew Actions for quick-ref. All our weapons have long range so other than scanning and helping with initiative, Usyl will most likely use open actions a bunch.

Sounds like Drake. The choice of nuke replacement I leave totally up to the gunners.

GM - Usyl will shelve his mystical upgrade and instead slot Expert Gunnery

Benefit: During a starship combat encounter, when your ship scores critical damage against an opponent, you can spend 1 Resolve Point to reroll the critical damage effect. You must use the second result.

Usyl is definitely weak at starship combat, but Magic Officer is something he can do, as well as Open Crew Actions.

As a reminder, he can be a backup gunner at +10 if we pick a weapon for the Mystical Guidance Systems Upgrade.

You have acquired the technical blueprints to modify one of the weapons onboard your ship to act as a hybrid device that can be interacted with by trained in the arts of mysticism. Benefit: When this boon is slotted, select one weapon onboard your starship. This weapon gains the mystical weapon special property if it does not already possess this property. When calculating her gunnery bonus, a gunner using a mystical weapon can use ranks in Mysticism in place of her base attack bonus or ranks in Piloting, and her Wisdom modifier in place of her Dexterity modifier. This boon can be used to improve weapons gained as a result of other Starship boons.

Note that the weapon can still be fired normally in addition to Wisdom + Mysticism ranks, so it won't make that system worse for other gunners.

I'm still good with what our pilot wants, but would have no complaints with the Drake either. If somebody has the boon for the Gorgon...that would be pretty amazing:

Tier 6 Ship Stats

Attack (Forward) maser (6d10), twin laser (5d8)

Attack (Port) high explosive missile launcher (4d8)
Attack (Starboard) high explosive missile launcher (4d8)
Attack (Turret) tactical nuclear missile launcher (5d8)

The tier 6 Azata is interesting and has point-defense weapons on both sides, but limited range on almost every weapons system (plus the EMP cannon only works if the enemy's shields are down).

We need to make a decision and get moving. Personally, my ranking:

Gorgon > Drake/Pegasus > Azata
(I'm 50/50 on Drake/Pegasus so I'll go with the majority, or with our Pilot's choice if it's a close vote)

Usyl looks to the others. "If stealth is preserved, we could active a signal jammer just before we strike. When plugged into our power core, it will block wireless comms in a 12-mile radius from our ship. We won't be able to send comms back here either, but we'd be able to turn off the jammer at-will.

Replicating the enemy's IFF* signal is useless if they report being under attack.

The Order of the Eclipse specializes in their use, but I do carry one. This model is not difficult to bypass, but overcoming the jamming takes at least a full minute. Starship battles can be won or lost in half that time."

* Identify Friend-from-Foe

Apparently I do have one. So we could apply my boon to one of our weapons and then Usyl would be doing Gunnery at +10, but just with that one.

I think I actually might have a hard copy of a "Mystic Weapon System" starship boon here...it would let Usyl use Wisdom + Mysticism for gunnery. I'll take a look!

One thing I forgot - Usyl has a Voice Amplifier turned on during most missions. This boosts his intimidation but also gives a -5 on Perception DCs to detect him. If we're being stealthy he'll turn it off, but during a mission, it is otherwise usually active.

(Earlier, during introductions, since I finally have my stuff together, thanks to some outside help!)

"Haven't worked with Hellknights before, any customs or traditions I should be aware of?"

Usyl nods, respectfully. "Thank you for asking. As a Hellknight and follower of Talavet, I will not contribute to lies or deception to achieve our aims. However, I am a Starfinder first and will do nothing to hinder such activities if they are vital to the mission. If nothing else, I will guard you or stand silent if you are required to use such...questionable methods. Besides, I would likely be a detriment to you in that eventuality.

Beyond that, the Hellknights of the Scourge concern ourselves with investigating and preventing corruption. For instance, when I learned that my cousin Ehu Hadif was elected First Seeker, I sought and obtained a field commission with the Exo-Guardians to...remain close."

Ha! That's a lot of Dune in one post. Love it!

Thank you! The books were a big inspiration for me as a kid - a lot of my SFS characters have quotes from the series in them!

Usyl will nod respectfully to those who arrive after him, as well.

(Back to present)

"Blinky has already asked the most pertinent question I would have."

I concur - especially in a PbP, pilot's comfort/style should come first, unless we know in advance that we'll be doing more fighting (Drake) or scanning (Pegasus). But it seems we won't know that until we get there. I'm okay with whatever we decide.

Still behind on getting my character into PbP format, but his sheet is 99% updated on Roll20 sans spending ~5,000 credits. I can send screenshots if the sheets are needed before I'm caught up. Post-con shenanigans and now Extra Life charity stream tomorrow = I'm getting exhausted.

A tall kasatha enters the briefing room, heralded in advance by the clanking of his heavy-plated armor. Even beyond normal kasathan traditions of covering one's mouth, his whole face is hidden behind the helm that marks him as a Hellknight. The red armor lights radiate a bit before adjusting to the room's ambient levels as he looks to regard everybody currently present, giving each a respectful-yet-curt nod, before finding a seat nearby.

"I am Usyl Hayet Esmar of Clan Tolar, House Zye, 9th Warden in the line of Tuek. Even though it may not require mention given my armor, I am a Hellknight Signifer in the Order of the Scourge, though the conditions of my standing with my order permit me to remain a Starfinder first in all things."

He turns his head slightly as an athletic female drow follows him in, clad in similar but much lighter armor. "This is Armiger Sayyadina, who accompanies me to assist with physical endeavors in the field." She nods as well, then takes a seat in the back of the chamber.

Convention kicked the crap out of us, but Ivis and I are planning on getting our stuff ready in the next 24 hours. Sorry for the delay on our part!

Note - my area's local (online this year) convention, Gobloween, starts today (plus something else has come up recently that has been a major distraction but not in a bad way) so I will probably not be able to get my sheet on here before the 1st. I have every intention on being ready to play later that evening or by the 2nd at the latest, however. Very sorry about that!

However, for now:

PC Name: Usyl Hayet Esmar of Clan Tolar, House Zye, 9th Warden in the line of Tuek (Hellknight Signifer, Order of the Scourge)
PFS#-Char#: 801-715
Faction: Exo-Guardians
Level: Level 5
Perception Mod: +13 (Broad-Spectrum Scanning Kit: +4 circumstance bonus on Perception checks to search)
Anything weird I should know about your character: Oh boy.
Mystic Epiphanies: Empowered Healing, Overbearing Stare.
Battle Leader Archetype: Victory Cry reactions: "Regroup!" and "Keep Moving!"
Improved demoralize + Grim Trophies armor upgrade.
Active radiation badge.

I told CaptainBacon that we were in no huge hurry. I know I'm not... (still trying to figure out my character build for this silly stuff hehe).

I still have to figure out my character sheet for this new concept character, but he'll be a level 2 also (Envoy and maybe something else sneaky). I'll also get the link for the game to the other four players.