XHC-5's page

Chronicle looks good. Thanks for running this, and thanks to the players for a good session.

Shaq says goodbye to the team and thanks everyone for a job well done. He's especially thankful to Nikko for the most amazing meal he's ever eaten, and hopes to see Twila again. He heads back to the temp agency and finds yet another school counselor job

Day Job, professional equipment (food-stained out-of-fashion tie): 1d20 + 12 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 12 + 5 = 22

... until he gets fed up with the little brats and disintegrates three lunch-room tables. And the lunches thereupon. Then it's back to the Pathfinders for the next mission where he doesn't get fired for punching things.

Shaq whoops when Twila drops the last guy. He's glad to see that his ability to absorb all that energy helped keep her up, but he's actually happier that she got the kill shot. She seemed to be struggling, and he hoped she got some of her confidence back. Just like those kids at the schools. Sometimes they just need a small success to get 'em back on the right path.

He follows the others as they take the lead on the tech stuff knowing he's not much help. But even if he's not, he knows a guy - well, a kid, really - who is. He comms Melvin, one of the nerds that follows Shaq's adventures online, and asks for a little help.

Hireling, Air Another Mysticism : 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10
Hireling, Air Another Mysticism : 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24

"Thanks, Melvin. Hey, stay on the line in case we need more help. ... Yeah, I'll upload the vids later. You guys are gonna love how me and this little dinosaur took out these robots out here. ... Yeah, a dinosaur, craziest thing ever!"

Reflex: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25
Shaq releases the last of the entropy built up around him to nullify some of the explosion. Flames flicker out and die, but a few seem to disappear into his hands as the entropic shroud around him dissipates.
Amplify: 1d4 ⇒ 4

But he's not happy. Sure, he put Kebezelex down, but that other guy should just surrender. Not go trying to hurt Shaq's friends. It's enough to make him angry, and you don't want Shaq to get angry.

He walks right up to Mr. Blue Crony and punches him in the face, letting all that anger, entropy and fire out!

Entropic Strike vs EAC: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (13) + 11 = 24
Damage, A&B, 4 Fire: 2d6 + 13 + 4 ⇒ (2, 2) + 13 + 4 = 21

Dampen for 1 EP reduces the base damage of the Explosive Blast to half = 22 before saves For Everyone. Successful save = 11 taken 

Amplify allows him to take an extra d4 of damage and then use it on his next melee strike.

However, he used up his last EP, so his ACs are now 21 this round. 

Thanks! Appreciate the consideration. 

Kebzec's buzzblade bites into and through Shaq's armor twice, and each time the glow of entropic energy around him grows a little more. He doesn't complain either, cause it's exactly what he asked for.

Then when the crony sends out a line of energy he channels the entropy to completely cancel out the electrical arc!

Reflex DC 19 : 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24

Boss, do we want to take this guy alive for the authorities? he asks Cavaler telepathically.

He then sets his lash to stun and slashes a line of chaos across Kebzec's face.

Entropic Strike thru Lash vs EAC, Get Em : 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 11 + 2 = 27
Damage, NL, A & B, Get Em : 2d6 + 13 + 2 ⇒ (5, 5) + 13 + 2 = 25

Dampen: As a reaction when you are in the area of a damaging effect, you can spend 1 Entropy Point to cause it to deal only half damage to all creatures in the area.
At 6th level, if the effect allows a save and you succeed, you can spend 1 additional Entropy Point to allow creatures that successfully save against the effect to take no damage.
So with that save and spending the 2 EP he just got from Kebzec's attacks, he takes no damage, nor does anyone else that also saves. (Yeah! I never get to use that!)

Who went first, Kezbec or Blue? Kezbec is first in the initiative order, but you posted Blue's actions first. It matters for a Shaq entropy point thing. 

What square is Blue in? He appears to be straddling the line between 2. 

What was this? "grabs his sword (Spends an RP)" He has an ability to give himself an extra non-movement Move action that doesn't provoke? Cool, I want that!

Shaq just wants to punch things. He's still a little upset at himself for not having his head in the game at the start of the battle, and he's worried that Twila-5 could get dropped. Yeah, that's right, Kebezecal, or whatever his name is, focus on me and not the girls, he thinks to himself as he puts a little extra entropy anger into his punch.

Entropic Strike vs EAC, Get Em : 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 11 + 2 = 29
Damage, A&B, Force effect, 1 EP: 2d6 + 13 + 1d4 ⇒ (4, 2) + 13 + (2) = 21

Standard attack, Move act to use Entropy for extra damage 

I think Shaq got skipped at the end of Round 1. Sorry for the delay, but GM posted just as I departed on a 14 hour flight with no wifi.

Shaq gets caught by surprise as the battle erupts around him. He drops his comm unit (really shouldn't have been checking the feeds when stuff is likely to happen) and hustles forward into the fray.

Double move, Hasted. Coordinated Shot +1 applies to Kebzec

Healing serum: 1d8 ⇒ 8

Shaq accepts the serum from Twila with a thankful smile and downs it, feeling his knee knit back up almost all the way.

Now: Before my turn comes up, can I get some descriptive clarity on the battlefield, please? What does and doesn't block movement? I presume the giant TV screen is a Thing that we have to go around, but that the blue hologram is just an image. Most importantly, is Kezbec hiding behind a wall or counter or something? Granted, Shaq can't see that far even with his Darkvision, but I'm just hoping to avoid having to retcon things in PBP cause we didn't know what was where.

While Twila rests, Shaq approaches Delea. "I think I messed up my knee when I ran to the other side of the room at the beginning of the fight. Think you could take a look at it?" he asks her telepathically so the others don't know how much of a baby he's being. It is indeed swollen and could use a little healing, but it's also clear he'll live.

Shaq took damage directly to HP using one of his abilities. So he's down 14 HP that won't cure with rest or the serum. Maybe just a level 1 mystic cure for the big baby? Yes, I should probably buy some ampules for him.

He nods in agreement at Niko's suggestion to collect the small things. He suggests letting one of the shooters use the goggles, though he's interested in carrying one those serums. You know, in case he gets really tired, he says as he looks askance at the "anti-fatigue mats."

What's an "anti-fatigue mat?" Just a mattress by another name or an actual item?

He notes that there doesn't seem to be an elevator or stairs to another floor.

Shaq sees the little dino zip into position and watches Twila somersault out of danger. He's tired of these things and just wants to break them!

Entropic Strike vs EAC, Flanking, Get'Em, Full attack: 1d20 + 11 + 2 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (19) + 11 + 2 + 2 - 4 = 30
Damage, A & B: 2d6 + 13 ⇒ (1, 2) + 13 = 16

Entropic Strike vs EAC, Flanking, Get'Em, Full attack: 1d20 + 11 + 2 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (16) + 11 + 2 + 2 - 4 = 27
Damage, A & B: 2d6 + 13 ⇒ (4, 5) + 13 = 22

Shaq looks around and realizes that Green took off, and even worse he can't see Twila. Damn it. I told her I'd protect her. She must be over this way. "Hang on, Twila, I'm coming," he sends hoping it's not too late.

The big bug barrels around the corner and down the hall. Catching sight of Twila engaged with the robot, he sighs just a little to know that she's safe. He closes on the robot and slams his own chitinous claw-hand into the plates on its back.

Entropic Strike vs EAC: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (11) + 11 = 22
Damage, A & B : 2d6 + 13 ⇒ (4, 4) + 13 = 21

Okay, that does clear things up. Thank you. AO vs Orange before he moved, to protect the Boss. 

Entropic Strike, Opportune vs EAC : 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 11 + 2 = 21
Damage, A & B, Opp: 2d6 + 13 + 3 ⇒ (4, 2) + 13 + 3 = 22

Once again, I can't really tell who did what or what's going on. Did Red do the pulse thing? The post only says "the last one," and not who the others were. If so, does that provoke? Is a "plasma claw" a ranged attack that would provoke, and if so did Red or Orange do that? Does Orange have enough cover that would prevent an AO? I'll forgo rolling an AO until I hear.

Fort save DC 14: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15

Shaq shrugs off most of the anti-biological pulse. He thinks it's funny that they used an anti-"biological" weapon on a couple of androids.

Seeing a gap between Red and Green, he jet packs over the equipment crate(?) into the space between them and then attacks Red from behind.

(Assuming Red is still up. If not this is on Green.) 

Entropic Strike vs Red w/ Get Em vs FF EAC : 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 11 + 2 = 16
Damage, A & B : 2d6 + 13 ⇒ (1, 3) + 13 = 17

"Hey, little dino, if you shift to your right we'll catch this one in the middle."

"Hey, where you think you're going?" Shaq calls out after the one with the Orange logo.

AO vs Orange EAC : 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 11 + 2 = 27
Damage, A & B, Opp : 2d6 + 13 + 3 ⇒ (6, 4) + 13 + 3 = 26

He watches the dino tear into the one with the Blue paint job and opts to follow the Boss' instructions.

Entropic Strike vs Orange, Boss : 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 11 + 2 = 14

But he gets surprised when he sees Red, and it throws off his aim at Orange.

Covering Fire +1 applies to Orange AND Red as they are both threatened. 

Kinda confused by the map. I thought that the big spiky fence wasn't passable. Does Orange have cover from the fence or that wall? Can you detail what is and isn't passable and what is and isn't Difficult Terrain, etc, please?  If it's because they're flying, how high are they that they can clear the fence?

"Coming through," the big man announces as he rushes past all of you faster than you'd think someone of that size should be able to move. He draws his lash as he does and ends up at the far end of the corridor near the little dino.

"Ooh, cool toy, Boss. I need to take one of those to the next school I work at to help me keep the kids in line."

Double move with Ruinous Rush. He moves 100 feet, takes 14 damage to HP and gains 4 EP.

Coordinated Shot gives +1 to everyone else to hit Blue. 

Also, don't worry about making AoE attacks that would catch Shaq in the area. He can reduce or eliminate the damage. 

Shaq surveys the room and the gear, but first things first. He plops down into the chair where the previous occupant had taken their lunch and lets out a big sigh. "Nice flying, Twila, but now we get a break, right Boss?" he asks looking at Cavaler who looks even more worn out than the big guy feels.

Taking 10 minutes for Stamina, please.

Shaq doesn't need the boots of gliding as he's got a jet pack and other movement tricks. Nor would he need the cloak.

"Keep flying, Twila. I'm going to ..." Shaq starts to say as he reaches into the cockpit and up above his fellow android's head. "... adjust ... the ... governor. Got it. That should help a little."

Auto-aid for Twila for this round. Thanks, GM. 

Not sure if he can Aid on this check, or if I've gotten him out of sequence and am Aiding on the Next round each time. But since he can auto-aid Piloting (+14), and can't shoot worth a bean, you can just bot him as Aiding Twila unless something else presents itself. 

"You got this," Shaq says as encouragement to boost Twila's confidence in her flying. Thankfully she can't see him closing his eyes.

Seeing everyone else focused on the pursuit, and knowing that his little pistol isn't going to do much if any damage, Shaq squeezes his shoulders into the cockpit doorway. "You're doing great, Twila. But you can safely push the torq on these old Makina M5000's into the yellow range. They really over-engineered them."

Piloting, Aid for next round: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (4) + 14 = 18

Shaq fingers the small pistol tucked in the shoulder holster under his armpit as he watches Fussoa steady her sniper rifle. But instead he waits to see if there's anything else he can do that's more meaningful than spitting in the wind.

Since I can't "predict" what might help, I'll just wait until GM says what skills can be used in the Chase phase other than shooting, if any. 

Shaq smiles at Datch as she sends them on their way. "See you around. Or not," he says with a laugh as he waves goodbye. When they get to the copter, he squeezes into the back. He could really use a bit of a rest, though he could also fly the thing if no one else wants to.

Don't think we want to take our front-liner into the next fight at 1/3 of SP. And looks like Cavaler could use a rest, too. 

@GM, I presume we didn't have 10 minutes to reset Stamina, but will we have it on the chopper ride? 

Just in case he's not,...

Shaq would certainly have taken the opportunity to smack the agent when they shot at him.

Attack, Opportunistic vs EAC: 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 11 + 2 = 20
I don't think there's an Get Em on Red at that point yet. 
Damage A & B, Opportunistic, Nonlethal : 2d6 + 13 + 3 ⇒ (2, 2) + 13 + 3 = 20

These guys are just annoying, so Shaq takes a moment to channel a little of his anger into his next strike.

Attack, Get Em vs EAC: 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 11 + 2 = 19
Damage A & B, Nonlethal, 1 EP: 2d6 + 13 + 1d4 ⇒ (6, 3) + 13 + (2) = 24

Shaq walks right past Blue while making sure not to step on Datch. Hey, Boss, do we wanna take one of them alive? he asks the team telepathically (excluding Datch, of course), though he expects Cavaler to be the one to make the decision. Either way, he mentally sets his lash to stun before lashing out at the last agent standing.

Entropic Strike vs FF EAC : 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (9) + 11 = 20
Damage, A & B, Nonlethal : 2d6 + 13 ⇒ (1, 1) + 13 = 15

Move action, Blue can take an AO if he's able. Swift action to set the entropic strike to Nonlethal. Attack for minimum damage. Booo!

Shaq provides a +1 to ranged attacks vs Blue 

@Twila & GM. It actually doesn't matter if he's inside or outside of the Arc effect. He would take no damage anyway. He has Friendly Fire: "You can reduce the damage you take from your allies’ attacks and effects by 14 (an amount equal to twice your vanguard level), to a minimum of 0." No action required. So he wouldn't take it, but under certain circumstances he could ignore that and take the damage anyway for Entropy purposes. 

When the blaster fire hits Shaq, his skin seems to glow red for just a moment as extra energy flows into it. His lash immediately whips out and strikes Red when the merc takes his shot.

Amplify graft*: 1d4 ⇒ 3

AO vs Red EAC, previous Get Em, Opportunistic : 1d20 + 11 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 11 + 2 + 2 = 30
Damage, A & B, Amplify, Opportunistic : 2d6 + 13 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (5, 5) + 13 + 3 + 3 = 29

Hearing Calaver's instruction to shift focus to the merc in the Orange bandana, he moves further into the room. He keeps an eye on Red, though.

Entropic strike vs Orange EAC, Get Em : 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 11 + 2 = 28
Damage, A & B: 2d6 + 13 ⇒ (6, 3) + 13 = 22

Hey, Boss, I can only keep two of these guys covered at once. How about we focus fire on these two over here for now? he asks Cavaler telepathically.

Rolling this now. He will take an AO on Orange (Yellow?) if that one provokes and he's able to do so. If that one does not provoke, he'll take the AO on Red but minus Get Em
AO vs Orange EAC, Get Em, Opportunistic : 1d20 + 11 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 11 + 2 + 2 = 32
Damage, A & B, Opportunistic : 2d6 + 13 + 3 ⇒ (5, 5) + 13 + 3 = 26

Coordinated Shot +1 applies to Red and Orange. 

@GM: Can you specify which merc is shooting at Shaq, please. He's built to take AOs. But if an operative trick attack succeeds, then the target is flat footed and can't take an AO against that particular operative. Since Shaq can only keep 2 of them covered at once, it would help to know which one is shooting him if they do succeed at their trick attack on him.

At 7th level, Operatives get a feature of Trick Attack called "Specialization Skill Mastery." It's often missed because it's under Trick Attack at the beginning of the class features section, not listed as its own thing and requires reference back to the basic Specialization class feature.

"You become so confident in certain skills that you can use them reliably even under adverse conditions. When attempting a skill check with a skill in which you have the Skill Focus feat, you can take 10 even if stress or distractions would normally prevent you from doing so."

"Your specialization grants you the Skill Focus feat in your specialization’s associated skills,..."

So from 7th onward, you only need to have a bonus to your Specialization's trick attack skill(s) of 10 + Level + X, where X is what CR above your level you want to auto-trick. For Fussoa, at level 8, taking 10 with her +19 lets her auto-trick any CR opponent up to CR 9 (so that X would be 1 for her, since she can only auto-trick opponents 1 level above her.)

Of note, I've also seen Operatives take Skill Focus in Piloting so they can be the Pilot and not have to roll much if ever in starship combat.

@Fussoa, why did you not Take 10 on your Trick Attack? You'd auto-Trick any enemy CR 9 or lower. Also, what Debilitating Trick do you normally apply: Flat Footed, Off Target, or something else?

I think that Nat 20 on the attack vs Shaq is a Crit, but I don't think you doubled the damage. If it is a Crit, Shaq gets 2 extra Entropy points.

Shaq is a bit taken aback at the sight of Datch chained to a console. Karma, perhaps? He shakes off the distracting thoughts as the firefight breaks out and Cavaler commands the team to Get Red.

Will do, Boss, he replies as he hustles out to the front. He moves a lot faster than you'd expect of such a big guy, easily shouldering past Fussoa and Nikko to take a position in the center of the room. His lash in hand, he strikes Red

Entropic Strike, Get Em, vs EAC : 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 11 + 2 = 17
Damage, force effect, Acid & Bludgeoning : 2d6 + 13 ⇒ (3, 5) + 13 = 21

40 foot move action & draw lash (though really, wouldn't weapons have been out going into the obvious elevator/trap), Attack Red. EP = 3. 

Shaq has Coordinated Shot. +1 to attacks vs enemies he threatens (15 foot reach) as long as he's not providing cover - currently vs Red and Blue. Also, he has Friendly Fire, so don't worry about catching him in your AoE attacks.

... even though Shaq is taking up most of that space.

Sorry :) But yeah, he definitely would have made sure he was at the front of the elevator doors. Was going to post to that effect, but got ninja'd.

"Sorry, I'm no good with tech," the xenomorphic android says without a hint of irony. "I always just get the kids to do it for me," he finishes with a shrug.

Perception : 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (10) + 13 = 23

Shaq takes the measure of the geezer and gives his 2 credits worth of advice to the citizens. "I know you're scared, but remember - if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. And that price is way too good to be legit."

Of course, they'll probably ignore me, just like the kids at work do.

Shaq follows Cavaler and simply stands behind the elven ambassador with his arms crossed over his (literally) inhumanly broad chest.

Intimidation to Aid: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (12) - 1 = 11

Not that Cavaler needed the help, of course, but it made Shaq feel good to be doing something useful.

"I don't know that I'd call it a jackpot. Certainly not so for the folks that lived here," Shaq observes morosely as he surveys the scene. "I hope all the kids got out okay." In spite of being sick of their attitude most of the time, he does care about his students. When they're not being immature little snots that is.

He's not much help with finding out anything of interest, and instead just shadows Twila and watches over her shoulder.

Untrained in Computers, -1 Cha, Culture +6. This part isn't his forte, for sure.

Shaq spends most of the trip either exercising in the cargo bay or chilling and listening to music in peace. It's always a welcome change of pace to go on these Starfinder missions and get away from the school kids, so he tends to savor it like a very long weekend. But he's not antisocial, so he'll happily hang out in the mess and chat with his teammates.

When they arrive at Relthune, he makes his way into an appropriately sized gunner's pod. If he's learned anything from being a Starfinder, it's that when you're not expecting trouble, that's the time to expect it.

Shaq nods at Calaver's comment regarding Datch. That's what he'd been thinking, too, but all this info about some secret cult trying to blow up planets was a lot for him to take in.

"So, we find the source of the message first - maybe Datch, maybe a trap, maybe both knowing her." The big android taps his hands across his body checking pockets and weapons. "Then we find a super-weapon that makes earthquakes and destroy it. I'm guessing we don't have any intel on the weapon itself, like the size?"

But that would be his only question, and either way, he's as ready as ever to be getting out and and away. (It doesn't hurt that he lost his last job - again - so the Starfinder pay will certainly be appreciated.)

The last to arrive hustles in just as the pahtra announces their name.

"Oh, uh, hi," the huge bug in armor says timidly. "I'm XHC-5. But most people just call me Shaq, like if you tried to pronounce the letters as a word. Sort of. I guess." He rubs one big claw across the back of his neck.

A closer look reveals that perhaps this isn't a "bug" after all. The plating edges around his mouth parts and eyes seem to be metallic and his voice is flatter than would be expected of a "normal" haan.

He goes around the room and offers to shake hands or bows or whatever the culturally appropriate gesture is, though he often just gets it wrong. He replies in the affirmative to Delea's request to use telepathy, Sure. That's what I have to use at work anyway. And it will be nice to do so with adults for a change.

When he gets to Twila, he notices she seems nervous. Don't worry. Just stay behind me. Being out front and breaking things is what I'm here for, he tells her privately by using his own telepathy. And it's good for working out my anger issues.

With the arrival of a level 7 spell caster (Nikko Fifty-Niner), I'll go with Shaq for melee front line and damage soaking.

Looking forward to seeing a precog in action. I've never played with one before.

"You're damn straight we need a union. Just like those Goblins in Redmond got! Good for them!" Shaq replies to the kobold standing on the sidewalk outside the school. The security guards escorting him off the property (again) for his destructive outburst nod in agreement.

"Too bad the "Powers That Be" made being a union organizer illegal. We oughta petition for a change!"

Apologies for the thread drift. I'll take my rabble-raising to a new thread.

Sure you are, the big arthropodian android says rolling all four eyes. And I'm a "real" haan, even though I have no clue about anything haan-related.

XHC-5, known to his fan club as "Shaq, the big guy," continues listening with one ear to the shirren middle schooler in front of him while simultaneously dissing the dragon-presenting android in his head. It wouldn't be so bad if these kids had any clue about what he himself had been through not so long ago, but like all kids their age, they thought they were the center of the universe.

He and XHC-1 through -4 had been sold as surplus by the Haan Colonial Administration Budget Committee when they ran out of funds in their search for a new planet to colonize. Unfortunately there was some mix up with the middleman sales broker who mistranslated "laborer" into "one who molds things," and then sold him to a Shirren school district as a guidance counselor.

Suffice to say there was some surprise when he was activated, and that it didn’t take long for XHC-5 to grow tired of listening to Shirren teenagers whine about not knowing their purpose in life. And by "not long" I mean sometime during the morning of his first day on the job he started flipping and disintegrating desks and was escorted out of the school.

Fortunately, the school’s coach was a former Starfinder and put him in touch with the right folks to quickly get him out on his first mission. He finds the missions interesting, and in a way calming in that they provide an acceptable outlet for his anger issues. It seems no one cares when you punch an alien’s head clean off nearly as much as they do about destroying some school furniture.

His desk destruction videos have gone viral, and now he’s got infosphere followers that keep track of his Starfinder missions and when he’s been hired at another school between them. Though, that usually doesn't last long before he's back out on the road again. As is likely to happen very soon....

Are you done, you sniveling piece of ..." he snarls telepathically to the youngling seated before him. Look, at least you know what the heck you are. Or like Zalibraxis, you at least believe you know. His big hand starts to glow, and the "I Hate Firstdays" caf-mug he was holding begins dissolving in the entropic energies. Maybe you should just go and become the being you envision yourself to be, he advises the whelp the Swiss Army Mage.