Space Adventures, Session 3

 Where we last left our intrepid heroes (or 'heroes'), they were tramping through the internals of Dianshikan, looking for the Silver Falcons in order to discover what has become of the Device that Rei happened upon what seems like ages ago. For him and Hugo, anyway. Albedo and Renault are still a bit in the dark on this one, if I recall.
As you get 'higher' inside the ship (or at least, higher as far as the gravity-generators would have you feel), the living quarters grow less grandiose and more spartan. Now, there's only a few expertly painted and crafted lanterns lighting the way along with the harsh undimmed fluorescent lighting. The air is notably more humid, too. Common Lore from everyone (on Coseur)?
WBL: rolling 5d10k4!! Common Lore
(
3
+
7
+
2
+
5
+
8
)
= 23
Rei: rolling 5d10k5!! (^:
(
5
+
4
+
13
+
6
+
7
)
= 35
Magical B.: 1d10k1!!
Albedo Wolfnir: rolling 1d10k1!!
(
8
)
= 8
GC: (wew)
Renault Avro: rolling 1d10k1
(
4
)
= 4
[wew]
Nobody Important (GM): Hugo, Rei, you know that this is probably because Coseur need to keep their skin wet, since they breathe partially through their skin in addition to their lungs, as well as due to their nature as theoretically amphibious creatures. In fact, if this was a Coseur-only ship, it'd probably be flooded to about knee-depth.
Albedo, Renault, you know that it's hot, damp and uncomfortable here. Also that frog fashion sense is awful.
On the downside, Hugo, you suspect that weapons based on projected beams are going to be less effective the more dense this humidity is.
Hugo Medio: That could be a problem.
It's convenient he looted several assault rifles from the bugs they killed.
Rei: Rei, ever not knowing much of combat, is first to turn to his confidante/made-to-order bodyguard. "Do you think we'll be all right if negotiations turn...ugly?"
"This is Coseur territory, after all."
Nobody Important (GM): Before long, you reach Deck 17. A single hallway of blank steel, with only a row of lanterns shining down from the ceiling. Heavy, steel (and airtight) doors line the walls, each undecorated. Rei, you know that the Silver Falcons are holed up in a few rooms amateurishly combined via knocking holes in bulkheads and setting down carpets, and you suspect it's... these three doors that should lead into their territory, but they're still closed shut.
Hugo Medio: "The main danger isn't that, but fighting through the ship if the other gangs find out."
"Somehow I doubt they will be happy about a bunch of aliens picking fights on this junkheap."
Albedo Wolfnir: "I'm now worried. If they fight half as good as they look, we'll never need to worry." He chuckles under his breath.
Hugo Medio: "Squashing a frog is easy. Squashing a thousand frogs..."
Rei: "You're not wrong. Let's hope that we can work this out peacefully." Rei pans his head up to stare at the wall as blank as his gaze. "...my sources told me that this was the right way. I suppose we ought to introduce ourselves."
Rei knocks at the door, as his research on the Coseur during their travels indicated. "Hello. My name is Rei." Rei speaks slowly, enunciating every word, hoping to make things easier on those who do not speak Sakah as well, given that no one knows Kaiwen. "I am unaffiliated. I heard that you are seeking a buyer for something special. I am interested and have money."
Nobody Important (GM): Listening closely, you can (faintly) hear someone moving behind the door. Dimly, the distinctive raspy voice of a Coseur (male, likely) comes out. "Next door down... this one's got something in the way."
Rei: Rei notes the information for later and mentally thanks the universe that someone here speaks Sakah. He ushers his companions to the indicated door.
Renault Avro: Renault shrugs as the group approaches the hideout of the Silver Falcons. He raises an eyebrow as the concealed alien directs them elsewhere. "Let's just stay sharp...We are dealing with pirates here, after all."
Nobody Important (GM): You knock three times on this one, and get halfway through your speech before the same voice says "Yeah, yeah, I got it already. Gimme a moment, getting the boss. Gin, let them in."
The door's locking wheel spins clockwise, then counterclockwise, and then the red light above it turns green as it opens outwards into the hallway, revealing a small froglike figure with four arms and a face painted bright silver, knife at its hip. "You said you were looking to buy?" 'Gin' says.
Rei: "Yes. I would like to see what you have to offer first, to ensure that it's what I'm after, but I am willing to pay very handsomely."
Nobody Important (GM): Gin nods. "Wait one moment." He pulls the door shut again, but it doesn't lock. You can hear muffled conversation in Kaiwen through the door, but not much else.
Rei: As they wait, Rei telepathically pings each of his companions in turn: "Be prepared for action. This may turn violent. I do have money, but I don't know how much they will want, and I intend to get this artefact out of their hands no matter the cost."
Nobody Important (GM): The door is opened again. Instead of Gin, though, a scarred Coseur (though decorated much the same) stands where he stood. "Rei, you said? Come in. You wanted to see the goods? I hope you brought a lot of money, something like this isn't going cheap."
Renault Avro: Renault 's rubs a shoulder idly as he watches the deal occur, stiffening slightly in surprise as Rei intrudes in his mind, giving the alien a subtle nod in acknowledgement.
" Looks like you got another friend in here, buddy "
Hugo Medio: Hugo can't answer back, but his hand instinctively reaches behind his back for the nearest firearm.
Rei: "Thank you. I believe that I should have more than enough, no matter the price." Rei gestures for his companions to follow.
Nobody Important (GM): One tight fit through a busted airlock designed for Coseur later, you're in a decently sized room that was probably living space at one point, but has had two tables and attendant chairs placed in it as well. A safe sits on one of the tables, which you notice barely supports its weight. The scarred Coseur stands in the middle of the room, rubbing his webbed fingers together while two of what are clearly his minions or henchmen sit on opposite side of the room, half-glowering, half pretending not to look tired.
Albedo Wolfnir sits like a good boy, watching the room. Thinking about the best ways to solve a situation, should it come up.
Rei: Rei greets the scarred Coseur respectfully once he enters, clapping his wings slowly in Torielising fashion. "Thank you for the honour. May I see what you're offering?"
Nobody Important (GM): You can see that someone has put holes through the bulkheads to nearby rooms (with a plasma weapon, it looks like), and thrown down carpets/rounded off edges to make things easier. You can see into threeother rooms -- one appears to have some sort of pool in it, another is full of crates and boxes, and you can see a TV playing traditional Coseur animation on it in the last room.
The obvious leader repeats the gesture after a moment of shock that an alien knows his people's ways, then nods twice himself, blinking as he stares at you, Rei, clearly trying to figure out which set of eyes to look at. "Of course, of course... Give me a moment, I must open... the safe. "
Rei: "Take your time. I am more than patient enough." Rei takes a moment to glance around and marvel at the hominess of the complex, though it's not very hospitable to his kind.
Nobody Important (GM): He steps over, and begins fiddling with the combination after clambering onto a chair, given that his meter-tall frame isn't really very helpful for opening a safe set on a table.
It is extremely humid in here, and the water vapor would pose a real problem for any beam-style weapon.
"My name is Kinxan. Out of curiosity, Rei, would you mind telling me how you heard of our sale?"
Albedo Wolfnir: Hmm. Plasma. He'd have to take that out first.
Rei: "Pleased to meet you, Kinxan. And certainly. I've wanted to acquire such an artefact for some years now, and after assisting an archaeological dig, my employer tipped me off that the Silver Falcons may be in possession of one. I wanted to see for myself."
Renault Avro: Renault tugs on the collar of his shirt uncomfortably, the humidity slowly getting to him. Renault wonders if it's thick enough to screw with maser fire.
Rei: rolling 7d10k5!! Charm.
(
9
+
9
+
7
+
1
+
1
+
6
+
5
)
= 36
Renault Avro: " Assume the worst. "
Nobody Important (GM): Given your experience with maser weapons, Renault, it probably is.
Presumably, though, Hugo has at least allowed you to take one of the assault rifles retrieved from the Takavan forces.
"Hn. Perhaps the flyers weren't the best choice, then. One moment and..." He's been making sure to keep his back in between you and the safe, but you're pretty sure the combination is 15-22-15-22, which is just sad, really. He pulls open the safe door carefully, and retrieves what appears to be a spiral of some gold-like metal, about the size of an armband. Reverently, he takes it with both hands, and, holding it close to his chest, he tilts to display it to you. "A beauty, isn't it? We found it in the wreckage of some ship after the bugs had blown it up. Nothing wrong with a bit of salvage, heh?" He does, actually, seem to think well of you, at least as a prospective buyer, Rei.
Rei: Rei glances at Hugo. "Is it the Device? Nod if yes."
rolling 6d10k5!! verboten lore anyway
(
8
+
6
+
9
+
7
+
3
+
8
)
= 38
Hugo Medio: Hugo's left eyelid, or what's left of it instinctively twitches underneath his retinal shields (sunglasses) as he remembers his ship being "blown by bugs". He nods to Rei, recognizing the unholy device from his nightmares. He does not stop to think on the consequences on letting the doctor have it - or is it more that he can't?
Rei: "It is beautiful, and exactly what I was hoping for. Thank you. How much are you looking for?"
Nobody Important (GM): This is definitely a Device. And it sure looks like the one that Hugo's described.
Rei: How much are you looking for, for it?*
Nobody Important (GM): "One hundred and fifty thousand Aurono."
While that's an absurd price (about the price of the entire Raumgeist, for the record), it's actually less than the usual black market price for a Device.
(Not including the crew and weapons, though.)
Paying for this would likely bankrupt you.
Rei: Rei pauses. He observes Kinxan with all seven of his eyes, and draws himself up before speaking (regrettably, he still looks like the teenager that he is). "Do you know what kind of artifact that is, and how much danger you could be in simply by keeping it with you? If you do not, allow me to illuminate. By keeping it here, you've put the lives of all of your comrades -- of everyone upon this ship -- at the gravest of risk. While you're lucky that I've come to peacefully negotiate a price, you may find other seekers not so willing, particularly if you attract certain attentions." Rei lapses into silence for a long moment. "I will give you another chance to make a second offer."
Again, 'telepathically', he pings his companions. "Paying the price would leave us penniless. Be on your guard."
Nobody Important (GM): Can I ask for Intimidate here?
GC: (Sure, what's the roll?)
Nobody Important (GM): From anyone, actually. Stunts are helpful, of course, so +2k0 to Rei if he attempts it.
Charisma or Strength + Intimidate.
GC: (Everyone, please do roll.)
Rei: rolling 7d10k5!!
(
7
+
7
+
9
+
17
+
7
+
1
+
7
)
= 47
Hugo Medio: Hugo stands behind Rei emitting a palpable aura of menace from his body that chills the very air around him. He opens his palm and puts it in front of his face in an intimidating pose.
ゴゴゴゴゴゴゴゴゴゴゴゴ...
Rei: (Charm + Intimidate, if that wasn't clear.)
Charisma*
Hugo Medio: rolling 5d10k4!! ゴゴゴ
(
6
+
6
+
8
+
29
+
4
)
= 49
Albedo Wolfnir: rolling 6d10k3!! The dog looks up, then flaps his tail, smacking into the ground with an impact. Then he licks his lips, and chuckles, adding to the mood the room has just decided to inform.
(
4
+
8
+
6
+
9
+
2
+
8
)
= 25
Nobody Important (GM): Everyone feels the room drop alarmingly in temperature as Hugo and Rei put on their best terrifying faces. It goes from far too hot, to room temperature, to icy cold.
You do notice Kinxan shiver for a moment, but he keeps his cool. The other two Silver Falcons are beading water on their skin and actually shaking slightly.
"Well, that's a shame, since this is neutral ground and I think the Elders would rather like to have words with anyone who comes into Coraxian space and attacks us. Boarding party words."
He does look decently uneasy, though...
"I think our negotiations are over. If you're not going to pay, then I suggest you leave. We're not a charity here."
Hugo Medio: As expected. Looks like we will have to shoot some birds out of the sky.
Albedo Wolfnir: rolling 9d10k6!! The large canine shudders and his muscles ripple, sending a bad of force through the room as he tenses and his tail smacks into the ground. "Neutral on both sides, of course. Perhaps we all should re-think how... *negotiable* we all are, humm?" The alien, almost impossible physique slides back to normal as his spiked fur settles back down, the moment of incredulity lasting only a moment.
(
15
+
12
+
5
+
1
+
8
+
7
+
7
+
18
+
5
)
= 67
Nobody Important (GM): Both of the thugs wet themselves. Kinxan is starting to look unsure, but seems to grasp something mentally to pull himself back to normality.
You hear the Adventures of Stardust Girl Sui go silent in the other room as the TV is turned off.
"I'm going to have to ask you to leave." Kinxan says, his face growing hard. "I won't be threatened in my own home."
Rei: "Consider this your signal."
"Well, what a shame, Kinxan," Rei echoes, "but we're not a charity either."
Nobody Important (GM): Surprise round is yours.
Still, please roll for initiative!
Hugo Medio: rolling 1d10+5 rolling a 1 again
(
3
)
+5
= 8
Renault Avro: rolling 1d10+5
(
2
)
+5
= 7
whoops
Rei: rolling 1d10 + 3
(
6
)
+3
= 9
Nobody Important (GM): rolling 1d10+4
(
3
)
+4
= 7
rolling 1d10+4
(
1
)
+4
= 5
rolling 1d10+7
(
5
)
+7
= 12
Renault Avro: rolling 1d10+4
(
2
)
+4
= 6
Albedo Wolfnir: rolling 1d10+6
(
7
)
+6
= 13
Nobody Important (GM): You aren't surprised. They are, which means that you have the drop of them. Top of the turn for Albedo!
Rei gives the signal (a specific twitch of his wings and one leg), and you know that it is time.
Albedo Wolfnir: Before she's even done, Albedo is up, and with a growl and a step forward he's bigger... And bigger... The space was tiny and claustrophobic before, but now everyone in the room is dwarfed by a massive and powerful beast... And it smells like wet dog, to boot. He salivates, growling as huge drips of froth fall from the now monstrously sized Alktrine, showing just how little he was bluffing a moment ago.
Rei: Rei ducks behind Hugo, using his friend as cover as best he can, and snaps his gaze towards Kinxan. Though he's trained as a doctor, he has picked up some semblance of self-defence, and now is the time to use it.
rolling 6d10k5!! + 1 (here we go)
(
11
+
6
+
2
+
2
+
9
+
6
)
+1
= 35
Nobody Important (GM): Two tiny holes in reality arc across the room towards Kinxan!
The way they distort space around themselves just looks wrong, but since all of you have undergone some training with flowstone manipulation, you're used to it.
Rei: rolling 4d10k2!! Damage!
(
6
+
3
+
8
+
3
)
= 14
Nobody Important (GM): 14 - 0 Aura / 6 = 2 damage!
Hugo, you're up!
Hugo Medio: Without a word, Hugo extends his durelinium arm behind his back and pulls out his railgun, raining screaming explosive death over Kinxan in the very same stroke.
rolling 6d10k4!! pew
(
8
+
6
+
8
+
3
+
2
+
9
)
= 31
Nobody Important (GM): rolling 6d10k4!!
(
5
+
6
+
7
+
9
+
1
+
4
)
= 27
Kinxan leaps to the side, surprised as he is, and dodges the railgun round as it destroys the safe behind him! And a big chunk of the wall!
Hugo Medio: Hugo grunts. These frog bastards are agile, and his reaction times are still somewhat rusty. That's still not stopping him.
Nobody Important (GM): Renault, you're up!
Renault Avro: Renault grits his teeth as hostilities break out. It was an inevitability, he supposes. He stows the smaller maser carbine away, exchanging it for the assault rifle so graciously given to him by Hugo. It's unwieldy length would prove to be an issue in such tight quarters, but at least it doesn't have to worry about beam diffusion. Renault wordlessly opens fire on the frog like aliens
rolling 4d10k2
(
2
+
4
+
8
+
5
)
= 13
Nobody Important (GM): A miss! Bullets go everywhere, but you manage to not hit anything but the wall scrolls of Coseur.
You've got a half action, still, so do you want to move or delay an action and try again, or something else/
else?*
Renault Avro: yeah, I'll take a delayed attack
Nobody Important (GM): Okay.
Hugo and Renault have delayed actions, so now is the time before the turn cycles back.
Hugo Medio: Hugo only waits for the railgun to power up again before raining a second helping of explosive death upon Kinxan. The tight quarters might prove to be a nuisance but he's prepared to squash these frogs with the butt of his weapon if need be.
rolling 6d10k4!!
(
9
+
8
+
6
+
5
+
4
+
2
)
= 28
Nobody Important (GM): Hit!
Hugo Medio: rolling 4d10k2!! gib 10s pls
(
7
+
4
+
6
+
8
)
= 15
Nobody Important (GM): 15 damage, -4 (10-6) armor = 11, /6 = 1 point of damage! The railgun does, in fact, hit Kinxan in the side, nearly through his reinforced and semi-powered armor!
Renault, delayed action?
Renault Avro: Renault does his best to focus his mind, which is hampered by the idle buzzing of his dead companion holed up in his brain. " Do anything to bother me, and we're both dead, got it? " He asks, the voice uncharacteristically quiet as he does. His psychic powers well up in response
foucs power roll
rolling 4d10k3
(
9
+
1
+
3
+
2
)
= 14
and the mind bullets roll
Nobody Important (GM): You reach out, and you can feel the flowstone implant beneath your skin warm as you attempt to bend reality to your wind -- but you just can't.
(15 was the minimum, and you failed to reach it.)
Renault Avro: oh, whoops
gah
GC: (Remember that you can spend resources/hero points!)
Renault Avro: rolling 4d10k3
(
4
+
9
+
5
+
7
)
= 21
Nobody Important (GM): Renault shakes his head, and reaches out again, throwing holes in reality with an outstretched arm!
Renault Avro: rolling 2d10k1
(
9
+
5
)
= 9
Nobody Important (GM): (You can hold the mouse down on a target to ping at that location.)
(Alright.)
Renault Avro: Renault lets loose with his abilities at the frog like alien flanking him to the left
Nobody Important (GM): 9 - 0 Aura / 4 = 2 damage!
One spiralling hole in nothingness slashes into the Coseur!
Right, from the top, Albedo is up!
Albedo Wolfnir: rolling 7d10k3!!
(
13
+
8
+
3
+
26
+
7
+
17
+
7
)
= 56
uh
Nobody Important (GM): Hm.
That's a lot of to-hits.
That is a stupendously good hit, as Albedo leaps across the room to claw the absolute hell out of Kinxan!
Albedo Wolfnir: rolling 11d10k9!!+3
(
5
+
8
+
2
+
5
+
8
+
9
+
2
+
1
+
6
+
7
+
5
)
+3
= 58
Nobody Important (GM): Good god in heaven
Albedo Wolfnir: rolling 10d10k2!!+8
(
9
+
9
+
16
+
3
+
4
+
4
+
16
+
8
+
4
+
7
)
+8
= 40
Nobody Important (GM): 40 - 2 (10-8 Pen) = 38 / 6 = 6 damage!
The monomonecularly edged blade skitters to and fro before slashing for Kinxan's arms! He croaks in extreme pain, but manages to dodge before it slices through all of his arm. His armor seals up before he can start bleeding too badly...
Albedo Wolfnir: Blood and pain. The fighting, once more. The massive Alktrine would howl if it didn't have it's blade in it's teeth, and when it plants it's claws into the steel of the ship it leaves deep scratches with it's claws. The hunt is in swing!
Nobody Important (GM): Kinxan pulls the plasma pistol from his belt and attempts to fire it directly into Albedo's chest!
Green light surges from it, and the room gets very hot suddenly.
rolling 6d10k3 Ballistics
(
5
+
3
+
6
+
7
+
8
+
4
)
= 21
Does 21 break your Static Defense?
Albedo Wolfnir: 21
Nobody Important (GM): Albedo jinks to the side, plasma bolt flying down the hallway and searing open half the bulkhead door before dissipating!
All of you would have a rather sudden suntan, if not for your body armor.
Kinxan says something likely quite rude under his breath in Kaiwen, and then tries again!
rolling 6d10k3 (Delayed Shot)
(
2
+
2
+
6
+
8
+
10
+
3
)
= 24
rolling 1d10
(
3
)
= 3
That's a hit, and you're out of reactions to dodge that, unfortunately.
Nobody Important (GM): rolling 3d10!! Pen 8
(
2
+
4
+
4
)
= 10
10 damage, divided by your Resilience of 6, is 1 point of damage.
The plasma bolt fails to hit you directly, but still singes you quite severely!
Rei is up!
Rei: The sight of his companions fighting so valiantly for him brings him to try to fire off another pulse of psychic energy. All for the greater good. If only he keeps repeating that to himself.
rolling 6d10k5!! + 1
(
7
+
9
+
7
+
16
+
9
+
5
)
+1
= 49
Nobody Important (GM): Success!
Presuming you don't keep the exploded die, that's still two hits!
Rei: rolling 4d10k2!!
(
8
+
6
+
5
+
15
)
= 23
Nobody Important (GM): 23 - 0 Aura, /6 = 3 damage!
rolling 1d10
(
7
)
= 7
You hit him dead in the lower chest with the two hurled projectiles, stunning him in pain as his organs violently twist inside his body!
rolling 2d10 (this is how many rounds Kinxan is stunned for.)
(
1
+
7
)
= 8
(Energy Crit 3 to the Gizzards.)
Hugo, you're up!
Hugo Medio: Being that the boss frog is out of the count thanks to Rei's until now unknown psychic prowess, Hugo turns his railgun to the frog next to Renault to take it out before it can shoot his fellow human. "Heads down," he orders before letting loose.
rolling 6d10k4!!
(
6
+
2
+
7
+
2
+
7
+
7
)
= 27
Nobody Important (GM): Hit, even with the raise for firing into CQC!
Hugo Medio: rolling 4d10k2!! gib 10s pls
(
17
+
3
+
3
+
9
)
= 26
Nobody Important (GM): rolling 1d10
(
9
)
= 9
26 - 0 Armor /4 = 6 damage! Explosive 4 Crit to the Right Arm!
rolling 2d10
(
9
+
1
)
= 10
The Coseur looks at you just as Renault ducks in time for Hugo to swing the gun around, aiming it at the Coseur. Though he jinks to the side, Hugo still clips him in the arm with the railgun, and a glancing blow with a railgun is no such thing. The arm disintegrates under the pressure, oily purple fluid going everywhere!
The Coseur falls to the ground in shock, tries to get up and then goes still.
Hugo Medio: That's two down. Yet his railgun still has several rounds left and there are two frogs yet to be squashed. Hugo turns around to the nearest frog and unloads upon it without word or warning other than the ominous sound of a railgun charging.
rolling 6d10k4!! delayed shot on rightmost froge
(
3
+
1
+
7
+
9
+
3
+
7
)
= 26
Nobody Important (GM): Hit!
The high-pitched whine of the rails aligning and charging up is all the warning the frog gets before a railgun slug slams into it.
(Damage?)
Hugo Medio: rolling 4d10k2!! tens give me the tens i want tens
(
4
+
4
+
7
+
8
)
= 15
Nobody Important (GM): Three points of damage, as you shatter the wall near the soldier, peppering him with shards of steel!
Rei: Still in hiding behind Hugo, Rei turns his mind's focus onto the wounded Coseur. Do no harm...but this harm is for the good of everyone. Yes, this is how it must be.
rolling 6d10k5!!
(
3
+
6
+
2
+
1
+
8
+
3
)
= 22
Nobody Important (GM): 22 / 4 = 5 damage! 4 Energy crit to the...
rolling 1d10
(
2
)
= 2
Right leg!
rolling 1d10
(
2
)
= 2
The soldier gives in to the pain! Blood goes everywhere as the leg is torn up by the spinning holes in space-time!
(This will be continued at the top of the SF Thug initiative.)