Thevshi

Jack only gets a 15 on his save (forgot he had two bruises), so I will reroll (+1 HP to Foreshadow), he manages a 28 (with the +10 to below 10) so is fine.

GM Starshot slammed into the apparent leader of the pirates, causing the green skinned humanoid with course, thick hair to stagger backward slightly from the impact, clearly feeling it. "Who the blazes are you?" He asked, righting himself as he drew a large knife from a sheath at his hip. Several of the other pirates returned their focus on the Kurabanda, five of them opening fire once more. Most of the shots went wide, or hit tree limbs, but one was dead on, striking one of the Kurabanda square in the chest and dropping it onto the wide branch it was standing out. A pair of the pirates that were near the tree opposite where Starshot had charged circled back around the tree and out of sight, apparently trying to circle around. The other two pirates, who were near Starshot and the leader, both drew knives and charged at the space hunter. The first missed badly, his blade almost cutting the leader. However the second managed to land a solid blow. The leader meanwhile stepped back forward, trying to jab at Starshot, who was able to briefly grab the alien's arm, enough at least to stop the attack.

Five of the pirates open fire on the Kurabanda, with only one hitting, although it is a Critical Hit! The Kurabanda only gets a 13, so is staggered, disabled and stunned. Two of the other pirates try to circle around behind the Kurbanda, while the other two charge into melee with Starshot, getting a 14 and 25 another critical hit! But as he is only using a knife, it is still only a DC 19 toughness save. The leader will also attack with a knife missing terribly with a 13. This brings up Round Two 24 Kurabanda (4 unharmed) 20 Starshot (unharmed, 4 HP) 20 Pirates (9 minions) 6 Pirate leader (bruised) The Kurabanda continue their attack, getting two hits again one a Crit! The pirates get 16 and 24 on their saves so one is down, the other makes the save. Starshot is up (after the toughness save)

That hits. The leader only gets a 20 on his save, so is bruised. Also, a charge is a full round action.

GM Starshot's sudden calls and appearance apparently caught all the combatants off guard, as there was a pause in the fighting as the pirates all turned to regard him as he moved into the open. The Kurbaka also paused to regard the new development, but they recovered quicker than the pirates did. Taking advantage of the distraction Starshot had provided, they loosed a volley of arrows at the pirates, however the pirates were still behind partial cover, so three of the arrows just buried themselves into roots or tree trunks. Two of the arrows found their marks. But in one instance, the chitenous hide of an insectorid alien managed to deflect the arrow. In the other, an armored vest protected the pirate as well.

Round One 24 Kurabanda (5 unharmed) 20 Starshot (unharmed, 4 HP) 20 Pirates (9 minons) 6 Pirate leader (unharmed) The Kurabanda resume fire on some of the pirates, with only two hitting when cover is factored in. The first pirate just makes his toughness save, the second easily does, so both are fine. Starshot’s action! (given current positions, none of the pirates have cover protecting them from him)

GM As the sound of the energy weapons could be heard, Phalen had dived to the ground and wrapped himself into a ball, trying to hide behind whatever underbrush he was near. Laark got down near him, holding him down with one hand while drawing his blaster pistol with the other. Soreen also took cover, drawing her weapon as well as Starshot moved to scout ahead. Starshot moved silently, keeping to the shadows of the large trees and behind undergrowth as he went, moving ahead a little over a hundred meters. Several more energy blasts could be heard as he went, followed by what sounded like shouting and some other sort of grunts. Stopping near several large bushes, Starshot looked ahead at a trio of the towering trees. Up on the lower branches of the center one were five humanoid creatures that looked rather like tarsier monkeys and stood about 1.2 meters tall. They were armed with spears and bows and arrows. A sixth of these creatures was lying on the ground beneath the tree they were in. Gathered around the base of the other two trees, with a few up on the lower branches as well, were ten humanoids of a number of different spacefaring races. Each was armed with a blaster rifle or pistol, as well as other equipment. A few took shots at the monkey like creatures, their shots missing or burning holes in the trunk of the tree, while the creatures shot a few arrows in return.

Cape, give me a stealth check and a notice check please.

GM With a course of action decided, Soreen and Laark set about quickly gathering up all their gear and were shortly ready to start off once more. Although there was considerable underbrush below the towering trees, there was still enough space to move around or through it without much trouble, providing considerably quicker travel than hacking through shard grass. The high canopy of the massive trees helped provide shade from the glaring sun, but the air was still rather warm and humid. The forest was much more filled with wildlife than any of the other biomes the crew had ventured through thus far. As they moved through the forest in their decided direction, there were numerous rustling of underbrush as small, unseen animals moved to better hiding places. There were several times Starshot caught sight of some winged creatures taking flight from nearby branches, or spotted small lizard like creatures dart off deeper into the forest. After a few kilometers, the group came across a small stream. Soreen used a device to check the water for any impurities, and after it came back clean they were able to top off their water containers once more. A few kilometers further on, Starshot was leading the group around a small hill covered in particular thick underbrush when suddenly the relatively calm air was interrupted by the very distinct sound of energy weapons being fired.

Giang noted Zhu's ability to sit on the balance beam when she was distracted in conversation. “I am glad not be working for a crime syndicate as well." She replied to the younger girl with a warm smile of her own. "I have found much contentment in helping or protecting others. One of the reasons I sought a job as a lifeguard while attending college." "Tell me, what is it that goes through your mind while you are trying to stand in the yoga pose?" Giang then asked Zhu, turning things back towards what they were working on. "I believe we might need to take a further step back. Before learning to focus beyond external distraction, you must first learn to focus past internal ones."

Okay, so Tiff, I will need a Notice check and a Pilot check for Traveller. Ex, TT, I need a Reflex save for Moon-Moth and Cav (DC 22), depending on how that goes, then either a DC 27 or DC 21 Toughness save (unless either of you have Evasion)! And Ex, TT, have a HP for teleporting into a danger zone!

GM Unsurprisingly, there was no change to Phalen, he turned his head away as Starshot tried to engage him, continuing to eat his food that Soreen had provided. Both Soreen and Laark were still waking up fully, but became a bit more alert as Starshot began discussing their options. "The Ul-Mor spoke of the Kurbanda that live in these forests." Laark replied. "Perhaps they may be able to help guide us towards the technology readings the sensors detected while we crashed?" "The technology was toward the northeast, along the edge of what appeared to be a lake." Soreen added. "At the very least we can try to continue that direction and see if we can find the Kurbanda along the way." "At least we should be able to more easily hold to a northeastern heading now." Laark commented.

For centuries the Order of the Star Knights have strived to preserve peace, order and justice in the galaxy. When members have fallen in the line of duty, Mentor has always been able to find new recruits to refill the ranks. During the Incursion, the Order suffered the most significant amount of losses in its history, with nearly five hundred Star Knights perishing at the Battle of Lor-Van alone, sacrificing themselves to delay the Communion’s world killer in order for more Lor to be evacuated from the doomed world. As a result, following the end of the Incursion, the Order found itself greatly undermanned and efforts to recruit new Star Knights were stepped up. Even now the Order is not yet back to full strength and is always looking for worthy recruits. So, this is not a normal recruitment thread. Awhile ago Gizmo and I tried to see if there might be more interest in space based characters. The Star Knights represent an option closely tied to the setting. As it happens, I have a storyline in mind that is ideal for a group of Star Knight PCs. This would be in addition to opportunities for space adventures alongside other space characters (the Eclipse Crew; the Void Runners and the Praetorians). So, was wanting to see if there were any players (new or old) that had a character slot free and might be interested in making a Star Knight. (Ari has already expressed interest in the idea). One problem that I know might be of concern to some is that the Star Knight template in the sourcebook is rather expensive. TrollThumper (the only player with a PC Star Knight currently) worked up an alternative version of the template that is much more affordable. I have made an updated version of that that is down below (TT’s has not accounted for some house rules that came after he created Cavalier). At only 68 PP for the armor, there is still quite a bit of points left for other things. One thought I had was the new PC Star Knights could start out as trainees (Star Squires as Ari called them) and be PL 9/150 PP. If enough people were interested we could consider that route. Anyway, hoping there might be some interest in this, let me know! Star Knight Armor Device 17 (85 DP; Hard to Lose) [68 PP] Offensive Capabilities 20 PP Array (Power Feats: Accurate 2; Alternate Power 3) {25 DP} BP: Blast 10 {20/20 PP} AP: Enhanced Strength 12 + Super-Strength 3 + Strike 1 (Feats: Mighty) (energy sword) {20/20 PP} AP: Snare 10 {20/20 PP} AP: Nullify Technology 10 (Flaw: Full Action) {20/20 PP} Comprehend 2 (speak one language at a time and understand all; read all languages) {4 DP} Enhanced Feat 1 (Quick Change) {1 DP} Immunity 10 (life support; starvation and thirst) {10 DP} Flight 8 (2,500 mph) {16 DP} Protection 9 (Extras: Impervious 10) {19 DP} Super-Senses 2 (Communication Link [Mentor]; Radio; Low-light vision; Direction Sense) {4 DP} Super Movement (Space Travel) 3 ({6 DP}

GM Phalen was still mumbling to himself much of the time, but he had become much more docile in allowing himself to be led around and otherwise not trying to escape any longer. Once he was tied to one of the roots of a nearby tree, the crew set to work preparing a small camp site, Laark using some dead branches to set up some makeshift shelter. Soon there was a nice fire going and they had a bit of cover from winds and other elements. The sky was darkening and they could see some stars coming into view in the night sky. The forest quieted compared with the day, but there were still some occasional sounds from time to time, but none seemed to be approaching their campfire. Once again they took turns on watch, although the night again passed uneventfully.

GM "Well Praetorian," Officer Lo-rid began in response to Spectra's question, "we have had a series of rather disturbing occurrences at one of Regulas' oldest mine sites here." "The operations there have managed to follow mineral veins well under the surface crust. As part of many of our operations on a hostile location such as this, and particular deeper underground as this site had reached, current mining operations require the draining of lava from the immediate vicinity to prevent problems. Often this requires draining areas beneath where current mining is taking place." "While attempting to drain a lower chamber beneath the area currently schedule for expansion of operations, something interrupted the draining. Several members of the team overseeing the draining machinery went down to see if they could make a determination of what was causing the problems, but we lost contact with them." "Eventually another team was sent down with security, but there was no trace of the first team. The draining equipment had been severely damaged. We have currently shut down operations in that section of the mine until we could determine what happened and resume draining the lava from the area. Less than a week later, a similar incident occurred in another section of the same mine, this time we did not send down a tech team immediately when draining operations were interrupted, and by the time we did investigate, once again the draining equipment being used was all but destroyed."

Paradigm Paradigm frowned slightly at the news that Skirris had taken matters into her own hands. While the Naram could understand the Haasaan's desire to aid the woman caught up in locals' version of justice, it was not their reason for being here. Looking around briefly, she was far enough away that the incident was not going to immediately be noted here, so there was no need to lose her cover just yet. "Let me know if you need me." She replied quietly, continuing down the street she was on. "Otherwise I can catch up later."

GM Mess' punches found their mark, hitting Malcom in the chest and stomach, but it was like hitting a concrete wall. Malcom seemed little fazed by the attacks, looking down at Mess. "There you are." He commented. Over by a nearby parked car, Jack climbed back to his feet, recovered from having been inadvertently hit by Malcom. The blond Battle Brother also focused on Mess, as he ran forward toward the pugilist. "We have been wanting some payback!" He called out as he took a wild swing at Mess. But the canny fighter was ready, and deftly ducked under the blow, bobbing back up ready to keep fighting. "Stand still damn it!" Jack called out in frustration.

That is just enough to hit, but Malcom gets a 28 on his toughness save. Okay, Jack will get back to his feet and move over toward Mess. He will then surge (+1 HP to Mess) and attack but misses with a 18. This brings us to: Round Five 32 Foreshadow (bruised 2 HP, fatigued) 29 Synapse (unharmed 3 HP) 26 Hound (unharmed) 21 Malcom (bruised) 17 Bloody Mess (unharmed, 3 HP) [5 th round of Boost] 14 Jack (bruised 2) Foreshadow is up!

GM Laark and Soreen both seemed to be glad to be done with the shard grass as well, the former leading Phalen over to the shade of the edge of the forest as the group settled down for another break. As they took a few moments of rest, drinking some water and checking supplies, there were echoes of distant animal calls from within the deeper forest. None seemed alarmingly close and were rather typical of dense forest biomes. Of course, they generally confirmed both of Starshot's assumptions, there would be more opportunity for food and possibly hostile fauna. "Well, it is not too long before it will start to get dark." Soreen stated, noting the lower position of the sun in the sky. "I image it can get rather pitch dark in there, so might be make sense to camp for the night and set out in the morning light well rested." "We certainly have more materials for temporary shelters and a fire." Laark added in.

GM Malcom shook his head a moment to clear it before pushing himself back up off the pavement. His gaze focused back on Foreshadow as his eyes narrowed. "Think you're so fancy with your flips and sticks and…" he trailed off as the talking dog darted over, jabbering at his feet and distracting him. With a snarl, the large Battle Brother aimed a kick at the transformed Harry. "Get lost you mutt!" But Harry was far too fast for him, darting out of the way and slipping away as he continued his insults.

Okay, I will remove Malcom’s daze (+1 HP to Foreshadow). He will get up and try to kick Harry, missing terribly with a 17 Cape, Mess is up!

Synapse Well, he’s a bit slow on the uptake. Synapse commented over the mental link as Bloody Mess seemed confused about her initial greeting and wanting to have her out of his head. While Foresahdow tried to convince the pugilist to remain in the mental network and knock down one of the Battle Brothers, the young British woman focused back on the one she had already managed to hurt with a metal blast. Once again red psychic energy shot out at Jack, causing him to snarl in slight pain as he was pushing himself back to his feet. But despite the hits he had taken thus far, both mentally and physically, he surged off the follow up mental attack with little after effect.

Synapse is going to hit Jack with another Mental Blast, he only gets a 8, so I will give him a reroll (+1 HP to Synapse), he gets a 26 with the reroll (due to the +10), so just makes it. Hound is up Cape!

GM After everyone had taken a brief rest and had something to eat and drink they were once again ready to continue their journey. Their travel time speed up once again as they followed the trampled path. The afternoon wore on and eventually the path they were following turned to the Northeast for a few kilometers. Just as the path turned back to the south, Starshot and his companions saw the end of the shard grass. There was a small depression before them, the stalks thinning out part way down the hill. Then a couple hundred meters away, was vast forest thick with vegetation. The trees of this forest were massive, rising up fifty or more meters into the air. The lower parts of the trees were a mass of long, tangled vines, but fifteen or more meters above the ground, the trees had wide branches, covered with large flat leaves. Long tendrils of roots hung down from those branches, reaching all the way back to the ground. Up at the very top branches of the trees, up in the direct sunlight, were leaves covered with flowers.

GM The shuttle craft lurched forward as Moon-Moth gave it the first telekinetic push. With the added assistance, the craft was making much better time, although they would still be intercepting the comet half way between Kembel and it's moon. The planetary defense forces continued a barrage of laser fire at the approaching comet, but it continued to prove as ineffective as before. The fighters launched missiles at the comet, but also they exploded at the outer halo of the comet. Now that the Praetorians were closer, they had a better look at the comet, it was smaller than either of the two defense forces cruisers, but at the speed it was going could still be catastrophic when it impacted with Kembel. It would only be a few short moments before they intercepted with the comet…..