Quest Calendar 2023: The Voidspark Chronicles

[Poli]

Jan 23:

I'm Ascel, a factotum on the Karnack. I do anything needed of me: cooking, managing resources, finances, handiwork, and anything else to keep this boat afloat. I'm also the captain's secretary, Brokvar's backup on dangerous missions, and Naylee's occasional copilot when she flies.

SD-113 hates when I do any maintenance. but this old ship constantly falls apart and that bot isn't qualified to work on the voidspark engine. I do what I can, but I hope Captain Cayliss hires a good mechanic soon.

Maybe you can shoulder some of the burden. Want to give me a hand with cooking? Tailoring meals to varied species without wasting rations is difficult.

1) What do you know about cooking for various species? D20+INT+Student.

2) Help wrangle the live food into the pot. D20+STR+Animal Tamer.

3) Mix the various ingredients and spices. D20+WIS.

4) Taste the food while cooking. D20+CON.

[Poli]

1) What do you know about cooking for various species? D20+INT+Student.

7+0. Fail. You recall surprisingly little regarding the dietary needs and restrictions of other species. Take a -3 penalty to 3) and 4).

2) Help wrangle the live food into the pot. D20+STR+Animal Tamer. Some of the ingredients involve a few dangerous live animals and even plants.

1+(2). Super Fail. You are bitten and stung by a nasty bug like creature. Reduce your HP by 2.

3) Mix the various ingredients and spices. D20+WIS. -3 modifier.

8+(-1)-3. Fail. You combine a varying number of ingredients together in hopes of making an edible meal. Much of it is wasted. Ascel steps in to redo your work. Add 2 rations to your inventory.

4) Taste the food while cooking. D20+CON. -3 modifier.

20+(-1)-3. Great success. You prepare an excellent meal. It tastes delicious and everyone should enjoy it. You have made a great impression with the crew.

[Poli]

There's a pickpocket chance here. He gains 1 credit.

[Poli]

Jan 24:

Hey there. Welcome to my bridge. I'm Naylee and I'll be your pilot for the duration of your voyage. I'll do my best to make it fun. Did Captain Cayliss tell you about our mission? We've been hired to catch a comet. A nearby station needs the ice and water this comet can provide. We just need to snag it and haul it back. It should be easy. Do you have any talent for flying a ship? I could use a good copilot. You should take over the rest of the way.

1) Locate the comet and pick a course to it. D20+INT+Piloting.

2) Fly the Karnack. Navigate the course to the comet. D20+DEX+Piloting.

[Poli]

1) Locate the comet and pick a course to it. D20+INT+Piloting.

5+0+2. Fail. (DANG IT). There are many objects in the vicinity. You hope you located the comet correctly, but you aren't sure. You charted a course, but the navigation systems keep alerting that there is something wrong. Take a -3 penalty to navigate to the comet.

2) Fly the Karnack. Navigate the course to the comet. D20+DEX+Piloting.

4+2+2-3. Fail. Another fail...I'm super good at this. You get off course and might even be lost. You can't find the comet anywhere. Naylee takes over flying for you. "Don't worry. Flying a ship isn't easy."

Except I'm supposed to be a copilot.

There's a pickpocket chance. 4. Going to pass on those credits this early on so I don't lose the virtue. Maybe another time.

[Poli]

Jan 25:

The comet is in range. Now we need to carefully snare it with the ship's grappling hooks. We need to maintain a consistent distance when we launch the hooks or we risk tearing the ship apart. Once these are in, we can get over there to place some equipment down. You are doing well. I will let you take over.

1A) Fly in close and remain steady. D20+WIS+Piloting.
or
1B) Approach slowly and cautiously. D20+DEX+Piloting.

2) Review the rules for Ship combat and damage.

3) Fire the first hook to catch the comet. D100+Aim.

4) Fire the second hook to catch the comet. D100+Aim.

[Poli]

1B) Approach slowly and cautiously. D20+DEX+Piloting.

9+2+2. Success. Not bad. The comet is in constant motion but you can follow closely to it. You maintain a safe distance, but you must continually speed up and slow down. Gain a +10 bonus to firing the hooks.

2) Review the rules for Ship combat and damage.

Starting AIM for the Karnack is +10. Starting Evasion is +10. Starting Shield is 1. Starting Integrity for each compartment is 3.

For each point of damage the ship takes (after subtracting the Shield), you will roll a D6 to determine which compartment is hit. Each time a compartment is hit, reduce that compartment's integrity by 1. If the integrity of a compartment is 0, remove any followers and ship upgrades attached to that compartment...they are destroyed. If further damage is dealt to that compartment while the integrity is 0, the hero's HP will take the damage.

3) Fire the first hook to catch the comet. D100+Aim.

72+10+10. Great success. You snag the comet with the first hook and fall perfectly into place with the comet as it continues to travel.

4) Fire the second hook to catch the comet. D100+Aim.

58+10+10. Great success. You snag the comet with the second hook and fall perfectly into place with the comet as it continues to travel.

[Poli]

Jan 26:

You will be accompanying Brokvar on this mission. Gear up in a space suit and get to the air lock.

1) Bond with the first mate and ship bot. D20+CHA.

2A) Request help getting into your space suit. D20+CHA+Persuasive.
or
2B) Demand help with your space suit. D20+STR+Intimidate.

3) Gear up.

There's also a pickpocket chance here.

[Poli]

1) Bond with the first mate and ship bot. D20+CHA.

10+2. Success. SD113 - "You life forms are easily killed by a lack of atmosphere, pressure, and breathable air. I do not wish to get distracted and make a mistake while I check over the suits. Captain Cayliss would be most bothered if we lost either of you."

Brokvar - "You ever been on a spacewalk? It ain't like the comfort of a ship. Zero G on a ship is nothing compared to the vast emptiness of space. It can be scary as hell. I must admit it is nice to have another going on this with me. Ascel does ok, but his stomach can't handle it. Let's hope you don't get motion sickness. Well, we'll soon see what you've got."

2A) Request help getting into your space suit. D20+CHA+Persuasive.

10+2. Success. "It's probably a good idea to make sure you've got this suit on correctly. Let me look you over and see how well you did." Gain +1 to all rolls on Jan 27.

3) Gear up.

There are a few items left for this mission. Add 1 Med Kit and 1 Antidote to your inventory.

Rovin nets 2 credits picking Brokvar's pocket.

[Poli]

Jan 27:

You go through the air lock and make your way around the Karnack to where the comet is tethered via the lines on the grappling hooks. You and Brokvar begin to climb the wires and make your way across the comet.

1) Get accustomed to the experience of a spacewalk. D20+CON.

2A) Be careful not to slip or hurt yourself. D20+DEX+Athlete.
or
2B) Use your strength to avoid slipping. D20+STR+Athlete.

[Poli]

1) Get accustomed to the experience of a spacewalk. D20+CON.

13+(-1)+1. Success. Your body takes a while to adjust to the feeling of weightlessness. You become dizzy and nauseous. Reduce HP by 1.

2A) Be careful not to slip or hurt yourself. D20+DEX+Athlete.

14+2+1. Success. You take your time and move carefully. You have no trouble getting across the line. You make it to the comet safely.

[Poli]

Jan 28 and 29:

Before Brokvar can finish making his way to the comet, you sense a disturbance along the surface of the comet. You are attacked by some creatures that have made a home on the comet.

Three exocoti creatures to battle.

Exocoti 1:
Attack needed: 10. Roll 1+4. Miss.
The exocoti bites through your suit. -1HP.
A constitution roll is made to determine if Rovin is infected. 19-1. He is not infected.
The exocoti flees.

Exocoti 2:
Attack needed: 9. 18+4. Hit.
Damage needed: 4. 8+1. The exocoti dies.

Exocoti 3:
Attack needed: 9. 6+4. Hit.
Damage needed: 3. 7+1. The exocoti dies.

Rovin gains 2 credits.

Sunday lottery: D6.

1. Lose 2 credits.

[Poli]

Jan 30:

Brokvar makes his way onto the comet. You both detach from the safety lines and survey your immediate surroundings. There are non of the odd exocoti creatures nearby. Brokvar tells you that you both need to head to the opposite end of the comet to place down some equipment. The journey could take hours.

A) Travel through a deep valley. D20+WIS+Survivalist
or
B) Travel over some high cliffs. D20+WIS+Survivalist

[Poli]

A) Travel through a deep valley. D20+WIS+Survivalist.

Travelling through the valley provides safety from the turbulent activity on the surface. However, creatures could hide and lurk in the valley as well.

6-1. Fail. You take ample time to move carefully through the valley. You must consume two meal rations on your journey (the only two we had). As you travel, you encounter a rock like creature that appears hostile.

D20+CHA+Animal tamer.

18+2. Success. You calm the creature and it scurries off without bothering you.

[Poli]

Jan 31:

"Captain, we've made it to the target and will be setting up the brake and the guide."

You and Brokvar make it to the opposite end of the comet. He unloads his pack and spreads out his gear. He motions for you to come help him set up the rest of the equipment.

1) What do you know about astrophysics? D20+WIS+Student.

2) Help build the guide and brake. D20+INT+Engineering.

3) Help configure the equipment and connect to the Karnack. D20+INT+Computers.

[Poli]

1) What do you know about astrophysics? D20+WIS+Student.

5-1. Failure. You don't recall much that will help you here.

2) Help build the guide and brake. D20+INT+Engineering.

14. Success. You and Brokvar work well as a team. You get the guide and brake equipment built quickly. Brokvar is thankful. Gain 1 credit as a reward.

3) Help configure the equipment and connect to the Karnack. D20+INT+Computers.

10. Success. Brokvar is thankful for your help. You both work well as a team. You get the equipment configured and quickly connected to the Karnack Gain 1 credit as a reward. Note down "Rockets Placed" for future use.

[Poli]

Feb 1:

With the equipment all set up and a connection established to the ship, you and the first mate set out to get back to the Karnack. After a short hike, the floor of the comet begins to quake and cave in. You begin to plummet into a deep hole.

A) Try to hold on to the edge. D20+STR+Athlete+Danger Sense.
or
B) Try to land safely. D20+DEX+Danger Sense.

[Poli]

B) Try to land safely. D20+DEX+Danger Sense.

19+2. Great success. You rotate your body to land on your feet. You have just enough time to brace for impact and land gracefully.

[Poli]

Feb 2:

Before you can get your bearings, you hear a screech coming from above you. You look up to see more creatures descending down to attack you.

Roll for each enemy, D20+ATK, Damage, D20+CON

Exocoti 1, 2, and 3

[Poli]

Exocoti 1:

Attack needed: 11. 12+4. Hit.
Damage needed: 3. 6(+1). The exocoti dies.

Exocoti 2:

Attack needed: 10. 19+4. Hit.
Damage needed: 3. 3(+1). The exocoti dies.

Exocoti 3:
Attack needed: 9. 4+4. Miss.
Defense is 14. The exocoti bites through your suit. Lose 1HP.
Constitution roll needed: 9+. 7-1. You are INFECTED.

At the end of each day, roll D20+CON. If the result is 10 or less, lose 1HP.
This can be cured by an antidote or taking a rest.

We've got an antidote. We will use it.
For killing 2 exocoti, we collect 2 credits.

[Poli]

Down to 4HP. This seems like a good time to use a medkit. 2D4 to health.

2+1. 3HP gained.

[Poli]

Feb 3:

With the exocoti dispatched, you start to explore the bottom of the pit in hopes of finding a way out. You spot a tunnel that goes deeper into a cavern of space. There might be a way to escape if you explore the area.

Beginning from "X" in the bottom right of the map, I have two options. I can go to Room 2 and then Room 5 before going to Room 3, which appears to be the exit. The other route is from Room 2, to Room 4, to Room 1 and into Room 5 and finally Room 3.

Based on imagery, R2 appears to have some sleeping exocoti in it. R4 appears to have a chest of some sort. R1 appears to be a lake. R5 appears to be a graveyard of bones. R3 just appears to be the exit.

[Poli]

R1:

This chamber houses a dozen exocoti creatures. Luckily, they're asleep or hibernating. It's best to proceed with caution so not to wake them. D20+DEX+Stealthy.

12+2. Success. You get by without disturbing the creatures.

We go right for the long way and a chance at Room 4.

R4:

You find a small lockbox in the chamber of the tunnel. Others must have been to this comet in the past. Perhaps they were just exploring or looking to harvest the water and minerals like you are here to do. Try to open the box. D20+DEX+Locksmith.

3+2. Fail. No joy. You are unable to open the lockbox.

R1:

You enter a chamber that has some liquid settling at the bottom. You wade through to move to the other side and immediately feel nauseous. Your space suit should be protecting you. D20+WIS+Arcane Adept.

15-1. Success. There's a presence of a metaphysical energy that is affecting your psyche and causing you to feel nauseous. It would cause lesser creatures to fall asleep. Knowing this helps you battle the feeling and escape.

R5:

This rooms holds nothing but piles of bone and shells from the rock like alien creatures. It might be used as a dining area for these exocoti creatures. You search through the pile. D20+INT+Investigator.

1. Fail. You find nothing of value amongst the bones.

R3:

You find a tunnel that slopes upward. Further in, you notice a faint glow of light. This is likely the way out. We've hit everything, so we're heading out.

[Poli]

Feb 4 and 5:

The tunnel led to a nest of glowing eggs. You see the exit in the back of this chamber. You will need to move carefully through the clusters of eggs so you don't disturb them.

1. Sneak and move slowly. D20+DEX+Stealthy.

2. Engage in combat.

Three exocoti. D20+ATK, DMG, and CON.

Sunday lottery: D6.

3. 1 Credit.

[Poli]

1. Sneak and move slowly. D20+DEX+Stealthy.

20+2. Great success. You move quietly and don't disturb the eggs. Gain +2 to your attack rolls.

2. Engage in combat.

Exocoti 1:
Attack needed: 12. 8+2+2. Hit.
Damage needed: 4. 5+1. The exocoti dies.

Exocoti 2:
Attack needed: 11. 4+2+2. Miss.
The exocoti slams into you. -1HP.
Constitution needed: 9. 12-1. Not infected.

Excoti 3:
Attack needed: 13. 5+2+2. Miss.
The exocoti bites you. -1HP.
Constitution needed: 8. 18-1. Not infected.

Having killed just one, you run to the exit before they can engage again. Collect 1 credit.

[Poli]

Feb 6:

You and Brokvar finally make it back to the ship. You secure your safety line and proceed across. Nearly halfway across, Brokvar's line snaps and he starts to drift away.

1A) Prioritize your own safety over Brokvar
or
1B) Prioritize rescuing Brokvar over your own safety.

2) Stop Brokvar from flying away. D20+STR.

3) Drag yourself and Brokvar back to the ship. D20+CON+Athlete.

[Poli]

1B) Prioritize rescuing Brokvar over your own safety.

Gain 1 virtue. Gain a +2 bonus to rescur Brokvar in #2.

2) Stop Brokvar from flying away. D20+STR.

You see the potential danger the first mate is in and you react quickly to grab his safety line before he gets too far away. Once you grab his safety line, you are pulled tightly and must use all of your strength to hold on.

2-2+2. Failure. The strain of holding on and not letting go hurts you. -2HP.

3) Drag yourself and Brokvar back to the ship. D20+CON+Athlete.

With the first mate secured to you, you need to crawl back to the Karnack and carry the both of you. While there is no gravity, it's still cumbersome and hard to move.

9-1. Success. Sort of. It could have been worse. You make it back to the airlock and hoist the both of you inside. You're exhausted. -1HP.

[Poli]

Rovin is at 3HP.

[Poli]

Feb 7:

There is no time to relax. Pirates have appeared to steal the haul you've worked hard to secure. They may be looking to grab both the comet and your ship. They approach and begin to fire upon the Karnack.

Four ships.
D100+Aim. D100+Evasion.

[Poli]

The Karnack has a default +10 to Aim and Evasion.

[Poli]

Engage in combat.

Ship 1:
Aim needed: 30. 37+10. Your shot hit and you take no damage.

Ship 2:
Aim needed: 60. 74+10. Your shot hit and you take no damage.

Ship 3:
Aim needed: 40. 96+10. Your shot hit and you take no damage.

Ship 4:
Aim needed: 55. 47+10. Your shot hit (barely) and you take no damage.

4 credits awarded.

[Poli]

Rovin, fwiw, has 21 credits now.

[Poli]

Feb 8:

With the comet in tow, the Karnack can't achieve full speed to escape. The small fleet of pirates are not giving up the chase. They continue the pursuit.

4 pirate ships.
D100+Aim, D100+Evasion.

[Poli]

Engage in ship combat.

Since we have Rockets Placed from earlier this year, we gain an additional +10 to evasion rolls for today.

Ship 1:
Aim needed: 75. 81+10. Hit. You take no damage.

Ship 2:
Aim needed: 35. 58+10. Hit. You take no damage.

Ship 3:
Aim needed: 55. 51+10. Hit. You take no damage.

4 credits collected.

The remaining pirate ships pull out of formation and abandon pursuit.

Ship 4:
Aim needed: 40. 30+10. Hit. Barely. You take no damage.

[Poli]

Feb 9:

"I'm pleased with your performance on this mission. I'd like to reward your bravery with one of these items. Take your pick.

You've proven yourself a valuable asset to the crew. In addition to continuing to assist the crew as the need arises, I want to make you our financial manager. You'll be in charge of payments for repairs, upkeep, upgrades, fuel, securing rations for the crew, and anything else that requires credits."

Roll 5D10 to determine the amount of credits in the ship's ledger.

Items available to be selected:

Kinetic Shield. 1 DEX, 1 DEF
Kinetic Harness. 1 DEX, 2 HP
Spinet Amplifier. 1 DEX, 1 ATK

Pickpocket chance. 1 credit.

[Poli]

Rovin selects the Kinetic Shield.

7+3+9+1+4. 24 credits on the ship's ledger.


"I will transfer over to you all the current credits we have allocated for the Karnack's needs. It includes the payment for the current mission, minus the crew's portion and current repair cost that Ascel has had take out. As the financial manager, you will be responsible for those in the future. Oh, and your personal cut for the mission is included in that sum. You are free to do what you wish with that.

[Poli]

Quiet day here. It's a Level Up day.

Rovin adds 5HP, 1 ATK, and his damage roll is now a D10 (from D8).

We have two points to add to attributes. We add 1 to DEX and 1 to CHA...we're going to ignore our weaknesses and focus on our strengths.

New ability of Animal Tamer. +2 to rolls to train and handle animals.

[Poli]

Feb 11 and 12:

"This ship certainly sees it's fair share of wear and tear. Captain Cayliss prefers dangerous missions because they pay better. It puts the ship in jeopardy, but it keeps me employed. Overall, the ship is in better shape that it could have been. I hear your help in the bridge helped keep us alive. We owe you a great deal of thanks."

The Karnack has taken some damage and needs repair. Ascel has purchased some "Ship Parts" to use for repair.

1) Add 5 "Ship Parts" to your inventory.

2) Use Ship Part or any available abilities to repair the Karnack.

We've literally never taken damage since I started so this won't be necessary right now. It does restore integrity of a compartment and can't be used during combat. They can apparently be used before the start of combat, though.

Sunday lottery: D6

6! 4 credits!

[Poli]

Feb 13:

Captain Cayliss has requested the crew gather to celebrate the success of the mission and to officially commemorate your joining the crew. Welcome to the team.

Bond with the crew over stories of the mission. D20+CHA.

[Poli]

20+3. Boom, boom, boom, Muffins!

Brokvar recounts to the crew what occurred along the mission on the comet. You notice he tends to embellish a bit on the details.

SD-113 has trouble understanding the peril that lifeforms put themselves in and comments on the absurdity of the situation.

Naylee makes exaggerated gestures, gasping at tense moments, laughing loudly at funny ones, and jumping for joy at moments of triumph.

Ascel nods and smiles as he quietly observes everyone in the room.

Captain Cayliss watches over with pride as the crew bonds together over Brokvar's story.

You chime in and add additional details that enhance the drama and humor of the story. The crew bonded well and loved the story. Brokvar smiles at you and tosses you 2 credits. Note down "Bonding With Crew" somewhere for future use.

[Poli]

Feb 14:

Captain wants us headed to Gomanis.

Fly the Karnack. Navigate to Gomanis.

A) Roll D20+DEX+Piloting
or
B) Roll D20+WIS+Piloting

[Poli]

A) Roll D20+DEX+Piloting

4+4+2. Success. You navigate a sensible path to your destination and get there in average time. You avoid trouble from rogue agents or pirates. You must consume 1 meal ration.

Since Rovin does not have a ration available, he loses 1HP.

[Poli]

I'm out of town for a few days and I'll get back to this.

[Poli]

I'm back. Let's go.

[Poli]

Feb 15:

City: Dressa
Planet: Gomanis

Naylee sets the Karnack down in the busy city of Dressa. While the captain secures the next job, she gives the crew leave to enjoy the city.

Explore the city of Dressa on the planet Gomanis.

[Poli]

You wander around near the port before exploring outward. The further you go, the wealthier the area appears to get.

Frenchie's Fast Foods
You find a fast food franchise close to the dock that has genetically modified animal based meals. It is edible and safe, but not so appetizing.

It's selling Meal Rations for 1 credit. Last year I passed on these because after a while, the HP for my characters was just so high I could manage without them. For now, we'll take 5.

Panhandlers on the street corner
There is a man with a dog doing tricks on the corner for those passing by. There is a hat on the ground with a small sign that reads, "Tricks for Food. Help us Eat. Bless you." Do you give them a credit?

Yes, of course. -1 credit. Reward of 1 Virtue Point.

Gertrude's Garmenta
You find a lady locked out of her used clothing shop. She appears flustered. Can you help her get inside? D20+DEX or D20+STR+Locksmith

2+4. I'm unable to help her.

Regal's Rest and Restoration
A sign on a small motel reads, "The best rest for those on a quest. Heal your aching limbs/tentacles/fins/parts. There is nothing like our rejuvenating sleep chambers. Only 3 credits." You decide to come back here after some time exploring (You'll be able to visit this place and rest tomorrow).

Randayyl's Remedies
A gentle older alien is running a small medicine and treatment stand. It's preaching against big medical companies to anyone who will listen and spouting off about how health insurance is a waste of taxpayer's hard earned credits. "My home remedies are better than what you can get at a big hospital."

Selling two items:
Antidote 4 credits, curing the "infected" condition.
Med Kit 5 credits, restoring 2d4 health.

We'll take 2 of each.

Guard ahead
Further beyond, you see a few useful shops you will visit and a tavern that may be a nice place to relax and enjoy some entertainment. However, someone dressed as a guard blocks you from going anywhere else. He is threatening and demands a toll for crossing. D20+CHA+Persuasive or D20+STR+Intimidating.

We'll try to charm him. 4+3, well, that didn't work. You give the guard 1 credit to continue onward.

Tally:
1 virtue point
5 rations
2 antidotes
2 med kits
-25 credits.

Rovin is now at 31 credits. That'll do.

[Poli]

Feb 16:

Regal's Rest and Restoration offers a safe place to relax for a while and Rest.

1) Optional. Spend 3 credits to take a Rest.

That's definitely happening.

This restores health to full (from 7 to 16).

There are other things it could do...restore abilities. My only abilities are the barrel roll (evasion in the craft...once per page) and Snipe (d4 damage once per page) so not necessary. I might have even forgot about these previously.

Regain spell/charge/chi/surge points. N/A.

Change equipment if needed.

Remove a negative modifier caused from a previous death. Not necessary either.

[Poli]

Feb 17:

You hear a scream coming from a nearby alley and go investigate. You see a couple thugs robbing an older person. They spot you and turn their aggression towards you.

1) Engage in combat.

2A) Return the victim's credits
or
2B) Take the credits for yourself.

Roll for each Thug.
D20+ATK, Damage (D10+1).

[Poli]

Thug 1.
Attack needed: 14. 15+6. Hit.
Damage needed: 6. 3+1. Add SNIPE ability. +3. The thug dies.

Thug 2.
Attack needed: 14. 11+6. Hit.
Damage needed: 5. 7+1. The thug dies.

2 credits for killing them.

We'll return those credits to the victim. Gain 1 Virtue Point.

[Poli]

Feb 18/19:

You find a local job board/digital kiosk with a few postings. Citizens are asking for help in various way. This is a great way to find small jobs and earn extra credits.

You may take on all of the jobs if you wish. And you do wish.

Locate Lost Bot
D20+INT+Investigator

Help Organize My Warehouse
D20+CHA+Survival

Decipher Strange Signal
D20+CON+Arcane Adept.