Tales of the RDF - OOC

[Purr]

Hey Sohisohi? Sherwood stated earlier that the Monster is there just for show?


Also, he stated that if you choose a Tomahawk, your character will be able to operate the mech alone (as opposed to needing a pilot and a gunner).

 

[Soviet Panda]

There was much more then what I expected. Alignment? What?

 

[Sohisohi]

Alright

 

[Sherwood]

I am not going to get into the alignments too much here. I hope that you will be playing mostly good characters; not necessarily a paladin, but not Jack the Ripper either.


On the Augmented Strength question, I don't want to give the Zentraedi any kind of boosted strength over and above what is on their sheets already. The female Zentraedi already have excellent numbers for Ps and Pp; giving them even more could unbalance things.


 
BTW Dann, in the OOC chat stuff, you don't need to post your character name unless you wish to. It was more for the IC thread once that gets started.


 

Yes, though the mech I wanted to pick (monster) has a crew of 3. Do I have to crate 3 characters or just one, I'm not quite sure how that will work once the roleplay gets going?

The Monster is going to be off limits to the group for now. I have it listed in the mecha descriptions so you guys can see what it is capable of, and if you need to call in some artillery support from one, what kind of damage it can do with its guns/missiles.


 

Taniya (Don't mind me posting this here; it's really just a reminder to get into the habit to do it in-game, per Sherwood's request). =)
Heya Sherwood!


Question time again:


1. Do Zentraedi R.C.C.s get the same starting gear as their human counterparts? If so, would it be all right if Taniya, given her history, had a few battle mementos and trophies from both Earth and pre-Earth engagements (RPing goodies)?


2. Concerning game balance, in the Robotech: Macross Saga Handbook, it is mentioned that Zentraedi, once micronized, receive augmented strength. Is that the case in this campaign or are micronized Zentraedi as strong as normal humans?


3. I was thinking of taking MECT (Mecha Elite Combat Training, for those who might not know) Defender. Do you think I should wait until 2nd level or later or perhaps swap out a skill somewhere (if that's allowed)?


@Beowulf Already done back on page 4 of this thread, friend. =)

Forgot to answer the last of your questions;


You will have the same starting gear as the other characters. Most (if not all) of your prior battle trophies and mementos will be scaled to a full sized Zentraedi, and you won't have the room or ability to haul that stuff around with you. Sorry.


I will not stop you from switching out a skill for MECT Defender. Just make the change soon.

 

[Sohisohi]

Meh, fuck it, I wanted to make my own character's stats but do to incompetence on my part I'll just be taking the template.


I'll be using the Ace Destroid Pilot #1 and Defender Class Mech templates.

 

[Sherwood]

Once you have posted the sheet, give me a d100 roll either on your sheet or here for your special aptitude bonus.

 

[Sohisohi]

Here is a rough draft.


[dice]9667[/dice]


^ It is what it is.

• Jim Strider
• Stats & Skills
• Fighter

• 
  
  
  Name: Jim Strider
  
  
  Age: 36
  
  
  Hair: Brown
  
  
  Eyes: Brown
  
  
  Race: Human (White)
  
  
  Gender: Male
  
  
  Height: 5'11"
  
  
  Weight: 230 lb.
  
  
  Build: A hefty man on the overweight side, muscular upper body (above belly), skips leg day far too often.
  
  
  Personality: Meh, still thinking of something.
  
  
  
• 
  
  
  Iq: 18 +4% to all Skills
  
  
  Me: 14
  
  
  Ma: 21 Trust/Intimidate 65%
  
  
  Ps: 28 +13 to HtH damage
  
  
  Pp: 24 +5 to Strike, Parry and Dodge
  
  
  Pe: 19 +2 to Save vs Poison
  
  
  Pb: 19
  
  
  Spd: 29
  
  
  Hit Points: 26
  
  
  SDC: 78
  
  
  Number of Attacks: 6
  
  
  Strike: 5
  
  
  Parry: 8
  
  
  Dodge: 7
  
  
  Roll With Punch: 6
  
  
  Common Skill Set
  
  
  Computer Operation: 71% +3% per level
  
  
  Language – English: 92% +1%
  
  
  Literacy – English: 84% +2%
  
  
  Mathematics: Basic: 76% +3%
  
  
  OCC Skills
  
  
  Climbing: 59% +5%
  
  
  Forced March
  
  
  Mecha Pilot – Destroids: 69% +5%
  
  
  Military Etiquette: 49% +5%
  
  
  Navigation: 59% +5%
  
  
  Radio – Basic: 54% +5%
  
  
  Sensory Equipment: 44% +5%
  
  
  Wilderness Survival: 54% +5%
  
  
  WP Handguns
  
  
  WP Rifles
  
  
  WP Heavy MD Weapons
  
  
  Hand to Hand: Martial Arts
  
  
  MOS Skills – Combat Specialist
  
  
  Boarding Spaceships: 44% +5%
  
  
  Boxing
  
  
  Gymnastics
  
  
  -Sense of Balance: 54% +3%
  
  
  -Work Parallel Bars and Rings: 64% +3%
  
  
  -Back Flip: 74% +2%
  
  
  -Prowl: 35% +5%
  
  
  -Climb Rope/Rappel: 64% +2%
  
  
  Mecha Elite Combat Training: Choose One
  
  
  Mecha Elite Combat Training: Choose One
  
  
  Recognize Weapon Quality: 39% +5%
  
  
  WP Knife
  
  
  WP Sub-Machine Gun
  
  
  WP Shotgun
  
  
  OCC Related Skills
  
  
  Pilot Tanks and APCs: 66% +4%
  
  
  Field Armorer/Munitions Expert: 49% +5%
  
  
  Secondary Skills
  
  
  Body Building and Weight Lifting
  
  
  Weapon Systems: 44% +5%
  
  
  Equipment of Note
  
  
  Survival Pack with the following:
  
  
  Bivouac Bag, High Intensity Flashlight, Compass, Mini-First Aid Kit, Hunting and Fishing Kit, Saw Wires, Sunglasses, Fire Starter Kit, 4 Signal Flares, 4 Smoke Grenades, 30ft Rope, Canteen and Field Rations for 10 days, Survival Knife, Handgun of Choice, Rifle or Sub Machine Gun of Choice
  
  
  <p><a href="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2015_08/Untitled.png.06c13ee05255248a18d02f85e8b1a85c.png" class="ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image"><img data-fileid="66944" src="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2015_08/Untitled.png.06c13ee05255248a18d02f85e8b1a85c.png" class="ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed" alt=""></a></p>
  
  
  
• 
  
  
  ADR-04-Mk.X Defender
  
  
  Crew: One
  
  
  MDC by Location
  
  
  · *Radome – 120
  
  
  · M-996 78mm Anti-Aircraft Cannon (2) – 135 each
  
  
  · Legs (2) – 250 each
  
  
  · Feet (2) – 125 each
  
  
  · Floodlights (2) – 25 each
  
  
  · Sensor Window – 35
  
  
  · Reinforced Pilots Compartment – 200
  
  
  · **Main Body – 275
  
  
  *Destroying the radome destroys the Sentinel SHORAD system, leaving the Defender with a backup radar system with a range of five miles.
  
  
  **Depleting the MDC of the main body destroys the mecha, rendering it totally useless. However, the reinforced pilot’s compartment should protect the pilot and enable him to evacuate the Destroid on foot.
  
  
  Speed: 61.2 mph
  
  
  Leaping: Defenders can execute thruster assisted leaps of 20 feet high or 50 feet across.
  
  
  Underwater: airtight, a Destroid can walk along the bottom of a lake or sea floor up to a depth of 2,000 feet but cannot swim or propel itself through the water. Speed underwater is half.
  
  
  Height: 35.4 feet
  
  
  Width: 28.2 feet
  
  
  Length: 14.1 feet
  
  
  Weight: 21.7 tons dry
  
  
  Cargo: Just enough room for a rifle and survival pack
  
  
  Weapon Systems
  
  
  1. M-996 78mm Anti-Aircraft Autocannons (2): Mounted in place of arms, the Defender carries a pair of double barreled, liquid-cooled, recoil operated 78mm anti-aircraft cannons. These massive autocannons operate on the Gast principle, where the recoil from one barrel loads and charges the other, and fire 400 rounds per minute. Each arm is independent of each other, and they can be fired at separate targets, or the two arms can be fire-linked to concentrate fire from both on large targets.
  
  
  The standard ammunition loadout is a 78mm tungsten penetrator in a discarding sabot (APDS), although special airburst rounds (ABM) can be substituted. While the M-996 cannons are officially anti-aircraft, they have proven to be lethal against ground armor and infantry, leading Defender crews to call it the “anti-everything” cannon.
  
  
  Range: APDS 10 miles, Air Burst 4 miles
  
  
  Mega Damage: APDS rounds – 2d8x10 MD for a twenty round burst, 4d8x10 for a fire-linked burst from both gun/arms (40 rounds) fired simultaneously at the same target.
  
  
  Air Burst rounds – 2d4x10 MD to a 40 foot area for a twenty round burst, 4d4x10 for a fire-linked burst from both gun/arms (40 rounds) fired at the same target. Also increase the damage radius by 20 feet for a fire-linked burst of ABM.
  
  
  Rate of Fire: Each burst counts as one attack
  
  
  Payload: 1,500 rounds of either APDS or ABM per arm
  
  
  2. Hand to Hand Combat: The Defender is ill-suited to hand to hand combat.
  
  
  Bash/Clothesline with Autocannon Barrels: 2d6 MD
  
  
  Kick: 3d8 MD
  
  
  Stomp: 3d6 MD against targets under 15 feet tall
  
  
  Jump Kick: 5d8 MD, counts as two attacks
  
  
  Body Block/Ram: 2d8 MD per 20 mph of running speed. Uses two attacks and has a 60% chance of knockdown against targets up to 50% bigger. Targets of knockdown lose initiative and two melee attacks.
  
  
  3. Sensors of Note: Mk.IV “Sentinel” Short-Range Air Defense (SHORAD) Radar: The Sentinel SHORAD system is a three dimensional, pulse-doppler X-band radar designed specifically for the ADR-04 Defender. The radar uses phase-frequency electronic scanning technology to automatically acquire, track, identify and report on targets, and can track up to 50 airborne targets at a range of 150 miles and an altitude of 8 miles. The Sentinel system grants a +3 strike bonus to the Defender’s air defense cannons.
  
  
  Bonuses with Elite Combat Training Only: +1 attack per melee round at levels 2, 6, and 12. +1 on initiative, +1 to strike, +2 to parry, +1 to disarm, +3 to dodge, and +1 to roll with impact.
  
  

 

[Sherwood]

You, my good man, are a Sure Shot: +2 to Strike with all projectile and energy weapons, from pistols and rifles to weapons used by mecha and spaceships. Furthermore, any penalties for being off balance, moving, etc. are reduced by half. This does not apply to missiles.


EDIT; You have chosen Defender as one of your mecha; but you have a second one to pick for the combat bonuses.


 
Ok, so far we have three Tomahawks and one Defender picked out as the primary mecha for each character. I will add a couple of NPCs, one to be your EW expert that will ride with one of the Tomahawks, and a Spartan pilot; probably a Military Specialist.


Any volunteers for unit commander? I can have the NPC take that role if no one wants it, but that is my last option. I prefer to have a PC in charge.

 

[Soviet Panda]

Can I actually have the Defender as my main mech? I like the sound of anti-everything.

 

[Sherwood]

So it would be two Tomahawks and two Defenders? Sure. You'll just need to let me know what kind of ammo you are using; the sabot rounds or the air burst.


I'll post the NPCs in the character thread shortly.

 

[Soviet Panda]

Sabot.

 

[Sherwood]

It can change with each deployment. Just keep that in mind.

 

[Epiphany]

Any volunteers for unit commander? I can have the NPC take that role if no one wants it, but that is my last option. I prefer to have a PC in charge.

I'd volunteer but Taniya's greater age and experience would make it a bit awkward for Zaile to be giving her orders. That and, this early in the timeline and this close to the Malcontent Uprisings, it might be problematic for a Zentraedi to be giving human soldiers orders. >.>

 

[Sherwood]

Hmmm. I can understand that, but with the AWE INSPIRING POWER I HOLD AS STORYTELLER, I can waive that issue if either you or @Dannigan want to take on the role as team leader. The position is still open to any takers.


 
I also have just posted in the Items tab a picture and general description of various Zentraedi mecha, and thanks to the captured models that have been disassembled, you also know the MDC of their Main Body, the spot where most of your attacks will be hitting.

 

[Purr]

Taniya


Heya Sherwood! Incoming thoughts, so "duck and cover"!


Re: Augmented strength. Good. I think it was a bit much myself given what augmented strength can do. Best to know before game start.


Re: Character name up top in OOC when you want it in IC. I know. Again, that is me practicing (if I don't, I will forget to do it; I just know it). =)


Re: Party leader. I can do it. Unless someone else has the desire? Taniya is not the most charming of leaders, but she sure as heck is all about getting her team "there and back again" (if you don't mind The Hobbit reference there. =) ).


Re: Starting gear. Terrific! Concerning the battle trophies, I had not thought of them being full-size! Oh my word! And of course they would be (why wouldn't they?)! =) Hmm... I guess I'll settle for holopics and holovids of trophies if that's all right?


Re: Swapping a skill for MECT Defender. Hmm.


Re: Beowulf's Defender ammunition. Is it possible for each arm to be fed a different type of ammunition? Say, right arm has sabot rounds and left arm has air burst rounds?

 

[Sherwood]

Love the questions. It shows me that you have a genuine level of interest in the game.

Taniya
Heya Sherwood! Incoming thoughts, so "duck and cover"!


Re: Augmented strength. Good. I think it was a bit much myself given what augmented strength can do. Best to know before game start.


Re: Character name up top in OOC when you want it in IC. I know. Again, that is me practicing (if I don't, I will forget to do it; I just know it). =)


Re: Party leader. I can do it. Unless someone else has the desire? Taniya is not the most charming of leaders, but she sure as heck is all about getting her team "there and back again" (if you don't mind The Hobbit reference there. =) ).


Re: Starting gear. Terrific! Concerning the battle trophies, I had not thought of them being full-size! Oh my word! And of course they would be (why wouldn't they?)! =) Hmm... I guess I'll settle for holopics and holovids of trophies if that's all right?


Re: Swapping a skill for MECT Defender. Hmm.


Re: Beowulf's Defender ammunition. Is it possible for each arm to be fed a different type of ammunition? Say, right arm has sabot rounds and left arm has air burst rounds?

I have no objections to you taking the top slot as the Sergeant in command of the squad. You will be faced with the occasional level of prejudice and bigotry against Zentraedi (after all, millions of lives were lost in the war), but you and @Epiphany are the experimental case to see if the aliens can be trusted in RDF mecha. The rest of the PCs will be corporals under your command.


Having holograms of some past items is not a problem. Pictures of you with former team members in the Zentraedi fleet, and your time in Destroid training, too.


I am going to allow the different ammo in each arm of the Defender if you so choose, but you will not be able to fire both arms at the same target; the fire control computer is trying to figure out which ammo you are using, and it will get confused where to aim. But, since the ammo loadout gives the Defender a total of 75 bursts per arm, I don't see a problem with splitting your load so that you have both the airburst and sabot rounds in each arm; you would just have to use a melee action to switch feed trays.

 

[Purr]

Love the questions. It shows me that you have a genuine level of interest in the game.

I am still the same player I used to be in that regard! If I'm in, I'm in all the way. =)


Re: Sergeant. I like the idea of being the first team to attempt to pull this one off! =)


Re: Holograms. Terrific! Holograms are, after all, much lighter than real Invid trophies (or whatever you deem she has as trophies). =)


Re: Defender. That's a neat solution, Sherwood! The cannons can internally switch ammunition types! Too cool! Plus the whole idea about the targeting computer not being able to figure out which range to use makes great sense. =)


Re: What are the calls on those skill-related questions, if you please?

 

[Sherwood]

The reason I made up the templates is not to be a cruel man and force you to play something you didn't want; it was to help out the players that are not as familiar with the game crunch but still want to play. I am quite willing to allow an occasional skill swap to take place before the game starts up to help customize the characters to the players. Normally, it is a little difficult to custom work a character; other than the skill block for your MOS training, the average character gets only 3-6 skills to pick up other areas of training.


So, to make a long story short (too late, I know), go ahead and do the substitution if you wish, or, be patient and pick it up at level 2. Your choice, my friend.

 

[Purr]

Re: Templates... Do what? That's why I thought you made them in the first place, Sherwood? It worked in the Army of the Southern Cross game, right? In other words, you have (and still have) my benefit of the doubt, bud. I never thought you were trying to get us to play something we didn't. =)


Re: Skill swapping. Maybe I'm asking this the wrong way. Let me try a different approach.


All I mean to ask is:


1. Do the starting Zentraedi characters get 3 or 4 secondary skills to start with?


2. If a character picks up MECT skill at, say, level 6, do they start out with bonuses as if they were a level 6 pilot or a level 1 pilot with that particular mecha?

 

[Sherwood]

Sorry if I misunderstood your question.


The Zentraedi package that I pulled out has a total of 4 other skills at level 1.


If you get MECT for a new mecha, it will be like any other skill you pick up at a higher level: it starts to increase in ability at the point you pick it up. That means when you hit level 6 (for example), your new skill of Underwater Basket Weaving will start out at level one proficiency, and start to move up from there.

 

[Purr]

Excellent! That's exactly what I needed to know. Thanks! 8D


Since Taniya has 3 secondary skills, may I choose MECT: Defender as the 4th?


Also... here's yet another question that's been running around in my head: Why is it a Tomahawk and not an Excalibur? Why exactly are these Destroids differently named? Is it only because they are based off of the multi-Destroid design stated in Robotech: Macross Saga Sourcebook, or is there another reason? I know I'm missing something important here; I'm just not certain what it is. =)

 

[Sherwood]

<nods> Gotcha. I'm on the ball.


Go ahead and pick it up. You will just need to make sure I know which mecha you are starting out with. The BSURP Anton-17 does not have a wide selection of mecha; you'll be walking up to the place in your mecha that you'll be using for the near future.


Finally, I have absolutely no idea why they changed the names. Probably some legal issues going on in the background.

 

[Purr]

Re: Skill. Thanks! I'll add it immediately. =)


Re: Changed names. Wow! And you are the biggest Robotech fan I've ever known. If you don't know... whew... it could be for any reason.


As for Destroids, I would like to start out with the Excalibur Tomahawk, please. Heh! =)

 

[Sherwood]

If you did some serious Web-Fu online, you may be able to figure out the reason. But, if I were to have to guess, the name change is probably to avoid copyright infringement of someone's intellectual property.


So, with four characters posted, does anyone have a objection to having me start the story up tomorrow? It will not involve combat right away, just to give you a chance to put yourselves into character and get to know one another.

 

[Purr]

I certainly don't mind! Game on! How does everyone else feel?