I think I've caught up on all the questions. If I missed something please feel free to let me know. Will try to bump the narrative along in a bit.
I recently spoke with Rdknight, who was considering joining us and possibly picking up the Locust pilot as her character. Well, after some consideration, I believe she has decided to hold off on jumping in. Mostly because of her current posting obligations and not having the time to learn a new game system. That and she is unfamiliar with Battletech in general. So, if the Locust pilot is joining us, it will likely be as an NPC. With all the work of having to put together the enemy attacks and moves, is that something you would be comfortable doing? Or would it be better to have her sign on with Janissaries and their crew?
In all, I have a better image of what’s taking place now. That helped a lot.
Re: Death From Above, this action appears to require the Piloting Stunt and consumes a FATE point, and is no better than a conventional melee attack but it also damages the mech using the action, and the only benefit is that it knocks the other mech down if successful. Do I have that right? That seems like a terrible stunt and use of a FATE point. I kinda think the stunt and FATE point are unnecessary since the benefit is small and the cost (you damage your own mech) is already typically prohibitive. Unless there's more to it, I just don't see the point.
Re: Death From Above, this action appears to require the Piloting Stunt and consumes a FATE point, and is no better than a conventional melee attack but it also damages the mech using the action, and the only benefit is that it knocks the other mech down if successful. Do I have that right? That seems like a terrible stunt and use of a FATE point. I kinda think the stunt and FATE point are unnecessary since the benefit is small and the cost (you damage your own mech) is already typically prohibitive. Unless there's more to it, I just don't see the point.
I kind of see your point in this. If you are paying for the action with damage to your own Mech, then the limitation to its use would be capped by how much damage your Mech could endure and how much damage you take.
Okay, got Charly updated. Let's go see how badly the poor girl is going to put her foot in it while apologizing.
I've overhauled Lapeidra. Channeling more Vasquez.
Skills
+4 Rapport
+3 Piloting (BattleMech), Gunnery
+2 Athletics, Fight, Investigation
+1 Toughness, Will, Culture, Contacts
Stunts: Read the Battlefield (Investigate), Dazing Counter (Athletics)
|
All: The GM makes a good point about the GJs looking for another mech. I think we could trade one working Wasp for something good.
We still have a spare Commando so that trade wouldn't even make us short.
Off the top of my head, I think it might be fair to ask for an exchange of even weight of weapons. They get a 20-ton mech, we get 20 tons of guns.
Now that I think on it, we could even trade _two_ mechs. Assuming we trade the two Wasps, one goes in the Commando, and one would go in my Phoenix Hawk, as I crawl into the Thunderbolt.
If one of the Wasp pilots wants to stay in a Wasp (and here I'm thinking about Lloyd since he's usually doing the Sensor action and that has worked to our advantage) we could then trade a Wasp and the Commando for even more guns and maybe some spare parts.
|
|
As a musing, for parts it seems like a good idea to try and get not only more guns, but also more heat sinks.
So far, I don't really see an advantage to having Jump Jets. Without an ultra map-heavy play system, all they can do is make it easier for a mech to go faster and get cut off from the rest of the unit. I'm not saying we shouldn't have any mechs with JJs, but so long as we have two P.Hawks, we'll not be short. I am saying that as far as the Griffin goes, if the choice if Jump jets or two more heat sinks, I know which I'd go.
There might be an argument for straight-out selling the scrap and Mechs for credits/C-Bills? With credits, we could buy stuff as we come across it. The fact they want a Mech, doesn't mean they are going to have what we need. A working Mech will be highly Valued anywhere and I'm thinking we might want to trade them for the last part of the Thunderbolt or the Blackjack. That's assuming we can locate either part. That would make a fully functional mech in either case. More weapons would be nice, but I would rather field the T-bolt or the (bob and weave) Blackjack if we can. Then there is going to be the repairs. We sustained heavy damage during the mission. Lots of armor loss. That's going to cost a lot to fix. In addition, we will need to resupply spent ammo rounds.
|
|
But on a happier note, the T-Bolt wasn't completely Destroyed. You have a working engine and only a Damaged gyro, but its leg was blown off. Still it can be repaired given some time. The Blackjack does need a new engine and gryo as well as an entire upper torso and arm mount rebuild.
1) Generalities
Gunny,
Seeing as how the GJ are a motivated buyer--they are a mech merc company in the middle of a hot contract and are badly in need of replacements of things that are hard to find in the best of times--and as an already successful company--they have a Union--I would like to hear their offer before rejecting it in favor of credits that we would first need to find a supplier for.
One thing I learned while playing the video game--merc companies always have a LOT of spare parts! =] I the same vein, I think they would be generous with their spare parts, as it does no good to have a Union full of parts with no mechs to put them on.
Hence, let us build an expectation based on the assumption that we will find an amenable deal with them. If the parts they offer fall short, we can always back off. They are doubly motivated to get back on their feet as they are major player, and have not upheld their end of the contract.
Hence, are we in agreement about my initial plan? At least in principle?
It looks like the only "part" we really need is a gyro for the T-Bolt. The rest--a rebuilt limb, and armor--I believe are hand-waved as "needed repairs". To have a game go so far as to keep track of individual armor points to be bought and kept track of would quickly devolve into Math: The Game. Let us assume that non-specific item can be repaired merely with elbow grease and dice rolls. FATE especially is about getting back to full health and getting back to the game in that there isn't even a need for the soft, squishy meat to heal. =)
2) Specifics.
So, what we have to trade is: Commando (currently free, without a pilot). If we can fix the T-Bolt then we have a Wasp to trade. If we can fix the BJ then we have...another WASP? (see above for discussions on that topic. i.e. If Lape wanted the BJ, then we'd have a Panther to trade, which would be worth something even if we kept the weapons to put on the BJ.)
So for a Commando and Wasp (45 tons of mechs) we need 1 gyro and weapons enough to fill a T-Bolt. Hopefully more, as I value working mechs more than loose weapons. Many of us have builds we would like to execute if we had weapons/heat sinks enough for it.
If we can trade the second WASP for an engine, a gyro, and weapons for the BJ, that would be an even trade. (Likely, as if we didn't trade the WASP I could take it apart for the gyro and engine, and put the weapons on it. It would be under-gunned, but still tougher than just a Wasp. Hence, if the GJs are flush with parts they'll take that trade.)
3) Going Forward
It's quite possible that we might stay put in orbit with the GJs for a bit while we repair, and then drop again with them. There's still a contract to fulfill so this might not be over.
|
Your orders from Captain Vikkhas are to scout the second location while the Golden Janissaires, a heavy mech outfit accompanying the mission to Stettin, hit the colony capital.
GM: Is Operation Flyswatter over?
We did our bit, it's the GJs that got kicked in their buttocks.
Was this a raid that is done, or are we being paid for more?
I feel like a light lance, the Stormhammers have performed admirably. If the GJs want to un-tarnish their name, that's on them.
I like the plan, Jack. Makes sense. Hmm, Lapeidra and BJs - did something cause you to put those two things together?
;)
Plan is fine with me
Same here.
|
|
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
I like the plan, Jack. Makes sense. Hmm, Lapeidra and BJs - did something cause you to put those two things together?
;)
Heh, I stared at that sentence waaaay too long to not make it dirty. ('If Lapeidra likes riding the BJ' ...hrmmmm, no... If Lapeidra wants to go hard on the BJ...okay, not that either....) This went on for half an hour. ;)
|
|
I like the plan, Jack.
Excellent.
Lapeidra, at some point we need a good talker (you) to contact the Golden Janissaries and see what their disposition is, both to trade mechs&parts, and what their future plans are regarding the mission.
I assume they have a LZ picked out somewhere where we can land and do repairs.
Also, we need to stick with them in the short term. The enemy also has a dropship, and they probably have working guns, whereas we do not.
For a little context on ship size and sound environment. According to the Battletech Technical Readout 3025, a Leopard class dropship is roughly 65 meters long, 51 meters wide, 22 meters high. If the interrogation of Deigo is happening during the flight to orbit, then the roar of the engines and chatter of all the extra people would certainly make it very difficult to hear anything unless a person was in the room or just down the corridor. If in orbit, with the engines not firing, then the sound would travel farther, but there would still be additional noise from the repair work and other activities. However, anyone passing nearby would likely hear something because the 'door' isn't a thick bulkhead or anything, its just a lockable storage door.
Mechs range in height between 7-15 meters. The T-Bolt probably stands about 10 meters tall given its tonnage. I'd guess the Wasps would come in right around 7 meters.
Jumping back quickly to the Death from Above convo: Just to be clear DFA requires the Piloting Skill. I'd make an edit to the existing rule that would add the Melee Attack is made at +2. Then yes, both mechs will take damage and yes, typically the other mech will just be knocked Prone. But then Prone gives everyone in the opposing force one free Invoke per turn until the mech stands up. So I don't know...I'd agree it isn't a great as the only tactical option to use all the time. Too much self inflicted damage, but that's in line with the BT fiction and rules. But in some situations or desperate moments, it could be a potent option.
Jumping ahead to repairing the T-Bolt: Yes, you need a Heavy type Gyro, and you need a Heavy Leg Actuator (because that got completely blown away between all the Internal Damage hits.). Then of course you need new weapon systems as the rolls for salvage on that front were pretty bad.
The Blackjack requires a medium engine, medium gyro, and then a full set of weapons.
Trying to avoid too much math and tracking, we're just assuming there is enough ammo and armor to repair that kind of damage automatically.
For the Contract...I'd say yes, you've fulfilled the original terms of the contract. Now that the tactical situation has changed, Vikhaus might offer you an additional contract. For scouting or raiding most likely given the unexpected strength of Hutton's force on the planet. Or you can take your pay, and negotiate passage on the jumpship to some other nearby, more populated and well traveled system where you might find better paying work.
Lloyd is just as glad to be staying out of the whole Diego thing right now... in fact after all of this he's quite happy burying himself in sensor readouts and ignoring everything for a bit.
I do think ammo and armor repairs not being tracked sounds good.
Sounds like we're kind of waiting to hear from Vikhaus on possible offers?
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Oh! Options! Hmm, what to do what to do. We could get paid more elsewhere, but we know there's a Marauder here on the planet.
| 2 people marked this as a favorite. |
I was completely neutral about this whole thing, but I have to admit the above statement has me laughing.
@Jack: After considering your reasoning. I believe you are correct. They may be the best option for trade or selling quickly. If we accept another mission, here and now, we will need to make room for future salvage. Trading tons of scrap now may be the best option, depending on what's presented.
|
|
what kind of booze is Chernobyl Cherry?
Apologies, I keep forgetting that not everyone has played in every game I've ever been in. ^_^
As part of my "WhiteAngel-verse" one of the running themes is the "Awesome Atomics" line of pre-mixed drinks. They star a futuristic, as-yet-un-developed schnapps-like booze made from fermented soy, because _everything_ in the future is made from soy, which rivals schnapps in variety and versatility. (i.e. in college my favorite drink was the Candy Apple, which was made by mixing green apple schnapps with caramel schnapps. Big hit.)
It features a long line of flavors to brighten up your dystopian reality, such as:
Chernobyl Cherry: Like a Shirley Temple...but with Booze.
Nagasaki Nectarine: Like a Screwdriver, but with Nectarine-flavored juice and Orange soy-schnapps.
Three Mile Island Long Island Iced Tea, or TMILIIT for short, as in, "Pour me a Tmilitit, chummer!"
And Hiroshima Hotness for the spice-lovers, based off cinnamon soy-schnapps.
True story, the inspiration for all this came when I went over to my late uncle's house and reached for the gallon jug of orange juice. He said, not that, that's all screwdriver. Ever since then I've wondered why they don't sell pre-mixed mixed drinks.
Ah, got ya.
And the soy-booze reminds me of a comic idea a friend of mine in highschool had.
Tofu-man, Tofu-man,
Smells worse than tuna can.
Made of soy, a whacked out dude.
Steals the flavors of other foods.
Look out! Here comes the Tofu-man!
I've had schnapps before. It was pretty good. I think we're about to see Charly get drunk, though.
(i.e. in college my favorite drink was the Candy Apple, which was made by mixing green apple schnapps with caramel schnapps. Big hit.)
I can't believe we drank that but I'm sure it seemed like a great idea back then.
Shall I regale you with German Army drinking?
Drinking game one: Drink booze while making pushups. Much harder then you think it is.
Drinking game 2: Drink booze while trying to dance a Kasachok. Everyone who manages is a Russian spy and thus gets more booze.
Drinking game 3: 2 soldiers get one "Kasten" (about 24 beer bottles) of beer. Entire platoon has to run around a conveniently placed sea/installation/whatever, typically a trip ranging from 12 to 18 kms with maybe an obstacle course early on. You have to arrive at the target, with the Bierkasten, and the Kasten has to be emptied of beer.
You can strategize the tradeoffs between drinking the beer early and running with lighter load but drunk, or drinking it before finish line.
I opten to drink after obstacle course, and arrive pleseantly drunk but a bit late because we got lost somehow. It was ok time overall though.
Stuff we drank which we should not have:
Step 1: Have coffee machine
Step 2: Use strong coffee
Step 3: Use wine instead of water
Step 4: Start cofee machine
Step 5: Be very weirdly awake
True story, the inspiration for all this came when I went over to my late uncle's house and reached for the gallon jug of orange juice. He said, not that, that's all screwdriver. Ever since then I've wondered why they don't sell pre-mixed mixed drinks.
There's actually a lot of that sort of thing out now. We like the Cutwater Lime Margaritas. They come in 4 pk of cans, for the price of a cheap bottle of wine.
Just a heads up, no post from me tonight. I've got a family thing this evening and I need to be up early for a work trip. Might be Saturday before I can get a post up.
Bot me if needed
Hey all, I'm heading out of town and somewhat off grid until late next week. Will likely have limited internet and so won't be able to post much or at all until I get back.
Thanks for the heads up.
I hope it's ok if I swap this into discussion. I would say that if the result of this fight is more than a couple black eyes, Diego would get thrown out and airlock and he knows it. That said, there is zero chance he would intentionally kill you. You could deescalate the fight to a meaningful conversation. Maybe talk with the dirtbag about why you hate his guts so much. I'm sure he has dealt with such sentiment before. I couldn't imagine a man, who has made the kind of life choices he has, not having a significant amount of people who hate him. It could help to unburden some the latent issues Lapeidra has with her own history and allow for a little insight from the thug's perspective. Not that anything he said would justify the choices he has made. Something like that would make for an interesting narrative and open a door into Lapeidra's background.
If I thought there was more to Deigo, it would be worth the effort, but he seems like a pretty shallow villain.
If I thought there was more to Deigo, it would be worth the effort, but he seems like a pretty shallow villain.
I agree. Sounds like that was the intent. It's probably why we were able to talk him out of the Griffin.
I was actually toying with the idea of quietly offing him in flight, but other things have kinda occupied my attention.
By the way, as anyone seen Jack's player? I was waiting on his reply to post again.
Seem's like Jack has been hit or miss do to being busy IRL.
Yeah I did notice that. He was in another game that I'm in that Tareth runs. He hadn't come back to that one, unfortunately. We could have used his paladin. :)
Mainly, I hope he's okay. Hate to see him drop off the boards again.
Seem's like Jack has been hit or miss do to being busy IRL.This.
Glad to hear from ya, though. :)
Hope things calm down soon. I know being that busy can't be fun.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Lapeidra stumbled into another Boss fight she may not survive. This may her her MO.
@Jack: No worries. I'll wrap up the scene. I think I have something in mind that'll work.
Thanks for your patience everyone. I'm back and getting caught up.
First, I think there was a question about how damage works in physical combat. In FATE, the amount of damage received is the difference between a successful Attack roll and the Defend roll. So an Attack at +6 vs a Defend of +2 results in 4 stress damage. Stress damage comes off the defenders stress first and then gets absorbed as a Consequence (either Mild, Moderate, or Severe). So for example, Lapeidra's first punch hit Deigo for 4 stress (+6 Attack/+2 Defend). That used up all three of his stress boxes plus he now has a Mild Concussion. With his return punch Deigo hit Lapeidra for +7, but her defend was +5 so only 2 damage easily absorbed by available stress.
Stress clears after the scene completes. Consequences are like new aspects and need to be healed over time.
Next, it looks like Lapeidra is choosing to Concede the Conflict to Deigo. Conceding gives Lapeidra a FATE Point. (If she had suffered any Consequences, she would get an additional FATE Point for each Consequence. But in this case she only took stress.)
Conceding means Lapeidra gets more say in what happens next (verses if she were Taken Out where the GM get's all the say.) In this case, I think her sudden change of tone and shouts that draw the attention of allies means, Deigo can't do anything before anyone else arrives. No additional bargaining, no stealing her sidearm (if she has one), etc. But given the outcome that he comes off 'winning', he also isn't intimidated by Lapeidra and is less inclined to trust any of the Stormhammers going forward.
Does that mean that every time Lapeidra were to hurt him now would result in a consequence? How many consequences can you have? I may not have conceded if I knew this, but it's fine.
Also, Deigo is a loose end now. No use in having him flap his gums that the Stormhammers are soft or something because he managed to beat a girl in a fight. Or say that we can't be trusted.
Can we discuss more Stunts? I'm reading Lightning Reflexes under Piloting. is the "Mechs Dodge" a feature of a battlemech, or is it your Piloting skill? If the latter, would it make more sense, instead of substituting Athletics for Piloting, to add them together?
I think I've settled on Read the Battlefield and Popular, which makes sense for Lapeidra anyhow.
Sorry for the radio silence. Been busy and struggling with how to handle this scene. I think Markus just saved Charly's bacon, though.
yup.
I'm having a hard time determining if we are heading for some downtime/repairs, or if we are getting ready to jump into another mission. Looking at our current condition, I'm having a hard time imagining that we are about to embark into another hostile situation that would involve Mechs without enough downtime to resolve our current condition. That means dealing with the scrap situation, repairs, dealing with the survivors, reequipping, rearming, etc. As it stands, if we engage another situation, we simply have no more room for anything. That means leaving any scrap we come across. In my mind's eye, I see the scarp as the means to repair and reequip ourselves. Taking on more damage without the means to salvage sounds like a bad idea to me. I would say that unloading our current hull is a priority. Then there is the damage to our current Mechs. We still have a little left, but not much. The Griffin is down to one more volley of missiles and has 9/12 armor damage. I believe some of the other Mech's are in even worst condition. Because of this, I'm thinking we are heading into a post mission/repair situation.
Then I read the briefing post, which sounded like we are being considered for another mission. (Shrug) I'm simply unsure at this point.
Probably the others also need to repair, so now might be the time to haggle over some equipment swaps and parts and repair before this next mission.
Probably the others also need to repair, so now might be the time to haggle over some equipment swaps and parts and repair before this next mission.
More or less, minus the Diego scene, I think that's where we are at.
Jack, what is Lapeidra to do when she is free? Who is she talking to about what and what are we trying to accomplish?