Dice Robotech: Army of the Southern Cross - OOC thread

[Purr]

Zentraedi is going to be the biggest non-English language you'll be dealing with, but I was planning on having a translator work with your team on occasion. If you get Portuguese or Spanish, that will eliminate that as a critical need.

Hmm. Or Spanish? Huh. Having Spanish would definitely be of use elsewhere in the world as opposed to Portuguese. Have to think on that one.

Sherwood and Psychie

Let's talk VHTs if you'd like?

I'm seeing some notable design differences between the VHT Vanilla and the Myrmidon. The VHT clearly has the edge in firepower but the Myrmidon holds the prize for electronic stealth. The VHT wins in ranged combat with its 105mm, but the Myrmidon with its short range can use its twin guns every Round (instead of only twice/Round). The arm-shields on the VHT are clearly tougher (500 M.D. vs. 350 M.D. each). The Myrmidon is a surveillance machine with electronics to match but the VHT is a brawler when things get up close and nasty.

What are your thoughts?

 

[Psychie]

Don't forget that I've made some minor changes to the Spartas, both to the main gun rate of fire and damage, and the Eu-11's damage. If you take a Myrmidon, you can start out with an Eu-11 rifle for it, too. Just a thought to keep in mind.

 

[Sherwood]

I'm going with the Spartas personally, unless there is a mission need for a more stealthy platform for us to use. Going up against the Malcontents in the jungle, I am thinking that the Spartas is going to be the one you'll want to use as your primary mecha.

 

[Purr]

You have upgraded up the Spartas? Have you also upgraded the Myrmidon?

Sherwood? It would surprise the daylights out of me if you wanted any other vehicle in the game. You're a tanker! You want the tank! Ha ha! =)

Back to the Myrmidon - one of the elements I really loved about the Ajax when I had Gabi was its ability to mess with the enemy electronically. There is no way we are going up against nothing but foot soldiers for this entire game - there have to be enemy mecha and electronic threats out there. If it's worth it, and especially if everyone else in the team is going VHT (that is the only option right? VHT or Myrmidon?), then I don't mind sacrificing some firepower, especially since Psychie upgraded the EU-11. Now the Myrmidon has a decent weapon to reach enemies outside of its own cannons. But... if it's not worth it, then Spartas I go.

 

[Purr]

Re: EU-11. How many capacitors can our mecha carry?

 

[Purr]

Okay. Psychie I've updated my Character Sheet and while it's far from complete, it should shine a brighter light on what I'm putting together. I think I would like to have Jack of All Trades, but I'm having some difficulty coming up with which MOS to go with. All of them have their benefits, but I have to keep in mind that they come with no OCC bonuses. But that's where I'm at in the Character creation process - still developing what I'm playing instead of who (which is backwards from how I usually do it). That's one thing I really enjoy about Palladium Robotech in their second generation - there really are so many different ways to put a character together, especially if the GM is willing like you are! =)

Let me collect all of my questions into one post here:

1. Where in the world is WlfSamurai? Er, hope he's all right.

2. Has the Myrmidon been altered?

3. How many EU-11 capacitors (magazines) can our mecha carry?

4. Does W.P. Shield add to Parry bonuses while in Ground Veritechs? In other words, does it add to our ability to Parry while in a VHT/Myrmidon?

5. Like Sherwood, I don't think I'm up to leading a team in this game. Are you okay with that? Is that a new GMing experience for you (NPCing the leader of the PC team like Shirley in Broadsword)? Does that mean my GMP character would start as a Corporal?

6. Do the NPCs have demolition skills? Or Sherwood ? Are you "going Guerilla" on your MOS? Demolitions is an area I'd like for at least one person in the party to have well-covered. =)

7. How are you working Detect Ambush/Concealment along with Perception checks? In the event of an ambush/concealment check, do PCs roll one or the other or both or something else?

 

[Psychie]

1. Where in the world is WlfSamurai? Er, hope he's all right.

I do, too. He's a good guy, and I would miss him if he were gone. Here's sending out some positive thoughts and vibes your way, WlfSamurai! Be well out there!

2. Has the Myrmidon been altered?

At the moment, the only alteration done to the Myrmidon is the upgraded damage to the Eu-11. I have considered making it an option to include a full on EW pod on it in place of one of the tri-lasers, but until someone goes for the recon tank, it has been only a thought.

3. How many EU-11 capacitors (magazines) can our mecha carry?

By the book, the Eu-11 has the internal battery that holds 140 single shots/28 five round bursts, and it recharges by being connected to the mecha at a rate of one blast every two minutes. I will consider allowing you the ability to swap out power cells, but if I do, you will only be able to carry one extra to have on a charger while the other is in the weapon.

4. Does W.P. Shield add to Parry bonuses while in Ground Veritechs? In other words, does it add to our ability to Parry while in a VHT/Myrmidon?

I will say yes, it does. It is effectively the same thing, just in larger size.

5. Like Sherwood, I don't think I'm up to leading a team in this game. Are you okay with that? Is that a new GMing experience for you (NPCing the leader of the PC team like Shirley in Broadsword)? Does that mean my GMP character would start as a Corporal?

I can alter the personality of my NPC Doug Dorsey to make him the squad leader if WlfSamurai doesn't return soon.

6. Do the NPCs have demolition skills? Or Sherwood Sherwood ? Are you "going Guerilla" on your MOS? Demolitions is an area I'd like for at least one person in the party to have well-covered. =)

I see on Sherwood's sheet that he has Demolitions, but not Demo Disposal as a part of his Guerilla Warfare MOS. Dorsey does have a MOS Package that I have not yet assigned, though, since I was waiting to see what the players would come up with first. I might go ahead and assign the EOD Expert to him.

7. How are you working Detect Ambush/Concealment along with Perception checks? In the event of an ambush/concealment check, do PCs roll one or the other or both or something else?

I have an idea of using one skill as a complementary roll to the other, so you can roll both, and for every point on your Perception roll you make the roll by, it adds 2% to your Detect Ambush/Concealment roll. That gives the high perception characters an extra edge on things. This house rule is very much in the Beta Testing level, so I may end up increasing or decreasing the bonus, depending on how well it works in game play.

Whew! So many questions! Hope these answers work for you! And keep them coming! Now I'm going to go take a peek at your revised character and see what I'm working with.

 

[Psychie]

So far looks good. If you don't mind me pointing out, the MOS Package of Scout/Reconnaissance comes with Pilot Ground Veritechs and the MECT skill. That way it saves your two Other skills for something else. Just a thought.

 

[Purr]

Sherwood Cool dude you have there! I like his picture too! I found an apparent misspell and I have a question:

Primay MOS

Primary?

Tertiary MOS Package - Armorer

Why choose Armorer? Earlier, perhaps before you joined, Psychie told me that unlike her previous ASC game, this game is far more about the combat and far less about tweaking, inventing, and improving tech (Psychie, correct me if I'm wrong). So... in a game like that, how will Armorer be effective?

EDIT: Oh and I asked earlier - Muay Thai's Lightning Form is only usable outside of your platform.

 

[Sherwood]

Sherwood Cool dude you have there! I like his picture too! I found an apparent misspell and I have a question:


Primary?


Why choose Armorer? Earlier, perhaps before you joined, Psychie told me that unlike her previous ASC game, this game is far more about the combat and far less about tweaking, inventing, and improving tech (Psychie, correct me if I'm wrong). So... in a game like that, how will Armorer be effective?

EDIT: Oh and I asked earlier - Muay Thai's Lightning Form is only usable outside of your platform.

I thought that the Armorer package would be good to help keep our mecha and weapons up and running smooth in the field between trips to the motorpool for the more focused mechanics working on the tanks. If that is not going to be an issue, I can see myself going with a different MOS.

 

[Psychie]

I already have an NPC focused on that skill package, so Sherwood, if you wish, feel free to swap to another one.

 

[Sherwood]

Cool. I'll go with either Information Specialist, or switch my Natural Aptitude to Quick Reflexes for the +1 Action. Decisions, decisions.

 

[Purr]

Psychie Love what you said to WlfSamurai. =)

At the moment, the only alteration done to the Myrmidon is the upgraded damage to the Eu-11. I have considered making it an option to include a full on EW pod on it in place of one of the tri-lasers, but until someone goes for the recon tank, it has been only a thought.

2. Any changes you decide to make, please let me in on them. It might make a big difference between my character (whom I'm still developing) choosing the VHT or the Myrmidon. I gather that by your including both platforms (I can't call it a tank; it's not covered), that you like both.

Some ideas if you choose to peruse them?

2a. In MechWarrior/BattleTech, some units make use of counter-electronics (or anti-ECM) gear on their mecha. Take the Beagle Active Probe for example. Here is the write-up for that item in that game should it serve you. I like the Beagle (and its improved version, the Bloodhound) because it can find what otherwise is difficult to find and if someone is jamming you, you can actually do something about it, albeit at some cost to your own effectiveness, but hey, when it comes to jamming electronics, you need every advantage you can get!

2b. Perhaps its ion pulse cannons (and the Spartas') can be used in Transport mode too?

2c. Create a VHT-sized Myrmidon that does a little of both the Spartas and Myrmidon's roles? Just ideas. =)

By the book, the Eu-11 has the internal battery that holds 140 single shots/28 five round bursts, and it recharges by being connected to the mecha at a rate of one blast every two minutes. I will consider allowing you the ability to swap out power cells, but if I do, you will only be able to carry one extra to have on a charger while the other is in the weapon.

3. (Whenever I hear "by the book," I cannot help but be taken back to Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan! Love it!)

So in other words, one extra capacitor. Hooray! Much better than only one capacitor. =)

I will say yes, it does. It is effectively the same thing, just in larger size.

4. Thanks! That's definitely impetus to get the W.P. Shield. =)

I can alter the personality of my NPC Doug Dorsey to make him the squad leader if WlfSamurai doesn't return soon.

5. A good choice given Dorsey's background.

I see on Sherwood's sheet that he has Demolitions, but not Demo Disposal as a part of his Guerilla Warfare MOS. Dorsey does have a MOS Package that I have not yet assigned, though, since I was waiting to see what the players would come up with first. I might go ahead and assign the EOD Expert to him.

6. Yes, I don't understand the reasoning to have the skills to arm one's own demolition devices, but not disarm others? How about your own? That can lead to some really goofy RP moments! "Hey guys? I, like, armed my Claymore mine here but the ambush has been called off. Can one of you come get it for me?" I mean, I love Palladium, but... for real you guys? Tell me that's just an oversighted omission? =)

I have an idea of using one skill as a complementary roll to the other, so you can roll both, and for every point on your Perception roll you make the roll by, it adds 2% to your Detect Ambush/Concealment roll. That gives the high perception characters an extra edge on things. This house rule is very much in the Beta Testing level, so I may end up increasing or decreasing the bonus, depending on how well it works in game play.

7. That's a neat way of doing it! =)

Whew! So many questions! Hope these answers work for you! And keep them coming! Now I'm going to go take a peek at your revised character and see what I'm working with.

I'm naturally curious so I can do that! =)

So far looks good. If you don't mind me pointing out, the MOS Package of Scout/Reconnaissance comes with Pilot Ground Veritechs and the MECT skill. That way it saves your two Other skills for something else. Just a thought.

I don't mind at all! Please do! I'm between that very MOS and three others that help out in different ways. If the Myrmidon is left unchanged, I'll move more away from Electronic Countermeasures and the like since the typical Spartas units lack the gear.

Sherwood My character is an Information Specialist and has chosen it with full bonuses. Of course, the more the merrier in a case where you need those skills. =)

 

[Sherwood]

Information

Well, if you have that package already with the bonuses, I'll go ahead and take the Quick Reflexes Natural Aptitude.

 

[Psychie]

2. Any changes you decide to make, please let me in on them. It might make a big difference between my character (whom I'm still developing) choosing the VHT or the Myrmidon. I gather that by your including both platforms (I can't call it a tank; it's not covered), that you like both.

Some ideas if you choose to peruse them?

2a. In MechWarrior/BattleTech, some units make use of counter-electronics (or anti-ECM) gear on their mecha. Take the Beagle Active Probe for example. Here is the write-up for that item in that game should it serve you. I like the Beagle (and its improved version, the Bloodhound) because it can find what otherwise is difficult to find and if someone is jamming you, you can actually do something about it, albeit at some cost to your own effectiveness, but hey, when it comes to jamming electronics, you need every advantage you can get!

Never played MechWarrior/BattleTech, but I've heard of it.

I do like the write-up of the Beagle. It looks neat, and since the Myrmidon is supposed to be a stealth/recon mecha, it should have a better sensor setup than it currently has. Hmm. I am now thinking that the Myrmidon shouldn't be penalized by having one of its tri-lasers taken out to make room for something that in the book it already has. I will have the scout tank come with some sort of EW and sensor suite. Just need to hammer out exactly what it has and add it to the Lore write-up.

2b. Perhaps its ion pulse cannons (and the Spartas') can be used in Transport mode too?

Not a bad idea for the Myrmidon, but for the Spartas, the tri-laser faces to the rear in its Transport mode, and already has the Eu-11 as its weapon in that configuration. I will allow it, but when using the lasers in the Myrmidon's Transport mode, it will have a 20% reduction in speed due to the weapons taking power from the engine.

2c. Create a VHT-sized Myrmidon that does a little of both the Spartas and Myrmidon's roles? Just ideas. =)

I will pass on this one. Perhaps next time.

3. (Whenever I hear "by the book," I cannot help but be taken back to Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan! Love it!)

So in other words, one extra capacitor. Hooray! Much better than only one capacitor. =)

I will add that to the Lore page to make it official.

4. Thanks! That's definitely impetus to get the W.P. Shield. =)

True.

5. A good choice given Dorsey's background.

<nods> Thank you.

6. Yes, I don't understand the reasoning to have the skills to arm one's own demolition devices, but not disarm others? How about your own? That can lead to some really goofy RP moments! "Hey guys? I, like, armed my Claymore mine here but the ambush has been called off. Can one of you come get it for me?" I mean, I love Palladium, but... for real you guys? Tell me that's just an oversighted omission? =)

Another excellent point. Sherwood , your MOS of Guerrilla Warfare Specialist now comes with Demo Disposal at +15%.

7. That's a neat way of doing it! =)

Thank you!

 

[Purr]

So far looks good. If you don't mind me pointing out, the MOS Package of Scout/Reconnaissance comes with Pilot Ground Veritechs and the MECT skill. That way it saves your two Other skills for something else. Just a thought.

Psychie I'm also looking at the SWAT MOS (because Jack of All Trades comes with no bonuses and as a package, it's got some goodies even without the bonuses like the W.P. Shield).

The Military Police MOS has the excellent Combat Driving skill along with some good W.P.s and bonuses to things the character is already good at, plus Wrestling.

SWAT also looks really good as it upgrades Hand to Hand: Expert to Martial Arts or Commando (which frees up a skill toward Jeet Kune Do)., plus it gives W.P. Shield, and other nice skills.

I'm having a... brain on vacation moment. What in ASC constitutes "power armor? I'm looking at the Mechanized Infantry MOS and it offers "Power Armor or Battloid."

 

[Purr]

Another excellent point. @Sherwood, your MOS of Guerrilla Warfare Specialist now comes with Demo Disposal at +15%.

o rly? Too cool! =)

 

[Sherwood]

I'm having a... brain on vacation moment. What in ASC constitutes "power armor? I'm looking at the Mechanized Infantry MOS and it offers "Power Armor or Battloid."

The Powered Suits start out on pg 123. They are smaller than the battloids, and have few internal weapons, but do provide some protection for hte wearer above and beyond the standard megasuit.

 

[Sherwood]

SWAT also looks really good as it upgrades Hand to Hand: Expert to Martial Arts or Commando (which frees up a skill toward Jeet Kune Do)., plus it gives W.P. Shield, and other nice skills.

That is a nice set of skills. If I went with that for a Natural Aptitude package, it would free up a skill and get me the WP Shield skill. Now I have something to think about.

 

[Purr]

Psychie According to page 55 in Robotech Masters Sourcebook, the Myrmidon already has "special reconnaissance equipment."

The Powered Suits start out on pg 123. They are smaller than the battloids, and have few internal weapons, but do provide some protection for hte wearer above and beyond the standard megasuit.

Sherwood Um, I see the Golem GMP robot on page 123 and thereabouts on my hardcopy of Robotech Masters. Er, are we working out of the same book?

 

[Sherwood]

I was looking at my copy of the PDF. It may be on a different page in the hard book. The Basilisk is the first Powered Suit in the book.

 

[Psychie]

Psychie According to page 55 in Robotech Masters Sourcebook, the Myrmidon already has "special reconnaissance equipment."

But from what I see, the writers never detailed out what it comes with. Another editing failure. Yeah, I have to give a write-up of its sensors and stealth systems and add them to the post.

 

[Purr]

I was looking at my copy of the PDF. It may be on a different page in the hard book. The Basilisk is the first Powered Suit in the book.

Ah! I see. Page 68 in the hardcopy. No wonder I missed it. I don't imagine we'll be using those.

But from what I see, the writers never detailed out what it comes with. Another editing failure. Yeah, I have to give a write-up of its sensors and stealth systems and add them to the post.

Right!

Now, with all of this discussed, would it be easier for you if I just stuck with the Spartas? Should I be considering the Myrmidon?

Back to MOSs, I'm at a stage where I realize I don't know the character I'm making well-enough yet. I don't like taking MOSs for the sake of skills. "The story is the boss." - Stephen King, On Writing: Memoirs of the Craft. I want a character, not just a bunch of numbers. And with that, I want to know their background.

Spoiler: More out-loud thinking

At this stage, all I've got is this... guy?

1. He's right out of a Tom Clancy book in that he likes to do the tracking down of major bad guys (like the CIA operative/operator handler, Karen Bowman, in Ghost Recon: Wildlands if either of you have played that gem).

2. He wants to make use out of every skill he has. That's the problem with choosing the Jack of All Trades - he doesn't like wasted time or education. He wants to use his education for the benefit of the ASC, GMP, UEG, and humanity at large. He's the kind of LEO that knows the laws backwards and forwards, and the kind that breaks them if the good of the situation warrants it enough. Got to break into a burning top secret hush-hush warehouse to save some children about to fry alive? Sorry P&P (Policies and Procedures) - he's going in!

3. I get the feeling he likes bringing bad guys to justice, but if he has to kill them outright, then they chose their path. Like, if they're terrorists (like the Malcontents some of whom quite largely can't be reasoned with or taken alive). So... he's great with intelligence, computers, hacking, interrogations, military tactics, tries to figure out what he's really getting himself into so he and his people have the best chances of coming out successful and preferably unscathed.

4. Some of these skills and MOS packages are great and all, but how many of them is he going to be able to use? In the field? Off the field? He would have made one hell of out of the Operative OOC out of Ninjas & Superspies, I'll tell you that. But in tracking down baddies with a team he's not in charge of? What to choose? Oh, what to choose?

 

[Purr]

After having chatted with Kaerri at length about the CIA, my guy definitely has some of Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan in him. =)

EDIT: Remember in Appleseed where Briareos and Deunan are leaving the restaurant and the guy running away on the street trips? And then makes eye contact with Briareos? I think I'd like my guy to have been on that side of things, at least before he joins the team. Like a CIA analyst. Then he learns about mecha and fighting and all that and now he has the ability to learn about the bad guys, put the pieces together, and track them down to bring them to justice one way or another. Or rescue civilians held hostage. Or anything like that.

 

[Psychie]

Yes, it would be less work on me if everyone went with the Spartas, but if you wish to have a bit of variety in the team, I am willing to go through it. What would you like to do?