So I've noticed a huge lack of RPGs with storylines. Or at least ones that unfold at a decent pace. So I've decided to make a two-parter (and possibly a subsequent sandbox sequel). But too much explaining, let's get to the story already!
Nearly 64 light years away from the Blue Planet is a mostly barren alien world, mostly inhabited by polymimetic crystalline formations, and the occasional fungus patch. The crystal itself is the future of human space technology, with it's self-replicative behavior. Unfortunately, the scientists that were studying the crystals were mimicked. With the jumpstart of having a living being in it's molecular memory, it began spawning a whole civilization. This attracted the attention of a race of ancient explorers, of whom we know little. But now, to harvest the crystal and put it to our own uses, we have to subdue the local fauna and transport them to processing plants. Sure, some naturalists had objections, but the war council made a tactical decision that they wouldn't complain after a few minutes in the cold vacuum of space.
12/4/AD2162/0630 Earth Time: Mankind is half an hour away from it's first interstellar invasion. You've got to gear up and get to your dropship. Outside the generation ship there are faint pops in the atmosphere, probably enemy fighters.
Character sheet:
Rank: Name: Type: Age: Gender: (only for officers and infantry) Size: (height, weight, build, pick your type before you do this) --------------- --------------- Conditions: HP: Vehicle: Group: Primary: Secondary: Sidearm: Melee: Augment: Backpack: --------------
Types: (basically race)
Officer: Human (male or female) Rank: 2nd Lt. HP: 60/60 Size: No specs Weapons: A41 Carbine, B12 Shotgun, Colt M911, combat knife Specialty: Access to vehicles, platoon-size groups Description: A cushy, well-paid job well behind your assigned cannonfodder. Or if you've got nothing to lose, at the very front of the onslaught.
NCO: Human Augment Rank: Corporal HP: 75/75 Size: Larger than regular human, no real restrictions Weapons: G60A SAW, 40mm rocket launcher, Razor Automatic pistol, KA-BAR Specialty: Access to augments and mech suits, team-size groups Description: NCOs are the liasons between the cannonfodder and the officers.
Warrant Officer: Human Augment Rank: Warrant Officer HP: 80/80 Size: Slightly larger than an NCO, consistently heavily built Weapons: M20 Assault Rifle, 40mm Rocket launcher, Colt M911, Trench knife Specialty: Access to heavy vehicles (e.g. tanks, fighters), mech suits, augments Description: Highly trained and specialized soldier capable of a dynamic addition to any fighting force.
Infantry: Human (male or female) Rank: Private HP: 50/50 Size: They take 'em all shapes and sizes Weapons: M20 Assault Rifle, P90C SMG, Colt M911, Combat Knife Specialty: Access to careers such as medic, driver, gunner, or grunt. Description: Cannonfodder.
More weapons will be available later on, and if the players ask, more vehicles. Choose your loadout, and I'll set the rest up. Your rank is basically your level, and with level comes larger teams and access to better quality equipment and weapons. Want to increase your HP? Equipment does that. Augments also do that.
Word to the wise for wannabe officers, managing a large group can be as challenging as it is rewarding. You can get promoted to the point where you control several tanks, aircraft, or even ships! But managing those resources is time-consuming.
Your objective: Establish a foothold on the alien homeworld, and push to what seems to be their capitol. Expect heavy resistance.
I take on a nervous expression when I hear the population going about daily life. "I hope everybody has a reasonable attitude about me. I'd hate to cause anybody who made this happen trouble."
Due to the military genius of your CO, the assault has come to a grinding halt. The mortar teams have destroyed many of the buildings in the small village. The engineers are making foxholes using blast charges.
Outside the sky is dark under a massive energy shield covering the city. It has hints of Earth architecture, blended with countless civilizations. Everything looks and feels like it is where it should be.
The ship you were in landed on a platform, and there is a door into a building going down into the depths of the city. Your 'brother' goes through the rapidly-opened doorway, and turns to face you, waiting expectantly.
Squad Charlie: Support Bravo (100 Sergeant Ackles/75/50/50), Medical Charlie (100 Sergeant Stephans/45/50/50), Bravo Scouts (100 Sergeant Padelacki/75/70/75), Transport Alpha/Bravo (75 Corporal Jameson/A50//B50/50) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Gear: Padded Boots (5hp), padded pants (5hp), padded jacket (5hp), Padded Gloves (5hp), Knee guards (5hp), elbow guards (5hp), shoulder guards (5hp), Plate Vest (25hp), Tactical Interface Helmet (40hp, allows platoon helmet cam access, mobile command interfacing with vehicles)
Primary: A41 Carbine (180/30 rounds) Secondary: B12 Shotgun (45/5 shells) Sidearm: Colt M911 (42/7) Melee: combat knife Augment: N/A Backpack: 2 flares, command radio (allows access to fire support, reinforcements), 2 smoke grenades, 3 Officer MREs, 1 bottle of water, 2 power cubes, flashlight, 2 HE grenades --------------------
"A behemoth? Son, that's an alien officer, as far as we can tell. You haven't seen a behemoth yet. Big boys. Whew. Have to shell those things from orbit. Fortunately they mostly inhabit the northern hemisphere."
"Sir, just that Corporal you don't like. Got a little lambasted by the explosion. He's over there in that foxhole. Oh, and the driver of the APC was a little beaten up. "
It really is a lovely day, and you can hear the troops fixing the APC. A dazed-looking driver is escorted to the foxhole, and he sits down. After a few minutes he seems to regain his composure. "Uhh... Uhh... I'm Private Leir.... Aren't you that guy the LT. doesn't like?"
(oh, 1v1 me, m8. git rekt. got more Doritos and mountain dew than you.)
You hook up a tow cable to the two APCs, and go around to push it right side up. With the full force of the Rhino pulling and you pushing, the Rhino flips onto its side, and the momentum continues the turn onto its wheelies. It rocks for a few seconds, then stops. It's dirty and dented.
Squad Charlie: Support Bravo (100 Sergeant Ackles/75/50/50), Medical Charlie (100 Sergeant Stephans/45/50/50), Bravo Scouts (100 Sergeant Padelacki/75/70/75), Transport Alpha/Bravo (75 Corporal Jameson/A50//B50/50)
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Gear: Padded Boots (5hp), padded pants (5hp), padded jacket (5hp), Padded Gloves (5hp), Knee guards (5hp), elbow guards (5hp), shoulder guards (5hp), Plate Vest (25hp), Tactical Interface Helmet (40hp, allows platoon helmet cam access, mobile command interfacing with vehicles)
Primary: A41 Carbine (180/30 rounds)
Secondary: B12 Shotgun (45/5 shells)
Sidearm: Colt M911 (42/7)
Melee: combat knife
Augment: N/A
Backpack: 2 flares, command radio (allows access to fire support, reinforcements), 2 smoke grenades, 3 Officer MREs, 1 bottle of water, 2 power cubes, flashlight, 2 HE grenades
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"Alright everybody has got their bearings and their s*** together? Good lets move. Fireteams continue with last order to clear the buildings. The longer we wait the more likely we're going to die so move!" I shout waiting for everybody to start moving. "Entering the town in the same order as before. Operator your job is to spot for fighters and any more big **********, right?"
"Well then the officer is dead and ready to be collected."
A sergeant comes up to the both of you, looking somewhat angry. He picks you up, and carries you to a less-loaded APC. "Let's go, corporal. CO says we're moving out ASAP." The other soldier follows you. "Nice meeting you, Corporal." You are set down towards the front of the APC, as you're injured and probably won't be doing much fighting unless things really go to ****. The private gets into an empty driver's seat, and lets the other drive control the vehicle. Lier calls back towards you, "Looks like we'll be seeing a lot of each other today."
Squad Charlie: Support Bravo (100 Sergeant Ackles/75/50/50), Medical Charlie (100 Sergeant Stephans/45/50/50), Bravo Scouts (100 Sergeant Padelacki/75/70/75), Transport Alpha/Bravo (75 Corporal Jameson/A50//B50/50) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Gear: Padded Boots (5hp), padded pants (5hp), padded jacket (5hp), Padded Gloves (5hp), Knee guards (5hp), elbow guards (5hp), shoulder guards (5hp), Plate Vest (25hp), Tactical Interface Helmet (40hp, allows platoon helmet cam access, mobile command interfacing with vehicles)
Primary: A41 Carbine (180/30 rounds) Secondary: B12 Shotgun (45/5 shells) Sidearm: Colt M911 (42/7) Melee: combat knife Augment: N/A Backpack: 2 flares, command radio (allows access to fire support, reinforcements), 2 smoke grenades, 3 Officer MREs, 1 bottle of water, 2 power cubes, flashlight, 2 HE grenades --------------------
Your men comply as quickly as they can. The APCs roll into the village, crushing rubble as they go. One of your screens sounds of with several soft beeps. There is no resistance except for the marines spotted earlier at the center.
Squad Charlie: Support Bravo (100 Sergeant Ackles/75/50/50), Medical Charlie (100 Sergeant Stephans/45/50/50), Bravo Scouts (100 Sergeant Padelacki/75/70/75), Transport Alpha/Bravo (75 Corporal Jameson/A50//B50/50) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Gear: Padded Boots (5hp), padded pants (5hp), padded jacket (5hp), Padded Gloves (5hp), Knee guards (5hp), elbow guards (5hp), shoulder guards (5hp), Plate Vest (25hp), Tactical Interface Helmet (40hp, allows platoon helmet cam access, mobile command interfacing with vehicles)
Primary: A41 Carbine (180/30 rounds) Secondary: B12 Shotgun (45/5 shells) Sidearm: Colt M911 (42/7) Melee: combat knife Augment: N/A Backpack: 2 flares, command radio (allows access to fire support, reinforcements), 2 smoke grenades, 3 Officer MREs, 1 bottle of water, 2 power cubes, flashlight, 2 HE grenades --------------------
"Men this seems too easy, keep your guards up. Fireteam's how are your clearing missions going? Simple searches in and out fast. There are targets up ahead, take them alive if you can, command wants some new toys. Civvies are to be taken unharmed unless they attack, then do not hesitate to kill."