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.
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 (21/0) 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 --------------------
"Commander, we've detected several enemy ships descending into your AO. We'll be sending a few frigates into low orbit above your position to keep the fire off your back. We suspect they are covering a major advance of troops between us and their capital. This could be the final push, but your platoon alone won't be able to stop whatever is coming. Unfortunately we're a bit low on men right now, so we can't send additional troops until we get some back, so we'll have to recall your men," Command replies, "and we'll pick up those aliens for processing when we drop off the three platoons that will accompany you as you march forward."
There is a pause as info is confirmed.
"We believe the capital is directly to the north of your position, but we cannot be sure until scramblers and shield generators in the surrounding highlands are destroyed. Scramblers are usually located in small but fortified buildings in villages. You've already cleared up some of the area in the south of the defenses, but you'll have to go in under their defense blanket out of contact with us to take out the electronic countermeasures. Also, there are several artillery entrenchments across the highlands that are keeping our larger, slower ships from coming into orbit. Once most of these are dealt with, a wider variety of support will become available. Your men have proven useful, and will be recalled for R&R onboard the frigates. We will send replacement teams of fresh recruits, as well as providing you with more armored vehicles, and a promotion. Inform your men of what will happen, and we will make the necessary arrangements."
(this is essentially you getting a refreshed force) Your men are resting, for now, although some are still grubbing about in the rubble, looking for anything they may have missed.
Command contacts you as you help a Private up. "Corporal, I understand you haven't been getting along too well with your commanding officer. We can offer you a transfer to a different unit, if you feel that the tensions between you two will interfere with the progress of this...." There is a short, cold silence, "...Delicate operation."
You want to move and get refreshed HP and a team of your own under a different commander or stay and deal with Mr. Jack?
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 (21/0) 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! Command has gotten in contact, we are to be withdrawn for some R&R aboard a frigate. This is a good day men. You fought well and killed all those that stood in our path, you deserve a little rest. Enjoy the glory earned here and have fun, let loose a little alright? Enjoy your time in the stars, just think about the food eh? Much better then those MRE's. We will also be receiving some new blood around here and I entrust their safety to you guys, the ones that have been down in the dirt fighting these things. You are to make them feel welcome and all that jazz, alright? Good, for now we retreat back to the hostages and wait. Men, move out!" I say with a smile.
"Operator! I've counted 13 kills from you directly. That's fantastic, you should be proud of your actions, you are melding with the squads now, doing your job and doing it well. I am happy to have you within our ranks."
I give the order to move back to where the hostages are.
Primary: A41 Carbine (180/30 rounds) Secondary: B12 Shotgun (45/5 shells) Sidearm: Colt M911 (21/0) 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 --------------------
After about an hour, three frigates come in from orbit, hovering low over your position. Occasional enemy artillery hits their armor plates, sending flaming chunks flying. Dropships and transports make regular flights, replacing old troops with new troops. Everything goes quite smoothly, and you receive a whole new array of armaments. You recieve a new tank: The XMBT-88 Myrmaedon: I took the liberty of restructuring your troops. You had an unstrategic balance of sustainment and main force. You'd have died off pretty quick. Sweg. After a few hours, you and two first lieutenants have your platoons in position. Your orders are to secure a defensive position. You can suggest the Lieutenants do something to help you, or just let them do what they feel is best.
Command contacts you. "Specialist, we've taken note of the type of fighting you do, and we've selected you to test a special mech. As well, you will be promoted. As the most experienced Dreadnought that will be in your unit, we need you to keep everyone fighting. Expect a hellstorm. Your mech will be delivered with the rest of the reinforcements."
This is your new wife:
We're jumping ahead a few hours.
Rank: Corporal Name: Bob "Tower" Light Type: NCO Kill Count: 9 Bio: Age: 32 Size: 7' 8", 357 lbs --------------- --------------- Conditions: Healthy, Sore Leg HP: 150/150 Vehicle: Group: Private László (50/50) Private Nikolajs (50/50) Private Gerhard (50/50) Gear: Padded Boots (5hp), Combat Pants (5hp), Plate Leg guards (10hp), Ammo belt (30/30 5.56 rounds), Padded Jacket (5hp), Plate Vest (25hp), Combat Helmet (20hp) Primary: M20 Assault Rifle (240/30 rounds) Secondary: P90C (150/50 rounds) Sidearm: Razor Automatic pistol (80/20 rounds) Melee: KA-BAR Augment: Domino Backpack: 4 MREs, six bottles of water, shovel, flashlight, flare
You are taken up to one of the frigates and taken care of. After a few hours of transport in a regen tank, you feel refreshed. You and your new team land as part of reinforcements in the northern advance on the capitol. Your men Your weapons and backpack are a little different.
As you and your team step out of the transport, the view overhead is breathtaking. Smoke trails from ballistic missiles crisscross the sky, gunships circle and patrol, the silhouettes of frigates can be seen framed against the burnt grey sky. Around you, tanks and man are moving towards the edge of one of the alien seas. Unlike the ones back on earth, these are made of thick, apparently toxic fumes. Everyone is loading onto hoverships which are transporting men and equipment across the sea. About twenty meters ahead of you, a smaller hovership just lowered its ramp, and has started taking on teams. Over you comm, you hear your Lt. ordering you aboard the LCVP. (landing craft, vehicle, personnel).
(I don't suppose sending a letter along with Mr. "Tower" about his "referred position" would be looked well upon?)
(Also that new Mech has a crotch gun... Just... Sayin,)
(Thanks for the re-arrange, I was going for a more universal troop that had men capable of dealing with every situation but without men on the ground we're useless.)
They are not your subordinates, it's a collaborative effort.
Also that new Mech has a crotch gun... Just... Sayin
Real men have machine gun boners.
Thanks for the re-arrange, I was going for a more universal troop that had men capable of dealing with every situation but without men on the ground we're useless.
And an officer's men are all dead, he's pretty useless too.
Rank: Corporal
Name: Bob "Tower" Light
Type: NCO
Kill Count: 9
Bio:
Age: 32
Size: 7' 8", 357 lbs
---------------
---------------
Conditions: Healthy, Sore Leg
HP: 155/155
Vehicle:
Group: Private László (50/50) Private Nikolajs (50/50) Private Gerhard (50/50)
Gear: Padded Boots (5hp), Combat Pants (5hp), Plate Leg guards (10hp), Ammo belt (30/30 5.56 rounds), Padded Jacket (5hp), Plate Vest (25hp), Combat Helmet (20hp), Gas mask (5hp)
Primary: M20 Assault Rifle (240/30 rounds)
Secondary: P90C (150/50 rounds)
Sidearm: Razor Automatic pistol (80/20 rounds)
Melee: KA-BAR
Augment: Domino
Backpack: 4 MREs, six bottles of water, shovel, flashlight, flare,
You and your men board the LCPV, and head towards the distance northern shore.
Over the comm, your CO begins briefing everyone in the platoon.
"Okay, boys. We're going to have to beachhead against some serious defenses. We can't bring in ships over orbit to bombard the ground defenses because of AAA positions keeping our frigates pretty far away. Our objective is to secure the beachhead, remove any nearby light AAA, and hold the position until we can get some reinforcements down to take out the big boys down in the lowlands. I'm not gonna lie, a lot of you will not make it off that beach. Just try to keep your brothers alive, and watch out for arty strikes. Lieutenant Daniels out."
Your men huddle around you as one of the men on the landing craft passes out gas masks. As you put it on, the LCPV picks up speed, along with the other crafts.
(Most experienced Dreadnought? uforsrs? Realistically there should be better. Or by "unit" you mean in this group of us players?) I reply to the Officer; "Thanks.". (How do i get more ammo?) (Is the gun near the pods the 40mm, the hand one 20mm, and crotch gun interface bodysuit?)
Primary: A41 Carbine (180/30 rounds) Secondary: B12 Shotgun (45/5 shells) Sidearm: Colt M911 (21/0) 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 --------------------
(The lieutenants have what you started off with, but with more fireteams)
The two lieutenants were talking, hands on their hips. They turn and salute. "Lieutenant Baldwin, sir," the shorter, darker officer says, "first time on the ground."
"I am First Lieutenant Varnava Lagunov, transferred out of the second Rzhev" The larger, pale officer says. He has very sharp, Slavic features.
Primary: A41 Carbine (180/30 rounds) Secondary: B12 Shotgun (45/5 shells) Sidearm: Colt M911 (21/0) 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 --------------------
"So you-" I point to Baldwin, "-have all the theory in your head. And you-" I point to Lagunov, "-have actual ground experience. So, what should we do then. Run me through your thoughts, whoever has the best plan we will go with. Remember whatever happens it's our troops lives on the line. Quick."