[SWS] Star Wars - Blue Squadron

[TheOasysMaster]

A long time ago in a galaxy far,
far away....




STAR WARS







Blue Squadron
The Radiant Venture






A Galaxy at War!
With the destruction of the Death Star by the Rebel Alliance and Luke Skywalker, the Empire is reeling! But the Empire and its evil allies are not done yet-they will strike back with the full might of the Imperial Navy!
To this effect, the Rebel Alliance has tasked Admiral Ackbar and his Independence Task Force to provide new weapons and star ships and star fighters at the expense of the Empire. The planet Duarthar, had been identified as a large weapons cache the Empire means to keep out of the hands of dissidents, yet to valuable to destroy...
It seems to good to be true, and multiple teams of Bothans and agents have gone and come from Duarthar, in the Mid Rim, reporting the same thing. Only in the last standard month, have the last four teams stopped returning!
Ackbar, and his task force, along with Blue Squadron and their Orange Squadron rivals will go to the Duarthar system to see what has taken place there! For the Alliance to Restore the Republic!







The emergence from hyperspace early is unexpected. The all-alert is sounded.
Admiral Ackbar's voice rings out from the comms systems, "Battle-stations! Captains! Brief your squadrons on the launch decks! The forest moon of Deltorias is our battleground today!"
Blue Squadron's various members, sans the squadron Captain and Commander, are aboard the Independence, drinking inside the star cruiser's local cantina. I brightly lit oasis of fine food and exotic drinks, the sudden alarm has ceased all music and merriment as various crew and personnel of all races make their way to designated positions.
Weapons are armed and turbo lasers charged.
Blue Squadron sits at their usual table in the back, with drinks and food untouched on the table.
Zipping up his flight suit, Palso Thern, the pilot leaps over the table, nearly knocking over a server droid.
"C'mon Blues! Let's fly!"
Quickly downing their drinks, Thurlow and Azzameen, make to follow him, strapping on weapons.
"We shouldn't have left hyperspace already..."
"...I know! Well, let's go see what the Captain has to say! And we better haul out too... If Orange beats us out, Commander will chew US out!"

Read this first... (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=10862000&postcount=2)

http://www.star-ranger.com/Stuff/images/SFX2001/RebelsMC902001.gif

[Jallorn]

Right, like that'll ever happen, Velin's sythesized voice rings out as he stands.

[Binks]

Muna-Ro stands from her seat quickly, leaving her drink, a non-alcoholic ardees, more commonly known as jawa juice, though Muna always orders it by it's official name, unfinished on the table. She moves to follow the others to the hanger quickly, mindful of the chewing out other pilots have reported receiving for being slow to reach their fighters.

On the way she briefly considers trying to find out what's going on, coming very close to booting up her computer and setting to work on the battle comms. She decides against it, however, figuring that it would probably be bad to get caught having comms mid battle, and that everything should be explained when they reach the hanger anyways.

[TheOasysMaster]

"Rookie" makes no hurry...
Far too busy drooling over 'Ace', odds are, he hasn't even heard the alarms...
Fumbling with his flight helmet, Nine stuffs some pieces sweet fruit from Kashyyk in his pockets before following Muna-Ro and Velin.

[Jallorn]

Velin gives Rookie a whack to the back of the head as he passes, Pay attention Rookie.

OOC: Any chance we could get a little dossier on our teammates?

[TheOasysMaster]

OOC: Any chance we could get a little dossier on our teammates?
Yes.

Captain Merrick Simms joined the Alliance to Restore the Republic early in the Galactic Civil War and, following a victory near Dantooine in 1 BBY, was quickly promoted to captain. The following year he was stationed at Anchorhead Base on Tatooine and fought against Imperial forces who attacked the base in 0 BBY, though he was unable to prevent its destruction. After fleeing to Yavin Base on the fourth moon of Yavin, Simms led Blue Squadron in the Battle of Yavin against the Empire's Death Star battlestation.

A skilled pilot, who always keeps his cool and was promoted to captain at a young age following his involvement in a Rebel victory near Dantooine. He believed life should be entertaining and found combat against the Empire to be particularly enjoyable. Outside of combat, he is willing to allow pilots under his command how to show off their skills and perform stunts during training missions. However, he also understands that discipline is needed to confront Imperial forces. If pilots chose to follow him on the more difficult route through the Beggar's Canyon training flight, he will talk them through it and ensure that they emerge in one piece. In combat, he is professional and ensured that his pilots stayed focused on their task and cut any unnecessary conversations.


"That was the first time I had a real conversation with her and found out that she wasn't only a great pilot and shooter, but that she was smart, funny, nice, beautiful… Well, forget that. I'm just lucky to know her and to be able to fly with her." -Rookie One

Murleen was the youngest pilot to reach the rank of commander and became a pilot instructor at the Rebel training facility on Kolaador, hoping to pass her skills on to others. Shortly after the Battle of Toprawa in 0 BBY, Murleen led a group of X-wing starfighters to Tatooine, where Anchorhead Base was under attack by Imperial forces, and later fought Imperial TIE fighters during the evacuation of Gamma Base on Hoth. She transferred to the Great Temple on Yavin 4 soon after and fought against the Death Star at the Battle of Yavin.

Murleen is a skilled and daring starfighter pilot who was quick, bright and had a sarcastic sense of humor. Eager to pass on her skills to others, she helps train many new pilots and displayed an eye for talent. This, combined with her quick wit, kept her rookies alert and helped her gain the respect and friendship of those with whom she worked.

Recognizing that piloting was her primary skill, Murleen originally avoided participating in activities that kept her out of the cockpit, preferring to serve the Alliance as a pilot only, and her life was centered around flying.nLater in her career, however, she began to take on other assignments.


Originally a farm hand on Tatooine, Rookie One joined the Rebel Alliance shortly after the Battle of Toprawa. After completing his training in the Alliance's base near Beggar's Canyon, the young Rebel fought in the First Battle of Tatooine, during which his squadron led an assault on an Imperial-class Star Destroyer, and later helped to buy time for the safe evacuation of personnel from Gamma Base on Hoth during an Imperial attack. Rookie One was transferred to the Great Temple on Yavin 4 shortly before the arrival of the Death Star and was one of the few Rebel pilots to survive the subsequent Battle of Yavin.

As a young man, Rookie One dreamed of joining the Rebel Alliance and dogfighting against TIE fighters. When he met Turland Hack, the Rebel felt that the eighteen year old possessed qualities needed by the Rebellion—he was quick, confident and above all, willing to risk everything on the Rebellion. Rookie One's confidence in his abilities was clear and he was known to show off during training by performing stunts. Though he initially lacked discipline, Rookie One's training helped him to develop this skill to the level where he impressed Commander Farrell during his trials. Despite this, he is still known to showboat and performed a barrel role in a T-16 during his trial in Beggar's Canyon.

When he first joined the Alliance, Rookie One is happy to have the opportunity to fly with such talented pilots and willing to accept his nickname-especially since the girls seem to think its 'cute'.

Born in 20 BBY, Thurlow Harris grew up in a galaxy controlled by the Galactic Empire. His father became a captain in the Alliance to Restore the Republic and Harris had seen many battles by the time he was twenty years old. He followed his father into the fledgling Rebellion early in the Galactic Civil War and became a competent starfighter pilot, though he generally found himself in his father's shadow.

Harris had seen his share of battles and believed he was prepared for anything. Harris's viewpoint changed during the Battle of Yavin where he flew as Blue Four. He lacked the confidence and control learned by experience, and during his Death Star run, was hit by a tower. Crippled and ruined, Harris barely made it out alive, and beneath his flight suite, he is 'more machine than man'...


Ace grew up on the Azzameen Home Base, where she would often use the family's flight simulator to pass the time. He lived with his father, Tomaas, his older brothers Emon and Galin, his sister Aeron, and the family droid, MK-09. Occasionally, his uncle Antan would visit. Tomaas, being the co-head of Twin Suns Transport Services, had many freighters passing through the Home Base, which only fueled Ace's desire to fly. Ace was particularly close to Aeron, who would often look out for him in seemingly dire situations. Eventually, Ace was old enough to start piloting craft in the real world, where his skills gleaned from years in a simulator would be put to the test.

With Murleen's aid, Ace joined the Alliance, while Emon and Aeron would aid the Rebels, though not in an official fashion. Azzameen was stationed on the Defiance, where he was run through a pair of tests to discern his suitability for recruitment into the Alliance Fleet. The first test involved deep space bombing strikes, where several mock situations, based on historical raids, were played out. Ace successfully demolished an Imperial tibanna gas factory, a Carrack-class light cruiser in dry dock, and a lightly defended convoy. His next test was a Starfighter Superiority Evaluation, in which he and his instructor, Murleen, would engage wave after wave of Imperial fighters in more mock situations. Ace passed his test, and became a certified pilot in the Alliance.

New to the squadron, Palso Thern has blond hair and light skin. He wears an orange flight suit. An elite pilot, Palso Thern has bravery, skill, and loyalty to the Rebel Alliance. Since he's new, there isn't much else to know.

Nine Stung, a Sullustan, is more accustomed to an A-wing, but at prompting from Palso has decided to try out an X-wing, and enjoys it. He's constantly looking for ways to improve his new ship, which he loves dearly.

[Shyftir]

"Ha, Ha. Let's go! Hopefully we'll get to vape some imps." Rhynn calls out, as he downs the last of his Lomin Ale and follows the others jogging lightly. His jovial attitude apparently extends to unexpectedly dropping out of hyperspace in a potentially hostile situation.

[Mando Knight]

"Ace" Antilles gives a short smirk at Rookie getting slapped. "Hey Velin, save the flak for the TIEs. The kid catches on pretty quick." Her scold isn't so much a scold as a tease.

She gets up, stretches, zips up her flight suit and puts her hair up, then starts to head off to the hangar.

She's probably Azzameen's wingmate... to milk as many "pocket aces" jokes as possible.

[TheOasysMaster]

She's probably Azzameen's wingmate... to milk as many "pocket aces" jokes as possible.
:smallsmile:

The launch bay is organized chaos.
Flight and support crews move fighters and equipment into position...
At the moment, Blue Squadron's usual mechanics and support crew are undergoing retraining at an undisclosed location, probably somewhere else in the Mid Rim. So they've been replaced by droids...
They get the job done, and fast...
...but of course, they're not very good.

As Blue Squadron converges toward their ships, Commander Murleen over watches the preparation of their ships, and the Captain holds up a hand, stopping them to give the briefing.

Opposite the Blues, Muna-ro can see Captain Dommas of Orange squadron giving his squad their briefing as well...

Clearing his throat, the Captain begins reading quickly, "Our hyperspace navigation computers goofed... Or atleast our Intelligence has...
Holding up a holoprojector, Murleen displays the holo of a small moon, with a base upon its surface, and an Imperial Star Destroyer in orbit above it...
This holo shows a planetoid in the Fornassi system, and the Independence has apparently been pulled out of hyperspace from the rest of the fleet by a gravity well projector on the surface...
We've failed to jam their transmissions, and help can come at any minute...
Our mission, we must engage the Star Destroyer and its fighters to give the Independence and our bomber squadron time to destroy the base, and move across the planetoid's surface and escape to to hyperspace..."
Done, he looks to the squadron before him, "Questions?"

May the Fourth be with you! Happy Star Wars Day everyone!

[Binks]

"Engage the star destroyer? Like, the while thing?" Muna-Ro says hastily. There's a slight pause before she adds "Uhh. Sir." to her statement.

[TheOasysMaster]

"Yup. The whole thing. Specifically, the TIEs... It's not an ideal mission, but we've gotta do it-unless any of YOU have a better plan for Ackbar?"
He raises an eyebrow.

[Mando Knight]

Ace gives a dismissive wave. "Don't worry, Muna. So long as we hold off the fighters, one Impstar isn't going to take down the Independence. So, can we get started already?"

[Shyftir]

So when this is over, do me and Bank here get to paint a Star Destroyer on our ship? Rhynn asks laconically as he grins at the others. Apparently at least one of the Blues is cocky enough to make light of the situation.

[Elfstone]

"Sure, but you have to find room on it for one." Bankiss responds with a smirk. "On a more serious note, me and Rhynn will take a few runs on the Star Destroyer, see if we can't take out a few of their guns while you all work on reducing the TIE population of the galaxy." Bankiss continues thoughtfully.

Whos my wingman?

[TheOasysMaster]

Whos my wingman?
You're a bomber... You don't get a 'wingman'; you get an escort...
Ask IC...

As she's climbing into her starfighter, it's wings blacked by perpetua-painted TIE silhouettes, Murleen holds up a triangular shaped stencil.
"Got mine here!"
Slapping on his helmet, Captain Simms looks a little dismayed.
"We're not trying to bring down that Star Destroyer-we need to play the cowardly fleeing Rebels... If we hang around too long, they may come to the conclusion we were going somewhere with a purpose, rather than they just happened to pull us out. We do this as fast as possible and stick to the plan!"
Rookie moans aloud, "So no showboating?"
Thurlow raps the young pilot on the head, and whispers, "Only if Orange Squadron gets too big for their boots..."
"If there aren't anymore questions, load up and prepare for launch. I'll initiate a comms check and then we launch-the Star Destroyer is moving into attack an fighter launch range!"

[Elfstone]

"I know boss, but I was trying to keep em distracted. Do I get an escort?" Bankiss asks as he straps on his helmet and activates the internal display. He stows his rifle in the back next to Rhynn's Blaster cannon and their communal missile launcher.Hey, I had the cash. =)

[TheOasysMaster]

{{Blue Leader}Testing Blue Squadron Comms link! Don't call me 'boss', Bankiss.{Blue Squadron}}
The Captain begins to lower his X-wing's blast-shield. The nose of the captain's shuttle is entwined by the lithe forms of two Twi'lek in a Huttese slave girl costume.
{{Blue Leader}Escort? Forgot to mention it! When you go on a bombing run, contact the Escort Squadron-two B-wings will accompany you on the run. Don't try and do one yourself-if you do, I'll shoot you myself!{Bluebird}}

[Binks]

Muna-Ro hops into her X-Wing and settles herself behind the controls. Running through a well memorized checklist of startup tasks she brings the fighter's systems online. As leader's voice comes over the comms she's quick to respond. "{{Blue One:}Check. Check. Check. Blue One here. All systems are green.{Blue Squadron}}" she says over the comm channel.

Uhh, maybe this is a stupid question, but what are our call-signs? I'll edit mine in as soon as I know to replace that {X}.

[Mando Knight]

Everything being in italics makes it a little harder to visually parse the post...

...Also, the Independence is a Home One-type MC80, but the picture is of a Liberty-type.
"All lights are green. Ready for launch."

[Jallorn]

No you stupid droid, that one goes there, that one goes there. What, are you trying to blow us up? Velin berates a droid on his way to his X-Wing, adding, This is why I do the maintenance on my own ship. Activating his internal comlink as he gets into his ship, he says, Bet I bag more Imps than the rest of you. Velin's X-Wing is unique for being black where the others are white, though it is still blue in the appropriate places.

I'm going with the callsign Blue 3.

Who's my wingman?

[Elfstone]

Sliding into his seat, Bankiss starts the systems check, with no visible problems. Waiting for his gunner to strap in he flicks on his com. {Bluebird}All set and ready to go.{Blue Squadron}
Binks wants orange, and Bankiss is a Duro.. And Azure colored... Soooo...

[TheOasysMaster]

Uhh, maybe this is a stupid question, but what are our call-signs? I'll edit mine in as soon as I know to replace that {X}.
They're indicated in the roster on the OOC status thread I made for myself...

Blue 1 - Muna-Ro
Blue 2 - Alyson ''Ace'' Antilles
Blue 3 - Velin
Blue 4a - Bankiss Keeg
Blue 4b - Rhynn Saalem
Blue 5 - Jeran Tek
Blue 6 - Captain Merick Simms
Blue 7 - Commander Ru Murleen
Blue 8 - "Rookie One"
Blue 9 - Thurlow Harris
Blue 10 - Ace Azzameen
Blue 11 - Nine Stung
Blue 12 - Palso Thern
All NPCs are using X-Wings.


Everything being in italics makes it a little harder to visually parse the post...
Fair enough, I'll stick to the usual format.


...Also, the Independence is a Home One-type MC80, but the picture is of a Liberty-type.
:smallannoyed:
Damn, that's embarrassing, I'll find the proper pic soon.
:smallsmile:


Who's my wingman?
Uh, just choose one? Do you guys really need them?


Binks wants orange, and Bankiss is a Duro.. And Azure colored... Soooo...
What?

Anyways, using the star-wars comm system!!!!!!!!!!!
{{Sender/Source/From:}Message/Content/Information{Receiver/Target/To:}}

{{Admiral Ackbar via Independence Bridge}Good luck, and may the Force be with you all.{All}}
The empty void of space stretches before Blue Squadron...
...and Captain Simms lifts his X-wing to exit-
{{Captain Dommas}See you out there Blue Squadron, sleemos! While you're teasing TIEs, try not to CHOKE on our space dust!{Blue Squadron}}
Pulling ahead of Simms, Orange Squadron streaks out of the hold, roaring into the silent emptiness of space.
{Blue Leader}I really hate those guys.{Blue Squadron}}
{Blue 9}I hear that...{Blue Squadron}}
{Blue 7}Jerks!{Blue Squadron}}
{Blue 10}What's their problem! They're just hating because of our high-scores...{Blue Squadron}}
{Blue 8}You've got to admit-their mechanic is pretty hot...{Blue Squadron}}
{Blue 11}Curse that Orange Squadron scum!{Blue Squadron}}
{Blue 12}We're gonna have to show 'em up!{Blue Squadron}}
{Blue Leader}Alright, forget them-we'll get 'em back later, for now, X-wings guide Blue 4 so he can join the bomber squadron on his run... Let's go BLUES! {Blue Squadron}}
Igniting his sublight engines, Simms fires out of the launch bay.
Any last questions should be asked now before joining combat...
A rough map is in production...

[Elfstone]

I chose bluebird as a call sign because Bankiss is a Duro, and he has Azure colored skin. Thought it was appropriate. Guess I already got one.

Just waiting for my gunner to post before I take off...

[TheOasysMaster]

I chose bluebird as a call sign because Bankiss is a Duro, and he has Azure colored skin. Thought it was appropriate. Guess I already got one.
I suppose you could use it, though numbers are the usual designation. I'll edit it in.

Map will go here.

[Shyftir]

Rhynn slides into the second seat and starts flicking switches. As soon as he hears the familiar hum of his ion cannons charging he buckles in and turns to Bankiss. "Sorry, about running late Ban' that cutie from Salient wanted to talk to me real quick."

The Corellian gunner cracked his knuckles as his Duro-blooded partner eased the B-Wing out the magcon field and into vacuum.

[TheOasysMaster]

Murleen and Rookie follow Rhynn and Bankiss, flanking them as indicated.
{{Blue 8} Which one! Salient is the all-girl squadron! Maaaan, those girls could be in holo-dramas! Their grease-monkeys are lookers too!{Blue Squadron}}
Exiting with a fast barrel roll, Azzameen's red-detailed X-wing sails beneath the bomber, taking up position.

[Elfstone]

{Bluebird}Does it really matter? Any one of them is good enough. I bet 200 credits me and Blue 4b can take home the first kill.{Blue Squadron} responds the Duro. He warms up his lasers and heads for the Star Destroyer.

So tempted to write babyblue or baby bluebird instead of 4b xD

[Jallorn]

Velin blasts out of the hangar, making one last quadruple check of the primary systems. Pulling a rapid triple barrel roll, he comments, {{Blue 3} Fresh and sharp, no slugging here. See if you can keep up Bluebird. {Blue Squadron}}

No Blue Leader?

And yeah, Velin probably doesn't need a wingman given his ship's maneuverability. Course, sometimes circumstances require one.

[Binks]

Muna-Ro lifts off carefully, always cautious within the confines of a hanger. Following Leader and the other Blues out she takes her sensor-laden X-wing through the magcon field, doing a quick shake of the wings to make sure everything's running smooth. Rolling her eyes at the comm chatter she flicks her comm on briefly. {{Blue One}"Bluebird, Blue 8, please cut the chatter. We have more important things to be focusing on right now."{Blue Squadron}} she says before flicking the comm off and focusing on her sensor panel.

Can I try a use computer check to scan the ISD/space around the ISD? No idea how far off it is (I presume quite a ways) so I probably have a decent range penalty but still want to see if I can pick up anything useful.

Use Computer: [roll0] (20 skill, +5 enhancement package, +4 int bonus (16 normal, +2 from mods))

[Shyftir]

{Jaybird}I'll never tell. Ha Ha. Just see which one I'm celebrating with after we deal with the vape-bait.{Blue Squadron}

Rhynn rechecks his weapon readouts and hums a bit of an old Corellian space-shanty too low to trigger his comm.


I picked Jaybird, because the strident mocking call of one fits this character well.

It makes sense to me that Bankiss and Rhynn would need call-signs because it removes the confusion of just who Blue Four is. This way the ship is Blue 4 and we both have our own titles as well.

[Mando Knight]

Ace's X-Wing simply bursts straight out... no tricks, just speed.
{{Blue 2} Come on, boys. All that bragging's going to waste if you don't catch up. {Blue Squadron}}

[TheOasysMaster]

So tempted to write babyblue or baby bluebird instead of 4b xD

I picked Jaybird, because the strident mocking call of one fits this character well.

It makes sense to me that Bankiss and Rhynn would need call-signs because it removes the confusion of just who Blue Four is. This way the ship is Blue 4 and we both have our own titles as well.
lol, you guys can use whatever callsigns you want.
Blue Leader is the Captain.


Can I try a use computer check to scan the ISD/space around the ISD? No idea how far off it is (I presume quite a ways) so I probably have a decent range penalty but still want to see if I can pick up anything useful.

Use Computer: [roll0] (20 skill, +5 enhancement package, +4 int bonus (16 normal, +2 from mods))

{{Blue Leader}Wotan Weave to approach! We'll be in range of their turbolasers in one minute, and if they launcher their fighters ate the same ti-{Blue Squadron}}
Muna-Ro's computer clearly indicates that the Imperial Star Destroyer has indeed launched atleast two squadrons of TIE Fighters and a squadron of bombers...
...interestingly enough, an asteroid of substantial size has found its way between the two ships...
{{Blue Leader}When OUR bomber splits off to join Gradient Squadron, with escorts, the rest of us will use... the Howlrunner Formation to divide those TIE bombers in two, for easy pickings!{Blue Squadron}}

[TheOasysMaster]

Sorry about the lack of a post...
But on the otherhand...
MAP ICONS IN BOUND!

[Elfstone]

{{Bluebird} Roger that Blue Leader.{Blue Squadron}} Bankiss replies. As an aside to his crew member he adds off the channel, "Which side you feel luckier on today?"

Rearin and ready to fight. Lets have us a battle map.

[Shyftir]

"Well, I'd lay odds on my left side, but I'm Corellian and the only use we have for odds is Sabbacc." Rhynn says flashing a grin at his partner. Rhynn was feeling antsy and rechecked the power levels on his weaponry again, he knew it would fade when battle hit and he stopped having time for anything but shooting, but in the mean time he drummed his fingers on the side on his firing yoke.

[TheOasysMaster]

Rearin and ready to fight. Lets have us a battle map.

Red and blue circles indicate approximate extent of that ships turbolasers...
Currently, a single icon represents Blue and all other relevant squadrons flying in formation.
Splitting off gets you a smaller and an individual icon.

Speed and movement:
Generally 4 squares for a fighter, and 3 squares for a capital ship. Full movement quadruples that, so 16 for a fighter and 12 for a capital ship.

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd57/OasysWebmaster/Blue%20Squadron/FirstSpaceBattle.jpg

[TheOasysMaster]

{{Blueleader}Alright Blues. Top speed, we'll be on them in fifteen seconds! Bluebird. Rookie. Stay the HELL away from that asteroid! Bluebird, you split off in six, while we engage another six seconds after!"{Blue Squadron}}

[Jallorn]

{{Blue 3} Roger that Blue Leader. We could use that asteroid to screen an attack run, but so could they. Keep your eyes out for that everyone. {Blue Squadron}}

[Elfstone]

6 seconds after Blue leaders transmission.
{{Bluebird}"Affirmative. Breaking now.{Blue Squadron}}
Thinking about the possibilities of using a tractor beam or explosives to direct the asteroid into the Star Destroyer's path, Bankiss is shot down before he can say anything. Smiling, he returns his attention to the battle.

[TheOasysMaster]

Bankiss is shot down
Don't jinx it...
{{Blue Leader} Leave it. If a turbolaser hits that thing, you don't want to be ANYWHERE near it.{Blue Squadron}}
As Bankiss steers his ship on a vector to join up with Gradien squadron, he sees the yellowed surface of this moon, or planetoid...
Gradient Squadron, with a squadron of escorting A-wings makes their way through empty space at top-speed, their Y-wings angling on a sheer curving vector toward the Star Destroyer...

Oh, I forgot-which model is Bankiss flying? B-wing right? I want to know which icon to use...

[Elfstone]

As the squadron head toward the capitol ship, Bankiss slips into a defensive attack pattern. [roll0]
[roll1]

I DIDN"T!!

He's flying a modified B wing, E2 variant.

[Elfstone]

{{Bluebird}That would be an affirmative Escort Leader. Requesting an escort.{Escort Leader}}

[Binks]

{{Blue One}Roger Blue Leader. Following your lead.{Blue Squadron}} Muna-Ro says as she accelerates to attack speed.

[TheOasysMaster]

Screen-stretchin' map...
http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd57/OasysWebmaster/Blue%20Squadron/FirstFlightFIXED-01.jpg
Updated map...
...could have SWORN I'd posted it last night...

{{Escort Leader} Alright then-you'll take first run, over the hangar bay, and the Y-wings will follow... Escort 6 and I, will take you in... We'll be in attack range in... fifteen seconds-right after the fighters engage...{Blue 4}}
{{Blue Leader}Prime weapons, choose your targets! I'll take the lead bomber-we cut 'em in half, then pick 'em apart!{Blue Squadron}}

[TheOasysMaster]

Roll Initiative...
I know some of you are trained in the Pilot skill, so you can use that Check instead to choose order...

[Jallorn]

Pilot: [roll0]

[Mando Knight]

1) SCREEN STRETCH!
2) I'm assuming you want us to use the red squares to judge distance... well, using those as the scale, the capital ships are about twice as long as they should be according to the books, and have much shorter maximum ranges than written...

3) [roll0]
{{Blue 2}Right. I'll take the half on the right.{Blue Squadron}}

[TheOasysMaster]

I'm assuming you want us to use the red squares to judge distance... well, using those as the scale, the capital ships are about twice as long as they should be according to the books, and have much shorter maximum ranges than written...
No, the white squares are the 1 square of Star Ship scale.
The capital ships are to scale in relation to one another, the starships are not to scale.
The Imperial-I class Star Destroyer is 1,600 m long, and a the Independence is 1,200 m long. A TIE fighter is supposed to be 6.4 m long.
That kind of map would be intense...

But yeah, the yellow squares are 10 squares...
...and the Starships of the Galaxy book states that in starship scale, squares are relative...

But having looked at it again..., the capital ships range is actually at 75%, they shoud be another 10 squares larger...
:smallannoyed:

I'll switch it out for a corrected one.

EDIT: Alright, having seen that everyone one of you have a Trained Pilot Skill Check Bonus that is equal to or greater than your Initiative Bonus, it would be illogical to assume you'd roll that, so I shall roll the remaining Initiative Rolls, and determine order once I've reuploaded the fixed map.

EDIT2: Fixed the map. You may now note your fighters are entering an area where crossfire between capital ship turbolasers is possible. And likely.
:smalltongue:

EDIT3: Added "Trained Pilot Skill Check Bonuses" to Statuses (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=10892396&postcount=5)

[TheOasysMaster]

Rolling Initiative for remaining Players...
Pilot: [roll0] Blue 1 - Muna-Ro

Initiative Order:
BLUE 3 - Velin
BLUE 2 - Alyson ''Ace'' Antilles

I only roll Initiative to speed up the process; this way, we don't have to 1) wait for me to call for Initiative Rolls, 2) wait for everyone to make their rolls, 3) wait for me to interpret the rolls and determine order, and then 4)wait for everyone to post actions...
This way, you simply post the actions as appropriate.

[Jallorn]

How many bombers are there?

[TheOasysMaster]

{{BLUE LEADER}Looks like our computers had one last joke to play on us Blues! The turbolaser ranges are significantly larger than first plotted, we'll be fighting in the midst of turbolaser bolts from the Star Destroyer as well, if the captain knows what he's doing...{BLUE SQUADRON}}
With a battlecry, Simms lets his laser cannons fire at the leader of the formation which ducks and swerves to avoid the oncoming fire...
Cursing at having missed, the Captain steers his X-wing through the center of the formation as planned.
Right on time, the turbolasers from the Independence fire amongst the TIE bombers, lancing through their formation, and creating chaos.

[TheOasysMaster]

How many bombers are there?
Always 12 in a full squadron.

Rolling Initiative for remaining Players...

Pilot: [roll0] Blue 1 - Muna-Ro

Initiative Order:
BLUE 3 - Velin
BLUE 1 - Muna-Ro
BLUE 2 - Alyson ''Ace'' Antilles

I only roll Initiative to speed up the process; this way, we don't have to 1) wait for me to call for Initiative Rolls, 2) wait for everyone to make their rolls, 3) wait for me to interpret the rolls and determine order, and then 4)wait for everyone to post actions...
This way, you simply post the actions as appropriate.

[Mando Knight]

No, the white squares are the 1 square of Star Ship scale.
The capital ships are to scale in relation to one another, the starships are not to scale.
The Imperial-I class Star Destroyer is 1,600 m long, and a the Independence is 1,200 m long. A TIE fighter is supposed to be 6.4 m long.
That kind of map would be intense...

But yeah, the yellow squares are 10 squares...
...and the Starships of the Galaxy book states that in starship scale, squares are relative...

But having looked at it again..., the capital ships range is actually at 75%, they shoud be another 10 squares larger...
:smallannoyed:
Sizes are relative because that's how they make the most sense in starship combat: with a 6-second round and a 4-square move speed, if the one square is supposed to be the size of a TIE, they'd only be moving about four meters per second... horribly slow for fighter craft combat speed. By RAW, several Gargantuan fighters can fit in one starship-scale square, and the ability to cover the length of multiple Star Destroyers in the space of one round makes sense for vehicles capable of going transatmospheric unassisted.

Also, if one were to assign the TIE a single square for its absolute size, the kilometers of space taken up by standard starship combat would make mapping inconceivable. I don't particularly like that WotC caps the size for individual ships at 2x2, but at least they're fairly consistent with the sizing.

Also, the map images are way too large... local rule-of-thumb is to put screen-stretchers in spoiler tags.

How many bombers are there?
Twelve for a standard sized squadron.

[Jallorn]

Velin pulls straight for the second bomber, releasing with a flurry of laser fire.

Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

[TheOasysMaster]

Sizes are relative because that's how they make the most sense in starship combat: with a 6-second round and a 4-square move speed, if the one square is supposed to be the size of a TIE, they'd only be moving about four meters per second... horribly slow for fighter craft combat speed. By RAW, several Gargantuan fighters can fit in one starship-scale square, and the ability to cover the length of multiple Star Destroyers in the space of one round makes sense for vehicles capable of going transatmospheric unassisted.
Ah, I see.
Okay, in some ways, this'll be easier and harder.
Less dependence on maps and more relying on description...
Okay, ignore the scale and size of the map I've made.

It's wrong.
On whole orders of magnitude.
:smalltongue:

From now on, any map made will be to give an idea of where everything is.

Thank you, Mando Knight!

And yes, there are 12 bombers...
Hmmm, for the sake of simplicity, let's assume that starship computers work together to number and identify enemies and targets in the same way you guys are identified.
So Bogey 1 and Bogey 2, and so on to choose your target.

Simms rolled highest Initiative, and missed.
The PCs have won Initiative...
And then the bomber squadron, with Bankiss and Rhynn going on their first run.
Then the other NPCs have their actions.

[TheOasysMaster]

Attack: (1d20+13)[30]
Damage: (7d10*2)[80]
I did not see that at all!

Velin's aim is dead-on! And the bomber spirals wildly as the pilot desperately tries to maintain control!

[Binks]

Muna-Ro follows Blue Leader into the bomber formation, going for maximum chaos, the more disrupted everything is the less likely the Imperials will think of this as a strategic force. She takes a shot at one of the bombers as she flies in, but focuses on remaining evasive in the chaotic battlefield.

Whenever my turn is I want to take these actions:
Move: Move to follow Leader
Standard: Shoot a bomber (bogey 2 if possible)
Atk: [roll0] (7 bab + 2 trained in pilot + 4 vehicle int bonus)
Dmg: [roll1]x2
Swift: Activate Attack Pattern Zeta Nine (DC 20 pilot check, [roll2], -1 die of damage, +20 SR while active)

If someone shoots at me and misses I want to use the Ackbar Slash maneuver to redirect the attack to an 'adjacent' bomber, which I assume will be just a random bomber in the formation. It's a DC 20 check to redirect the miss, and higher results give a bonus to the redirected attack roll.
Pilot (Ackbar Slash): [roll3]

First time I'm hit I want to use Vehicular Combat to try and negate it.
Pilot (Vehicular Combat): [roll4]

[TheOasysMaster]

Whenever my turn is I want to take these actions:
Move: Move to follow Leader
Standard: Shoot a bomber (bogey 2 if possible)
Atk: (1d20+13)[16] (7 bab + 2 trained in pilot + 4 vehicle int bonus)
Dmg: (6d10+4)[43]x2
Swift: Activate Attack Pattern Zeta Nine (DC 20 pilot check, (1d20+17)[33], -1 die of damage, +20 SR while active)

If someone shoots at me and misses I want to use the Ackbar Slash maneuver to redirect the attack to an 'adjacent' bomber, which I assume will be just a random bomber in the formation. It's a DC 20 check to redirect the miss, and higher results give a bonus to the redirected attack roll.
Pilot (Ackbar Slash): (1d20+17)[36]

First time I'm hit I want to use Vehicular Combat to try and negate it.
Pilot (Vehicular Combat): (1d20+17)[35]
Most impressive.

The bomber pilot's struggle to control his ship makes his movements unpredictable and erratic, and Muna-Ro can't manage to get a hit on him!
Nonetheless, it is apparent some damage has been done-sparks and flames fly from the craft as the starships whip themselves through empty space!

[Mando Knight]

{{Blue 2} Hey Bluebird, might want to catch up! {Blue Squadron}}

Ace flips her starfighter over and fires her lasers at an otherwise unscathed bomber.
Move as close as possible. If possible, begin dogfighting bomber #3.
[roll0] (18 base, -5 engagement penalty, +3 starfighter bonus)

Attack, if possible.
[roll1] (+8 BAB, +1 Weapon Focus, +2 Vehicle Focus, +4 starfighter Int bonus, +2 Pilot bonus)
[roll2]+12 (According to Core rules, static modifiers are added before multiplying)

If within point-blank, attack gains an additional +1 to attack and +2 effective damage. Target has an effective -5 to both Damage Threshold and Reduction for the attack.

[TheOasysMaster]

The devastating attack leaves the bomber spinning and reeling through space in flames as the pilot, struggles to maintain some kind of control! As Ace flips over the burning Imperial bomber, she can see that the damage she's done has left the bomber with very little hope for continued participation in this fight...

Bombers are up!
:smallbiggrin:

[Elfstone]

Wait, am I the bomber who is up? I thought it was the Tie squadron...

[TheOasysMaster]

Wait, am I the bomber who is up? I thought it was the Tie squadron...
Nope, I meant YOU and Rhynn!
:smalltongue:

[TheOasysMaster]

Two A-wings quickly flank Bankiss and Rhynn, through their view ports, pilot and gunner can see the faces of Escort Leader, on the left, and Escort 6, on the right.
They give a thumbs up and a dip of their wings to suggest their readiness.

[Elfstone]

Bankiss calls over his shoulder in the cockpit. "Get ready Rhynn. We are going in, and im going to try to get under the shields. Prepare to blow some **** up."

Letting him know im about to use Skim the surface, so he should ready an attack.

[TheOasysMaster]

The two TIE fighter squadrons appear to balk at the sudden destruction being rained upon their bombers by the Independence and Blue Squadron.
The B-wing, and its escort, followed by the rest of Gradient and Escort Squadron are free!
The Star Destroyers looms close, entirely filling their view. Autoturrets fire sluggishly, and Bankiss zips past them without incident.

[Elfstone]

Assuming my gunner readies an action to attack...

Bankiss grits his teeth as he begins his attack run, and dives in for the kill.

[roll0]

[Elfstone]

Using racial class ability to reroll. I must keep this roll even if it is worse.
[roll0]

[Elfstone]

Firing Laser cannons
[roll0](10 BAB, +3 feats, +5 starship, -10 attack penalty)
[roll1](8dd10 base, +4 PC level, +3 feats)(Damage threshold and reduction are treated as 5 points lower)

Note, while I am rolling now, my gunner shoots first.

[Mando Knight]

...Your BAB is 7, not 10 (Dex doesn't matter for firing vehicle guns), and you have +7 from other sources (+4 Int, +1 Weapon Focus, +2 Pilot). Don't know where you're getting the -10 from, though. Especially since even at Long range, a character with Far Shot should only take a -5 penalty, and you didn't use Burst Fire.

[TheOasysMaster]

...Your BAB is 7, not 10 (Dex doesn't matter for firing vehicle guns), and you have +7 from other sources (+4 Int, +1 Weapon Focus, +2 Pilot). Don't know where you're getting the -10 from, though. Especially since even at Long range, a character with Far Shot should only take a -5 penalty, and you didn't use Burst Fire.
She's right.
I thought you were perhaps rolling for Shyftir, but that doesn't make sense.
And Bankiss is effectively at very close range. Bar rolling a 1, he can't miss...

[Elfstone]

Skim the surface manouver.
Make a pilot check, DC 20. Based on result, make an attack on an enemy ship larger than you whose fighting space you pass though. You man move at 2x you normal speed during this manouver as long as you end the round in an unoccupied space. DC 20=-10 to attack. DC25=-5 DC30=-2 DC35=-1.
I made the DC 20 check, and thus I take a -10. In addition, knock off the dex bonus.

[TheOasysMaster]

As a TIE Interceptor squadron emerges from the Star Destroyer's port launch bay, Bankiss and Rhynn lead Gradient and Escort Squadron on a graceful bombing run; stitching plasma across the shields, they flicker for a moment and a proton torpedo hits bare hull. With a sizable explosion behind them, both squadrons roar past the Star Destroyer's bridge and then the Cygnus Spaceworks Gemon-4 ion engine.
Whooping and celebrating Escort Leader's joy at a successful run is cut short when the two TIE fighter squadrons completely ignore Blue and Orange Squadrons, cutting at top speed for the Independence.
{{ORANGE 3} Where are they going?{ALL REBEL STAR FiIGHTERS}}
As Orange Six moves to intercept one of the TIE fighters, a turbolaser meltshis ship into oblivion, leaving a brief moment of static on the comms.
Immediately taking evasive maneuvers as turbolasers lance through the dog fighting, most of Blue Squadron avoids taking direct hits.
Well, except Jeran Tek's fighter.
The hapless pilot flies straight into a turbolaser bolt, with a sudden scream, the Blue's X-wing bursts into sparks and debris as his shield are easily overwhelmed.
The actual TIE bombers hardly fare any better, desperately weaving to avoid the attack. The other X-wings, of Blue and Orange Squadron, though in serious danger from the turbolasers continue their objective of destroying the remaining TIE bombers.
Lining up her shot, Murleen casually finishes off the TIE fighter that Ace had struck, sending the pilot to a fiery death. The Rookie, dancing behind TIE Bomber 3, leads it straight into the path of Nine and Palso, who quickly destroy the starship with synchronized bursts of their own lasers.
Hunting alone, Thurlow and Azzameen mercilessly pick off TIE Bombers of their own, already weakened by the turbolaser barrage.

Star Destroyer Area of Attack Turbolaser Salvo deals half-damage if it misses, so 132 HPs of damage to all PC starships but Rhynn and Bankiss will significantly reduce those shields...

Fraction warbles and beeps in a panic as Muna-Ro's X-wing's shield's are overwhelmed, and fail, leaving her in a terribly compromised position. Velin fares marginally better but his X-wing has been damaged badly too, and the 'Ace's x-wing fares worse than the Ubese pilot.
Simms struggles to stay calm as he surveys the damage to his own star fighter.
{{BLUE LEADER} That's it! We've been ordered to leave! Hyperspace coordinates are being sent to us, and we've been ordered to get out of here. The Independence is fleeing.{BLUE SQUADRON}}
Behind the Star Destroyer, Escort Leader comms, Bankiss and Rhynn.
From there position, they can see the burning bridge of the Independence and that one of the cruisers engines have failed.
{{ESCORT LEADER} We've been ordered to escape to hyperspace-but I want to make another run on the bridge, then we'll jump-you up for it?{BLUE 4}}

RETCONNED TO BECOME IRRELEVANT

[Shyftir]

Wait, huh? how do I figure my bonus then? I built for Dex thinking I needed that.
Well I'm completely unsure of how to proceed now so I'll just write what I would do if this were a freeform situation and then perhaps someone could explain to me how to figure vehicle gunner attacks.


Rhynn was surprisingly silent as he lined up his shot. Against a target this size, he knew his ion cannons were of little use so he switched to the proton torpedoes and attempted to get a lock. This was laughably easy and pretty soon he was refining his shot, attempting to do as much damage as possible. when he felt comfortable with his attack he launched the pair of high-yield projectiles toward the enemy ship.


Always assume I'm holding my actions to time them favorably with Elfstone, when we are in the B-wing.
Double Swift Actions to Aim.
One Standard Action to fire a Proton Torpedo. This attack has both Penetrating attack and Devastating Attack talents, reducing both DR and Damage Threshold by 5. also Dead Eye increases the damage by one die. I have Far Shot, if that brings it to Point Blank Range I get another +1 to both attack and damage from Point Blank Shot.
From Heavy Hitter I get an additional +1 point of damage for each 5 points above the target's Reflex Defense. Also from Heavy Hitter, If I hit the Damage Threshold, the target cannot attack and its speed is reduced to 1 square in starship scale.
So to the best of my knowledge.
Attack Roll: [roll0] This figures in my BAB, Weapon Focus, Starship Raider and the +2 for being trained in Pilot. It does not include the intelligence bonus (because I'm having trouble finding how much it is) or Point Blank Shot, if it applies.
Damage Roll: [roll1] +1 for each 5 over Reflex Defense. (does not include Point Blank Shot.)

(Reroll from Gunnery Specialist if I miss: [roll2])

Okay I think this all makes sense. In future attacks I might even try maneuvers.
BTW, if a maneuver is a standard action that involves an attack roll does it gain all the benefits of a normal attack roll like Deadeye etc?


Hey I was posting! Grrr. ninja'd

[TheOasysMaster]

All the damage is applied simultaneously, rather than each shot being reduced by sr/dr.
Hmmmm. THAT's actually a fair point.
Hang on, I'm going to rethink this, probably a retcon...

EDIT:

Okay, so not being able to use the DR/SR ratings multiple times has made me decide to retcon this back to...
The start of Bankiss and Rhynn's bombing run in post #73 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=10957173&postcount=73)

The Star Destroyer will be changed to an unmodified Imperial-I, and with a different Captain. Delete all post BEFORE this one. And up to MY post, post #73 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=10957173&postcount=73).

[TheOasysMaster]

Excellent.
Spinning beneath Muna-Ro, Murleen and Rookie destroy the second bomber as Jeran places the heat on another with his torpedoes.
{{BLUE 5}Got a lock!{BLUE SQUADRON}}

Flipping past Velin, Palso and Nine chase after two bombers attempting to flee, but are forced to evade the crossfire from the two TIE Fighter Squadrons.
{{BLUE 11}We've got company, where's Orange?{BLUE SQUADRON}}

With their own X-wing laser cannons blazing, Orange Squadron follows Azzameen in an attempt to turn back the TIE Fighters, and in a fiery explosion an Orange collides with two TIEs.
{{BLUE LEADER}The bombers are trying to scatter! Bombers 7, 6, 4, and 8 remain! Take 'em out and don't let those TIEs get a lock on you!{BLUE SQUADRON}}

The captain is abruptly cut off by a pair of TIEs, and begins a series of evasive maneuvers to get them off his tail.
{{BLUE LEADER}Of course, if you can spare the time, I wouldn't mind some help over here...{BLUE SQUADRON}}

[Jallorn]

{{Blue 3} Roger that Blue Leader, on my way. {Blue Squadron}} Velin pulls up to fly straight towards one of the TIEs, executing a Corellian Slip.

Corellian Slip Pilot Check: [roll0]
Attack: [roll1] +2 from Corellian Slip
Damage: [roll2]
Additional Damage if Pilot check is 25 or greater: [roll3]
Additional Damage if Pilot check is 35 or greater: [roll4]

[TheOasysMaster]

Attack: (1d20+13)[14] +2 from Corellian Slip
Oh, okay. Still, that's gonna miss.
As Velin fills empty space with laser cannon fire, Simms groans.
{{BLUE LEADER}AIM!{BLUE SQUADRON}}

[Jallorn]

That means I collide with the TIE. Since I didn't destroy him.

Geeze, a 1, that sucks.

[TheOasysMaster]

That means I collide with the TIE. Since I didn't destroy him.

Geeze, a 1, that sucks.

Ninja'd. I was trying to figure out what happens...
Hang on, I'll narrate it soon enough. With your shields, and the TIEs lack thereof, this should be interesting.

[Binks]

Muna-Ro flips her X-Wing over in a quick evasive loop. Taking aim at one of the TIEs on Blue Leader she looses a heavy burst of fire in his direction, taking some risk to try and land a few extra shots, then moves into position to intercept either of them if they try to escape.

Okay. So just to make sure I have all status correct I've spent my Attack Formation Zeta Nine maneuver and taken no damage thusfar correct?

Actions:
Swift: Activate Strike Formation (DC 20, -2 Ref, +1 die of damage, replaces zeta nine) Pilot: [roll0]
Move: Move over to Blue Leader's position
Standard: Shoot one of the TIEs on Blue Leader's tail.
Atk: [roll1]
Damage: [roll2]x2 (-the last 2 dice if I fail to swap maneuvers as I want to stay in Zeta Nine in that case)

Reactions (1/round, so whichever one comes first):
If someone shoots at me I want to activate the Snap Roll Maneuver (replace ref with pilot check if higher): [roll3]
If, on the other hand, one of the TIEs on Blue Leader tries to bolt first I want to use Intercept (getting in a dogfight = +5 ref if they don't have precise shot, so shouldn't be much of a risk). Roll to Initiate Maneuver: [roll4] (DC 20 to activate, +1 to next check if beat DC 25, +2 for 30, +5 for 35)
Initiate Dogfight check: [roll5] (+ any bonuses from maneuver)

EDIT: Dang, that's a bad roll for Snap Roll (though it's better than the 18 ref I'd normally have...still).

[Shyftir]

Hey, guys I'm having computer troubles. (Posting at a friend's house right now.) So I'm going to have to surrender Rhynn to OasysMaster as a NPC for a while. I hope to rejoin the campaign in a couple days. Sorry.

[Mando Knight]

Ace peels off of the bombers to counter one of the TIE nipping at Lead.
Reaction: Intercept, take 10 for 31 (+18 base, +3 starfighter, take 10 allowed by Vehicle Focus)
Causes a dogfight, [roll0] (+21 pilot, -5 initiate dogfight penalty, +2 maneuver bonus) to initiate.

On initiative: continue dogfight, [roll1]
On success, [roll2], [roll3]+12, DR and Threshold each count as 5 lower for the attack

[TheOasysMaster]

[roll0] Collision Damage for Velin

Velin overcompensates as he attempts to perform the Corellian slip, and he slams into one of the TIE fighters persuing Simms, sending it spinning.
{{BLUE LEADER}I guess that works...{BLUE SQUADRON}}
This TIE fighter spins right into Ace's line of fire, and a burst of lasers creates the fantastic TIE Fighter esplosion Blue Squadron is known for-
But two more fighters take its place, and with three on Simms tail, it gets even worse!
Ace and Velin have picked up tails of their own.
Speeding past Rookie One, Muna-Ro steals a kill from an Orange Squadron X-wing, who's cry of frustration fills the comm channel. Flying past the debris, two TIES try to cut her off, but a forced to back off as another Orange fighter sends a hail of laser fire their way.

Bankiss is up!

[TheOasysMaster]

!?!?!
What happened to Elfstone?
:smallconfused:

Anyways, I'll narrate forward...

As the rest of Blue Squadron hunts and flees from the unrelenting TIEs, Gradient and Escort Squadrons, and of course, Bankiss and Rhynn face their own problems...
TIE Interceptors harry the Y-wings, and the A-wings are hard pressed to defend.
Flipping beneath the wreckage of Escort 5, Bankiss banks away and then under the Star Destroyer as two TIE'S chase after him. Spinning in his own seat, Rhynn feels a moment of disconcertion as the pilot flip the star fighter 'upside down', and then spinning along the Star Destroyer's hull.
TIE and A-wing lasers sting the hull, and Rhynn fires behind them with a torpedo.
Splitting left and right, TIEs and Escort Leader and Escort 3 avoid the explosion with cries of surprise, and a flurry of evasive maneuvers as the rest of the squadrons, Imperial and Rebel alike take the battle beneath the Star Destroyer.

Gradient and Escort Squadron, as well as Blue 4, are dogfighting beneath the Star Destroyer.

The rest of Blue Squadron does their best to chase after their TIE targets. Again and again, they successfully line up a target, but again and again, some Orange swoops in to steal their kills!
With their other brethren, being picked off like parasites on a Hutt, the two trailing Captaims Simms only chase after him with that much more persistence.
Cycling through the ranks, Muna-Ro is trailed by three, Velin and Ace by two apiece.

Go you three!
:smallsmile:

[Jallorn]

Come get some, Velin says to no one in particular as he swings up and around, engaging in a dogfight.

Engage Dogfight: [roll0]

[Binks]

"{{BLUE ONE}Got three on my back. Going to try and sweep lead then go evasive.{BLUE SQUADRON}}" Muna-Ro says as calmly as she can over the Blue Squadron channel while twisting and weaving around the bolts coming her way from behind.

Turning to get a line on the TIEs following Blue Leader she takes a quick snap shot at one of them before taking evasive action against the fighters pursuing her.

Assuming it's possible I'd like to:
Move Action - Get to a good position to fire on the TIEs following Blue Leader using half my speed. (I would just like to point out that I have no idea where any of us are relative to each other...)
Standard Action - Fight Defensively (-5atk, +5 dodge to ref)
Atk: [roll0] Dmg: [roll1]x2
Swift Action: Wotan Weave maneuver (1/2 speed, +maneuver bonus to ref). [roll2] (+1 DC 15, +2 DC 20, +5 DC 25)

My Reflex Defense is currently: 28
(20 naturally [18 normal xwing, with +7 armor replaced with +9 lvl for a nat +2 bonus], -2 for current maneuver, +5 fighting defensively, +5 wotan weave)

If someone adjacent attacks and misses I want to Ackbar Slash to try and redirect it to another adjacent target at random. [roll3]

If possible, if any TIEs try to dogfight with me, I'd like to auto-fail the opposed check (I'd love to be in a dogfight right now :P)

[Mando Knight]

Ace ignores the standard TIEs and guns for the Interceptors. A moisture farmer could vape the line fighters, and a more skilled dancing partner was in demand anyway.
{{Blue 2} Hey, boys... Anyone wanna come help me? Got a couple of eyeballs ogling my 6 again. {All squadrons}}
Move to attempt to even up with the Interceptors.
If possible, dogfight one. [roll0]
Either way, [roll1], [roll2]+12, same reduction/threshold deal as before.

[TheOasysMaster]

Move Action - Get to a good position to fire on the TIEs following Blue Leader using half my speed. (I would just like to point out that I have no idea where any of us are relative to each other...)

Good point. For some idea...
Obviously, Blue Leader is leading...
Followed by TWO TIES
Ace and Velin are neck-and-neck, followed by their TIEs.
Muna-ro is behind THOSE TIEs, trailed by TIEs as well.

This 'chain' is moving about parallel to the asteroid and between the closing capital ships.
Picking an eyeball of his own, Velin moves to threaten the TIE's safety.

Dogfight succesfully engaged. Actions?
All three of Muna-Ro's 'tails' chase after her with laser cannons afire. Her own burst of laser cannons in return go wide, but her own maneuvering creates such confusion that the chasing TIEs strike themselves.
Lanced by their own fire, the three TIEs break off to regroup, only to be picked off by the eager as usual, Orange Squadron vultures.
{{ORANGE LEADER}Nice shooting BLUE! HAHAhahahaHA!{BLUE SQUADRON}}
Ace's tails stick to her, following her as she zips beneath the Star Destroyer, nimbly avoiding autoturret and laser cannon fire alike.
An A-wing salutes her arrival with a barrel roll, and forces a TIE Interceptor into her path, where Ace summarily pumps the Imperial pilot full of lasers.
Fleeing, with his wreckage smoking, the Interceptor flees deeper into the massive dogfight beneath the Star Destroyer.

Ace is now beneath the Star Destroyer, followed by 2 TIES, and Muna-Ro has one TIE following her...
Velin has engaged one of the fighters hunting Simms in a Dogfight-he may still take actual Actions in regard to that Successful Roll.
Distracted by Ace's alluring voice, Rookie slams into a TIE, spinning through space with a terrified yell, and Murleen and two Orange's shake off their own pursuers to make sure he remains relatively safe.
{{BLUE LEADER}Damn it! I can't lose 'em! Break off! I'm gonna see if they want to 'Charge the Slot'!{BLUE SQUADRON}
The TIEs chasing Simms pound away at the X-wings shields.

Elfstone/Rhynn's move.

[Jallorn]

Initiating a Dogfight is a Standard action, so AFAI can tell, that's my actions for the round.

[TheOasysMaster]

Initiating a Dogfight is a Standard action, so AFAI can tell, that's my actions for the round.
Oh yeah, I forgot to say, Dogfight is now a Swift Action, specifically to engage. To Disengage is still a Move Action.

[Jallorn]

Well then:

Velin grins, swooping to bring the TIE into target, and squeezing off his lasers.

Pilot to attack in dogfight: [roll0]
Attack: [roll1]
Damage: [roll2]

[TheOasysMaster]

The TIE Pilot swoops out of the way just in time. He can't believe it!
His wingmate chimes in over the Imperial comm, "Hey! Can I borrow some of your midichlorians!?!?!?!"


MISS.

[TheOasysMaster]

Hmmmm.
For a moment, Ace sees the familiar B-wig, flitting past her vision headed toward...
...the bay of the Star Destroyer...
Two A-wings lazily keep pace with the bomber, and Ace realizes she's got more important things to worry about...
Two Orange Squadron fighters follow her and her tails into the dogfight, and they weave around and around, harassing her pursuers...
Suddenly, the pair of TIE's break-off, and the Orange X-wings stall in confusion.
A brief moment passes before both x-wings explode under a torrent of laser fire, and a TIE Interceptor screams its way through the debris, hot on her tail.
Looks like Ace has found her adversary.

Free from her pursuers, Muna-Rp is joined by the Rookie in an attempt to get rid of the pesky TIEs on Blue Leader, racing, he fires wildly, unable to get a bead on the fighters-partly because of the damage to his fighter.
It looks bad.

The pair of TIEs on Blue Leader take the time to execute a series of complex maneuvers that while certainly not gaining them any distance upon Simms, are certainly a flippant gesture toward Velin.

You three again. =P

[Jallorn]

So does the pilot I'm dogfighting with do nothing, or did you mix up where I was?

Cuz I'm not sure why the TIEs on Blue Leader would be making a flippant gesture towards me, when I'm dogfighting another one.

[TheOasysMaster]

Cuz I'm not sure why the TIEs on Blue Leader would be making a flippant gesture towards me, when I'm dogfighting another one.
TIEs have comm systems too-they're all making fun of him!
:smallsmile:

But yes, the chosen TIE has done nothing but maneuver through the battle.

[Jallorn]

Velin ignores the other TIEs, gunning for his target again.

Dogfight to attack: [roll0]
Attack:[roll1]
Damage:[roll2]

[Jallorn]

NATURAL 20!! WHOO.

You can score a crit in space combat, can't you?

Crit Confirmation: [roll0]

[TheOasysMaster]

Awesome roll. Also on damage!
You can go ahead and narrate the destruction of the TIE yourself!
:smallsmile:

[Jallorn]

Velin's laser fire scores all around the TIE, leaving it nowhere to move to when the final few shots came in, severing the TIE's wings before the fatal shot collided with the engine, blowing the TIE into a billion pieces.

[Binks]

Psst. Saga doesn't use crit confirmation rolls :P
Also...why does it seem like I can't make an attack check to save my life? :P.
Muna-Ro, seeing Rookie One go by, damaged and firing erratically, sweeps into a wingman position for him, taking her own shots at the ever elusive TIEs on Blue Leader.

"{{BLUE ONE}Rookie. Go to Attack Pattern Delta if your fighter can handle it..{BLUE EIGHT}}" she calls out over the comms to him, hoping that the slightly move evasive attack pattern will keep him safe while they try and hit the TIEs on Lead.

Move - Move up adjacent to Rookie as his wingman.
Standard - Shoot a TIE on Blue Leader.
Atk: [roll0] Dmg: [roll1]x2
Swift - Swap to Attack Pattern Delta if I make the DC 20 pilot check. [roll2] (note to self: Find a way to make DC 20 pilot checks automatically...)

Ref will be either 21 (delta), 22 (delta and rookie in delta), or 18 (failed to swap) (20 nat, +1 if in Delta, +2 if Rookie is in Delta too, -2 if still in old maneuver).

Interrupts:
If someone is going after Rookie and comes within 2sq of me before attacking I want to Activate the Intercept maneuver to try and catch them in a dogfight instead.
[roll3] (20 allows me to AoO start a dogfight, 25 +1 pilot to start the dogfight, 30 +2, 35 +5)
Dogfight: [roll4] (-5 included, +bonus from Intercept not included)

[TheOasysMaster]

Muna-Ro sees Rookie make an affirmative hand gesture-his comms system must be damaged as well...
He enters the attack pattern, and they fly together after the TIEs...
But as the Rookie compensates for speed during a turn, he moves into Muna-Ro's field of fire, and her shot goes far from its mark, leaving the TIEs free of harm.

[TheOasysMaster]

?
Where's Mando Knight?

[TheOasysMaster]

?
Where's Mando Knight?

[Mando Knight]

?
Where's Mando Knight?

BEING LAZY Right here.

This was just what Ace was waiting for. Getting a feel for where the squint was, she suddenly twists her fighter around for an aimed shot, squeezing the trigger to crush the Imperial fighter.
Targeting the TIE/In.
I HAVE YOU NOW. Take 10 to get the DC 30 result (base 18 +3 starship, +10=31).
[roll0] (assuming in point-blank range)
[roll1]+14, DT and DR counted as 5 less each
...If it's not enough to kill the thing, it drops 2 steps on the condition track.

[TheOasysMaster]

Pilot FG-6752 had never flown in combat before.
Termed as "Unlucky Muckee", his squad-mates had always decided to leave him behind when ever the squadron was called to fight on behalf the Empire...
But some rigged games of sabbac(since he could never win honestly), gave him just enough credits to convince Captain FG-6751, he was ready...
Muckee screams in horror as the X-wing he'd been chasing after spins, firing lasers in his direction.
Ace's laser fire slams through the cockpit, and instantly burns Unlucky Muckee to a crisp, and as vacuum freezes him solid, more lasers turn his TIE fighter into his fiery tomb.
Spinning over and over, Ace sees the TIE slam into the shields of the Star Destroyer where is explodes harmlessly.

Once again, waitin' for Elfstone of Shyftir...

[TheOasysMaster]

Shyftir has yet to return, and Elfstone...
Their B-wing will function as an NPC until further notice-leaving Initiative for the dog-fighters!

Flying through the debris of 'Unlucky Muckee', a new TIE Interceptor, with alternating black and red colors on the wings and gold trim files in behind Ace...
Muna-Ro sees Simms pull into a tight turn, headed back to the Independence as he tries to avoid the TIEs on top of him, doggedly, they sink a hail of laser fire into his rear shields.
{{BLUE LEADER} BACK OFF BLUE 1, I can't perform this maneuver with you behind m-ah, stang it!{BLUE 1}}
Another TIE joins the chase for Simms...
Seeing that Velin has picked up yet another tail of his own, two members of Orange Squadron create a screen of laserfire ending the TIE pilots short-term harassment of the Blue Squadron pilot, leaving him free.

[Elfstone]

Err sorry. I was waiting for my copilot to return so I would have more fire power. Can I or you NPC him?

[TheOasysMaster]

Err sorry. I was waiting for my copilot to return so I would have more fire power. Can I or you NPC him?
lol
Mhmmmmmm, alright, I'll let you NPC him, and we'll see how it goes...
Take your turn.

Bankiss and Rhynn are cruising with their escort beneath the Star Destroyer, with two TIEs and two Interceptors harassing them on either side!

[TheOasysMaster]

:smallfrown:
Where IS everyone?
PCs ALL have Initiative!

[Elfstone]

Setting skywalker loop as my reaction to any failed pilot check to attack me, I will attempt to flee from the dogfight, but first Bankiss will use Evasive action.
[roll0]

[Elfstone]

Nat 20. Thats right. I get a +20 bonus to my pilot roll to escape.
[roll0]

[Jallorn]

OOC: Didn't get that. :smallredface:

{{Blue 3}Thanks for the help Orange Squadron,{Orange Squadron}} Velin calls over the radio as he guns straight for one of Blue Leader's tails.

Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

[Mando Knight]

Ace flips around again, and seeing the Interceptor's markings she keys the comm as she tries to get into position to fire.

{{Blue 2} Hey, guys, there's a custom squint that wants to play. Looks like we've got an ace squadron in here, so watch yourselves. {Rebel Squadrons}}

Engage in dogfight.
[roll0]
GUN
[roll1] (assuming point-blank) CRITICAL HIT
([roll2] + 14)*2=200

[Binks]

Thought it was just the b-wing's turn

Muna-Ro frowns as she focuses on the TIEs behind blue leader. {{Blue One} "Roger lead. I'm going to draw one of the TIEs off. Rookie, help lead, but give him room to manuever." {Blue Squadron}}

Standard: Shoot one of the TIEs on Blue Leader
Atk: [roll0] Dmg: [roll1]
Move: Get adjacent to one of the other TIEs on Blue Leader
Swift: Dogfight. Pilot: [roll2] (-5 included)

If my dogfight was successful and the TIE tries to escape use Talon Roll manuever.
[roll3] (TIE takes a -2 penalty to escape. I get an AoO.)
Else if dogfighting and he tries and fails the pilot check to try and make an atk against me Skywalker loop for an AoO.
Else if dogfighting and he tries and succeeds the pilot check to make an attack Counter.
[roll4] (I get a standard action. Shoot him if I can.
Else if not dogfighting and a TIE within 2 spaces moves Intercept.
[roll5] (no bonus on dogfight check)

[Binks]

AoO if I get one (or counter's atk)
Atk: [roll0] Dmg: [roll1] x 2

Pilot (counter or dogfight): [roll2] (no penalties included)

[TheOasysMaster]

OH GAWD
Sorry about this guys, but I'll post the casualties of this round of attacks tomorrow.
My poor babies!
Almost all my TIEs failed their rolls...
:smallfrown:

[TheOasysMaster]

The Rebels take control.

Velin's thanks leaves Orange Squadron reeling in surprise. Civility between the two squadrons has never been a strong point...
Either way, they appear to take it out on the TIEs...
Velin's target attempts to dance and weave to escape him, but he hangs on, giving the Imperial pilot no room to maneuver, pumping the TIE fighter full of laser bolts right through the back of the cockpit.
{BLUE LEADER} NICE shooting!{BLUE 3}

Ace's 'ace opponent' doesn't see it coming. A veteran of 54 space battles, today, was his last as her X-wing burns him and his star fighter from existence.

Spraying laser fire in a narrowing cone, the remaining TIE on Simms breaks off, fleeing the slaughter of TIEs as Blue and Orange X-wings alike tear through the enemy. Soon, the TIE Muna-Ro has marked for combat is hurtling away from him, back toward the Star Destroyer, leaving Blue and Orange Squadrons with nothing to shoot.

Ace senses a ripple through the formation of Interceptors as their leader is killed, and they shift to the defensive, and begin attempting to break off, allowing the bombers to force another run on the Star Destroyer.

Behind, the Rebel fighters, the Independence slams the bridge of the Star Destroyer with it's ion and turbolaser batteries, leaving small explosions and sparks across the surface of the vessel.

{{BLUE LEADER} We're almost done here Blues, let's make sure the Imps don't have any more surprises... We'll help the Independence coast on buy to deal with that Interdicition station and get outta here!{BLUE SQUADRON}}
With that, he points the nose of his fighter after the fleeing TIE and burns his sublights.

[Elfstone]

And what happened to B2?

[TheOasysMaster]

Performing the Skywalker loop with perfect timing and grace, one of the tails on the B-wing slams into the shields of the Star Destroyer, and the rest break off to reconsider their angles of attack, only to be set upon by Orange Squadron X-wings.
Left in the clear, Bankiss can make another run!

[TheOasysMaster]

PCs all have initiative again.

[Binks]

{{Blue One} Roger lead. Rookie, get back to your wingman, and don't take any risks with that beaten up fighter.{Blue Squadron}} Muna-Ro says as she moves in to follow the leader.

Move - Follow Blue Leader
Standard - Scan the star destroyer for anything suspicious
Use Comp: [roll0] (20 skill, +3 ship int, +5 sensor array)

[TheOasysMaster]

The TIE fighter burns its thrusters, spinning as it hurtles toward the launch bay of the Star Destroyer...
Having reviewed her computer, Muna-ro is unable to pull up anything abnormal about the vessel or the current situation.
Of course, that doesn't stop the Rebel pilot from getting the proverbial bad feeling...

[Binks]

{{Blue One}Lead, I've got a bad feeling about this. If that Star Destroyer was really as badly damaged as it's playing wouldn't it be sacrificing it's fighters to keep us away and fleeing rather than leading us right back to it? Recommend we back off and take up escort positions on the Independence sir.{Blue Leader}} Muna-Ro says over a private channel as she looks at her scanner readings and frowns.

Can I spend my leftover swift action to initiate the Angle Deflector Shields attack pattern? I auto-make the check (DC 15 pilot) and I want to designate the Star Destroyer as the target (so I get double SR against it's attacks, and half against all others)

[TheOasysMaster]

Simms banks, letting the TIE go, just as three squadrons of TIE star fighters pour from the Star Destroyer.
{{BLUE LEADER} GOOD CALL! Let' hustle our butts back to the Independence. It's obvious the Star Destroyer isn't quite done yet, Blues!{BLUE SQUADRON}}

200 XP for Muna-Ro

[Jallorn]

Velin relays the plan over to the Oranges, seems like they might listen to him after the thank you, {{Blue 3}Blue Squadron is falling back, suspect a possible trap on the part of the Imps, advise you do the same.{Orange Squadron}}

[TheOasysMaster]

Orange Squadron continues to ignore him.
Not responding, Orange Squadron splits into two groups: one keeping distance with the approaching TIEs, while the other half move to protect the Independence...
There are obviously Interceptors amongst the newly realeased Imperial forces... The tell-tale trails of concussion missiles hurtle toward the Rebels.
{{BLUE LEADER} Evasive Maneuvers! Get to the Independence, and protect her-they'll probably try and release their own bombers next! Bankiss! Rhynn! Keep pounding at the Star Destroyer!{BLUE SQUADRON}}
The Rookie doesn't respond, and a stabilizer wing flies off into the emptiness of space, it has become clear his steering is no longer optimal-he's on a vector that'll lead him into a direct collision with the bridge!

Sorry about the vanishing DM act. But never fear guys, I have no intention of bailin' on ya.
Okay...
So for a mini-summary...
The capital ships are closing, and the Independence is planning to shoot past to attack the ground based gravity-well projecting station.
New TIEs have been released, and bombers are likely to be next...
Rookie is on a collision course.
Imperial reinforcements may arrive at any moment.

[Jallorn]

{{Blue 3}Rookie, eject, I'll pick you up!{Rookie 1}} Velin's suit is designed to resist the rigors of space, so the only dangers to him would be the Ties, while the dangers to Rookie would be less than certain death. Velin switches off the air filtration system in his X-Wing as he moves to pick up Rookie, the air is only going to escape, no sense in wasting his reserves. He prepares to open his canopy to let Rookie in.

[TheOasysMaster]

o_O
Good grief, I was NOT expecting that.
NOT AT ALL....
Damn, okay, I'm gonna wait for other PCs to post before I tell you how that goes...

[Jallorn]

Well heck, are we heroes or aren't we?:smallwink:

[Binks]

{{Blue One}Covering Blue 3 while he tries his crazy stunt.{Blue Squadron}} Muna-Ro says, with a hint of amusement in her voice as she moves to a position where she can cover Blue 3.

Move - Get near Blue 3
Swift - Deactivate my current attack pattern. Half shields against TIEs is bad if there's a new wave coming :P

Standard - Ready an action to shoot the first TIE that goes for Blue 3 or the Rookie
Atk: [roll0] (7 bab + 4 vehicle int + 2 trained in pilot + 2 vehicular focus)
Dmg [roll1]x2

As a reaction if any TIEs come within 2sq of me heading for Blue 3 or the Rookie intercept. Taking 10 on both pilot checks (see below).
Intercept - 27, I get a +1 maneuver bonus on the check to dogfight.
Dogfight - 28 (17 pilot, taking 10, +1 maneuver bonus)

*facepalm*. I just reread one of my talents. Vehicular focus. Yeah, I can already take 10 on any pilot check piloting a fighter...why did I roll all those dc 20 checks?

EDIT: I think I'm cursed to never roll good on an attack check :P

[TheOasysMaster]

Well heck, are we heroes or aren't we?
Well, yeees, but I didn't expect THAT!
It's a space battle! What happens if he gets hit by a micrometeorite! Or shrapnel!
YOU'RE CRAZY!
I thought you'd nudge him off course!
CRAAAAAAAZY!


I think I'm cursed to never roll good on an attack check :P
I've been saying the same thing about my rolls...

...until now.
:smallamused:

Within his starfighter, Velin and Muna-ro see Rookie give a thumbs up to acknowledge.
He presses at controls.
And more.
Again and again.
Then he panicks. Smashing the instruments over and over with his fists as he yells in frustration.

No pilots interfere with the two X-wing pilots, and their change in course, has moved them completely out of the path of the barrage of concussion missile, leaving them, and the Rookie, rather alone.

As of this moment, you two have independent Initiatives. I really did not see THIS happening...
Well done, you've utterly surprised me.

[Binks]

"Space it all...Fraction! Can you get me a link to the Rookie's xwing diagnostics?" Muna-Ro says to her Astromech as she continues to fly cover.

If I can get some kind of computer link to his X-wing's computers I'd like to attempt a use computer diagnostic check, and, if the problem is not purely mechanical in nature, a use computer check to try and help him eject.

Diagnostic: [roll0] (+20 skill, +4 xwing int bonus)
Override: [roll1]

Otherwise I'll just continue flying escort, same Intercept rolls (taking 10 on both if it happens) while I try to figure out an alternative plan.

[TheOasysMaster]

Fraction warbles an affirmative, and gets to work!
The droid establishes communication with the Rookies own droid, and though it is severely damaged, Fraction is able to draw out some answers.

Hyperdrive Critically Damaged...
Main Weapons Systems Moderately Damaged...
Main Engines Slightly Damaged, 'locked' to accelerate at a exponential rate...
Ejection System perfectly functional, yet the Canopy is not responding...
Controls Critically Damaged
Life Support Slightly Damaged...

[Mando Knight]

Ace's voice immediately switches from a confident, playful tone to an even, concerned one. {{Blue 2} Independence, do you read? We need immediate tractor beam lock on Blue 8 for evac. {Independence}}

Flipping comm switches even while she's shooting and dodging away, she keys back to Blue Squadron. {{Blue 2} I'll cover the rescue team. Get that kid out of here! {Blue Squadron}}

Shooting the nearest bogey: [roll0], [roll1]+12
Does not include range modifiers.

[TheOasysMaster]

{{Independence, Bridge} We've got ships approaching from hyperspace, BLUE 2, he'll have to make do on-{BLUE SQUADRON}}
The Star Destroyer leaps forward, firing its turbolasers along the top of the Independence and slicing at the bridge.
{{BLUE LEADER}Negative. You'll just draw attention to him! Defend the Independence!{BLUE 2}}
Streaking her laser cannons through space, Ace shears off the wings of a lead TIE fighter, sending it spiraling into the cross-hairs of an Orange Squadron fighter, who finishes it off.

Go PCs...

[Binks]

{{Blue One} Rookie do you read me? Your canopy is stuck, if you can blow it the ejection system should kick in. {Rookie}} Muna-Ro says as she continues to fly cover.

{{Blue One} Any ideas Blue 3? {Blue 3}} she adds as she hits a few buttons on her control panel.

"Fraction. Check with the other astromech if it knows what's wrong with the canopy ejector then confirm the level of damage on the hyperdrive. Probably too much to hope for but even a short jump would give us time...and contact the Independance, see if they have a shuttle available for pilot recovery." she adds as the three xwings continue to fly separate from the battle.

So I assume there's no way to deal with the canopy not opening remotely? If the Rookie needs a mechanics check to unlock the canopy I'd like to aid him (by suggesting it and telling him where the problem is) [roll0]

Other than that I really don't have anything. Continue standing by to intercept any TIEs that get opportunistic...and hope Velin has an idea or something works...

[Jallorn]

Since Velin is a genius engineer with particular skill when it comes to spaceships, I think I can justify a Mechanics check to come up with technobabble advice for Rookie. I'll roll and write the post, and whether or not it works can probably be decided by the roll. Sound reasonable?

Mechanics: [roll0]

{{Blue 3}Try diverting power through the auxiliary power couplings, your primaries might be damaged.{Rookie 1}}

[TheOasysMaster]

Rookie nods furiously, listening carefully to the suggestions from his wingmates.
Calming himself, he checks to make sure his suit is secure and will protect him from vacuum...
He arches in his seat, and brings both boots against the glass.
Repeating the motion, he kicks and kicks.
A pair of TIEs break off, but Simms offers himself as bait to keep them from getting to close to the three X-wings, and the trouble is avoided...
...despite this momentary distraction, Rookie is still on course with the ever looming Star Destroyer!
Fraction warbles responses about Muna-Ro's request...

BLUE 8's astromech droid non-responsive.
Canopy ejector...
...
...
Nonresponsive.
Hyperdrive, faulty; coordinate input and retrieval is damaged beyond repair.
Shuttle on the way.
Diversion of power to auxiliary power coupling-

The pilots can see it. There are a pair of twin blasts in the rear of Rookie's X-wing, and his ship begins to corkscrew, turning over and over as it hurtles on its collision course...

{{Ackbar}INCOMING IMPERIALS!{ALL REBEL ALLIANCE UNITS}}


So I assume there's no way to deal with the canopy not opening remotely?
I'm gonna say no. Astromech's have been shown to need to make a physical connection in order to interact with systems, though I see no reason why Fraction couldn't be modified to allow 'wireless' contacts, though this could raise some issues.
Definitely could be useful.


Sound reasonable?
Yes, of course!
A Mechanics Check or rioleplaying to calm him down would have been acceptable, and you two provided a little bit of both.

[TheOasysMaster]

Hey! You guys are still 'up'! Especially Ace!
No other ships are engaging you in combat!
Save the Rookie!

[Elfstone]

Flipping his heavily modded B-Wing from dogfight mode to bombing run, Bankiss screams for hom over the Star Destroyer, lighting it up with his lasers as his copilot fires the torpedoes.

[roll0]
[roll1](8d10 base, +4 PC level, +3 feats)(Damage threshold and reduction are treated as 5 points lower)

Copilot

Double Swift Actions to Aim.
One Standard Action to fire a Proton Torpedo. This attack has both Penetrating attack and Devastating Attack talents, reducing both DR and Damage Threshold by 5. also Dead Eye increases the damage by one die. I have Far Shot, if that brings it to Point Blank Range I get another +1 to both attack and damage from Point Blank Shot.
From Heavy Hitter I get an additional +1 point of damage for each 5 points above the target's Reflex Defense. Also from Heavy Hitter, If I hit the Damage Threshold, the target cannot attack and its speed is reduced to 1 square in starship scale.
So to the best of my knowledge.
Attack Roll: [roll2] This figures in my BAB, Weapon Focus, Starship Raider and the +2 for being trained in Pilot. It does not include the intelligence bonus (because I'm having trouble finding how much it is) or Point Blank Shot, if it applies.
Damage Roll: [roll3] +1 for each 5 over Reflex Defense. (does not include Point Blank Shot.)

(Reroll from Gunnery Specialist if I miss: [roll4]


Sooo busy, sorry for being late.

[TheOasysMaster]

As Bankiss hurtles across the surface of the Star Destroyer, he and the rest of the bomber squadron take the Star Destroyer's gunners by surprise!
Unhindered, proton torpedoes light up the shields, and they flicker, but manage to hold under the barrage.
Unfortunately, the Imperials have a surprise of their own!
Two Lancer-class frigates and another, smaller Star Destroyer scream out of hyperspace, making this battle terribly one sided.
{{BLUE LEADER} Time to leave this party!{BLUE SQUADRON}}
{{BLUE 12} I hear that!{BLUE SQUADRON}}
{{BLUE 9}Bah! Lancer's aren't so tough-they're overrated!{BLUE SQUADRON}}
{{BLUE 10}BLUE 1, what's up with BLUE 8?{BLUE SQUADRON}}
{{BLUE 7}ROOKIE!{BLUE SQUADRON}}
{{ADMIRAL ACKBAR} Fighters! Disengage combat and consult contingent hyperspace coordinates! If you can, return to the Independence!{BLUE SQUADRON}}
{{BLUE 11} Aaaargh-Lancers!?!?! I don't think we should risk running back to Independence-we'll wait for that shuttle to pick up the Rookie, then make to the contingency point! {BLUE SQUADRON}}
{{BLUE LEADER}Sounds right to me... BLUE 4! Bankiss! Rhynn! Time to go! BLUES 7 and 9, join cover of BLUE 8! The rest of ya'... jump to lightspeed!{BLUE SQUADRON}}
The Independence's engines push it past the Star Destroyer with a flare of its massive engines, only to earn a large retaliatory salvo of turbolasers.
Now, the Independence's shield flicker and smoke and sparks fly from the hull as the cruiser barrels toward the station, skimming along atmosphere.
At the edge of the battle, the Lancers begin to make their way past the asteroid while the Star Destroyer moves to cut-off the Independence's perceived path of escape!

[Binks]

{{Blue One}Requesting an ETA on pickup of disabled pilot {All}} Muna-Ro says, worried about the Lancer's sudden appearance.

Either they were close enough to jump here in less than a minute...or they were already inbound...but if that's the case, why were they inbound, and why was the ISD here alone? she thinks as her fingers trace over the small navicomputer's controls.

"Fraction, double-check the hype-course will you?"

Do we already have hyperspace courses to the contingency point? If so, just forming up to cover the Rookie while the shuttle comes to pick him up, and jumping the instant the shuttle has him and has made the jump.

If not I'll try an astrogate check, since I probably have the best use computer check. Requesting an aid another from Fraction.
Use Computer: [roll0] (+20 skill, +4 xwing int bonus) + 2 if fraction aids ([roll1] if you want me to roll his aid).

If I can I'll transmit that to the other Blues and the shuttle.

[TheOasysMaster]

{{SHUTTLE 2} We're on our way!{BLUE 1}}
Muna-ro's musings aren't that far off...
An Imperial exercise involving the use of the interdiction system became a whole lot more real for the Imperial Navy when the Independence happened to drop into their midst!


Do we already have hyperspace courses to the contingency point? If so, just forming up to cover the Rookie while the shuttle comes to pick him up, and jumping the instant the shuttle has him and has made the jump.
Oh, yes yes! They have them-they just gotta push the button, or pull the throttle or whatever...
Warbling excitedly, the droid displays the long codes that indicate the hyperspace coordinates and the coordinates of the real-space location.
At the same time that a RM-09 Alliance Shuttle flares into Muna-Ro's vision, Rookie manages to kick off the canopy of his corkscrewing and doomed X-wing...
Spinning through space, the X-wing continues far faster than its abandoned pilot, and the Shuttle lurches forward to retrieve him.
Obstinately moving along the Independence gets into position to fire on the station below, turbolaser batteries aimed to the surface, but the Star Destroyers release flights of bombers, headed straight to the Mon Calamari capital ship!

[Jallorn]

{{Blue Squadron}Now let's get back and screen for the Independence,{Blue 3}} Velin encourages, turning his ship and gunning full throttle to intercept the bombers.

[TheOasysMaster]

For a moment, other Rebel fighters are confused by the recent appearance of Imperial reinforcement-but what other response can there be but full attack?
Cancelling hyperspace jumps, Orange Squadron leads the way to engage the attacking bombers and their Interceptor screens!

[Mando Knight]

{{Blue 2} Roger that, Three. No use prepping for jump until the Independence clears the path for us. {Blue Squadron}}

Ace begins to take the incoming TIEs head-on.
[roll0]
[roll1]+12

[Binks]

{{Blue One}Okay, someone needs to talk to the captain of that ISD. Doesn't he know you're supposed to launch all your bombers immediately so we can shred them, not hold some back in reserve...it's just plain rude.{Blue Squadron}} Muna-Ro says over the comms, joking to hide the fact that she's worried about how the battle has gone so far. With Rookie nearly killed, and the Independence damaged and repeatedly targeted, things have not exactly gone according to plan thusfar.

Pushing her fighter to max speed and kicking in her SLAM drive Muna-Ro moves to sweep right through the bomber squadron, hoping to disrupt them before they can line up for a mass torpedo barrage.

How far away are the bombers? If they're within 15sq I want to:
1. Increase Vehicle Speed check (+10 from SLAM since I'm using All-Out Movement): Taking 10 for a 37 (17 pilot + 10 SLAM + 10 'roll')
Since I auto-make the DC 20 check I get +1sq of movement, +3 more from exceeding the DC20 by 15 or more. So my x-wing has 8sq movement for this turn.
2. Attack run 8sq towards the bombers, shoot at one of them.
Atk: [roll0] Dmg: [roll1] x2
3. Move right through their formation to disrupt it (if they were <=15sq away they're now <=7sq, and I have 8 move). Auto-make the avoid collision check (DC 15), just want to throw them off, not hit them.

Otherwise if they're more than 16sq away but within 31sq
4. Increase Vehicle Speed (same as above, 8sq movement)
5. All-Out move right through their square. I get -6 reflex (14), and I can't attempt to avoid a collision (I hope one of them can make the DC 15 check to not hit me...)

If they're more than 31sq away...wow, that's a long way off. Steps 1,3, then 2, with whatever the range penalty is.

If I'm targeted Snap Roll maneuver. Taking 10, my reflex becomes 27.

[TheOasysMaster]

How far away are the bombers? If they're within 15sq I want to:
Veeeery nice...

The TIE Bomber leader is surprised by Ace's barrage of laserfire tearing through his ships wings, but with Imperial fanaticism and his own flight to lead, he stays the course...
But the utter horror of Muna-Ro's X-wing is too much for him!
As she screams past him, his ship literally disintegrates under laser fire, and the flight of bomber dissolves in confusion as she burns through it, leaving the confused and terrified TIE bombers easy picking for the just catching up Orange Squadron...

o_O
You just served up 11 TIE Bombers on a silver platter!
I'm gonna tally that up...
=P

[TheOasysMaster]

Sorry, Failed my Fortitude Save vs. the Flu...
XP calculated by the way...
...it'll be received at the 'encounter's end'.

Another Imperial Star Destroyer emerges from hyperspace...
The Independence's turbolasers flare over and over, and the station on the surface below disappears in spears of fire.
{{ACKBAR} MAKE THE JUMP TO LIGHTSPEED{ALL REBEL ALLIANCE UNITS}}

[Binks]

Muna-Ro grabs her x-wing's hyperdrive lever, gives a 2s count to give her mind time to see anything she might be missing...and to give her sensors time to grab as much data as they can...then pulls back, accelerating into hyperspace and relative safety. Taking a deep breath she settles in for the trip, very happy to be alive at the end of such a chaotic melee.

Anything very interesting I can get from sensors about the second ISD? If not I'll just chalk it up as 'gathering baseline comparison data' :P
Use Computer: [roll0] (20 skill, 5 sensor package, 4 ship int)

[TheOasysMaster]

As the stars turn to white spears, Muna-Ro doesn't need her computers to notice that the sublight engines of the new Star Destroyer appear to be severely damaged...
Smoke and fire billow into the empty void of space, but that is all behind her as Muna-Ro follows the Independence to the contingency point in space...
"Encounter's End"
An asteroid, hurtling through the empty void of space, greets the pilot as she disengages her hyperdrive.
As the asteroid spins over and over, Muna-Ro can see that there appears to be a sort of battlestation riddled across its surface.
Slowly, yet purposefully, the Independence moves alongside the asteroid, and the scales of the two objects can be better compared, with the asteroid being as long and half again as the Independence.
Around her, the X-wing pilot can see other members of her squadron, as well those of Orange Squadron and Gradient Squadron.
Angling their attack foils, most of them head toward the hangar bays...

Context for "Encounter's End" will come soon.
Experience will be awarded once everyone has made the jump to lightspeed.

[Jallorn]

Velin stays in space, doing his best to ward off any bombers or fighters while the Independence escapes, but keeping his hyperdrive ready to jump as soon as the Independance is away.

[TheOasysMaster]

Velin sees the Independence...
Stretch as it tears away at lightspeed...
He also see, the shuttle quickly speed away with Rookie safely inside.
More importantly, he sees the fiery fate of Rookie's X-wing...
Hurtling through space faster and faster, a final bomb from a passing Y-wing, causes the shields to flicker, and Rookie's X-wing slams into the bridge with a mighty explosion.
The blastshields strain and crack, and the decompression sends fire and twisting and dying Imperials into the void.
As the hull of the initial Star Destroyer begins to fail, gouts of flame spit from holds and hatches, and crack and seams rupture the armour.
Slowly and surely, the frigates halt their progress, and one begins to angle toward the failing Star Destroyer.
Probably a rescue effort.
As Velin escapes into hyperspace, the rest of Blue Squadron go with him, leaving Blue Leader and Ace behind.
{{BLUE LEADER}C'mon Ace! Not even you can take on two Star Destroyers alone! Everyone out!{ALL REMAINING REBEL ALLIANCE UNITS}}
Simms makes the jump to lightspeed, as the remaining Rebel bombers and interceptors disengage from combat, and make their own jumps.

Velin sees what Muna-Ro sees. An asteroid with military applications.

[Mando Knight]

{{Blue 2} Aww, I didn't know you cared. {Blue Squadron}}

Firing a taunting parting salvo, Ace flips her X around and pulls the hyperdrive as soon as her R2 beeps the all-clear.

[TheOasysMaster]

Simms smiles to himself, making a rude hand gesture at a persistent TIE fighter as he follows Ace into hyperspace...
As the two last members of Blue Squadron emerge at Encounter's End, the captain sends out a transmission across the channel.
{{BLUE LEADER}Meet in launch bay for tactical debriefing... Then, we'll go have a look at Rookie. Velin, I need to see you. And Muna-Ro. Ace and Azzameen, I think our tech crew may be here at the End, see if you can find them for me...{BLUE SQUADRON}}
{{BLUE 10 - AZZAMEEN} Got it! They're probably on one of the gambling decks...{BLUE SQUADRON}}
A large strand docking hoses from the Independence latches onto the End, and the Independence begins making adjustments to it's speed and course, to match the travel of the asteroid and its facility...

Experience points incoming, once I double check the tally...
Keep postin'

Idunno if any of you would be interested... But, LOST: The Roleplaying Game (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=11266363#post11266363)!

[Jallorn]

Velin pilots his ship into the launch bay.

I don't have terrimuch inspiration right now, so that's all I got, sorry.

[TheOasysMaster]

I don't have terrimuch inspiration right now, so that's all I got, sorry.
No problem, I should have an inspiring post, as well as the XP tallies, tomorrow.
As a foresight, before the next mission-the actual mission-you guys will have a chance to explore this unconventional base, do some roleplaying and get some upgrades.
Start 'manual-shopping' =P

[Binks]

Muna-Ro winces a little as her name is specifically called out. Here's hoping he's looking for some scans of the Star Destroyer... she thinks, wondering if she's about to get chewed out for abandoning the main battle to protect Rookie.

Cautiously piloting her ship into the hanger bay Muna-Ro takes care to set down without incident, not wanting to draw any more attention to herself. Running through the shut-down checklist she pops the hatch and gets some help to get herself and Fraction down to the deck.

[TheOasysMaster]

As deck-hands help Muna-Ro from her cockpit, she can see that the hanger bay is a state of organization and calm.
Repairs are already being done, and medics are attending any wounded pilots.
Already, stories and jokes are being passed around as well as food and drinks from all about the galaxy...

10,800 XP for everyone!
An additional 500 XP for Velin's daring rescue
An additional 2000 XP for Ace, effectively wrecking a squadron alone...

And also, 750 XP for roleplaying in general for everyone.
And furthermore, Another 250 XP to Muna-Ro for best roleplaying.

If you got questions or problems, feel free to pose 'em.

Simms has already gotten out of his starfighter, and waits for the rest of his squadron to form up around him.
Muna-Ro can see him watching Rookie being led away on a stretcher... presumably to the Medical Level.
Cheerfully, the Rookie grins as he's carried away by a pair of Twi'lek medics, and waves a goodbye to his friends and comrades.

[Jallorn]

Velin heads straight for Blue Leader, You wanted to talk to me?

[Jallorn]

OOC Hit Point roll
[roll0]

[Mando Knight]

Ace pulls her helmet off and jumps out of her cockpit. She shouts back out to her droid "Hey Sparky, when you get down, look through the local 'net and see if you can spot those grease monkeys for me, 'kay?"

As the droid tweedles an affirmative, Ace turns to look at the rest of the hangar. Seeing Rookie's continued feeble attempts at being a playboy even when laid out on a stretcher, she rolls her eyes, then tags up with Azzameen. "So, what d'you think they're burning their creds on this time? Our kill counts? How long Rookie would last before needing an evac?"

On EXP...
Is that 10800 for each of us, or divvied up evenly?

[TheOasysMaster]

Is that 10800 for each of us, or divvied up evenly?
Each.

Simms holds up a hand, "After debriefing..."
Azzameen laughs softly at Ace's joke.
"Probably how long Rookie's gonna milk staying with those medics!"
Seeing the entire squad assembled, Simms begins without delay.
"Good flying out there Blues! We took no casualties, and barring Rookie's loss of his X-wing... We're unscathed..."
A hand goes up to scratch his head as the captain searches for words, "So, as excellent as we were in avoiding getting tagged by the eyeballs..."
Azzameen says it for him, "Orange Squadron took up all our kills."
"They've topped the leader board solidly since Yavin 4!"
"Those vultures keep stealing our kills!"
"I'm tired of being in last place!"
"Hate Orange!"
Before the debriefing can dissolve into a frustrated tirade about the evil that is Orange Squadron, one of the pilots from Orange, a tattooed Mon Calamari and a Cathar with long braided pleats stalk past Blue, smirking and swaggering as they leave the hangar bay.
"Ignore them Blues!" Simms says, "Muna-Ro, Velin and I will deal with them when we're done here."
"Where are Bankiss and Rhynn? They landed with the bomber squadron in B-bay."
"Alright, then. Ace. Azzameen. I need you two to go find our official tech crew to see about bringing us a little more firepower. They should be on one of the entertainment levels..."
Azzameen grimaces, "As fun as that sounds, there's a lot of distance to search for a crew on the End..."
Simms nods.
"During the Clone Wars, the Separatists built this base as a orbital station to house equipment and facilities to produce battledroids and weapons above the surface of one other planets."
Thurlow scowls, "Not another histor-"
"Quiet! During the Wars, a pair of Jedi Knights managed to cause the asteroid facility to drift out of orbit, and ever since, it's been spinning through space."
Nodding Murleen points through a transparisteel window above, where Encounter's End can be seen below the Independence.
"The facility isn't running. But it's multiple decks and hard-to-find nature makes it a good haven for all kinds in the galaxy. It's a place where Hutts, mercs, bounty hunters and other scum can come to relax and buy and sell their dirty business."
Grunting in agreement, Simms continues, "There is no real authority on Encounter's End. The Alliance is only welcome here because our blasters get in the front door, our credits go to the sabacc tables and our X-wing will keep any wandering Imps out."
Glaring at Ace and Azzameen, Simms pronounces each word carefully. "Stay. Off. Hutt. Deck. Our tech crew, and its leader, Duce Fragger..."
He winces at the name.
"...should be on entertainment level D1. Find him, and tell him to get his lazy butt back to work! Bring him here."
Simms then pulls out a data pad.
"Ackbar has left the following information; after a day for repairs and rest, the rest of the fleet has been tasked to regroup here, and after another two days, the mission will continue as initially planned in order to capture those weapons and munitions."
"Down with the Emperor!"
Nine's cheer rings through the hangar, and is soon taken up by all the present Rebels...
"Death to the Empire!"
"Down with the Emperor!"
"Victory to the Rebels!"
"Skywalker!"
"Organa!"
"Death to the Empire!"
"Down with the Emperor!"
"Victory to the Rebels!"
Grinning, Simms dismisses the Blues, and turns back to Velin and Muna-Ro, "If I were you two, I'd start a mental shopping list of what you'd like that crazy gundark Fragger doing to your ships. He maybe be insane and lazy, but nobody can deny he's a wizard with a laser cannon-far superior to these droids."
As the Captain begins to head to the mess hall, he beckons for the two to follow.
"The rest of you are dismissed-Murleen, see about that project we were talking about earlier."
Azzameen nudges Ace, point to a hangar door leading toward living quarters.
"Let's change first. Weapons aren't allowed on the Encounter's End, but no searches are made either. I'd like a blaster, and something more comfortable..."

Brief...
Muna-Ro and Velin will be helping Simms confront the Orange Squadron...
Ace, with Azzameen will need to find the tech crew, aboard Encounter's End...
Bankiss and Rhynn have their own problems...

[Jallorn]

You said we would deal with Orange Squadron, what did you mean by that? Velin's voice gives little indication of his emotions, he seems closely guarded, if anything.

[Binks]

So we level up? If so, cool. I'll work out changes tomorrow.

As the captain turns back to dismiss everyone Muna-Ro leans down to Fraction. "Fragger may be a wizard with lasers, but he couldn't keep up for a second with your slicing." she whispers to the droid with a smirk and a light pat on its dome.

As Muna-Ro moves to follow the Captain, motioning Fraction to find a recharger station and take a break, she listens carefully to what Velin has to say. Deciding that he's already expressed the question on her mind, and that there's no point to asking the same question twice, she waits quietly for an answer, smiling to herself as she walks behind the Captain and Velin.

[TheOasysMaster]

Simms stops.
"That's a good question, I guess you wouldn't know. When I... replaced the last captain of Blue, I wasn't told about the animosity between Orange and Blue, I just inherited what-ever conflict had run so deep between 'em."
He starts walking again, stalking through the door with the customary -swooosh, sound.
"I want to see what's what, and what we can do about ending it!"
Seeing Muna-Ro leaving Fraction behind, Simms stops again.
"Bring him! He might be handy-you never know!"

[Binks]

Level up bonuses:
Class: Ace Pilot
Talent: Master Defender (when fighting defensively -2 penalty on attacks, +5 ref. If no attacks +10 ref)
Bab: +1
hp: [roll0]

Muna-Ro shrugs and motions to Fraction to come along as she follows the captain, remaining silent for the most part, her thoughts bouncing back and forth between the upcoming confrontation with Orange and thoughts of the battle just behind her.

[Mando Knight]

Rolling... [roll0]
"Yeah... I'd rather not show up as a possible bogey to every lowlife on this rock by just a look, either. See you in a bit."

Ace heads off to her quarters, swapping out her flight suit for a halter top and shorts, and her flight boots for go-go boots. She picks up a chic purse and slips a few items from her flight suit's utility pouches into it, then walks out to meet up with Azzameen again.

[TheOasysMaster]

Talent: Master Defender (when fighting defensively -2 penalty on attacks, +5 ref. If no attacks +10 ref)

Nice.

Nice Avatar by the way Mando Knight...

There is chaos within the halls, passageways and corridors of the Independence, but officers are quickly bringing about order and technicians and mechanics have already initiated a great deal of repairs.
Passing a trio of arc-welders next to a bulkhead, the party and the droid make their way into one of the dining halls, frequented by Orange Squadron.
Simms holds up his hand to his eyes, frowning.
"Not here. They probably went down to the Encounter's End too... If we hurry, we can catch up with-"

Ace and Azzameen, meeting at the docking tubes connecting the Independence to the Encounter's End move to the long line sending Rebel troops down to the facility.
Another Twi'lek, male, this time, hands them ID cards, identifying the pair as Alliance members, and waves them on through.
"Be careful!"
Azzameen has changed as well, though she still wears her flight boots, a loose jacket covers a midriff revealing top and a barely concealed blaster.
"Can't be too careful!"
The docking tube is made up of finely looped coils of dimmed transparisteel and plastics, allowing travel from one environment to another, and moving quickly, Azzameena and Ace quickly arrive at the docking bay...
Set up like a massive cantina, a circular bar served by a myriad of many-armed aliens of unknown origin serve a mass of lifeforms in the dim and red hue. On the screens above this welcoming bar, sports events from across the galaxy are displayed, as well as various HoloNet feeds, including an outside view of Encounter's End travelling through space.
Azzameen points, "We're headed that way! The entertainment deck is-"
She slams into a large Wookie, balding and mangy who raises its arms above its head in an angry snarl!
Creatures, Rebel and Galactic scum alike scatter in all directions as Azzameen goes flying over Ace's head!

"-Ace and Azzameen. But then again, we're in no hurry."
Simms grins.
"We can take our time and find those Orange clowns later. Let's go see how the Rookie is doing. We'll check out Orange's designated bay later. If they aren't there, we could head down to the End, and see how those two are doing."

[Mando Knight]

(I thought our Azzameen is Ace, a guy, not his sister Aeron. Hence the "Pocket Aces" joke.)

Ace watches her companion get hurled by the Wookiee with a bit of momentary shock. "Oh, come on, just because you've got haircare problems doesn't mean you can take it out on the next person that bumps into you!"

She edges back over towards where Azzameen landed, watching the crowd for the nearly-inevitable fight to break out.

[TheOasysMaster]

(I thought our Azzameen is Ace, a guy, not his sister Aeron. Hence the "Pocket Aces" joke.)
PLOT POINT

The Wookie snarls angrily, aiming an unusually sloppy for its species, punch at Ace's head. Easily ducking the blow, Ace comes up next to Azzameen who spits blood on the floor before standing.
"Bit my tongue..."
She eyes the Wookie.
Raising it's fists in a black fury above it's head again, more clumps of hair fall out.
"Perhaps... We should run..."

[Mando Knight]

"Nah, the guy seems to be pretty drunk or something. Worse aim than a buckethead."

Casually circling the Wookiee, she continues. "If you want to get away, go ahead. I'll cover you."

For reference in case he wants to fight, since I took another level of Soldier to grab Martial Arts 1 (to qualify for Elite Trooper next level), Ace's Reflex is a fairly ridiculous 29.

[Binks]

"Sounds like a plan." Muna-Ro says as she follows the captain.

[TheOasysMaster]

Ace's Reflex is a fairly ridiculous 29.
I noticed...

Azzameen looks incredulous as Ace stalks impudently about the Wookie.
It indeed does seem a little wobbly...
...but if those arms DO connect...

But not today...
Ducking beneath another wide-swing, Ace easily evades the Wookie, and someone in the crowd cheers.
Grinning, Azzameen nods, "Let's go."



Meanwhile, aboard the Independence, as Muna-Ro turns to leave, she finds her way blocked by a Galactic Alliance flight-suit...
Looking up...
Way, way up, she stares into the face of a pinch-faced Cathar. Standing at 8 feet, the feline creature is a true hulking monster.
From Orange Squadron.
Flanking the giant, are the tattoed Calamari and his other Cathar co-pilot from before...
Pleats shaking as he bares his teeth, the smaller Cathar snarls.
"W-what a-are y-you d-doing h-here, B-Blue s-scum! O-Orange e-eats h-here!"
Stretching out a clawed hand, the Cathar nudges Muna-Ro in the shoulder, forcing her back.
Hard.

Azzameen grins again as she leads Ace down deeper into the Encounter...
Behind them, mercenaries, obviously the security on the level set about taking care of the Wookie.
Cautiously.
"You know, I bet Muna-Ro and Velin thought THEY were gonna have an easy time on the Independence! Wanna stop for a drink before we begin our search in earnest?"

[Jallorn]

Faster than the eye can blink, Velin draws his blaster. He doesn't point it at anyone, instead holding it carefully in front of him and messing with the dials and buttons, quite blatantly, in fact. Now now, can't we all be polite? Velin moves in between Muna-Ro and the Cathar, his voice as difficult to read as ever.

Woo for drawing as a free action once per round. Also, taking however long (think it's a move action) to make sure the gun is set on stun.

[Binks]

Taking an extra step back to cover the step the push forced her to take Muna-Ro simply shrugs at the Cathar. "I wasn't aware Ackbar had given you guy a claim on this part of his ship." she says, doing her best to sound calm and in control.

Out of the corner of her eye Muna-Ro catches a glimpse of Velin moving in and nods to him, grateful for the backup.

Deception check to cover up fear of the Cathar? Deception: [roll0]

[Mando Knight]

"Heh. Sure. Just one for now, though. Don't want Simms to find us completely wasted when he comes to figure out why the mechanics didn't show."

[TheOasysMaster]

The massive Cathar is FAST!
It's furry grip forces the Velin's blaster pistol to point toward the ceiling, and as another claw wraps firmly around his throat, Velin's quip is quickly cut-off and muffled by a loud growl.
The giant gives him a quick, rough shake, rattling Velin's eyes in his skull.

Seeing the weapon in the air, the other Orange companions leap into action;
"BLASTER!"
The Calmari tackles Simms and the smaller, hairy Cathar throws...
Something, at Muna-Ro, but she ducks before the pilot bolts for an exit.
There are sounds of shouting and confusion as other diners look to see the fight, wary of the danger of a blaster weapon at use.

Slowly but surely, Velin can feel the air being cut off as the Cathar bears its teeth.


Meanwhile, Ace and Azzameen make their way to a nondescript bar. Sparesely populated by Rebels and mercs, Azzameen snatches a table near the front of the establishment, and a decent distance from sabacc...
She grins wryly, "Technically, we're not on duty..."

It COULD be a good way to find some lost mechanics.
Anyways, despite what it looks like, Muna-Ro and Velin have Initiative.

[Jallorn]

For his part, Velin was perfectly willing to fight dirty, kicking out with his leg.

Yeah, I don't know what to roll to kick someone in the gnads.

[Binks]

"What the kriff!" Muna-Ro yells as the Cathar attacks Velin. "What is wrong with you? You trying to help the Empire!?" she continues to yell as she tries, rather feebly, to get the Cathar to let go by pulling at its arm.

I'd rather not escalate the situation any further by drawing my weapon, so going to try to persuade them by reminding them of our common enemy.
Persuasion: [roll0]

[TheOasysMaster]

Yeah, I don't know what to roll to kick someone in the gnads.

lol
Velin's foot snaps out in a desperate bid to get free of his compromising hold...
Grazing the giant's thigh illicits a loud growl and another furious shake, sending Velin's world into a terrifying spin.
Simms, flips the Calamari pilot over his head, and looks for a chair, but stops at Muna-Ro's words.
"Yeah! We're on the same side! What has Orange got against us anyways!"
The Cathar spits on the ground, and let's go Velin dropping him to the ground.
Behind them, the Calamari leaps to its feet.
"Stupid Blues! No wonder you're so useless out there!"
With that they begin to make their escape, the large giant bringing up the rear as the Oranges flee the scene.
Simms points, "We should follow them! And get out of here-I don't want to spend the rest of our mission in the brig!"

[Mando Knight]

"True... still don't want get too tipsy before we find those mechanics. I'll find a spot to sit if you get the drinks."

[Jallorn]

Calm, Velin states, we made no threats, and they instigated the violence. If an incident like that is what it takes to open the dialogue, then so be it. Despite the fact that Velin is rubbing his throat, his voice is the same synthesized sound. It's a little creepy.

[Binks]

"Yeah, what's their deal anyways? Whatever this feud is it's not worth killing over!" Muna-Ro says, watching Velin to make sure he's alright before returning her attention to the hall the Orange pilots left down.

[TheOasysMaster]

The moment Azzameen disappear from sight, a blue blur slides into the opposite seat with a grin from ear to ear.
A navy-colored....
Man, sits across from Ace, leaning toward her with almost-glowing red eyes. A jacket fails to hide a shirtless and muscle-bound chest.
Flashing another grin, the alien winks.
"And so... What brings you here, Beautiful?"

Meanwhile, Simms shakes his head at Velin.
"Pulling the blaster escalated whatever this started as! But you're right, there's no talking to 'em now."
Scratching his chin, Simms leads them quickly toward the medical deck, then stops.
"You guys wanna see the Rookie? Or change first?"

[Jallorn]

I didn't pull a gun on anyone, in fact, I was careful not to point it at anyone, in case you hadn't noticed. Heck, I was putting it on stun just to be extra careful. That Cathar started with the shoving, and I was attempting to dissuade further rash action. Admittedly, I failed, but... And I think that the best way to hash this out would be through our superiors, since they were clearly unwilling to talk from the beginning. With your permission, I'd like to write up a formal incident report.

[Binks]

"I think that would be a good idea, if nothing else it would bring the problem to our superior's attention. If it's something bad enough for them to go after us for just walking around then it's something we need to deal with before we can fight well together." Muna-Ro adds.

"And I'm fine going to see Rookie right now if you guys are. Always been pretty comfortable in the flight suit." she adds with a smile.

[TheOasysMaster]

"I didn't notice... I was wrestling the fish-head..."
Simms winces, "I'll file the report, it's my responsibility..."

PLEASE lets Simms do it. Roleplaying the filing of a complaint...
:smallyuk:
Anyways, the next encounter is ready...

The medical bay where the Rookie is healing up is a quiet place, if a unusually grim. The room holds six beds, and the nearest on the right is the Rookie's.
As he sees the three at the door, he waves them in with a grin.
"C'mon in guys!"
Bacta growth patches and stitching crisscross the Rookie's face and a great deal of his forearms, but he's as energetic as always.
"I'm glad to see you!"
A red-headed patient under the care of a medical droid watches from her place as the droid sets about massaging her arm.
She smiles and gasps as the droid goes through the motions.
"Everyone here has been really nice," Rookie beams. "Even that guy!"
In similar medical bed across from the Rookie is a Quarren, it's legs are bound in plastisteel splints. Regarding the pilots coolly, the Quarren returns to working on a miniature model Death Star.
Two of the other beds are hidden from view by curtains, and the final bed, in the corner, has a lumpy shape covered in a black tarp.
"So, how'd the battle end guys? I didn't get to see it-what happened to my starfighter?"

[Binks]

"We all made it out. That's about the best kind of battle you can hope for." Muna-Ro says with a smile to the Rookie. She glances around at the other patients, nodding to the others in greeting before returning her attention to the Rookie.

[TheOasysMaster]

Simms grins.
"She's right. As for your ship, I didn't see-did either of you?"

[Mando Knight]

Ace gives the Chiss a once over. "A ship. Also, a need for a drink before finding the grease monkeys that are supposed to keep her flying."

[TheOasysMaster]

The Chiss winces at Azzameen's cold response, and is a little intimidated she hasn't squealed in delight at encountering a 'new' alien species, his usual tactic...
But he perseveres.
"What kind of ship? Surely not that Rebel monstrosity out there? Are you in need of repairs-I've got a pretty handy crew of gear-men myself... And as for a drink-what's your poison, beautiful?"

[Mando Knight]

Ace smiles teasingly. "What, you've got a problem with Mon Cal engineering? Actually, my ship isn't so much damaged as it is temperamental. You know how it goes, right? Put in an oversized shield generator here, fiddle with the power couplings there, add in an aftermarket engine booster, and suddenly she needs a tune up every week to make sure she doesn't give out on you in the middle of routine operation. The crew I'm looking for is the one that's been working on my ship for a while now, so they know her quirks a little better."

She waves her hand dismissively towards the bar, she switches the subject again. "As for drinks, well, I've got a friend picking one up for me, but I'm not quite sure what she's getting. I'm hoping for something with Alderaanian Ruge, but you know how hard it is to get it now..."

[TheOasysMaster]

He nods thoughtfully at the technobabble, then goes blank at the mention of Alderaan.
"What do you mean? Why would it be harder to acquire?"
He leans forward in interest.
In the back of the bar area, the host has opened the blastdoors on the exterior, revealing a large tranparisteel window giving a view of the empty void of space.
Stars twinkle beyond.

Sorry, MandoKnight, it's really up to the other two to 'trigger' the next major plot point. Excellent roleplaying though.
:smalltongue:

[Mando Knight]

Ace gives the Chiss a look. An "Are you frelling kidding me?" look. "What, you had your head stuck in a nebula or something?"

She pulls out her datapad from her purse, making it bring up a saved news article about the destruction of Alderaan, including one of the recovered satellite videos from the event.

[TheOasysMaster]

As he views the datapad, the Chiss begins to look sick, then grim...
"I've been away from civilization too long... This thing..."
He swallows, "It isn't still active is it?"

[Mando Knight]

Ace shakes her head, trying to smile comfortingly. "No, it isn't. It was des..." She pauses for a second, then continues. "Actually, you know what would be better? Pretty sure that Rebel ship you don't like has some guys who were actually in-system when the thing blew. Plus, you could get the only videos from the fight pretty much straight from the source."

[Binks]

"I'm not sure, I think they got your ship with the shuttle, but I could be wrong." Muna-Ro says.

[TheOasysMaster]

Simms begins to think...
"No... You'd already made the jump to hyperspace, Muna-ro... And the shuttles aren't equipped for that kinda op-it crashed!"
A gleam of hope begins to glow in the Rookie's eyes.
"Crashed?"
"Yeah! It took out the bridge! The shields were down, and the bombers had taken a run at it!"
"Stellar! I wonder if I should paint a Star Destroyer profile on my X-wing! I might even be able to get my X-wing back!"
"There was an explos-"
But the Rookie is too excited, "I had my ship modified to max the shields and with excessive armor! I could land that puppy on Mustafar!"
Silence.

An experience bonus to anyone who can see the inevitable...
In character!


Pretty sure that Rebel ship you don't like has some guys who were actually in-system when the thing blew.
No, actually.
Actually, yes! I forgot certain members of Blue Squadron were present.
=3

EDIT: I just realized, with this timeline, Galen Marek IS on the table...
:smallwink:


Shrugging, the Chiss replays the video.
"The Rebel Alliance took it out? Most impressive! I'm guessin' you weren't there, but you have that 'duplicitous Rebel' look about you, are you a Rebel agent?"

[Jallorn]

Rookie, don't be an idiot. Even if your ship miraculously survived, then the Imperials are probably tearing it apart to try and figure out how we suped up an X-Wing so much. You're not getting that one back.

[TheOasysMaster]

There is a clicking noise, and everyone looks at the Quarren sitting across from the Rookie...
It's tentacles tremble and wave in sudden fear.
In an impressive grasp of Basic for its species, the Quarren speaks.
"Weren't the hyperspace coordinates for the End hard-coded into every starfighter for the original mission?"
Simms scoffs, "C'mon! How good can Imperial slicers be?"

http://www.stuckon.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/darth-vader.jpg

"Good enough."
"Yes, Captain Voss."
The technician quietly gathers his tools, and equipment, leaving the bridge of the Star Destroyer Stalwart Vengeance.
The Captain, a steel-eyed Corellian in his thirties, turns to another deck-officer.
"What was his name again? He repaired that comm station quickly and quietly, most impressive."
"Sven Darr, Captain."
"See to it that he receives the appropriate promotion, and is assigned to my retinue."
"Yes, Captain. We're receiving the responding transmission from Corus-"
"Imperial Center," the Captain breathes firmly. "Patch Lord Vader in."
The shimmering, yet still fearful dark form of the Emperor's right hand appears, but Voss is not cowed.
"Captain..."
"Lord Vader, I trust you received-"
"Yes. Proceed as planned. Follow the coordinates to pursue the Rebels, and seek to destroy them while capturing key traitorous personnel to get what information the Empire can to destroy the entire Alliance."
"Yes, my Lord, we can turn the unfortunate events of this exercise into victory for the Emperor!"
Vader nods, then pauses.
"You do not fear me, Captain Voss."
It is not a question.
"An Imperial Star Destroyer Captain has no need for fear, Lord Vader. I trust and know that as long as I serve the Empire, that emotion has no place in my being!"
Vader nods again.
"Good. Report back as soon you engage the Rebels... Admiral."
"Thank you, Lord Vader."
The transmission ceases, and Admiral Durne Voss smiles.
"Prepare hyperspace calculations! Make the jump to lightspeed!"

[Jallorn]

That fighter wasn't encoded for high security. If that thing survived, the imperials are on their way here, turning to leave, Velin coolly states, I'll recover our people from the station, and warn the people there while I'm at it.

[Mando Knight]

Ace frowns. "Y'know, you're not gonna impress to many girls with that kind of tone. Besides, what of it? In a secret rock like this, Rebels are probably the nicest outlaws you'll run into."

[Binks]

Muna-Ro covers her face with her hands, then rubs her temple as she puts two and two together. "Imp slicers are easily good enough to get to the data on your fighter Rookie. If the navicomp survived the impact well enough for them to get any data off it then they've already cracked it. We need to let the higher ups know that we can expect an Imperial attack at the End soon."

[TheOasysMaster]

Simms holds out his arm, blocking Velin's path.
"No, get to your ships. I'll sound the alert and contact the bridge-Muna-ro, lemme use Fraction so I can give him the proper codes to put some weight behind it!"
Rookie struggles to stand, flailing his arms in a wide circle to maintain his balance.
"I'm coming wi-"
The medical droid moves to push him back into his bed, and the Rookie deftly switches it off with the flick of a switch at the back of it's head.
"-th you guys, just get me a ship!"

[If the halls are empty...
...it should take them two minutes, sprinting without stop and all the doors being open...
...to reach their ships.
If.]

The Chiss winces again.
"No problem at all! I've just been so... out of it for a while... And then this!"
He gestures to the datapad with the Alderaan footage.
"It's a lot to take in. I've had run-ins with Alliance agents before-not actually 'agents', but pilots, soldier and recruiters, some good and some bad... But after having seen what the Empire is up to now, I think my choice had been made clear about who I stand with."
He starts the clip again, shaking his head, "I'm glad those monsters are far, far away from us here on the Encounter's End..."

[Binks]

Muna-Ro simply nods to Fraction as the little droid rolls forward to help the Captain. While she waits for the Captain to finish (can't exactly lift off without an Astromech...) she turns to the Rookie.

"It's probably best if you stay here Rookie. I doubt we'll have any free ships if everyone is scrambled and you need to recover."

[TheOasysMaster]

As Simms begins to communicate to the bridge through Fraction, the Rookie struggles with his restraints.
"I can't stay he-"
<<THIS IS A LEVEL-5 RED ALERT! SCRAMBLE ALL FIGHTERS! THIS IS NOT A DRI-CONTACTS APPROACHING HYPERSPACE! THIS IS NOT A DRILL! REPEAT, THIS IS NOT A DRILL! FURTHER ORDERS WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE!>>
"-aaaaaaaaargh!"
With a cry of surprise, the Rookie falls froms the bed, tangled in the sheets in a most uncompromising position, revealing a pale-white behind.
<<PREPARE TO REPEL BOARDERS!>>
"Great! Stormies on the way, and our backs to the wall..."
Simms smiles, "Stay here, Rookie. Let's go guys, sets blasters to "Bucket-head: Medium Rare!"





Voss salutes as Vader's image returns to the viewscreen.
"Admiral?"
"The Rebel coordinates my slicers-"
The Sith Lord crosses his arms.
"Our slicers, Lord Vader, extracted from the fighter turned out to be productive! We've followed the Rebels cruiser to a free-traveling asteroid base!"
"Most distressing. An oasis for Rebel supporters and the scum and villainy of the galaxy, no doubt. Your rules of engagements are as follows: You will take every action necessary to capture the cruiser and its commanding officers. Furthermore, you will destroy this base. Utterly. It serves as a competition for 'the Wheel' and other invested holdings the Emperor takes interest in."
"Yes, Lord Vader."
"Don't fail me Admiral. Reinforcements are being launched from Coruscant."
"Most appreciated, Lord Vader."
With a nod, the Dark Lord cuts off the transmission.
Turning the Admiral nods to his deck officers, signalling the beginning of the attack.
"We've obviously emerged from hyperspace distant from the targets... No matter, however-we have the element of surprise. Launch all fighters! Lancers take point."
At his command. TIEs scream into the void of space, laden with bombs to bring fire and destruction to the end, while shuttles with the stark-masked 'troopers of the Empire, bringing death from blasters.
The Star Destroyer's begin to split up-one headed toward the settled bulk of the Rebel cruiser, while two angle off toward the End.
Finally, Stalwart Vengeance hangs back, waiting for reinforcements before engaging fully, flanked by its trio of screens.

[Jallorn]

Why didn't we see this coming sooner, Velin laments as he runs full tilt towards his ship.

[TheOasysMaster]

Simms sprints after Velin, a little surprised at the speed he's showing. Puffing to keep up, Simms suddenly stops, sliding.
"Wait! You're headed to the grav'lift, right! Everyone will be doing that-we can just take the stairs!"
There is a rumbling below and above them, as impacts shake the Independence.
A rebel Marine runs past, hefting a rocket launcher, "Turbolasers at that range? They must be eager..."

[TheOasysMaster]

BUMP!
What's goin' on?
:smalleek:

[Jallorn]

Velin's headed for the ship.

[TheOasysMaster]

Velin's headed for the ship.
Choose now-take the gravilifts or the stairs!

[Jallorn]

I guess stairs.

[TheOasysMaster]

I guess stairs.
Sigh, in-character! =P

There is another suspicious rumble as the Independence shakes.

[Binks]

Been busy, was hoping someone else would post first for inspiration.

Muna-Ro takes off, following the captain just as fast as Fraction can go. She tunes out the sounds around her, trying to concentrate on whether there's any way the rebels can take advantage of this situation, but her thoughts keep coming back to 1 question. How did I miss this?

[Mando Knight]

Ace smiles softly as she slips her datapad back into her purse. "Well, glad you think so."

She glances around. "Wonder where my drink is?"

[TheOasysMaster]

Catching up to Simms and Velin, Muna-Ro sees the gravity lift doors slide open, and other pilots and personnel file in hurrying ti get to their own positions...
On the deck below, Imperial stormtrooper, GH-3452 sinks two blaster bolts under the arm of a Wookie technician, filling the now emptied corridor with the smell of burnt fur and ozone.
Pouring in from their boarding shuttles, the other Imperial Marines are thankful to have even made it to their target so easily.
"Fan out! Cause havoc troopers! Other details have specific capture objectives... I say we try and see what can be done to the Rebel scum's comm-what's this!"
Clutching the blaster wound on his stomach, Thurlow reaches out for a fallen blaster pistol, but the shiny white plastic carapace of a stormtrooper boot stop his advance.
3452 reaches down, and takes up the pistol, twisting his foot to the crunch of bone.
Taking out the battery pack, he deftly replaces it into his own weapon before tossing away the illegally modified weapon.
"Rebels and their inferior weapons."
"Inferior tactics."
"Inferior soldiers."
Thurlow struggles to respond.
"Just plain inferior scum..."
-Speeeyow! Speeeyow!-


On the End, the Chiss raises an eyebrow, pulling out his own creditstick, "Allow me-what'll you have?

[TheOasysMaster]

Bump again! The lift is gone... leaves the stairs...
And Ace still has her mission!

[Binks]

Okay...then we're using the stairs? I mean, if we only have 1 choice why wait for us to state it?

[Mando Knight]

Ace flashes a roguish grin at the suggestion. "Oh, I don't know. Something sweet, I guess. Surprise me."

[Jallorn]

Upon Simm's advice, Velin heads for the stairs.

[TheOasysMaster]

God this is embarassing...
Sorry about vanishing...

As the Chiss signals for a waiter of some sort to order drinks, a Rodian bounty-hunter slams into the waiter, sending the poor boy flying.
Barely even pausing to stop, the Rodian screams something into a handheld comm-device, before slamming on a helmet and running off.
The Chiss stands, looking to see if they young boy is alright, "That was odd... Even for a Rodian..."
As he sits back down, the Chiss gets a better look at Ace, and his mouth twists into a smile.
"You're a pilot aren't you?"

Getting really close, Mando Knight.

At a brisk pace, Velin, Simms and Muna-Ro, reach the bottom of the stairs, sweating a little.
At the landing, there is an archaic door-the kinds with hinges, that are sometimes found at odd locations on the Independence.
At about eye-level, there is a circular piece of transparisteel through which one can look.
Simms peers through, and curses as he sees the stormtrooper execute Thurlow.
Whispering hoarsely, he draws a blaster, "We've been BOARDED! That shaking wasn't turbolase-something must have compromised the bridge!"

Get ready for combat you three.

[Mando Knight]

Ace replies wryly. "Told you I had a ship, right? What do you think?"

[TheOasysMaster]

Interested, the Chiss forgets everything else, "What do you fly? I'm a starfighter enthusiast myself, though I'm piloting my own frigate at the moment..."

[Jallorn]

Then let's clean them out, Velin says, drawing his pistol and taking a peek to see how many troopers they would have to deal with.

[TheOasysMaster]

A dozen troopers peer away, down the hallway, stern-ward, toward where the gravilift...
Should have opened...
An officer orders gives order to two troopers, pointing toward the bow of the Independence.
Meanwhile, more and more 'troopers leap from the breach with each passing moment.
As Velin looks on, he sees a chance!
The officer is torn off his feet by a hail of blasters are Rebel marines charge to group, then break in the confused volley from the stormtroopers to take cover.
The stormtroopers begin to retreat, firing as they make their way to the relative safety of the lift.

Imagine the opening of Episode IV aboard the Tantive IV, but YOU guys have a flanking position!

[Jallorn]

Velin leans out from the wall (I assume we're at a corner) and fires at the nearest trooper.

Free action to designate a Prime Target, choosing the nearest living officer, or the trooper at which I am shooting. Double Swift Action to Aim, and a Standard Action to shoot.
Attack: [roll0]+2 more if the trooper is my Prime Target
Damage: [roll1] and -1 condition

[Binks]

Muna-Ro crouches down and leans out around the corner behind Velin, pumping a burst of shots from her carbine at the best target she can see and hoping to catch the troopers off guard.

Are we rolling any kind of initiative? Curious mainly because I have a feat that would give us a surprise round if we all rolled higher init than the enemy. If so here's my roll (and perfect intuition reroll):
Init: [roll0] or [roll1], whichever is higher

My turn actions:
Free - Designate a prime target, choosing, either the nearest living officer Velin is not targeting or a trooper Velin is not targeting.
Standard - Attack prime target.
Attack: [roll2] (+11 base, +1 point blank I'm assuming, +2 prime target)
Damage: [roll3] (+5 base, +1 pb I'm assuming)

EDIT: Glad to see Muna-Ro's terrible aim carries over to ground combat as well :P

[Mando Knight]

"Funny you should..." Ace starts her reply, then cuts herself short. She gives the Chiss a quizzical look, then turns her head to try to spot Azzameen again.

Then she stands up and nods her head towards the Chiss with a smile. "...Actually, I really ought to look for my pal. She should've been back by now, and we've got some gambling mechanics to look for."

[TheOasysMaster]

Azzameen waves at Ace from another table, where she sits with a rusty protocol droid, a weepy-eyed Trandoshan and a woman wearing a "Remember Alderaan" badge.
Drinks and sabacc chips and cards litter the table, though it is clear Azzameen and her new friends have been watching the Ace for the duration of her conversation with the friendly Chiss.
"Heeeeeeeeeey, Ace. Looks like you can score some kills out of the cockpit, too."
She hands Ace a drink, "No worries-no intoxicants; it's a called a Tattooine Duster. The mechanics aren't on this level; my droid friend says we should head down if we want to find their kind of hang-out.


I assume we're at a corner
Good assumption.


Are we rolling any kind of initiative? Curious mainly because I have a feat that would give us a surprise round if we all rolled higher init than the enemy. If so here's my roll (and perfect intuition reroll):

Already rolled it.
You guys won Initiative and got the surprise round. Unfortunately for the Imperials, the Rebel Marines also managed to surprise them too.

With a kick, the door swings open and Simms and Velin fire on the same trooper, burning him to the ground with a pained scream.
With a successful kill under their belts, the encounter is quickly becoming one-sided as the Marine's let loose with smoke grenades and heavy blasterfire.
A spurt of smoke blocks Muna-Ro's shot, and she can tell she missed.
It's not so bad though-the ground is littered with white armored forms and the officer, his uniform stained with blood orders a full retreat to the lift.

[TheOasysMaster]

Bump!
You guys have Initiative!

[Binks]

Muna-Ro, still crouched and partially covered by the doorway, speaks a single Huttese curse as her shot goes wild. Focusing she flips her Carbine over to Autofire mode and lays down a barrage of firepower around the officer.

Swift - Change weapon to autofire mode.
Standard - Autofire attack. I want at least 1sq to be the officer (assuming he's my prime target), the others to be as many Stormtroopers as I can get.

Attack: [roll0] (+1 if pb, +2 against prime target)
Damage: [roll1] (+1 if pb, half against missed targets)

[TheOasysMaster]

The officer crumbles with a drawn out shout, writhing on the ground with pain.
Simms quickly raises his hand, signaling for Muna-Ro to ceasefire, "Capture that officer! Make him a POW!"
A stormtrooper stops to retrieve the officer, but burns under combined fire from Simms and the marines...
One of them stops by Muna-Ro, and looks at Simms.
"Thanks for the help!"
He looks at Muna-Ro and nods, "Good shooting."
He then lumbers off after the dozen or so remaining troopers, while other marines set about examining the boarding craft...
The Imperials are still fighting, with their backs to the gravilift doors, and a few marines succumb to blaster fire.

[Mando Knight]

"What can I say? Whenever the boys try to line me up for a straight shot, it only makes it easier to swoop around and take 'em out."

She grabs the drink, takes a sip, then takes a seat and leans in. "Actually, I've got a bad feeling about him. Like, I dunno, a spy with a jumbled cover story or a con man or something. Didn't even know about that." She gestures towards the "Remember Alderaan" badge.

She finishes the drink, then shrugs and continues. "Or maybe I've been watching too many espionage holodramas lately. Which reminds me... with Rookie in the med bay, that means we get to pick something else tonight."

[TheOasysMaster]

Everyone but the protocol droid laughs appreciatively.
The woman fingers the badge with sadness, "Would make sense with what I've heard about him-he's a Mandalorian. Been gone on a long bounty that turned up empty..."
The drink is soft, sticking to the tongue with a pleasant and cool taste.
"Pick something else? What do you mean?"

[Mando Knight]

"Holodramas. Team holo night is usually in a couple of hours. Rookie seems to think that by copying the suave super-spies, he'll have a better shot at getting a score. He usually gets in the lounge first and already has the flick picked out and everything."

Then Ace pauses a bit. "Never heard of a Chiss Mando before. Or one that walks around without his armor on."

[TheOasysMaster]

Azzameen smiles.
"Romance!"
The droid's eyes light up.
"STATEMENT: The Mandalorian culture goes beyond culture-it is a way of life, not a state of origin."
Azzameen looks surprised, "How can one claim to be a Mandalorian without even being from the planet? Though I suppose one can find it hard to pick up potential fun in full battle armor... Would you have been anymore open if he'd shown up wearing a jetpack and helmet, Ace?"
She winks.

[Jallorn]

I'm confused, are there still troopers near us?

[Mando Knight]

"Heh, maybe. Least then I'd know he'd be tough enough to have a chance at keeping up."

Ace stands back up. "Well, I think that's about enough about my love life for now... Let's get those mechanics so we won't be stuck doing maintenance instead of down time."

[TheOasysMaster]

I'm confused, are there still troopers near us?
Only dead ones!
The survivors are fleeing toward the gravilift down the hall, with the Rebel Marines giving chase.
Azzameen stands as well, moving to lead the way.
As Ace gets to her feet, she notices two things.
Firstly, the Chiss is gone.
Secondly, through the large transparisteel window the emptiness of space is interrupted by a certain B-wing hurtling past it at top speed...
...followed by a TIE fighter...

[Jallorn]

Alright, let's get to those ships, we'll do more good out there than in here, the marines can mop up these losers.

[Mando Knight]

Ace grabs her wingmate's shoulder. "Hey, Azz, I'm not the only one who just saw that, right?"

[Binks]

"Right" is all Muna-Ro says as she follows Velin towards the hanger.

[TheOasysMaster]

Azzameen shakes her head slowly, mouth and eyes wide-opened in shock.
Other patrons of the bar star at what they've just seen, trying to come to terms with what they'd just seen...

At the same moment, Bankiss attempts to come to terms with the fact that he's running out of ideas on how to lose this pesky eyeball!
"Rhynn! This guy doesn't know when to quit! Must be something about us he doesn't like."
Silent as ever, Rhynn keeps swiveling the crosshairs, trying to line up a target as Bankiss swings the B-wing through a series of loops ending in a race between the exposed surface of the asteroid.
As repeating lasers stitch along Encounter's End, Bankiss bobs and weaves back and forth one step ahead-then he sees his chance; a gap between a closed hangar bay and a viewing deck, that might just surprise the Imperial pilot...
With a hard wrench, Bankiss spins over through the narrow space, groaning warning likes flicker.
Rhynn looks up, then continues waiting for the pilot to make the first mistake...
One light doesn't go back off, and Bankiss realizes he's receiving a transmission.
Sweating a little, he turns on the communications channel and ducks under a sattelite dish to put some cover between him and the TIEs ever reaching laser cannons.
"A-Admiral Ackbar!"
The Mon Calamari hero's face is swathed in bandages, obscuring half-his face, though Ackbar still manages to fix Bankiss with a serious, if approving glare.
"Bankiss Keeg? Rhynn Saalem of Blue Squadron, Blue 4?"
Rhynn nods, focused.
"Y-yes, sir!"
"Perfect-you're the sole bomber who managed to get out of bomber bay before the Imperial forces compromised that hangar and we've only managed to get one squad of fighters out here..."
"How bad is it sir?"
"Four Star Destroyers; one for the End. One for the Initiative. Another is playing support for their fighters and as a threat, while the flagship is hanging back with three Lancers... A pair of Lancers is headed for the End and for the Independence, while one is sticking to the support ship... They've launched boarders, though we've managed to repel most of them... Unfortunately, their fighters are causing a great deal of problems for us..."
"Any reinforcements coming in?"
Ackbar nods, "We'd previously contacted the rest of the Initiative fleet-they're coming. Though there's no reason to suppose the Empire isn't bringing help of their own..."
"Right. So what's the plan?"
"I'm confident our Marines and crew can regain control of the hangar bays... But the Independence needs room to maneuver away from the End, so we can fight and perhaps inspire the countless criminals and other vagabonds down their to take to their ships and join the battle..."
Bankiss suddenly jerks to the left as the TIE is joined by a friend. Stiffling a curse, he spins underneath the new attacker and adds some more speed, sacrificing power to the frontal shields.
"Can we really count on those people down there to fight and not run?"
"The Empire has allowed some ships to escape to hyperspace, but with their own bombing runs well under way, the rest are bound to stand up for themselves... But we've got our own problems Blue Four... The Independence is still attached to the Encounter's End and the Imperials have taken up a strong position on their end..."
Ackbar smiles.
"You think you can do anything about that from your end, young man?"
Rhynn grins, giving a thumbs up.
Nodding with his own funny smile, Bankiss flips headed back along the long coiled passage that connects the Home One crusier to the den of scum and villainy.
"Can Luke Skywalker sho-"
"Sorry, Blue Four-Imperials are trying to get onto the bridge!"
There is the sound of blaster fire, and the transmission ends.
"Rhynn! You heard the man; we've got to let the Independence spread her wings!"
Flipping a switch, Rhynn arms a pair of proton torpedoes as Bankiss powers the maneuverin jets to add as last second spin that throws off Imperial pursuers.
Now parallel with the connection, Bankiss and Rhynn are free...
"Fire in 3..."

Two men leap from their seats, kicking Ace and Azzameen to the floor as they flee the bar.
"IMPERIALS!"
"THE EMPIRE IS HERE!"
"AT THE END!"
"GET TO YOUR SHIPS!"
Screams and curses begin in earnest as panic infects the crowd.
A vibroblade hums, and a twi'lek dancer screams as one of her lekku is severed, the price for getting in the way of a rushing bouncer.
Azzameen shakes herself, becoming all business.
"Ace, we've got to get to the Independence!"
A blaster goes off, and the woman with the Remember Alderaan badge falls-a burning hole torn between her eyes.
Cursing, Azzameen pushes Ace toward the exit.

"One second, guys. Someone's trying to contact me on a priority channel."
Simms is holding an experimental communications device-a handheld one with a screen given to officers with rank.
Answering, Simms' face goes blank.
Then he curses.
"DUKE! You had BETTER be cooling your heels on the End!"
A condescending voice emits from the device.
<<Simms, you idiot! I've been here the WHOLE time, working on your fighters! I've been doing some work on your laser cannons! Where HAVE YOU been? I've got Imperials banging on the blast doors! Get your worthless backside down here... And make sure Ace is with you.>>
"She's in the END!LOOKING FOR YOU and YOUR CREW YOU STINKING NERF-HERDER REJECT!"
<<Pompous git, why would I be there when I've got REAL work to do... And I've got no crew-it's just me.>>
Simms works his mouth in fury, "What do you mean it's just YOU? What happened to your tech staff? What about the droids?"
He seems to have forgotten an insult, and slips it in before Duke can respond.
"Frag-sucker!"
<<The higher-ups decided that my techies were trained well-enough to be used elsewhere, and I agreed, Hutt-face. As for the droids... Where do you think I got parts for the laser cannon upgrades?>>
Simms rubs his forehead, motioning for Muna-Ro and Velin to begin moving down the hallway.
One of the Marines, stomps on the Imperial officers wounded soldier, pinning the uniformed man down as he reloads his blaster rifle.

With a modest explosion, the proton torpedoes sever the connection between the Rebel cruiser and the asteroid base.
Flying through the debris, Bankiss ignores the whines of complaint from the shields.
"Alright Rhynn, let's go take on a Lancer! Then, we'll work our way up-I want to get to use my Star Destroyer stencil."
Nodding, Rhynn arms another set of proton torpedoes, giving Bankiss a thumbs up.
Swtiching off the maneuvering jets, Bankiss falls in line behind a pair of smuggle freighters intent on taking some Imperials out before jumping to hyperspace.
"Time for some fun!"

Chaos fills the end, with open fighting taking place as the bombardment begins in truth.
Cursing again, Azzameen shoves a hysterical smuggler out of her way, "How did the Empire even find us?"

<<Another thing-what happened to the Rookie's X-wing? I don't see it>>
Fuming, Simms cuts him off.
"We're coming to you! The faste route is-"
<<Can't come the usual way flyboy! The Imperials and our Marines are duking it out on the maindecks between you and me... You'll have to go up, to access a maintenance hatch that'll lead you down to an observation deck below this hangar! From there, you'll be able to reach me with as little fighting as possible...>>
"Thanks for the info, dimbat."
<<Good luck. Stay safe, star heel-I don't want to have to explain to mom how you got yourself killed.>>
"See you soon, Duke. And just so you know..."
Simms scowls, picking up a blaster rifle and handing it to Velin.
"...you're the worst brother a guy could have in this whole galaxy!"
<<Just get down here! Idiot...>>
The Rebel Marine fires twice, and the officer goes still.
Simms doesn't appear to notice, looking above.
"Fragger is right guys... We're gonna have to go back up... Get Fraction to a data-port to open up the hatch, and go back down..."

"...down, we've got to go down.", Azzameen snarls at the panicking crowd.
"The level below us will get us to the hangars next to the connection to the Independence..."
Her voice cuts off.
Blocking their path to the sloping ramp leading below, is the same Wookie from before.
Madder than ever, it's shed even more hair...
Comical as this would normally appear, the disruptor ray gun in it's large claws make this very serious indeed.

Ace has Initiative.
Also, everyone get's an additional +2 to laser cannon weapon damage. List them as "Fragger Modified Laser Cannons" from now on.. As well as one free upgrade, that Duke will have made to your ships.
Duke is a wizard, so it's okay to assume he know what you like.

[Jallorn]

What kind of upgrade? Of what size? Is it limited to, say, tech specialist stuff, or is it an upgrade point?

Oh, and is that +2 before, or after multiplying?

[TheOasysMaster]

What kind of upgrade? Of what size? Is it limited to, say, tech specialist stuff, or is it an upgrade point?

No limit in price or size-just what your X-wing has the room for. So you can feel free to take something out. Just one thing new.

And the +2 is before, so Ace's "Heavy Enhanced Laser Cannons" are now "Fragger Modified Laser Cannons" which deal 8d10+2 x2 damage

[Jallorn]

Alright then, I'm taking advantage of the Starship Designer bonuses to add an emplacement point that I will fill later.

Fluffing it as him reorganizing much of the mechanics in a brilliant way.

[Mando Knight]

Fluffing it as him reorganizing much of the mechanics in a brilliant way.
Pretty sure that's one of the few main assumptions for any of the uses of the feat.

Also, since my books are a thousand or two miles away right now, my upgrades will come later.

"Not you again. Look, we've got a lot of bucketheads to gun down, and you need to see a doctor. Put the rifle down and I can get to my ship so the Imps won't disintegrate this rock while you're on it."

[TheOasysMaster]

The Wookie tilts its head, then lowers its weapon.
Then, two blaster bolts sizzle through its chest and the large mass of hair and muscle topple to the ground.
Another Rodian, growls at the smoking corpse, "Owed me money..."
It's chance at revenge complete, the killer disappears into the crowd...

+100XP for Ace, for peaceful conflict resolution
+500XP for roleplaying, though the results may not please you as much as I'd predicted...
:smalltongue:


Ace continues to lead the way...
Following a crowd of shady character through a large series of closing blast doors, their little group reaches an atrium with a transparisteel window giving a clear view of the Independence...
Azzameen pauses, once again shocked beyond belief, "Wait, it shouldn't be THERE! It should be HERE!"

Meanwhile, Simms is already bounding back up the stairs, looking for the maintenance hatch which will lead him to the sewers.

[Binks]

...I have no idea what's going on. Sorry, but I just can't seem to figure out what parts apply to me and what don't, do I need to make a post?