Gaming Style in the Redshift Campaign

Shown above are my "GM Merit Badges," I found on Strange Magic, via the My GMing Style sidebar on Dice Monkey. 

Although, I think some players may consider these more hazard and warning signs than merit badges.

Of the 18 badges created by Stuart, I've selected 6 which I think is most appropriate to my style of gamemastering. 

The definitions of the above arcane symbols are, from left-to-right:

1. Character death.

2. Character development and drama.

3. Rolling dice openly.

4. Pre-made maps and scripted contents.

5. Telling an interesting story. 

6. Use of tactics. 

Okay, now for some caveats, disclaimers and qualifiers:  I don't go out of my way to kill-off player characters (PCs) , but we've already seen one PC fall in this campaign.  I roll dice openly during combat and other open actions, while keeping my die rolls hidden, when events the PCs are unaware of are transpiring.  (Think "wandering monsters").  I do create detailed maps and narratives, but this is an attempt to figure out all the possible courses of action the PCs might take and to be ready when the deviate from the script.  In this process, I hope an interesting story is created out of our efforts.

Finally, tactics are a critical element in this game.  The Redshift Chronicles is a military-based campaign.  So in order to win any engagement, employing effective tactics will be vital the PCs' survival.

And by the way, the icons are listed in alphabetical order according to the abbreviated title of the icons--not in any order of importance.

Intelligence Summary #13: Pierson Station Defenses

Stardate:  Thirday, 074-130 ABY/Tarsan Intelligence Service (TIS)

Subsector:  Shannekam

TAg Market Island Defenses

The Zenyan Mainland, the Tau Tau Archipelago and the TAg Market Islands

Milquoor Island and Pierson Station

Pierson Station is a Class-D Starport, located on Milquoor Island near the geographic center of the Tau Tau Archipelago.  Milquoor, Kulovaan and Vandalla Islands were leased to Tarsan Agricultural (TAg) Market several years ago by the Zenyan Mainland Union Government (Z-MUG).

Pierson Station Starport

Pierson Station is TAg Market's shipping center on Zenya for it's seafood products.  There are 8 open docking bays capable of handling one light freighter each.  Medium-sized vessels can land, but require two bays.  Anything larger is required to land at Zenya's Class-A starport in Kairobi, the planet's capital city. 

The company maintains it's own fleet of freighters, which include several GR-75 Medium Transports.  Other shipping companies, free traders and high priority transports make planetfall at Pierson Station to exchange cargo and take-on passengers. 

A portion of the starport is reserved for military use and houses 12 landing pads for fighters.

A small fishing vessel transits the Vandalla Narrows

Outside the starport's perimeter, Pierson Station is also home to the smallest of TAg Market's seafood processing facilities.  Larger centers are located in Vianda, Ooverton and Kul'kva.

One of Pierson Station's X-Wing Fighters

The starport and all three cities are protected by medium deflector shields and light ion cannon batteries.  Five X-Wing Fighters perform security and escort for vessels transiting the Zenyan System.  There were 6 fighters, but one was lost during an unsuccessful pirate raid last year.

X-Wings take-off from Pierson Station

Ground defense and law enforcement is conducted by the Market Islands Constabulary.  This para-military organization is a reinforced company of security troops, with a platoon stationed at each city and the starport.

Grav Patrol Boat #255 races through the Milquoor Strait

A small flotilla of armed grav boats patrol the waterways, with two boats assigned to each island. 

Assessment:

The forces listed above are designed primarily for anti-smuggling operations and serves as a piracy deterrent.  It is doubtful these forces could hold against a 2-3 cohort/battalion-strength onslaught, before reinforcements arrive from Tarsus.

Game Master's Notes:

The buildings and vehicles seen in Pierson Station's Starport are from Ground Zero Games.

The X-Wings in flight are part of Wizards of the Coast Star Wars Miniature collection, while the other vessels came from various Micro Machines sets. The landing pads were scratch-built.

Intelligence Summary #12: The Sith Enigma

Stardate:  Tuday, 073-130 ABY/Tarsan Intelligence Service (TIS)

Subsector:  Shannekam

Motives of the Sith?

On 061-130 ABY, Diplomatic Security Team-3 (DST-3) was nearly overrun by several hundred Sith mutants.   According to Gobar Been, the Force adept of the Tau Taus, these creatures are created from unfortunate captives through a combination of genetic manipulation and Sith alchemy. 

DST-3 discovered piles of animal bones strewn about several cargo containers.  Later, they observed a flight of Lambda-Class shuttles air-dropping new containers on to the island.  The mutants, which are carnivorous and even cannibalistic in nature, may have outstripped the island's natural food supply.

However, not all the mutants faced by DST-3 were savage cannibals.  During the team's harrowing ordeal, a squad of rifle-armed mutants disembarked from a flight of Sith Infiltrator starships. 

This squad was led by a Force-user, possibly a Sith Adept or Sith Acolyte.  No one on DST-3 engaged this individual at close-quarters, prior to their evacuation.  So the scope of his Force powers--along with his identity--are unknown at this time.

The present of the Sith in this subsector is both puzzling and disturbing, to say the least.  Last year, the Sith and Fel Empires concluded their war in order to defeat the Galactic Federation of Fee Alliance at Caamas.  And yet, according to Lt. Naguza, his squad of battledroids was attacked by the mutants while they were escorting Damathon Cohain back to their camp.  (It was later discovered the camp was ransacked by the mutants). 

It's possible the Sith handlers may have little or no control over their abomidable creations.  Or, it may be the Sith are preparing to renew their conflict against their nominal ally. 

What the Tau Taus response to the Sith Mutant infestation on Gadnek Island will be, is unknown at this time.  Another concern is that public knowledge of the Sith operating so far from their empire could cause widespread panic among the worlds in this subsector.  (The galactic map above, illustrates the relative polical-military situation as of seventy days ago).

Recommend this information remain classified TOP SECRET.

Intelligence Summary #11: Invasion Plans Discovered

Stardate:  Wonday, 072-130 ABY/Tarsan Intelligence Service (TIS)

Subsector:  Shannekam

Bongolaanian Invasion Plans of Tarsan Agricultural (TAg) Market Islands

During the rescue mission on Gadnek Island, Diplomatic Security Team-Three (DST-3) downloaded classified files from the Bongolaanian base camp, just before they were evacuated.  One file contained detailed plans for an invasion of the TAg Market Islands on Zenya.

In addition to the invasion plans, DST-3 captured Lieutenant Onjo Naguza of the 7th Cohort/599th Droid Infantry Legion (7/599 DIL).  The Bongolaanian officer requested political asylum once the team touched-down at Pierson Station.  He is currently undergoing a debriefing, shown in the security camera image above and has provided additional information on the impending invasion.

Pierson Station and TAg Market Islands and the Tau Tau Archipelago

Shortly after delcaring a trade war with Tarsus, the Peoples Democratic Republic of Bongolaan began smuggling the 7th and 8th Droid Cohorts onto Zenya.  These units were then transported to Havran, Donmils and Concmar islands in the Tau Tau Archipelago, which fall under the jurisdiction of the Zenyan Mainland Union Government (Z-MUG).  The infiltration operation was accomplished with the clandestine help of one, or more, unknown members of the Z-MUG.  This venture does not appear to have official backing of the mainland, but this could be a case of maintaining plausible deniability.  The invasion plans make no mention of any Zenyan contacts or liaisons.

Pierson Station

At the time of this report, no Bongolaanian warships have been deployed to Zenya.  However, space assets could arrive to support the two droid cohorts in less than 48 hours.

The details of the invasion plans uncovered by DST-3 are as follows:

D-2:

Mobile surface-to-orbit batteries deploy covertly to islets around Vandalla Island. A platoon of battle droids are detached provide security for the batteries.

D-1:

Additional surface-to-orbit batteries conduct a covert deployment to islets west of Milquoor Island.  The intent of this prepositioning is to cut Pierson Station off from resupply and reinforcements.

D-Day:

On D-Day, the 7th and 8th Cohorts conduct a combined air and amphibious assault on Vandalla Island to seize the city of Vianda.  A half-wing of TIE fighters from Crimson Aces has been hired for five days to conduct air superiority, interdiction and close-air-support missions.

D+1:

The 9th Battledroid Cohort lands on Vandalla Island to support the drive against Ooverton. 

D+2:

The Bongolaanian task force launches a two-pronged attack against Kulovaan Island. 

D+3:

The task force converges on the city of Kul 'kva.

D+4:

The invasion of Milquoor Island.

D+5:

The final drive against Pierson Station, followed by mop-up and consolidation operations.

The Bongolaanians could seize the TAg Market Islands at any time.  However, according to Lt. Naguza, the task force commander is waiting for the 9th Cohort to be fully assembled, before launching the invasion. 

The TAg Market Islands are guarded by four platoons of corporate security troops, which may easily be overwhelmed.  There is no alliance or military support compact with the Tau Taus, since all off-world affairs are conducted by the Z-MUG, which leased the islands to TAg Market.

Another possibility for the delay is that Bongolaan, which is now part of the Empire, is having difficulties mustering transport ships for this operation.  The rapid collapse of the Galactic Federation of Free Alliances and the need for Emperor Fel to consolidate his position, is the most likely cause for the shortage of heavy-lift assets.

This report has been forwarded to Prime Commissioner Winthrop Coghill, Ambassador Eleonora Heraud and General Gwyn Norrocks for their appraisal.

Outtake #2--The Better Part of Valor

(Click on image to enlarge)

Welcome to the Redshift...

(Image:  twi'lek, by Wil-Woods)

...the new home for my Star Wars Legacy Era campaign.  Without repeating myself too much from my spin-offs post, I decided this would best serve those specifically interested in Star Wars gaming.

I copied and pasted all the previous "SW Redshift Campaign" material from Stern Rake Studio, to include the dates and times of each post.  Unfortunately, I couldn't figure out how to conveniently transfer the comments some of you made.  For those of you who did provide feedback, please accept my apologies, but also my assurance that previous Redshift entries will remain on Stern Rake Studio.

Unlike Stern Rake Studio, this will be a more streamlined blog.  Game reports, After Action Reviews (AARs), or situational updates will be written as News Briefs or Intelligence Reports.  The difference being, whether or not the information posted is considered common knowledge, or classified information within the game.

Other Chronicle Contents include:  GM Notes, or a "how-to," so to speak; a Gazetteer, so players and readers can get a good visual orientation on where events take place; and finally, a Humor section, for those moments that lend themselves to a funny twist.

The Chronicle Blog List and Links will focus on sci-fi related material in general, and all things Star Wars in particular.  Like my other blogs, this will be a work-in-progress, something I'll continually update, tweak and add to. 

I appreciate the encouragement I've received from current fans and hope to gain more followers with this new venture.  Thank you and I hope you enjoy this new site.

Note:  If you admire Wil Woods art as much as I do, you can find more of his work posted on Deviant Art.

Pulp Title for the Gadnek Island Adventure

Intelligence Summary #10: Rescue on Gadnek Island, Part 6

Saved from a gruesome death!

Situation:  1900 hours.

En-route to Pierson Station at hypersonic speed.

Pierson Station and TAg facilities.

Cad So Billes and Seleq Seel escort Damathon Cohain off the rescue shuttle.

They're greeted by Penelope Pelletin and Adoko.

Rican Vranos Lah To Ceel escort Lt. Onjo Naguza off the rescue shuttle.

Damathon Cohain and Lt. Naguza were given a quick medical exam and determined to be suffering shock.  However, despite the party's harrowing experience, their time back on Pierson Station proved to be fleeting.

One of the files Sei'do Avari downloaded from the Bongolaanian computer contained invasion plans directed against the station and the surrounding Tarsan-held islands. 

Since it was now imperative that the invasion plans be taken to the Tarsan Defense Force Command, the station's only emergency express boat (x-boat) was prepared for immediate take-off. 

As the weary members of DST-3, along with Damathon Cohain and Lt. Naguza boarded the x-boat, they were joined by the Tau Tau Force Mystic, Gobar Been, who wanted to "follow the Will of the Force."

The x-boat lifted off from Pierson Station before midnight and once beyond Zenya-3's gravity well, Cad So Billes, pushed the throttles forward and the vessel fired into hyperspace. 

Destination:  Tarsus.

The invasion plan details will be addressed in Intelligence Brief #11.

Intelligence Summary #9: Rescue on Gadnek Island, Part 5

Preparing their last stand.

With only minutes to spare, the party split into two teams.  The first team with the most combat skills and led by Thege Kli'Klotaz, manned the rooftop barricade. 

Situation:  1700 hours.

The Bongolaanian basecamp was perched on top of a cliff, overlooking a small bay.  The camp consisted of one prefab building, two storage facilities and a dirt-packed landing strip.  The forward defense was in the form of a 1.5 meter-high wall, that extended between two rocky outcrops, the party hoped would be impassable for the oncoming mutants.

Several members vowed to throw themselves off the cliff, or save one blaster shot for themselves, if they were about to be overrun.

Barricading the door.

Meanwhile, the second team, led by Cad So Billes, worked on barricading and re-sealing the damaged door, while Sei'do Avari and Lt. Naguza reactivated the camp's computer and transmitter.  Naguza assisted Sei'do in bypassing the computer's security firewalls and swore that if he survived, he would seek political asylum on Tarsus.  Sei'do utilized Naguza's code cylinder and downloaded various files from the camp's computer.

The mutant horde charges out of the jungle.

The rooftop team opened fire as soon as the first mutants broke out of the treeline.  The rooftop team blazed-away at the mutant horde with impunity.

A Force-User leading the rifle-armed mutants.

However, within several minutes, the tactical situation took a turn for the worse.  The squad of rifle-armed mutants arrived and subjected the team to a steady barrage of suppression fire with their slug throwers.  As bullets pinged off the barricade walls, the rooftop team returned fire and spotted a human wielding a red-beamed lightsaber among the armored mutants.  The Force-User handily deflected any blaster shots directed at him.

As the battle raged, Lt. Naguza contacted Rican Vranos, another member of DST-3 (Diplomatic Security Team Three), leading a search party on another island.  Cad So Billes reported their dire situation and requested immediate evac. 

Rican promised he'd depart immediately--however--it was a two hour flight time to their position.

Cad replied, "Frak!  Better hurry, or there'll be no one left to evacuate!"

The mutants breakthrough!

Once the door barricade was in place and their exact coordinates transmitted to Rican, the ground team abandoned their position and scrambled on to the roof.  They arrived, just as the mutants neared the perimeter wall.  Thege braced his heavy blaster rifle, switched to full-auto and poured blaster fire into the seething mass of howling mutants.  On the other end of the rooftop barricade, Sei'do lobbed several hand grenades at mutants clustered behind the perimeter wall.  The rest of the team picked-off mutants as they climbed over the wall.

Despite cutting-down mutants by the score, more creatures poured into the narrow gap.  After nearly two hours of continuous fighting, the party was down to their last, half-empty powerpacks.  The hand grenades had all been expended during the first minutes of the battle.

At sunset, the mutants breached the perimeter, thanks to the Force-User, who used his lightsaber to gouge a large hole in the wall.  The mutant horde surged forward and swarmed around the building.  As the axe and club wielding mutants smashed windows and battered the door, the rifle-armed creatures intensified their suppressive onto the rooftop redoubt. 

All seemed lost, when the rescue shuttle dropped out of the sky, with repulsor engines screaming.

Saved in the nick-of-time!

Rican manned the entry hatch, firing his blaster rifle at mutants climbing the building.  Damathon was pulled into the shuttle first, while the rest of the party boarded two-at a time.  Thege was the last one to board, after draining the powerpack of his heavy blaster rifle.

Blasting-off amid a hail of bullets.

The rooftop redoubt overrun by mutants.

Situation:  1900 hours.

Once everyone was strapped in, the shuttle pilot shoved the throttles forward and set course for Pierson Station at hypersonic speed.

The epilogue will be found on Intelligence Brief #10, Rescue on Gadnek Island, Part 6.