…I was playing with a group of friends. We played AD&D 2ed (Dark Sun, Ravenloft, Birthright), Shadowrun, Call of Cthulu and Star Wars.
It was the ’90s, we were teenagers, gathering to play once per week.
Time passed, friends changed, TTRPGs were put aside, stored in a warehouse. Computer RPGs and gaming scratched that itch a bit.
More time passed, family came along. CRPGs no longer could scratch the itch, but there simply was no time. I remembered how hard it was to get to play once per week, even with that tight group of friends, even when our only responsibility was to studying for school. But the love for TTRPGs was still there.
One day I stumbled upon a reddit post on solo roleplaying. At first I was sceptical. Then I found a subreddit, blogs from other fellow lonewolves. Solo roleplaying was something that worked, and there were tools designed to enable it.
Finally I decided to give it a go. I pulled my old Star Wars the Roleplaying Game (West End Games) books from the storage, found my dice, got some pen and paper, and journeyed to my first adventure. So this is my blog, where I will talk about all things relevant to solo roleplay gaming from my perspective.
Edit: This site is in the affiliate program of drivethruRPG, so the respective links include the affiliate id. It’s a small help with my hobby budget to try more new things.
I’ve also expanded my not-sectoids aka greys range for the X-com battles to come.
Tried to paint them as close to the first ones I had painted, but repeatable paint jobs over a handful of years isn’t that much possible. I’ve got different paint, and different recipes. The new ones turned out quite close to the old ones, but a bit fancier (stronger contrast and saturation).
As the older set, they’re 15mm pewter from Alternative Armies HOF range.
Sectoid CommanderSectoid with Plasma RifleSectoid with Plasma RifleSectoid with Light Plasma RifleSectoid with Light Plasma Rifle
Any long time readers of my blog will have seen me go through a LOT of different iterations of how to shoot miniatures to display them in my website.
First of all, let me preface that I do not own any professional photography equipment. I’ve tried photographing them with compact digital cameras with and without macro modes (my Sony DSC-TX5 is still alive), and with different iPhones as the years went by.
I’ve tried different backgrounds, I’ve tried different apps, lighting, 3d printed photo booths, bought extra LED lights, all sorts of things. Older photos were different as I’ve been evolving in my skills and tools, but especially recently, I decided I wanted to reshoot my miniatures in a consistent, prettier way.
I spent a great amount of time trying to find the best way to display them, and then the best way to photograph them, and worked a lot on re-shooting my fantasy miniatures, tagging them, and uploading them to an album. I intended to finish this work with my sci-fi minis before sharing the album here, but since I’m going to switch gears and do something else (I’ll explain why in a few), you can take a look here (or not, zonerama website seems down at the moment EDIT: it’s back up).
My setup was as follows:
Brown textured paper, curved as a background
LED lamp (the same one I use for painting minis, really strong) to light the scene
iPhone mounted on a camera tripod (a really sturdy one from my analog photography days)
Macro Lens app to shoot photos
Upload to icloud
Download to PC
Edit metatags
Upload to zonerama
A while later the problems started appearing. First of all, lighting wasn’t consistent. I got auto white balance corrections, which turned the background or the mini a different colour than it was. All due to the phone’s algorithms, different location of the LED lamp, or even the possibility of ambient lighting depending on the time of day.
This was a problem, as I dislike post-processing photos, and also due to the background (and my colour blindness) it’s not easy to reach the same result.
Then, the Macro Lens app was updated. The added upgrade no longer allowed for 9:16 ratio, and also changed minimum focus distance. Before that I knew exactly how I had to setup my camera and tripod to get the same picture, and also no cropping was required. Now I could no longer get the same consistency and also I had to crop the picture.
This happened right when I did a small break from shooting 1000 photos of fantasy miniatures, and was about to resume with sci-fi ones, so it stopped me in my tracks, and I didn’t get back to it since. I started shooting again the new paint jobs I had (you may have noticed the style of my photos in the past few months), but that’s it.
So lately it kinda hit me. I wanted to make shooting miniatures photos a consistent process. I considered the tools at my disposal. I have some DIY accessories back from my raspberry pi tinkering days, which combined with my recent foray into 3d printing opened new horizons for me.
After doing a thorough search in my storage boxes, I found my old trusty Raspberry pi 3B+, a Camera Module v1.3 (5 MP!), a 3A powersupply, and an SD card. I flashed Raspbian, and went to work.
The first problem I hit was the fact that the minimum focus distance of the v1.3 Camera is 0.7 meters. Not that good for 15mm miniatures photography, I’d need a huge photo booth, and with the low MP resolution, there wouldn’t be much to see. However, I read that one could manually change the focus distance by breaking the glue that holds the lens in place and unscrewing it, but being careful not removing the lens altogether. I did that and reduced the focus distance to 7 cm!
Macro shot with a Raspberry Pi v1.3 Camera
Something I loved about this, is that I can take the photos via ssh directly to my PC. I can control shutter speed, gain, white balance, compression, everything in the command that I send to take a picture. This means that I can get consistent camera settings, and I no longer need to upload the pictures temporarily in the cloud! It’s already of great value to what I’m doing.
Next step would be to create an enclosure. The idea would be to remove any sources of ambient light. I already have a couple of small LED lights that I can use to light the photobox. I can line up the sides with alufoil for better lighting as well. However before commiting to 3D printing, I needed a proof of concept. Found some foamcore I had at the closet, got some hot glue, and started measuring, cutting and gluing. It looks bad, but it works.
A bit washed out
With the raspicam-still app you can control the camera settings, but there’s only so much you can do, so I added alufoil, and a black cardstock background and took some more pictures.
Much better
With that, I consider the proof-of-concept a success, and I can start 3d printing the photobox.
I went with various iterations (and threw away some parts that didn’t work that well, or the fit tolerances were off), but the photobooth concept needs to cover the following requirements.
All panels to be removeable and replaceable. This allows for easy changes or upgrades without ruining the entire thing. Also allows for printing flat supportless parts, and taking advantage of the smaller build plate of my A1 mini.
Fixed magnet slot for miniatures so that there is consistent positioning.
Fixed camera slot so that it doesn’t move around.
Fixed lighting so that it is consistent.
One of the first iterations, the magnet is visible. Measured at 7 cm from camera.
I finally reached a first version I’m happy with. Lined the sides with alufoil, and gave a black cardstock background. Tested with a few models.
Some things I intend to revise:
Print a height adapter for the camera. Although the height is consistent with GW photography standards (visible height of the base rim must be equal to the flat part of the base visible), I find that the pictures are taken from a very low height for my taste and for 15mm figures which are in general viewed from above in the table. I think a 5-10mm increase in height would benefit the finished look.
Reconsider the slot position of the front light, and the way the top light sits. Currently it is not very easy to remove the top. When taking a lot of photos this needs to be able to be done easily. I’ve already ordered some LED strip rings which I might use to replace these lights. So this upgrade is on pause right now. I may find some better design until then for what I already have.
Get a darker background. The small dimensions of the photobooth means the light reflects off the black cardstock. I’ve already ordered some Maxx Darth background from Greenstuffworld, so I’ll see how that goes.
The design of course allows to create different diorama style backgrounds. Ideas that pop to mind range from paper-printed backgrounds, to 3d printed ones (like facades or pizzabox terrain), or even digital ones if I can solve the reflection issue. I may also use a different access point to the minis from the rear plate if I find this is faster.
I am also considering upgrading the camera with a better model, I’m honestly amazed the v1.3 camera delivers these shots!
Hope you enjoyed this leg of the journey as much as I did.
ps. I’m still going through my backlog of painted miniatures blog posts, so some that I’ll upload will be in the old style, but any that I’ll photoshoot from now on, will utilize the booth.
A very cool project! I’ve dabbled with some light boxes and not been super happy. Part of my issue it I do a variety of scales, so the 15mm options rarely work well for the 28’s. Lights seem to be the biggest PITA for light boxes in my opinion.
I would suggest that you could/should add a sloped background to get rid of the hard seam appearing by the base/ankles of the mini. If you run the background smoothly from the ‘floor’ up to the backdrop it eliminates that jarring visual artifact.
Thanks!
Yes, I’m waiting on the light absorbing backdrop as well. Depending on the use case I’ll see how to make everything look seamless. If there is a seam visible with that background then I may consider a smooth curve as you suggested. Might need a small redesign as I don’t have a lot of room left behind the mini as it is at the moment.
I’m a huge fan of the X-COM franchise. I remember playing UFO: Enemy Unknown on my PC back in the ’90s, followed by X-COM: Terror from the Deep, and X-COM: Apocalypse. My itch for the series was such that I also finished spinoffs/inspirations like UFO: Aftermath, UFO: Aftershock and UFO: Afterlight. On and off, I’m now playing both Xenonauts and of course, the official current game X-COM Enemy Unknown and it’s sequels.
When I returned to the miniatures gaming hobby a few years back, I always had in the back of my head, the idea of playing some X-COM style games using a suitable ruleset. As such, I collected any 15mm miniatures I could find that fit the theme. I got my Alternative Armies Grays to use as Sectoids, Ral Partha Astagars to use as Snakemen, and such.
Here comes 2026 with the official X-COM game from Modiphius, by none other, Ivan Sorensen. I couldn’t be happier, but I knew I needed to focus on my miniatures packs, and to start painting them if I’m ever to be ready to playing the game when I receive my much coveted rulebook.
Despite the game focusing on the modern X-COM theme, I decided to get my inspiration from the original UFO: Enemy Unknown colour scheme, and painted some Alternative Armies Star Mercs in purples and blues as is the intro sequence armour.
Here are a bunch of simple but effective cultist designs by Ill Gotten Games. Printed them in low layer height (0.02mm) on my Bambu A1 mini with 0.2mm nozzle and eSun PLA+HS filament. Painted in red cloaks.
Ill Gotten Games has a clever approach with cloaked figures, they’re orienting them at an angle and gets more dramatic poses in FDM.
Cultist with knifeCultist with shotgunCultist with shotgunCultist with shotgunCultist with shotgunTecno Cultist
Some gangers by Ill Gotten Games, printed in FDM 60% scale for 15mm. I painted their clothes in pastel colours. The prints aren’t the cleanest I’ve got so far, but they’re pretty good. I think they’ll fit well as part of my parsecs enemies.
Being a fan of Nordic Weasel Games (and Unified Space) I’ve collected a good share of skirmish miniatures games, many of which I haven’t had a chance to play, since I’m almost always locked down on playing the same things. Don’t get me wrong, I love Five Parsecs from Home and Five Leagues from the Borderlands, but I think those other rulesets deserve some love too. These rulesets aren’t pretty like the Modiphius editions of 5X, but there can easily be a hidden gem there. There are some that will sit for a very long while in unplayed status, since the respective miniatures sit in the pewter pile of shame. Back in 2019 I had big plans of doing three themes, Fantasy (check), Science Fiction (check), and WW2 historicals. For WW2 historicals I have managed to collect the miniatures I wanted, and also went down the rabbit hole of ww2 uniforms and bought the respective paints just for this. But with real life limiting playing time, taking on more Fantasy and Sci-Fi stuff with 3D printing and all, I never got into painting them. The truth is I don’t know if I’ll ever get to doing it. Perhaps some day. This in turn means, that rulesets like Five Men from Kursk, Five Kilometers from Leipzig, Five Men in Normandy, Five Core, Hammer of Democracy, History Dad, and other will wait for that day.
So, what I intend to do going forward, is – without any hard rules about it – try to run a standalone game using the Fantasy or Science Fiction rulesets in between my regular Campaigns (now 5 Parsecs). I also intend to try some Pulp rulesets once I get a few minis printed and painted, as that shouldn’t be too hard to do.
The ruleset I chose for this game is Unity Field Agent Elite Edition, described as “a space opera war-game for 10-12 figures on each side.”
Given that I will be trying to learn and play these games in one go, I’ll try to keep things simple and on the small side.
Reading through the rules, available modes, points system, different armies and all, I initially decided on 75 points per side. However I decided to go the other way around, and instead of choosing the forces on paper and then finding suitable minis, I chose my minis, and counted the points that I would need to field them, and tried then to balance the two sides.
Unity Field Agent (I’ll be calling it UFA from here onwards) doesn’t have any solo-specific rules, so I’ll be playing each side equally as did wargamers since chess.
I chose Precursor Exiles against Unity Agents, and went with about 100 points, which is still on the small side.
Precursor Exiles
Unity Agents
5 x Mercenary (Tactical)
5 x Trooper (Tactical)
1 x Raider (Fencer)
1 x Junior Agent (Close Combat)
1 x Seer (Sworn)
98 Points Total
100 Points Total
I went with a simple quite balanced table setup, and rolled randomly to see which side will set up first. It seems that the side that sets up first has a tactical advantage as they can take up parts of the battlefield and block the enemy from deploying nearby, which offsets the advantage of the player that sets up second who knows the locations of the enemy forces. That’s a quite clever way to address it.
Activations and Initiative work through the use of a Cards deck. For a small game like this, a Half Deck is used. In this case, I used Hearts for Precursor Exiles and Spades for Unity Agents. The game has a simple way of advancing time using Clock Ticks. Clock Ticks advance at the end of each Turn, or when Jokers are drawn. This can have an important effect as you can have the game end in the middle of the last turn, so acting on time is important.
Shoot at Junior Agent: 5: Hit: 5,1: Deflected, Shocked
7 of Hearts Precursor Mercenary 3
Aim
Shoot at Junior Agent: 3,6: Hit: 6,3: Deflected
3 of Spades Unity Trooper 4
Move Sprint
Shoot at Mercenary 3 (Bad Shot): 5: Hit: 2,4: Destroyed
Precursor Mercenary 2: Morale Check: 2,3: Take Cover: +1 Shock Precursor Mercenary 1: Morale Check: 2,4: Take Cover: +1 Shock
9 of Spades
King of Hearts Precursor Mercenary 1
Recover: 4: -1 Shock
Move
Shoot at Junior Agent: 2: Miss
7 of Spades
Queen of Hearts Precursor Mercenary 1
Recover: 3: -1 Shock
Move
Shoot at Junior Agent: 3: Miss
End Phase Clock 6/8
Round 4
8 of Spades Unity Trooper 4
Aim
Shoot at Mercenary 1 (Bad Shot): 2,4: Miss
Unity Trooper 4
Shoot at Mercenary 1 (Bad Shot): 2: Miss
5 of Spades Unity Trooper 5
Move down
Shoot at Mercenary 1 (Bad Shot): 4: Miss
5 of Hearts Precursor Mercenary 1
Aim
Shoot at Junior Agent: 6,6: Hit: 4,3: Deflected
9 of Spades Junior Agent
Recover: 5: -1 Shock
Shoot at Mercenary 1 (Bad Shot): 6: Hit: 6-1,2: Deflected
10 of Spades
Ace of Hearts Precursor Mercenary 1
Shoot at Junior Agent: 2: Miss
2 of Spades
6 of Hearts Precursor Mercenary 2
Aim
Shoot at Junior Agent: 4,4: Hit: 4,5: Deflected
End Phase Clock 7/8
Round 5
King of Hearts Precursor Mercenary 1
Aim
Shoot at Junior Agent: 6,6: Hit: 2,4: Destroyed
Watch Action
Unity Trooper 4: Morale Check: 2,4: Take Cover: +1 Shock Unity Trooper 3: Morale Check: 3,6: Take Cover: +1 Shock
7 of Spades Unity Trooper 4
Recover: 2: Fail
Recover: 5: -1 Shock
8 of Hearts Precursor Mercenary 2
Aim
Shoot at Unity Trooper 4 (Bad Shot): 1,4: Miss
10 of Hearts
Joker Clock 8/8
End of Battle
Victory Points
Each Precursor Exile eliminated awards 3 Points Each Unity Trooper eliminated awards 3 Points The Junior Agent awards 5 Points
Unity Agents earned 15 Points Precursor Exiles earned 14 Points The game is considered a draw
Summary
This was a fun game. Much harder to run solo than the 5X equivalents. I was lucky to have token markers to use for exhaustion, shock, damage etc, and still I had to check several times that I did everything right and din’t forget anything important (I’m sure I may have failed at that task a couple of times). The game flow was okay, but since it was me playing against myself perhaps I wasn’t as aggressive or cunning as two human players playing against each other. With the exception of some slow tactical movements from the troopers and mercenaries, only the close combat troops (seer, raider, agent) ever attempted to reach the other side. The long guns just shot at each other from behind the barricades and it was a lasting shootout on that regard. The combat resolution mechanics are a bit rough, as for damage you roll two dice (toughness and impact), but the impact die is only taken in consideration in certain cases. For a solo player this can be frustrating at times, as you need to do many evaluations together. The 5X damage steps are more straightforward in this regard. I must note though, that the to-hit mechanics were much simpler. For last I left the thing I loved the most about this game, and that was the card based activations mechanic. It’s absolutely brilliant and refreshing. Each time you draw a card you don’t know who will play and how many actions will they get, or if they’ll get a bonus action. It’s fast, and it was the moment I enjoyed most. Better even than rolling dice. While it works for social games, it worked great for solo games too. I guess this approach can be used for any game with activations that aren’t meant to be played solo. Loved it.
As a final note, if you’re a fan of Unified Space (the lore section of Five Parsecs from Home), UFA includes lore-wise information on the armies and also tips on how to represent them and paint them on the table.
Choose your battle Check for Rivals – 3/1: None Select your Job: so many options! Novikov is busy which will give us another job next turn, but we must do it now; we can start a quest; we can start Verner Dilucca’s job which seems like a good option but can do it any time; or we can start an opportunity mission which will give an extra 3 credits. I’ll go with the opportunity mission as we need the extra cash. We also have a full crew, so the story track begins. Clock is set at 5 ticks. I also decided to work with Expanded Connections from now on, and since this is an Opportunity mission I will have to roll for it.
Crew Name
Quest
Story Points
Credits
Story Clock
Stash
Raschke‘s Rifles
Active 0 Rumours
8
25
5 ticks
D. Ripper Sword Still (2) Stim Pack (2) Nano-doc Booster Pills
Opportunity Mission Deployment Conditions: Toxic environment Notable sights: Really shiny bits (2 Credits) Objective: Patrol Determine the Enemy: Criminal Elements: Cultists Connections: 4/5: None Number: 2,5+2: 7 (2 Specialists, 1 Lieutenant), Military Rifle, Clingfire Pistol Unique Individual: 8/9: None Bounty: +1 Credit if Hold the Field
Seize Initiative:
3+5/10: Failure
Round 1:
114555
Drathi: Patrol 1/3
2IC: Really Shiny Bits
Cultists Move
Leader shoots Drathi: 2+1/5: Miss
Renette shoots Military Rifle: 4+3/6: Hit: 3/3: Casualty
The rest of the squad moves under cover.
Morale: 5/1: Cultists stay
Round 2:
122566
Drathi moves in cover and shoots at Leader: 2+2/5: Miss
Renette moves in cover and shoots at Cultist: 2+3/5: Hit: 6/3: Casualty
Ariana: Patrol 2/3
Cultists Move
Cultist shoots at Drathi: 3/6: Miss
Urien shoots Military Rifle at Specialist: 5+2/5: Hit: 2/3: Stunned: 5/4: Survived
Kynon and 2IC move closer
Morale: 6/1: Cultists stay
Round 3:
113346
Urien aims and shoots Military Rifle at Specialist: 4+2/5: Hit: 6/3: Casualty
Kynon casts Barrier on himself: Successful
Specialist shoots Clingfire pistol at Kynon: 1,3/5: Miss
Cultist moves to cover and shoots at 2IC: 6/6: Hit: 6/4: Casualty: 1/6: No Save
Cultists move
Renette shoots at Specialist: 3+3/5: Hit: 4/3: Casualty
Drathi moves on the other side of cover and shoots at Cultist: 1+2/5: Miss
Ariana lobs a Dazzle Grenade on the 2 cultists: 2,5/4: 1 Hit: 2/4: Stunned
Morale: 6,2/1: Cultists stay
Round 4:
12466
Drathi aims and shoots at Cultist: 3+2/5: Hit: 3+1/3: Casualty
Kynon moves in cover and shoots his Hand Laser at the cultist: 1+1/6: Miss
Cultist moves aggresively towards Kynon, shoots: 4/6: Miss
Cultist leader moves aggresively towards Ariana, shoots at Kynon: 1+1/6: Miss
Renette moves closer, pulls out her shotgun and shoots at Cultist: 4+3/6: Hit: 3+1/3: Casualty
Ariana moves towards leader, shoots her machine pistol twice: 5+1,1+1/5: Hit: 3/3: Casualty
We hold the field and complete the objective
Post Battle
Resolve Rival Status 3/1: No Rival 4/1: No Psionics Detected
Resolve Patron Status Novikov: +1 Credit, Busy, This Campaign Turn – Job no longer available Verner Dilucca: +2 Credits, Connections, Private Transport, Any Time – Job still active
– Military Rifle – Shotgun w Quality Sight – Dazzle Grenade
Frag vest
Optimistic Impulsive
Background: Industrial world Motivation: Glory Class: Scoundrel
2IC
Bot
– Service Pistol – D. Hunting Rifle – Dazzle Grenade
Kynon Alder
Baseline Human Psionic
– Glare Sword – Hand Laser
Background: Research Outpost Motivation: Escape Class: Soldier
Name
Injuries
Status
Ariana Raschke
Active
Urien Jackstadt
Active
Drathi
Active
Renette Grison
Active
2IC
Severe Damate
5 Turns
Entity
Type
Details
Job
Col. Ivan Novikov
Patron
Sector Government
Darius Armiger
Patron
Wealthy Individual, Security Team
Valentin Bezerra
Rival
Tech Gangers – Neon Reapers
The Coreward Path/Vane Voss
Patron
Private Organization, Persistent
Verner Dilucca
Patron
Sector Government
+2 Credits, Connections, Private Transport, Any Time, Fight Off: Unity Grunts
World
Settlement
Notes
Mackensen V
Kevil’s Port
Restricted Education Outlawed Psionics
Text Narrative
Over at the Tailed Gecko, Tarminos, the bartender pours a Scoltar Ale to Urien’s glass, and serves it. He snorts, humid snot flashing out his nostrils and smiles to Urien winking. “Enjoy.” He says. “Hey Tarminos, do we have anyone looking for…” Urien starts, but before he can finish his sentence, Tar hunches a bit to his side and points to a table in the corner. “Dude is alone, and doesn’t seem to be doing business here. He seems lost a bit, could be worth a try.” He adds in his bass voice. Urien takes his glass, and goes to the stranger’s table. A young man, brown hair, 20s. He seems jumpy, as if he’s waiting for something to happen. Urien recognizes the look of a man on the run. Which got him thinking for a moment of his situation. They still don’t have a ship. “Hey, are you looking for something?” the man interrupts him and pulls him back to reality. “Yes!” Urien says, grabbing a chair and sits besides him. “The question is if you are also looking for something! Perhaps we can each find it alone or together!” his voice trailed off as he realized again he was being misunderstood. “Wait wait. Let me start over. Our crew is looking for another pair of hands. Are you interested?” The man sighed, and his expression turned from disgust to normal. “What crew, what kind of job, what’s your name dude?” “Sorry yes, we are Raschke’s Rifles. We have a good network of connections to get freelancer jobs that pay well. My name is Urien. How about you?” Urien got his footing correct this time. “Alright. I’m Kynon. And yes, I’m looking for opportunities like this. Perhaps get off this rock some time in the future. I could join you.” The man replies. “Nice, hey let me get you a beer, so that you can tell me a bit about yourself, and ask any questions about our crew, then we can meet them.” Urien proposes and orders a Scoltar ale from Tarminos.
A while later in the safehouse, Ariana has finally finished repairing Drathi’s rifle, having gotten the parts she needed. She hands it over to him as he returns with some trade goods. He was cheering about an excellent deal he made and how they can sell them in the future when they go to another planet that doesn’t produce them. Ariana was not as amused as he was, but she didn’t want to spoil his happiness and played along. Renette returned and pulled Ariana to the side. “Look, you sent me to reach out to our network of connections, I’ve got two jobs available. One of them is … iffy.” Ariana nodded for Renette to continue. “Okay the first one is straightforward. Col. Novikov, your old friend wants us to clean up against another gang. He wants us to secure the ammo depot from some roid gangers that are casing it. If we pick this job, then he’ll have another one for us.” Renette explained. “And the other job?” Ariana asked. “It came from this name Urien gave us last week. Verner Dilucca. He said he’s Unity, right?” Renette questioned. “That is correct, what is the job?” Ariana got curious. “He wants us to…” she paused. Ariana gestured ‘what?’. “Fight off the Unity outpost.” Renette rushed through the phrase hoping it would not have an impact. She was mistaken. Ariana was taken aback. She froze in place. Her face went pale. “Boss?” Renette asked. “…The FUCK?” Ariana yelled. “Danger pay is 2 credits, and due date’s open on this one, so we can plan it any time…” Renette spoke but the words were oh so silent. “We are NOT attacking Unity!” Ariana shouted. “Yeah, I thought you might say that… though orders come from Unity…” Renette explained. “Oh I had heard about Unity politics and conspiracy theories and provocations…” Ariana started speaking to herself, when 2IC arrived at the same time as Urien and Kynon. Her blood was boiling she was pacing up and down. “I can see your BPM is over 143, you should calm yourself down.” 2IC declared in its calm neutral robotic voice. “Give me some good news because I’m ready to tear through the wall.” Ariana gritted her teeth. “Well I was over at the market. There’s a reward for the crew that will patrol the old terraforming plant at Kevil’s Port suburbs. This is a rare opportunity, financed by the merchants guild of Kevil’s Port. They don’t usually outsource.” 2IC continued. “We do this.” Ariana immediately jumped at the proposal. “An interesting trivia. Terraforming was never completed on Mackensen V. As soon as the atmosphere became breathable, Unity funding was cut. That’s why the locals complain about the ‘cat hair throat’ feeling.” 2IC continued. “I don’t care.” Ariana snapped. Her head wasn’t at the right place. This wasn’t her. “Who are we fighting?” 2IC wasn’t amused, but also it did not bother his cold machine feelings. “Cultists who want to destroy the plant. They want the atmosphere to return to it’s original state before terraforming so that Urachath, the cat-god may return. Or at least that’s what they believe.” Ariana started laughing. This was a rollercoaster for her, and it helped her regain her calm. “I’m happy to know that the universe is a crazy place and there’s always going to be someone more crazy.” She smiled. “Wait, since terraforming was done to this level, who cares about an old plant?” “Since terraforming was not completed, the flora and fauna that evolved in the original conditions has survived, and will shift the atmosphere towards the previous state.” 2IC explained. “The terraforming plant still operates at a maintenance capacity to filter out the particles that make the planet non-habitable to carbon-based life forms.” “Who cares about them?” Urien asks. “That’s us, we’re the carbon-based life forms.” Ariana shook her head in disbelief. Her eyes fell on the new addition. “Whos this?” “That’s Kynon, he’s good, he’ll be joining us.” Urien replied. Ariana snatched the glare sword from Renette’s belt, removed her own hand laser from her holster and gave them to Kynon. “Do you know how to use them?” she asks. Kynon nodded. “Gear up. We roll out in 10′, we have some cultists to send to their cat-god.” She added and started preparing.
As soon as they reach the terraforming plant, a heavy stench fills their lungs. “Smells like…” Ariana tries to pin point what the nasty odour reminds her off. “Cat piss” Drathi continued. “Tingles senses. Danger everywhere.” “The skulker’s observation is correct.” 2IC added. “Positive Terrasium is over 3 PPM. LD50 inhalation is 20 PPM, LD50 ingestion is at 2 PPM, LD50 injection is 0.5 PPM.” “What does that mean?” Urien asked. “Breathing is okay, but even a little cut can be potentially lethal in this toxic environment.” 2IC explained. As they noticed movement in the distance between the chem tanks, Ariana raised her hand, split the group in two, and they started their approach. Drathi quickly climbed a tank for a good overview of the first patrol point. Tanks were in good order. 2IC’s sensors picked up some really shiny bits laying on the ground next to some machinery, and he moved in to collect them. Drathi’s climb left him exposed to the Cultist leader’s line of fire, but he ducked in time to avoid the shots. On the left approach Renette moves forward, having found an opening, and immediately brings down the first cultist with a well placed shot. “1 down, 6 more to go.” She announced. “Our job is to patrol, not eliminate them.” Ariana replied. “Yeah, but why not have some fun while doing it?” Renette countered.
As the combatants drew closer, Drathi jumps down and takes cover behind the tank. With his hunting rifle in good order, he takes a shot at the Cultist leader, who’s bossing his group around, but misses. Renette takes cover as she feels exposed, and shoots at the next Cultist, with her rifle. Her shot is true, and the cultist is down. Ariana reaches the next patrol point. She examines the chem tank for integrity, and finds that everything is in order. The cultists move closer, and one of them takes a shot at Drathi, but he hits the cover instead. 2IC moves closer, and Kynon tries to flank the approaching cultists from the left side. Urien has the enemy in his sights. He notices that one of the Cultists brandishes a Clingfire pistol. That’s a really dangerous weapon from up close. He takes a shot at him, which finds the target, but doesn’t bring him down.
He takes a deep breath. Aims, and shoots again. This time the shot is dead centre. The cultist drops. Kynon focuses on himself. He raises a psionic barrier before closing in to the other cultist armed with a clingfire pistol. The foe blasts at Kynon, but misses. Meanwhile 2IC is exposed. A cultist moves in position, and takes a shot at 2IC. The bot is hit, and with a bbbzzzfzziit it powers down. Renette finds an opportunity to shoot at the cultist specialist with the clingfire pistol. Once more, she hits, and kills. “3 out of 3”. She says smiling. Ariana is in a tough spot. Deciding to avoid being exposed, she lobs a dazzle grenade at the cultists near her, hoping to get the toxic environment do the rest of the work. The grenade falls in their midst, and with a loud band they get disoriented, thrashing around, covering their ringing ears, closing their eyes, but nothing more besides that. Drathi repositions himself on the other side of the tank for a better shot. He hurried too much, and the shot goes wide.
He caresses his whiskers. Aims carefully, and takes another shot. The cultist is hit, and down. Only the cultist leader and one his minions remain standing, but still fighting. Kynon takes cover and takes a shot with his hand laser, but misses. The cultist tries to reach him, and shoots, missing as well. His leader rushes towards Ariana, but without a clear shot turns and shoots at Kynon, the shot going astray. With the enemy in the open, Renette switches to her shotgun, she approaches the cultist, and bang! with a carefully placed buckshot, the cultist drops dead. “4 out of 4.” She adds, really proud of herself. Ariana brings her machine pistol to bear at the enemy leader. They lock eyes. “Urachath will take her revenge!” he screams, as Ariana shoots a burst at him, shutting him up forever. With no one to stop them, the crew checks the last patrol point, and after ensuring the integrity of the chem tanks, and finding a backpack with stim packs and dazzle grenades, they pick up 2IC and leave for a well deserved payment.
While waiting at Kevil’s Port Merchant’s guild offices, Drathi is checking the condition of 2IC. “Not good.” The skulker chirps. “Many repairs. Need 5 weeks.” At the desk, Ariana has received their good payment. “Hey all, with the exception of 2IC being hurt like that, we had a really good roll. Excellent work, especially you Renette.” She tells them. “Overall with the shiny bits and all, we got 9 whole credits.” The crew cheers. “After tax?” a slimy voice behind them asks. “Tax what?” Ariana turns around to see a man in a suit, his greasy hair parted at the side, thumbs in his pockets. Two security guards stand beside him. “All business conducted in the premises or in relation to the merchant’s guild is subject to tax. For freelancers like you with no license, the tax amounts to 45% of earnings.” The man adds smiling spitefully. Drathi hisses. Renette and Urien put their hands on their guns. “We can’t afford to start a fight here guys.” Ariana grits her teeth, as she notices 4 more security guards on the other side taking notice of the exchange. “If you will put your guns down, and sign the FDR-224 Tax Declaration Form for Freelance Activities with the Merchant Guild, and submit it to me with the allotted amount of …” the man calculates in his head before continuing “4 credits”. Ariana complies, while her crew is furious.
Back at the safehouse they’re all a bit distraught. Ariana takes a look at each of them. Urien kicks something out of the way and goes to the other room and starts hitting the punching bag, to get some of his energy out with exercise. Drathi starts working on 2IC and fixing him. Renette picks a can of Scoltar Ale and cracks it open and starts drinking. Kynon immediately draws her attention. She realizes she hasn’t exchanged many words with the new hire. She grabs him and takes him to the side. “We haven’t had a chance to talk. I’m Ariana, I lead this crew.” She introduces herself. “Raschke? as in Raschke’s Rifles.” he asks. Ariana nods. “I’ve had past experience in the UAF before starting this freelance endeavour. Tell me a little bit about you, and what was that thing you did back there.” “UAF huh? I’ve been there too.” He admits, but decides not to share more information about it. “The thing you saw, I hope you’ll keep it between the crew. Have you heard about psionics?” “Yes. I’ve read about it and I know UAF sometimes uses them in intelligence and other tasks. How come they let you go?” She asks. “They didn’t….Well that’s a story for another time. I’d rather we don’t go down this right now. But this place? They don’t like psionics. It is actually, outlawed.” He bites his lips. She nods in understanding. “Just don’t bring heat to us that we don’t know about. You have an issue, you let me know. We can only deal with things we are aware of.” He nods in agreement. “Oh and that psionics thing? Keep it on the down-low, but if needed, use it. We’ll deal with whatever comes next.” She adds. “Welcome to the crew.”
Session Summary
Loved this session. I had the opportunity to use some 3d printed FDM friendly cultists figures I got as STL from Ill Gotten Games, and a lot of sci-fi industrial terrain with chem tanks, pipes and such. I think it made the game board very interesting. Meanwhile, so many story threads keep popping up, I’m starting to lose the oversight. Perhaps I’ll start using Obsidian links to keep everything connected so that I can easily find things before I get overwhelmed. The new patron job from Verner Dilucca is a new can of worms! I haven’t decided what to do with it, but it certainly adds a new layer of complexity to the Unity-crew relations. Will Raschke take the job, why is Unity targeting Novikov’s compound, is Dilucca working for his own interests, what are the politics behind this? So many things to decide on and see how the story will evolve. I wanted a diverse crew, I have 3 baseline humans, an alien, a bot, and was looking forward to getting a precursor or other alien, but decided instead to use this good background roll of a baseline human and spend a story point to make them psionic. They have a bonus to combat skill, I gave them a glare sword, and they’re the closest one will go to a Jedi in the 5 Parsecs universe within RAW. Of course they’re not, but I wanted to use those kitbashed figures I had around. And to add to this, of course, stuck on a world without a ship, I roll for the legality of psionics and find out they’re outlawed. This should make things even more interesting. Questions now about what is Kynon running from? I’m leaning towards him being a deserter from UAF as soon as he realized he had a knack of psionics. Why? that remains to be explored in the sessions that will follow, it could be something Sector relevant or World relevant, but it hasn’t come up yet. Finally I’d like to address the Money is Tight option. Perhaps it’s too tight. I’ll keep at it, but I may have to adapt it in the future. My crew is increasing in experience and gear, and credits seem to be behind, throwing an imbalance. I’ll see if the increased difficulty options, or other types of jobs will give more cash, and consider if it’s worth it to go this direction. That’s all for now.
Background: Industrial world Motivation: Glory Class: Scoundrel
Name
Injuries
Status
Ariana Raschke
Active
Urien Jackstadt
Active
Drathi
Active
Renette Grison
Active
Crew Name
Notes
Story Points
Credits
Stash
Raschke‘s Rifles
4 QR
8
22
Colony Rifle Glare Sword D. Ripper Sword D. Hunting Rifle Still (2) Stim Pack (2) Service Pistol Nano-doc
Entity
Type
Details
Job
Col. Ivan Novikov
Patron
Sector Government
Darius Armiger
Patron
Wealthy Individual
Valentin Bezerra
Rival
Tech Gangers – Neon Reapers
The Coreward Path/Vane Voss
Patron
Private Organization
World
Settlement
Notes
Mackensen V
Kevil’s Port
Restricted Education
Campaign Options
Slaves to the Star Grind
Money is Tight
Starting in the Gutter (all options)
Dramatic Weapons + Adjusted Shooting
Detailed Post-Battle Injuries
5X Experience Variant
Story Track to begin once we hit a crew of 6
Factions to be used once we reach the next World
Pre-Battle
Upkeep and Ship Repairs Upkeep 1 Credit (Money is Tight) No ship
Assign and Resolve Crew Tasks Urien: Recruit: 86: Bot: Hired Ariana: Repair: Drathi’s rifle: 2+3/6: Failure (-1 Credit) Drathi: Trade: 20: Medical Pack: Stim Pack Renette: Patron: 2+3/5: One Job: The CoreWard Path
Determine Job Offers Danger Pay: +2 Credits Time Frame: This Campaign Turn Benefits: Persistent Hazards: Dangerous Job: Increase enemy force numbers by +1 Conditions: None
Assign Equipment Ariana: Hand Laser Drathi: Colony Rifle
I just read the excerpt about being able to hold only to 5 items in stash unless you have a ship, so I assigned some items here and there to make sure they fit. The rule applies from now onwards.
Resolve any Rumors 6/4: None
Choose your battle Check for Rivals – 3/1: None Select your Job: Patron job
Readying for Battle
Determine Deployment Conditions: No Condition Notable Sights: Curious Item Objective: Eliminate Enemy: Roving Threats: Converted Infiltrators Number: 1,5+0: 5 (Lieutenant, Specialist-Shotgun), Handgun Post battle, I realized I forgot to add the Hazard of an additional enemy. I'll try to remember to add it in the next battle I'll run. Unique Individual: N/A Seize Initiative: 11+3/10: Success
Round 1
11233
both sides moved
Round 2
22556
Round 3
12246
Drathi shoots Specialist: 4+2/5: Hit: 6/4: Casualty: 6: Save
Ariana shoots Leader: 6/5: Hit: 6/4: Casualty: 6: Save
Roll for a Campaign Event You’ve made some business contacts. Add a new Patron to the list of those known.
Roll for a Character Event Drathi: It is time for a make-over! The character changes their clothes, hair-style, or something else. This is only cosmetic. If you are able to, reflect this on the miniature.
Crew Name
Notes
Story Points
Credits
Stash
Raschke‘s Rifles
4 QR
8
25
D. Ripper Sword Still (2) Stim Pack (2) Nano-doc Booster Pills
Text Narrative
At the safehouse, Urien pulls Ariana to the side. He leans towards her, and pauses. She looks at him confused. ‘Is he hitting on me?’ she wonders. But then he finally speaks. “Look, boss, hey…” he begins. “…yes?” she asks, wondering. “I don’t mean to press this matter…but” he sighs, tensions are high. “Are we any closer to getting a ship and off the planet?” “You sure have a way with words Jack.” She replies. “Remind me why I have you on recruiting tasks still?” She pushes his arm to the side and starts walking away. “Because I have a pretty face?” He answers as she escapes. Then he realizes he never got an answer to his question, and he runs after her. “Not that I don’t like Mackensen’s thick atmosphere, but…”. Ariana cuts him off. “You do your job, find us another crew member. I’ll do mine. When the time comes for a ship. We will get a ship.” She looks at him, and lifts her palm in a stopping gesture as he opens his mouth again to speak. “Now is that all? because I want to go check on Drathi’s rifle. See if it’s salvageable.” Urien nods, and Ariana leaves to her task. Renette, having caught a glimpse of the entire conversation, pats him in the back and smiles at him. “Some dude that the boss talked to says he has a job for us. I’ll go check it out. Do you want to come?” Urien shakes his head. “I have been assigned another task, you can take Drathi”. “He’s off to somewhere, can’t get a hold of this skulker if my life depending on it.” she replies, and leaves.
Renette stands outside a building that doesn’t seem to fit the rest of Kevil’s Port architecture. It’s got sharp edges, straight lines, and an impressive stature overseeing the surrounding area. She checks the address to make sure it’s the right one, and then heads to the entrance. Two well groomed security guards stop her. Something inside of her stirs uneasy. These are the exact kind of people that really disgust her. She battles with her feelings, and stays as calm as possible as they search and secure her sidearm before letting her inside. A clean shaven man wearing a fit costume uniform, and a monocle arrived. “Mrs Grison, of Raschke’s crew.” one of his subordinates announced as he entered. “Mr. Voss.” Renette replied, between her teeth. “Ah yes. I know of your creed.” He asserted firmly. “You are unlike your leader. We stand apart. Yet, in this particular case, you may find all of our interests are aligned.” He paused. “Hear me out?”. She nodded. “There’s a group of thugs we detected on an outpost outside of Kevil’s Port. I have it on good authority that they’re not what they seem. Sightings reported them from delinquents to cyborgs to zombies. One of them was actually seen interfacing to a device. My worry is that they are Converted. Find them, kill them, especially this one. And hope that they don’t tell their fleet about us.” He takes a breath. “Danger Pay is 2 Credits, but it needs to be done ASAP.” “Yes. We have a deal. I’ll take this job to Ariana.” Renette agrees. She didn’t like them, but if it’s converted that they’re up against, she didn’t like them more.
Back in the safehouse Ariana failed to repair the hunting rifle, as she was missing an important damaged part. Perhaps next time. Drathi arrived with some medical supplies, that no-one asked where he found them or what he traded to get. Renette returned with the details for the job, and as she was briefing everyone, Urien arrived with an extra. First impression was of a tall dude in a trenchcoat wearing a hat, but then the squeaking metallic sounds and heavy thud of his legs gave it away. “Hey all, may I introduce 2IC, our new addition.” Urien added. “2IC, meet the crew.” In a flat robotic voice, 2IC introduced itself. The bot was clearly visible underneath the human clothing. “2IC is good at most tasks, and considers itself some sort of a detective, wanting to expand on their investigative skills.” Urien adds. “Hey Urien, I see you used all your charm today.” Renette responded. “too-ai-see, welcome.” Drathi said. “Alright, alright, yes. We’re good. Let’s get geared up. Brief 2IC on the way.” Ariana added, and they headed for the job.
They confronted their enemies near an abandoned street block. Ariana split the group. She, Urien and Drathi took the left approach from the stairs, while Renette and 2IC headed in the yard to enter via the lower entrance. Drathi takes the first shot, followed by Ariana. These should have been killshots, however their foes brushed them off as if they were never shot. Ariana recalled then the stories about the Converted. She hadn’t had the chance to face them off in battle, but she had read the memo. Their cybernetic implants give them an inhuman toughness acting like an armor layer. The memo said that the kill ratios are reduced by 16.66% on account of this. The converted, in shooting distance of the crew shart shooting at Drathi. His sixth sense kicks in, and he ducks at the last minute, saving himself from certain death. Coming from below, Renette shoots at an unaware foe, but yet again their inhuman toughness saves them. The crew starts getting frustrated. The shooting becomes more intense, as Raschke’s Rifles have got the converted in the crossfire, shooting at them from both sides. Urien draws first blood, killing their mark, while Renette takes out another one. 2IC comes to her support and with a point blank shot, eliminates the converted leader. The converted keep fighting aggressively. Their losses don’t make a single dent to their morale. ‘Does morale apply to these… things?’ Ariana wonders, as her crew keeps exchanging shots with them. Urien brushes off a wound that should have taken him down, but he’s quickly back on his feet. 2IC eliminates another converted. The shootout lasts a little bit longer, until Urien takes the final shot with his handcannon, killing the last enemy. As they gather around their fallen enemies, Ariana looks at the rapidly decaying body masses. “Well done everyone. We sure showed them.” Among the loot they find a distraction bot and some booster pills, which will for sure come in handy in the future.
Back at the Tailed Gecko, the crew has gathered to celebrate. They raise their glasses of skoltar ale, as Urien joins them. He pushes a slip towards Ariana with a name “Verner Dilucca”. “Who’s this?” Ariana asks. “We’re starting to get a name of ourselves.” Urien replied. “That’s a Unity official of the sector. Don’t know his exact title, but he said he has a job for us if we’re interested.” He takes a good gulp of ale to wash away the feeling of cat-hair in his throat. “How much did we earn boss?”. “4 full Unity credits. But the best thing is, according to Mr. Voss, that we stopped them in their tracks.” Ariana smiles. “There’s no other trace of their presence in the sector.” “This would reduce invasion threat probability to less than 5.13%” 2IC added in his robotic voice. “Yes!” Renette cheered, and raised her glass. “I’ll drink to that.”
Session Summary
Using Talespire again was a fun change. I did spend some time to create a crew in titancraft that looks a lot (or are the exact same in some cases) like the ones I have in physical format. My main issue at the moment with Talespire is that designing a board from scratch will take a long while. There are a few ready boards like the one I’ve used, but it’s not like they’re adjusted perfectly to the Five Parsecs from Home ruleset. Perhaps some time I’ll find the opportunity to create 12×12 tiles and just place them around, but I don’t know if I’ll ever get to it.
Background: Industrial world Motivation: Glory Class: Scoundrel
Name
Injuries
Status
Ariana Raschke
Active
Urien Jackstadt
Active
Drathi
Active
Renette Grison
Active
Crew Name
Notes
Story Points
Credits
Stash
Raschke‘s Rifles
2 QR
6
16
Colony Rifle Glare Sword D. Ripper Sword D. Hunting Rifle Still (2) D. Quality Sight
Entity
Type
Details
Job
Col. Ivan Novikov
Patron
Sector Government
Danger Pay: +2 credits Time Frame: following 2 turns BHC: Conditions: Vengeful Completed
Darius Armiger
Patron
Wealthy Individual
Valentin Bezerra
Rival
Tech Gangers – Neon Reapers
The Coreward Path/Vane Voss
Patron
Private Organization
World
Settlement
Notes
Mackensen V
Kevil’s Port
Restricted Education
Campaign Options
Slaves to the Star Grind
Money is Tight
Starting in the Gutter (all options)
Dramatic Weapons + Adjusted Shooting
Detailed Post-Battle Injuries
5X Experience Variant
Story Track to begin once we hit a crew of 6
Factions to be used once we reach the next World
Pre-Battle
Upkeep and Ship Repairs Upkeep 1 Credit (Money is Tight) No ship
Assign and Resolve Crew Tasks Urien: Recruit: 94: Special Character: De-converted: Isolationist Enclave, Revenge, Punk, Didn’t Recruit Ariana: Repair: Quality Sight: 6+3/6: Success Drathi: Explore: You make a useful contact: Next campaign turn, add +1 to your choice of a roll to Recruit, Find a Patron, or Track a Rival. Renette: Trade: Medical Pack: Stim Pack
Determine Job Offers Danger Pay: +2 Credits Time Frame: This or the Next Campaign Turn Benefits: Security Team Hazards: None Conditions: None
Assign Equipment Quality Sight: Shotgun
Resolve any Rumors 5/2: None
Choose your battle Check for Rivals – 2/1: None Select your Job: Patron job
Readying for Battle
Notable Sights: Person of Interest (+1 Story Point if reached) Objective: Eliminate Enemy: Interested Parties: Rage Lizard Mercs: 2-1: 1 Unique Individual: 7+1/9: No unique Individual
I decided here to up the odds. I swapped the single enemy for a Unique foe – a Callous Merc. If I win, I’ll earn an extra Quest Rumour for this.
Battle Text (feel free to skip)
Seize Initiative: 8+3/10: Success Moved forward, Ariana behind cover, Drathi upwards to get good vantage point Round 1 2466 Everyone moved into positions Round 2 1126 Quick Phase: Urien moves and shoots via the opening Urien: 3+2/5: Hit: 3/5: Stunned Enemy Phase: Merc moves under cover of opening, out of LOS from Drathi and Ariana, isn't stunned no longer Arianna moves and shoots: 1+1,1+1/6: Miss Renette climbs down as I had forgotten she's armed with a shotgun, and can't reach from far away Round 3 1146 Quick Phase Arianna Shoots Machine pistol: 1+1,2+1/6: Miss Urien shoots: 3+3/6: Hit: 1+2/5: Stun Enemy Phase Merc shoots Ariana: 2+2+1/6: Miss, no longer Stunned Slow Phase Renette moves and shoots shotgun: 4+1/6: Miss Drathi has no LOS from his balcony I'll jump him down will take him a while so that he doesn't hurt himself Round 4 2245 Quick Phase Arianna Shoots Machine pistol: 1+1,2+1/6: Miss Drathi keeps going downwards Enemy Phase Merc shoots Ariana: 2+2+1/6: Miss Slow Phase Urien shoots: 1+3/6: Miss Round 5 2255 Arianna Shoots Machine pistol: 1+1,2+1/6: Miss Enemy Phase Merc shoots Urien: 6+2+1/6: Hit: 1/6: Stun Slow Phase Urien doesn't move, shoots his Military Rifle: 6+2/6: Hit: 1/5: Stunned Renette moves and shoots shotgun: 5+1/6: Hit: 1+1/5: Stunned (2) Round 6 2445 Quick Phase Arianna Shoots Machine pistol: 2+1,3+1/6: Miss Enemy Phase Merc shoots Urien: 6+2+1/6: Hit: 2/6: Stun (2) Slow Phase Renette shoots shotgun: 2+1/6: Miss Urien moves to cover again, 1 stun removed Drathi moves to flank Round 7 3355 Enemy Phase Merc shoots Urien: 2+2+1/6: Miss Slow Phase Drathi moves and shoots: 1+1/5: Miss Renette shoots shotgun: 2+1/6: Miss Arianna Shoots Machine pistol: 1+1,6+1/6: 1 Hit: 1/5: Stunned Urien shoots: 1+3/6: Miss Round 8 2456 Drathi aims and shoots: 5+1/5: Hit: 2+1/5: Stunned (2) Merc shoots Drathi: 2+2+1/5: Hit: 5/3: Casualty: Spent Luck instead Renette shoots shotgun: 3+1/6: Miss Arianna Shoots Machine pistol: 1+1,2+1/6: Miss Urien shoots: 2+3/6: Miss Round 9 1445 Quick Phase Drathi aims and shoots: 4+1/5: Hit: 4+1/5: Casualty, Spent Luck instead Enemy Phase Merc charges at Drathi: 5+4/4+3: Merc Hits: 2+1/3: Casualty, Drathi is down Renette shoots shotgun: 6+1/5: 2 Hits: 4+1,3+1: Casualty: Merc is Eliminated
Post Battle
Resolve Rival Status 5/1: No
Resolve Patron Status Success
Determine Quest Progress N/A
Get Paid 7 Credits
Battlefield Finds Curious Data Stick +1 QR +1 QR for getting the git
Check for Invasion N/A
Gather the loot Hand Laser
Determine Injuries and Recovery Drathi: 20: Hunting Rifle Damaged
Experience and Character Upgrades Ariana: +3 XP Urien: +3 XP Drathi: +2 XP Renette: +4 XP
Name
Reactions
Speed
Combat
Toughness
Savvy
Luck
XP/Level
Ariana Raschke
2
6″
+0
4
+3
2
39/5
Urien Jackstadt
1
5″
+2
4
+0
14/2
Drathi
2
6″
+1
3
+2
2
14/2
Renette Grison
1
5″
+2
3
+0
1
13/2
Renette: 45: +1 Combat Skill
Correction to Drathi; can’t have Luck 2. Increase Combat Skill instead.
Invest in Advance Training No
Purchase Items No
Roll for a Campaign Event The crew spends a night drinking, watching movies, and playing cards. +1 story point
Roll for a Character Event Urien: You’ve had time to reflect on your adventures. Earn +1D3 XP: 3
Name
Reactions
Speed
Combat
Toughness
Savvy
Luck
XP/Level
Ariana Raschke
2
6″
+0
4
+3
2
39/5
Urien Jackstadt
1
5″
+2
4
+0
1
17/3
Drathi
2
6″
+2
3
+2
1
14/2
Renette Grison
1
5″
+2
3
+0
1
13/2
Urien: +1 Luck
Crew Name
Notes
Story Points
Credits
Stash
Raschke‘s Rifles
4 QR
8
22
Colony Rifle Glare Sword D. Ripper Sword D. Hunting Rifle Still (2) Quality Sight Hand Laser
Check for Galactic War Progress N/A
Text Narrative
Ariana had laid out the gun parts, and was carefully oiling her machine pistol. While she was at it, she got the quality sight from the stash, and put it in the laser calibrator to see why it was off and try to fix it. Despite being focused on the task, she felt someone was watching her. She turned around to find Drathi carefully eyeing her every move. She still hadn’t managed to understand non-human behaviours, so she did the next best thing. She asked. “Everything okay there, Drathi?” “Drathi’s troubleshooter, but you troubleshoot too. It’s good working with you. Good.” the skulker replied, his whiskers moving around. Ariana would have to take his word for it. “Thanks. You’re a valuable member of the team too Drathi. I’m glad you’re with us.” The skulker made a chittering approving sound. “I’ll go, check Kevil’s Port. Explore.” and with a sudden acceleration, he left before Ariana had a chance to respond. Right at that moment, Urien and Renette barged in, having a conversation. “I’m telling you, if I interview another lost cause, I’ll just buy a bot for our next crewman.” the mercenary stated. “Oh come on, the last dude would have been a perfect addition to our squad.” Renette chuckled. “Stop pulling my leg. He was a converted. I’ve heard the stories, but seeing one in person. Gave me shivers.” Urien shook his head and shoulders as if trying to shake away the experience. “You’re not so macho as you seem, tough guy.” Renette kept teasing him. “And he wasn’t converted, he escaped before. You should be more eager to give people a chance.” “Converted, de-converted. It’s all the same to me. And we’re not an employment office here.” Urien responded. Renette dropped of some Stim Packs. “Bartered for these. Just in case.” She said. Ariana nodded and turned to the team. “Did this guy have any skill set we need in the crew?” They stopped their conversation and looked at her. Something about the way she handled herself in the last fight against the bugs, made them respect her more. They looked at each other and in agreement, they spoke in unison. “No, not really.” “Okay then.” she added. “I’ll finish up here, and I’ll got visit Mr. Armiger. He said he had more jobs for us.” Ariana continued. She leaned over the calibrator, working on the sight, but continued the conversation without looking at them. “That’s okay with you Renette? Nothing to do with Unity, right?” Renette was unsure if that was passive aggression or an honest question. Ariana hid it well, or perhaps she was unsure herself. “Yeah that’s fine.” Renette responded, and the conversation ended with a chill.
Ariana went alone to meet with Darius. She was furious on how a simple delivery mission had them fighting for their lives against the swarm. She wanted answers. The door to Darius’ roof apartment opened and he offered her some coffee. “The beans are imported straight from the Core worlds. Not those modified hybrids used in terraformed planets.” He offers. “You think you’ll buy me off with some coffee?” Ariana dismissed him. “You almost got us killed. This wasn’t a simple delivery. What’s your stake in this?” she shakes her fist. Darius friendly demeanor turned serious immediately. Crut stepped forward, but his boss stopped him gently with a palm on the chest. “I didn’t know much more than what you learned.” he replied. “We had made two attempts for delivery which both failed. I suspected a rival working against me, not an invasion threat.” “You could have warned us then! at least that!” she shouted. “Then I wouldn’t know if you had what it takes.” He quickly countered. “Don’t tell me that in Unity Armed Forces you always had all the intelligent reports beforehand.” She was taken aback by that statement and recollected all the times she was thrown in the thick of it without a heads up. One of the reasons she left Unity. But she could not hold it up to him for expecting her to rise up to the circumstance. She calmed down a little, relaxing her fist. “Now, since coffee is out of the question. I have another job offer. Are you up to it?” Darius asks. “What kind of a job is it?” she responds with a question. “Elimination.” He gives her a data sheet. “The mark is a mercenary, wanted by a number of parties. He goes by the name Szarik-Thos” “We’re not hitmen.” Ariana reacts with surprise. “If that’s what bothers you, try to bring him in, dead or alive.” Darius counters. “You will give him a choice, but I doubt he’ll give you one.” Ariana is still pondering. “Pay is good, or you can go back to your friends at URO, work for them.” Darius adds. The look on her face revealed her surprise. Seems Darius has done his research on her crew. “We’ll take it.” she finally says. “I’ll talk to you again once it’s done.” She leaves, still wondering if she made the right choice.
The crew gears up, considering their target they arm to the teeth. They locate their mark in Cinder Ward, a ruined part of Kevil’s port, fallen to fire during an old conflict. Drathi takes to higher ground to cover more area. Renette takes to the western side and finds a place to perch. Urien an Ariana crouch forwards. Soon they see their target, a reptilian, armed with an infantry laser and a heavy blade, wearing a thick suit of armour. He’s located in the entrance of a mostly collapsed building. The moment he sees them, he takes cover, and the fighting begins. Despite being severely outnumbered, four-to-one, Szarik-Thos puts up more than a fight. Renette notices someone casually standing in the sides, but not bothering to take cover, smoking a cigar in the middle of the battlefield. She rushes to him, and they have a short discussion. The rest of the crew is too busy with the battle to notice. During the shootout, the crew manages to reach a short wall to take cover right outside the entrance, but all both sides achieve is nothing more than a standoff. Some glancing hits here and there, but nothing that would affect the outcome. “Szarik-Thos!” Ariana shouts. “You’re not going to make it. Surrender and you might get to live!” A sharp hissing chuckle is heard from the ruins. “I surrender, I’m as good as dead. You wanna get me? you’ll have to try. How many of you will die first?” Drathi jumps down and leaves to flank him, as the mercenary carefully has avoided getting in his sights. Renette covers the other side of the entrance, and the shooting continues. The crew slowly reaches better tactical position, but they don’t do a dent into their foe. Finally, the skulker finds an opening from the rear of the ruined building, and jumps inside. He stabilizes his hunting rifle, aims, and shoots. The thick reptilian hide takes the brunt of it, and the merc shoots back. The lazer scorching at Drathi, who survives by sheer luck. The reptiloid is in his sights when he pulls the trigger again, however, for some reason he turns at the last moment, and the bullet only grazes him. He draws his blade and charges furiously at Drathi. Unprepared, the skulker tries to fend off the worst of it, using his rifle as an improvised melee weapon. A strong hit right with the blade right on the barrel of the rifle brings both the rifle and the skulker down under a pile of rubble. Not letting an opportunity go missed, Renette jumps in the building and blasts the merc with her shotgun, finishing him. Ariana rushes to Drathi, who gets out of the rubble unscathed. His rifle though is damaged. The rodent curses and hishes, looking at the body of the merc with sheer hatred. Searching through the site, Urien finds a curious data stick – something to check afterwards – and a hand laser.
Ariana takes a photo of the mark, and heads back to Darius’. Once more he isn’t there, but he has Crut, deliver the payment, 7 full Unity credits. This gets her closer to her goal, getting a ship. Back in the safehouse, they splurge a bit. They spend the night drinking, sharing stories and playing cards. When it’s quite late, Urien slips away to his bunk and spends some time reflecting on his actions during the job. Morale is high overall, and Ariana tries to come to terms with her new civilian life. This feels like a major milestone to her. It was a completely private job, no Unity involvement, but she was unsure of the morality involved. Taking orders also meant no responsibility on the right or wrong of it. Now she has to make choices, and these choices matter. She looked at the crew resting. They seemed to be more content with this kind of assignment than working for Unity, so perhaps the conflict is her own alone.
Session Summary
This mission should have been a walk in the park, but once more you never know what you’re getting into with tabletop games, especially when there’s dice involved. It took me a full 9 combat rounds to finish the mission. Speaking of which, I’ve noticed that the most enjoyable games to me are the ones that last for about 5-6 battle rounds. Less than that it’s usually too fast to understand what happened, and doesn’t really make up to the time spent setting up everything. More than that it’s starting to become tiresome.
I’ve not started working yet with the story track, as my milestone will be getting a crew of 6, but I should consider bringing character Motivations into the fold. I need to remember them, and perhaps use them for potential quests, rivals, or events occuring during the game. Ariana was generated in Bug Hunt, so she’s missing a Motivation. I intend to give her one once we get a Ship. I think that will be a good milestone.
Thanks! I am trying to find the right balance with pictures in terms of effort. Perhaps collecting a few important snap shots might make sense? Trying to keep it low, because I found that shooting photos of every single thing that happened is to the detriment of the tabletop experience, and requires extra effort afterwards to write the AAR.
peter holland
11:05 am on August 3, 2026 Permalink
Yes, taking a lot of pictures affects the flow and enjoyment. It gives you more options of what to put in the aar though.
I’ve seen some with a lot of photos that are unappealing die to the length of the posting.
But a wall of text can be unappealing too.
A happy balance could be one or two for each round/bound of play with what you consider the best action or important occurrence.
Then you can choose either, both or none.
Onibaba is discussing. 
peter holland, 
Onibaba 2:39 pm on July 16, 2025 Permalink |
Amazing as always, thx for the effort! At least Jake managed to get out of it in one piece
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Onibaba 3:24 pm on November 5, 2025 Permalink |
Great BR as always!
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