…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.
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.
Choose your battle Check for Rivals – 6/1: None Select your Job: Patron job
Readying for battle
Determine Deployment Conditions No Condition Notable Sights: Documentation
Determine the Objective Deliver
Determine the Enemy Roving Threats: Swarm Brood
Number: 6/3+2=8 1 Pack Leader (No Specialist? (2))
Battle Rolls
Seize Initiative: 4+4 = 8/10 Fail Round 1: 2266 Everyone is dashing forward Round 2: 2334 Quick Phase: Ariana dashes forward Enemy Phase: the Swarm dashes closer Slow Phase: Urien aims and Shoots: 5+2/5:Hit:4: Casualty! Renette moves and shoots: 2+1/5: Miss Drathi moves and shoots: 1+1/5: Miss Round 3: 4556 Enemy Phase: Swarm vs Ariana: 6+1/2+1: Ariana receives 2 hits: 1+1,2+1/4: Stunned twice Slow Phase: Urien: aims and shoots: 1,4+2/5: Hit: 3: Stun Renette: moves and shoots: 4+1/3: Hit: 1: Stun (2) Drathi aims and shoots: 6+1/3: 2 Hits: 5+1, 2+1: Casualty Round 4: 2245 Quick Phase: Ariana retreats and Shoots Machine Pistol: 5,6/3: 2 Hits: 2,6: Casualty Drathi aims and shoots Leader: 6+1/3: 2 Hits: 6+1,3+1: Casualty Enemy Phase: Bugs can't reach team, by a short distance Slow Phase: Urien aims and shoots Military rifle: 2+2/3: Hit: 4/4: Casualty Renette aims and shoots Military rifle: 6+1/3: Hit: 4/4: Casualty Round 5: 2445 Quick Phase: Drathi aims and shoots: 3+1/3: Hit: 3+1/4: Casualty Enemy Phase: Bug charges at Drathi: 2+1/5+3: Drathi Wins: 1+1/4: Stun Slow Phase: Ariana shoots Machine Pistol twice: 5,6/3: 2 Hits: 5,5/4: Casualty
Post Battle
Resolve Rival Status N/A
Resolve Patron Status Busy-> Will get another Job next Turn
Determine Quest Progress N/A
Get Paid 3 Credits
Battlefield Finds Vital info / Invasion Evidence: Turn in this information to get a Corporate Patron automatically on this world. If the enemy is an Invasion Threat, you instead find Invasion Evidence; if so, earn +1 credit and add +1 when checking for Invasion in the next step.
Check for Invasion 2+1-1: No
Gather the loot 3 Dazzle Grenades
Determine Injuries and Recovery N/A
Experience and Character Upgrades Ariana: +3 XP Urien: +4 XP Drathi: +3 XP Renette: +3 XP
Invest in Advance Training No
Purchase Items No
Name
Reactions
Speed
Combat
Toughness
Savvy
Luck
XP/Level
Ariana Raschke
2
6″
+0
4
+3
2
36/5
Urien Jackstadt
1
5″
+2
4
+0
11/2
Drathi
2
6″
+1
3
+2
2
12/2
Renette Grison
1
5″
+1
3
+0
1
9/1
Urien: +1 Toughness Drathi: +1 Luck
Crew Name
Notes
Story Points
Credits
Stash
Raschke‘s Rifles
2 QR
6
16
Scrap Pistol Colony Rifle Glare Sword Hand Cannon Shotgun D. Ripper Sword D. Hunting Rifle Still (2) D. Quality Sight
Roll for a Campaign Event A chance meeting turns into a new ally. Roll up a new character and add them to the crew, OR add +1 story point. You may decide after rolling up the new character 98: Strange Character 08: Unity Agent, won’t Recruit, we have enough of Unity
Roll for a Character Event Ariana: You know someone who knows someone. Add a Patron. Private Organization: The Coreward Path (Veron Voss)
Check for Galactic War Progress N/A
Text Narrative
Night fell, and the three moons of Mackensen V stood high up in the sky, a cool green colour reflecting off them. In the safe house, Ariana and Drathi had all sorts of spare parts in front of them, trying to fix the damaged items in their stash. Ariana was focusing on Urien’s military rifle, while the skulker was working on the damaged stabilizer, which would make a fine addition to his hunting rifle. Renette was not with them. She had just finished a glass of skoltar ale, and was starting an interview with a potential crew member. Tarminos had referenced her, reluctantly. Something was off about her. Renette has seen her share of crazy across the galaxy, and she’s heard that some people look at her weird regarding her own beliefs and volitions, but she felt that this lady in front of her, had taken it a step even further. “So tell me Pan. Tarminos told me, you escaped an isolationist enclave. Are they after you? Will that be a problem for us?” She asked her. “After me? nah. They absolutely loved me. They’ll miss me, but I left them a copy.” Pan replied while fiddling with the table. “What’s with the atmosphere here? I can’t breathe.” “You’ll get used to it.” Renette cast aside her complaint. “What do you mean a copy?” “Oh I’m an artist, so I made them a copy. Of me. They loved it.” She responded. “Yeah… so nothing else to bring to the crew. Why, did you ask to join us then?” Renette asked. “Well for the credits of course. Everyone knows that the fastest way to riches is joining a crew and doing jobs and shit.” She coughed. Trying to cast away the feeling of cat hair in the throat that the atmosphere of Mackensen V had served upon her. “Scoltar ale helps.” Renette told her. “Good luck finding a crew, I don’t think we’ll be a good fit. Also consider, to keep doing what you do. You know, art.” She stood up, and mulled over the wasted time.
Urien called out to Ariana. “It’s time boss, we have to go and meet our next benefactor.” “Benefactor?” Ariana asked as she finished working on the rifle. She had fixed it. “Well, that is if we do the job right.” Urien said. “His name is Darius Armiger. He’s waiting for us.”
They reached the top floor of the tower where Darius lived. Something that stood out to Ariana after climbing five floors worth, is that the air was cleaner. She paused for a few moments and breathed in, enjoying this feeling that she had missed since arriving at Mackensen V. They rang the bell, and the door opened. “Come in, come in.” A voice yelled from inside. As they stepped in, a hulking figure, stood at the side. “Don’t mind Crut.” A fancily dressed man said as he arrived from the inner part of the appartment. “He’s just here to ensure of my safety.” He smiled and bowed slightly. “Darius Armiger.” “I’m Urien, and this is my boss, Ariana.” Urien started, before Darius cut in. “-Raschke. Yes, I’ve heard of you. A pleasure to meet you in person.” He showed off his manners. “Will you have a soft drink with me at the bar, while we discuss business?” She leaned her head softly to the side as a positive gesture, and moved to the balcony. A nice view overlooking Kevil’s Port. “I didn’t know this place was beautiful.” Ariana commented. For a moment she forgot her hardships in Unity. “Yes, it’s easily hidden by the harsh reality of this planet. That’s why I bought this place. It’s a daily reminder that there’s beauty even in the harshest places.” Darius added. Ariana didn’t talk for some time. She wanted to enjoy this. The beautiful view, the soft drinks, the clean air. Urien cleaning his throat returned her to reality. “We have business to attend to.” Urien pointed out. Ariana sighed and nodded. “What is this job Mr. Armiger?”. “A delivery. There’s a package I want you to bring to a location.” He hands over a single-use e-data sheet. “Details are here.” “I see that you’ve added some extra security to offset some risks?” Ariana asks. “Yes, you won’t even notice. Just deliver the package and get out. Simple.” Darius replied. “Oh, and if you get it done quickly, I’ll have another job for you. It’s a busy period, and I’m short on hands.” “It’s a deal Mr. Armiger.” Ariana smiled. She finished her drink, and they left.
The crew arrived at their destination, several kilometers away from Kevil’s Port, only to be greeted by an eerie silence. The observation tower in the middle was unoccupied. “Meeting we someone for package delivery, boss?” Drathi asked as he scoped the area with his rifle. “Someone should be here, but if not, we just drop it off, take photographic evidence and leave.” She replied. “I’ll do it.” “Hold up. I got movement.” Urien cut her off. “What are these things!?” He added, visibly scared. “What?” Renette asked and tried to see for herself. Ariana looked carefully to where Urien was pointing, and immediately drew her machine pistol. She cursed. She spit in the ground in front of her. And the cool friendly face she had immediately disappeared. Her crew hadn’t seen her before like this. As if a switch flipped. “Bugs. Fucking bugs.” She said. A frown appeared on her eyebrow ridge. Her jaw clenched, teeth grinding. “Bah… what?” Urien asked. “The Swarm.” She added. “I fought all sorts of bugs. They do look like face rippers. I count 8 of them.” Her crew is frozen. They’ve fought other goons, but nothing like that. “Alright, squad listen up.” Her voice turned strict, military. “Shoot to kill. Don’t let them get close. Cover each other, advance slowly.”
Ariana dashes towards the tower, the package in her backpack, machine pistol at hand, while the swarm approaches from all sides. Her crew advances slowly, and starts shooting at the bugs. Urien’s shots find one dead center, killing it. Knowing how to maneuver around them, Ariana positions herself carefully, so that when they jump her, she faces only one of them at a time. She’s struck by one, but manages to fend it off eventually. The rest of the crew keeps providing cover fire, and Drathi kills another bug. Retreating tactically, she fires her pistol into the thorax of the bug, green goo splashing everywhere. Now they have them all in the open, where they want them. The team opens fire, and they start eliminating the remaining enemies, one by one, all of their shots find their targets. Two swarm bugs remain. Drathi stops, aims, and fires, finishing off one, while the other finds the opportunity in the chaos to reach him. He fends it off. Ariana turns to her side, and kills it. The battle was tense, and Ariana proved her worth – she knew how to keep the monsters at bay. She stood over the battlefield looking over the bug remains slowly dissolving. She climbs the observation post, delivers the package, and takes a picture for the patron. As she climbed down, she couldn’t help but notice the team gossiping. She barely caught with her ear that they were telling each other that she’s badass. She restrained a smile, and turned to them. “Where in UAF did you serve?” Urien asked. “Must have been a Hunter Squad.” Renette responded and Ariana nodded. “If you survive, constant deployment at invasion fronts will let you muster out quickly.” Ariana said. “Speaking of which…” she looked around. “We need to search this place. Make sure the swarm hasn’t targeted this system.”
A quarter of an hour later, they regroup. “Drathi found these.” He proudly displays 3 dazzle grenades. “LE grade.” He smiles, his whisker pads going to the side, proud of what he found. “That’s good Drathi.” Unfortunately my search yielded undesirable results. She presented a flat, alien egg-shell like piece. “These things were not indigenous or forgotten. They landed here, recently.” She looked up to the sky. “Perhaps we stopped them in their tracks.” “Or else?” Urien asks. “Or else we scrounge whatever credits we have, borrow from a loanshark, and get a ship out of here as fast as possible.” She answers. “Let’s go, time’s wasting.” She assigned tasks. Urien was to collect the payment for the job, Renette and Drathi were to go back to the safehouse, get their things ready and wait for her in the Tailed Gecko. She’d head to the Unity Reserve Office – she had to learn if the Swarm was coming to Mackensen system for real.
Back in Kevil’s Port, Urien collected their paycheck from Crut – Darius wasn’t available, but he left them a message to check back with them for additional tasks. Their questions would remain unanswered for now. In the URO, a suprised Colonel Novikov received an unannounced visit from Ariana Raschke. He was already in a meeting with a couple of people she hadn’t seen before, but she didn’t care. This was urgent. She opened her backpack and dropped off the swarm shell onto his desk. “The Swarm made an appearance.” She added. The Colonel and his guests looked at her. “Your UAF days are over Raschke. Leave the bugs to the hunters.” He exchanged glances with the other men in the room. “Are we under threat of imminent invasion Sir?” she asked. He didn’t answer immediately. Instead he raised his hand to call for an officer to collect the shell. “We’ll check. Where did you find this?” “Five klicks South-South East. It could be a scout pod.” She added, leaning against his desk with both arms. The Colonel nodded to the officer who arrived. “Send a scout team. Two people. Investigate immediately. Run a deep-space hypersignal scan, relay to HQ, and receive information for any Swarm sighting or anomalies in two-parsecs radius. Priority Red.” Ariana sighed in temporary relief.
“While we’re waiting, how about some introductions?”. The gray haired guest expressed. He was a neatly dressed man. While not wearing a uniform, he might as well be. Ariana couldn’t tell if he was military or a politician. Perhaps a bit of both. Clean shaven, wearing a smart monocle. “Gentlemen.” Colonel Novikov said. “Meet Mrs. Ariana Raschke. Former bug hunter. A capable trooper, if I may say, who still helps Unity wherever she can.” He turns to the guests. “This is Mr. Voss, a representative of the Coreward Path.” He gestured to the neatly dressed man, who nodded in agreement. Without waiting to be introduced, the other man interfered. “Name’s Lombo.” He offered his hand. “Ariana Raschke, as in.. Raschke’s Rifles?” He asked. Reluctantly Ariana shook his hand. “Yes.” she agreed. “You’ve started making a name across Kevil’s Port. Really showed these isolationists.” He added. “If you’d have me, I could be a conduit between the interests of Unity and yours. I can see a definite alignment.” She looked at Lombo. Something about him was odd. She wondered. He looked fit, experienced, trained, and like knowing what to say in the right moment. She didn’t call him out, but she was certain that she was talking to a Unity Agent. Mr. Voss got excited at Raschke’s deeds. “Mrs. Raschke.” He gave her a data card. “Here’s my contact information. In case you want to find more opportunities to show your skills in a similar fashion.” He smiled. Ariana felt something sinister about that smile. She started feeling uneasy about these acquaintances of Novikov. What was their agenda, and what did they want with her and her crew. She smiled awkwardly for a brief moment, and waited in silence. It felt like hours to her, but in a few minutes the lieutenant returned, and gave a data sheet to the Colonel, who went carefully through it, scrolling up and down several times. At the end he turned to his guests. “I can’t say much in terms of confidentiality, but given our trust, let me tell you that preliminary findings show that Mackensen system is out of the Swarm’s antennae for the time being. We’ll verify with the scout team later.” He looked at Ariana. “Raschke, thank you.” She knew that this was both a thanks, and a dismissal. She mumbled a goodbye to the company, and left for the Tailed Gecko. She knew that her crew was waiting eagerly to learn what she had found out.
Session Summary
This episode was a reminder that once a bug hunter, always a bug hunter, in the Five Parsecs from Home universe. I hadn’t fought bugs before with a regular crew, so I was uneasy as to how it would play out. After the first kills from my team, I was relieved, and we won in the end. Recruiting still doesn’t work to what I’m looking for. Truth is I’m looking for very specific things, but since I’m playing with extra upkeep costs over 4 crew, I’m content at staying as is until I find what I want exactly.
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
6
13
Scrap Pistol Colony Rifle Glare Sword Machine Pistol Hand Cannon Shotgun D. Ripper Sword D. Hunting Rifle
Entity
Type
Details
Job
Col. Ivan Novikov
Patron
Sector Government
Danger Pay: +2 credits Time Frame: following 2 turns BHC: Conditions: Vengeful Completed
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 Ariana: Find Patron Job Urien: Recruit: Baseline Human: Drifter, Power, Technician, didn’t recruit Drathi: Explore: Trade: Insider Information (automatically find a Patron next Turn if looking for one) Renette: Trade: Basic Supplies (skip next turn Upkeep costs)
Determine Job Offers Sector Government Danger Pay: +1 credits Time Frame: This or the following campaign turn BHC: Hazard: Veteran Opposition
Assign Equipment No changes
Resolve any Rumors None
Choose your battle Check for Rivals – None Select your Job: Patron job
Readying for Battle
Determine Deployment Conditions No Condition Notable Sights: Peculiar Item
Determine the Objective Fight Off
Determine the Enemy Criminal Elements: Tech Gangers
Number: 5 Lieutenant, Specialist
Combat
Seize Initiative 8+3 = 11 Success
Ariana Move to B1: 9/8: Success Urien Move to B1: 8/8: Success Drathi Move to A2: 12/8: Success Renette Move to A2: 9/8: Success
Round 1 Initiative: 3456
Enemy Phase: Enemy 1: Find Cover: Fail, Shoot at Urien: 3/5, Miss Enemy 2: Find Cover: Fail, Shoot at Drathi: 1/5, Miss Specialist: Find Cover: Success, Shoot at Renette: 4-1=3/5,4-1=3/5, Miss x2
Slow Phase: Drathi: aims and shoots at Enemy 2: 5+1=6/5: Hit: 3+1=4/5: Stunned Urien: Find Cover: 1/5: Fail, Shoot at Enemy 1: 1+1=2/5: Miss Ariana: Scout for Location: Person of Interest: 11/8: Success: +1 Story Point Renette: aims and shoots at Specialist: 3+1=4/5: Miss
Enemy Phase: Enemy 1: Shoot at Urien: 2/5: Miss, Stun removed Enemy 2: Shoot at Drathi: 5/5: Hit: 2/3: Stunned. Stun removed. Specialist: Shoot at Renette: 2,3/5: Miss
Slow Phase: Urien: aims and shoots at Enemy 1: 4/5: Miss Drathi: Move to B2: 2+6=8/8: Success Renette: aims and shoots at Enemy 2: 5+1/5: Hit: 1/5: Stunned
Round 3 Initiative: 1266
Quick Phase Drathi Brawling with Specialist: 5+3/4: Hit: 5+1/5: Casualty: 2/6: No Save. Casualty. Ariana: Move to B2: 2+6=8/8: Success: Brawling with Enemy 1: 4+1/4: Hit: 3/5: Stunned
Round 4 Initiative: 1223 Drathi: Brawling with Enemy 1: 5+4/6: Hit: 6/5: Casualty: 4/6: No Save. Casualty. We hold the field. 6/3: No credits paid extra.
Post Battle
Resolve Rival Status (4,1): Rival! Valentin Bezerra of the Neon Rippers
Resolve Patron Status N/A
Determine Quest Progress N/A
Get Paid 5 Credits
Battlefield Finds Curious Data Stick. 1 Quest Rumour
Check for Invasion N/A
Gather the loot Damaged Gear: Stabilizer, Quality Sight 2x Still
Determine Injuries and Recovery N/A
Experience and Character Upgrades Ariana: +3 XP Urien: +3 XP Drathi: +4 XP Renette: +3 XP
Scrap Pistol Colony Rifle Glare Sword Machine Pistol Hand Cannon Shotgun D. Ripper Sword D. Hunting Rifle Still (2) D. Stabilizer D. Quality Sight
Roll for a Campaign Event The crew has decided it’s time for a new person to be in charge. Story Point -1: You’ve made some business contacts. Add a new Patron to the list of those known.
Roll for a Character Event Urien: They don’t make them like they used to. Damaged Military Rifle.
Check for Galactic War Progress N/A
Text Narrative
Ariana was finishing her breakfast, a locust goat egg omelette, packed with nutrients. Wiping her mouth, still chewing down her last bite, she stood up, put the plate in the Z-23 automated washer and turned to the rest of the crew who were doing their morning routine. “I’m going to head up to the URO. I got a text from the Colonel that he’s got another job for us. You know what to do until then. Gather intel, find someone new to join us.” She finished her bite. “We’ll meet up at the Tailed Gecko afterwards.” The crew exchanged glanced looks. Finally Renette spoke. “Just make sure we don’t end up being a Unity Task Force. If I wanted to fight for Unity I’d have enlisted.” Ariana pushed down the urge to defend Unity. After all she had chosen to leave this life. “Once we have more options, we’ll consider them.” She responded, not knowing what else to say. It didn’t seem to convince her crew, but they didn’t press the matter further.
At the Unity Reserve Office, Col. Novikov was waiting for her. “Raschke, so glad you’re here. I wouldn’t outsource this again, but you still find me in need.” He begun explaining. “You dealt with the Pale Colds swiftly and efficiently. But now there’s another gang that saw this as an opportunity. They think that this is a turf area to be fought over by the gangs. We need to make it clear to them that no-one I mean no-one will undermine our authority here.” “What’s the opposition?” Ariana asks. “Some sort of Tech Gangers. Neon Rippers they call themselves. Their leader is a man called Valentin Bezerra. Veteran crew, but you’ll get your danger pay. Finish them and I trust that we’ll be safe from anymore gang-conqueror wannabes for quite some time.” He presented a d-pad with pictures of their markings. They seemed well armed for gangers. “We’ll deal with them.” Ariana responded, and headed off to the Tailed Gecko.
There she saw Urien Jackstadt patting someone in the back and sending him out. “Another unsuccessful attempt to recruit someone useful Jack?” she asked, using a new nickname for Urien. He was taken aback at first, but replied soon. “A power-hungry drifter, only technical skills – I don’t think he’d be a good fit. I’m trying to find someone different. Someone that will make a difference.” He said. “I like the way you’re thinking. Where are the others? We have a job to do.” Ariana continued. “They should be here any moment now, our skulker friend has gotten some insider information. Should help with seeking job opportunities outside of Unity’s grasp.” He added. “Aha.” Ariana nodded. “And Renette?” “Got her message, something about getting a good deal on basic supplies. Should keep us afloat for a week or so.” Urien said. Ariana smiled, and wondered if things would be better going forward.
They gathered their gear, and went after the Neon Rippers. Ariana used her tactical knowledge to get in close to the enemy before they even knew they were there. They counted a handful of enemies, including their leader and his bodyguard. But soon they got made, and laser beams started flying in their direction, missing, while the party took cover. Drathi managed to get a grazing shot at one of them pinning him down, while the rest of the crew shot suppressing fire. In the midst of the firefight, Ariana spotted a person of interest. He was taking cover, but seemed otherwise unfazed by the conflict. She reached him and they exchanged some words. Noone knows what they talked about, and the crew quickly forgot about it, since they were occupied with the task at hand.
From a position of cover, Ariana took a pot shot at a tech ganger from above. The bullet found him in the chest, taking him down. The fight continued with neither side gaining any serious advantage. Determined to get this over with, Ariana gestures to Drathi and they both charge at the tech gangers from different sides, entering a brawl. Drathi is a fierce foe with the blade, the tech ganger specialist is wounded and out of the fight. Ariana stuns another enemy at close combat, while Urien and Renette provide covering fire. Renette’s shot is a direct hit, the ganger unable to stand again.
Drathi turns his attention to the last enemy in the field. They may be fearless, but they still can be defeated. His swings his blade, and another ganger is down. Raschke’s Rifles hold the field. Their wounded enemies scurry away while they rummage through their stash. They find a curious data stick, a stabilizer and quality sight in bad condition, and a couple of stills.
The next day Ariana heads back to the URO to meet up with Col. Novikov. The moment he sees her, he smiles. At the same time as he does the welcome handshake, he gives her the payment. “Unity sure made a mistake of passing you over, Raschke.” He says. “If it were up to me, I’d have made an officer out of you first chance I’ve got.” “Thank you, Sir”. She responds. “I would have taken it. Glad to know I can still be of help.” She turns to leave. “Oh, Raschke” he adds as she leaves. “Just a heads up. You fought them off. But their leader survived, and he’s a man with a grudge. Word is Valentin has started asking about your crew. Keep your head on a swivel.” “Thanks. I’ll keep that in mind.”
She returns back to the the safehouse, and sees the crew exchanging weird glances. Unsure if something did happen, or did she just imagine it? Urien was working on maintaining his rifle, but he broke something in the trigger mechanism and will need a replacement part. “We got a good payment 5 credits.” Ariana says in a loud voice and the crew cheers. Renette steps up to her. “Here’s a contact info I got. A man named Darius Armiger. He’s known to be wealthy and with odd requests. Perhaps it will be worth it seeking him out for a different source of payment before we become solely Unity grunts.” Ariana nods, and forces a soft smile.
Session Summary
For this battle I tested some homebrew rules for small tables battles. They’re sitting in between RAW and the no-minis rules. Meant to allow for the placement of minis and terrain to give a nice overview of the battle, without going into the nit-picking details of counting distances and setting up a larger table. Overall it worked well, but I identified some improvements needed which I’ll need to test. Also perhaps a grid of 2×2 is too small, and I need to make a 3×3 grid to have more room to maneuver. I’ll test this in a later session. The interview recruit homebrew rule doesn’t work to my favour. I’m always getting uninteresting baseline humans. I want to find some different primary aliens, bots, or someone that will make it worth it to turn into a Psionic by spending a Story Point (someone that begins with a Combat Skill bonus due to a background roll preferrably.)
Getting the Actual Play Reports written has caused me a writer’s block, and due to that I haven’t gotten to playing my campaign. As with the previous session, I had played this months ago, but never gotten down to writing it. I need to tone down significantly the expectations from my reports. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely loved the high production value of the 2nd campaign of Bug Hunt. But honestly, I don’t think I have in me the energy to keep doing it. Perhaps it’s part of the reason I have been stalling, and only focusing on different parts of the hobby. Risking a potential burnout on printing and painting miniatures, I’ll try to get back on playing my campaign.
Unfortunately, I’ll be doing a variable style of actual play reports. Sometimes I may give just a rough overview of the turn. Other times I may provide a detailed comic presentation with actual play photos. Most of the time it will be somewhere between these two, but I don’t want to commit. At the very least I will be providing the bookkeeping information that I need so that I don’t miss any important things to the story going forward.
Current Status
Name
Reactions
Speed
Combat
Toughness
Savvy
Luck
XP/Level
Ariana Raschke
1
6″
+0
4
+3
2
27/4
Urien Jackstadt
1
5″
+1
3
+0
1/0
Drathi
2
6″
+0
3
+2
1
1/0
Name
Species/Type
Weapons
Gear
Traits
Notes
Ariana Raschke
Human
Service Pistol
Brave Supportive
Origin: Trade Hub Training: Planetary militia, technical, leadership Service history: Anti-pirate operation, USS Astral Monarch, Colgan’s Wreck. Completed Missions: 9 Mustered out
Urien Jackstadt
Baseline Human
Military Rifle w Beam Light
Friendly Logical
Background: Comfortable Megacity Class Motivation: Escape Class: Mercenary
Danger Pay: +2 credits Time Frame: following 2 turns BHC: Conditions: Vengeful
World
Settlement
Notes
Mackensen V
Kevil’s Port
Restricted Education
1st Turn Summary: Offered a job from Col. Novikov, didn’t take it. Drathi gambled away a Rifle. Opportunity battle against Isolationists (they didn’t like the newcomers)
Game 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
Campaign Steps
Upkeep and Ship Repairs Upkeep 1 Credit (Money is Tight) No ship Drathi is back in fighting shape
Assign and Resolve Crew Tasks Ariana: Train +1 XP Urien: Recruit: Available is Baseline Human: Industrial World (Frag Vest)/Glory (+1 CS, Military Rifle)/Scoundrel (+1 Speed), Hired
Existing Job Offers Sector Government Danger Pay: +2 credits Time Frame: This or the following 2 campaign turns BHC: Conditions: Vengeful
Assign Equipment No changes
Resolve any Rumors None
Choose your battle Check for Rivals – None Select your Job: Patron job
Readying for Battle
Determine Deployment Conditions No Condition Notable Sights: Peculiar Item
Determine the Objective Fight Off
Determine the Enemy Criminal Elements: Gangers (Aggresive) (P1-2,S4, C0, T3)
Urien shoots Leader: Hit: Stunned Renette shoots ganger: Miss
Round 2
Drathi shoots: (aiming): Leader: Hit: Kill Urien shoots thug: Miss Renette shoots (aiming) thug: Miss Ariana shoots specialist: hit: Kill Morale: 1 thug flees
Round 3
Drathi shoots (aiming) thug: Miss Thug shoots Ariana: Miss Thug shoots Ariana: Miss Thug shoots Urien: Miss Urien aimed shot at Thug: Hit: Kill Renette aimed shot at Thug: Hit: Kill Ariana shoots thug: Miss Morale: Last thug flees
Post Battle
Resolve Rival Status N/A
Resolve Patron Status N/A
Determine Quest Progress N/A
Get Paid 1(=3)+2=5 Credits
Battlefield Finds Personal trinket
Check for Invasion N/A
Gather the loot Damaged Weapons: Ripper Sword & Hunting Rifle
Determine Injuries and Recovery N/A
Experience and Character Upgrades Ariana: +3 XP Urien: +3 XP Drathi: +4 XP Renette: +3 XP Drathi (5/1) Roll: Your pick: +1 Combat
Invest in Advance Training No
Purchase Items No
Roll for a Campaign Event An admirer wants to come along. Baseline Human: Drifter/Truth/Nomad, Not hired.
Roll for a Character Event Ariana: You meet up with an old arms dealer contact who owes you a deal. Hand Cannon, Machine Pistol, Shotgun.
Check for Galactic War Progress N/A
Name
Reactions
Speed
Combat
Toughness
Savvy
Luck
XP/Level
Ariana Raschke
1
6″
+0
4
+3
2
30/4
Urien Jackstadt
1
5″
+1
3
+0
4/0
Drathi
2
6″
+1
3
+2
1
5/1
Renette Grison
1
5″
+1
3
+0
3/0
Name
Species/Type
Weapons
Gear
Traits
Notes
Ariana Raschke
Human
Service Pistol
Brave Supportive
Origin: Trade Hub Training: Planetary militia, technical, leadership Service history: Anti-pirate operation, USS Astral Monarch, Colgan’s Wreck. Completed Missions: 9 Mustered out
Urien Jackstadt
Baseline Human
Military Rifle w Beam Light
Friendly Logical
Background: Comfortable Megacity Class Motivation: Escape Class: Mercenary
Background: Industrial world Motivation: Glory Class: Scoundrel
Name
Injuries
Status
Ariana Raschke
Fit for duty
Urien Jackstadt
Fit for duty
Drathi
Fit for duty
Renette Grison
Fit for duty
Crew Name
Notes
Story Points
Credits
Stash
Raschke‘s Rifles
6
9
Scrap Pistol Colony Rifle Glare Sword Machine Pistol Hand Cannon Shotgun D. Ripper Sword D. Hunting Rifle
Entity
Type
Details
Job
Col. Ivan Novikov
Patron
Sector Government
Danger Pay: +2 credits Time Frame: following 2 turns BHC: Conditions: Vengeful Completed
World
Settlement
Notes
Mackensen V
Kevil’s Port
Restricted Education
Text Narrative
Zzx’rth’g the alien landlord collected the weekly rent, and was on it’s way, when Ariana left a sigh. Things weren’t looking good. The crew was short of men, credits were running low, and there was a deadline for her mission. She grit her teeth, told herself that she can do it, and went in the hall to talk to her crew.
“Hey boss.” Urien greeted her. He was trying so hard to appear cool and proffessional, but he always comes as a sleazy scumbag who’s trying to hit on her in the bar. Soft skills are not his forte. Ariana sighs again.
“What you’ll have us do? Drathi is ready to rest and get ready!” the skulker said in a cheerful? manner. She couldn’t understand if he was joking or not. She needs to freshen up on her skulker cultural knowledge. “Yes Drathi, you shall rest, so that it won’t hurt running at the Pale Colds the day after tomorrow.” she replied. “And you, ” she turned to Urien. “Get a second chance to find us the fourth member of our crew. I’ll stay here and do study tactics for our team, while looking after Drathi at the same time.”
Urien didn’t have many options for finding someone to recruit in Kevil’s Port. The Tailed Gecko was the most obvious place to start with, so that’s where he headed. “What you’ll have?” Asked the bull-man bartender. “A scoltar ale. Name’s Urien.” He put the credits on the counter. “What’s yours?” “Flattering,” the bartender replied in a heavy voice while serving him the same beer he had the other day, “But you’re just not my type.” “No no, you got it wrong. I am just trying to…ah whatever.” Urien paused, changed his stance, and went to explain. “Look, dude, me and the crew I’m running with, seems we’re going to be stuck in this place for a while. I’m trying to make some business connections. I thought learning your name before talking stuff like this would be good, you know, but have it your way.” Frustrated he turned his attention to the beer in front of him. He looked forward to drinking the viscous liquid that made him forget the annoying cat-hair atmosphere of Mackensen V. “My name is Tarminos. Friends call me Tar. My guess then is you’re looking for information?” the bartender replied, while drying some glasses. “Yes, Tar…” – Urien let it linger for a while, while the bartender kept looking at him in the eye, he decided to go with his full name eventually – “…minos, do you know if there’s anyone in here looking to join a crew? we’re quite short-handed at the moment.” Tarminos nodded. “I’ll hook you up. Stay.”
Minutes passed. Then one hour. Then more. Urien had to drink two more scoltar ales just to pass the time. Eventually he decided he’d have enough, and Tarminos was probably messing with him. He stood up. “Where are you going? she’s here.” the bartender stopped him. A long haired brunette, in her late 20s, took the seat next to him. “Hey Tar. The usual.” she said to the bartender in a confident voice. Urien turned to her, but before he even had a chance to speak, she cut him off, palm gesture to stop right in front of him. “Look man, I’m just not interested, alright? Go find another pretty lass to bother.” she told him. “Why does everyone think I’m hitting on them?” Urien said out loud, frustrated. She and the bartender laughed. “I’m messing with you. Tar told me about your little get-to-know before, and I just couldn’t pass up the opportunity. Name’s Renette. Heard you’re looking for crew.” Urien was left speechless. “You do pass as a Casanova if you ask me. So, tell me. What’s your crew, what kind of jobs you do, and what are you looking for in a member.” she continued. “We’re Raschke’s Rifles.” He eventually responded. “Our leader, Ariana, has strong tactical knowledge, and connections to get jobs that pay well. They also come with a good amount of risk involved. We need a few extra hands to ensure business continuity. What do you bring to the table?” “Wow, that’s a lot of corpo mumbo jumbo. Ariana? you’re the ones that faced off the isolationists the other day? I respect that.” she continued while Urien nodded. “I’m good with a rifle. Let’s say I come from a tough background, and I had to learn how to fend for myself. I managed to get out of there, and now I want to be someone. If it happens that the powers that be, pay for what they’ve done, along the way, well, that’s just an added bonus.” “I think we have an understanding. I say you join us for this next job, and we can decide after. Think of it as a trial period. You’ll get compensated of course.” Urien offered his hand. She bumped it. “I’m in. Let’s go meet the rest of the crew.”
Back in the safehouse, they found Ariana and Drathi over a rough map sketch. Urien did short introductions, and they got right on to the briefing. “Listen up, the Pale Colds are small time gangsters. They shouldn’t pose a threat, but we’re still low at numbers which makes this all the more dangerous. Urien thanks for bringing Renette to the fold. Drathi also is healing well, so he should be joining us tomorrow. The patron – local Unity – needs this to be done soon. There’s a risk that the Pale Colds will act against him, and then we’ll lose any favor we have. We’ll hit their turf near the Unity Reserve Office. We want them out of this area. Prepare for long range combat and they shouldn’t be able to close in for a shot against us. Questions?” Ariana used her military training to provide an efficient plan to the team.
The fighting the other day went smoothly for Raschke’s Rifles. They clashed with 6 gangers from the Pale Colds. Within a handful of minutes, they took down one each, including their lieutenant. Two thugs fled, carrying the message that this area was out of bounds for the Pale Colds. They also found the gangsters stash of weapons, a damaged ripper sword and a damaged hunting rifle. Nothing someone with skill couldn’t fix, in the stash was also a personal trinket.
After the fight, Ariana went by the URO again. She found him talking to an old acquaintance of her. “Flint?” she asks the gray haired old man. “What are you doing here of all places?” “Ariana! my girl!” A smile appears on his face as he hugs her. “You had just enlisted last time I saw you.” “You two know each other?” the Colonel asks frustrated. “She comes from Luyten-4071. A large trade hub. My trade was just starting in the arms business. Her parents helped me a lot getting the right connections. I don’t know if it wasn’t for them if I’d be where I am today.” The old man replied. “In Mackensen V?” she taunted. That was a side of Ariana that she never let out, except with the closest people. “I found that the Unity Reserves are ill-equipped, and requisitions take a long time. Since I’m UWS certified, this makes them a good sales partner. That’s my business here with the Colonel.” He replied. “How about you? I don’t see you in your fatigues, not that I’d expect a woman of your skill to end up in a URO in Mackensen V – no offense Colonel – this is one of the toughest ladies I’ve met.” “Mrs Raschke mustered out.” the Colonel intervened, a look of surprise in Flint’s face. “She did leave with a good record for Unity, hunting bugs along the galaxy. I guess she’s had enough. Now she’s here as a private contractor.” “There’s more to the story Flint.” Ariana replied. “But yes, that is correct. Also, Colonel Sir. The mission – the job I mean. Is done. The Pale Colds shouldn’t bother you anymore.” “Here for payment then.” He unlocked a drawer with a PIN code, took out a bunch of credits, and handed them to her. “Well done then. Unity thanks you.” “Hey girl, I’d like to catch up with you later. Where can I find you?” Flint asks. “The Tailed Gecko, old man.” Be there in an hour.
Back in the Gecko, the crew was celebrating a job well done, when Tarminos gestured for Urien to come over. “Word in the gutter has started spreading about your crew. There’s an admirer that would like to join you. But, he isn’t one of those who stick around. He’s a nomad, drifter. Do you want me to set up a meet for you?” the bartender asks. “Thanks. I think we’re good for now. We’re looking for a different skill set.” Urien replied. As he headed back he saw an old man had joined their table, and was sharing old stories with Ariana.
A long while later, when they were about to leave, Flint turned to Ariana alone. “Perhaps if you were still in UAF, I could have greased some wheels and pushed the bureaucracy to get you that Officer’s Training you were so eager for. Now I can’t, but I owe your family, so as a token of gratitude I have a small gift for you in your new endeavour.” They went to his ship, and he gave her a case with some guns. A handcannon, a machine pistol and a shotgun. “Thank you Flint.” she hugged him. “I hope we meet again.”
Session Summary
Writing down the actual play report months later doesn’t help with the summary. I really want to pick it up and start playing more. I need to actively decide to reduce my hobby painting time and play more. It’s just so much easier at the end of the day to do something that doesn’t require reading, thinking, and setting up tables. I have been considering creating a semi-portable gaming table that would really speed up my gaming time, perhaps I need to get on with it and do it. I’m also fiddling with some homebrew mini-table rules that are in-between the no-minis rules and the regular table rules. Something that will let me place minis on the table, but will be much faster.
As to the game session itself the combat part was really fast. The enemies short range weapons didn’t help them at all, and our crew made short work of them. The job interviews homebrew rule for recruiting, while interesting, hasn’t really worked to what I wanted sofar. I want diversity in my crew, and would like another alien or a bot if possible.
I really enjoy writing the text narrative in the end, I’m feeling I’m letting out some form of creative expression. But, perhaps for the next session I’ll also have some actual play photos to go along with it.
As I wrote some time ago, I have started creating a new album for my miniatures photos. However the app I was using for the new photoshoot changed while I was in the progress of doing it, and it kinda has made me lose my footing. White balance is off, focus is different, and I had already shot 1000 photos.
Well here are some miniatures I finished painting during this period, that’s why I didn’t post them back then. Still, I decided to go ahead and proceed with the post, otherwise I might miss it.
They’re Arbiter Miniatures. A barbarian, a female knight, a dwarf berserker, and a re-doing of the skeleton warrior.
They’re printed at 15mm scale (60%) on a BBL@A1mini, 0.2mm nozzle, eSun PLA+HS and 0.06mm layer height.
I don’t know what bug got into me to start this project. It’s been decades since I last played Warhammer Fantasy Battles. I think what took me down this road was mostly nostalgia, supported by my love of the hobby (miniatures painting and gaming), desire to experiment in 15mm and of course the opportunity.
The opportunity that arose from the latest releases of Old Realm Forge. FDM supportless goblins in oldhammer style. Back in the 90’s I was an Orc and Goblins player and had the Warhammer Fantasy Battles 4th edition boxed set which included 32 goblin spearmen and 32 night goblin archers.
I started my project by printing a dozen goblin spearmen by That What Grows from back when I was subscribed to them, and then I subscribed to the Old Realm Forge patreon and within a short period of time I got to work.
I tested print settings, calibrated the printer, tested prints against my existing miniatures to ensure a 60% scale fits well to get my 15mm, and also tried batch printing, single mini printing, print with integrated base or glueing afterwards. The goblin spearmen from That What Grows needed supports as well as the Giggle Shade Goblins from Old Realm Forge. The new models from Old Realm Forge were completely supportless, but they fit nicely with the other figures. I used Brite Minis bases just in case I decided to have a textured base rather than use basing materials like flock (which I did use in the end). It ended up being a lot faster to print the bases separately using a 0.4mm nozzle, and glue the minis to the bases afterwards using UHU Hard Plast. This will be my go-to process for the future.
Overall I printed 84 miniatures. 42 Goblin Spearmen including Command Group (Champion, Standard Bearer and Musician) – 12 of them are That What Grows spearmen, 36 Goblin Archers including Command Group (Champion, Standard Bearer and Musician), Goblin Boss – Big Ears, 5 GiggleShade Goblins with hand weapons and shields.
During the entire process for the paints I used solely Royal Talens Amsterdam Standard series acrylics, and I’ll describe the colour palette I used. I went down the rabbit hole of finding reference pictures to paint the miniatures, as I tried to give it the old vibes. I still have my old warhammer books, so for the spearmen and night goblins I had plenty of details. However finding goblin archers for reference needed some hunting down, as the boxed set included night goblin archers instead, and the Old Real Forge supportless archers are regular goblins. Thankfully squinting a bit into the battle photos of the book, I could see some goblin archers painted. As a history sidenote, goblin archers in plastic were available as part of the Citadel Fantasy Regiments box which was released during Warhammer Fantasy Battles 3rd edition instead, but the photos made it into the 4th edition books as well.
My original plan was to follow my regular flow: sketch prime, basecoat glaze, wash, varnish. However some things didn’t turn out as I expected, so I had to adapt. Everything was done batchwise. I first finished each step (i.e. Green colour) for the entire set, before switching to the next colour. I worked with 6-7 and sometimes 10 minis at a time before continuing with the next group.
Primed Black
For Sketch Priming I used a makeup sponge instead of a brush, and it was so much better, hiding FDM layer lines instead of accentuating them, that I replaced all my drybrushing with sponge drybrushing instead, and it’s going to be my main techniqe going forward. The downside was that I only had a bigger sponge (my order of smaller sponges hadn’t arrived yet) so it left more spots dark, which will also play a role later on.
Sketch Primed
For Base Coating, after a lot of research I ended up using the following colours. – Permanent Green Light for Goblin Skin – Pyrrole Red for Tunics (Reversed with Hoods in some) – Payne’s Grey for Hoods (Reversed with Tunics in some) – Raw Sienna for Leather parts (Belts, Bracers, Boots) – Gold Yellow followed by Primary Yellow for Shafts (Spears and Bows) – Gold Yellow followed by Yellow Ochre for Quivers and Arrows. – Yellow Ochre for Fur in Hats and Drum tops – Titanium White for Horns, Fangs, Buckles – Silver for Spears, Sword and Bow edges, parts of Shields, Helmets and Boots – Bronze for Gongs and Sword Guards – Metallic Black, Metallic Red for parts of Shields – Raw Umber for Ground – Oxide Black for Base Rim
Green basecoatRed basecoatYellow basecoatBrown basecoatBasecoats doneShields detailed
After Base Coating I made my Strong Tone wash, using my DIY recipe which I have done in the past, but also scaled up to double quantities. Somehow the wash turned darker than what I was expecting. I don’t know if it’s the hot weather which caused it to condensate faster or my lack of removing pooling due to batch painting them, if I messed up something in the recipe during scale up, or if the the initial sketch prime was too dark. Perhaps it was a combination of all the above. Whatever the reason, there was only one solution. Old-style painting highlights on top. I had always avoided this in 15mm, but this was a good opportunity to grow as a painter. Still, doing it for 84 figures wasn’t an ideal situation.
Wash applied
For Highlights I did a 3 step highlight. First step was using the same colour as the basecoat. I did the Skins, Tunics, Shafts, Arrows. Then I did second pass for the same, using a lighter colour and smaller area. Vermillon over Pyrrole Red, Yellowish Green over Permanent Green Light. Finally I did a very light sponge drybrush highlight over the entire mini using Permanent Lemon Yellow Light.
Highlights done
Regarding Sealing, I went with Matte Varnishing over the entire miniature, followed by Satin Varnish on metallic parts, before continuing with basing.
Varnish done
For Basing I decided to go mostly with Light Green Flock, and at times, spots of coarse sand (brown or gray), small rocks, and grass tufts.
Basing done
Overall I absolutely love the end result. I set them up for a photoshoot using some terrain (including an oldhammer tower from Doctor Spork!) woods, and a nice fitting mat. I intend to add some wolf riders and squigs, and find a fitting enemy army to fight against. If I don’t have the numbers, I’ll have to do a similar process. For now I’ll do a points calculation for funs.
Warlord
Big Ears, Double Handed Weapon, The Golden Helm of Atrazar, The Axe of Grom, 150 points
Goblin Archer Mob, 36 incl. Boss with Sword of Swift Slaying, Standard Bearer, Musician, Short Bows, 153 points
498.5 points total
Summary
It was a big task, but I absolutely loved it. I loved the Old Realm Forge sculpts, and it’s great to see another sculptor doing FDM sculpts. Really looking forward to seeing what else Old Realm Forge has in store for the future. I learned a lot from this especially considering sponge drybrush, highlights and colour saturation, and hopefully this will help me improve as a miniatures painter. Looking forward to taking it slow now with regards to my hobby painting, to avoid burning. I expected the little gobbos to give some more points values, but overall it was at about 325, and I had to add magic items to reach 500. With a target of 500 points, I can now focus on the exact enemy numbers I need to get to field a battle for fun. Should I start printing some Old Realm Forge dwarves? hmm…
It’s been a while since my last post, as I’ve been busy (and sidetracked) with some projects. One project has to do with re-shooting photos of the entirety of my collection (over 1k figures), uploading and tagging them properly. This is roughly 1/3 done. It’s a chore, but I really love seeing them in better pictures. Still not perfect, but far better than previously. Although the new photos are less forgiving in some cases. When that’s done I’ll make a separate post about it, but I’m not in any rush, as I kinda paused it, working on my second project, that this post is about.
I’m a huge fan of Moonstone. This was a computer game back in the 90s, released in Amiga and PC – I had finished the PC version. I recently bought it again in GOG and played a bit, and the idea stuck with me that I wanted to print a suitable miniature to represent a knight in a similar style. I tried finding a suitable stl model, but while some came close, they were not close enough. Titancraft and Heroforge also didn’t have the model I wanted. I then tried digital kitbashing using some parts I found in thingiverse, but they were using realistic proportions, and also were missing some important details. Then I tried doing a mutation from some existing models, cutting and glueing parts digitally, but that was an absolute mesh, which I abandoned quickly.
Which leads me to the final choice. I decided to spend the time and learn how to sculpt it myself. This was a process that lasted around 2 weeks of intense, learning blender, watching tutorials, and making several attempts, hacking at the problem from different angles. I tried sculpting using MWsculpts tutorial, but that, while easy at the first steps, requires true skill to get a nice clean result towards the end. I then tried using an animated rig using Charmorph and Rigify to have a base character, but that wouldn’t work either for many reasons, the main problem being proportions being way off from Heroic. In the end I learned that I liked the approach of mesh editing and use of subdivision as my core editing, physics and modifiers for most of the part. I also used some parts as a basis to work upon which really sped up my process. Some sculpting here and there, and a lot, I mean a LOT of different iterations and learning. The body was rigged together via parenting parts.
I also tried to make the knight a boolean union instead of separate parts, but I could go as far as 2 parts (surcoat and rest of knight) joined together before the model became non-manifold in my first version. First print was okay, but I found that I wanted a larger sword, as it felt flimsy when printed, so I revised it with a bigger blade and also increased the size of the helmet a tiny bit. It printed better. There were some warnings about floating regions, but it wasn’t really a problem when printed without supports on FDM. I didn’t design a separate base, as there are tons of good free bases to use, and I just used one that I liked. Here it is printed in 18mm scale, and painted in Pyrolle Red (as I realized the Primary Magenta that I used as Red until today, is not actually Red).
I remember playing moonstone on a friend’s computer in highschool. Amiga maybe.
Pretty startling the first time the spear guys spike you and hoist you into the air.
Onibaba is discussing. 
peter holland, 
Daveb are discussing. 
Solo, Pen, Paper and Dice 
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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