We have a Captain, but Jack isn't anything special at piloting(ie it's not even a career skill), we probably need a Minion Group or a Rival who can take that job while Jack directs the crew.
I would also like a Quartermaster to interact with, supplies and maintenance are such an issue it could be them causing problems or motivating them could be the solution.
We have a Captain, but Jack isn't anything special at piloting(ie it's not even a career skill), we probably need a Minion Group or a Rival who can take that job while Jack directs the crew.
I would also like a Quartermaster to interact with, supplies and maintenance are such an issue it could be them causing problems or motivating them could be the solution.
I can Pilot reasonably well thanks to Enhance, but yeah, the ship should have a helmsman anyway.
Actually, if I may interject, I think there might be a viable alternative:
- The Kuma is a product of abuse by both command and supply. Either through mismanagement, bad luck, or bad timing, the ship is having various issues with maintenance and supply in parts. While the ship might get it's usual rations and supply of main parts, specialized equipment and repairs are waylaid. In essence, it is also falling apart despite the crews best intentions.
- Due to the influx of aliens over the years, the Kuma has been regulated to second hand equipment and the bottom of the barrel personnel. In addition, there have been incidents over the last few years where the Kuma would report to a shipyard for maintenance and repairs only to be told that it was just there. Usually, this is due to work orders and repairs being signed off as completed, despite the lack of records and discrepancies in records that do exist.
- In what is an oddity for the Imperial Fleet, the Kuma has a full compliment of twenty-four fighters consisting of Alpha-3 Nimbus V-Wings on the books. Despite this, the reality is that a majority of these fighters are in various stages of disrepair, with a minority being space worthy and in fighting condition. The pilots are a combination of older service-members, younger and inexperienced recruits, and a variety of contractors and mercenaries. Those that are not slated to fly for a mission are either working with the technicians or relaxing. In addition, there are few Q7s in working and operational condition, further exacerbating the fighter problems.
- In addition, the Kuma has a Kappa-class shuttle for a support and recovery vehicle.
These are my thoughts on an alternative to TIEs, plus it would give the PCs something to work on during the campaign.
I'd like some of the crew, particularly the Marines, to be Mirialans conscripted at the same time as me.
I was thinking about this as well. It could very well have been Storm troopers on the ship, but due to politics or logistics they were replaced. Either that, or it is just a squad or two that were reassigned to the Kuma for specialist skills, diplomacy, and "first contact" operations.
What do you all think of the above?
@ Blackbird888: In addition, if droids are allowed, I'm considering bringing two droids with Steneri. One is a Q7 astromech from Stay on Target and the other is either going to be a 3PX protocol droid or a M-3PO military protocol droid from Desperate Allies. The first is a droid that I always thought was cool and useful, while the other is useful in helping Steneri with reports, cultural analysis, and assistance in other areas. What do you think?
Points one and two: More or less what I was thinking. Various instances of mismanagement, lack of oversight, and incompetence has left the ship in a rather poor state. Furthermore, if it is an early production model Nebulon-B, it could have had some bugs from when the line was first introduced; several embarrassing or lengthy repairs due to these quirks left a reputation of the Kuma being a lemon; even though the ship had those bugs worked out, repaired, and it could serve as a powerful warship, Imperial brass has pushed it aside as a waste and a failure and ignore it in favor of other things. Seeing as this is pre-Yavin, resources that would normally go to the Kuma were instead funneled into the Death Star.
Points three and four: I'm not sure about the Alpha-3s, and I think I've settled on the Clone Z-95. A bit more of a multi-role starfighter, fit for patrol and escort duty, but still aged and outdated by any standard. I'll just use the stats of the regular Z-95-AF4 (ECRB), but replace its concussion missile launchers with proton torpedo tubes (I think I will dub them "Z-95-C Headhunters"). It hits most of those points of being an older fighter that breaks down easily, with non-standard, hard-to-acquire parts (being an Incom/Subpro, and not a KDY or Sienar), and heavily taxed systems; other than the droids, that hits the main points. As far as number goes, I think I'll stick with 12, mostly because of the shuttle. According to its description and stats, a Nebulon-B mostly carries its fighters along the spar, and doesn't have a dedicated hangar stock out of the shipyards. Without installing a hangar bay, any shuttle would take up space where these starfighters go normally. Using a Kappa is a good idea, though, as I don't have to think about how a Lambda's wing configuration would attach to the spar of a Nebulon-B.
The reason for the reduced numbers would be because of a recent battle that damaged the Kuma, reduced the crew, and killed the previous captain. The shuttle is a recent addition, if only to excuse not replenishing its starfighter complement to full capacity.
As far as droids go, hmm. Bringing aboard personal droids would probably be too much of a breach in protocol for even the ship's scenario, but there would be quite a few droids aboard already, especially now, if the ship has taken on more droids to make up for it's low crew. There would be a number of R-series astromechs aboard, quite a few protocol and maintenance droids, etc. The crew might have to deal with a pesky, super-patriotic RA-7 protocol droid. But we could probably justify a few Imperial droids becoming friendly NPC companions.
So bridge crew, quartermaster, Mirialan troops, droids, I can work on that.
Edited by Blackbird888In terms of NPC's Neville would appoint someone under him to help him run the medical team and someone under him to help him run the small science team. So we may or may not need NPC's for that.
We should work out character relationships. Like how well we know each other. I'm putting some mental finishing touches on what I think I want for his background but I'm at present saying that Neville has been on the ship for about 3 to 4 years. So I figure he knows Jack pretty well. I think those two would be the old timers on the ship perhaps?
Commander Corel Kosigan didnt get his position by being good at his job. He reached his position by knowing the politics of the fleet, how to make himself look good at the expence of others, and with favorable patronage in fleet.
However, his patron was recently taken down on corruption charges, and the admiral under whom the Kuma is assigned is not buying any of his bull. Commander Kosigan is starting to look for other opportunities to advance. Even if it means leaving the Imperial fleet...
Corel could work quite well as the newcomer to the Kuma. Although that might introduce too much tension into the group than is practical. Just a thought.
In terms of NPC's Neville would appoint someone under him to help him run the medical team and someone under him to help him run the small science team. So we may or may not need NPC's for that.
We should work out character relationships. Like how well we know each other. I'm putting some mental finishing touches on what I think I want for his background but I'm at present saying that Neville has been on the ship for about 3 to 4 years. So I figure he knows Jack pretty well. I think those two would be the old timers on the ship perhaps?
Definitely makes sense.
I think he'd likely be standoffish with the new people till he got to know them .... or at least they got used to him. I've finished most of his background if that helps. There are a few minor loss ends sheet wise (I need to figure out his Duty and I'm pretty sure about his motivation and then Morality stuff) but for the most part I figure that will be done by the time we finish working out how everyone knows each other and working relationships with various staff.
If we're all taking mostly important or commanding roles on the ship, I could see Dain being the squadron leader for the Kuma's sole squadron. He might not be much of a natural leader, on account of not being a people person, but I'm sure members of the Imperial Navy get their positions for political reasons rather than on suitability all the time - his family's influence and Imperial connections could have had something to do with it, for instance.
To that end, my request for an NPC is a second in command in the squadron who sort of makes it work by mediating, to an extent, between Dain and the rest of the pilots, relaying his orders more palatably, and maybe even serving as a sort of strategic advisor.
The issue with the fighters themselves is an important one I hadn't considered - I had figured that after his transfer, Dain would be saddled with a bog standard TIE, but you're right that the thing is kind of a deathtrap. You're also right that other options are mostly going to be more advanced and less likely to be given to a sad, understaffed ship patrolling the Outer Rim. Unless they really couldn't get more TIEs, and somehow got landed with outdated Republic fighters still in service after the Clone Wars (which would, ironically, be significantly hardier). Edit: Somehow in my skimming, I managed to miss the big discussion about putting in exactly that. Outdated Republic fighters it is; pardon my obliviousness.
As for relationship with everyone else, Dain is a transfer from another ship, so it's up to you whether you know him well or not. If you've had to work with him, though, you probably know he can be a little difficult if his opinion differs with that of his superiors. If they are very driven or have a lot of conviction, though, they're likely to have his respect even if he doesn't agree with them. He has more problems with people who are lazy or weak-willed.
Edited by Herf NerderThe solution to the bog standard tie being a deathtrap is the Squad rules. They're deathtraps, sure, but when you've got a squad of minions around you, Darth Vader has to kill minion 1 (biggs) and drive off minion 2 (wedge) before ha has a shot on the leader (luke)
By the same token, when Han Solo got a solid shot from ambush, he couldn't shoot Vader either, only Vader's minions. He used his 2 triumphs to send Vader spinning.
Edited by RakaydosWhile I'm seeing Kelly as having been on the ship for a while (2 years or so), I don't think she'd have been particularly close to any non-Mirialans, and until recently she's been of a fairly junior rank. Up until Captain Giesse's demise, she generally tried to come off as neutral, blandly and unexceptionally competent, and utterly uninteresting so as to avoid undue attention. However, since Giesse's death and her promotion, she's been trying to quietly make overtures to any of the crew who seem disgruntled with the Imperial cause (though any success she's had is more likely due to circumstance and/or the Force than her mediocre diplomatic abilities). As for specific characters, my initial thoughts:
Cap'n Jack: Obviously she's familiar with the Captain as a matter of course, and Morson is probably one of the few Imperials she truly respects. But unless he comes off the Imperial Cotties Cordial, he's still part of the problem.
Neville: The Chief Medical Officer is someone the Marine Commander is going to end up fairly familiar with, but the main question is whether she's aware of his Force Sensitivity, and vice versa, in which case they'd probably need to have each other's trust as a matter of necessity. Either way though, I doubt they'd be particularly fond of each other.
Corel: The ship's Imperial political officer? Yeah, that's someone the CIS-sympathising force-sensitive alien is going to avoid if at all possible, though the fact that he's the Exec is going to make that somewhat difficult.
Steneri and Dain: Given the lack of departmental crossover, she probably wouldn't know them particularly well. However, given that that both have good reason to be disgruntled, they're probably among the people she's been making overtures to.
The solution to the bog standard tie being a deathtrap is the Squad rules. They're deathtraps, sure, but when you've got a squad of minions around you, Darth Vader has to kill minion 1 (biggs) and drive off minion 2 (wedge) before ha has a shot on the leader (luke)
By the same token, when Han Solo got a solid shot from ambush, he couldn't shoot Vader either, only Vader's minions. He used his 2 triumphs to send Vader spinning.
The defensive stats of the TIE aren't the only problem though - there's also the distressing lack of safety features (for example, no Life Support).
I wonder if some sort of Flight Deck Officer would be appropriate as liaison between Captain and Dain
I wonder if some sort of Flight Deck Officer would be appropriate as liaison between Captain and Dain
A slightly contrasting subordinate for Dain seems like a good idea, but would you normally have a liaison between a department head and his own direct superior? And having a liaison between two PCs seems like it could be awkward.
The way I imagine it is Dain is the leader in the skies, spearheading sorties, directing the battles from the front.
But someone needs to be on the ship organising maintenance, scheduling the pilot roster, coordinating docking. That person may well be on the Bridge, it's this guy that relays orders from the Captain. Kinda part Coms part analyst part Quartermaster for the Squadron.
The way I imagine it is Dain is the leader in the skies, spearheading sorties, directing the battles from the front.
But someone needs to be on the ship organising maintenance, scheduling the pilot roster, coordinating docking. That person may well be on the Bridge, it's this guy that relays orders from the Captain. Kinda part Coms part analyst part Quartermaster for the Squadron.
Oh, I see. Yeah, that might be a good idea.
And obviously during the heat of a mission we skip the middle man and Jack talks straight to the fighters, someone needs to deal with all the other stuff.
I think Neville is the only one happy in the Empire 
Some NPCs.
Saandar Fos, Mirialan Sharpshooter
Saandar Fos is one of several Mirialan soldiers conscripted to serve aboard the Imperial Nebulon-B frigate Kuma.
A naturally quiet person, Fos was appointed a commanding position among the recruits, not for any talent or performance with a blaster (which is considerable), but because of his seemingly obedient, submissive attitude. In truth, any Mirialan can tell his attitude is one of somberness, as his body tattoos indicate him to be a criminal of a grievous nature, although neither they nor Saandar are willing to discuss the details.
When not on duty, Saandar can be found in his quarters in quiet meditation and prayer.
Quantos Lin, Mirialan Vanguard
Quantos Lin is one of several Mirialan soldiers conscripted to serve aboard the Imperial Nebulon-B frigate Kuma.
Quantos is an affable, talkative Mirialan, although he is often considered obnoxious and is prone to complaining about his unfavorable situation. Not at all pleased with his conscription, Quatos is constantly reminiscing, talking about, and lamenting over his home world of Mirial, and expresses to anyone around him on his desire to return home. Despite this, he is a skilled fighter, and is skilled in short-range shootouts.
When not on duty, Quantos is often found in common areas, talking and socializing with other members of the crew, although mostly with the other Mirialan conscripts.
Simber Hax, Imperial Analyst
Simber Hax is a young, newly appointed Imperial Navy Midshipman, serving aboard the Kuma.
Simber Hax, an Outer Rim native, once dreamed of a life traveling the galaxy, and was quick to leave home, but almost just as quickly she found her journeys at a dead end. Taking up work as a comm operator for the small Imperial detachment at Kwenn Space Station, she was on the shortlist of new ‘recruits’ for the Kuma, even though she was only serving in the capacity of a civilian. Needless to say, she is completely inexperienced in combat, and is incredibly nervous.
When not on duty, Simber likes to remain in her quarters, either watching holos or trying to catch up on military protocol, although she has also formed an odd friendship with several of astromech and navigation droids she works with.
Nask Hegroon, Imperial Midshipman
Nask Hegroon is an Imperial Navy Midshipman, recently assigned to the Kuma.
Although Nask once dreamed of a life of excitement and prestige in the Imperial Navy, his experience in Officers’ Academy was rather poor, as his superiors and peers quickly learned that, for all his enthusiasm and earnestness, he is somewhat… lacking in good sense. Although he passed, he was at the bottom of his year, and was shuffled off to an out of the way location so as not to cause problems, winding up serving on Kwenn Station. The entire experience of having his dreams dashed has left him rather bitter and dour, although he is extremely dedicated to whatever duties he is assigned.
When not on duty, Nask mostly retreats to his quarters. Although he isn’t unfriendly, he seldom starts conversations on his own.
The Twins
A pair of R1-series astromech droids that have been serving as the main astromechs of the Kuma for as long as anybody can remember. Easily overlooked by most, the Twins are subject to numerous rumors and tall tales spread among the technicians and engineers of the Kuma, chief among them being that they’re as old as the Kuma itself. Either as a result of incompetence, their inconspicuousness, or a certain fondness on the part of their caretakers, but the Twins haven’t had a memory wipe in a very, very long time, well beyond standard Imperial protocol. This allows them to interface with the Kuma quite well, although they have numerous quirks as a result, as anybody who can understand binary can attest.
The R3s
Several R3-series astromech droids have been assigned to the Kuma, as is standard Imperial Navy protocol. The Kuma has five groups of five R3 units, referred to as Aurek Team, Besh Team, Cresh Team, Dorn Team, and Esk Team. The “head droid” is referred to as Prime (i.e. Aurek Prime) while the others are referred to by number (i.e. Aurek Two, Aurek Three, etc.). Aurek Team works directly with the command staff, Besh and Dorn Teams work with the gunnery crew, Cresh Team works with coordinating the ship’s starfighter and vehicle complement, while Esk Team works with the engineering crew.
Like the R1 units, nobody quite knows when the droids were last subjected to a memory wipe, leading each team to develop individual personality quirks that the team units mostly share.
Here is Jacks backstory so far, there are NPC/PC gaps to fill, feel free to throw your own pc into the story if its appropriate, or use some in your story to link them together.
Born to a rich family of ship parts manufacturers on Fondor, Jack spent his early life in luxury, being well educated and prepared for life in the family business... but he hated it. All he wanted to do was get out and explore the galaxy. This ultimatly led to a feud with his father. Ultimately the end of the clone wars and the staunch Imperialist nature of his father led Jack to join the newly formed Navy. (Family connection for our GM to leverage at his convenience, possible childhood friends here as well)
He started in the Navy Gunnery Corps. Promoted to Officer when his exceptional Leadership ability was recognised by his CO. This led to him being sent to the Imperial Academy on Arkanis for training (indoctrination). 3 years there cemented his views that the Imperial system of rule was the best way to serve the citizens of the galaxy. He met a number of people there, including (Insert NPC/PC here), another Officer in training.For over a decade he served as Junior Gunnery Lt. and Senior Gunnery Lt. on a frigate. Flying the length and breadth of the galaxy, He had a close relationship with the head lead Navigator, a female from Corellia by the name of Bel. Life in the Navy made a relationship hard, and it never went further than a close working relationship, much as Jack tried. He did learn a lot from her though, many shortcuts and tricks to flying a Frigate through space. (Lost love, could be a motivator, could be a weakness)But then in preparation for a Captains seat aboard a ship he was moved and promoted up through Jr and Snr Commander where he served as First Mate to the previous Captain of the Kuma. He knows the old guard crew of the Kuma well, and is trying his hardest to get to know the new blood. (Most PC connections here)When things recently went bad for the previous Captain, Jack found himself in charge of his very own EF76 Nebulon-B escort frigate. Its under staffed, under supplied, in desperate need of repairs. Jack feels a heavy responsibility to the condition of the ship, not trying sooner to bring things around was a mistake. He regrets letting the previous captain run the ship into the ground, and is unsure who else had a hand in that so is a little lacking in trust at the moment. He is looking for ways to restore the Kuma to its former glory. (Motivation of Drive: Guilt, to make things better for the crew now that he is captain)
Yay for being old guard!!!!!
I'm still trying to figure out what my character would buy with his credits. I'm hard pressed to think of things that he actually needs that wouldn't be provided for as part of his normal duties on ship.
This is jack so far:
Superior HL-27: 5450 cr
Second Skin armour: 2000cr
3 Dress Uniforms: 300cr
Symbol of Command (Imperial Insignia Plaque): 100cr Boost to all social checks to interact with midshipmen aboard the Kuma.
Personal Dejaric Table(350cr)
A well stocked bar:
2 Bottles of Whyrens reserve (200cr) (Captains Whisky)
1 Bottle of Rohina Blue (100cr) (Gin)
10 Bottles of various drinks from accross the Galaxy, none of exeptional quality (250cr)
800 cr remaining.
I think a Species Database would be a good idea, Jack trying to learn more about the new species aboard his ship in an effort to utilise their strengths. He may not use it much, but its thematic.
Essentially i got one of the most expensive pistols and pieces of "normal" armour, nothing else is needed!
Yay for being old guard!!!!!
I'm still trying to figure out what my character would buy with his credits. I'm hard pressed to think of things that he actually needs that wouldn't be provided for as part of his normal duties on ship.
Im not sure if its RAW, but i have always viewed starting credits not as the individual having spent the actual money, but instead earned through various jobs or assignments. So your uniform would be part of that, so is the Imperial issued pistol on your hip, the medical equipment. Its less about what you own but more just a measure of what you have access to. Especially with Knight Level where unless your getting a Saber you can get some big item lists going.
Yay for being old guard!!!!!
I'm still trying to figure out what my character would buy with his credits. I'm hard pressed to think of things that he actually needs that wouldn't be provided for as part of his normal duties on ship.
Im not sure if its RAW, but i have always viewed starting credits not as the individual having spent the actual money, but instead earned through various jobs or assignments. So your uniform would be part of that, so is the Imperial issued pistol on your hip, the medical equipment. Its less about what you own but more just a measure of what you have access to. Especially with Knight Level where unless your getting a Saber you can get some big item lists going.
Hmmm ok. See I thought it was just stuff he owned. I figured his side arm was standard issue and he took whatever the average officer would have. Is there a species database?
In Desperate Allies there is a Species Database, adds 2 Boost to any Xenology check.
Yay for being old guard!!!!!
I'm still trying to figure out what my character would buy with his credits. I'm hard pressed to think of things that he actually needs that wouldn't be provided for as part of his normal duties on ship.
Im not sure if its RAW, but i have always viewed starting credits not as the individual having spent the actual money, but instead earned through various jobs or assignments. So your uniform would be part of that, so is the Imperial issued pistol on your hip, the medical equipment. Its less about what you own but more just a measure of what you have access to. Especially with Knight Level where unless your getting a Saber you can get some big item lists going.
Hmmm ok. See I thought it was just stuff he owned. I figured his side arm was standard issue and he took whatever the average officer would have. Is there a species database?
Sidearm probably wouldn't be standard issue shipboard anyway, though I suppose he isn't actually a Navy officer.