:ooc: I am not going to belabor you all with another thread to roleplay out the conversations between you all and this new contact. It is primarily Kaida that is doing all the 'talking', so Jingo feel free to divulge your plan as to how this thing is going down. The first thread has the ambush example laid out by Posterboy, if you wanna go back to that.
The bridge Skill Challenge is listed there, too, if you plan on dropping the span.
The companions met Savraan's man, Kresh, the next day. He was a huge man, tall and muscular. Kresh's arms showed the tawny color of a person that spent the better part of their day in the sun. BIT's evaluation of the rebel was that he was simple but dedicated to his objective - the overthrow of Imperial rule on Salliche. It was the kind of dedication that could muster the will to fight no matter the odds, but the level of training could make the exchange a one-sided story.
Days passed.
BIT made his way out to the countryside with Sam so that the two could test the droideka's systems. It took a few tweaks, but the droid resonded well to his new masters. It was leary to the clone to now be working alongside one of these machines that had killed so many in the wars.
Days passed.
The date of the transfer was fast approaching and the final plans were being laid out with Kresh, the bridge, and the companions. Farok spent a few credits and made use of the Force with a few in town that held positions of respnsibilty and were connected to the Imperial facility. The former jedi was able to confirm that the prisoner transfer was happening at the said time and date, but he was unable to get a manifest as to whether Kaida's sister would be among them. For this, the noblewoman from Commenor put faith in the intel that she had received from her brother those many weeks before.
:ooc: I have been letting kaida run with this story arc so far so I am here just don't have anything to add.
As the time approached Kaida met with the team and went over the plan and checked their equipment.
:ooc: The plan: http://rpg.avioc.org/boards/index.php/topic,1193.60.html
She told Kresh only that they needed a distraction at a certain time, but if he had more men to spare, she could use them in a different sector, their orders would be given when needed only that they would be involved in some fighting so she could use men who were solid. Oh and could he round up some explosives for them?
:ooc: First thing to know is to figure out is how many ppl will we have at our disposal and what level of training will they have. Can they get us some explosives.
"Okay, we've got a notion for a plan but we need to identify all of our positions," noted BIT, indicating the imdediate group. "For an operation like this, precision and timing is everything. Extra help is great but this has got to work if it is just us. We can always work out contingencies if there is more support."
:ooc: Hey Guys, again sorry for the delay and that I didn't include this stuff the other day.
Kresh has access to no traditional explosives, although the non-traditional kind can be created via fertilizer and ammonia.
He has a total of 32 men available to him. They are normally used for creating distractions in crowds or to incite anger and fear during rallies. These men are considered untrained in combat, although a number of them are hunters. They would be considered nonheroic level 1 PC's and though most can be armed, they have little battle experience. Kresh does have five of his people that lead the others and they would be considered nonheroic 2/soldiers 2.
Some of those 32 men will need to be used in town to create a situation.
:ooc: Here are my thoughts. I think we'll need more vehicles from our buddies to 1) do the car comb 2) transport prisoners we can't fit in the Arrow/Aegis to safe houses, 3) For speedy reaction.
We have 27 non trained + 5 trained leaders = 32 men from Kresh. I'm assuming they have their own small arms.
Without knowing the exact composition of the enemy, I suggest we divide the men into three teams:
Team Alpha: 9 men + 2 leaders
Team Bravo: 9 men + 2 leaders
Team Charlie: 9 men + 1 leader
I don't know how many we'll need for the actual rescue, but I suggest Teams Alpha and Bravo help with the hitting the convoy along the road, acting as flankers/scouts whatever. Team Charlie can cause a situation in town: get the populace crowd riled up, start some riots, burn some imperial govt buildings, etc. Whatever can cause a distraction and pull troops away from the real battle.
Team Alpha can blow the bridge or setup the car bomb and drive it into the lead unit as it approaches the bridge, be in charge of making sure the lead unit doesn't get across the bridge or that reinforcements from the town don't get through to the
Team Bravo can lay down covering fire while we do the rescue.
What is Kresh doing? Is he participating in the riots/attack?
Maybe we use the Droideka as a fast reaction reserve unit?
What we do as chars will be kind of fluid since we're not sure what we're up against yet, but Scott's plan will be our default.
Thoughts?
:ooc:
With the car bomb, you have 2 choices: IED-like device parked along the road to blow as the lead car passes or have it remote-controlled because no one is going to volunteer (unless they are a fanatic) to drive the car into the lead car. With the time left, I bet BIT and/or Abby could jury-rig a slave device to a basic vehicle. As for the bridge bomb, Sam should do that and be supported by a group along with maybe another of our party.
Order of Action for op based on your description:
1) Blow lead car with IED or take out that end of the bridge first (Alpha and/or Sam + support)
2) Speeders come up behind with cannons firing and men laying down suppression fire (Alpha at lead, Bravo at rear), neutralizing any communications is paramount.
3) Prisoners recovery *most dangerous part* (Us)
4) Blow out rear vehicle and/or blow out remaining part of bridge (Bravo and/or Sam + support)
5) Get the hell out of Dodge
:ooc: To answer the few questions above:
Kresh can/will certainly participate with whatever task you guys want to set him on.
His men can be armed and it won't need to come from you guys. I didn't mean to make them sound as if they are greenies off the street - it's just that heavy combat will be nothing they are used to. That said, there is a freedom fighter quality within each of them, as they feel the Empire is encroaching.
Remember you have the following assets:
2 speeder bikes that each have a laser cannon
1 Arrow speeder that has a laser cannon and grenade launcher (both can be fired at the same time, but each needs a gunner)
1 E-web cannon, although I think this was going to be mounted on the Aegis' chin as a turret
1 PLX-2M Missile launcher
3 detonite charges with 2 triggers
1 comm scrambler with its own power generator
1 droideka
plus your light arms and grenades
You have 32 men/women plus Kresh
And you guys have the party of six characters.
I think you have a good deal of resources.
I will say that trying to blow the bridge with only 3 detonite charges may be hard.
Lastly, to make a car/speeder bomb will require you guys having a car/speeder you want to sacrifice... Kresh might have some hardware, but he'll be hesitant to give it up.
THINGS OUR CHARACTERS NEED TO TAKE CARE OF PRIOR TO ENGAGEMENT
1) Acquire 1-2 Bantha-II Cargo Skiffs (or something similar) from Kresh's network for use in making some fertilizer "car-bomb"... perhaps trading the E-Web Cannon or our extra small arms for this equipment. (make us a deal, Kaida! :) )
Alternatively: Steal something, preferably from the Empire. ;D This might not be a bad option... if we rig an Imperial vehicle to explode, it might make the enemy unsuspicious of the vehicle on the bridge, or lure them to come closer and check it out... either option is preferred. ;) Kresh's network might actually have some Imperial equipment that they have taken from previous raids (stormtrooper armor or Imperial uniforms, maybe an Imperial transport truck?) ... maybe, we should just keep it simple and go with Kresh's network.
2) Acquire sufficient materials from Kresh's network to create 1-2 fertilizer bombs that will either do enough damage to destroy the bridge (preferred) or create a blockade to make the bridge impassible. If we are able to "box" as many of the escort vehicles on the bridge as possible to limit their counter assault, all the better... but the key objective is to make it impossible for the transport truck to cross the bridge.
3) Create car-bombs
4) Ensure Kresh has sufficient vehicles and safe houses lined up for participating rebel forces and freed prisoners.
PRE-AMBUSH SET-UP
1) BIT – As the expert sniper and tactician, BIT plays the pre-ambush role of "lookout"/scout/team coordinator. He finds himself a sniper nest from which he can get a great overview of the area. He keeps an eye out for the incoming prisoner convoy, communicates the size and type of the enemy forces, looks for weaknesses to exploit in enemy formation and executes the ambush by giving Abby the call blow up the skiff(s). Once the ambush is set, his role will be to disable the transport truck with his sniper rifle, either by taking out the pilot/driver, or disabling the engine/propulsion of the truck. Afterwards, taking out the heavy tank, if it is still operational, or any soft targets (especially around the transport truck) will be his mandate.
2) KAIDA – With her ability to rally troops, she is hidden under a camouflage net on the north side of the road, west of the bridge, with her droideka, a speeder bike and a contingent of Kresh's troops. The net can cover a 3x3 square, if I'm not mistaken, so the speeder bike takes 2 squares, the droideka take up 1 square, which leaves room for 6 rebels. (1 team leader and 5 regulars) When the ambush begins, she rallies the rebels before speeding out to take out the rear escort vehicles. The droideka works as disabling/destroying any heavily armed, rear guard vehicles first (tanks, or any air speeders). The rebels lay down suppression fire and attempt to take out any soft targets (troopers on the ground or on speeder bikes).
3) CADEN, SAM, and KRESH – On the south side of the road, west of the bridge, Caden, SAM and Kresh are hidden under camouflage netting, along with 5 regular rebels under Kresh's command. Caden and SAM are equipped with a speeder bike and SAM will also have the PLX-2M Missile Launcher. My hope is that's possible for Caden to pilot the speeder while SAM rides on the back and fires the missile launcher. Their objective is to knock out the heaviest escort vehicle as quickly as possible, and then supporting Abby and Farok in the rescue of the prisoners. If the truck is not destroyed, then perhaps Caden can pilot it off the road to a more discreet location (or a rendezvous point). Otherwise, the two provide suppression fire for Abby and Farok. Kresh and his men will provide suppression fire at first, and then help guide prisoners to safety.
4) FAROK and ABBY – Prior to engagement, Abby, Farok, and a contingent of rebels (1 team leader and 4 regulars) are hidden under the last remaining camouflage netting, west of the bridge, doesn't really matter with side of the road... but close to the bridge. The team leader rebel will be on the grenade launcher, Abby will pilot and fire the laser cannons. Farok will be ready to turn on the comm. scrambler. When BIT gives the orders, Abby blows the skiff(s) by remote detonator, Farok turns on the comm. scrambler and then Abby moves to engage the prisoner transport truck. The team leader uses the grenade launcher for suppression. Abby pulls alongside of the transport truck, Farok and the rebels exit out the back and attempt to disable any guards and release the prisoners. Kaida's sister and Abby's father are moved into the Arrow and whisked away to safety.
5) ADDITIONAL REBELS – So far, we've used up 14 regular rebels, 2 team leaders, and Kresh. I could see 2-4 rebels (1 team leader and 3 regulars), prior to the engagement, park one vehicle on the bridge, and then head to a place west of the bridge, hidden a little ways away, equipped with transport trucks to escort freed prisoners and rebel forces to safe houses.
The remaining 2 team leaders and 10 regular rebels would be used to create a distraction in town. Depending on our needs, we may want to consider giving them one of our blocks of detonate and a manual trigger for their efforts.
THE AMBUSH EXECUTED...
STEP #1: Blockade the Bridge[/b]
a) BIT gives the signal for Kresh's in-town forces to begin causing distraction.
b) Once that order is confirmed, BIT gives the signal to execute ambush.
c) ABBY blows the Skiff.
d) FAROK turns on communication scrambler.
These steps happen one after the other
STEP #2: Attack Convoy
a) BIT attempts to 1) disable the lead vehicle of the convoy, or 2) the prisoner truck.
b) KAIDA rallies troops, and then begins to destroy the "lighter" rear guard escorts with her speeder.
c) The DROIDEKA attempts to destroy the "heavier" rear guard escorts or any flying targets and protect Kaida.
d) KAIDA's REBELS provide suppression fire and attempt to take out soft rear-guard targets.
e) CADEN and SAM attack any of the "heavier" escort vehicles, especially the tank.
f) KRESH and HIS REBELS provide suppression fire and move to help free prisoners.
g) ABBY and FAROK and THEIR REBELS attempt to disable prisoner truck and free prisoners.
All of these steps happen simultaneously.
STEP #3: Rescue Prisoners
a) Once all hostile forces have been eliminated, ABBY turns off communication scrambler.
b) KRESH gives the order for his troops to bring in the transport vehicles for prisoners.
c) CADEN and SAM leave immediately (after leaving the missile launcher with the Arrow) for the ship to get it ready for take-off.
d) BIT takes Kaida's speeder and also heads back to the ship, in case there is any trouble.
e) KAIDA, FAROK, ABBY, KAIDA's SISTER, ABBY's FATHER (if present) and the DROIDEKA take the Arrow land speeder to back to the ship. In addition, any "illegal" equipment is also stored in the back (missile launcher, for instance... or we donate it to the cause on Salliche?). Kaida will administer any first aid required.
STEP #4: Get the Ship Outta Dodge!
Once we've all arrived at the ship, CADEN engages thrusters and gets us outta here. Maybe have people at their stations in case we have to deal with any trouble.
One more thing to note... BIT or ABBY may want to note to Kresh and the other rebels (maybe everyone), to avoid bunching together... a group of soft targets is very attractive to a tank's concussion missiles. :'(
Quote from: GandalfOfBorg on May 01, 2013, 04:53 AM
"Okay, we've got a notion for a plan but we need to identify all of our positions," noted BIT, indicating the imdediate group. "For an operation like this, precision and timing is everything. Extra help is great but this has got to work if it is just us. We can always work out contingencies if there is more support."
Abby nodded her head, "BIT's right... especially if we've looking at temporarily knocking out communications in the area, we're all going to need to know what we're doing."
Pressing a button on the holo projector, the technician brought up an overview of the area surrounding the bridge. "I've been studying SAM's photos of the area, the maps and the tech specs of what we're likely to face. The way I see it, I'd suggest we... "
[OOC: insert plan laid out above.]
The Arkanian woman had a grim look of determination as she met eyes with the others around the room. "What do you think?"
:ooc: Very nice posts!
:ooc: Spectacular, Posterboy. Amazing stuff. B-)
Caden's OK with the plan - he's a solid-enough pilot and he and SAM are simpatico.
He'd recommend not trying to swipe anything from the Empire, though - no reason to risk any increase in security before we try this...
Kaida nodded at Abby's plan. The Arkanian had a solid head for tactics. That was a wonderful asset, but Kaida wondered if her friend had not been entirely open about her past. But she let it go. She trusted Abby and the plan made good sense.
"Excellent points, Abby. I also agree with Caden about not stealing imp vehicles. We can't afford to risk attracting undue attention. Kresh, can you provide one or two cargo skiffs and the needed explosive materials?" (:ooc: Let me know if I need to roll persuade or anything for this. We can also try to purchase some used junkers if we have the funds. I'd like to keep the E-Web, if possible. If it's not yet on the Aegis, let's use it in the attack.)
She felt that pre-battle churn in her gut as the plans solidified and they sandboxed the convoy attack under the cool metallic ceiling of the Aegis. Hours ticked by. Each person learned his or her role and Kaida spent her time memorizing the map and the plan and each person's role in that plan, as if that would ensure success.
But Kaida remembered the other battle plans, the other operations where things went awry, the smells of laser blasts charring skin and flesh. The bitter taste of her tears. The fallen: Britto, Logar, and finally Brim. She prayed no others of their team would be added to that list. Her thoughts turned to her family. Of her dead brother and father. Of the people of Commenor living under Imperial rule. But her team, they were her new family.
"Let's do it," she said, looking at them in turn.
:ooc: Other thoughts about plan. We'll go with Abby's adjustments on team assignments.
Also, I don't think the Droideka is going to be able to take out any hardened tank-like vehicle. Soft vehicles and humanoid targets, yes.
Quote from: Jingo on May 09, 2013, 08:41 PM
:ooc: Other thoughts about plan. We'll go with Abby's adjustments on team assignments.
Also, I don't think the Droideka is going to be able to take out any hardened tank-like vehicle. Soft vehicles and humanoid targets, yes.
:ooc:
Good question about the droideka's fire power. Doug, what's the weapon specs on Kaida's new toy? (or where can they be found?) If I'm not mistaken, those blaster cannons do decent damage. I thought they were almost like E-web blasters on their arms
On that note, we could also hook one of the rebels up with the E-web. It's stationary, and will likely be one of the first targets hit do to it's threat level, so... dangerous to whoever is manning it... but it might add a bit more punch.
The other tricky bit will be "setting up" without being seen. Not sure how best to do this... maybe take up positions the night before?
:ooc: I like the notion of having the Rebels take the E-Web. The more firepower, the better.
:ooc: all sounds good to me.
:ooc: I will give narrative and allow for some rolls here shortly, but right now I am drawing up the map that will be our engagement. Give me until after Mother's Day and I should have it together.
:ooc: Still getting it together, guys. I did not like the map I was using and so I am drawing up my own. I will be another day.
:ooc: Okay things are proceeding with the map, but I wanted to clarify some things that you guys wrote above:
1) Kresh and his band are not weathered freedom fighters. There is no real rebellion that has started against the Empire - at least a multiple planetary organization. There are people that are rejecting the Empire and they are suffering for it as Palpatine brings the entire weight of his military down on these worlds (i.e. Commenor).
All Kresh and his men have done so far is to rally people. To sit amongst them and yell out anti-Imperial rants and stir the pot of distrust for this new Order. Their goal is to make Coruscant hear the dissatisfaction of the outer worlds and to have the Senate make decisions to stop the Emperor from attaining more power. Many hope this can be done peacefully.
So, Kresh and his people don't have stores of Trooper armor from raids, because they have never done any. They don't have bombs made. They don't have vehicles and skiffs that they can sacrifice in the name of rebellion.
They can shoot. They are organized under Kresh. That is about it. Savraan does support them with money and materials, but it is mostly to do what I said above - organize rallies and sow seeds of discontent. Kaida's brother suggested making contact with them because they would be able to aid you guys, but it is not a rebel army that you have at your disposal. You all have to make this thing happen with the resources you can muster.
2) the Droideka has two laser cannons that do 3d8 each, and may be fired in auto mode.
The things you listed you need above before the engagement I can tell you what you will be able to get:
1) no skiffs to create "car bombs", no Imperial equipment
2) this can be done, there is plenty of ammonia and fertilizer plus whatever else ingredient is necessary to make this stuff
3) again, unless you are sacrificing the Arrow, there are no available cars/speeders - unless you guys want to steal something or try to buy it
4) this can be done - he can arrange to have vehicles and safe houses to move anyone who escapes, plus hide his people who participate in the action
The time of the transfer was fast approaching and plans had been made, adjusted, re-made and adjusted again. The challenge came from the training level of Kresh's people for such an encounter. Kaida could see that they were true believers in removing the tyranny of the new Emperor, but they were only farmers and mechs. They had weapons; they knew how to shoot, but they were weak in cohesive combat - and there was not a lot of time to train.
Also, the plan began to come apart with the lack of finding any vehicles to procure at a price that could be afforded. Kresh and his people were supplied by their benefactors, but high-priced assets were not on the list. Those kind of items came with serial numbers and receipts and could be traced back to original buyers.
Looking at the holomap projection within the Aegis, Sam spoke, "If a speeder is unavailable, there is no reason a simple barricade cannot be placed to bring the convoy to a halt. We need only have it come to a stop long enough for us to disable the forward and rear vehicles, essentially blocking in the convoy on the span. If not a barricade, perhaps the lead vehicle can be disabled and be the blocking element that we need."
The companions thought about the droid's options and reworked the plan again trying to make it as quick, lethal, and successful as possible allowing for as many to walk away as they could. While the plan was being discussed, Kaida gave orders for the set up to begin - camo netting and weapons would be moved into position with the coming of night.
Farok returned with new information from his use of the Force - the time of the transfer was now revealed. The convoy would be moving down Fair Avenue at 2:00PM one day from now.
Things began to move in earnest.
Quote from: tomcat on May 14, 2013, 08:00 PM
:ooc: Okay things are proceeding with the map, but I wanted to clarify some things that you guys wrote above:
1) Kresh and his band are not weathered freedom fighters. There is no real rebellion that has started against the Empire - at least a multiple planetary organization. There are people that are rejecting the Empire and they are suffering for it as Palpatine brings the entire weight of his military down on these worlds (i.e. Commenor).
All Kresh and his men have done so far is to rally people. To sit amongst them and yell out anti-Imperial rants and stir the pot of distrust for this new Order. Their goal is to make Coruscant hear the dissatisfaction of the outer worlds and to have the Senate make decisions to stop the Emperor from attaining more power. Many hope this can be done peacefully.
So, Kresh and his people don't have stores of Trooper armor from raids, because they have never done any. They don't have bombs made. They don't have vehicles and skiffs that they can sacrifice in the name of rebellion.
They can shoot. They are organized under Kresh. That is about it. Savraan does support them with money and materials, but it is mostly to do what I said above - organize rallies and sow seeds of discontent. Kaida's brother suggested making contact with them because they would be able to aid you guys, but it is not a rebel army that you have at your disposal. You all have to make this thing happen with the resources you can muster.
2) the Droideka has two laser cannons that do 3d8 each, and may be fired in auto mode.
The things you listed you need above before the engagement I can tell you what you will be able to get:
1) no skiffs to create "car bombs", no Imperial equipment
2) this can be done, there is plenty of ammonia and fertilizer plus whatever else ingredient is necessary to make this stuff
3) again, unless you are sacrificing the Arrow, there are no available cars/speeders - unless you guys want to steal something or try to buy it
4) this can be done - he can arrange to have vehicles and safe houses to move anyone who escapes, plus hide his people who participate in the action
:ooc: A couple of comments regarding the plan:
1) I still like the Cargo Skiff idea... I'd think they'd be easy enough to find on Salliche, but maybe not. By the book (RE pg 60), the Bantha II costs 8000 cr new and 3000 cr used and has a restricted rating. The thing has a cargo hold of 135 tons.... :o ... that's a fair bit of fertilizer. ;)
2) If we are unable or unwilling to get the Skiff, I'd suggest changing the plan to having team members on both sides of the bridge and we box the convoy on the bridge. I think it might be cool to watch Farok leap onto the top of the tank, cut it open, and drop in a couple of detonite sticks.
3) Due to the nature of Kresh's people, maybe it would be better to somehow get more of them around Kaida at the start of the encounter so that she can rally more of them with her born leader ability.
4) Is there a building or something like that nearby for BIT to set up a sniper's nest?
5) Please let's not sacrifice the Arrow yet.
:ooc: From the layout, I'm pretty sure that BIT can find a spot on the ground or whatever to set up camp.
I'm all for block the road with something easy to assemble or drag out.
Kaida and a group halts the lead vehicles, droideka pops out at an opportune moment to lay into vehicles.
Group in back with Arrow block the back (Caden driving?).
BIT provides support and eyes on the scene as a whole, monitoring communications.
Farok and others lead recovery of targets.
:ooc:Yeah, sorry, as I'm thinking about it... I'm having second thoughts about the car bomb idea... the explosion will likely shake the ground as far as the town and definitely will be heard, perhaps drawing unwanted attention our way. A more subtle plan perhaps?
1) Does the Arrow have a back hatch that opens into the cargo area? I'm thinking we have the Arrow, on the east side of the bridge, pop out of hiding as the convoy begins to cross the bridge. Sam (action figure comes with PLX-2M Launcher) pops out of the back and an insurgent (action figure comes with grenade launcher) pop up the top and they work at taking out lead vehicles (VERY quickly). Kresh and a few other insurgents also pop out the back and provide suppresion fire? Abby drives the Arrow?
2) Kaida is on speeder, on the west side of the bridge and north side of the road, with the droideka and remaining contigent of insurgents (if they don't all fit under the camo netting, they get camo suits)... maybe they get the E-Web cannon too. She uses born leader to rally the insurgents, and they take care of the rear vehicles and look to box the convoy in.
3) Caden and Farok on a speeder, on the west side of the bridge and south side of the road, weave their way to the prisoner truck and work and freeing folks.Also, I know it's just the show, but I also wonder how hard it would be for Farok to either a) do some cool leaps and drop a detonite pack or grenade inside the heavy escort vehicle or b) do some cool moves and use his lightsaber to disable the heavy weapons of the heavy escort vehicle (like slicing through the cannon or something)
4) BIT finds the sweet spot to provide overwatch, picking off targets as he sees them with his rifle. I don't know how easy it is in Star Wars Gaming (I imagine it to be extremely difficult in real life), but having BIT use his rifle to make called shots against engine blocks, propulsion systems, and drivers might be one of the better ways to end this ambush quickly.
:ooc: Does the Arrow have a back hatch that opens into the cargo area?
It looks like the back end is enclosed, but I will assume there are gunner hatch turrets for the blaster cannon and grenade launcher that can be attached.
The map attached is based on the battle plan written above. Let me know if this is what you guys want to do.
:ooc:
BIT will be on either the north or south side, whichever side that drivers are on.
:ooc: :tup: Sounds good to me.
The twenty-four hours prior to the ambush were a flurry of activity and then waiting.
It all started with Kresh and his people on the day before the prisoner transfer. The group ordered to start problems in the city began by hanging flyers along an avenue that was heavily populated by workers. As they nailed them to power poles and walls, the insurgents would cry out profanities about the Imperial Order that was taking their benefits. No one really paid close attention to know if it was a lie, and soon a crowd had formed. Picket signs were seen next waving above the heads of the protestors, each calling for different things - better pay, better hours, no Imperial interference, and so on. Kresh's team did their very best to stir the anger within each of the farm hands and laborers that had gathered and they maintained that ire through the night. Nettassan Police and Imperial Stormtroopers began to make a presence along the outer limits of the group to keep an eye on their activities.
The next day, it was like putting a spark to dry kindling. The tempers were still hot, but the individuals were weary having stayed up the night to conduct their rally. It took just one terrible act to change the semi-peaceful group into a rioting mob. One of the insurgents hefted a palm-sized stone and blindly threw it into the crowd. A woman was struck in the forehead and went down, blood flowing heavy from the split in her skin. No one knew from where the stone had come, or even what had been thrown, but it was enough to send the group into their rage.
BIT had also used the night to find his position. He had an overwatch of the bridge and the road that led to it. The clone watched through the night as his companions and their new allies set up their camo nets. The heavy weapons and comm scrambler were also brought in and power was run to both. The speeder bikes waited under the nets on both the north and south side of the road, on the west side of the bridge. Abby would bring the Arrow speeder with the early morning and take her place on the east side - ready to help box in the Imperials. A number of insurgents used power tools to drop a few trees and pile them creating the necessary barricade.
Back on the Aegis, Caden, Kaida, Abby, Farok and Ardana woke well before the sun was to rise. The Bestinian looked at the Twi'lek, who was being left behind to have the Aegis ready to depart. He didn't like having to leave his ship in another person's hands once more. After a little quiet chatter, the team climbed aboard the arrow and headed out to their next meeting with destiny. It did not take them long to get there and get to their positions.
Again they waited.
As the sun climbed through the early noontime sky, a message came from the city that the riot had been started and that the number of people was swelling. The word was that the Netassan Police were busy trying to contain it and that the Imperials were calling in more troops to help support. Not long after, but at the expected time, they got their first report from BIT - the convoy had appeared in his line of sight. They all heard the clone's emotionless, professional voice speak in their earpieces as he called out the number and type of each vehicle.
It was not going to be easy - there were two landspeeder trucks, two modified Sorusuub X-34 speeder escorts - one in front, and the other trailing the group - and finally, four mounted Stormtroopers on speeder bikes. The bikes kept pace with the convoy but had flanking positions on either side.
They all heard BIT say, "Whoever is in there must be pretty important."
:ooc: I need the PC's to give me Stealth rolls. The Camo nets give a +5 bonus to the roll.
Stealth roll +5, +5 camo net
Rolled 1d20+10 : 13 + 10, total 23
Would force cloak be of any use?
:ooc: Definitely, Tom.
In preparation for this operation, BIT slaved the control of his sound sponge to toggle off when he activated his comlink to make it easier for him to remain concealed while still providing the updates. The seconds ticked by and soon all hell would break loose.
:ooc: Stealth - Roll(1d20)+13: 12,+13 Total:25 + sound sponge effect (+5?)
Sweet! ;D
Kaida sat atop the speeder bike, underneath the camo net. She wondered how she must appear to the untrained soldiers nearby. She was dressed in her shadow armor, over which she had donned a cammo poncho and hood. Her personal weapons were strapped in holsters and belts all over her body, jutting out. She felt a little like Commenor's own Forest Bristle. She remembered a camping trip she had gone on with her siblings. They had stumbled on nest of the small lizard-like creatures. When threatened, the Bristle could blend into the nearby terrain. If that failed, and a predator came even nearer, it would bloat to show sharp poisonous spikes. She remembered feeling terrified and standing stock still as the thing hissed at her, the spikes pulsing orange and green. And then Delmon, her oldest brother, came and carefully pulled her away, explaining that the lizards were more frightened than she had been.
She knew how the lizard felt now as she listened to BIT's report and breathed deeply, trying a calming exercise Farok had taught her.
"These prisoners are important," she spoke through her helmet's comm. Her voice grew thick. "My sister may be among them. But more than that, even if not, these individuals may not know it yet, but they along with you are the future of the liberation. This blow that you strike here marks the beginning of the galaxy's freedom from tyranny. The beginning of hope. After this turning point, your lives will never be the same. Yes dark days will come, but always remember, the light of freedom and hope that you helped kindle here. Always keep it burning deep inside."
She felt her heart thumping in her chest as she heard the approaching rumble of the engines from the slower vehicles and the higher pitched whine from the Sorsub speeders and speeder bikes. In the shafts of afternoon sunlight that penetrated the greenery, she caught flickered glimpses of white-shelled troopers atop darting speeder bikes.
"Hold your fire, everyone." she was still on comm, but she spoke mainly to the untrained soldiers with her. "Wait until the signal. Once the convoy is stopped, concentrate the fire on the scout troopers on the speeder bikes first. We can't have them getting away to call reinforcements. And...may the Force be with you."
It felt odd at first saying that, but then she felt as sudden surge of emotion.
I'm coming, sister! I pray the stars find you safe at the end of this!. She sent it out on the wings of thought, a half prayer to whomever was listening.
:ooc: The above speech is intended to be her Born Leader talent that she'll activate.
Stealth Roll, includes camo 1d20+17 : 13 + 17, total 30
:ooc:Stealth roll [including camo]=
Rolled 1d20+18 : 11 + 18, total 29
:ooc: Caden
:00:
DC n/a Stealth +6, camo net +5Rolled 1d20+11 : 16 + 11, total 27
Sam
:00:
DC n/a Stealth +8, camo net +5Rolled 1d20+13 : 12 + 13, total 25
:ooc: based on everyone's rolls. the team is unseen. I am not going to test against Kresh's men as they are too low a level and I will just chalk it up to you guys having good leadership and telling them to keep their heads down...
more to come after I hang with the wife.
Quote from: Jingo on May 20, 2013, 05:36 AM
"These individuals may not know it yet, but they along with you are the future of the liberation. This blow that you strike here marks the beginning of the galaxy's freedom from tyranny. The beginning of hope. After this turning point, your lives will never be the same. Yes dark days will come, but always remember, the light of freedom and hope that you helped kindle here. Always keep it burning deep inside."
In position, Caden rolled his eyes as Kaida spoke. The woman sure loved...
speechifying.
He looked over to Farok and switched off his comlink. "Y'know, at first, I didn't trust you 'cause you didn't say all that much."
With a grin, he continued. "I take it all back." Caden flicked his comlink back on.
"Check."
The teams watched as the heavy Imperial vehicles approached the bridge. They moved at a cautious, slow pace but showed no apparent sign of detecting the companions and their troops. The Imperials drove on to the point where they were between the two ambush positions, on the west bank of the river, when they noticed the fallen trees that barricaded the road.
The commander of the lead vehicle spoke into his comm, "Hold up. It looks like we have a tree fall ahead." He paused as he looked at his Sorosuub speeder's scanner. There was nothing out there. He scanned the road left to right with his eyes - standing behind him, his gunner in the roof hatch turret pivoted his laser cannon in a similar fashion. Nothing. Still, it was not the best tactical sense to draw all of his vehicles out on the span.
Another voice spoke in his headset, "What do you see?"
"Well, it looks like some trees fell from the bank of the river onto the road." Again the forward commander gave it a discerning look. The river embankment was steep and the occasional heavy wash had eroded a lot of the soil exposing tree roots. The tree fall could have been quite natural. But he was a soldier- he had spent much of his service during the Clone Wars and he knew that something as easy as a fallen tree could be death. But here on Salliche? In the Core of the galaxy? And he was moving high-valued prisoners.
No, he thought,
best to be certain."Hold position while we advance and recon the tree fall. Bike Group Alpha, roll out ahead of the convoy. Bike Group Delta, orbit the vans. Speeder-two, take up a position with clear firing arcs."
The companions watched as two of the speeder bikes suddenly sped forward and crossed the bridge, even the barricade. Behind them, a single Sorosuub speeder accelerated to follow them. The two large speeder trucks sat idle while the remaining speeder bikes began a circuit of their position and the other modified speeder moved south off the road towards Caden and Farok's position. It halted and the gunner swung his laser cannon left and right.
:ooc: Here is what I have next in your battle plan - let me know if there are any changes with the it. I will start combat rounds next for Step #2, unless you tell me differently:
STEP #1: Blockade the Bridgea) FAROK turns on communication scrambler - REMEMBER: THIS WILL SHUT DOWN ALL COMMS WITHIN A 24Km RANGE, EVEN YOURS. It will require a Use Computer skill test with a DC of the dice roll below for the first 10 rounds to get ANY signal in or out of the area affected.
Comm Scramblers jamming strength 1d20+10 : 17 + 10, total 27
STEP #2: Attack Convoya) BIT attempts to 1) disable the lead vehicle of the convoy, or 2) the prisoner truck.
b) KAIDA rallies troops, and then begins to destroy the "lighter" rear guard escorts with her speeder.
c) The DROIDEKA attempts to destroy the "heavier" rear guard escorts or any flying targets and protect Kaida.
d) KAIDA's REBELS provide suppression fire and attempt to take out soft rear-guard targets.
e) CADEN and SAM attack any of the "heavier" escort vehicles, especially the tank.
f) KRESH and HIS REBELS provide suppression fire and move to help free prisoners.
g) ABBY and FAROK and THEIR REBELS attempt to disable prisoner truck and free prisoners.
All of these steps happen simultaneously.
STEP #3: Rescue Prisonersa) Once all hostile forces have been eliminated, ABBY turns off communication scrambler.
b) KRESH gives the order for his troops to bring in the transport vehicles for prisoners.
c) CADEN and SAM leave immediately (after leaving the missile launcher with the Arrow) for the ship to get it ready for take-off.
d) BIT takes Kaida's speeder and also heads back to the ship, in case there is any trouble.
e) KAIDA, FAROK, ABBY, KAIDA's SISTER, ABBY's FATHER (if present) and the DROIDEKA take the Arrow land speeder to back to the ship. In addition, any "illegal" equipment is also stored in the back (missile launcher, for instance... or we donate it to the cause on Salliche?). Kaida will administer any first aid required.
STEP #4: Get the Ship Outta Dodge!Once we've all arrived at the ship, CADEN engages thrusters and gets us outta here. Maybe have people at their stations in case we have to deal with any trouble.
:ooc: meant to add these maps
:ooc:(http://rpg.avioc.org/boards/Themes/default/images/dice_warn.gif) This dice roll has been tampered with!
BIT attempts to cut through the jamming 1d20+18 : 9 + 18, total 27
The sniper hears the static and quickly adjusts his comlink. A little on the static-y side, the group receives one last message from BIT: "Light 'em up."
Farok looked at Caden, he held up his new arm and actually smiled. "I get all my best quotes out of cookies. At least their short."
The jedi closed his eyes and concentrated on the convoy below. He looked for the unexpected trouble, or an idea of who or how many were being transported below.
Use the Force
Rolled 1d20+12 : 12 + 12, total 24
:ooc: I am starting the series of combat rounds and you guys get the first round of attacks free for surprise.
As for the static, I only rolled that in preparation - I do not know if you guys want to even light up the comm scrambler, but it is on your written game plan. So Matt, if Tom turns/turned on the scrambler, your roll is a success and you get your message out. If he doesn't your message is out with no challenge.
Tom, I am assuming you are doing a Use the Force: Sense Surroundings? IF so, you are successful and detect that there are approximately 29 individuals between the two speeder trucks. Not sure what to tell you regarding looking for unexpected trouble.
Can someone please confirm to me whether or not the ordered attack plan is to happen as stated, or are there any changes - thank you.
I'm executing the plan as stated unless someone else chimes in before doug moves us forward. So scramble away.
:ooc:The only real change to the plan is that SAM is with ABBY now and their job is to take out the front bikes and X34 Speeder. FAROK is with CADEN and their job might be to light up that X34 Speeder beside them before rescuing the prisoners. The plan changes slightly, because there are 2 trucks (instead of just one), so disabling them both quickly will be key. And YES to turning on the comm scrambler. ;D
:ooc: That's what I needed to know! ;)