From: Thomas Barclay <Thomas.Barclay@s...>
Date: Fri, 17 May 2002 10:47:28 -0400
Subject: Star Wars: Ep 2 DS/SG/FMAS discussion
[Warning Spoiler Material Enclosed - skip or delete if you wish to preserve your Ep 2 ignorance] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stormtrooper VTOLS The Republic's VTOLs were interesting. They seemed to combine either GMS or SLAM (I'm a little curious about which) systems, a couple of turreted small HELs (I'm assuming that is what the bubble pods were), some other turreted HELs (on the front or APSWs if you prefer), and troop carrying capabilities. They could almost be rated as open topped though as the interior was unprotected. VTOL mobility. ATAT Predecessors We see an early 4-legged walker which is clearly an ATAT predecessor. Not as heavily armoured, the trade federation's rolling rocket platforms can knock them out. But they appear to have a fair armament suite (HELs again, perhaps APSWs). They probably can carry troops, though we're not really positive. HEL/5 Artillery I'm guessing this is what the direct fire beam artillery was. It seemed to have good range (to be able to attack outgoing starships). Pretty powerful stuff. Mobility? I think maybe grav. Speeder Bikes We see Anakin on a predecessor to the Imperial Scout Speeder Bike (and Dooku now that I think of it). Stormtroopers Apparently well trained combat soldiers, but very respondent to authority figures (or anyone who can pull off the command voice such as apparently that cute little tart Amidala). Heavily armed, although apparently close assault is their only combat tactic and cover is a foreign idea. And it remains unclear what their armour will stop, as apparently it isn't blasters. Trade Federation Droids Combat automata. Well armed, but not terribly inventive nor really fast enough to cope with lightsaber-swingers or even Stormtroopers. Didn't see the need for central control in the same manner as in the first movie - perhaps an improved autonomous design. Trade Fed Improved Combat Droid (Possibly from the "other" tech army?) Larger combat droid with more firepower. Perhaps treat them as PA in DS or SG terms. Seem to be aggressive and also CA oriented. Trade Fed rolling Terminator Droids Larger rolling terminator droids. Fast, heavy PA in DS. Probably the same in SG but armed with 2 x SAW. I run these as individual figures in SG and give them an extra armour dice for shields. Trade Fed rolling Rocket System A portable SLAM platform or on-board light (or perhaps medium?) artillery with a hi-mob wheeled chassis. Fast. Lightsaber Swinging Jedi Knights Veteran/Elite infantry, perhaps treat as PA in DS terms. In SG, they'd get a base move of 10" I'd guess (2d10 combat move), have Close Combat Weapons (+2 CC), have D10 armour (from parrying of blaster shots), and have a capability to do ranged fire (short range only, D8 impact) for telekinesis. Oh, and any unit that fires on them with energy weapons runs the risk of a reflection. The Jedi unit could make a reaction test, and if so the attack is reflected back and resolved with Jedi QD + opponents FP dice against the opponent. (Note to self - use area effect weaponry or slug throwers against the Jedi). Now, which of our miniature casters is gonna make 1) Farmboy Guardian Galactic Knight with Laser Sword 2) Small Green Garden Gnome with Laser Sword 3) Angry Bald Galactic Knight with Laser Sword 4) Evil Ex-Galactic Knight with Laser Sword 5) Pretentious Bearded Scottish Galactic Knight with Laser Sword etc. You just know there has to be an FMJ (Full Metal Jedi) supplement lurking somewhere.... Jedi Powers for FMAS - Telekinesis (force push) - Celerity (Speed - both movement and combat) - Defensive Movement (rolling, flipping, etc) - Shot Blocking - Shot Reflecting - Throwing the Lightsaber - Levitation of objects (quick fetch of dropped weapon, throwing of heavy stuff at people) - Command Voice - Dark Side Lightning Bolts - Energy Absorption or Deflection (but only if you are really good at the Light side) - Multi-attack (to take out multiple surrounding opponents in one flash move) - Sense Danger/Detect Evil/Detect Good Final thoughts on Ep2: 1) Don't piss off the Garden Gnome. He's far more dangerous than he appears. 2) Young men with strong force powers would _really_ be tempted to the Dark Side by teenage dating situations (<sotto voce> "You want to go out with me".... "you want to kiss me"....."you want to take off your...." etc.) 3) The Republic is really really big 4) Apparently "taking cover" is not a concept explored by the Republic or its enemies 5) Natalie Portman isn't hard on the eyes 6) The dark side must have lots of recruits given the relationship between men, puberty, teen angst, testosterone, and violence 7) Hidden Message: Politicans are evil and can't be trusted T.