Bay 12 Games Forum

Have you ever heard the tragedy of Dr Welliam Toll?  It's a story no Wovenman would tell you.   And they have a good reason...

Accused of murder, attempted murder, medical malpractice, and general mayhem, Dr Toll vanished into the woods immediately after the Day the Music Died.  Consequently, the good doctor's dullard brother Jethro inherited what remained of the Toll estate.  An unsophisticated man, he converted the ruined lot into a pig farm.

While some would dispute calling the Wovenmen a "secret society," they do have their own rules and do take care of their own.  While death and mutilation by the hands of "doctors" was frequent in the matriculation of a Wovenman, the death of a mature Wovenman was unusual.  At the very least, this merited a discrete and measured investigation.

In the dead of the night, Jethro was snatched by a pair of Wovenmen from the estate.  While disappointed they didn't have the man they were looking for, surely a thorough interrogation would lead to his precise whereabouts.  However, despite extensive application of the "water cure," Jethro proved surprisingly resistant to questioning.

Yet the good doctor's days were still numbered.  White-collar surgeons apparently don't make great frontier survivalists.  His fieldcraft was weak, and the haggard and emaciated doctor soon proved an easy quarry for the Wovenmen.  With both the brothers and the estate in their hands, the Wovenmen set to learning the secrets of Mutaxol.  Of course, the science of Mutaxol is a complex beast, far beyond the full comprehension of the two Wovenmen inquisitors.

...Yet they tried their best.

The doctor provided a more typical response to the water cure, and accurately described the events surrounding the soon to be infamous Day the Music Died.  But as to what the hell Mutaxol was and how it worked?  Obviously, he was lying.  Fed up with his pseudo-scientific mumbo jumbo, they decided to throw Jethro bound into a well until his brother admitted his deceits.

After five minutes of desperate pleading and gargling thrashing, the two inquisitors reluctantly came to two conclusions:

1.  So maybe the Doctor isn't lying.
2.  Man, that guy isn't going to drown, is he?

Not long after handing the case off to more academically inclined elements of the Wovenmen, Wovenmen began demonstrating a new ability: breathing underwater.

While a trade secret of a Wovenmen, it is believed that when Mutaxol is metabolized by swine, a serum can be extracted from the blood.  Intravenous application of the Mutaxol Swine Serum induces a mutation in the alveoli of the lungs, granting the water breathing capabilities.  (At some point they do have to cough out all that water though... which isn't pretty, and thus is done privately as yet another trade secret of the Wovenmen.)

Naturally, the scientific achievement of the "Aqualung" is wholly an accomplishment of the Wovenmen themselves.  The fugitive Toll Brothers are nothing but folklore now, and anyone who asserts otherwise is clearly a Southern sympathizer.

Okay...

Retain all prototypes and current fleet.

Launch 2nd Comorant class Light Corvette, "LC Heron" for 48 PP.

Begin construction of 3rd Comorant class Light Corvette for 1 PP.

Summary: Fleet will continue to consolidate gains on Roses Star, culminating with the invasion of Ranachuri.

Order of Battle:

FT Mars, Mars class Fleet Transport
FT Earth, Terra class Fleet Transport
LC Heron, Comorant class Light Corvette
LC Comorant, Comorant class Light Corvette
AC Birman, Chartreux class Assault Corvette
AC Donskoy, Chartreux class Assault Corvette
MFC Jean Bart, Corsair class Marine Forced Entry Frigate
GF Marne, Seine class Gate Frigate
GF Seine, Seine class Gate Frigate
BF Mont Blanc, Mont Blanc class Battery Frigate

Orders:  Continue advance within Rose's Star, consolidating gains from Operation Infraction Point.  All vessels should escort and screen the landings on Ranachuri.  Atmos capable warships are authorized to execute planetary bombardment to support ground forces.  Final objective is to seize the planet of Ranachuri.

(1) C-47 "Carragan" Military Transport Plane: ConscriptFive
(1) "Nightwatchman" Median SLR Mod: ConscriptFive

Revision: C-47 "Carragan" Military Transport Plane

Following the fiasco of the "Skylorry Affair," the C-47 "Carragan" will apply common sense streamlining and the well trod aviation advancements from the Firefly series to modify the B-43 "Barragan" into a successful military transport plane.

Right off the bat, the ten autocannons in five turrets are axed.  "Getting the lead out" results in shedding literally tons of weight and reduces the crew in half to a mere five: pilot, co-pilot, navigator, radio operator, and loadmaster.  (Taking the place of the bombadier billet, the "loadmaster" is a specialized enlisted man that ensures all cargo/passengers are properly weighed, balanced, and secured to ensure a safe flight and minimize waste.  During flight, the loadmaster is physically present in the cargo bay to ensure passengers/cargo stay properly secured and don't endanger the flight.)

Speaking of payloads, with the five turrets and their associated gunners and machinery absent, the formerly cramped bomb bay now fully extends from the cockpit to the tail.  The bomb racks and bomb bay doors are expectedly gone as well, creating a cavernous pressurized cargo bay even the tallest man can freely walk through.  (No ladders or crawlways here!)  Furthermore, the cargo bay is now accessed by a "Roll-on Roll-off" (RoRo) style ramp mounted under the tail.  Under the loadmaster's supervision, passengers, forklifts of cargo, and even light vehicles can embark and disembark without the necessity of ladders, stairs, or cranes.

...And we haven't even discussed the benefits reaped from the various stages of Firefly development. Cockpit avionics have been modernized to Firefly standards, making the C-47 Carragan easier and safer to fly, especially in night/low-vis conditions.  Furthermore, Levisteel (tm) has been introduced to the airframes, shedding further tons of weight and adding C-Lift (tm) to its aerodynamics.

In conclusion appropriate streamlining efforts and introduction of proven technology from long-running Firefly development should create a modern transport plane with at least double the payload of the original bomber.

The Skylorry was a good design, but a nat crit fail is a nat crit fail.  We've sunk enough actions into the Firefly that this revision should easily match or surpass what the Commies pulled.

Also, Googled up some numbers, and 20mm autocannons are heavy alright.  A single pintle mounted gun with 200 rounds is 400lb/180kg.  The bomber had 10 of them, plus whatever turret hardware and the five gunners themselves.  Do the math and that ends up being 3000kg easy.  Probably overthinking this, but seeing as the starting bomber had a stated 6000kg payload, that's already a 50% improvement.

Revision: "Nightwatchman" Median SLR Mod

An unexpected boon from the Firefly SPOT, the Light Amplifying Spotter's Helmet (LASH), is a cutting edge tech ripe for further exploitation.  The "Nightwatchman" modification to the Median SLR brings that capability to the hands of the infantry.

Modifying a Median to "Nightwatchman" specification first involves permanently affixing a Dallas style rail to the top of the weapon, and then accordingly replacing the iron sight with one that won't be blocked by the permanent rail.  As it was with the Dallas, the rail itself allows the user to attach and remove compatible optics without even needing to use hand tools.  Of note, given the certain reputation of the overall Dallas product, the rail mounting system  is machined to exacting tolerances such that compatible optics should reliably keep their zero when reattached.

As for the optics itself, the system is issued with two.  For daytime use, the inexpensive and perfectly acceptable 2x Dallas mildot scope is issued.  As advertised, the second optic is the namesake "Nightwatchman (tm)" Night Observation Device (NOD).  The Nightwatchman (tm) is an oversized light amplifying scope derived from the LASH.  Performance wise, the NOD amplifies ambient light comparable to the LASH, at a fixed 2x magnification, and 12 hours of battery life.  Already a bulky weapon system, the 1kg battery fits in a common wearable canteen pouch and is attached to the weapon-mounted NOD by a long power cord.

Spec'd as a modification to the aging Median SLR, the "Nightwatchmen" should prove an affordable system, readily bringing the wizardry of light amplification to the infantry squad level.

So the best thing about aiming low, is that you're more likely to get a crit hit and get surprised by something cool.  Skipping gen 0 IRNV for gen 1 "Starlight" Light Amp is a big leap, so we really should be leaning into that.

Also, if you've never seen gen 1 Starlight optics, they're huge and use an antiquated military radio battery that's inferior to a modern pair of double AA batteries.  (Milsurp ones are usually hacked to use AA's now.)

Revision: MGB Piezoelectric Resin

We have the misfortune of creating a weapon perhaps too powerful.  The thunderous vibrations of the MGB will eventually tear itself apart.  While this is technically true for any gun, "barrel life" on this system in particular is below acceptable norms.

To increase barrel life, the rails will be infused with piezoelectric resin.  Using the principles of piezoelectric mechanical damping, vibrations will be absorbed and converted into electrical energy that is then expended as benign nano-LED light.  (Obviously, the base polymer resin itself provides structural reinforcement as you expect from a non-exotic adhesive cement.)  In terms of aesthetics, this means the MGB will now glow as the shockwave of the projectile passes down the barrel.  Captured Starbolt electrical systems should aid in this optimization.

While we always hope Captains will adhere to our published safety guidelines, we understand they will likely still "push the envelope" of the revised MGB.  EVA tethers have been installed along the length of each barrel.  In the field, vaccsuit'd techs can now perform close inspections of the MGB, looking for precise points of structural strain and fatigue.  They can then attempt to patch the damage to extend the life of the barrel.  Doing so under combat conditions is something a true Hero De La 12 Societe would accomplish.

Values (unchanged): Cost 12, Maint 4
Tags (unchanged): Two Parallel External Front Slots, PPC -4, Fire Control -2, Red-Line

Almost a year ago we made a badass cannon, but never got around to fixing its flaw.  If we plan to field it now, better do it now.  Revision is mostly the same as proposed last November, but now references captured Starbolt tech.

Revision: C6 Deck, Combat Information Center Addition

Ah the C5 Deck... A decadent design built in the optimistic days soon after the Gates reopened.  We were to rapidly reconquer the stars in the elegant accommodations befitting the Societe.  Alas, our adversary has proven tenacious. Luckily, our new generation of Galton Spacers are of hardier stock, and are more than willing to shoulder the necessary hardships to decisively win this conflict.

With great dismay, we announce that the standalone cabaret will no longer be featured on future "C6 Decks." (Of course, the Courtesans will remain.  However they must now provide "entertainment" at staterooms or other appropriate recreational facilities.  Likewise, the attached Cognac and wine cellar will become a standalone compartment, now commanded by the Galley Officer. We're not savages.)

In its place, will be located a new "Combat Information Center.". Distinct from the Captain's Battle Bridge which focuses on Fire Control and executive Command & Control,the CIC focuses on tracking the numerous contacts on the modern battlefield.  Increasingly, the battlefield is becoming more of a debris field.  With the ship's Kessler sensors triggering on every little piece of space shrapnel, it's easy for a Sensor Officer to get complacent, which may prove a catastrophic error as our adversary adopts torpedo-style weaponry.  The CIC provides a crew of Sensor personnel a standalone compartment with a dedicated daemon to collect, visualize, and analyze every nearby minor sensor contact.  (Large and distant contacts will still be tracked by the Battle Bridge Sensor Officer for directing major Fire Control systems and general navigation waypoints.) The end result is that the CIC provides the ship with detailed awareness and tracking of every parasite, projectile, warhead, micrometeor, and space junk within short range, for potential engagement by Point Defense assets or evasion by Helm.

Est. Values : Cost 4, Maint 2
Tags (unchanged): Internal, Limited 1, Fire Control 2

I don't know if I'm about to create a new Value/Tag here, but adding a system to explicitly track potential incoming projectiles seems prudent.  Bundling it in the C5D makes sense too.

That being said, the Argent hull is just what we need and we got all the pieces and resources to put out some devastating prototypes this turn. Unfortunately, I'm phoneposting this week, so you'll have to wait for the next post for that.

If that's too esoteric, some more ideas for military units...

As any true maverick flyboy would tell you, never rules and regs get in the way of a good fight.  With that in mind, the 1st Aviation Volunteer Group was formed.

A mix of playboy adventurers and UNSA military personnel on paid leave, "The Flying Salamanders" form a self-contained expeditionary air wing that flies under the flag of their host nation.  Making use of convenient UNSA military aid, they focus on intense tactical missions such as air superiority and close air support.

An elite but egalitarian all volunteer organization, The Flying Salamanders are happy warriors known for high morale.

If you don't get the reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flying_Tigers

Now if we really want to lean into mechs...
 

To make the "Awpee" a reality, the UNSA had to make some unusual deals with the private sector.  To make a long story short, multi-millionaire industrialist tycoon Thurmond Wakefield was authorized as an end-user for both the Awpee and all related technology.

Now some multi-millionaires sponsor yacht teams.  Others equestria.  True nerds may even form a Formula One team.  A true eccentric, Mr. Wakefield went and formed a "freelance" Private Mechanized Company.  (Naturally, he fanatically hates communism and would do nothing to endanger his standing in the UNSA military industrial complex, so his definition of "freelance" is conveniently in lock step with our interests.)

The "Ronin" is a company sized Mechanized element.  It consists of one Mech platoon, one Infantry platoon, one Field Support/Sustainment platoon, and a HQ platoon.  Complicated machines with extensive logistical and operational "tail", all three PLTs exist to support the Mech platoon.  For example, the Infantry PLT exists primarily to provided trusted organic security for the Ronin's Forward Operating Base and rarely is out on manuever with the Mech PLT.

Is it still triple posting if it's two weeks later?

(1) Galton Genetic Therapy Service Contracts: ConscriptFive
(1) GCS-3 "Argent" Hull: ConscriptFive

Quote from: BlackPaladin99 on May 21, 2023, 06:59:16 pm

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Name:Paval

Age: 27

Stats:
Strength (STR): 5
Dexterity (DEX): 1
Endurance (END): 2

Intellect (INT): 3
Education (EDU): 4
Social Standing (SOC): 6

Background: He was born pretty normally, and became part of a new line of supersoldiers.  His line, however was found to be too erratic and unpredictable, exhibiting odd personality tics, so it was discontinued (exterminated).  He managed to escape, and used the skills he had to make a living as an assasin. 

Personality: He is a focused and direct person, almost to the point of becoming cold and ruthless.  He is quiet and introspective, and will spend a lot of time deliberating over which decisions will reap the most rewards.  He is a tranquil-fury kind of person, and is brutally violent when angered.  He also talks to himself, and believes he hallucinates things, even though he has never had a hallucination in his life. 

Career Choice: super soldier transitioning early (2nd phase?) to assasin

Can I Join?

Sure this works. I'll give a few more days for anyone else who is interested and for the other legacy players who showed interest to submit an action, and then maybe I'll do like a recap or something.

Anyways with the exception of BlackPaladin99, if you would like to alter your turn please do so soon-ish. I think of the three who expressed interest, both have a turn up except for The_Twin_Eternities

See above, no change.