Full Version: Recruiting: The Unit
| QUOTE (HMHVV Hunter) |
| Hmmm...is "Full Metal Jacket" good enough? |
Bwah hwah hwah.
I actually wrote an article which dealt in part with the horrors which arise when someone tries to make a military game based on Full Metal Jacket.
To quote the person in question,
| QUOTE |
I must admit I was slightly put off by the present-day military setting they wanted, though I was glad to be working in a genre that isn't being done-to-death in computer games like science fiction and fantasy are. I worried that present day war wasn't, well, maybe not "cool" enough. When I say cool enough, I really mean cool to me personally. It wasn't something that really moved me, or was interesting to me. I mean, a lot of the war movies that come out are just the dopiest, most ridiculously patriotic crap you've ever seen. But then I remembered Stanley Kubrick's "Full Metal Jacket", which I'd already seen three times or so. Now there's a great, interesting war movie. So I went through and analyzed it, trying to figure out what I thought was compelling about it. I've probably seen it fifteen times by now. |
So, please, click on the link and read my article. I promise you'll lose a Sanity point.
Anyway, since the GM has encouraged me I'll consider joining in. I'll think about a character concept today and if I can write a character up by tomorrow I'll put him up for consideration.
Is there any chance I could do a physad-type-character rather than a sammie-type? The reason is that I don't have my sourcebooks so it would be hard for me to bang out a sammie from memory. However, I can easily make a correct physad from memory.
And, since I am t3h suck when it comes to knowing about the military, is there any chance my character could be the useless 2nd Lieutenant whom no one listens to? That would cut me a bit of slack in character in case I do something really stupid which military people aren't supposed to do.
| QUOTE (FrostyNSO) | ||
Canary did a lot of TDY, so he wasn't in Aztlan for nearly as long as Church so being on the same team would take a bit of creativity. But I could definately see the two's teams working together at some point in that timeline and the two having met and worked together. |
Sounds good to me. Are you interested in fleshing out the details, or just say "Yeah, Canary and I worked together on a few DA missions in the Yucatan..."?
If anyone would like some additional info about the military, please fell free to e-mail me at chris.louviere@iem.com. You can also catch me on AOL Instant Messenger under TheOneRonin.
As far as movies go, I would highly suggest Blackhawk Down. To date, it's one of the most accurate protrayals of modern US Army Infantry combat that I have seen (despite the Rangers acting more like regular infantry. Delta was spot on, though).
If you are interested in some light reading that will help you get a feel for Army SF check out the following:
US Army ODA Team
Most of our characters will likely come from a unit like that.
[edit]Here is another good resource: SpecOps.com[/edit]
As far as movies go, I would highly suggest Blackhawk Down. To date, it's one of the most accurate protrayals of modern US Army Infantry combat that I have seen (despite the Rangers acting more like regular infantry. Delta was spot on, though).
If you are interested in some light reading that will help you get a feel for Army SF check out the following:
US Army ODA Team
Most of our characters will likely come from a unit like that.
[edit]Here is another good resource: SpecOps.com[/edit]
Oh yeah, I forgot about Blackhawk Down. I saw that too.
Sorry to say, but I will retreat from applying for this game (I didnīt submit yet). At the moment, I feel like I would be strained to devote more then the minimum effort and time to a fast moving game like this and thuss decided, not to deminish the chances of players, that have the time to ad more to the game.
Wish you all fun and a good storry
I hope I will eventually come around to play a game with you GMing, as what I have seen and heard so far is really cool
Wish you all fun and a good storry
I hope I will eventually come around to play a game with you GMing, as what I have seen and heard so far is really cool
So what position(s) are available then? and i have some military experience.
I know you said no Deckers (and i'm not proposing to play one) but, communications is an integral part of specOps and a Deckers forte' is comm in one way or another, of course as one whose had to hump commgear along with extra batteries i dont envy the combat comm/decker. It's something to at least consider as an NPC, as real time intelligence is important now as it would be in the future. my .2 yen's worth.
Heres what interest has been expressed so far.
1st LT - Squad Leader - General Combat Specialist
TheOneRonin
Sergeant First Class - Second in command - General Combat Specialist.
FrostyNSO
Staff Sergeant - Third in command - Sniper/Scout
Whizbang - possible adept
Staff Sergeant- Fourth in command - Medic/Mage
PBTHHHHT
Sergeant - Fifth in command - Demolitions/anti - vehicle
HMHVV Hunter
Antihero - Meta (ork)
Sergeant - Sixth in command - Heavy weapons
Raiko
I figured everyone would want to be a sniper and no one would want the Squad leader job.
The above list is what it is. Yes there are other positions in a platoon and a squad. No there is no dedicated comm. guy for this job. Someone will have a sat phone and a radio of course, but for this job no Decker, no Rigger.
PBTHHHHT, don't forget the medic position is the mage position. That means you have to make a mage character.
1st LT - Squad Leader - General Combat Specialist
TheOneRonin
Sergeant First Class - Second in command - General Combat Specialist.
FrostyNSO
Staff Sergeant - Third in command - Sniper/Scout
Whizbang - possible adept
Staff Sergeant- Fourth in command - Medic/Mage
PBTHHHHT
Sergeant - Fifth in command - Demolitions/anti - vehicle
HMHVV Hunter
Antihero - Meta (ork)
Sergeant - Sixth in command - Heavy weapons
Raiko
I figured everyone would want to be a sniper and no one would want the Squad leader job.
The above list is what it is. Yes there are other positions in a platoon and a squad. No there is no dedicated comm. guy for this job. Someone will have a sat phone and a radio of course, but for this job no Decker, no Rigger.
PBTHHHHT, don't forget the medic position is the mage position. That means you have to make a mage character.
Actually I expressed an interest in switching to the anti-tank guy.
Raiko, Antihero, whoever's playing it - wanna switch?
Raiko, Antihero, whoever's playing it - wanna switch?
I'll build a heavy weapon guy instead then. 
Awesome. Thanks man Way I see it, this may be the only time I get to play with rocket launchers and stuff in a game, and I want to have fun with it
Way I see it, this may be the only time I get to play with rocket launchers and stuff in a game, and I want to have fun with it
I am going to Okay Whiz for the adept slot since no one else has asked for it.
I could use your help with some stuff regarding my character history.
Specifically, what kind of motivations drive people into the military today? I can only think of a few:
-A sincere desire to defend one's country and way of life
-Money and/or college education
-Wanting to have an adventure-filled or action-packed life
Does anyone know of any others?
Specifically, what kind of motivations drive people into the military today? I can only think of a few:
-A sincere desire to defend one's country and way of life
-Money and/or college education
-Wanting to have an adventure-filled or action-packed life
Does anyone know of any others?
I'm a bit more familiar with the British Army than the US military, but, what the hell, count me in...I'll go for the heavy weapons type, if nobody minds.
And, since the idea of an elf with a machine gun is intrinsically appealing, anyone else wanting to use that metatype?
*goes to find SR3 books*
Edit:
Couple of things occured to me, so I figured I should ask:
First off, what sort of missions would we be doing? There's a difference in equipment if you're going to be out there for a while than if you're expecting something brief & violent.
Oh, also, since it looks like we have heavy weapons types, I'll make a sniper instead...not an adept though, SR3 magic rules confuse me.
And, since the idea of an elf with a machine gun is intrinsically appealing, anyone else wanting to use that metatype?
*goes to find SR3 books*
Edit:
Couple of things occured to me, so I figured I should ask:
First off, what sort of missions would we be doing? There's a difference in equipment if you're going to be out there for a while than if you're expecting something brief & violent.
Oh, also, since it looks like we have heavy weapons types, I'll make a sniper instead...not an adept though, SR3 magic rules confuse me.
| QUOTE (HMHVV Hunter) |
| -A sincere desire to defend one's country and way of life -Money and/or college education -Wanting to have an adventure-filled or action-packed life |
That pretty much hits the nail on the head.
I joined the Marines to prove something to myself. On that point the Demo guy can PM me for ideas or guidance as that is what i did for my last 9 years in the Corps, and i'm willing to throw some info your way if you'd like it.
| QUOTE (TheOneRonin) | ||||
Sounds good to me. Are you interested in fleshing out the details, or just say "Yeah, Canary and I worked together on a few DA missions in the Yucatan..."? |
Working some story out sounds good, PM me and we can brainstorm a little. I don't wanna crap up the thread with it =)
Otherwise, we can just occasionally throw in ominous references to "The Rosalia Op" =)
Oof, so the medic is also the mage? Ok, I'll have to redo the character I was working on to be a mage also. What suggestions do y'all have in terms of spells?
The other thing I meant to ask (but I only remembered at about 3am) is this: I know you said Raygun's weapons are a must, but does that mean we can't use anything from SR3/the cannon companion? The weapons themselves aren't a big deal, I was thinking more in terms of the weapon modifications...
Also, is there an Avail. cap?
Finally, if anyone has seen my copy of the Shadowrun Companion I'd really appreciate them telling me, as I can't find mine
Also, is there an Avail. cap?
Finally, if anyone has seen my copy of the Shadowrun Companion I'd really appreciate them telling me, as I can't find mine
| QUOTE (Shadow) |
| A16/R10 Remember, weight is an issue. |
Were not using Rayguns rules, just his guns. So yes you can use the gun modifications. Assuming the gun you are uising can take them.
I am withdrawing my interest in this game. I am at a lack for playable original character ideas right now. That sucks for me, not for you. Good luck to the rest of you.
What attribute is the Parachuting skill linked to?
Also, I don't see any missile launchers on Raygun's site; could I use the SR3 weapons for that?
Also, I don't see any missile launchers on Raygun's site; could I use the SR3 weapons for that?
You can use a launcher out of the core book, just remember, weight is an issue. An Anti-materiel rifle loaded with APDS might be lighter.
Parachuting is linked to quickness I believe.
Parachuting is linked to quickness I believe.
Whew....gotten to the point where I flounder around in the weapon customization stage... never really gotten this technical with weapondry....
Let me know what you need help with. I'll be more than happy to help you get squared away.
What weapons are everyone going to go for? I'm just wondering since I'm making a mage/medic, but I do like a good firearm that would be compatible in terms of ammo. So I'm kinda curious what everyone is taking.
With this kind of team, I'm not so sure that it's logistically necessary for everyone to be using the same kind of ammo.
As far as ARs go, something in 6.8SPC or 5.56x45mm is probably ideal. The Sniper and Heavy Weapons person will have their own weapons/ammo, and we likely wouldn't be swapping ammunition with them anyway.
If we do some lengthy field deployment in hostile territory, it would probably be ideal for us to carry weapons capable of using whatever ammunition the enemy carries.
For my character, I listed his standard-carry weapons, but that list is subject to change based on what our mission briefing ends up being.
As far as ARs go, something in 6.8SPC or 5.56x45mm is probably ideal. The Sniper and Heavy Weapons person will have their own weapons/ammo, and we likely wouldn't be swapping ammunition with them anyway.
If we do some lengthy field deployment in hostile territory, it would probably be ideal for us to carry weapons capable of using whatever ammunition the enemy carries.
For my character, I listed his standard-carry weapons, but that list is subject to change based on what our mission briefing ends up being.
For my snipers loadout, I was planning to use the 7.62mm AMP DSR-1, a pistol (most likely a .45), and an SMG/shotgun as a secondary weapon, depending on what I decide upon.
Everything that I've ever seen on the subject suggests that although SF soldiers pick their own prefered weapon, they do standardise ammunition within the unit. In order to share ammo if they are behind enemy lines for a prolonged period.
So I think we should agree on an assault-rifle / carbine caliber.
I'm building the heavy weapons guy on the assumption that he's either armed with a SAW (eg a Minami 5.56mm) in order to have common ammo with the AR's, or if the mission calls for heavier firepower, he'll take a light mortar with a carbine as a backup.
You just gotta love those smart rounds for SR mortars.
So I think we should agree on an assault-rifle / carbine caliber.
I'm building the heavy weapons guy on the assumption that he's either armed with a SAW (eg a Minami 5.56mm) in order to have common ammo with the AR's, or if the mission calls for heavier firepower, he'll take a light mortar with a carbine as a backup.
You just gotta love those smart rounds for SR mortars.
I just want to say I love you all.
1/5k is the karma to cash ratio, right?
Yep.
hmm....we applying street index?
Nope.
The weapons question come down to several factors, one would be length of engagement and available resupply sources.
A quick hop and pop means pack what you'd like while extended field duty with resupply readily available would mean standardized weapons (with a personal favorite along) and an extended tour behind the lines you'd use weapons that can be resupplied by whats dropped by hostiles or secured from their supply points.
(just my .02 yen worth on that matter)
A quick hop and pop means pack what you'd like while extended field duty with resupply readily available would mean standardized weapons (with a personal favorite along) and an extended tour behind the lines you'd use weapons that can be resupplied by whats dropped by hostiles or secured from their supply points.
(just my .02 yen worth on that matter)
| QUOTE (Shadow) |
| You can use a launcher out of the core book, just remember, weight is an issue. An Anti-materiel rifle loaded with APDS might be lighter. |
Hmmm...might be right. I'll look up the damage codes and compare 'em.
In real life though, is it possible for an anti-material rifle (like the Barret Light Fifty) to penetrate tank armor? I've heard they're powerful enough to punch through aircraft, but I don't know about tanks.
IRL....not a chance in hades would it punch through. As far as aircraft it depends on which ones...A-10 has a titanium pilot housing (tub)
Well some those A-M rifles on Raygun's site are MONSTERS. The IWS 2500 - damage code of 20D! Can't imagine what it could do with APDS. 'Course, it weighs 20 kilos unloaded; for that weight I might as well carry a multi-launcher instead.
K, yeah, since I'm making the mage character, I'll go for a carbine. Such an easy pick for weaponry for my character. Heh. Though, all those other toys I don't get to play with... aww man.
Right now I have .300 for my rifle and 7.62 on my carabine.
Here's my char sheet thus far....will fine tune the equipment once we have a bit more to go on on missions parameters.
[ Spoiler ]
I like. Nice weapon choice.
As for standerdizing the weapons, I want to give everyone the chance to play a little so don't worry about ammo resupply. If each character takes a long a few hundred rounds for their main weapon it shoudl be okay. Alas the ROF in SR is woefully slow. I can't ajust that without screwing up the rest of the rules.
So to sumerize: pick what you want!
Also remember, finalized character sheets are due Friday. I will post then who's in and who goes home.
As for standerdizing the weapons, I want to give everyone the chance to play a little so don't worry about ammo resupply. If each character takes a long a few hundred rounds for their main weapon it shoudl be okay. Alas the ROF in SR is woefully slow. I can't ajust that without screwing up the rest of the rules.
So to sumerize: pick what you want!
Also remember, finalized character sheets are due Friday. I will post then who's in and who goes home.
| QUOTE (HMHVV Hunter) |
| In real life though, is it possible for an anti-material rifle (like the Barret Light Fifty) to penetrate tank armor? I've heard they're powerful enough to punch through aircraft, but I don't know about tanks. |
Not a modern tank. But it would certainly do for most vehicles you would come across, the most likely will be a BMP or other lightly armored troop transport. Rocket launchers are great but they are large and bulky, not ideal for long marches across enemy territory. A rifle can be broken down and stored componetley.
I am not trying to force you to use one weapon or another, just to think about your decision.
Most of what I've been saying about gear is that we should all pick a few choices pieces of kit, then requisition the rest once we have been briefed.
If we aren't going to be worried about having to snag ammunition from the enemy, I suggest we standardize to the following calibers:
MMG/BattleRifle: 7.62x51mm NATO
LMG/AR: 6.8mm SPC
Carbine/SMG: 5.7x28mm (FN P90/Five Seven)
Pistol: .45 ACP
Of course heavier and specialized weapons will differ, but I think this is the best mix if we want to be able to swap ammunition.
If we aren't going to be worried about having to snag ammunition from the enemy, I suggest we standardize to the following calibers:
MMG/BattleRifle: 7.62x51mm NATO
LMG/AR: 6.8mm SPC
Carbine/SMG: 5.7x28mm (FN P90/Five Seven)
Pistol: .45 ACP
Of course heavier and specialized weapons will differ, but I think this is the best mix if we want to be able to swap ammunition.
| QUOTE (Shadow) | ||
Not a modern tank. But it would certainly do for most vehicles you would come across, the most likely will be a BMP or other lightly armored troop transport. Rocket launchers are great but they are large and bulky, not ideal for long marches across enemy territory. A rifle can be broken down and stored componetley. I am not trying to force you to use one weapon or another, just to think about your decision. |
Perhaps a lighter RL for emergency use?
Also, the Multi-Launcher in the core rulebook can be collapsed to be made more compact, plus it's only 8 kilos. That might be useful as an emergency weapon if I just brought along four missiles (its capacity).
Well, I haven't been able to come up with a worthwhile character concept so I guess I won't play. However, I'll be very interested to read the posts and follow the game.
Changed my mind about the rocket launcher - too much weight for too little improvement in power over the Barrett M95.
Besides, with APDS-DU ammo, I have a feeling AV missiles would be kind of useless
Besides, with APDS-DU ammo, I have a feeling AV missiles would be kind of useless
Also, since weight is an issue, I'm wondering:
I can't find the weight for 5.56 rounds anywhere in the ammo section on Raygun's site; anybody know?
I can't find the weight for 5.56 rounds anywhere in the ammo section on Raygun's site; anybody know?
30 rounds weigh about a half pound.
Alright, last question:
What would be more effective against armored vehicles - C12 or an AV mine? The mine is ridiculously heavy (5 kilos for one!), and for that much I could put together a C12 block with 3 times the explosive power - but would it affect vehicles?
What would be more effective against armored vehicles - C12 or an AV mine? The mine is ridiculously heavy (5 kilos for one!), and for that much I could put together a C12 block with 3 times the explosive power - but would it affect vehicles?
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