Spinward Marches: How to Scout Systems That Need J-3?

[saundby]

If I were to run an adventures along the lines of CT's _The Imperial Fringe_ where the characters area asked to survey the entire sector, there are six systems I see that need Jump-3 to get there, while the characters have a Jump-2 Scout.

Naturally I would expect this to be an exercise for the players, but getting the necessary sensor readings for, say, Andor and Candory could be quite a bit of work.

Thanks,

Mark

 

[EDG]

Erm, have the Scouts give them a J4 capable Fleet Courier for those ones systems?

 

[far-trader]

Or... depending on the cargo capacity of this new fangled Scout/Courier (why in my day we had J1 and were glad for it... ) you might have some bladder tanks (or dismountables) added in the hold to extend the range.

Or... even more fun ( :twisted: ) make them set up a fuel cache along the way (several trips to seed the cache with enough to make it there and back) and then if you really want to mess with them have the cache empty or missing on the way back! Stranded in deep space. All alone. Nothing... wait. What's that on the sensors? It's nearly out of range and moving away at 1G. Could be a ship. Maybe they took the fuel! Quick!! Catch them before they get beyond your fuel range. And the race is on. Will the 2G Scout/Courier overtake the 1G bogey before the fuel runs out? Tune in next week for the exciting conclusion...

 

[Rikki Tikki Traveller]

Drop Tanks could also be used per the rules, as is the refueling base option.

OR, don't have them explore those systems (although first contact with the Droyne could be fun...)

 

[saundby]

Thanks for the ideas! Very helpful. I love the fuel cache adventure hook!

The team is getting a slightly modified Type S. Better air system, modified mold lines that don't scream "Imperial", a bit more expensive to maintain, otherwise the same. The story is that it's one of a short preproduction run of a canceled model that's been sitting in a bone yard. Once they drive the raccoons and rattlesnakes out it should be a pretty good ship.

I don't think the Droyne worlds are going to come early in the campaign. But once they look at the map of the Spinward Marches they'll probably ask about the J-3 systems. My planned answer is, "Gee, I don't know. Sometimes you pull lousy duty, eh?"

-Mark

 

[Imperator58]

This won't help you immediately (unless you're prepared to just be "close enough" ruleswise and go on eBay), but as pointed out the Donosev has jump-3. Also, there is a magnificent 400-ton Fleet Courier that mounts jump-6! Both these vessels were shown in the LBB Supplement 9, fighting Ships. I expect we'll see tham again a little bit later, if Mongoose's line does well.