Combat Skies - Tabletop Game

Combat Skies is a 3-way faction centered semi-tabletop. The only thing that counts towards it being a tabletop is the structure of characters, their balances, the dice in use and the fact it has a narrator and GM, which will be me.

From older planes to modern, to very advanced planes, you can use basically anything that flies. Hell if you wanted to, equip a slow moving aerial blimp with a shitload of weapons and a few small weaknesses and take it out as a mobile base or plain old unstoppable aerial tank. Unstoppable is a loose term however... I will NOT allow your characters to be impossible to kill, although I won't aim for anyone to die. In most cases you can eject or whatever the case may be, but your aircraft specifically can not be unstoppable and MUST have weaknesses.

Now not all of your time will be spent in the cockpit of your plane. In fact it'll be combat rolling about 25% of the time I'd say. Outside of planes, you can spend time on the planets and cities of your choice where your faction is owning it, or if your captured or undercover in another faction's. Each faction will have a unique and personality specific backstory that defines how your players act or fight, if you want to follow suit. It also can effect what kind of tech they may have.

There is a fourth 'faction' although its more of a freelancer faction. They do whatever the hell they want and stay underground, as in not getting caught. Often times the most skillful pilots become freelancers for hire, or pirates hitting air blimps and supply ships. But the ones that don't become freelancers are usually squad leaders or generals.

Nobody is allowed to START as a general or high skilled pilot. You can be good, even great. But amongst the pro's? No. You can work your way up.

Any race that can be slim and athletic and not bulky (fit in a cockpit) can participate in this as far as planes go. If you want to be amongst a ground force unit to knock out AA guns or take over a base once the skies are under control thats different, or if your operating something like a blimp or large cargo plane or naval ship. For planes or helicopters you must be a military trained athletic build, naturally.


Custom planes ARE possible, but require massive detail to explain them and must not be OP by any means. I can help you root out any overpowered aspects of a plane if need be. Or if you want a powerful plane with big weaknesses that is possible. Say something that has extreme high caliber bullets but has very, very little armor... You get the point.

Dice rolls would be used to determine how much damage attacks would do, if you'll even hit, and if you can manage to dodge or navigate something treacherous.

Characters are most important. Focus on your character being made before you figure out the type of craft he would like to use.

Multiple characters are permitted, although no more than three.

NOTE: SPACE BATTLES ARE A POSSIBILITY! If people would like that inclusion of space battles like star wars style, I may indeed come up with something for that.

Tabletop stats such as your Attack Rating: (AR) Also come into play here. AR of +10 is as high as you can go. For those who don't know what AR means, its the boost on your dice roll. Say you get a 88 on your dice and you have an AR of 6. 88 + 6 = 94 as your final.
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There is a dice rolling site I plan on using that requires a 10 second register process and then I invite you to a dice log, and we can roll our dice for each post that needs it where everybody else can see and know if it worked.

The Stats for made attempts, such as hacking a computer, firing at an enemy, etc.
0-20 Complete Fail (Bad thing happens to you and attempt is failed)
21-40 Mild Fail (Unfortunate but not severe consequence alongside the fail.)
41-60 Nuetral (Nothing really happens that is beneficial or detremental.)
61-70 Success (Do small damage with little to no consequence)
71-80 Good Success (Do moderate damage with no consequence)
81-90 Amazing Success (Do high damage with no consequence)
91-99 Awesome Success (Do very high damage)
100+ Epic Success (One hit kill on a medium powered NPC, very good damage on a high powered.)
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Provided some people are interested, I can construct an IRC channel with a link to it, and put up my character template.

Keep in mind, about 60% of the time is spent at base or getting back to base upon a succeeded emergency eject.


All types of aircraft can be used provided it isnt overpowered. Blimps, planes, helicopters, VTOL, etc. Just make sure I am ok with its power level first.

Showing interest in this I am Razer

btw wouldn't it back more sense if we all stuck to proppler driven aircraft or jetaircraft to make it more fair ?

Well helicopters have much more manueverability with the same or more payload than planes, but are slower and easier to kill, with a side bonus of troop carrying possibilities.

Blimps in the sense I mean are giant mobile bases, or cargo ships, and if you weaponize them they can be floating platforms of destruction that take a full squadron to damage or take down, depending on the skill of the pilots.

Although typically I don't want anymore than two people using blimps for weapon platforms, as it would get stupid. Planes are what I expect most of, followed by helicopters, then blimps.

let me re-phase my question: jet planes or proppler planes?

Either or.

And I just noticed this is in 1x1 >.< I keep putting stuff in wrong places. Gonna ask to ahve thi moved to group.

Oh OK I thought you might want to keep to one or the other to make it more easier.

btw what are the factions ?

So...if it won't be a 1x1 I might join. I'll wait for details.
Oh yes, I have a question before you'll tell something more.
A smuggler with a heavily modified cargo-plane is allowed? (Yes, I'm a TaleSpin/Han Solo fan ^^ )
I mean, a medium-sized cargo plane with a single mg, some tricky defense "tools", and engines with really heavy output. Of course, no armor, but cheap to repair, no space for more weapons, but not so easy to catch, however big torso and wings surface which means great chance to get a hit.

Remember this, Star Wars defied gravity and proportional physics half the time XD A giant, heavily gunned massive cargo plane would still get taken down pretty quick in reality. At least a standard plane. Now if it was a VTOL cargo plane, then it would stand more chance but it'd be too slow. You'd get shot down rather easily.

Thats why Blimps are used for cargo. They can take WAY more damage and hold way more armor.

-Factions-

The Dread Pirates:
By standard not pirates. They originally were pirates and then evolved into a full corporation. This is the more aggressive and power based groups, all about taking land and power over people. The other two factions view this group as evil, and this faction views others as weaklings. They have a small number of blimps, mostly for rearming and refueling.
Weapons Specs- Their weapons in general are fine tuned to have more power.
Air Specs- Their planes are less defense prioritized, and have less armor, with more weapons.
Ground Specs- Heavy Weapons and artillery is the majority of their forces. Not good for Spec Ops situations, but great for hostile takeover of forts.


The Gun Runners- The more economical and balanced faction. They are semi-nuetral, there only fued being with both factions for land power, but no political debate exists between either. They sell to both companies, but are wise of how much they sell, fearing a hostile takeover from either could happen, although the most they worry of is the Dread Pirates. They have a large amount of blimps, mostly cargo blimps with mild guns and heavy armor, nearly indestructible unless multiple squadrons are hitting it until its armor is penetrated. They have plenty of escort fighters and helicopters however, and posess the largest blimp in the game. The Hindenburg II, a giant, four balloon blimp that barely moves from its location. It is armored and weaponized so heavily, it is literally untouchable, and stays to the center of the battle. Despite its weapon capability, it is merely to keep others from trying to hijack it, and serves as a reload and refuel station. If a fighter shoots at the blimp station directly or at a plane on it, it WILL be shot down. Its generally a safety zone for damaged or empty planes on ammo or fuel. The blimp generates a very powerful profit, and if a pilot lands without money to pay for whatever he needs, he has to be picked up and they will take his plane as payment.
Weapon Specs- High accuracy weapons.
Air Specs- Many cargo blimps, and plenty of escort helicopters and fighters.
Ground Specs- Outside of the defense on their own turf, their ground force is small. The other two factions rarely try to press on their lands.


Skybreaker Brigade- They are like the "Valiant" ones. They are all about "honor in battle" and "the greater good" instead of economical gain or power over land. They are a heavily defensive faction, and specialize and aerial acrobatics and defensive tactics, which usually means it is hard to destroy defensive positions and their assaults last a long time due to ability to avoid being shot down. Generally they are the raw enemy of the Pirate faction. They posess few blimps, the only ones they have being small scale re-arm and re-fuel ships, not even meant for combat, simply for long lengths of travel. It is negotiated between the three factions that travel blimps are never to be shot.
Weapons Specs- Very defensively designed, the only faction to have flares to defend against missiles, and their weapons consisting of low fire rate, high power weapons good for driving enemies off.
Air Specs- Mostly planes, with some helicopters for ground missions.
Ground Specs- Even matched with the Pirate faction, mostly just to ensure their own safety.





It will be noted that these factors of what the factions posess only impact NPC's and army forces. The individual pilots can still have whatever they want. VTOL weren't mentioned as they are usually used for gunships, or counted as fighters, but you definitely can use them. The only part of the faction that effects your character completely is personality and your opinion of other factions.

this sounds quite interesting and i like the sound of the gun runners ^.^ I wouldn't mind having me one of those armored blimps and great job on the descriptions but an example of a ship description would be most appreciated

Razer wrote:

I know this fact about SW, but my plane will be an "enchanted" version of the Conwing L-16 (fictional aircraft, Baloo's Sea Duck in TaleSpin: http://www.e-voo.com/forum/files/seaducktechnical_192.gif )
I don't wanna be against you, but I said medium sized, however you are right, according to your description about the factions, my idea was a small cargo plane. But with some modifications. ^^
So, for the second thought, in short: small cargo/transport plane, with a single mg(or no weapons), engines with modifications (of course illegal devices for speed ), so good with manuovers and sprint (just for a short time), easy to repair, but for enemies with accurative weapons = easy target. The pilot works as "post-man" but sometimes, do some "extra-job" for "side" benefits.

The general consensus is there are not any cargo planes, seriously. That was the point I was trying to make. If you WANT to use one THAT bad, then you can maybe use it as a faster version of a blimp, for sending messages or delivering troops faster. That's the only thing the plane would be useful for, considering nobody is going to want a small cargo plane in place of a giant ass blimp with massive cargo space.

Not trying to be an ass. Just pointing out that it wouldn't make much sense unless it was for super fast emergency deliveries, or fast troop movement.

Well I've got a character more or less figured out, but Razar do you have a character sheet you want us to go by or should we just go for a bog standard profile (with planes of course)?

I hate to butt into your buisness razer but in the interest of avoiding conflict if he really wants a cargo plane why not just let him have it? its not like it would be OP or game breaking or anything like that, just a small fast shipping thing maybe for valuable or illigal items

but on the other hand your running the show so if you think its best to avoid that then go for it

Well its story aspects. As I said, he can still use it but only for emergency shipments or troop shipments. Emergency shipment is still cargo shipping.

Sooo character profiles yay or nay Razar?

Sorry Razer, it seems I totally misunderstood your idea.
To be honest, I wanted to be an outlaw pilot (with falsified papers of business license) who "uses" the war to make profit. With smuggling of course.
Excuse me for this :S .
Sorry if I did unpleasant moments with my stupidity.

Its all good Nowotny


Name/Model:
Nickname:
Wing type(Forward swept or backward, biplane or other?)
Fuel tank size(Both normal AND emergency please):
Fuel consumption rate(Look up the averages of jets and figure out whatnyou want. No "longest lasting ever" gas tanks):
Cockpit size(Does it have two seats, is it spacy or compact? This effects physics.):
Missiles(If any, list the types. You may not make your own missiles.):
Guns(Same situation as missiles. List types, and no ultra high caliber rounds please. I dont need 100mm artillery cannons mounted on the nose of your jets. Be realistic.):
Bombs(You know the drill.):
Size of aerial vehicle(Give it a size rating from 1-10. 1 being a very small and light plane, 10 being a giant ass mobile base/air blimp.)
Base stats for plane:::: You have 20 points, with a max of 15 on a specific stat. Base your points off description when possible.
Speed:
Manueverability:
Durability(How long a plane can go before it will start needing maintenance. Important factor):
Armor(Is it heavier and stronger? Is it lighter and weaker? In the middle?):

Name/Model: Dirigible http://www.creativeuncut.com/gallery-12/art/d2-zeppelin.jpg
Nickname: The Iron Angel
Wing type: Dirigible
Fuel tank size: 2500lbs / 500lbs
Fuel consumption rate: 50lbs/h at top speed 30lbs/h at half speed
Cockpit size:Spacy and open http://scottwesterfeld.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Behemoth7large1.jpg
Missiles: might add some later
Guns: 7.7mm anti fighter guns x4 turret mounted x2 mobile, 50mm browning machineguns x2 turrent mounted x2 mobile, 100mm anti airship cannon front mounted
Bombs:[USAAF 100 lb bomb with nose fuse; shell could also be filled with white phosphorous] x10, USAAF 500 lb standard demolition bomb x5, USAAF 1000 lb armor-piercing bomb x1
Size of aerial vehicle: [8]
Base stats for plane:::: You have 20 points, with a max of 15 on a specific stat. Base your points off description when possible.
AR:[+8]
Speed:[1]
Manueverability:[2]
Durability:[7]
Armor:[10] heavy armor stronger in the front and middle
health:[12]

let me know if i need to fix anything
hey shouldn't their be a faction thingy too?
cause i was planning on going with gun runners

Name/Model: Henschel P.78 (fictional but almost look like this one)


Nickname: Dark Arrow
Wing type: Delta-wing (with "undertail")
Fuel tank size: 1000 litres (2 x 250 litres extra tanks can be added)
Fuel consumption rate: 1.15 l/km (1.21 l/km with extra tanks)
Tactical Range: ~850 km (~1200 km with extra tanks)
Cockpit size: One-seat with catapult
Missiles: none
Guns: 2x MK108 30mm Machine Gun (1500 rounds each)
Bombs: none
Size of aerial vehicle: 2
Base stats for plane:::: You have 20 points, with a max of 15 on a specific stat. Base your points off description when possible.
Speed: [7]
Manueverability: [7] (only [6] with extra tanks)
Durability: [6] Easy to repair, and the main parts are so tough.
Armor: none [0]

Engine: Daimler-Benz DB 610 (DB 605 "twins")
Service ceiling: 12000 metres
Max speed: 810 Km/h, 780 km/h with extra tanks
Functions: long-range recon, light-fighter,

After creation of plane, now you make your character that goes WITH the plane. Your character determines faction.

Name:
Age:
Gender:
Rank: (Standard Ranks, Luitenant or Captain ONLY for starter ranks, except in case my NPC's)
Plane: (Just list the name of plane that your pilot is flying)
Faction:
AR: (Based on your plane's attack power. Its general and not weapon specific unless in special cases. I assign AR so don't put one until I state it.)
Bio: (Give at least generally good detail)


Nowotny, you have a AR of +3
Iron, you have an AR of +8

Name: Konrad "Chickadee" Nowotny
Age: 25
Gender: Male
Rank: Oberleutnant [Lieutenant]
Plane: Henschel P.78
Faction: Skybreaker Brigade
AR: [+3]
Bio: Born into a family which is out of favor, is always means hard life. Konrad learned this lesson very soon. His first years spent in the slum and tried to survive it, but when he was 7 years old he saw a "miracle". It was a usual day, fight with rats and run away from hungry dogs, he escaped from them and climbed up to a house. Many miles away, he saw the elegant siluetts of figther planes. When the aircrafts flown above him, the little kid found a propose for his life. The happy faces in the cockpits was the sign for a new start. From this moment, he wanted only one thing: fly into the sky! At any cost. Only few years later his parents died by famine, he hid in a cargo ship and tried to start his dream-life. It wasn't easy, but with hard work he learned to read. Learned maths, phisics, chemistry. He was only 16 when he tried to sign in for the Pilot Academy. Failed, and became to the target of many jokes. He didn't give up, and finally a lucky accident made a chance for him. A cargo plane made a failed landing on the sea. He jumped into the water, and luckily he found the captain in the water and saved him. The captain was a real gentleman and asked him what he wants in exchange for saving his life. Konrad's wish was obvius. After 7 years of hard learning, he finished the academy as a senior airman. After few months of serving, his superiors recognized the potential of him. Some of them tried to slow or stop his career, while others wants to support him. Now, he found himself in a mixed situation: to fly with an experimental aircraft is an honor, however, a danger too. But he didn't mind it. He has real, responsible friends, and mostly: his "childish" dream came true. He is a true pilot. With a "true" nickname. "Chickadee", beacause of his hair makes him familiar to a carolina chickadee, but truely because of his "playful" tricks in the air. Short turns and backflips within a blink.

Nowotny. Once again. The only ranks allowed to start is Luitenant and Captain. In this world, and generally most militaries in the real world, Pilots are officers. Luitenant or Captain please.

Okay, edited....sorry, I don't know too much about ranks and I thought we should start almost greenhorns.

Most military don't permit non-officers except in highly special cases. And thats in the real world. In the game world, they just don't period unless there are spare plains and Trainee's need to escape an attack.