Speaking of differences...
When we have successful missions above and beyond the stated bonuses that we get directly from the mission we also get to put in 'requests' for better equipment. AC's exact words here:
Adeptus Custodes:
The Disciples of Thule are, like any Mechanicus group that follows the preachings and guidance of the Omnissiah, inveterate tinkerers. Theirs is a constant and unwavering dedication to preserving, repairing, modifying, and upgrading every bit of technology they come in contact with...all for the betterment of mankind and the furtherance of their understanding of the world of Machine Spirits.
To this end, they have placed a dedicated laboratory-workshop at the disposal of their units whenever they are engaged with enemy forces. This scientific arm of the organization is always located orbiting in space, safely away from the battlefield, tucked away within the safety of the rest of the fleet. Other than the actual minutions and supplies needed to sustain the fighting forces, it is given one of the highest priorities for allocation of resources during a campaign - for how else can they hope to continue their overarching mission if they do not continually evolve and grow themselves?
The game mechanics of this workshop are simple: before each mission begins, during the selection process, the players will discuss and choose two items that they currently have in their possession, and for which they currently have lab/shop facilities. These items can have any one aspect of their functions improved by +1 or 10%, as appropriate.
- Thus, a weapon might gain +1 to its damage output [since most use a base of d10].
- Another weapon might gain +10% to its range increment.
- A piece of equipment might increase its duration of effect by +10%
- Another piece of equipment might improve a skill bonus by an additional +10%
Obviously, some things won't fall easily into the +1/10% category. You can't add +0.3 armor to a location, or give yourself a 10% bonus to determine your exact location with a Locator Matrix. Well, you *can*, but it would be rather silly. Therefore, in all cases where the math does not easily fall into line with the game mechanics, the GM will be the final arbiter of what benefits are gained for a particular item or weapon. These will be determined before the unit makes their final request, so there will be no surprises.
- An outstanding success on a mission *may* result in a slightly greater modification, or a secondary, unrequested effect being added to the item in question.
Note that these upgrades will only be released to the unit upon successful completion of the current mission. If the unit made two requests and then does not meet the mission requirements, the upgrades are delayed or withheld until the follow-up mission is completed successfully, and no new items may be sent to the workshop until the first two are completed and released.
Current orbiting facilities
Crafting Workshop - Solid Projectile Firearms & Ammunition
Crafting Workshop - Laser Firearms
Crafting Workshop - Electronics
I added some bolding and italicizing to draw attention to some of the important bits and Two-Bit and Ramirez might remember touching on this a little.
We already have in the pipeline upgrades for both our Frag Grenades to increase their blast radius by one to a total of (4) meters to damage more bad guys and for our Krak Grenades to increase their concussive by one to a total of (1) so that enemies have a penalty to resist the effect.
Theoretically after this mission is done we'll get re-quipped with them moving forward as we've had quite a few successful missions now.
Here is the key thing though: When we are between missions getting that resupply we need to have a majority of the players agree to two new upgrades to be done. If we don't agree then we loose the chance to get the upgrade.
So...
If you guys stick around consider now what we might want to give bonuses to in the future. As noted above we have facilities currently to upgrade SP weapons and ammo (including grenades/missiles and the like), las weapons and electronics.
Remember though that the +1 can be to more than just the damage or AP, it can be RoF bumps to semi-auto or full-auto. It can be a 10% drop in mass to make things lighter so we can carry more kit. Augers given a 10% bump would net them 5 more meters of range or give a +10% bonus to using them. Theoretically more missions done well and we get access to more facilities...bolter, melta, plasma, armour, vehicles etc...
