For simplicity sake, would anyone consider taking command of the group for a short period of time (February 2022) until I retire and have time to play correctly without holding the group up?

In reply to Desiraye Lipost (msg # 44):

I play in a few other rpol games so would prefer someone else foster Desi if at all possible;-).

Desi isn't going anywhere, just wanted to take a back seat or a support role for a couple of months.  Unless, it's not that big of a deal to everyone?

I thought you just meant to have someone run her until you were more available in Feb.  No problem with you taking a more support role as adventuring teams (whether fantasy or scifi) are generally a LOT less formal about command & authority issues as a rule anyway.

The main thing I like is for someone to be able to state definitively what the group will do (when some sort of consensus is necessary) so that I don't progress the game when people intended their PCs to do something different. I sometimes make assumptions, and you know what they say about those kinds of people...

Desi had been that person in the past, but it doesn't matter to me who it is. Right now, I feel like there are two or different thought processes between players.

I honestly don't think the method of approach is quite as critical. The dangers will be when you get up inside the treeline or actually inside the base.

Should we just get us all there to move this forward? I can do a quick narrative to that effect.

In reply to GM Heath (msg # 48):
Maybe if we can just get there, we can make the final call as to the assault?

I am game for whatever.

Yes, let's just do that. RPoL is so glacial that I try not to do anything that would make you feel like you have to take weeks of preparation.

Just want to comment, that is a pretty looking map.  Is that from a map pack or something?

No. I usually search online for maps that fit the basic idea I have. This one made the cut. It's been awhile. I've been waiting to use it for quite some time.

Map is very good!

I think Appleburg should stay back for thetime being and he can interact with us remotely.  I think he could be a liability before we enter and clear.

Are the cameras marked on the map with a symbol?

What's the status of support weapons with us?

Nice Map!  Sorry for my absence.  Took a trip to Dallas for a week and came back with...a cold?

I will try to post tomorrow, Sunday.

OK, I laid out a plan for the newer people to step up and run the rescue of the POW's.  I hope it is OK but, it isn't written in stone.

I would prefer to do support only (with Bartja) as long as that's OK with everyone due to me schedule.  If you feel the need for her to go with the entry team, so be it.

I'm exploring what the Spider-Bot we brought along can do for us.  It might determine if we need to have that force hanging back or if we should go full-force inside.  The Sathar transport looks like a good way out for them...or us.  I'd hate to have a force of them at our backs if there's anyone inside that thing.

I figured we could try and have some fun out here why the new guys get a chance to shine, if they want it.

Are you thinking of sending in a spider bot in via remote to spy and interact with the local Sathar network?

As far as holding back a reserve...I'm not a big fan.  We aren't a platoon doing a building sweep (where you can afford to hold fireteams to cover the front and back).  We aren't even really on a squad level.

The facility doesn't look large, and if we have to 'shoot our way out' frankly 2 folks outside aren't going to do much (and probably be in worse position to help since now they will have to cross presumably activated defenses).  And then there's the issue of 'action economy' when it comes to combat in rpgs.

That being said, we can send one person forward to tap into security to shut things down.  Then bring the rest of the team over to infiltrate the building.  Once in we have to take down whatever small patrols are inside (that's were we want our action economy to brought to bear as 2 or 3 PCs may not be able to take down a patrolling robot or two in 1 round where 5 probably will).

Not sure if Orvo has Enviro (stealth) and tech (to bypass)...I think he does....and so does Vadim.  We're also likely to need a computer skilled person as well but how many folks do we have with us?  6?  I don't feel we have to get too complicated regardless but I definitely do not think we should divide up the team and go in half strength (and skilled;-)

One consideration you my want to think about is that you may need to use multiple different types of skills inside. It was awkward on the scout ship when some people weren't present.

But that said, if Desi's player is absent for awhile, from a metagaming practical perspective, it would make sense. Up to you guys, but if someone is absent, I can NPC them for a bit, if needed.

I'm ok with Vadims plan

That's why I always offer up for other players suggestions.

Also, I wanted to include the newer players more and, my time sucks for playing lately.  we go as a group then???

Yeah, but just need to decide who gets to sneak through to bypass security (need stealth and either tech or computer?).

RL cutting down participation happens and I don't particularly felt left out of the decision loop as a 'newbie' to the game.  And all things considered, from my read some of us come from another crew and Desi's team is loosely structured with no formal command anyway.  We've basically had our intro 'Act' with the Sathar ship and imo are starting to fit in as a new team as those dynamics start to gel.

Anyway, I'm fine with whatever level of participation you can manage or with the GM just making a PCs rolls if we're just waiting on one person to move forward.

With the holiday's upon us, my time will be sporadic as well.  That said, it is more fun and better for the action if we all go together.

The spider-bot exploration is only if there's an opportunity to get it inside the Sathar shuttle without triggering the security systems.  If the shuttle doesn't have an open door to send in the bot, Bartja will refrain from his curiosity and will instead stick with the team on gaining entry into the complex.

Can Gregor sneak up and does he have any computer skill(s)?

Desiraye doesn't.

WE all go then, agreed!  It may be slow going but, we're all together.

Gregor has no computer skills.