The fighter combat sections are played by audio only – players roleplay with the audio chatter between pilots, and do not narrate character actions. Space combat is chaos, you often can’t see what others are doing – so the story is told only via what you hear on the radio from others.
The mood is that the Castor defenses are just barely holding on – they are outclassed and outnumbered every single attack, and can only hope to hold on long enough that the fleet can jump away. A highly successful mission is one where you don’t lose any ships and the fleet gets away. The dialogue should be stressed, edgy, and that of people barely holding things together.
Moments of heroism and greatness are possible, but have a price. We suggest that if you’re doing something heroic, that it may cause extra Duress.
How it works
Prompts
Each wing defending the Castor has two Discord channels – an audio channel, and a text channel. Players join the audio channel (e.g. Gold Wing) so they can hear each other, but then switch to the text channel (e.g. #gold-wing) so they can see prompts that guide the roleplay. Prompts indicate which character notices them first, to help spread dialogue around the group and will use bold to highlight new enemies. It’s OK for others to pick up if the prompted person doesn’t react, but let them have a chance first. A prompt might look like this:
[Gold-2] An Enemy Controller jumps in, immediately launching four fighter drones.
Passing the Ball
We want to avoid everyone talking at once. It creates a more cinematic feeling, and also is less confusing for players.
So when you respond to something, “pass the ball” to another character in your wing – indicating they should talk next. For example:
I’ll take the two on the left, Gold-3 take the two on the right. (passing the ball to Gold-3)
Since the Nighthawk crew are both in one ship, it’s ok for them to pass the ball from one to the other before passing it on:
Negative, Gold-4, we’re going to help you with that controller. Nav, jump us behind the Controller (Passing the ball to the Navigator)
Roger, pilot, Jumping in 3 … 2… 1 JUMP. Dammit, those drones are coming in fast. Gold-2, can you cover? (passing the ball to Gold-2)
When a new prompt comes in, you can drop the existing ball as a new one enters play.
Example for a scene
| Text Channel (prompts) | Audio Channel (pilot chatter) |
| (none yet) | (Bridge) Gold Wing is clear, Gold-1 you have command of your section. (Gold-1) Thank you Bridge, Arrowheads, form up in standard V pattern to protect the Nighthawk. |
| The Castor’s beaten zone is holding back an array of Enemy Raiders and Controllers, as planned. Your wing of Arrowhead and Nighthawk waits, as do the other wings around the Castor. There are dozens of Enemy ships out there in your segment, just… waiting… (narrative, not a prompt.. just roleplay in response) | (Gold-3) I didn’t.. think there would be so many out there, Gold-1 (Gold-1) We only care about the ones that jump inside. Stay focussed. Snoopy, stay on my wing. |
| (Gold-1) A controller jumps across the beaten zone, immediately launching four fighter drones (prompt for Gold-1) | (Gold-1) We have incoming fighter drones. I’ll take the two on the left with my wing, Gold-3 you take the two on the right. (Gold-3) Roger, break right Gold-4, lets go kill some frakheads. (Gold-4) On your wing, boss. Leave me some targets! Bet I can kill one before you, Gold-2 (Gold-2) These things are so fast, I can’t track them! Don’t get too close, Rebound. |
| (Gold-3) The drones move quickly to target your fighters while the controller hangs back near the beaten zone. (prompt for Gold-3) | (Gold-3) We have the fighter drones engaged, Nighthawk, see if you can get a shot at the controlller if its unprotected. (Gold-NN) I’ll jump us behind the Controller, jumping 3… 2… 1.. JUMP. All yours, pilot (Gold-NP) Firing missiles. Take that, frakhead! Controller is down, Gold-1 (Gold-1) Don’t let them lure you over the recovery line, it’s an old trick. Gold-2, stay close to me. |
| (Gold-NN) A second controller jumps in and launches two antimatter drones which run fast towards the Castor. (prompt for the Nighthawk Navigator) | (Nighthawk navigator) We got bomb-bots! Jumping for better position.. 3.. 2.. 1.. Jump. Switch targets, pilot. (Nighthawk pilot) We have no cover, all the arrowheads are engaged. Need help, Gold-1 |
Some things you can say
Feel free to use any examples from above, or from this section. Make up anything, the more drama and tension the better.
The best dialogue is that which sets up another player to respond, creates drama, or a moment of heroism or foolishness.
Setting Others Up for a response…
Giving another player an opening to do something cool
Examples:
“Keep them busy Gold-4, I’ll get behind them”….
“You can’t make that shot, Red-3, he’s too far away!”
“Hold on Red 2, I’m going to drop him right in front of you. Breaking left. Burn.. Brake. And take the shot!”
Caution…
Suggesting that another player might be taking too many risks, gives them an opportunity to respond.
Examples:
“Don’t stray too close to the recovery line, Hardmode, it’s hot out there…”
Being Heroic
Remember that being heroic, beyond just holding on to the Castor’s defense, or responding to an opportunity someone else gave you, requires that you gain either Stress, Exhaustion or Fear. These might be exceptional skill, bravery, and just luck!
Examples:
“You can’t make that shot, Red-3, he’s too far away!” – “I can do it… Steady, steady… I have to do it! GOTCHA. How’s that, Red-1”.
“Don’t worry, Blue 2, we’re going to jump this Nighthawk right next to you with the door open.”
“How’d you like playing chicken when you’re not flying a drone… One of us is going to have to break and it isn’t going to be me. Watch this, Red-2” …..
“I’m going to jump the Nighthawk right in front of that antimatter drone. Light it up, pilot!”
Being in Trouble
Sometimes its better story to not get away with it – getting into trouble creates openings for others to help you, or rescue you.
Examples:
“He’s on my tail.. I cant shake him! Could use some help here, Red-1“
“I’m hit. One engine down, running for home. Can you cover me, Gold-3?”
“I’m hit, she’s on fire! Ejecting… Nighthawk, Snoopy needs recovery”
“Nomad, I’ve got a blowout! I can’t hold it.. I cant hold it..She’s breaking up! She’s break . . .” SSSSSSTATIC