Author Topic: Looking for Locals or Online players for an RPG adventure.... (Read 30190 times)

McKenna · « **on:** 29 January 2018, 18:18:57 »

Alright Folks, I'm looking for a group of adventurous folks who have time and patience to run in an RPG. I'll get the basic premise up by tomorrow afternoon. Unfortunately I haven't had time to get it all worked out. Basic gist is mid 3050s mercs against pirates is your first mission. I want some definite takers.

Also, I'm looking to relocate my firebase up here in Reno. My local store has been overrun by Children of the Poke corn and Magic the Money Pit players long enough that I need a less crowded place to run. Anyhow, if you're a local, shout out and let me know via PM.

McSlayer · « **Reply #1 on:** 30 January 2018, 02:15:37 »

Hey I am interested. I am not exactly local ... unless I go skiing in tahoe.
Southbay, here, and your first player.

Mek

McKenna · « **Reply #2 on:** 31 January 2018, 16:59:32 »

Cool.... O0

PM me some of your preferences on Mechs, factions and the like. I can very easily run this online if I can't get any "locals" 8)

Daryk · « **Reply #3 on:** 02 February 2018, 21:04:10 »

Depending on which side of the Inner Sphere you're talking, I might be interested in play by post if you go that route...

McSlayer · « **Reply #4 on:** 03 February 2018, 04:03:56 »

Pm's sent... did they go through.

McKenna · « **Reply #5 on:** 09 February 2018, 01:39:43 »

All right folks... long awaited... work does that... Here are the Mech's you can choose from If you want to take a lance and encourage others to join so we can fill out the lances and be top dog of your unit, by all means.... I can run a dynamic game like that.... If you want o each run a lance and face off head to head... I can do that too....

I got your PMs and I look forward to more entrants... as I have six more 'Mechs to fill out ;)

Medium Lance
Cicada   CDA-2A   Medium
Commando   COM-2D   Light
Assassin   ASN-21   Medium
Spider   SDR-5V   Light

Heavy Lance
Enforcer   ENF-4R   Medium
Atlas   AS-7D   Assault
Awesome   AWS-8Q   Assault
Jagermech   JM6-S   Heavy

McSlayer · « **Reply #6 on:** 14 February 2018, 08:58:28 »

Quote from: McKenna on 09 February 2018, 01:39:43

All right folks... long awaited... work does that... Here are the Mech's you can choose from If you want to take a lance and encourage others to join so we can fill out the lances and be top dog of your unit, by all means.... I can run a dynamic game like that.... If you want o each run a lance and face off head to head... I can do that too....

I got your PMs and I look forward to more entrants... as I have six more 'Mechs to fill out ;)

Medium Lance
Cicada   CDA-2A   Medium
Commando   COM-2D   Light
Assassin   ASN-21   Medium
Spider   SDR-5V   Light

Heavy Lance
Enforcer   ENF-4R   Medium
Atlas   AS-7D   Assault
Awesome   AWS-8Q   Assault
Jagermech   JM6-S   Heavy

can i take mr Awesome 8Q?

Daryk · « **Reply #7 on:** 14 February 2018, 17:59:05 »

Any word on going play by post? Also, any options aside from 'mechs? Like say, a Ferret with a Recon Camera?

truetanker · « **Reply #8 on:** 14 February 2018, 18:56:00 »

TANKS... Me want TANKS! And Infantry!
~ Animal from Muppets

TT [blank]

McKenna · « **Reply #9 on:** 24 February 2018, 12:49:13 »

Quote from: McSlayer on 14 February 2018, 08:58:28

can i take mr Awesome 8Q?

Of Course

Quote from: Daryk on 14 February 2018, 17:59:05

Any word on going play by post? Also, any options aside from 'mechs? Like say, a Ferret with a Recon Camera?

That was kind of the idea. I already have a Pilot for the Commando. In regard to light Recon. Hmm... You'd have to sell me on it. Even the Silver Eagles started with 1 Ferret and 3 mechs and and a LAM.

Quote from: truetanker on 14 February 2018, 18:56:00

TANKS... Me want TANKS! And Infantry!
~ Animal from Muppets

TT [blank]

Tanks for the memories. :D

No, seriously. Tanks, could possibly be justified as the unit grows. From the outset however, you're starting off small just like every other unit not funded by a House Lord. #P

McKenna · « **Reply #10 on:** 24 February 2018, 12:53:20 »

Now, I have a lot of writing to do to get the opening scenario finished, however, I do have it almost done. I start a new job on Monday, but that won't get in the way of this getting up off the ground. I am working to encourange my 16 year old to get his account created so we can get him in the game too. O:-) (He's the Commando pilot I was talking about crazy Street Rat)

CrazyStreetRat · « **Reply #11 on:** 24 February 2018, 17:42:34 »

Quote from: McKenna on 24 February 2018, 12:53:20

I am working to encourange my 16 year old to get his account created so we can get him in the game too. O:-) (He's the Commando pilot I was talking about crazy Street Rat)

I guess I can join in on this little online-only RPG, but don't expect this to be easy since I am good at monkey wrench throwing and putting little bumps in the road of life. :P

From the list given I will take the ASN-21. No harm in taking the well defended killer for a spin. >:D

Snimm · « **Reply #12 on:** 20 March 2018, 08:01:22 »

I'd be willing to join, if you're still looking for players.

I'll take the JagerMech, because I know I won't be competing with anyone for that one. :)

Daryk · « **Reply #13 on:** 20 March 2018, 18:58:12 »

That depends entirely on her answer to my question about a Ferret with a Recon Camera (I have an unnatural love for AC/2s)... >:D

fever_Dream.) · « **Reply #14 on:** 21 March 2018, 06:33:25 »

I've been looking into organizing a game on Discord. I've had the book since beta (pdf, and now dead tree format). I've been dying to learn the system, especially game mastering it for people. But I'd also like to be a player to figure things out. I've only been creating characters with life paths to just come up with different results. So far my favorite was a Hansa accountant.

Sebastian Llywelyn · « **Reply #15 on:** 31 March 2018, 21:53:05 »

I would also love to get involved if you still have room for another player. I haven't played any of the Mechwarrior RPGs, but I've been familiar with the tabletop and PC games for quite a while. I'm in the Central Time Zone.

P.S. I know they're not on the list but would you be willing to let me pilot a King Crab KGC-000 or a Highlander HGN-732b? If not, I'll go for the Atlas. :)

Thelosttexan · « **Reply #16 on:** 01 April 2018, 23:03:15 »

Not going to lie I'm completely new to battletech and all that it entails but I am enthralled by it at the moment. I would love to eventually hop into a game.

Sebastian Llywelyn · « **Reply #17 on:** 02 April 2018, 08:11:37 »

It's a pretty awesome universe. If you aren't aware of it yet, Sarna.net is the main BattleTech wiki where you can learn of the basic lore. Also, if you have a Windows PC, Mechwarrior 4 Mercenaries by MekTek Studios can be downloaded for free and is an awesome game. Unfortunately, it's a little hard to find these days. Mechwarrior Online is a decent game, but I wouldn't recommend it to anyone who is new to the universe, because its probably the weakest game in the series and still has multiple issues that need to be worked out.

McKenna · « **Reply #18 on:** 13 April 2018, 10:31:27 »

Awesome... No pun intended...

All right fellas. Now that my new...new job is started. Argh this has been a fun month and a half... I can settle down and get things really started. I will have an opening scenario up by the middle of next week. Likely over the weekend. I'll have your 'Mech assignments fully listed out, and all. The Ferret is good. You'll all see that it works out well.

Thank you all for your patience. >:D

Daryk · « **Reply #19 on:** 13 April 2018, 18:29:59 »

Glad to hear it! One Ferret pilot will be generated in AToW this weekend (courtesy of my spreadsheet), but probably after I talk to my boss tomorrow afternoon...

Sebastian Llywelyn · « **Reply #20 on:** 14 April 2018, 15:17:22 »

Nice! I was starting to wonder if this thread was dead. I'll be looking forward to getting into some action! :rockon:

Daryk · « **Reply #21 on:** 14 April 2018, 18:10:29 »

So... how many points in Custom Vehicle do I need to slap a Recon Camera into a Ferret? ::)

I ask because if I need the whole 400 XP, I'm also putting a fusion engine, Jet Booster and Mast Mount into that thing with Fractional Accounting...

CrazyStreetRat · « **Reply #22 on:** 06 October 2018, 16:00:58 »

Hey guys.

So here is an update on what is going on with this thread. My mom, McKenna, is having computer troubles and has been put out of action for a while now. She is having a very good IT specialist look into it, but progress will be slow. :-\

Sorry for the inconvinience. :(

Daryk · « **Reply #23 on:** 06 October 2018, 16:18:11 »

Just glad to hear something! Please keep us posted! :thumbsup:

Charles Maxwell · « **Reply #24 on:** 26 December 2019, 20:54:16 »

So...at the risk of necro'ing a very dead thread - I went ahead and moved forward with this concept in that I resurrected a long-running 3065-era BBS-based roleplay I'd created years ago which spanned two sites, LEGIONNAIRES (2004 forum) and LEGIONNAIRES (2004 - 2009 forum) in the form of a 3028-era prequel.

The new forum, simply titled 'MercNet,' is an open world, with the player characters so far each doing their own thing in the Inner Sphere just after the start of the Fourth Succession War. The main units at this juncture are three different mercenary groups and a free agent who are each chasing a few different objectives. There's no one overarching storyline thus far, although it would be really interesting to get a couple of players aligned with one or more of the mercenary groups that are currently operating in the universe. The current players are:

Aegis Division, run by Charles Maxwell, which is headed out to Kimball II to help House Steiner re-capture the Ceres Metals factory as part of Operation GÖTTERDÄMMERUNG.
The Crayven Corporation, run by William Kauffman, which is headed out to Gan Singh on a transport mission to drop Jackson McKenna onto the world in search of a Star League cache.
Scorched Earth, run by Octavia Incendio, which is presently on shore leave on Rasalhague.
Orlex Jaeger, who is on Blue Sava, attempting to re-claim his stolen BattleMech.

We'd love to have any and all players join us who'd enjoy being part of an open-world RPG. If you'd like to jump in, please feel free to pop in, create an account, say hi in our Messaging Center, check out some of our Dossiers, and even stake your claim in the Universe. We'd love to have you join us! Every contribution enriches the game universe in incredible and immersive ways.

Please don't hesitate to message me if you have any questions or suggestions. See you out there!

Daryk · « **Reply #25 on:** 26 December 2019, 20:58:25 »

If you start a branch thread here, count me in! I'm just not in favor of adding yet another internet account...

Charles Maxwell · « **Reply #26 on:** 27 December 2019, 16:02:20 »

We probably can cross-post. I've done so before. In either case, I can certainly give a shout if we start a branch here.

Daryk · « **Reply #27 on:** 27 December 2019, 16:03:25 »

Cool... any AToW guidance as to character creation?

Charles Maxwell · « **Reply #28 on:** 28 December 2019, 00:17:07 »

Completely open-ended. Here are some sample dossiers. It's much more roleplay than gameplay.

http://www.crayven.net/mercnet/index.php?/topic/2-charles-edward-maxwell/

http://www.crayven.net/mercnet/index.php?/topic/24-octavia-incendio/

http://www.crayven.net/mercnet/index.php?/topic/40-orlex-jaeger/

http://www.crayven.net/mercnet/index.php?/forum/11-aegis-division/

Daryk · « **Reply #29 on:** 28 December 2019, 07:33:40 »

Great! So I'm leaning toward a veteran of Anton's Revolt who went mercenary vice taking a chance with the treason trials. I figure they washed up on Galatea sometime before 3020, and probably hired on with the FedSuns for some payback against the CapCon during the 4SW. Looking at Campaign Operations, I think a 10M or 20M starting budget would yield a decent sized unit (one 'mech lance, a couple of platoons of infantry/AsTechs, transport and recovery vehicles, etc.). Should I be looking at a DropShip, or is transport available otherwise?

Charles Maxwell · « **Reply #30 on:** 28 December 2019, 14:51:17 »

I love this premise. I think that'd make for an excellent outfit, and I love the in-universe flavor you've outlined!

With the outbreak of the Fourth Succession War, there's plenty of transport available - at least, along the Steiner-Davion-Kurita fronts. In particular, the Crayven Corporation has gone into business as a dedicated transport service, and has several dozen Union and Trojan-class DropShips available for contract. The LCAF is also handing out JumpShip contracts left and right for rapid incursions into conflict areas. The Crayven Corporation itself has at least one Invader and one Merchant-class JumpShip available as well.

Currently, Aegis Division is in the process of docking with an LCAF-contracted Invader at Outreach for transit to Kimball II. There's also a Merchant at Outreach that's headed to Gan Singh.

Daryk · « **Reply #31 on:** 28 December 2019, 16:00:46 »

Hmmm... OK, with that much transport available, I'll probably shoot for something a bit more than one lance... probably two with a combined arms "company" of armor/infantry. Something that would fit in a Union in a pinch.

BTW, have you seen my "Glenmora Planetary Militia" thread?

Daryk · « **Reply #32 on:** 30 December 2019, 14:05:10 »

Ok, here's a slightly more detailed outline:

Born: 2996 in the Principality of Regulus.
Blue Collar
Military School
Didn't make the score cut off for a MechWarrior academy, but was scooped up by SAFE.
On graduation, ended up in a cell working for Anton throughout the Revolt (Agitator Stage 4 Module).
Spent three years getting out of the FWL with his promised "'mech for loyalty" (a WVR-6M).
Got to Galatea, enrolled in a private MechWarrior academy, and qualified for OCS (based on his leadership skills).
Tour of Duty working for a Davion corporation (mostly garrison work).
Now finishing up a "Merchant Master" Stage 4 module working for the same company doing mostly the same things.

The unit is based on a 30M base budget and includes:
WVR-6M
GRF-1N
VLK-QA
JVN-10F

ENF-4R
BJ-1
WTH-1
PNT-9R

Heavy Wheeled APC
Heavy Wheeled APC (with two tons of Communications Equipment installed for 3 tons equivalent)
Wheeled APC
Battlemech Recovery Vehicle

3 Infantry Platoons (Auto Rifles and 4 Heavy Grenade Launchers per platoon; 4 squads of 7 plus CO and 1st SGT)

8 'Mech Techs
4 Vehicle Techs
1 Infantry "Tech"

1 Medical Team (of 5)
1 Lawyer
Staff Section (of 7)

Grand Total of 135 personnel

Additional Purchased Equipment
150 Lyran Jackets
150 Drac Helmets
50 Vibro Blades
150 Load Bearing Packs
50 Respirators
20 Light Enviro Suits
15 Field Communicators
150 Basic Field Kits

681,633 C-Bills left out of the original 30M budget for additional tools and spare parts

Daryk · « **Reply #33 on:** 01 January 2020, 09:29:40 »

I'm leaning toward Johnston Industries on Addicks as the company in question.

Daryk · « **Reply #34 on:** 01 January 2020, 10:55:33 »

I think Addicks for the first Tour of Duty, followed by a transfer up to Johnston's Benet III facility would fit nicely.

Daryk · « **Reply #35 on:** 01 January 2020, 11:47:48 »

More details:

The tour on Addicks resulted in a loss of three 'mechs, but saw the successful defense of the Johnston Industries facility there. Between salvage (the Panther) and replacements (the Enforcer and Valkyrie), AAA Security Incorporated was back up to full strength, and in Johnston's good graces.

truetanker · « **Reply #36 on:** 01 January 2020, 19:34:41 »

What's the time span and current money cap again?

Is there a troop number cap as well?

TT

Daryk · « **Reply #37 on:** 01 January 2020, 19:38:25 »

I can only speak to the time span... it's around 3028, just before the 4SW kicks off, I believe...

Daryk · « **Reply #38 on:** 01 January 2020, 20:06:01 »

Another 200,000 C-Bills for tools and restocks:

Code: [Select]

Kit		#	Unit    Cost	Total	Restock	#	Total
Basic Tool Kits		13	250	3,250			
Deluxe Tool Kits	13	750	9,750			
Cutting/Joining Kits	12	1,250	15,000	250	28	7,000
Electronics Repair Kits	12	2,000	24,000	400	12	4,800
Fusion Engine Kits	2	15,000	30,000	3,000	6	18,000
Myomer/Actuator Kits	8	3,000	24,000	600	20	12,000
Vehicle Repair Kits	4	1,000	4,000	200	6	1,200
Weapon Repair Kits	8	1,500	12,000	300	21	6,300
Energy Weapon Kit	1	850	850	160	1	160
Reloading Kit		1	250	250			
Slug Thrower Kits	4	100	400	20	27	540
Laser Torches		25	40	1,000			
Radiation Sheeting (m2)	500	1	500			
Repair Platforms	2	12,500	25,000			
Totals					150,000			50,000

Figure a further 200,000 C-Bills for 20 tons of armor, and that leaves 281,633 in petty cash. The good news is the Reloading Kit cuts the small arms ammunition cost per month in half.

Charles Maxwell · « **Reply #39 on:** 02 January 2020, 20:47:31 »

Hey, gang -

Happy new year! I apologize for the delay in responding here. I was travelling over the holidays and didn't get a chance to sit down and review all the replies here! I'll reply in order of everyone's responses.

Quote from: Daryk on 28 December 2019, 16:00:46

Hmmm... OK, with that much transport available, I'll probably shoot for something a bit more than one lance... probably two with a combined arms "company" of armor/infantry. Something that would fit in a Union in a pinch.

BTW, have you seen my "Glenmora Planetary Militia" thread?

I had not - this is amazing worldbuilding! It would be really interesting to see some of the backstory leading into the militia's state as you've described it play out in our current era (October 3028).

Quote from: Daryk on 30 December 2019, 14:05:10

Ok, here's a slightly more detailed outline:

Born: 2996 in the Principality of Regulus.
Blue Collar
Military School
Didn't make the score cut off for a MechWarrior academy, but was scooped up by SAFE.
On graduation, ended up in a cell working for Anton throughout the Revolt (Agitator Stage 4 Module).
Spent three years getting out of the FWL with his promised "'mech for loyalty" (a WVR-6M).
Got to Galatea, enrolled in a private MechWarrior academy, and qualified for OCS (based on his leadership skills).
Tour of Duty working for a Davion corporation (mostly garrison work).
Now finishing up a "Merchant Master" Stage 4 module working for the same company doing mostly the same things.

The unit is based on a 30M base budget and includes:
WVR-6M
GRF-1N
VLK-QA
JVN-10F

ENF-4R
BJ-1
WTH-1
PNT-9R

Heavy Wheeled APC
Heavy Wheeled APC (with two tons of Communications Equipment installed for 3 tons equivalent)
Wheeled APC
Battlemech Recovery Vehicle

3 Infantry Platoons (Auto Rifles and 4 Heavy Grenade Launchers per platoon; 4 squads of 7 plus CO and 1st SGT)

8 'Mech Techs
4 Vehicle Techs
1 Infantry "Tech"

1 Medical Team (of 5)
1 Lawyer
Staff Section (of 7)

Grand Total of 135 personnel

Additional Purchased Equipment
150 Lyran Jackets
150 Drac Helmets
50 Vibro Blades
150 Load Bearing Packs
50 Respirators
20 Light Enviro Suits
15 Field Communicators
150 Basic Field Kits

681,633 C-Bills left out of the original 30M budget for additional tools and spare parts

This sounds like a solid unit. I really need to flesh out Aegis Division in a similar way and figure out what we have. Aegis is about the same size - honestly, probably half the size right now (everything we have fits aboard a Leopard at the moment).

Quote from: Daryk on 01 January 2020, 11:47:48

More details:

The tour on Addicks resulted in a loss of three 'mechs, but saw the successful defense of the Johnston Industries facility there. Between salvage (the Panther) and replacements (the Enforcer and Valkyrie), AAA Security Incorporated was back up to full strength, and in Johnston's good graces.

BTW - was Johnston Industries the corporation you decided to go with as the unit they did a tour with? As one of the major players in the current timeline is also a corporation, it'd be interesting to know if there's some common ground. The Crayven Corporation is currently making overtures to both House Steiner and House Davion for favored status in the combat transport business. Also, is AAA Security Incorporated the name of your unit?

Quote from: truetanker on 01 January 2020, 19:34:41

What's the time span and current money cap again?

Is there a troop number cap as well?

TT

Hey there! The current in-universe date is October 25, 3028 (give or take a few days, depending on the post you're reading). Things are underway at www.crayven.net/mercnet in the 'The Universe' thread. There's no specific money or troop cap at this time - the focus is more about (plausible) worldbuilding and roleplay at the moment, enriching the ficion by bringing aspects of the world to life. As long as it's within reason, go for it!

Quote from: Daryk on 01 January 2020, 20:06:01

Another 200,000 C-Bills for tools and restocks:
Code: [Select]
Kit # Unit Cost Total Restock # Total Basic Tool Kits 13 250 3,250 Deluxe Tool Kits 13 750 9,750 Cutting/Joining Kits 12 1,250 15,000 250 28 7,000 Electronics Repair Kits 12 2,000 24,000 400 12 4,800 Fusion Engine Kits 2 15,000 30,000 3,000 6 18,000 Myomer/Actuator Kits 8 3,000 24,000 600 20 12,000 Vehicle Repair Kits 4 1,000 4,000 200 6 1,200 Weapon Repair Kits 8 1,500 12,000 300 21 6,300 Energy Weapon Kit 1 850 850 160 1 160 Reloading Kit 1 250 250 Slug Thrower Kits 4 100 400 20 27 540 Laser Torches 25 40 1,000 Radiation Sheeting (m2) 500 1 500 Repair Platforms 2 12,500 25,000 Totals 150,000 50,000
Figure a further 200,000 C-Bills for 20 tons of armor, and that leaves 281,633 in petty cash. The good news is the Reloading Kit cuts the small arms ammunition cost per month in half.

I love it!

Daryk · « **Reply #40 on:** 03 January 2020, 01:47:00 »

No worries about delays... that's what forums are FOR! :thumbsup:

I did decide to go with Johnston Industries, and given "John Smith's" background, it made sense to run further away from the FWL after the first tour. Benet III works perfectly for that.

AAA Security is the name of the unit, yes. I took a cue from "The Hitman's Bodyguard"... ^-^

If two lances is too big, I can drop one (and an infantry platoon). That will get the unit down to Leopard size (and a 20M budget vice 30M).

Daryk · « **Reply #41 on:** 03 January 2020, 10:48:34 »

Question: is there a restriction on custom designs for support equipment? I built a MASH trailer for another non-canon unit for about 55,000 C-Bills that I'd like to use...

Daryk · « **Reply #42 on:** 03 January 2020, 11:16:03 »

Also, I'm starting to do the ammunition math, and a single lance is somewhat easier to support, so I'm totally OK if you want to limit us to that...

Charles Maxwell · « **Reply #43 on:** 04 January 2020, 20:00:34 »

Quote from: Daryk on 03 January 2020, 01:47:00

No worries about delays... that's what forums are FOR! :thumbsup:

I did decide to go with Johnston Industries, and given "John Smith's" background, it made sense to run further away from the FWL after the first tour. Benet III works perfectly for that.

AAA Security is the name of the unit, yes. I took a cue from "The Hitman's Bodyguard"... ^-^

If two lances is too big, I can drop one (and an infantry platoon). That will get the unit down to Leopard size (and a 20M budget vice 30M).

Nice! I love the backstory. 'AAA Security' is a great name, and a fun departure from the stereotypical merc unit names.

Honestly, I don't see any issues with two lances. We don't have any big mercenary units operating in-universe right now; it'd be cool to have someone running one of the larger operations. Currently, there's Aegis Division, which has a single lance, and the Crayven Corporation hasn't diversified heavily into mercenary operations just yet, so the BattleMechs that they do have are primarily for their own internal interests. There's also two lone guns out there right now running single-'Mech units.

Quote from: Daryk on 03 January 2020, 10:48:34

Question: is there a restriction on custom designs for support equipment? I built a MASH trailer for another non-canon unit for about 55,000 C-Bills that I'd like to use...

That sounds great! I think that the MASH trailer fills a nice niche.

BTW, over in The Universe, both Aegis Division, Jackson McKenna, and Orlex Jaeger have hit their combat zones...

Daryk · « **Reply #44 on:** 04 January 2020, 20:28:28 »

Cool... I'll re-work the two-lance version to scrape up the money for the MASH trailer. The one-lance unit actually had more petty cash! :)

Daryk · « **Reply #45 on:** 06 January 2020, 18:47:40 »

Ok, I dropped five tons of armor and a few repair kit restocks to afford the MASH trailer. The two-lance unit has 2,869 left in petty cash. I'll work up the Campaign Operations ongoing costs later this week...

Daryk · « **Reply #46 on:** 07 January 2020, 17:55:14 »

Ok, Ammo, Spare Parts, and Fuel costs come out to 60,880 per month (over half of which is LRM ammo... Griffins and Whitworths are EXPENSIVE).

Salaries will be a separate calculation...

Daryk · « **Reply #47 on:** 07 January 2020, 19:23:54 »

OK, salaries came out to a grand total of 133,005 per month.

The rank structure came out to 1 Captain (the CO), 5 First Lieutenants (the XO, Maintenance Officer, and 3 Platoon Commanders), 4 2nd Lieutenants (the S-2, MechWarrior Lieutenant, Doctor, and Lawyer), 6 Warrant Officers (MechWarriors), 1 Master Sergeant (Top), 5 Sergeants First Class (Senior Mech Tech, Senior Medic, and Platoon Sergeants), 12 Staff Sergeants (all the other Techs), 21 Sergeants (2 Staff NCOs, 3 Medics, 4 Vehicle Commanders, and 12 Squad Leaders), 20 Corporals (8 Vehicle Crew and 12 Fire Team Leaders), and 60 Troopers (AsTechs/Infantry).

I paid the AsTechs as Infantry, and the XO, S-2, Platoon Leaders and Staff NCOs as Scout Infantry. I also paid the Lawyer as a Doctor. I gave five personnel the Veteran multiplier as well (CO, XO, S-2, Maintenance Officer, and Top).

So monthly costs are just shy of 200,000 C-Bills, which means preferred contracts will pay at least 250,000 per month, or 3M/year, with minimum acceptable being 2.5M/year.

Daryk · « **Reply #48 on:** 10 January 2020, 17:58:52 »

For comparison, the one lance version has total costs just under 165,000 per month, leading to a 2M per year minimum, with 2.5M preferred.

Daryk · « **Reply #49 on:** 10 January 2020, 19:11:14 »

Whoops! Just caught why salaries seemed a bit low... I forgot a term in the multiplication.

The two lance unit's total costs are actually 6,619,608 per year (551,634 per month). That means 7M/year for preferred contracts.

The once lance version is 4,715,568 per year (392,964 per month). That translates to 5M/year for preferred contracts.

Charles Maxwell · « **Reply #50 on:** 10 January 2020, 23:06:44 »

This is all incredible detail! Is there a computer program that you're using to crank out all of these costs and dependencies? I REALLY need to do the same for my two in-universe units.

Daryk · « **Reply #51 on:** 11 January 2020, 01:37:43 »

Just Excel... If you want to post or PM me your unit data, I can work up costs for them too.

Daryk · « **Reply #52 on:** 11 January 2020, 02:10:04 »

Dang it, and speaking of Excel, I found another error (the pay table was short one staff NCO for the two lance unit... the one lance version was right). Correct costs are 556,884 per month, and 6,682,608 per year. Still 7M/year for preferred contracts (6.7M minimum).

Charles Maxwell · « **Reply #53 on:** 17 January 2020, 20:39:55 »

Quote from: Daryk on 11 January 2020, 01:37:43

Just Excel... If you want to post or PM me your unit data, I can work up costs for them too.

That would actually be amazing!

It's pretty straightforward right now. It's November 3028, and Charles Maxwell returned to the Inner Sphere with the following inventory and purchased an abandoned military base just outside of Gellen's Heights, Sheratan to set up shop as a new mercenary unit. Aside from what's listed below, what would be reasonable hardware and staff requirements necessary to operate a fledgling mercenary unit in this era?

Thank you in advance for your time and consideration!

HARDWARE ASSETS
1 Leopard DropShip (standard crew)
1 KGC-0000 King Crab
1 CPLT-C1 Catapult
1 ON1-K Orion
1 RVN-1X Raven
1 UM-R60 UrbanMech (currently decommissioned and disassembled)
Assorted spare parts, munitions, and small arms
Unspecified 'medical robot'
BattleMech Recovery Vehicle (BRV)
BattleMech Repair Vehicle
MASH Truck

STAFF
MechWarrior Charles Maxwell
MechWarrior Mara Walsh
MechWarrior Dexter Friedman
MechWarrior Alexander Blackwood
Intelligence Analyst & MechWarrior Alyssa Chase
IT Specialist & MechWarrior Apprentice Daksis Rand
DropShip Pilot (unnamed)
Vehicle Pilot (unnamed)
Chef (unnamed)
Mech Tech (unnamed)
Med Tech (unnamed)

I've been told that I need to consider everything from a lawyer or two for contract negotiations all the way to service staff members for each BattleMech. I also need to figure out what payroll looks like per month. Where should I start?

Daryk · « **Reply #54 on:** 18 January 2020, 05:12:24 »

I've got friends visiting this weekend, but I'll see what I can do. The main thing you're missing is AsTechs. The days of a single tech being able to maintain a 'mech lance are long gone. Just off the top of my head, you need:

4 (or 5) Mech Techs
3 Vehicle Techs (1 per vehicle)
and 6 AsTechs per Tech

The medical robot may or may not require a tech team of its own.

A medical team is 5 personnel total (usually a Doc and 4 medics... if the robot is taking the place of one or more of these that could change).

Vehicle crew-wise, you need one crew per 15 tons. For the Recovery Vehicle, that's 4, and the MASH Truck is 2. I'm not exactly sure what the Repair Vehicle is. For this back of the envelope calculation, I'll go with 4, like the BRV.

So, that's:
9 Leopard crew
4 MechWarriors (the other two will count as Admin support for now)
10 Vehicle crew
7 (or 8) Techs
42 (or 48) AsTechs
5 for the Medical Team
All of the above requires 9 Admins, 3 of which you already identified (the 2 spare MechWarriors and the chef), and the Medical Team counts for 5. Add a Lawyer, and you could call it good.

Now, what I would do is take the 48 AsTechs and put them into 8 squads with regular infantry leadership (squad leaders, platoon sergeants and platoon commanders to round out two full 30-trooper platoons). That would increase payroll by 12, plus another Admin requirement. That could be a Maintenance Officer, or anything else you'd like.

Support cost-wise, those 'mechs are going to be expensive. Tonnage factors into it, as well as ammunition bin size. And that DropShip… :o

Daryk · « **Reply #55 on:** 18 January 2020, 16:43:34 »

My friend cancelled on me at the last minute, so I've taken a stab at payroll (support costs will follow).

If you go with the infantry organization I proposed, you're looking at just shy of 4.5M payroll per year. It's 100 personnel total, of which the equivalent of 10 are performing Admin duties (5 from the Medical Team, the Chef, the Doctor, the Lawyer, and half time duties from the CO, DropShip Captain, S-6 (dispossessed MechWarrior), and XO (senior Infantry Platoon Commander). I gave the XO the Veteran multiplier to boost their pay.

The more detailed breakdown is:

Code: [Select]

Salaries		#	Rank	Base	Officer	Rank	XP	Pay	Total Pay
Mechwarrior Captain	1	Captain	1,500	1.2	6	1	10,800	10,800
DropShip Captain	1	Captain	1,000	1.2	6	1	7,200	7,200
DropShip Officers	2	1LT	1,000	1.2	5	1	6,000	12,000
DropShip Crew		6	SGT	1,000	1	5	1	5,000	30,000
XO			1	1LT	1,050	1.2	5	1.6	10,080	10,080
S-2			1	2LT	1,500	1.2	4	1	7,200	7,200
S-6			1	2LT	1,500	1.2	4	1	7,200	7,200
Lawyer			1	2LT	1,500	1.2	4	1	7,200	7,200
Doctor			1	2LT	1,500	1.2	4	1	7,200	7,200
Infantry Lieutenant	1	1LT	1,050	1.2	5	1	6,300	6,300
Mechwarriors		3	Warrant	1,500	1.2	3	1	5,400	16,200
Top			1	MSGT	1,050	1	7	1	7,350	7,350
Senior Mech Tech	1	SFC	800	1	7	1	5,600	5,600
Platoon Sergeants	1	SSGT	750	1	6	1	4,500	4,500
Senior Medic		1	SSGT	750	1	6	1	4,500	4,500
Chef			1	MSGT	500	1	7	1	3,500	3,500
Other Techs		7	SSGT	800	1	6	1	4,800	33,600
Vehicle Commanders	3	SGT	900	1	5	1	4,500	13,500
Squad Leaders		8	SGT	750	1	5	1	3,750	30,000
Medics			3	SGT	750	1	5	1	3,750	11,250
Vehicle Crew		7	Corporals	900	1	4	1	3,600	25,200
Fire Team Leaders	8	Corporals	750	1	4	1	3,000	24,000
Troops			40	E-3	750	1	3	1	2,250	90,000
Totals			100							374,380
										4,492,560

Daryk · « **Reply #56 on:** 18 January 2020, 17:53:18 »

Support costs were trickier. There's no listed "ammunition capacity" for the Leopard, so I (conservatively) assumed 3 tons per LRM-20. The assumption for DropShip fuel consumption is 15 burn-days per month (at 2.82 per burn-day for a Leopard's tonnage). Hydrogen fuel is normally 15,000 per ton, but can be had for as low as 500 per ton outside of warzones. It can also be produced for free if you have access to free water. I used 500 per ton to at least account for being charged for the water. All told the support costs were just under 3M per year (2,968,560 to be precise). Together with the payroll I worked out above, that means the unit would need 7.5M per year minimum, with at least 8M preferred.

Compared to my unit, that 1M difference (preferred) loses a lance, but gains a Leopard. I think that's about right. Score one for the game designers! :thumbsup:

Charles Maxwell · « **Reply #57 on:** 20 January 2020, 12:01:26 »

Hey, Daryk!

This is a brilliant breakdown - thank you so much! Where in the world do you find such detailed information - particularly about salaries? The cost per employee was WAY lower than I thought it would be. HBS BattleTech's costs are completely out of whack, with your average MechWarrior pulling in around 46,000 C-Bills per month in salary. This knowledge actually makes me wonder if there's a specific formula for calculating contact payments, and what the average payout of a contract really is in the BattleTech universe.

Regarding the 'medical robot,' 'repair vehicle,' and 'recovery vehicles' mentioned - I actually don't have specific classifications in mind, as I had trouble finding analogues for these roles in 3028. Can you recommend any?

Daryk · « **Reply #58 on:** 20 January 2020, 12:39:12 »

I use Campaign Operations with a few numbers thrown in from A Time of War and Strategic Operations. Campaign Operations is well worth the price for pdf format at least, and it does in fact have formulas for calculating the costs. And it sounds like you're looking at annual salary, not monthly.

The "medical robot" is somewhat problematic. The closest thing I see in AToW would be the "Life Support Unit" combined with a "Portable Medical Monitor". Together, they provide a +2 to MedTech rolls, and have some other benefits. The problem is that the LSU is only available to ComStar, so having one means it was obtained illegally. The good news is that actually fits in 3028, and calling it a "robot" wouldn't be bad cover.

Sarna.net has basic stats on Recovery Vehicles. With a King Crab, you'll actually probably want the Heavy BattleMech Recovery Vehicle (which is 70 vice 50 tons, necessitating one more crew). The disadvantage is that would require a heavy vehicle cubicle for quick deployment. Of course if you just carry it as cargo, it's only 20 more tons.

The most problematic is the Repair Vehicle. The Mobile Field Base equipment wasn't technically introduced until 3059. That said, it's only
Tech Level D, and there's really no reason it couldn't have been built earlier. The 3060 vehicle carrying the equipment was 60 tons (requiring 4 crew). The piece of gear itself only weighs 20 tons, and I see no reason it couldn't be installed in a 50 ton vehicle instead (so it fits in a light vehicle cubicle instead of a heavy).

Charles Maxwell · « **Reply #59 on:** 22 January 2020, 23:12:09 »

Quote from: Daryk on 20 January 2020, 12:39:12

I use Campaign Operations with a few numbers thrown in from A Time of War and Strategic Operations. Campaign Operations is well worth the price for pdf format at least, and it does in fact have formulas for calculating the costs. And it sounds like you're looking at annual salary, not monthly.

The "medical robot" is somewhat problematic. The closest thing I see in AToW would be the "Life Support Unit" combined with a "Portable Medical Monitor". Together, they provide a +2 to MedTech rolls, and have some other benefits. The problem is that the LSU is only available to ComStar, so having one means it was obtained illegally. The good news is that actually fits in 3028, and calling it a "robot" wouldn't be bad cover.

Sarna.net has basic stats on Recovery Vehicles. With a King Crab, you'll actually probably want the Heavy BattleMech Recovery Vehicle (which is 70 vice 50 tons, necessitating one more crew). The disadvantage is that would require a heavy vehicle cubicle for quick deployment. Of course if you just carry it as cargo, it's only 20 more tons.

The most problematic is the Repair Vehicle. The Mobile Field Base equipment wasn't technically introduced until 3059. That said, it's only
Tech Level D, and there's really no reason it couldn't have been built earlier. The 3060 vehicle carrying the equipment was 60 tons (requiring 4 crew). The piece of gear itself only weighs 20 tons, and I see no reason it couldn't be installed in a 50 ton vehicle instead (so it fits in a light vehicle cubicle instead of a heavy).

Hey there! Notifications are being wonky, and somehow, I wasn't alerted to your reply. I apologize for the delay in responding.

Thanks for this additional context! I wish I were talking about annual salaries. That's literally the type of monthly salary that HBS BattleTech (the video game) uses. Check out the attached screenshot. Some of their stuff wildly violates canon, which is unfortunate, because the video games are often how many find their way into the BattleTech universe these days.

But I digress. I recently purchased Campaign Operations, and haven't fully explored it yet. I'll have to dig out the section you reference. It has both salary and contract payment guidelines?

The "medical robot" could, in theory, have been obtained illegally from ComStar, as you postulate. I say that because I have these two folks on staff: Dexter Friedman and Alyssa Chase. I like the idea of using 'robot' as a cover story for the technology you mention. We're in hot enough water as it is in the aftermath of Dexter's theft of a Raven from the Order.

I'm aligned with you in regard to the Heavy BattleMech Recovery Vehicle. I established elsewhere that we don't have aerospace assets aboard our Leopard; that we'd re-purposed those cubicles for cargo. Could one of those bays accommodate the recovery vehicle?

I'm not married to the idea of having a repair vehicle; if one doesn't exist canonically in 3028, that's okay. Can a recovery vehicle effect repairs?

Daryk · « **Reply #60 on:** 23 January 2020, 04:45:16 »

No worries on delays... asynchronous communication is what forums are all about.

Now I see what you meant about the HBS game. Yes, those costs are wildly off from Campaign Operations. The section you're looking for is on pages 24-25. Pages 20-21 cover the basic support personnel requirements, though you have to refer back to Strategic Operations for Medical Team composition. As I mentioned, Campaign Operations simply counts them as Admin support.

A Heavy Recovery Vehicle would require a Heavy Vehicle Cubicle, which is 100 tons (vice 150 for each Aerospace Cubicle). Light Vehicle Cubicles are only 50 tons. Infantry Bay accommodations for the bulk of the unit will only run about 15-20 tons.

As far as the Repair Vehicle, what it gives you is a ground mobile 'Mech Cubicle for repair purposes. Since you have a Leopard, you really don't need it. I invested in a couple of repair platforms to help with repairs. A repair vehicle would help more, and as I mentioned, if you wanted to make a custom one, it's only TL D, well within the capability of the SW.

truetanker · « **Reply #61 on:** 23 January 2020, 13:12:43 »

Paramour...

FWL repair vehicle, later updated to include a MLB cubicle, Regulan units...

TT

Daryk · « **Reply #62 on:** 23 January 2020, 16:46:13 »

When was it introduced?

truetanker · « **Reply #63 on:** 23 January 2020, 18:45:07 »

Pre-SLDF so 2700?

Should be some old chassis around since the fall.

TT

Daryk · « **Reply #64 on:** 23 January 2020, 18:47:47 »

Sounds like a winner! :thumbsup:

truetanker · « **Reply #65 on:** 23 January 2020, 19:36:48 »

60 tons, 3 crew...

2 MGs and half ton armor...

4/6 mover, so yeah winner!

TT

Daryk · « **Reply #66 on:** 23 January 2020, 19:40:23 »

3 crew at 60 tons? That should be 4...

Charles Maxwell · « **Reply #67 on:** 24 January 2020, 07:29:18 »

Thanks, all! The Paramour (https://www.sarna.net/wiki/Paramour) looks like it'll fit the bill exactly. I think guess I should try to get a TRO together for the entire mercenary unit now, huh? Does anyone know of any computer programs that are available for such a purpose?

Daryk · « **Reply #68 on:** 24 January 2020, 17:26:12 »

I use Solaris Skunkwerks (SSW), personally. I like their user interface the best, and it's recently been picked up again for further development by some dedicated folks. For vehicles, Solaris Armor Works (SAW) comes packaged with SSW.

Daryk · « **Reply #69 on:** 28 January 2020, 17:22:50 »

I just did some digging at the prompting of Frabby (thanks! :thumbsup:), and the Paramour's crew of 3 is proper, as it's a Support Vehicle, not a Combat Vehicle.

Arkansas Warrior · « **Reply #70 on:** 28 January 2020, 21:13:14 »

So I've glanced in here on and off, and I'm wondering: are y'all accepting any more, or is this more of a closed game? It sounds interesting.

Daryk · « **Reply #71 on:** 29 January 2020, 04:55:39 »

I don't want to speak for Charles Maxwell, but I believe the more the merrier... :)

truetanker · « **Reply #72 on:** 29 January 2020, 13:34:33 »

I did state half a ton of Armor... :o

TT

Daryk · « **Reply #73 on:** 29 January 2020, 16:44:28 »

That's not necessarily an indicator of a Support Vehicle. And TRO 375 actually says it has 3.5 tons of BAR 6 armor...

Charles Maxwell · « **Reply #74 on:** 03 February 2020, 20:56:23 »

Quote from: Daryk on 24 January 2020, 17:26:12

I use Solaris Skunkwerks (SSW), personally. I like their user interface the best, and it's recently been picked up again for further development by some dedicated folks. For vehicles, Solaris Armor Works (SAW) comes packaged with SSW.

Nice - I'll need to check it out. Thank you!

Quote from: Arkansas Warrior on 28 January 2020, 21:13:14

So I've glanced in here on and off, and I'm wondering: are y'all accepting any more, or is this more of a closed game? It sounds interesting.

Oh yes - the more the merrier. You can join the fun over at http://www.crayven.net/mercnet.

A quick summary of what's going on over there:

We're running an open-universe BattleTech RP, set at the moment in 3028. Joining in on the fun is pretty simple. Everything is fairly free-form right now; we have three mercenary units and a lone gun operating in the Inner Sphere for the time being. They are as follows:

- Aegis Division, led by me, is a mercenary unit comprised of the characters in the Aegis Division portfolio. We're off on Kimball II right now, working a contract in support of Operation GÖTTERDÄMMERUNG. Our objective is to re-take the Ceres Metals factory from the Draconis Combine. We've just made planetfall in an abandoned rock quarry and shot our way through a Kuritan armor division. We've now linked up with a member of the Gray Death Legion who's going to be giving us some fire support, and we're headed toward the factory. If 'Mech combat is how you'd like to get started, and you don't want to dive into the universe as a lone gun, I recommend joining up with this unit. I can help make that happen.

- There's also the Crayven Corporation, led by William Kauffman. Currently, they're on Gan Singh, about to crack open an ancient Star League cache. If you're interested in some immediate on-foot action, we can get you on with their expedition.

- And finally, there's Scorched Earth, led by Baroness Octavia Incendio, and comprised of the characters in the Scorched Earth portfolio. Octavia can speak to what the current state of play for Scorched Earth is, but my understanding is that they're on shore leave at the moment, in between contracts.

- We also have Orlex Jaeger on something of a lone gun mission at the moment, but he may be at a point in the story where he cold use a second set of hands. If what he's doing over in The Universe appeals to you, feel free to send him a DM on the MercNet site.

Of course, you're not beholden to teaming up with anyone. If you want to dive into the action on your own, all of our roleplay is currently unfolding in The Universe - 3028, and you can just as easily carve your own path. Either way, you'll need a character - do you have one in mind?

We'd be thrilled to have you!

Charles

Daryk · « **Reply #75 on:** 03 February 2020, 21:09:35 »

And AAA Security looking for a job on this board... ^-^

Charles Maxwell · « **Reply #76 on:** 04 February 2020, 21:35:06 »

Quote from: Daryk on 03 February 2020, 21:09:35

And AAA Security looking for a job on this board... ^-^

Hey, Daryk -

We could certainly make that work as well. Want to set up shop with your unit and a storyline over at http://www.crayven.net/mercnet? We just had two more members join us today, one of whom currently isn't associated with a mercenary unit (the other has signed up with Aegis Division).

Daryk · « **Reply #77 on:** 04 February 2020, 21:40:39 »

I have so many accounts to keep track of already, I'm reluctant to add another... if you could be persuaded to do something on this board, I'm 100% in!

Arkansas Warrior · « **Reply #78 on:** 08 February 2020, 15:17:52 »

Yeah, that’s kinda where I’m at, TBH.

Daryk · « **Reply #79 on:** 09 February 2020, 14:23:19 »

So... Arkansas Warrior... you want to try getting something going here that might draw Charles Maxwell in? I've AAA Security looking for work on Galatea...

Charles Maxwell · « **Reply #80 on:** 11 February 2020, 18:25:03 »

Quote from: Daryk on 09 February 2020, 14:23:19

So... Arkansas Warrior... you want to try getting something going here that might draw Charles Maxwell in? I've AAA Security looking for work on Galatea...

What era?

Daryk · « **Reply #81 on:** 11 February 2020, 20:24:21 »

Same as your game... 3025...

CharlieAscende · « **Reply #82 on:** 15 February 2020, 11:54:13 »

The year where original BattleTech novel story begins (Black Death and Warrior trilogies).

CharlieAscende · « **Reply #83 on:** 15 February 2020, 11:59:15 »

Is there like a Discord server we already got it running for this ongoing thread?

Arkansas Warrior · « **Reply #84 on:** 16 February 2020, 18:53:36 »

Quote from: Charles Maxwell on 11 February 2020, 18:25:03

What era?

I mean, I'm good with whatever.

Daryk · « **Reply #85 on:** 16 February 2020, 19:21:07 »

Cool... AAA Security is currently working for Johnston Industries on Bennet III. I'm pretty sure there are other worthwhile objectives on planet to defend...

CharlieAscende · « **Reply #86 on:** 16 February 2020, 20:02:10 »

What's the AAA stand for?

Daryk · « **Reply #87 on:** 16 February 2020, 20:36:11 »

"First in the listing"... :D

CharlieAscende · « **Reply #88 on:** 21 February 2020, 15:55:05 »

Is there like a time and date that our party is gonna gather on Roll20 or something like that?

Daryk · « **Reply #89 on:** 21 February 2020, 18:04:58 »

Don't plan on it... I like play by post, myself. It's much easier to fit into a busy schedule.

CharlieAscende · « **Reply #90 on:** 21 February 2020, 21:25:39 »

Ah okay then. Might have to look through a post with schedules and such.