D20 - Modern - Future - Starship 08 - The Magellan

Requires the use of the d20 Modern™ Roleplaying Game, published by Wizards of the Coast, Inc.

THE MAGELLAN

Introduction

designed to be used as a player handout – it’s what flashes up on their ship systems when they attempt to ID a ship – and GMs need only give the players the page when they encounter a ship from this series.

Welcome to Ronin Arts’ Future: Starship 8 – The Magellan, the eighth in a new series of PDFs for use with futuristic D20 System campaigns. This series makes some assumptions about your campaign; the starship designs in this series will be most useful in campaigns in which the following statements are true: ■ The campaign is not a “hard” science setting. Campaigns that are more space opera/adventure movie are the intended target for this series. ■ Starships are not rare or unusual. All of the starships in this series assume that space travel is a standard and common occurrence – individuals either fly their own ships or ride on passenger ships. Starships and space travel are as common for characters as a plane ride is for people of our reality. ■ Space combat is not uncommon. It’s just another exciting adventure when the player characters have to engage the enemy while fleeing from some world or other. ■ The campaign is packed with action. If things aren’t exploding, how much fun can the game really be? Most of the starships in this series are designed to fill full pages. This is so that you can print the pages – back-to-back if you wish – and drop them into a binder. This introduction, and the page of new starship equipment and assorted information, can also be printed separately and added to your binder. The schematic and silhouette page is

About the Author Michael Hammes has been freelancing in the role-playing industry since 2001. Starting small, he has steadily built his repertoire, and reputation, by working for such companies as Ronin Arts, Alderac Entertainment Group, Dark Quest Games, and E.N. Publishing. He is currently trying to balance his writing schedule with his role as stay-athome father. To catch the latest from Michael’s Imagination, please visit www.michaelhammes.com.

e-Future Tiles: Star Patrol The Magellan design is based on SkeletonKey Games’ e-Future Tiles: Star Chaser, Star Freighter, Star Command, and Star Patrol tile sets. While this PDF can be easily used on its own you will get a lot more use out of it in your game sessions if you construct the ship – at miniatures scale – using the printable tiles. The only tiles you will need that are not available in the SkeletonKey Games e-Future sets listed above is the cockpit – which has been thoughtfully included at the end of this PDF. To learn more about SkeletonKey Games please visit their website at www.skeletonkeygames.com.

New rules and ideas NEW SHIP SYSTEM

Improved Radiation Shielding (PL 7)

The following is a recently developed innovation in use on the Magellan. It is included here so that you may easily use it to modify existing starships or as a reference when designing your own original ships.

Offering better protection than its PL 6 counterpart, improved radiation shielding provides a +10 circumstance bonus on saves to resist the effects of radiation poisoning. Purchase DC: 10 + one-half the base purchase DC of the starship. Restriction: None.

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THE MAGELLAN Size: L Purchase DC: 30 Restriction: Lic (+1)

Science Drone (PL 7) Indispensable to the Magellan’s crew, a science drone is able to go just about anywhere in pursuit of scientific research and has the tools to get the job done. A science drone has the same capabilities as a Class IV Sensor System (albeit with a maximum range of 10 miles; it can analyze and chart a 100 square mile area of the planet’s surface) and is equipped with a pair of telescoping arms and grasping claws for manipulating objects as well as a small laser beam and laser-guided drill for obtaining samples or bypassing obstacles. A built-in mass transceiver allows for the exchange of real-time data with the controlling ship as well as for the receiving of instructions. Science drones are capable of autopilot navigation (i.e. the drone is given instructions to move to a certain location) as well as manual control from Science Drone Control (see Starship Key). Propulsion in space is by thrusters while planet-side propulsion is via forced air induction. A science drone has a Defense of 10 and 12 hit points and it rolls 1d20+4 on opposed grapple checks. Purchase DC: 34 Restriction: None.

Shuttlecraft (PL 7) Usually used to ferry the Magellan’s crew planetside for planetary or system exploration while the ship remains in orbit, the shuttlecraft are without a doubt the most valuable vehicles aboard the Magellan and also serve as the crew’s primary escape option in the event of a disaster.

Shuttlecraft (PL 7) Type: Ultralight Subtype: Launch Defense: 11 Flat-footed Defense: 9 Autopilot Defense: 10 Hardness: 30 Hit Dice: 4d20 (80 hp) Initiative Modifier: +2 Pilot’s Class Bonus: +3 Pilot’s Dex Modifier: +2 Gunner’s Attack Bonus: +2 Size: Gargantuan (-4 size) Tactical Speed: 3,000 ft. (6 sq.) Length: 35 feet Weight: 40,000 lbs (20 tons) Targeting System Bonus: +2 Crew: 1 (+4 trained) Passenger Capacity: 4 Cargo Capacity: 4,000 lbs (2 tons) Grapple Modifier: +12 Base Purchase DC: 44 (45 as equipped) Restriction: Restricted (+2) Attack: 1 laser +0 ranged (6d8) Attack of Opportunity: None

Light Hovertruck (PL 7) The Magellan’s crew uses these vehicles for everything from science drone recovery to sample gathering; in short, they are the ship’s ground-based utility vehicles. Although the shuttles are capable of hauling more cargo, and can fly rather than just hover, there are numerous locations where the shuttles cannot, or should not, land. Equipped with winch, portable reactor generator, a rack of flood-lights, two searchlights, tie-downs, and storage areas for everything from supplies to research paraphernalia and repair tools, each truck is fully capable of handling virtually any situation; there’s even a retractable hard shell that covers the truck’s bed and allows it to serve as a very sturdy shelter. Crew: 1 Passengers: 2 Cargo: L Initiative: -1 Maneuver: +0 Top Speed: 210 (21) Defense: 8 Hardness: 5 Hit Points: 30

Shuttlecraft Design Specs: Engines: Thrusters Armor: Cerametal Defense Systems: Improved autopilot system, improved damage control system (2d10) Sensors: Class IV sensor array, targeting system Communications: Laser transceiver, mass transceiver Weapons: 1 laser (range incr. 3,000 ft.) Grappling Systems: Tractor beam emitter

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THE MAGELLAN

Basic Information

The Magellan is a purpose-built long-range exploratory research vessel. Capable of roaming space for a full year or more at a time, it is very utilitarian in design, able to explore everything from the depths of space to a planet’s surface. As a result, it can serve in a number of capacities: Space Exploration - Exploring the phenomena found in the depths of space is the goal of such a mission. Whether it is studying a supernova, charting systems, skirting the edges of a black hole, flying through nebulas, discovering jump gates, or even new dimensions, in such a capacity the Magellan spends all, or most, of its time traveling about space. In addition to dealing with the hazards of space travel, such as radiation and meteoroids, this type of exploration is most likely to meet other space-faring races. System Exploration - Once a system is charted it is time to take a closer look at promising planets. In such a scenario, the Magellan spends its time in orbit about various planets, exhaustively charting the topography, mineral content, weather patterns, atmospheric conditions, etc. While the ship does spend most of its time in orbit, once a planet is determined safe, it may be necessary to explore certain areas on the planet’s surface more fully to

ensure accurate or complete data (i.e. potential mining or colony sites, or even the long-lost relics of an alien civilization). Planetary Exploration - Planetary exploration concerns itself with making an exhaustive survey of all aspects of a particular planet, from atmospheric conditions to flora and fauna. Mineral sample, as well as flora and fauna specimen, collection is a top priority. Such missions spend a long time planet-side and, as long as the terrain allows, the Magellan is almost always brought planet-side to serve as a base. Obviously, during this time the crew has plenty of opportunity to face whatever dangers the planet holds (and doesn’t it inevitably seem to strike when the Magellan is away getting more supplies?). Note that these missions are not mutually exclusive. The Magellan could be tasked with exploring a new quadrant of space, with the intent of noting any interesting space phenomena and charting new systems. Should a habitable planet be discovered, that the Magellan conducts an in-orbit survey. And, if the survey meets certain criteria (favorable weather, good atmosphere, suitable for colonization, etc.), the Magellan must land on the planet to do some planet-side exploring and specimen/sample gathering.

game statistics

Base Purchase DC: 52 (53 as equipped) Restriction: Restricted (+2) Attack: 4 fire-linked heavy particle beams -1 ranged (32d8) or 2 fire-linked plasma missiles -1 ranged (36d8) Attack of Opportunity: None

Magellan (PL 7)

Type: Ultralight Subtype: N/A Defense: 7 Flat-footed Defense: 5 Autopilot Defense: 7 Hardness: 30 Hit Dice: 21d20 (420 hp) Initiative Modifier: +4 Pilot’s Class Bonus: +3 Pilot’s Dex Modifier: +2 Gunner’s Attack Bonus: +2 Size: Colossal (-8 size) Tactical Speed: 4,000 feet (8 sq.) Length: 205 feet Weight: 3,250 tons Targeting System Bonus: +5 Crew: 6 (+4 trained) Passenger Capacity: 10 Cargo Capacity: 50 tons Grapple Modifier: +16

Magellan Design Specs: Engines: Induction engine, thrusters Armor: Cerametal Defense Systems: Displacer, improved autopilot system, improved damage control system (2d10), improved radiation shielding, light fortification, particle field, repair drones Sensors: Class V sensor array, improved targeting system Communications: Laser transceiver, mass transceiver Weapons: 4 fire-linked heavy particle beams (range incr. 5,000 feet) and 2 fire-linked plasma missile launchers (8 missiles each) Grappling Systems: Tractor beam emitter

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THE MAGELLAN

Starship Key

there is often plenty of time to pursue one’s interests on long expeditions. The fare is good, with plenty of freeze-dried and dehydrated food available for general use; the hobby cooks keep their “secret ingredients” in their cabins. When not serving meals, crewmembers will often gather here to chat with their fellows and play games or watch movies. Most of the ship’s food supplies are stored in the supply bays. 12. Operating Room - Completely self-sufficient, the operating room is capable of handling any known emergency from radiation sickness to laser burns to diarrhea from the previous night’s chili. Given that the Magellan is underway for months at a time, a doctor is always on staff, although in an emergency (the doctor is out), the operating room’s AI can help (consider it to have Treat Injury of +10 for such purposes). 13. Mainframe - This room contains the ship’s mainframe and server. Although work can be performed from a number of stations, most simulations and analyses are run on the machine in this room its direct tie-in to the mainframe makes it that much faster. Security lockouts keep anyone from accidentally deleting the wrong files. 14. Engineering - This area is used to monitor the ship’s engines and various ancillary systems. It is also the primary means of maintenance access to those systems. 15. Senior Crew Cabins - These two cabins are the most private and comfortable on the Magellan and feature their own fully equipped bathrooms as well as computer stations (which allow monitoring of and access to all the ship’s systems). They are for the leaders of the expedition, usually the captain of the ship and the lead scientist, although they will occasionally be given over to VIPs. 16. Shuttlecraft Docks - The Magellan’s two shuttles dock here when not in use. The shuttles are chiefly used for quick planet-side expeditions or to recover damaged planet-side science drones when the Magellan is in orbit. Should the docks ever be damaged, the shuttlecraft are capable of using the portside docking port. 17. Ancillary Control - This room is rarely used for its purpose, which is to serve as an emergency backup to the ship’s mainframe as well as the other stations, but instead is given over to whatever scientific research and analysis is being done at the moment.

1. Bridge - The Magellan’s bridge is rather spacious and often serves as a briefing room prior to the start of any missions. The space is dominated by the large starboard sensor system display while the pilot takes the fore controls and the navigator/gunner occupies the port side computer systems. 2. Crew Cabins - These simple cabins feature stand-alone bunks with underneath storage space and toilets. As is the standard, the toilets are self-cleaning and deodorizing and can be separated from the remainder of the cabin by an in-wall accordion screen. 3. Junior Crew Cabin - This crowded cabin is for the lowest-ranking members of the crew, although it still features stand-alone bunks and plenty of storage space, which makes it better than most such cabins. 4. Bathroom - Fully equipped and relatively spacious. 5. Hallways - These areas are given over to whatever needs the ship has. When preparing to set out on especially long journeys, these passages are packed with supplies of all kinds, from foodstuffs to spare parts. The computers tie into the ship’s mainframe and are mainly used for running experimental simulations and analyses. 6. Storage Bays - These two bays are the main supply bays for the ship’s and the crew’s needs. The contents span the gamut from analysis field kits to portable generators. For heavy loads, each bay comes with a hover pallet mover. 7. Vehicle Bay - This bay holds the science drones and light hovertrucks when not in use and serves as the main loading point for supplies. An extending loading ramp and two hover pallet movers make such jobs relatively easy. 8. Crew Cabin - This cabin features four single bunks and, while more crowded than some, does have its own bathroom. 9. Docking Port/Airlock Control - The computer station serves as the docking port/airlock control station allowing for maintenance and manual override over the otherwise automatic system. 10. Docking Port/Airlock - This dual-purpose airlock is equipped with manual override controls and an emergency aid kit. At least one spacesuit for every crewman is stored here as well. 11. Lounge - This area serves as a combination kitchen/dining hall during meal times. Due to the limited space, the crew eats in shifts. There are several accomplished cooks on the Magellan, largely because

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THE MAGELLAN

Adventure hooks

natives provide. Outnumbered and probably outgunned, it’s up to the PCs (hopefully with the help of the natives), to fight off the slavers. If you’re in need of a primitive alien race, we just happen to have Future: Alien Race 1: Taxob-Zhin available at RPGNow.

OUR MISSION . . .

Actually more of a campaign framework than an adventure idea, this consists of the PCs acting the part of explorers. They roam throughout space to research interesting phenomena, explore new planets, and perhaps even meet some new aliens. If you’ve heard this one before, you’re right (and now you know where you can get all manner of adventure ideas). However, while the idea is certainly cliché that does not invalidate it from being an excellent way of getting the PCs out into space and providing them with all manner of strange and interesting adventures.

ALIEN ARTIFACTS

While conducting planet-side research, the PCs discover remnants of an alien civilization (these can be ruins, caves, etc.). Exploring, they overcome numerous GM-determined obstacles and find an artifact (a glowing spheroid, a mysterious tablet, etc.). Realizing this is a find of historic importance the Magellan sets out to bring the artifact back to earth. Unfortunately, others are after the artifact as well (perhaps members of the Magellan’s own crew hired by a private collector). Another option is for the artifact to carry some deadly disease, or to drive those with weak minds on board the ship slowly mad. If the GM really wants to go far out, he or she can have the artifact open up another dimension, or call forth some horror from beyond space and time directly on to the ship.

FIRST CONTACT

While on a system-charting mission, the PCs encounter a new race of (relatively) primitive aliens. As they go about meeting and dealing with them, a second vessel arrives. It appears that the PCs are not the first to have discovered this planet (although they are the first to make contact); that honor belongs to a gang of intergalactic slavers that have their eyes set upon the easy pickings that the

Open Game License OPEN GAME LICENSE Version 1.0a The following text is the property of Wizards of the Coast, Inc. and is Copyright 2000 Wizards of the Coast, Inc (“Wizards”). All Rights Reserved. 1. Definitions: (a)”Contributors” means the copyright and/or trademark owners who have contributed Open Game Content; (b)”Derivative Material” means copyrighted material including derivative works and translations (including into other computer languages), potation, modification, correction, addition, extension, upgrade, improvement, compilation, abridgment or other form in which an existing work may be recast, transformed or adapted; (c) “Distribute” means to reproduce, license, rent, lease, sell, broadcast, publicly display, transmit or otherwise distribute; (d)”Open Game Content” means the game mechanic and includes the methods, procedures, processes and routines to the extent such content does not embody the Product Identity and is an enhancement over the prior art and any additional content clearly identified as Open Game Content by the Contributor, and means any work covered by this License, including translations and derivative works under copyright law, but specifically excludes Product Identity. (e) “Product Identity” means product and product line names, logos and identifying marks including trade dress; artifacts; creatures characters; stories, storylines, plots, thematic elements, dialogue, incidents, language, artwork, symbols, designs, depictions, likenesses, formats, poses, concepts, themes and graphic, photographic and other visual or audio representations; names and descriptions of characters, spells, enchantments, personalities, teams, personas, likenesses and special abilities; places, locations, environments, creatures, equipment, magical or supernatural abilities or effects, logos,

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advertise the Open Game Content using the name of any Contributor unless You have written permission from the Contributor to do so. 12 Inability to Comply: If it is impossible for You to comply with any of the terms of this License with respect to some or all of the Open Game Content due to statute, judicial order, or governmental regulation then You may not Use any Open Game Material so affected. 13 Termination: This License will terminate automatically if You fail to comply with all terms herein and fail to cure such breach within 30 days of becoming aware of the breach. All sublicenses shall survive the termination of this License. 14 Reformation: If any provision of this License is held to be unenforceable, such provision shall be reformed only to the extent necessary to make it enforceable. 15 COPYRIGHT NOTICEOpen Game License v 1.0 Copyright 2000, Wizards of the Coast, Inc. Modern System Reference Document Copyright 20022004, Wizards of the Coast, Inc.; Authors Bill Slavicsek, Jeff Grubb, Rich Redman, Charles Ryan, Eric Cagle, David Noonan, Stan!, Christopher Perkins, Rodney Thompson, and JD Wiker, based on material by Jonathan Tweet, Monte Cook, Skip Williams, Richard Baker, Peter Adkison, Bruce R. Cordell, John Tynes, Andy Collins, and JD Wiker. Future: Starship 8 – The Magellan, copyright 2004 Michael Hammes. Published by Ronin Arts www.roninarts.com. Based on SkeletonKey Games’e-Future Tiles sets – www.skeletonkeygames.com.

Future: Starship 8 – The Magellan is copyright © 2004 Michael Hammes. All text in this book is designated as open game content. You may not distribute this PDF without permission of the author. d20 Modern™ is a trademark of Wizards of the Coast, Inc., a subsidiary of Hasbro, Inc., and is used with permission. Wizards of the Coast® is a registered trademark of Wizards of the Coast, Inc., a subsidiary of Hasbro, Inc., and is used with permission.

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THE MAGELLAN

TOP VIEW

SILHOUETTE VIEW – FRONT

MAGELLAN Unique Design 7

THE MAGELLAN

MAGELLAN

DECK PLAN

Unique Design

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1. Bridge 2. Crew Cabins 3. Junior Crew Cabin 4. Bathroom 5. Hallways 6. Storage Bays

7. Vehicle Bay 8. Crew Cabin 9. Docking Port/Airlock Control 10. Docking Port/Airlock 11. Lounge 12. Operating Room

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13. Mainframe 14. Engineering 15. Senior Crew Cabins 16. Shuttlecraft Docks. 17. Ancillary Control

THE MAGELLAN

These science drone and hover truck counters may be used with maps and miniatures that use a 1” = 5’ scale. These vehicles are designed to fit through the Magellan’s bay door. For more counters, see Starship 5, Starship 6, and Starship 7.

Hover van counters are reprinted from Starship 7. Counters copyright © 2004 Philip Reed. Permission is granted to make copies of this sheet for personal use only.

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All artwork is © 2004 - Edward Bourelle and may be reproduced for personal use only.

e-Future Tiles: Starship roninSS09