"Heroes Quest"
I developed this mission back in 1995 for a marathon session on new years day. I wanted something epic; including ALL aspects of the Robotech universe. In this adventure, players get to be the heroes of Robotech (hence the title). As such, this is a mission for a LARGE group of people; I recommend at least six. I say six because that allows at least two characters from each time period of Robotech to be played. In my mission, I had Rick, Lisa, Max, Miriya, Lang and Gloval from Macross, Dana, Bowie, Angelo and Sean from Southern Cross, and Scott, Rand, Rook and Lancer from Mospeada. This mission can be split into sections; but I highly recommend playing it straight through. As such, you should give yourself at least a couple of days (maybe a weekend).
Mission Goal: Find the SDF-1!
Outline:
The mission begins somewhere in the western United States on July 14, 1999; 6 days before the crash of the SDF-1. Each character will find themselves confused and alone in the woods with NO MECHA.(as a twist, I "pulled" the characters from different points in time. As such, Max Sterling and Rick Hunter were both Skull leader, and Lisa's love for Rick was still very much underdeveloped) The characters should come across each other fairly quickly (perhaps they hear each other and follow the noise). The terrain is heavily wooded with two-track trails crossing every so often. Should the characters follow one of the trails, it will eventually lead to a main road which can lead them to a small town. There they will find some answers on their present location and time. While in the town, the characters will encounter a jeep with 2 people, driving wildly through town and screaming about a "huge spaceship" a few miles out of town in a valley. This spaceship is the SDF-3 (recognizable to Mospeada characters & Southern Cross characters). On board is a skeleton crew (GM's can include Gloval and Lang on the ship if no one is playing them) who are just as confused as anyone. On board is a full compliment of mecha for the characters, including Destroids, VT's Alphas, Hovertanks, just about anything the character needs. Eventually, the characters should attempt to take off (eventually the SDF-3 WILL be discovered, and a confrontation could have disastrous effects on the future; Lang should point this out). Once in space, Astrogation should determine where the SDF-1 is...but it's not there! Now the real adventure begins.
At this point, the players need to be sure of the situation. The SDF-1 is not on course to Earth. Therefore it will never crash; it will never end the global civil war, and will never result in the development of Robotechnology. Any arguments against finding the SDF-1 should be dealt with immediately. Lang can point out the possible effects on the time-continuum and the uncertainty of the future for each character. Also, the loss of the SDF-1 is no guarantee that the Zentradi, Invid, or anyone else will not attack the Earth. Therefore, a search MUST begin immediately.
Unfortunately, a compliment of Zentradi have also been "brought" into the adventure by the same force which pulled the characters here. Scanners on the SDF-3 will alert the crew that a small flotilla (10 ships) is defolding near the orbit of Mars. An investigation will affirm that the forces are Zentradi. From here, I'll leave the specifics up to the GM, but remember that at this point, the Zentradi nor the Robotech Masters know about the Earth; but they are beginning a search for Zors fortress and his reserve supplies of protoculture. At this point, the disappearance of Zor's fortress would only be known to the Zentradi higher command, so smaller flotillas shouldn't be a problem. However, anything goes in this mission, so mix it up!
Conclusion:
Eventually, the crew of the SDF-3 will arrive at a large, dark-colored planet in an obscure system (perhaps a fold malfunction or intervention from a higher power brought the ship here) Scans will show no ships in orbit, but will detect a MASSIVE power source on the planet below. Atmosphere is breathable and temperature is cool (5-10 degrees Celsius). A recon of the planet will reveal the SDF-1 in it's condition before arriving at Earth. It is guarded by the Invid Regis, who has been responsible for everything(the appearance of the characters and the disappearance of the SDF-1) It was a test, and grand test on Her part; to determine the true nature of mankind. And She wonders why, if given the choice, mankind would choose to endure the suffering and hardships brought by the SDF-1. She releases control of the SDF-1 and disappears. Shortly afterward, enemy ships will begin to fold into the region. The SDF-1 will have to fight it's way out.
Notes: When running this mission, the GM should be aware of many things:
1. The interplay between the characters MUST be a large part of this mission. Dana is Max and Miriya's daughter, who is now suddenly as old as them. Scott views Rick and Lisa in an almost god-like fashion. Naturally he will do whatever they say. Scott is also Lang's godson, but at this point Lang will have no idea who Scott is. Southern Cross characters will look upon Gloval in awe, as will Scott. All these situations create a very challenging environment for both the players and the characters, and should be played to their fullest extent.
2. In going with the theme of the mission, enemies and encounters should be grand and extensive. Don't be afraid to throw everything into the barrel (at one point, I had the Zentradi, Masters, and Invid going against the SDF-3). You can throw in enemies from different time periods, or enemies from normal time (at that point, the Zentradi were just beginning their search for the SDF-1). Perhaps the characters meet Breetai, or Khyron, or any other enemy to mankind. The point is to make the encounters big! But it's also important to move the game along with the encounters. Try to avoid going from battle to battle without learning anything new.
3. The conclusion can go many ways; the characters escape; they die; both SDFs return to Earth, both are destroyed...the possibilities are vast! Like the rest of the mission, make it big! Also, try to create a situation where a simple big "battle" won't work. For example, I put the SDF-1 and 2 against a massive flotilla of over 1000 Zentradi ships and 3 Masters' Motherships...forcing the players to search for a solution other than fighting.
Enjoy the mission and have fun! I'd love to hear some feedback on how your missions have gone, as well as new ideas.
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