Robotech: Viva (RPG tactics story campaign)

Intro: This story campaign designed for RPG tactics players is a Prologue to my Uprising story game. It follows the Marine Aviator squad on board the SDF-1 during its space fold and subsequent journey back to earth.

The campaign is designed for 2-4 players. The two factions are the RDF forces and the Zentraedi Armada.

This small campaign mostly features small battles. The forces for every mission are fixed, including the hero units. The first section features the Hero units that RDF players use all other Units and Heroes can be found in the main book. The second section contains the scenarios of this campaign, these are mostly designed for new and casual players to RPG tactics.

Depending on the outcome of a single mission, certain sides might gain a minor advantage or disadvantage in the next. For example, the RDF player losing one mission, might mean he instead plays the next mission with half is normal forces. Alternatively, the RDF might win one mission and deploy in Super Veritech’s for the next one. This varies case by case and should be read carefully.

Overall winning a match makes the next one easier but they are not cumulative but extra incentive for players to win. Adding extra challenge for both sides.

Hero Units: RDF Player Hero Units:

UEDF Marine Aviator ‘Murder’ squadron.

The Murder Squadron is Marine Support squadron composed of Specially trained Marine Aviators. Despite being mostly new recruits fresh from the academy, they are trained for Special Forces action and advanced operations. They are also equipped with modified prototype Valkyrie’s designed for stealth operations.

All of the Hero Characters have VF-M1 Valkyries. These are normal Valkyrie fighters of whatever kind they are be it 1A,1J or 1S. Except cover grants them an extra +1DF and they can dodge missile volleys of more than 4. All other special abilities are solely dependent on the characters and are listed in the profiles below. (All hero Units are assumed that if they destroyed were either recovered or retreated)

Hetalia ‘Winter’ Jeagher: A Fresh graduate from the Robotech Defence Academy, Hetalia is a white haired Huntress famed for her excellent sniper support skills that her fellow marines value. She pilots the VF- M1S known as the ‘Murder 1’. She is a serious, no nonsense pilot. Mecha: VF-M1S. Abilities: +2GN -GU-11S > Instead of a normal GU-11, Hetalia and the ‘Murder 1’ are outfitted with a special sniper version based of a powerful autocannon designed for powerful Sniper support. It has RNG: 24”, MD: 12, Accurate. Its range is doubled in Battloid Mode.

Jay ‘Fury’ Arrens: Another fresh graduate of the Robotech Academy and former child soldier and mercenary from the Global War. He as experience and is a skilled pilot working as the second in command to the Murder squadron. He is brutal and known for daring flying. Mecha: VF-M1J. Abilities: +1PIL. > may re-roll all dodge rolls. > may re-roll all to strike rolls.

Elizabeth Von Einricht: A pilot from a wealthy family that joined the Robotech Defence forces. She is another of the new generation of soldiers that have become the front line against the alien invaders. While she is an average pilot she has excellent command skills however she is somewhat arrogant. Mecha: VF-M1A. >Leadership +2. -Overconfident > Elizabeth must always advance towards and attack the nearest enemy.

Shirou ‘Sun’ Natsume: A young pilot of the RDF assigned to the Murder squadron he assumes a front line pilot and specialises in piloting both Spartan Destroids and Veritechs in close combat. He is typically quite and honest, co-operating earnestly with the squad. Mecha: VF-M1A. > May attack one additional time in HtH combat. > may automatically SPD boost once per turn.

Alex Louse: The final member of the Murder squadron who is a missile expert and runs interception to flying enemies for the Murder squadron. Something of a loud screaming wild card who is bright cheerful and prone to being shot at but tends not to be hit easily. Mecha: VF-M1A. +2 DF. +1 to strike rolls with weapon that have the Missile ability and +1 to Anti-Missile rolls.

Mission 1: Macross Base. “The Zentraedi are attacking Macross Island. Forces from all over have been deployed to the city to defend the population and the SDF-1 leaving Macross Base, the local military and training base on the island lightly defended. Emergency protocol initiated by the command staff of the SDF-1 mean that supplies and personnel are being transferred from the base to ship. Murder squadron is to support the Marines on the ground and hold the Base from incoming enemy attack who wish to cripple this major supply depot.”

Forces: RDF player Forces: Zentraedi player forces: Murder squadron= Zentraedi assault Force= -Hetalia Jeagher (VF-M1S) -12 Battlepods. -Jay Arrens (VF-M1J) -2 Light Artillery Battlepods. -Elizabeth Einricht (VF-M1A) -1 Officer Battlepod. -Shirou Natsume (VF-M1A) -1 scout pod. -Alex Louse (VF-M1A)

Marine Garrison= -2 Defender Destroids.

Objectives: Demolitions (pp. 79):

The RDF are the defending side in a Demolitions scenario. They must protect one large building deployed in the centre of the map with a DF4 and 100MDC. They win if it is still alive at the end of 5 turns.

The Zentraedi are the attackers. They win instantly if the building being defended by the RDF player is destroyed.

Deployment: Set up the battlefield simply with 1 military style roughly in the centre. The RDF deploys the 2 Destroids within 6” of it. The rest of the RDF forces and Zentraedi forces are deployed in a Distant Engagement format (pp.77).

Set up the rest of terrain with a few scattered buildings, walls and other bits (Think industrial military). Both players should take turns setting up 1 terrain piece each until all are placed.

Mission 2: Civilian Escort: “Murder squadron have been re-tasked with seeing a group of stragglers to the civilian bunkers. Contact has been lost with the Destroid team assigned to protect them. The squadron is to move in and ensure that the vehicles make it through the continued Zentraedi attack who wish to carve a way though our forces to the SDF-1. If the enemy prove too much or the transport lost, fall back to secondary positions and defend the bunkers.”

Forces: RDF player Forces: Zentraedi player forces: Murder squadron= Zentraedi assault Force= -Hetalia Jeagher (VF-M1S) -12 Battlepods. -Jay Arrens (VF-M1J) -4 Light Artillery Battlepods. -Elizabeth Einricht (VF-M1A) -1 Officer Battlepod. -Shirou Natsume (VF-M1A) -1 scout pod. -Alex Louse (VF-M1A)

Civilian: -3 transport trucks.

If the RDF won the previous mission: They deploy additionally with a Destroid Defender and Tomahawk.

If the Zentraedi won the previous mission: all Regult Battlepods gain the Veteran Upgrade.

Objectives: Convey Defence (pp.80):

This is a Convoy defence mission where the RDF player is the defender. Their goal is to escort the Civilian trucks to the off the opponents board edge. If any trucks make it off or are still alive or if the Zentraedi player is wiped out then the RDF player wins.

The Zentraedi player is the attacker. His goal is to either destroy all RDF forces or destroy all 3 transport trucks before the end of the 5th turn.

Deployment: Face off deployment (pp.77)

Players will assume the face off deployment. The transport trucks and any additional RDF units will deploy regularly along side of the normal RDF player forces.

Set up the Terrain with lots of cover. We recommend city streets, buildings, and the occasional blast crater. Mission 3: Pluto Orbit: “The SDF-1 has initiated an emergency space fold but due to unforseen events has dragged Macross Island along with it somewhere in the orbit of Pluto. The remaining Zentraedi are retreating and require mopping up. A small group of Marines are also pinned down on a floating piece of the island. Murder squadron is to deploy and rescue the squad and eliminate all remaining enemies. The retreating Zentraedi were left behind and are attempting to reach their re-entry pod.”

Forces: RDF player Forces: Zentraedi player forces: Murder squadron= Zentraedi assault Force= -Hetalia Jeagher (VF-M1S) -9 Battlepods. -Jay Arrens (VF-M1J) -2 Light Artillery Battlepods. -Elizabeth Einricht (VF-M1A) -1 Officer Battlepod. -Shirou Natsume (VF-M1A) -Alex Louse (VF-M1A)

If the RDF won the previous mission: They deploy additionally with 2 Destroid defenders and 2 Tomahawks

If the Zentraedi won the previous mission: deploy with an additional 12 Bttlepods of any variation (Regular/Light Artillery/Heavy Artillery/Scout).

Objectives: Pitched Battle (pp78-79):

This is a pitched battle scenario is with one exception. In addition to the normal rules, any Zentraedi unit that moves off the RDF players side of the board scores its full Victory Points Value instead of half.

Both sides are attempting to destroy each other or escape. Any units killed generate Victory Points equal to their Point cost. Any of your units that end the game inside the enemies deployment zone also score half their victory Points total.

The player with the most Victory points at the end of 5 turns wins the game. A draw is a RDF victory.

Deployment: Head to Head deployment (69):

Players use the Head to Head deployment presented in the main book. When setting up the battlefield. Place a large area in the central no-man’s land. This represents the chunk of floating island in space. Any RDF destroids must be deployed on this central island. Place any amount of terrain as space debris around the field.

This battle uses the Space Battle special Rules (pp.82) and Light Gravity (pp.82) rule for ground troops on the central island. Mission 4: Blitzkrieg Insertion. “Several Months have passed since the SDF-1 Space folded away from earth. The Zentraedi have followed and continue to hound the Starship as makes its way back to Earth. In an effort to break the enemy encirclement and strike back, captain Gloval is ordering a Blitzkrieg. While the main RDF forces engage in this action, Murder squadron is to use it as a decoy to board a single enemy frigate. However the special forces team must first fight its way through enemies deploying from ship who also seek to stop any humans from boarding them.

Forces: RDF player Forces: Zentraedi player forces: Murder squadron= Zentraedi assault Force= -Hetalia Jeagher (VF-M1S) -9 Battlepods. -Jay Arrens (VF-M1J) -4 Light Artillery Battlepods. -Elizabeth Einricht (VF-M1A) -2 Heavy Battlepods. -Shirou Natsume (VF-M1A) -1 Officer Battlepod. -Alex Louse (VF-M1A)

If the RDF won the previous mission: The squadron may be equipped with with any missile upgrades the player wishes as well as the nose laser upgrade.

If the Zentraedi won the previous mission: all Regult Battlepods gain the Veteran Upgrade and the Objectives: Zentraedi player starts with 9 extra battlepods and 1 officer pod in reserves for strategic

deployment (pp.82).

Objectives: Custom Objectives:

-The goal of the RDF player is to make it through the asteroid field and past the enemy squadrons. Their goal is to get as many of their units off the enemy sides of the board as possible within 5 turns. The number of units is essential to the next mission.

-The goal of the Zenraedi player is to stop the Murder squadron from reaching exiting the board within 5 turns. If he wipes out all of the RDF players forces, then they are victorious.

Deployment: Distant Engagement (pp.77):

Using the distant engagement deployment players should set up a space battlefield littered with asteroids to represent the belts around Saturn.

Players will use the Space battlefield rules (pp.82) and Light Gravity rules (pp.82). Mission 5: Infiltration. “The Murder squadron has boarded the Zentraedi destroyer Blind Wrath. Their mission is to gather valuable intel for Captain Gloval and the RDF. The Crew has been alerted and those soldiers not already deployed to fight the RDF forces launching an assault outside are responding. The Murder force must complete their mission before the SDF-1 begins their final attack while the Zentraedi aim to drive them from the ship.”

Forces: RDF player Forces: Zentraedi player forces: Murder squadron= Zentraedi security Force= Varies (see victory bonus section) -12 Light Infantry (with any mix of weapons)

Reserve unts= -12 Heavy Infantry (with any mix of weapons)

Every unit that the RDF player moved off the board by the end of the previous game is deployed for this mission.

Any RDF unit the Zentraedi player destroyed or prevented from leaving the board from the previous mission is not deployed in this mission. If no RDF units made it off the board edge last Objectives: mission, the Zentraedi player may select 3 of the RDF Heroes. Those are the forces the RDF player

deploys with this misssion. Objectives: This is a recovery Mission (pp.79):

-shown on the custom map below is the location of a token. The RDF player must secure the token and return it to their deployment Zone within 8 turns.

-The Zentraedi player must either stop the RDF player from recovering the token within 8 turns or destroy all RDF forces. The Zentraedi player also wins in case of a draw.

Deployment: Custom:

The map below shows the red area as the RDF deployment and Green as Zentraedi deployment and orange as the token to be retrieved. The Zentraedi player has strategic reserves deployed as per the strategic deployment rule (pp.82).

24”

4” Mission 6: Mars Relay station. “The SDF-1 has made it to mars. They have landed at the old abandoned Mars base to supply and investigate strange signals. Murder squadron and a platoon of Destroid Marines have been sent to an offsite outpost where a relay station used by the mars base is. The RDF wants to secure this relay station and attempt to cut through the alien jamming to contact Earth. However, the Zentraedi have prepared an ambush and for the SFD-1 and are lying in wait at the perimeter near the Marines.”

Forces: RDF player Forces: Zentraedi player forces: Murder squadron= Khyron’s attack force= -Hetalia Jeagher (VF-M1S) -Grell in Officer pod -Jay Arrens (VF-M1J) -12 Battlepods with veteran upgrade. -Elizabeth Einricht (VF-M1A) -4 Light Artillery Pods. -Shirou Natsume (VF-M1A) -2 heavy artillery pods. -Alex Louse (VF-M1A) -1 recovery pod.

Marine Platoon= -4 Spartans with GU-11’s

If the RDF won the previous mission: they all gain nose laser upgrades and can select any type of missile upgrade. Additionally they have an extra 2 command points per turn.

If the Zentraedi won the previous mission: add Pirion-Galarr in Battlepod to your force and 2 Objectives: scout pods.

Objectives: This is a demolition mission (pp.79)

-The RDF are the defenders and must protect the Relay station for 5 turns. It has DF 4 and 100 M.D.C.

-The Zentraedi player is the attacker and must destroy either the relay station or all RDF units within 5 turns.

Deployment: Distant engagement deployment (pp.77):

This is a distant engagement deployment. The Murder squadron deploy within 6” of the relay station placed near the centre of the map. The Spartans deploy as normal. The same with the Zentraedi. Place few terrain peices around for sparse cover and rough terrain. We recommend hills, rocks and the likes.

Due to sand wipped up the SDF-1 landing, this game has the Poor visibility special rule (pp.81). Mission 7: Mars attack right flank. “Khyron has sprung his attack and is heading straight for the SDF-1. Attacking from all sides the Zentraedi must be kept at bay but the RDF forces are scattered and outnumbered. Only a small pocket of forces is left to defend the right flank, right in the path of Khyron himself! The Murder squadron have been recalled along with the surviving marines to hold the right flank until the SDF-1 breaks the gravity mines.”

Forces: RDF player Forces: Zentraedi player forces: Murder squadron= Zentraedi assault Force= -Hetalia Jeagher (VF-M1S) -Grell in officer pod. -Jay Arrens (VF-M1J) -Khyron in officer pod. -Elizabeth Einricht (VF-M1A) -24 Battlepods with veteran upgrade. -Shirou Natsume (VF-M1A) -4 Light Artillery Battlepods. -Alex Louse (VF-M1A) -2Light Artillery pods. -2Recover pods. Marine detachment= -2 scout pod. -2 Tomahawk’s. -2 Phalanx’s

If the RDF won the previous mission: they add 2 Spartans with GU-11’s to their reserves and Grell does not deploy for this mission. Instead replaced by a normal Officer pod.

If the Zentraedi won the previous mission: The RDF player gains no extra units. Additionally, the Objectives: Zentraedi player does not have to pay any C.P to deploy reinforcements this game.

Objectives: Take and Hold (pp.77):

-during deployment each player sets up 3 tokens on different locations of the map as per the Take and Hold scenario rules. The player who controls the most objectives at the end of 5 turns wins the game. The RDF player also wins if the result is a draw.

Deployment: This is a head to Head deployment (pp.76)

Use the Head to Head deployment. We recommend sparse terrain for this battle. Hills, rocks and the likes. The RDF veritech squad begin in reserves and arrive on second turn as per strategic deployment rule (pp.82). If the RDF have the Spartan destroids, they arrive on 3rd turn.

This mission uses the Poor Visibility special rule (pp.81) Mission 8: Force of Arms. “After a 2 years the SDF-1 returns to Earth only to be order back into space. Finally after 4 years of constant warfare, the entire Zentraedi Armada has arrived. After bombarding Earth’s surface, humanity lies in ruins. Unwilling to accept defeat and hungry for vengeance the last human forces including the SDF-1 and traitor Zentraedi forces who join them launch a final desperate battle against the Armada of 4 million ships. The battle for mankind begins!”

Forces: RDF player Forces: Zentraedi player forces: Murder squadron= Zentraedi Armada= -Hetalia Jeagher (VF-M1S) -3 Female Power armor. -Jay Arrens (VF-M1J) -3 Gult female power armor. -Elizabeth Einricht (VF-M1A) -6 male power armor. -Shirou Natsume (VF-M1A) -3 rocket male power armor. -Alex Louse (VF-M1A) -6 Gnerl fighters. -3 VF-1A’s. -Malquinn. -1 VF-1J. -Polus-Mjor

If the RDF won the previous mission: upgrade all Valkyries to their ‘Super’ or ‘Armored’ Versions or any mix of the two. Also, start with an extra 2 Valkyries.

If the Zentraedi won the previous mission: start with an extra 6 Gnerl Fighters and a Officer Pod Objectives: booster.

Objectives: Pitched Battle (pp.78-79)

Both sides are attempting to destroy each other. Any units killed generate Victory Points equal to their Point cost. Any of your units that end the game inside the enemy’s deployment zone also score half their victory Points total.

The player with the most Victory points at the end of 5 turns wins the game. A draw is a RDF victory.

Deployment: Distant Engagement (pp.77):

This is a Space Battlefield and uses the Space Battlefield special Rule (pp.82) use almost no terrain for this battle. Any Mecha destroyed can become terrain if you wish but we advise not to do this. Mission 9: Operation Tyrant Fall. “2 years after the final Battle against Dolza and the Zentraedi Armada, humanity and the Zentraedi who were adopted after the battle have begun to rebuild. The progress is slow and not all the Zentraedi are happy with their new life. Many have become rogues and returned to their warring ways. One of them is Khyron. After several major terrorist attacks, including one of Christmas Eve, Admiral Gloval has sent the Marine Special Forces Aviator ‘Murder’ squadron on its first mission in since the last battle. Their mission infiltrate Khyron’s downed Warship and kill the Warlord! A mission that the loyal Zentraedi will do anything to stop.”

Forces: RDF player Forces: Zentraedi player forces: Murder squadron= Zentraedi= -Hetalia Jeagher (VF-M1S) -2 Scout pods. -Jay Arrens (VF-M1J) -12 Heavy Infantry. -Elizabeth Einricht (VF-M1A) -12 Light Infantry. -Shirou Natsume (VF-M1A) -9 Battlepods with Veteran Upgrade. -Alex Louse (VF-M1A) -2 Light Artillery pods. -6 VF-1R’s -2 Telnesta Pods. -1 VF-1J -1 Officer pod.

If the RDF won the previous mission: They may Upgrade any of the Veritech’s to either ‘Super’, ‘Armored’ or ‘Jotun’ Versions.

If the Zentraedi won the previous mission: The RDF player looses all the bonuses given by having Objectives: VF-M1 variants (permanently).

Objectives: Custom:

-The RDF has 5 turns to move as many units into the Zentraedi deployment Zone as possible.

-The Zentraedi win if they stop all Heroes from reaching their deployment zone.

Deployment: Distant Engagement deployment (pp.77).

Using the Distant Engagement deployment both players deploy. The Zentraedi will deploy first this mission and can hold as many units as they want in reserve for use in the Strategic deployment special rule (pp.82). Mission 10: Khyron’s Revenge. “Khyron has repowered his Warship and is heading towards the SDF-1. The members of Murder squadron that made it on board are powerless to inform command of the destruction heading their way. As Khyron launches his attack, the squad has little time. They must fight their way to the bridge and defeat Khyron before he destroys New Macross City. Will the Murder squadron save the day or will the mad warlord Khyron kill them and destroy the SDF-1?’

Forces: RDF player Forces: Zentraedi player forces: Murder squadron= Zentraedi assault Force= Varies (see victory bonus section) -Grell in Male Power armor. -Malquinn in male power armor. -Polus-Mjor in male power armor - Pirion-Galarr in Battlepod. -6 Male power armor. -3 Rocket Male power armor.

For every Unit that RDF player got got inside the Zentraedi deployment zone during the last mission (regardless of if they were destroyed) is deployed in the same mecha as last mission.

If the Zentraedi won the previous mission: the RDF player can only deploy 2 VF-1R’s, Hetalia and Objectives:Alex in whatever their mecha was from the last mission. (the Others were damaged and unable to make it onboard in time

Objectives: Custom:

-The RDF player has 8 Turns to reach and destroy the door to the Ships Bridge.

-The Zentraedi player need only stop them.

Deployment: Use this Custom map.

The map below shows the red area as the RDF deployment and Green as Zentraedi deployment and orange as the Bridge door.

18” 12”

By

18” 14”

4”

18” Epilogue: Congratulations!

You have finished the campaign.

Sadly, the ‘Murder’ Squadron’ no matter the outcome failed to stop Khyron in time as he plunged his Warship into the SDF-1 destroying both. The desperate pilots made their escape moments before. However, the squadron lost both Hetalia and Alex who died of their wounds in battle. The Murder 1 passed to Jay as the new commander of the squadron but following Admiral Gloval’s death, the Special Forces Marine Aviator squadron was retired, command finding no more use for them however, their story would not end there. In fact it is just beginning.

For an overall result of who won the campaign, tally up the total victories across all 10 missions. The player with the most is the overall winner but really, so long as people had fun. If you wish to keep playing, the Uprising Campaign is currently being written. It involves many of the same heroes and new ones on both sides fighting in a Zentraedi rebellion 6 months later in the South America. There is a section in it for players who have completed this, giving the winning faction of this campaign a bonus in that one. Feel free to use the characters from this campaign as well in other games. I have no claim over them.

And remember VIVA MACROSS!!!