Terminus: Another Kind of Intruder

Written by Gavin Syme Wednesday, 10 October 2012 06:00

Terminus

Micro Scenario 6

" Another Kind of Intruder "

A scenario for UM001 USE ME 15mm Science Fiction

For two players or solo play.

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Invisible and impermeable until a civilisation reaches a point of technical advancement capable of reaching its solar system’s edge the Terminus is a lethal challenge set to all space faring species. From an inky nothingness to an obstacle that can only be overcome by skilful use of military force Terminus is the benchmark of adulthood for every race that fancies itself a possible master of the universe. A Terminus blocks all exits from a solar system seemingly moving almost instantly to any vector taken by star ships trying to leave the system. Appearing as a monolithic flat piece of golden metal some thousand miles wide Terminus destroys any vessel that tries to pass by it but allows any and all vessels to land upon it. All species are astounded to discover that the surface of their Terminus is porous and starships simply sink into it descending into a world like cavern with a breathable atmosphere and gravity much like their home planet. As soldiers, scientists, explorers and others take their first steps within Terminus the tests begin...

Terminus sets those who wish to leave their home solar system challenges, lethal ones, beginning small and then getting larger and larger, pushing those who enter it to their utter limits. Projectile, directed energy, plasma and all other types of weapons must face off against the enemies that Terminus sends forth. Savage creatures, primitive aliens, robots and faceless legions each more difficult to defeat than the last. There is no leaving Terminus without victory though signals for help are always allowed passage so that the screams of those found wanting can be heard upon the worlds from which they came.

Those races who have beaten their Terminus challenge have earned their place on the stellar stage. Once they do they learn of the legends told by other space faring species of their own encounter with the dreaded Terminus.

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Terminus – Another Kind of Intruder

It can happen that the most dangerous foe is not always Terminus itself.  Seeing that another party has wormed its way into the interior Terminus has stepped back and will watch and learn as the two intruders destroy themselves leaving in the end only one weakened group to deal with.  Across an open piece of level ground, strangely quiet and devoid of Terminus's life force, the two forces are now at each others necks.  Negotiation has failed as the potential bounty to be had from unlocking the secrets of Terminus is too great to be shared.  To the victor the spoils!

Scenario Set Up and Goals

Set up a gaming area which is four feet wide and four feet long with a level surface and have three or four scattered one level hills along with three or four scattered rocky outcrops and groups of trees.  There is one small building in the centre of the playing area.  There is no other notable terrain.  The characters of the Challenger* are placed on the left of the playing area in three squads within 4 inches of the edge.  The characters belonging to the Intruder* are placed on the right of the playing area in four squads within 4 inches of the edge.  The goal of this scenario for both sides is the vanquishing of the other by all means possible.  The side with the last intact squad in play wins.

Forces in Play

There are two sides in this scenario meaning one for each player (though the role of the Intruder can be played with the USE ME solo rules if desired).  The Challengers must field three squads of infantry.  Two squads of ten Infantry with Superior Rifle and one of nine with Standard Rifle which includes one Heavy Vehicle.  We suggest higher Elan and Movement for the two squads (soldiers) and lower of each for the third squad (scientists and a warbot).  A total of twenty nine characters.  The Intruder must field four squads two of ten Infantry with Standard Rifle, one of six with Superior Rifle and one of three infantry (which are genetically engineered warriors which count as Light Vehicles).  We suggest middling Elan for the two squads, high Elan for the six character squad and low Elan for the three 'Light Vehicles'.  A total of twenty nine characters.   If you wish to use points then a total of 365 per side divided into these squads.

Solo Play and Scenario Requirements

If you wish to play out this scenario on your own you can do so with ease.  Make use of the solo play bolt on rules in the USE ME rules.  For this scenario make the solo player take the part of the Intruder while you take the part of the Challengers who have taken on Terminus to prove their worth.  Intruder is AGGRESSIVE setting for solo play keeping scenario goals in mind each turn.  The scenario lasts ten turns and Intruder has one objective under the solo rules, to overcome and destroy the enemy it before the end of the game.

To make use of this scenario you will need a copy of UM001 USE ME 15mm Science fiction rules either in print or electronic form from www.15mm.co.uk along with a handful of six sided dice, a measuring device, your 15mm miniatures, terrain and a place to play out the scenario.  You can make use of rosters and counters to enhance the game and these can be had for free by download from 15mm.co.uk upon request (ask for UM001 free files).

After Action Report

You can see how this scenario played out on my blog by clicking here.

What Next?

This scenario is a little add on at the mid point of the Terminus arc of micro scenarios.  It can be played directly after 'A Node in the Right Direction' or on its own if you wish.  In fact you could place at at the start of the arc and play it first.  Currently the plans for the final five scenarios in the arc are at an early stage but they will be released once demand is high enough and collated suggestions received.  In the months since the first five scenarios were put out 15mm.co.uk has seen thousands of views and dozens of messages asking for more.  What next for Terminus....wait and see.

* In these micro scenarios the troops and characters of the species who have decided to take the Terminus on are known as the 'Challengers' while the forces of the Terminus are known by that name.  This means you can make use of any of your miniatures for the part of the Challengers be they Human, Robot, Grey Aliens or anything else.  Equally the forces of Terminus can be any miniatures you like as only a basic description, which you can change, is given.

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