(Part of my Modular Objectives series. Prototype Pattern Groups includes the latest version of these rules.)
The surface-to-orbit cannon is charging, but only if its batteries remain intact. Keep the enemy away!
Fortify models situations when the PCs attempt to retain control of strategic objects or locations despite mounting hostile pressure. It can be used in place of Holdout (Lancer, p. 272).
Objective
The objectives are 3–4 Size 1 objects deployed in any location on the map, in any configuration (e.g., close together, far apart, or a combination). The objectives begin under the PCs’ control; at the end of each round, the PCs score 1 point for each objective under their control. However, if an NPC successfully Interacts with an objective, the PCs lose control of that objective until they successfully Interact with it.
The PCs must collectively score a total number of points depending on the desired duration:
- Short: 1 point per PC.
- Medium: 2 points per PC.
- Long: 3 points per PC.
Victory Conditions
- Total Victory: Reach the point threshold.
- Partial Victory: Retreat after scoring at least 1 point per PC.
- Defeat: Retreat after scoring less than 1 point per PC.
Modifications
Holdout
Deploy only a single Size 3 or larger objective on the map in the middle of a central ADZ. The PCs cannot lose control of the objective, and it scores 1 point per PC at the end of each round.
When an NPC successfully interacts with the objective, the number of points scored each round decreases by 1 (to a minimum of 0). If a PC successfully Interacts with the objective, the number of points scored each round increases by 1 (to a maximum of 1 point per PC). PCs and enemies now only force a contested skill check if they are adjacent to the opposing character taking the Interact action; simply being adjacent to the objective is no longer enough to contest it.
If the PCs score no points for two consecutive rounds, the sitrep ends in Partial Victory or Defeat (depending on PC score).