(Part of my Modular Objectives series. Prototype Pattern Groups includes the latest version of these rules.)
Folks are depending on this medicine shipment. The corpo who owns it won’t give it up without a fight.
Transport models a situation when the PCs attempt to move an object valuable to their enemies across a dangerous location. It can be used in place of Escort (Lancer, p. 269) or Extraction (Lancer, p. 270).
Objective
The objective is an object no larger than the maximum Size the PCs can drag, either with their mechs or with appropriate equipment (such as a transport Vehicle). For rules on moving objects, see Object Handling. Enemy forces want the objective and avoid damaging it if possible.
Deploy the objective in an appropriate location: The ADZ if PCs control it, or elsewhere if they do not. The PCs must drag the object a distance from its deployment depending on the desired duration:
- Short: 12 or fewer spaces.
- Medium: 13–24 spaces.
- Long: 25–36 spaces.
Extraction
While in the EZ, PCs may extract as a free action at the end of their turn. Extracted PCs are permanently removed from the battlefield. If an objective is adjacent to a PC when they extract and isn’t handled by an opposing character, it is safely extracted.
Victory Conditions
- Total Victory: Extract the objective and all PCs.
- Partial Victory: Extract the objective and at least one PC while the rest surrender or Retreat.
- Defeat: The objective is destroyed. Surviving PCs may still extract or Retreat.
Modifications
Capture the Flag
When the objective is small enough to be carried instead of dragged, characters may simply Handle it to pick it up without it occupying its own space. The standard rules for handling objects still apply (such as becoming Slowed and unable to take reactions). Adjacent characters may attempt to wrest the object from the carrier with Handle as a quick action and a successful contested skill check, gaining control of the objective on a success.
Collection
Deploy multiple objectives onto the map in appropriate locations for the desired duration; each objective beyond the first will lengthen the sitrep. The PCs must drag and extract one or more objectives to the EZ. The PCs only achieve Total Victory if all objectives and PCs successfully extract.
Escape
There is no objective, and the rest of the sitrep remains unchanged.
Escort
The objective deploys in the ADZ, and the rest of the sitrep remains unchanged.
Extraction
The objective deploys in a distant location, and few to no NPCs initially deploy upon the map. At the end of each round, 0–3 NPCs may be deployed from Reinforcements.
VIP
The objective is an allied character with their own turn and is capable of extracting on their own.