Flyer (archetypes)

Allies and Opponents   Nonheroic Codex   Beast Codex

Ace Pilot

Ace Pilot

The ace pilot is a rare example of true excellence in piloting starships. When he is seated in the cockpit of his craft, the starfighter becomes an extension of his will, with the pilot and the vessel becoming as one. Deadly in the extreme, these pilots have survived numerous dogfights. They have racked up an impressive number of kills and can outmaneuver just about any foe.

Ace Pilot Encounters

Ace pilots—from the Rebel starfighter pilot who racks up two dozen kills to the TIE interceptor pilot who screams into dogfights leaving glowing shards of molten metal in his wake—can be irreplaceable allies or dreadful opponents. Word of these characters’ exploits travels quickly through the galaxy. As their reputation grows, they become almost legendary. This can attract ambitious would-be ace pilots who want to become the next “top gun”—a desire that is almost never fulfilled.

Ace Pilot           (CL 14)

     Threats of the Galaxy, page 64.

Medium scoundrel 7 + ace pilot 7 NPC

Force: 8

Initiative: +15; Senses: Perception +13

Languages: Basic, 2 others

Defenses: Ref 31 (flat-footed 28), Fort 29, Will 26; Dodge

Hit Points: 98; Damage Threshold: 29

Speed: 6 squares

Melee: unarmed +10 (1d4+7)

Ranged: blaster pistol +13 (3d6+7)

Base Attack: +10; Grapple: +13

Attack Options: Double Attack (heavy), Hyperdriven, Point Blank Shot, Precise Shot, Running Attack, Spacehound, Starship Raider

Special Actions: Elusive Dogfighter

Abilities: Str 11, Dex 17, Con 15, Int 14, Wis 12, Cha 12

Special Qualities: vehicle dodge +3

Talents: Elusive Dogfighter, Hyperdriven, Keep it Together, Relentless Pursuit, Spacehound, Starship Raider, Stellar Warrior, Vehicle Evasion

Feats: A Few Maneuvers, Dodge, Double Attack (heavy), Point Blank Shot, Precise Shot, Running Attack, Skill Focus (Pilot), Vehicular Combat, Weapon Proficiency (heavy, pistols, simple)

Skills: Initiative +15, Knowledge [tactics] +14, Mechanics +14, Perception +13, Pilot +20 (can reroll when initiating dogfight and take better result), Use Computer +14

Possessions: blaster pistol, flight suit, comlink, breath mask, medpac, field kit, fusion lantern, starfighter, astromech droid

Elite Pilot

Elite Pilot

Where the ace pilot is a legendary figure with a score of kills under his belt, the elite pilot described here represents the somewhat more common starfighter pilots who have seen their fair share of combat. Although they migh no have the fame (or infamy) of ace pilots, elite pilots can hold their own in a fight and enjoy a bit more freedom than their more renowned counterparts do.

     Elite pilots also represent those veteran squadrons of starfighters whose names are spread throughout the galaxy, such as Rogue Squadron and Saber Squadron of the 181st Imperial Fighter Group. Though few of the members stand out from the rest, they are experts at fighting in formation, and their shared exploits are enough to cause their enemies concern.

Elite Pilot Encounters

An elite pilot is not much without his ship, but in his cockpit he’s a terror. Encounters with these characters should alm ost always be in starfigter combat, pitting the heroes against these hardened veterans in hair-raising dogfights. Furthermore, elite pilots rarely operate on their own and are typically part of a larger squadron.

     Elite squadrons are those groups that have survived several confrontations in important battles around the galaxy. Like the ace pilot, these squadron attract a fair bit of attention, gaining enemies from unexpected quarters who want to take them down a notch or to prove they themselves are the better. These squadrons might be tasked with escorting an important transport that bears important passengers, patrol a contested section of space, or safeguard a space station that happens to be the site of tense and unpopular negotiations.

     When organized in to squadrons, most elite pilots count at least one of their number as an ace pilot. This hotshot might be a talented pilot to whom they owe much of their success, or he might be their squadron commander. Elite pilots are usually protective of their aces and take risks to keep them safe.

     Elite pilots do not have to be openly antagonistic to the heroes; they might even fight on the same side. Rivalries brew in competing squadrons, and it’s possible that one or more heroes might compete with the members of a rival squad. As long as these rivalries are friendly, rarely is there trouble. It’s when things get out of hand that allies can turn into nasty enemies.

Elite Pilot           (CL 10)

     Threats of the Galaxy, page 10.

Medium scoundrel (heroic class) 4 / soldier 3 / ace pilot 3 NPC

Force: 5

Initiative: +12; Senses: low-light vision;Perception +7

Languages: Basic

Defenses: Ref 28 (flat-footed 26), Fort 25, Will 21; Dodge

Hit Points: 68; Damage Threshold: 25

Speed: 6 squares

Melee: unarmed +8 (1d4+5)

Ranged: blaster pistol +10 (3d6+5)

Base Attack: +8; Grapple: +10

Attack Options: Combat Reflexes, Double Attack (heavy), Elusive Dogfighter, Point Blank Shot, Precise Shot, Spacehound, Starship Raider

Abilities: Str 11, Dex 15, Con 13, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 10

Talents: Armored Defense, Improved Armored Defense, Elusive Dogfighter, Spacehound, Starship Raider, Vehicular Evasion

Feats: Armor Proficiency (light), Combat Reflexes, Dodge, Double Attack (heavy), Point Blank Shot, Precise Shot, Skill Focus (Pilot), Vehicular Combat, Weapon Proficiency (heavy, pistols, simple)

Skills: Initiative +12, Knowledge [tactics[ +10, Perception +7, Pilot +17, Use Computer +10

Possessions: blaster pistol, armored flight suit (+5 armor) with helmet package, starship

Pilot

Pilot

Although almost everyone in the civilized portions of the galaxy can drive an airspeeder or steer a vehicle through routine routes, pilots are the true experts. The pilot described here can represent anyone from a fighter pilot, to a ship captain, to a tank commander—as long as a vehicle needs someone to do some tricky handling, the pilot is the one to do it. As a result, pilots are in high demand, especially for jobs that involve charting unknown territory or flying through hazardous regions. Even the most conservative pilot is accustomed to taking risks and knows how to push his vehicle to the edge if necessary. Many pilots, especially if they own their own vehicles, are also capable mechanics and can lend a hand to ensure that their craft is wor ing at its best. Pilots are skilled at avoiding trouble and keeping their vehicles, cargo, and passengers safe from harm.

Pilot Encounters

When not in their vehicles, pilots are t ypically encountered around hangar bays, ba rracks, repair shops, or cantinas, relaxing before their next mission. If a pilot is part of a unit of some kind, such as a Rebellion squadron or a planetary militia, he has a rank, which comes with duties and a chain of command, and thus must fo llow orders. Independent pilots pursue their own agendas and cou ld be hired for or persuaded to undertake any number of missions. Pilots who man a spaceship commonly call that vessel home. As a result. most pilots are extremely protective of their vehicle and are loath to place it in serious risk unless the price is right. Although a pilot might not seem to be much of a threat when he’s not f lying his ship, it should be remembered that he can turn the interior of his ve ssel into a nightmare for intruders-decompressing corridors, turn ing off the gravity, flooding the engine room with radiation, and the like-all from the safety of the bridge or cockpit.

     Pilots are often accompanied by members of their unit or their ship’s crew and can call on them for help if things go wrong. Typical allies include the ship’s captain , gunner, medic, engineers, or officers (thugs can be used to represent generic crew). In addition, many pilots own astromech droids that help them by plotting ast rogation coordinates or monitoring their ship’s internal workings.

Pilot           (CL 5)

     Threats of the Galaxy, page 63.

Medium nonheroic 4 / scout 4 NPC

Force: 2

Initiative: +14; Senses: Perception +8

Languages: Basic

Defenses: Ref 17 (flat-footed 15), Fort 17, Will 15; Dodge, Mobility

Hit Points: 35; Damage Threshold: 17

Speed: 6 squares

Melee: unarmed +5 (1d4+1)

Ranged: heavy blaster pistol +8 (3d8+2)

Base Attack: +6; Grapple: +8

Special Actions: Acute Senses

Abilities: Str 9, Dex 15, Con 12, Int 10, Wis 12, Cha 8

Talents: Acute Senses, Improved Initiative

Feats: Armor Proficiency (light), Dodge, Mobility, Skill Focus (Initiative, Pilot), Skill Training (Perception), Vehicular Combat, Weapon Proficiency (heavy, pistols)

Skills: Initiative +14 (can reroll, must take second result), Perception +8 (can reroll, must take second result, Pilot +14

Possessions: heavy blaster pistol, padded flight suit (+3 armor), comlink, tool kit, R2 series astromech droid, vehicle or starship

Ship Captain

Ship Captain

A ship captain is the commanding officer of a starship. The title applies to all sorts of ships, from transport vessels all the way up to star dreadnaughts. The title of ship captain is independent of actual rank, and it’s just as possible for a commander to hold the title as it is for an admiral. On the deck of a ship, the captain is the ultimate authority of the vessel (unless, of course, Darth Vader happens to be on board).

Ship Captain Encounters

A ship captain is not much without a ship, and thus encounters featuring these characters ought to include a ship of at least frigate size. Smaller vessels, including personal transports and shuttles, might also have ship captains, but these are typically pilots with the title to reflect their authority and are in no way in the same class as the ship captains described here.

     A ship captain commands the entire crew and support pilots of his or her ship, and might be responsible for hundreds if not thousand of subordinates. Falling under the ship captain’s authority are any special forces such as ground assault teams, scouts, and secondary vessels accompanying the captain’s ship, though each of these smaller ships have their own captains as well.

     In addition to the main vessel, most ships under the command of theese characters also include a number of starfighters. The ship captain does not pilot one of these craft except in the most unusual circumstance, but he does command them from the deck of his ship, transmitting tactical information to his forces in response to developments.

     Ship captains attain fame or infamy in equal numbers. The mere names of some of the more successful Imperial captains can inspire fear in their enemies, and cause opposing admirals to adjust their tactics based on the reputation of the foe they oppose.

Ship Captain           (CL 13)

     Threats of the Galaxy, page 78.

Medium scoundrel 7 / soldier 3 / officer 3 NPC

Force: 5

Initiative: +8; Senses: Perception +11

Languages: Basic, 2 others

Defenses: Ref 27 (flat-footed 25), Fort 25, Will 27=

Hit Points: 71; Damage Threshold: 25

Speed: 6 squares

Melee: vibrodagger +12 (2d4+6) or

Melee: vibrodagger +7 (2d4+6) and
vibrodagger +7 (2d4+6) with Double Attack

Ranged: blaster pistol +12 (3d6+6)

Base Attack: +10; Grapple: +12

Attack Options: Coordinated Attack, Double Attack (advanced melee), Hyperdriven, Melee Defense, Point Blank Shot, Precise Shot, Spacehound, Starship Raider

Special Actions: Assault Tactics, Battle Analysis, Tough as Nails

Abilities: Str 10, Dex 14, Con 10, Int 15, Wis 11, Cha 13

Special Qualities: command cover, shared talent (Stellar Warrior)

Talents: Assault Tactics, Battle Analysis, Hyperdriven, Spacehound, Starship Raider, Stellar Warrior, Tactical Edge, Tough as Nails

Feats: Armor Proficiency (light, medium), Coordinated Attack, Double Attack (advanced melee), Melee Defense, Point Blank Shot, Precise Shot, Skill Focus (Knowledge [tactics]), Skill Training (Persuasion), Vehicular Combat, Weapon Finesse, Weapon Proficiency (advanced melee, pistols, rifles, simple)

Skills: Knowledge [tactics] +13, Mechanics +13, Perception +11, Persuasion +12, Pilot +13, Use Computer +13

Possessions: vibrodagger, blaster pistol in holster, code cylinder, comlink, uniform, rank insignia, capital starship

Ship Gunner

Ship Gunner

The ship gunner controls one or more weapon systems not directly under the control of the pilot. Typical sorts of weapons a gunner might employ include the composite-beam laser on the LAAT&$47;i gunship or the blaster cannon on the [[T-47_Airspeeder|Incom T‑47 airspeeder. In most cases, the pilot retains control over some of the weapon systems, but the gunner’s role is largely to free up the pilot to maneuver the ship, while the gunner unleashes a torrent of fire against enemy vehicles.

     Ship gunners are prevalent in starships of just about any size and can also be found operating the batteries on ground vehicles and other atmospheric craft. Most armored assault vehicles and walkers include a broad spectrum of weapons and might employ multiple gunners.

Ship Gunner Encounters

Ship gunners appear in skirmishes involving armored vehicles or large-scale space battles. Gunners function as part of a ship’s crew, and a ship with a full crew complement will have at least one gunner for each gunner position on the vessel. In these cases, the gunner’s most vital attribute is his attack bonus, with his other statistics rarely coming into play. This said, most gunners are pilots as well, and they can fill in for a wounded or dead pilot or copilot as needed.

     In atmospheric encounters, gunners function in much the same way, usually as part of a walker’s or armored assault vehicle’s crew. Again, a gunner can also serve as a pilot and might be called upon to fill in for an injured comrade. Should the vehicle be disabled, a gunner is an effective combatant and fights along with the rest of the surviving crew. A ship gunner’s tra ining with heavy weapons allows such a character to perform double duty and function as heavy infantry when needed, laying down suppressive fire with a blaster cannon or missile launcher as the situation demands.

Ship Gunner           (CL 7)

     Threats of the Galaxy, page 79.

Medium nonheroic 4 / scoundrel 3 / soldier 3 NPC

Force: 3

Initiative: +7; Senses: low-light vision;Perception +8

Languages: Basic

Defenses: Ref 19 (flat-footed 17), Fort 20, Will 18

Hit Points: 38; Damage Threshold: 20

Speed: 6 squares

Melee: unarmed +9 (1d4+4)

Ranged: blaster cannon +11 (3d12+5) or

Ranged: blaster cannon +6 (3d12+5) and
blaster cannon +6 (3d12+5) with Double Attack or

Ranged: heavy blaster pistol +10 (2d8+3)

Base Attack: +8; Grapple: +10

Attack Options: Devastating Attack (heavy), Double Attack (heavy), Point Blank Shot, Precise Shot, Spacehound, Starship Raider

Abilities: Str 13, Dex 152, Con 11, Int 10, Wis 12, Cha 10

Talents: Devastating Attack (heavy), Spacehound, Starship Raider, Weapon Specialization (heavy)

Feats: Armor Proficiency (light), Double Attack (heavy), Point Blank Shot, Precise Shot, Skill Training (Knowledge [tactics], Use Computer), Vehicular Combat, Weapon Focus (heavy), Weapon Proficiency (heavy, pistols, simple)

Skills: Knowledge [tactics] +10, Perception +8, Use Computer +10

Possessions: blaster cannon, heavy blaster pistol, armored flight suit (&#435 armor) with helmet package

Skull Squadron Pilot

The pilots of Skull Squadron are among the most dedicated pilots in the galaxy. Skull Squadron’s mission-the defense of Coruscant and all of its Imperial assets-keeps their skills honed, as they must maintain the security of one of the most heavily populated worlds in the galaxy. The pilots of Skull Squadron are handpicked for service by the squadron’s commander and serve for as long as they are able to demonstrate their superior piloting skills. Though slip-ups usually result in pilot deaths, a few pilots have lived long enough to retire from Skull Squadron and go on to greater things, including Moff Rulf Yage.

     Though primarily a planetary defense force, the pilots of Skull Squadron are no strangers to engagements above other worlds and in the depths of space. However, Skull Squadron pilots spend countless hours performing maneuvers and training above Coruscant, learning to fly and fight between the towering skyscrapers found across the planet. A pilot in Skull Squadron must learn to maneuver between artificial structures, dodge airspeeders and incoming space traffic, and still pinpoint and destroy her prey. Flying in an urban environment can be extremely challenging, and that is why the members of Skull Squadron must have the quickest reflexes and the sharpest instincts.

Skull Squadron Pilot           (CL 8)

     Legacy Era Campaign Guide, page 166.

Medium Human soldier 7 / ace pilot 1 NPC

Force: 7; Dark Side: 1

Initiative: +12; Senses: Perception +11

Languages: Basic

Defenses: Ref 26 (flat-footed 22), Fort 24, Will 20

Hit Points: 91; Damage Threshold: 24

Speed: 6 squares

Melee: unarmed +8 (1d6+5)

Ranged: blaster pistol +10 (3d6+4) or

Ranged: blaster pistol +8 (4d6+4)

Base Attack: +7; Grapple: +10

Attack Options: Devastating Attack (heavy), Penetrating Attack (heavy), Point Blank Shot, Rapid Shot

Special Actions: Elusive Dogfighter, Vehicular Combat

Abilities: Str 12, Dex 16, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 14, Cha 10

Special Qualities: vehicle dode +1

Talents: Armored Defense, Devastating Attack (heavy), Elusive Dogfighter, Penetrating Attack (heavy), Weapon Specialization (heavy)

Feats: Armor Proficiency (light, medium), Martial Arts (I), Point Blank Shot, Rapid Shot, Skill Focus (Pilot), Skill Training (Perception)^H, Vehicular Combat, Weapon Focus (heavy), Weapon Proficiency (pistols, rifles, simple)

Skills: Initiative^H+12, Mechanics+9, Perception+11, Pilot+17, Use Computer+9

Possessions: armored flight suit, blaster pistol, comlink

H Human bonus feat or trained skill.

Space Transport Pilot

Ranging from smugglers to honest merchants to gunboat captains, space transport pilots are a rare breed. They fly the least combat effective of all starships—ships too small to carry heavy turbolasers and massive shield generators but too big to fly through a hail of capital ship weapons without being hit. They are proud of their ships, in part because they have little reason to be. They are also extremely rugged and self-reliant individuals, able to fly a starship, fix its quirks and damage, and defend its honor in a cantina brawl. An expert space transport pilot is a valued asset in bounty hunter guilds, merchant corporations, small star navies, pirate ganags, and criminal empires alike.

Space Transport Pilot           (CL 7)

     Scum and Villainy, page 121.

Medium Human scoundrel 7 NPC

Force: 3

Initiative: +6; Senses: Perception +10

Languages: Basic

Defenses: Ref 21 (flat-footed 18), Fort 19, Will 21

Hit Points: 46; Damage Threshold: 19

Speed: 6 squares

Melee: knife +5 (1d4+3)

Ranged: heavy blaster pistol +9 (3d8+3)

Base Attack: +5; Grapple: +8

Attack Options: Hyperdriven, Point Blank Shot, Precise Shot, Spacehound, Starship Raider, Stellar Warrior

Special Actions: Vehicular Combat

Abilities: Str 10, Dex 16, Con 12, Int 10, Wis 14, Cha 14

Talents: Hyperdriven, Spacehound, Starship Raider, Stellar Warrior

Feats: Friends in low Places^H, Improved Defenses, Point Blank Shot, Precise Shot, Skill Focus (Pilot), Tech Specialist, Vehicular Combat, Weapon Focus (pistols), Weapon Proficiency (pistols, simple)

Skills: Knowledge [galactic lore]^H +8, Mechanics +8, Perception +10, Pilot +16, Use Computer +8

Possessions: heavy blaster pistol, comlink, tool kit, various personal belongings

H Human bonus feat or trained skill.

Wing Guard

The Wing Guard serves as Cloud City’s security force, provieds all emergency services, and fulfills civil responsibilities such as those of the elite Storm Guard weather-prediction unit. Throughout most of the history of Cloud City, the Wing Guard is a corrupt force, reflecting the personality of the Baron Administrator. When Lando Calrissian becomes the administrator of Cloud City, he clears out the corruption and turns the Wind Guard into a respectable organization. With better training and leadership, the Wing Guard becomes a reliable security force.

Wing Guard           (CL 1)

     Rebellion Era Campaign Guide, page 149.

Medium Human nonheroic 3 / soldier 3 NPC

Force: 4

Initiative: +9; Senses: Perception +15

Languages: Basic, Bocce

Defenses: Ref 16 (flat-footed 15), Fort 15, Will 15

Hit Points: 24; Damage Threshold: 15

Speed: 6 squares

Melee: unarmed +5 (1d4+1)

Ranged: blaster pistol +7 (3d6+3)

Base Attack: +5; Grapple: +6

Attack Options: Devastating Attack (pistols), Point Blank Shot, Precise Shot

Special Actions: Coordinate Attack

Abilities: Str 10, Dex 12, Con 11, Int 12, Wis 15, Cha 10

Talents: Devastating Attack, Weapon Specialization

Feats: Armor Proficiency (light), Coordinated Attack, Point Blank Shot, Precise Shot, Skill Focus (Perception), Skill Training (Persuasion), Weapon Focus (pistols), Weapon Proficiency (psitols, simple)

Skills: Gather Information+8 Initiative+9, Perception+15, Persuasion+8

Possessions: blaster pistol, combat jumpsuit (+ armor), Bespin guard uniform, binder cuffs, comlink

Allies and Opponents   Nonheroic Codex   Beast Codex