Prior to the occupation of Utapau by the Sepratists during the Clone Wars, the port administrator of the time, TionMedon. instructed that the planetary militia was to hide its starfighter fleet in the multitude of caves and recessed sinkholes that covered the planetary surface. With the arrival of Obi-Wan Kenobi, the hidden starfighters (including several squadrons of P-38s) were readied for battle.
When the Republic invasion force landed, the fighters were sent out on sorties in support of clone-piloted ARC-170s. Although the Porax-38 was the standard model available to pilots during hte Clone Wars, several variants also saw use. The most influential variant was the P-38 “Jenta.” The Jenta was the primary ground assault craft of the militia, and it proved invaluable when used to neutralize droid forces on the ground, thanks to its fin-guided ion bombs.
Capabilities
The P-38 was specifically manufactured to hold Utai pilots rather than the taller Pau’an who ruled the planet Utapau. With some effort, the starfighter can be modified to suit Medium characters, but this can be costly given the rarity of spare parts outside Utapau space. Similar species, such as Ewoks or Jawas, find the fighter much more comfortable.
Foremost among the P-38’s strengths is its advanced sensor system, which grants a +2 equipment bonus on Use Computer checks made when operating sensors. The ship is also outfitted with specialized jamming equipment that is keyed to affect droid sensors and avionics. when the jammers are employed, a P-38 pilot gains a +2 equipment bonus on attack rolls against automated craft, such as the Vulture-class droid starfighters and tri-fighters employed by the Trade Federation. The jammers affect only droid-controlled spacecraft within a 5-square radius.
The Jenta variant of the P-38 carries the same equipment as the standard fighter, with the addition of six fin-guided ion bombs. On impact, they create a strong ion field that deals 5d10 points of ion damage within a 20-square (character scale) radius.
Buuper Torsckil Abbey Devices Porax-38 (CL 10)
Starships of the Galaxy, page 121.
Gargantuan starfighter
Initiative: +6; Senses: Perception +6
Defenses: Fort 24, Ref 16 (flat-footed 11) ; +6 armor, Vehicular Combat
Hit Points: 90; DR: 10; SR: 25; Damage Threshold: 44
Speed: fly 16 squares (max. velocity 1,200 km/h), fly 5 squares (starship scale)
Ranged: laser cannons +6 (see below)
Fighting Space: 4×4 or 1 square (starship scale); Cover: total
Base Attack: +2; Grapple: 31
Attack Options: autofire (laser cannons)
Abilities: Str 38, Dex 20, Con —, Int 14
Skills: Initiative +6, Mechanics +6, Perception +6, Pilot +6, Use Computer +6
Crew: 1 (skilled); Passengers: none
Cargo: 65 kg; Consumables: 2 days; Carried Craft: none
Hyperdrive: ×1, limited navicomputer (4-jump memory)
Availability: Military; Cost: 120,000 (50,000 used)
Laser cannons (pilot)
Attack: +6 (+1 autofire), Damage: 5d10×2