Author Topic: The Design Job #1: The Astromech  (Read 2584 times)

Diceling

  • Jedi Master
  • ****
  • Posts: 336
  • Location: Sweden
    • View Profile
The Design Job #1: The Astromech
« on: March 14, 2016, 04:18:03 am »
The Design Job #1: The Astromech

The Design Job is a competition where you, the competitors, are tasked with designing and building awesome, wonderful and, first and foremost perhaps, specific things. Provided with a concept and a set of restrictions, you are free to go nuts and build your version, your vision of whatever concept is the flavor of the month. At the end of the submission phase, the community will get to vote on which entry the find to be their favorite, the one that best captures the concept. At the end of the voting phase, one competitor will be announced the victor!

The following rules will be present for all TDJ competitions and cover the outline for the competition rather than the specific concept.
1) No house rules (as this is a competition with many restrictions, house rules would unbalance the playing field)
2) Maximum 2 builds per person
3) Submissions close on April 18th, 11:59:59 AM Forum time.
4) Voting opens immediately after submissions close and last for two weeks (14 days), until the 2nd of May, 11:59:59 AM Forum time.
5) Stay on topic as much as possible in the thread (discussions can be held in another thread)
6) Most important one: HAVE. LOADS. OF. FUN!


Now, on to this competitions theme:
The Astromech

The Astromech is in many ways the epitome of Star Wars Droids. Immortalised by the thrill-seeking, daring, wise-cracking and altogether awesome R2-D2, the Astromech is a given in almost any Star Wars setting.

Now, your assignment is clear. Design and build the Astromech. Not an Astromech. THE Astromech. Show us the paragon of Astromechs. The droid that, in your view, Defines what the Astromech is, and what it isn't.

Another way of putting it: build the Astromech that everyone would like to buy! Show us why our credits are best spent on your Astromech!

The following restrictions apply to your builds:
1) Must have a total cost of less than 30k credits using the Cost calculator found in Scavenger’s Guide to Droids (p. 34, Alternative pricing system, also found in spoiler tag below)
2) Must not have more than 10 heroic levels
3) Must have at least one (1) or 1/3 of its levels, whichever is higher, in the non-heroic class
4) 32 point buy maximum, but can use lower amount of points (remember that ability bonuses adds to the cost)
5) Must be able to astrogate and make repairs. That is, after all, part of the job.

Spoiler: Cost calculation rules from p.34 of SGtD (hover to show)
« Last Edit: April 19, 2016, 06:11:01 am by Diceling »
Winner of Ultimate Dream Builds #25: Crossover Event

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter


Diceling

  • Jedi Master
  • ****
  • Posts: 336
  • Location: Sweden
    • View Profile
Re: The Design Job #1: The Astromech
« Reply #1 on: March 28, 2016, 10:45:07 am »
Noone's interested? That's too bad.

Or have I simply been too quiet about this comps existence (i.e. not promoted it enough)?

I'm open to extending the deadline for entries (since there are no entries at all), if there is anyone interested in entering!

Any takers?
Winner of Ultimate Dream Builds #25: Crossover Event

MasterArkaine

  • The OG of OGs
  • Global Moderator
  • Grandmaster of the Jedi Order
  • *****
  • Posts: 3771
  • Location: Redmond, OR
    • View Profile
Re: The Design Job #1: The Astromech
« Reply #2 on: March 28, 2016, 11:17:12 am »
Bad timing. March has been a very quiet month on the site. I couldn't come up with anything myself.
Creator of Ultimate Dream Builds
Twitter Profile

Diceling

  • Jedi Master
  • ****
  • Posts: 336
  • Location: Sweden
    • View Profile
Re: The Design Job #1: The Astromech
« Reply #3 on: March 28, 2016, 11:34:28 am »
Yeah, I suppose it has been.

Perhaps extending the competition through April will yield some entries. What do you think, MA?
Winner of Ultimate Dream Builds #25: Crossover Event

fairytalejedi

  • Jedi Council Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 908
  • Grand High Saber-Twirler
    • View Profile
Re: The Design Job #1: The Astromech
« Reply #4 on: March 28, 2016, 03:45:07 pm »
I don't have Scavengers Guide to be able to calculate cost. If I submit an entry, could you go through it to make sure it complies with the cost limit? Pretty sure it will.
Member of the WotC Star Wars community from 2002-2013

Winner of UDB #15, #22
Winner of TDJ #1

Diceling

  • Jedi Master
  • ****
  • Posts: 336
  • Location: Sweden
    • View Profile
Re: The Design Job #1: The Astromech
« Reply #5 on: March 28, 2016, 04:09:24 pm »
I don't have Scavengers Guide to be able to calculate cost. If I submit an entry, could you go through it to make sure it complies with the cost limit? Pretty sure it will.

That I can definitely do, but I'll also update the first post to contain the rules for calculating cost, if you feel like doing it yourself! :)
Winner of Ultimate Dream Builds #25: Crossover Event

StevenO

  • Global Moderator
  • Grandmaster of the Jedi Order
  • *****
  • Posts: 4939
  • Dark or Light? Why choose when neither is right?
    • View Profile
Re: The Design Job #1: The Astromech
« Reply #6 on: March 28, 2016, 05:29:28 pm »
I don't have Scavengers Guide to be able to calculate cost. If I submit an entry, could you go through it to make sure it complies with the cost limit? Pretty sure it will.

That I can definitely do, but I'll also update the first post to contain the rules for calculating cost, if you feel like doing it yourself! :)

May be a good idea.

A sad thing is that not everyone likes how the pricing system in SGtD works.  I know a lot of us think the base costs based on droid degree is backwards when a 1st degree droid ends up costing 2000 credits less in the end than a 5th-degree droid despite having identical builds.  Let me list the steps:

S1:  Base cost = 1000 credits x degree of droid
S2:  Figure "factory cost" using cost factor from stuff in SECR.  Be sure to apply everywhere else.
S3:  Add the cost of any accessories.  (locomotion, processors, appendages, and other stuff.)
S4:  Add attribute modifiers and multiply sum by 1000 credits.
S5:  Multiple number of talents possessed by 2000 credits.
S6:  Multiply number of trained skills by 500 credits.
S7:  Multiply number of feats by 1000 credits.
S8:  Multiply droid's CL by 1000 credits
S9:  Add results of all previous steps and divide final sum by 2 (or just cut all the above costs in half and ignore this step

And now I see you already have all of this up there.
Over 14,500 post on the WotC board before they closed the SAGA board.

MERC_1

  • Grandmaster of the Jedi Order
  • ******
  • Posts: 1726
  • Keeper of the sacred blade
    • View Profile
Re: The Design Job #1: The Astromech
« Reply #7 on: March 28, 2016, 06:36:26 pm »
Noone's interested? That's too bad.

Or have I simply been too quiet about this comps existence (i.e. not promoted it enough)?

I'm open to extending the deadline for entries (since there are no entries at all), if there is anyone interested in entering!

Any takers?
I'm not a regular competitor in these events. I' would like to play, but I'm not sure I will. Work and life is taking lots of time these days.

I do have a question though:
If you make a droid with only ONE (1) heroic level, do you still need to add NH levels?

Quote
Must have at least 1/3 of its levels in the non-heroic class.
1/3 NH levels would/could/should be rounded down to Zero (0). But I could see a minimum of one as well...

Diceling

  • Jedi Master
  • ****
  • Posts: 336
  • Location: Sweden
    • View Profile
Re: The Design Job #1: The Astromech
« Reply #8 on: March 29, 2016, 03:44:05 am »
A sad thing is that not everyone likes how the pricing system in SGtD works.  I know a lot of us think the base costs based on droid degree is backwards when a 1st degree droid ends up costing 2000 credits less in the end than a 5th-degree droid despite having identical builds.  Let me list the steps:

Yeah, I agree. That is a bit backwards. I can understand that a 4th degree is more expensive, since they are built for combat, but the rest seems... weird.

We could consider a using a variant of those rules in future comps, but for this one we'll stick with RAW. I think most Astromech builds will likely end up using 2nd degree chassis anyways.


I'm not a regular competitor in these events. I' would like to play, but I'm not sure I will. Work and life is taking lots of time these days.
I'm glad to hear that you're interested and hope that you find the time to submit a build! :)

Quote
I do have a question though:
If you make a droid with only ONE (1) heroic level, do you still need to add NH levels?

Quote
Must have at least 1/3 of its levels in the non-heroic class.
1/3 NH levels would/could/should be rounded down to Zero (0). But I could see a minimum of one as well...


Ah, very good point, that's a slip on my part.

For this competition, I rule that builds must have NH levels equal to or exceeding 1/3 of its total levels or one (1), whichever is higher.
I'll update the initial post to reflect this.
« Last Edit: March 29, 2016, 05:31:40 am by Diceling »
Winner of Ultimate Dream Builds #25: Crossover Event

fairytalejedi

  • Jedi Council Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 908
  • Grand High Saber-Twirler
    • View Profile
Re: The Design Job #1: The Astromech
« Reply #9 on: March 30, 2016, 12:00:53 am »
I'm kind of cheating by offering my group's astromech droid. But I beefed him up by adding 3 heroic levels for this contest, and I liked it so much I decided to give them to him permanently. So he would like to thank you for this contest, since he got some upgrades out of it. :)



A4-19 (Ayfour)               CL 5
Small droid (2nd-degree) nonheroic 5/Noble 3
Force 2 (daily)
Init +6; Senses low-light vision; Perception +7
Languages Basic, Binary, High Galactic, Huttese, 1 unassigned
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Defenses Ref 17 (flat-footed 15), Fort 12, Will 16
hp 23; Threshold 12
Immune droid traits
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Speed 6 squares
Melee circular saw +4 (2d4-1) or
Melee electroshock probe +4 (1d8 ion)
Ranged by weapon +7
Base Atk +5; Grp +2
Special Actions Leading Skill, Skill Challenge: Last Resort
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Abilities Str 8, Dex 14, Con —, Int 16, Wis 12, Cha 7
Talents Assured Skill (Mechanics)GoI, Leading SkillGoI
Feats Force Boon, Skill Challenge: Last ResortGoI, Skill Focus (Knowledge [technology], Mechanics, Use Computer)
Skills Knowledge (technology) +17, Mechanics +17 (may lose competence bonuses to reroll, keeping either result), Perception +7, Pilot +11, Stealth +11, Use Computer +17
Systems wheeled locomotion, magnetic wheel, heuristic processor, 5 tool appendages, 1 claw appendage, 1 instrument appendage, internal comlink, internal storage (2 kg), improved sensor package, spring-loaded mechanism
Possessions circular saw, electroshock probe, electric arc welder, fire extinguisher, holoprojector, holorecorder, liquid cable dispenser, scomp link
Cost priceless (but for the purposes of this competition, he would cost 13220 credits)
* Ayfour has three unused feat slots available
« Last Edit: March 30, 2016, 02:23:58 am by fairytalejedi »
Member of the WotC Star Wars community from 2002-2013

Winner of UDB #15, #22
Winner of TDJ #1

Diceling

  • Jedi Master
  • ****
  • Posts: 336
  • Location: Sweden
    • View Profile
Re: The Design Job #1: The Astromech
« Reply #10 on: March 30, 2016, 04:43:50 pm »
Awesome build, FTJ! Liking the sketch!
Winner of Ultimate Dream Builds #25: Crossover Event

Diceling

  • Jedi Master
  • ****
  • Posts: 336
  • Location: Sweden
    • View Profile
Re: The Design Job #1: The Astromech
« Reply #11 on: April 07, 2016, 09:29:11 am »
A week and a half to go and one submitted build!

Is there no one else who'd like to win this "prestigious" competition? Anyone?
Winner of Ultimate Dream Builds #25: Crossover Event

Diceling

  • Jedi Master
  • ****
  • Posts: 336
  • Location: Sweden
    • View Profile
Re: The Design Job #1: The Astromech
« Reply #12 on: April 18, 2016, 01:57:37 am »
Roughly 10 hours to go!

Come on, folks, last minute builds! Show me those Astromechs!
Winner of Ultimate Dream Builds #25: Crossover Event

MasterArkaine

  • The OG of OGs
  • Global Moderator
  • Grandmaster of the Jedi Order
  • *****
  • Posts: 3771
  • Location: Redmond, OR
    • View Profile
Re: The Design Job #1: The Astromech
« Reply #13 on: April 18, 2016, 03:53:07 am »
Scout

R2-G8 spent his early years as a simple astromech in the employ of a spaceport mechanic on Coreilla. There he acts as little more then a far more intelligent pit droid. That all changed when a Rebel agent by the name of Val Tharian came about the little shop the mechanic had. Val's starfighter was in dire need for repairs, and his astromech was destroyed. R2-G8 was tasked by the mechainc to assist Val in replacing the hyperdrive on his Z-95, and also repaired or overhauled several system. As they finished their work, destiny decided to sweep this droid into an adventure the little droid never knew was possible.

An ISB Agent and a squad of Stormtroopers entered the hanger when Val's Z-95 was. An instant fire-fight ensued, and R2-G8 ended up saving Val's life by distracting the ISB agent long enough for Val to get a clean shot. A few frag grenades later, and the Imperials were dealt with. The mechanic was mad about the mess, but Val simply threw a 25,000 cr credit ship at him, told him he was taking the droid, and together they left.

When Val and R2-G8 back back to the Alliance, the droid underwent heavy customization. Nicked-named Scout by Val, due to the style of upgrades, R2-G8 was retrofitted to become a perfect scout and slicer. Scout is able to map and pin-point places of interest in huge area. He also very skilled at taking over systems and using them to track Val's prey. He can shut down communication system in a snap. He is also very skilled at search and rescue missions, having advanced system to locate people even in thick brush or heavy terrain. Lastly, he can upgrade and repair almost any tech Val needs done.

Val and Scout are now legendary within the ranks of Alliance Intelligence. The combo is known for getting the impossible jobs done. Asking Val what their secret is, and he always says "Scout is the reason we get the job done. I just protect the little guy, he does the heavy lifting"




Scout (R2-G8)            CL 9

Small droid (2nd-degree) nonheroic 4/scoundrel 5/noble 3
Force 11
Init +14; Senses low-light vision; Perception +9
Languages Basic (Understand) (understand only), Binary, 4 unassigned (understand only)

Defenses Ref 24 (flat-footed 21), Fort 18, Will 21
hp 44; second wind +11/22; Threshold 23
Immune droid traits

Speed 4 squares (walking), 6 squares (wheeled), 6 squares (flying)
Melee electroshock probe +8 (1d8+4 ion) or
Melee laser welder +8 (1d8+4) or
Melee fusion cutter +8 (2d6+4) or
Melee saw +8 (1d4+4)
Ranged laser welder +11 (3d6+4)
Fighting Space 1 square; Reach 1 square
Base Atk +8; Grp +6
Atk Options Point Blank Shot, Zero Range
Special Actions Gearhead, Gimmick, Sensor Link

Abilities Str 10, Dex 16, Con -, Int 19, Wis 12, Cha 10
Talents Done It All (Electronic Sabotage, Fade Out), Exceptional Skill (Use Computer), Gimmick, Master Slicer, Trace
Feats Gearhead, Improved Damage Threshold, Point Blank Shot, Scavenger, Sensor Link, Skill Focus (Mechanics, Use Computer), Skill Training (Acrobatics), Superior Tech, Tech Specialist, Vehicle Systems Expertise, Weapon Proficiency (simple weapons), Zero Range
Skills Acrobatics +14, Gather Information +6 (may Use Computer +20 with access to a computer network instead), Initiative +14, Mechanics +20, Perception +9, Pilot +14, Stealth +19, Survival +12, Use Computer +20 (may Issue Routine Command as swift action; may reroll to improve access to a computer and keep the better result; treat die rolls of 2-7 as 8)
Systems walking locomotion (magnetic feet), wheeled locomotion (magnetic feet), heuristic processor, 6 tool appendages, claw appendage, diagnostics package, internal storage (2kg), improved sensor package, sensor countermeasure packages, automap, multispectrum searchlight, scomp link, flying locomotion (exclusive)
Possessions electroshock probe, fire extinguisher, fusion cutter, laser welder, laser welder, mesh tape, saw
Price (using Alternate System): 27,605 cr (including possessions)

Edit: Added the Non-Heroic levels. Also added forgotten ability increases for leveling.
« Last Edit: April 18, 2016, 10:31:47 pm by MasterArkaine »
Creator of Ultimate Dream Builds
Twitter Profile

Diceling

  • Jedi Master
  • ****
  • Posts: 336
  • Location: Sweden
    • View Profile
Re: The Design Job #1: The Astromech
« Reply #14 on: April 18, 2016, 05:40:32 am »
Looking really nice, MA!
However, you've missed the Non-Heroic requirement (1/3 of its levels in Non-heroic class). I think you should be able to add those four levels without going over the 30k limit, though.

Thanks for joining us! :D
Winner of Ultimate Dream Builds #25: Crossover Event