Madhouse Squadron Disbanded!

It's with sad news to report that Madhouse Squadron has been disbanded for the time being. Our home LGS, Madhouse Games in Harrisburg, NC, has gone out of business and shut their doors. This is a shame because the people who ran the place are super-awesome, and the store had such a welcoming atmosphere.

But, all is not lost. Several other shops have opened up in the area and expressed interest in starting up X-Wing. I will plan on running some Aturi Cluster very soon, especially once Wave 9 hits he shelves. I'm actually working on a variant of Aturi Cluster that will allow an ship from any faction to be flown. I'll create a new blog (since Blogger is free!) that will describe my play testing and rule changes.

Although one chapters ends, a new one begins, who knows what the future holds. For now, always remember to fly casual, and May the Force Be With You!

Heroes of the Aturi Cluster - Mission 10

Mission Name: Care Package

Mission Date: 4/24/16

Mission Orders: The Quantum Storm must make it to Sullust. Without those supplies, our forces there will be severely crippled. Due to the vast network of Imperial minefields in the sector, we have no choice but to blast our way through the asteroid fields. Dispatch Madhouse Squadron to escort the transport through the field

Squadron Members assigned to Mission:
Dan "Mynock" Anderson (B-Wing)
Jenny "Lady J" Mascari (X-Wing)
Erik "White Rabbit" Boyle (X-Wing)
Ruben "Taco" Ortiz  (X-Wing)
Jon Bruns (Y-Wing)
Doc Calvert (B-Wing)

Mission Results:
Imperial presence was greater than anticipated. Two of our pilots were shot down, along with the destruction of the Quantum Storm. The forces at Sullust will have to rely on other means to get their supplies.

Conclusion:
It seems the Imperials have responded to our victory in the Nulan system and came out in force. Our victory in this cluster is still not assured. Fortunately, we were able to recover our downed pilots and they'll be in the cockpit before too long, though it pales when compared to the destruction of the Quantum Storm.

Heroes of the Aturi Cluster - Mission 9

Mission Name: Miner's Strike

Mission Date: 4/17/16

Mission Orders: Data analysis of the captured shuttle as revealed the location of an Imperial mining facility on one of the moons of Nulan. Madhouse Squadron is ordered to destroy this facility. Intel reports light fighter defense with stationary turbo lasers. Several LAMBDA class shuttles have also been seeing coming and going.

Squadron Members assigned to Mission:
Dan "Mynock" Anderson (B-Wing)
Jenny "Lady J" Mascari (X-Wing)
Evelyn "Evie" Brown (X-Wing)
Matt Flannigen (Y-Wing)
Erik "White Rabbit" Boyle (X-Wing)
Andrew Clifton (Y-Wing)


Mission Results:
Madhouse surely made the Imperial most wanted list after this one. Nothing was left standing once the squadron was done for the day. They even managed to take down both LAMDA shuttles, one even before it got off the ground.

Conclusion:
This marks a serious victory against the Imperials. Not only this will severly cripple Imperial supplies in the system, but it also scores a moral victory for the not only the squadron, but for the citizens of that system.

Heroes of the Aturi Cluster - Mission 8

Mission Name: Rescue Rebel Operatives

Mission Date: 4/10/16

Mission Orders: We've picked up a distress signal from one of our operatives that is being pursued by Imperial forces. The operative is carrying vital intel which must be protected. Dispatch pilots to rendezvous with the operative and escort him by to HQ.

Squadron Members assigned to Mission:
Dan "Mynock" Anderson (B-Wing)
Jenny "Lady J" Mascari (X-Wing)
Mykl Sandusky (X-Wing [borrowed from White Rabbit])
Payton "Iceman" Boyle (A-Wing)

Mission Results:
Madhouse arrived just in time. The Imperials were closing in on the operative just as they jumped into the sector. The operative's ship took some damage before Madhouse could intercept, but was still able to make it to safety.

Conclusion:
Review of flight logs show that one of the TIE Interceptor pilot was not green rookie. This pilot managed to give Madhouse some issues, though our pilots gave as good as they got. The Interceptor pilot did manage to flee to the sector and meet up with it's transport, so there's a good chance we'll see him again.

Heroes of the Aturi Cluster - Mission 7

Mission Name: Nobody Home

Mission Date: 4/3/16

Mission Orders: It's time to turn the tables. Using the captured Imperial shuttle as bait, Madhouse is lie in wait among the debris of a recent battle. When the Imperial squadron moves to investigate, we will spring the trap on them for a change

Squadron Members assigned to Mission:
Dan "Mynock" Anderson (X-Wing)
Micah "Porcupine" Stowers (Y-Wing)
Jenny "Lady J" Mascari (X-Wing)
Ruben Ortiz - (X-Wing )

Mission Results:
The trap was mostly successful, with only a few TIE fighters managing to escape. Madhouse expertly hid themselves on asteroids and in the various debris and struck fast and hard once the fleet passed them. The command shuttle and it's TIE Interceptor escorts were all destroyed with no casualties on our side.

Conclusion:
Although Madhouse performed admirably, it's been determined an increase in firepower may be prudent on future missions. Several pilots have expressed interest in training to fly the new B-Wings into combat. They'll soon have their chance.

Heroes of the Aturi Cluster - Mission 6

Mission Name: Needle in a Haystack

Mission Date: 3/20/16

Mission Orders: We've received a distress signal from a supply ship, the Trellisk. The ship was ambushed and destroyed while en route to U'drey, but the crew managed to make it to the escape pods. Madhouse Squadron's orders are to begin search and rescue operations in the area of the Trellisk's last location. A YT-1300 transport will be provided to assist with the recovery. Imperial forces are still in the area, but the area is also subject to frequent ion storms, making the effort even more difficult.

Squadron Members assigned to Mission:
Payton "Iceman" Boyle (A-Wing)
Erik "White Rabbit" Boyle (X-Wing)
Dan "Mynock" Anderson (X-Wing)
Micah "Porcupine" Stowers (Y-Wing)

Mission Results:
Recovery operation went perfectly. Both the crew's escape pod and the ship's cargo were retrieved. In gratitude, the crew supplied the pilots that participated in the mission a little extra firepower for their fighters. Since this cargo was never on the ship's manifest to begin with, it's doubtful it will be missed.

Conclusion:
During the mission, TIE fighter variant joined the battle. One equipped with a cloaking device and more firepower ever seen on a snubfighter. The TIE was destroyed by one of our pilots, but if this new variant is ever mass produced, it could have devastating results.

Heroes of the Aturi Cluster - Mission 5

Mission Name: Capture Imperial Officer

Mission Date: 3/13/16

Mission Orders: The local moff of the Nulan system, Moff Lankin, is making an inspection of the Imperial outpost, and we have his shuttle's flight path. Madhouse squadron is ordered to capture the Moff's shuttle and eliminate any escorting fighters.

Squadron Members assigned to Mission:
Dan [] Brown (X-Wing)
Evie Brown (X-Wing
Payton "Iceman" Boyle (A-Wing)
Jenny "Lady J" Mascari (X-Wing)
Matt Flannigan (Y-Wing)
Collin Flannigan (Y-Wing)

Mission Debriefing:
Despite bringing three rookie pilots on this mission, Madhouse squadron performed beyond all expectations. The more experienced pilots jumped in close to the escort and the shuttle, while the rookies jumped in behind them and boxed them in. Even the sudden appearance of a TIE Advanced stood no match against Madhouse on this day. The shuttle was quickly disabled and surrendered the fight, while Madhouse cleaned up the area, suffering no casualties in the process.

Conclusion:
Interrogation of Lankin has begun, as well as the decryption of the shuttle's computers. It won't be long before before we crack either one. Also, Madhouse Squadron has been nominated to Princess Leia for commendations for their excellent performance.

Heores of the Aturi Cluster - Mission 4

Mission Name: Imperial Entanglement

Mission Date: 3/6/16

Mission Orders: A GR-75 class transport, the Quantum Storm, has dropped out of hyperspace in the middle of an Imperial minefield. The transport is intact, but heavily damaged. Worse yet, a Decimator-class task force has been dispatched to attempt to capture the transport. The Quantum Storm is carrying vital supplies and headed for Sullust, so we must not let it fall into Imperial hands. Dispatch Madhouse Squadron to provide protection while the Quantum Storm attempts to repair its hyperdrive.

Squadron Members assigned to Mission:
Josh "Barrage" Kline (X-Wing) [Acting Squad Leader]
Erik "White Rabbit" Boyle (X-Wing) (sort of)
Dan [] Brown (X-Wing)
Payton "Iceman" Boyle (Y-Wing)
Jenny "Lady J" Mascari (X-Wing)
Drew (Y-Wing)

Mission Debriefing:
The force was certainly with the Quantum Storm and her crew. She managed to make the jump to hyperspace just as a squadron of TIE Bombers were closing in. The good fortunate was taken from Madhouse, however, as four ships were lost as the bombers and newly arrived VT-49 Decimator turned their attention to the squadron. Fortunately, all pilots survived and were recovered, though some much needed R&R may be in order

Conclusion:
We got lucky this time. The transport jumped to safety and delivered its cargo, but not without its cost. The Imperial Navy was out in force on this one, which means we're doing our job a little too well.

Scum of the Aturi Cluster

So, been pondering this idea in my head for a few weeks now. I want to test how feasible/balanced it would be to run a Scum and Villainy squadron using Heroes of the Aturi Cluster. I also wanted to come up with a way for organizers to allow a more variety of ships at start of the campaign and pave the way for greater customization. Using the standard point costs for X-Wing, I was able to come up with a point-by system. A starting point cost of 26 points seemed feasible, as it allows a variety of ships (assuming a PS 2 pilot) and a few points left over for upgrades. An organizer can change this number to which ships are available as they desire. I even threw together a spreadsheet to help myself out: http://1drv.ms/225YheU

For my initial test, I started a 3-ship S&V squadron, hence forth dubbed the Devil Dogs, consisting of a Kihraxz fighter, an M3-A Interceptor, and a Y-Wing.

The Y-Wing was easy to work out, using the exact same stat card as the original. This would give me a baseline to compare other ships to. And at 26 points, it works out to have the same starting XP as the Rebel campaign (8 pts). I thought about adding an illicit slot to the Scum Y-Wing, but there just wasn't enough room for it on the card, and I'm not much of a photo editor. Maybe later.

The Kihraxz fighter is not much different from an X-Wing. A PS 2 pilot is 20 pts, so that leaves 6 XP to spend upgrades on. I figured that was fair, since it lacks an astromech slot in lieu of an illicit slot. Don't get me wrong, some of the illicit upgrades are great, but are usually a 1 time use, unlike most astromechs.

Now, the M3-A was a bit trickier. A PS 2 M3-A is 14 points, and I went ahead and added the points for the Heavy Scyk title card, bringing it up to 16 points. That leaves 10 points left over for a modification and a secondary weapon. A lot of points to spend on 2 upgrades. So I added an illicit slot to the M3-A. I know, it can't normally take one, but it felt thematic and I don't think it will break it. Beside, the M3-A is not that good of ship to begin with, so I don't think it will be unbalanced.

I found some pilots cards for the Kiharxz and M3-A on Reddit, then made a few modifications to it. When I get a chance, I'll post them here.

So, for my initial squadron build, I went simple:

Kiharxz fighter - Callsign "Bulldog"
   Shield Upgrade
   Giltterstim

M3-A Interceptor - Callsign "Gnat"
   Shield Upgrade
   Auto Blaster Cannon

Y-Wing - Callsign "Retro"
   Ion Turret
   Unhinged Astromech

I played the Local Trouble scenario to get a base line. I initially thought the M3-A with an auto blaster would be OP, remembering what my B-Wing could do with it in another campaign. But as it turned out, without all the focus and target locks the B-Wing had, it really wasn't as effective as I hoped. I'm thinking the Mangler Cannon might be a better bet, especially once you add in Bossk's abilitiy >:). The Kiharxz performed about what I expected and was right on par with an X-Wing. I didn't loose any ships, but that was attributed more to luck than skill. A couple of bad rolls on the Imps, and some really good rolls for the Scum. I'll continue to play this setup and see on my own, but I definitely want to get others involved as soon as possible. I plan on having at least one pilot switch to a Starviper, and possibly a G1-A when it's released. Now, this campaign MIGHT be a bit overpowered for the scum, but the point is to find out by how much. I also want to test out the possibility of changing all regular TIE Fighters into TIE/FO's. I think this could be tricky, but it may balance out for the more advanced fighters like the Starviper and E-Wing. And at some point. I will create a mission, or even a mission arc, that will end with a raid on a ship factory. If successful, pilots will be able to switch to ships from one of the other factions!

Heroes of the Aturi Cluster: House Rules

Heroes of the Aturi Cluster, while very polished and well done, is still technically in Beta stages and I've noticed some balance issues, particularly against newer or lower ranked players. Some I've already tried to correct, which I'll list below. Please feel free to offer suggestions on anything, or even new ones. Also, we'll use this post for any rule questions or concerns

Eject Rolls
I'm using a modified eject table. I don't like the idea of pilots loosing abilities. Upgrades, sure. But how do you forget how to "Push the Limit"? So, here we go

Friendly/Neutral Territory: 2 Attack Die
Enemy Territory: 3 Attack Die
On any double result, consult the chart. Otherwise, the pilot ejects safely:

• Double Crits -- Dead. Make a new pilot
• Double Hits -- Loose most expensive upgrade, excluding EPTs or Unique Pilot abilities
• Double Focus -- Gain only 1/2 XP for this mission. This is after all XP has been tallied.
• Double Blanks -- Loose least expensive modification, excluding EPTs or Unique Pilot abilities

Mission Experience

If the mission is a success, regardless of any bonuses or kill XP, all pilots that participated in the mission and survived gain an additional 1 XP. So, as long as you show, you get some XP.

Unique Upgrade Cards

Just to make things easier, the rulebook mentions this as an optional rule, and I'm going to go ahead and apply it. Unique cards like R2-D2, R5-D4, Han Solo, Kyle Katarn, etc. will be considered Limited. This means two players can have the same unique card, just not more than 1 of the same card on the same ship. This just prevents a lot of headaches, and prevent who gets to fight over Princess Leia.

Heroes of the Aturi Cluster: Mission 3

Mission Name: Tread Softly

Mission Date: 2/28/16

Mission Orders: The Empire has begun deploying minefields along hyperspace routes favored by smugglers. This doesn't pose an immediate threat, but if left alone, it has to potential to seriously disrupt our supply lines. Dispatch Madhouse Squadron to destroy the minefield.

Squadron Members assigned to Mission:
Micah "Procupine" Stows (Y-Wing, acting Squad Leader)
Erik "White Rabbit" Boyle (X-Wing) (sort of)
Daniel "Mynock" Anderson (X-Wing)
Josh "Barrage" Kline (X-Wing)
Payton "Iceman" Boyle (Y-Wing)
Jenny "Lady J" Mascari (X-Wing)

Mission Debriefing:
Madhouse cautiously mad their way through the minefield, destroying the mines as they moved to engage the TIE Bombers and TIE Fighter escorts. Some pilots took focused fire early one, but thankfully  their fighters were equipped with upgraded shield generators and were able to withstand the barrage. The TIE Bomber squadron, which were responsible for laying the minefield, were quickly dispatched. Madhouse only ran into issues once Imperial reinforcements arrived, led by a highly trained TIE bomber pilot. Madhouse suffered lost 2 X-Wings and one Y-Wing in the exchange. Fortunately, all pilots were able to eject safely and were recovered by rescue crews. The remaining pilots managed to not only complete their objective, but went the extra parsec and managed to destroy all mines in the area, along with almost all of the Imperial forces.

Conclusion:
With the routes clear, we should be able to receive our much needed supplies, including some replacement fighters for our pilots, and perhaps a few new ones. Despite suffering 50% casualties, Madhouse Squadron still managed to overcome adversity and triumphed. No doubt the Empire will begin to fear these pilots before long.

Heroes of the Aturi Cluster: Mission 2

Mission Name: Secure Holonet Receiver

Mission Date: 2/22/16

Mission Orders: One of our spies has infiltrated an Imperial fighter squadron and has been sending us intel via the Empire's holonet receiver in the Parein system. However, the spy fears they may be discovered and requires a more secure means of communication. Madhouse squadron is tasked with escorting our slicer techs out to the the holonet receiver and provide cover while they configure a secure channel for our spy.

Squadron Members assigned to Mission:
Erik "White Rabbit" Boyle (X-Wing)
Payton "Iceman" Boyle (Y-Wing)
Daniel "Mynock" Anderson (X-Wing)
Josh "Barrage" Kline (X-Wing)
Dan "Savage Monkey" Holder (Y-Wing)

Mission Debriefing:
Madhouse was quickly able to identify the proper relay satellite and protect our techs while they performed their tasks. Y-Wings were quickly disabled the relays, utilizing Ion Turrets, while the X-Wings provided fighter cover. The techs were then quickly able to secure the relay and make the jump to hyperspace. No Rebel casualties were reported, but numerous TIEs and a LAMBDA-class command shuttle were destroyed in the process.

Conclusion:
With the newly secured comms channel, our spy should be able to relay necessary intel with a greatly reduced risk of discovery. Madhouse Squadron performed excellently and shall be commended for a job well done.

Heroes of the Aturi Cluster: Mission 1

Mission Name: Local Trouble

Mission Orders: An Imperial patrol has been detected closing in on our home base. The location of of our fleet must remain hidden. Dispatch available members of Madhouse Squadron to drive off the Imperial Patrol

Squadron Members assigned to Mission:
Micah "Porcupine" Stowers (Y-Wing)
Erik "White Rabbit" Boyle (X-Wing)
Payton "Iceman" Boyle (Y-Wing)
Daniel "Mynock" Anderson (X-Wing)

Mission Debriefing:
Madhouse Squadron quickly engaged Imperial forces, which mostly consisted of inexperienced TIE pilots. After several minutes, Madhouse had severely weakened the Imperial patrol and forced them to bug out of the region. Madhouse suffered only one casualty, but the pilot managed to ejected and was safely recovered.

Conclusion:
Although the location of our base remains hidden, the Empire is now aware of Rebel forces in this sector, and will most likely increase patrols in response.

Welcome to Madhouse Squadron

Welcome pilots, to Madhouse Squadron! A group of players based out of Madhouse Games in Harrisburg, NC, which is just outside of Charlotte, with a passion for Star Wars based miniature games, including X-Wing and Armada. We're a bunch of casual gamers and geeks just looking for some fun friendly games, and a passion for Star Wars. Because what gamer doesn't love Star Wars?

We're kicking off our little community with a Heroes of Aturi Cluster campaign. This is a Co-Op X-Wing campaign where each player controls a single pilot in a fight to secure the Aturi Cluster from the Empire. We'll also post mission reports here on this site. Mission 1 was on Feb. 14th, so we have some backlog to catch up on.. Anyone interested in more details about Heroes of the Aturi Cluster, check the links section of this blog. Or even better, if you live near the Harrisburg, NC area, come join us.