From:	"Mark Steedman" <M.J.Steedman@***.rgu.ac.uk>
Subject:	Re: Bugs (Was Re: PhysAd equalizer?)
Date:	Mon, 16 Sep 1996 13:39:32 GMT

Gurth writes

> Edward Paul said on 13:40/14 Sep 96...
>
> > BTW, has anyone seen the stats for some of those bug spirits?
> > Under "Attacks:" their skill is equal to reaction. Some spirits
reactions
> > are "Fx3", so a force 5 spirit would have combat skill of 15? A queen
> > with a force of ten would have a skill of 30? Yikes! Am I reading this
> > wrong? Please tell me I am...
>
> No, you're absolutely right. If you realy look at the combat capabilities
> of an average soldier spirit (let alone a queen),
Queens can get spirit energy, yes just contemplate it, i posted the
results sometime last week actually.

> you notice that a force
> 4 soldier (spirit type doesn't matter all that much) has an Unarmed Combat
> skill of 8, 18+1D6 initiative on the physical plane, and about 12 points
> of armor against ranged attacks, or 4 in melee combat. Oh, and it also
> gets to throw 4 additional dice on *every* test it makes. For 6 increases
> most of these stats by a factor 1.5...
>
and when FASA's typical force 10 nasty gets going. :)

> Their only real vulnerabilities are that they're just begging for a Mana
> Bolt with that Willpower of 2, and their vulnerability to insecticides.
> If you have neither, bring a physad with you.
>
from experience both sides of the GM sceen.
Ripple fire mana magic is the best solution to bugs.
Unarmoured flesh forms fall for anything, those in sec armour don't
react well to riggers.
If you suspect bugs keep a nice big staff or polearm 'extra' handy,
bugs don't have reach, with reach 2 they need 6's you probably won't
hurt the thing but at least if its busy fending you off its not
ripping you to bits. The local magic support will hopefull get around
to brain frying the thing eventually.

If you meet the variety with hive queens protection vs all mana
spells (as us GM's are apt to make it) either run away (if you can)
or just hit them max firepower and hope.

Mark