Psi-Wars Blasters VI: Startrodder Defense Manufacturing

Startrodder Defense Manufacturing traditionally served independent colonists out on the rim, providing them with the means of self-defense against pirates, and then larger threats against their independence.  "Independence" is a core value for Startrodder, and when the Galactic Federation erupted into civil war, Startrodder chose to back the Alliance, and remains a member of the senate today.  It turns its shipyards and manufacturing assets over the Alliance's military needs, but focuses less on arming the aristocracy and more on arming the common man so they can keep their planets out of the grip of the Empire.

Startrodder replaces Han & Kord Defense Manufacturing but occupies the same niche.  I've changed the name because GURB used the name in his Psi-Wars Grab Bag post, and I had forgotten how much I liked it (if you look through the weapon names and naming schemes, you'll see I borrow a lot from his work; I haven't called out each instance, but be aware that I've tried to give him a nod and homage where possible).

Startrodder weaponry is designed, like most Westerly arms, to be cheap for what it gives you, fairly robust (but not as robust as Rook & Law weaponry), very militaristic in nature (but typically heavier and slower than imperial weaponry).  The theme behind many of these weapons are WW1-2 weapons, and a few pulp weapons (like the Tommy Gun).  This makes them the most like the weapons one might find in the hands of a rebel in Star Wars.

Startrodder Weaponry

Startrodder PC-440 Heavy Blaster Pistol: A solid weapon for its weight, the PC-440 typically ends up in the hands of mercenaries and colonial defense forces. It’s earned quite a reputation as a decent weapon on the street as well! While Startrodder has a reputation for reliability, this old design has a heating problem, though in practice this makes it no more or less reliable than most weapons thanks to robust design elements elsewhere.

Dmg 4d (5) burn, Acc 3, Range 50/150, Wt 2.9/C, RoF 3, Shots 85(3), ST 6, Bulk -2, Rcl 2, Cost $2,700;

Startrodder SR 555-S “Steamer” Assault Blaster: An older assault blaster model, this weapon blurs the line between rapid-fire carbine and assault blaster, as it’s heavier than even some light carbines! It has a fore-grip and a stock and is meant to be fired with two hands. It has a distinctive “drum” power-cell which contains coolant; as part of the “immediate action,” the weapon can be vented with a distinctive steaming hiss that gives the weapon its nickname.

Dmg 4d+2 (5) burn, Acc 5, Range 60/180, Wt 6.4/2C, RoF 12, Shots 120 (3), ST 5†, Bulk -5, Rcl 2, Cost $9,000; +2 to Immediate Action

Startrodder SC-740 Blaster Carbine: An older model of weapon, this saw some use in the Galactic Civil War, and still sees use among planetary defense forces. It’s high rate of fire (compared to most carbine designs) and robust frame make it a very popular weapon among soldiers who use it, despite being fairly heavy for a “carbine.”

Dmg 5d+1 (5) burn, Acc 7, Range 90/270, Wt 8.5/2C, RoF 8, Shots 65 (3), ST 6†, Bulk -5, Rcl 2, Cost $9,700; Verify Malf

Startrodder GL-870 Grenade Launcher: This bulky weapon uses electromagnetic pulses to fire small, 40mm grenades at distant targets. The most common use of the weapon is to lay down covering fire by using plasma grenades, but against vehicles, combatants will sometimes use plasma lance warheads. Police forces sometimes use them, loaded with riot gas.

Dmg 6d×5 burn ex, Acc 1, Range 50/500, Wt 12/3, RoF 3, Shots 6 (3i), ST 9†, Bulk -6, Rcl 2, Cost $5,000; Verify Malf


Startrodder HRX-550-S “Steam Cannon” Light Repeater: Startrodder designed this semi-portable repeater blaster for use in providing cover fire from fortifications, and sees a lot of use in machine-gun nests or on the walls of well-defended colonies or planetary capitals. It’s relative lightness means it can be picked up and moved if necessary, and most teams operate in twos. The HRX-550-S has a signature “drum”-style energy cell that includes additional coolant which can be vented in a steaming hiss in case of an overheating malfunction, granting a +2 to immediate action rolls.

Dmg 10d (5) burn, Acc 9, Range 600/1mi, Wt 55/Ep, RoF 10, Shots 600 (5), ST 18B, Bulk -10, Rcl 2, Cost $75,000; +2 to Immediate Action
 
Startrodder ML-707 Missile Launcher: Startrodder build the ML-707 primarily to defeat heavy targets. It’s low price, light weight and effective firepower has turned it into one of the most popular weapons used by rebel forces against imperial heavy vehicles.

Dmg 6d×12 (10) burn, Acc 3, Range 500/2 mi, Wt 10/4, RoF 1, Shots 1 (4i), ST 9†, Bulk -6, Rcl 1, Cost $2,000;