Encounters
When the party or the party's starships enters a hex, or the Time Pool expires and any of the dice roll a 6, a random encounter occurs. Roll on the Environment's or Module's encounter table to determine who or what the party encounters. Then, follow this sequence:
1. Determine Encounter Range
2. Check for Ambush
3. Take Cover
4. Test Initiative
Determine Encounter Range
For this purpose, stealth rating is the encounter's lowest stealth level minus the party's highest sensor rating.
Interior: 2d6 - stealth rating tiles
On Surface: (4d6 - stealth rating) x 10 meters
In Space: 4d6 - stealth rating hexes
If the party's drones or other scouts move into the hex first, use their location to determine encounter distance. This means parties that are scouting ahead may find their enemies kilometers away.
An encounter that engages and destroys a scout may be encountered again if the party moves towards them or stays in place and does not move away from them.
Check for Ambush
Patrols
A Patrol is a party or group of NPCs moving carefully and deliberately, prepared for contact with the enemy. This is in contrast to parties moving quickly. A Patrol (or party on Patrol) receives +1 or OR their cover bonus on the initiative roll.
If Patrol movement is performed in or through cover, that cover is automatically available when the encounter is triggered.
When an Ambush Occurs
If a Patrol wins initiative against opponents who aren't on patrol, they have ambushed their enemy and get a free round of attacks!
Take Cover
Available cover is determined by the hex type and feature(s) available when the encounter is triggered. If the party is not patrolling, roll for cover on the environment or hex type's cover rarity table. If no cover rarity table is available, the default below can be used.
| Rarity | Cover |
|---|---|
| Common | Light |
| Uncommon | None |
| Rare | Medium |
| Very Rare | Heavy |
| Ultra Rare | Heavy |
Test Initiative
All sides roll 1d6 and add their patrol or cover bonus. The winner goes first. If the winning side is on Patrol and the losing side isn't, see When an Ambush Occurs above.