VEN Example Skill Page - Recon

Vast Imperial Starfighter Skill
Strategic Reconnaissance Pilot
Skill 1 Required
Long Range Sensors	Learn how to get the best out of sensors
Skill 2 Required
Jamming Basics	Earn basic jamming package
Tier 3 "Certification"
Strategic Reconnaissance Pilot	Become the eyes and ears of the Imperial Navy

Recon pilots have to be on the lookout for anything.

The Skill

A conqueror from antiquity, Xim the Despot once said 'All war is deception'. From crouching in a ditch covered in mud with a pair of binoculars to operating a blistering array of jamming, cloaking and sensor equipment, the ability to spy on your enemy without their knowledge has been one sought by every successful military from the time the ancient Taung and Zell fought with swords and clubs on pre-Republic Coruscant. Any military force relies on scouts trained in every technique of observation (and in how to overcome them) in order to gain a clear picture of the battles ahead.

In the Vast Empire Navy, this battlefield information is acquired by the elite Strategic Reconnaissance Pilots. Trained in every space-borne stealth technique from staying still to using advanced cloaking devices, they are able to infiltrate even the most heavily guarded blockade undetected. Their keen knowledge of scouting techniques and observation allows them to not only evade detection, but also to locate ambushes and hidden foes with impunity, making them vital in any pre-battle preparation.

Strategic Reconnaissance Pilots get along well with Unconventional Warfare Pilots, and the two different groups often work in concert together, with the former providing intelligence and support for the latter. They are also the two disciplines in the Starfighter Corps that are considered prime recruitment material for the Vast Empire's Naval Intelligence, and it is not unknown for an entire Strategic Recon Squadron to be involved directly with VENI.

“	"Out of sight, out of mind."	”
—An ancient Corellian saying.

Certification Mission: "Get in, Get out. Don't get caught."

Cloaking devices, though rare, are immensely useful.

You have undertaken weeks of rigorous training in every aspect of observation and stealth, learning the strengths, weaknesses and interactions between both sides of the ancient battle between detection and stealth. Now, you will prove that you have mastered both aspects of reconnaissance. Equipped with a TIE/38 (Better known as a V38 Assault Fighter) with a 'double blind' cloaking device, as well as your Jamming Device and Long-Range Sensors, you will fly into an asteroid belt with an unknown number of other similarly-equipped candidates.

You objective is simple: Using the equipment and training at your disposal, ascertain the exact number of stealth craft (not including your own) that has been deployed into this asteroid field and then escape it without being detected. You are engaged in an elaborate cat-and-mouse game with people whom have the same equipment and training as you do, so this will be a considerable challenge. Each individual ship you detect earns you a point, and each time you are detected, a point is subtracted. Only the top 30% of pilots will graduate from this test. This test is overseen by agents of VENI, as opposed to members of the VENA.

ID Tag Earned: {Recon}

Skill Equipment: TIE/38 Reconnaissance Fighter

The rare and feared TIE/Ph Phantom is based on the TIE/38 Assault Ship.

Equipped with a hyperdrive, life support, enough room for two crew members and no less than five high-powered laser cannons, the TIE/38 is the craft that served as the base for the infamous TIE Phantom Project. Equipped with a hybridium cloaking device, better known as a 'double blind' cloak, this craft is able to become absolutely undetectable, and can mount all of the sensor and jamming technology you have earned previously.

The Vast Empire is attempting to recover, steal or re-build as many TIE Phantoms as possible, though the lack of stygium crystals is proving crippling to this venture. You may, at the NHC's discretion, receive one of the VE's few authentic TIE Phantoms at a later date, or your craft might in future be upgraded to one.

Naval Certifications

You are now Certified as a Strategic Reconnaissance Pilot, the highest tier of proficiency for any Starfighter pilot seeking to become skilled in the art of deception. There is no higher pinnacle to rise to in this field of expertise - you can count yourself as one of the best.

By combining this with the highly controversial Unconventional Operations Pilot Certification, you become an elite operative, and are a prime candidate for entry into the ranks of Naval Intelligence.

By combining this with the Elite Starfighter Pilot Certification, you become an ultimate ambush predator, able to sneak up undetected on any enemy fighter and destroy it with impunity.

Links and Resources

• TIE Phantom

PM Hades or Dunny if you have found a link you think should be added here.

• Note : The Vast Empire claims no credit for external sites and resources; all information provided is for fictional use only.