Assassination Ambush (OK)

*Reference Book: Star Wars Saga Edition Galaxy of Intrigue*

*Main Page: Opportunity Knocks*

*Preceded by Decoding the Transmission*

**SETUP:** This encounter serves as the climax of "Opportunity Knocks."

The start of this encounter depends on whether the heroes were able to enlist the aid of the Duro corporate official. If they did, they can slip into the government building without trouble. The official has seen to it that his security force believes the characters to be part of a special additional unit. He has also provided the heroes with special all-access credentials and will keep the auditorium balcony clear, since it is a good hiding place.

If the heroes were unable to garner the official's aid, they must infiltrate the building by traditional means. The security guards are not high level, so this task should not be too difficult for most 9th-level characters. Gamemasters can expand the infiltration portion of the encounter, if desired, to make it more challenging.

### One for the Rebellion

After the heroes enter the building, they have some time before the Emperor's arrival. The structure is mostly empty, and there are not many places to hide. The balcony seems like the best bet-no security and plenty of room. A few alcoves are located below the balcony, but these alcoves are near doors that might receive foot traffic.

When the Emperor and his guards arrive, read the following text aloud:

***A door near the stage opens, and two Duros officials enter. They are followed by a member of the Emperor's Royal Guard, Emperor Palpatine himself, and another elite guardsman. The entourage steps onto the stage, and Emperor Palpatine and the Duros sit around a table to begin the contract negotiation. The guards take their places to either side of the Emperor, force pikes in hand.***

*Continued in Aftermath*

## Encounter Setup

The Assassination Ambush encounter has the following setup:

* 2 Imperial Royal Guards
* 2 Corporate Security Agents
* 8 Heavy Stormtroopers
* 4 Imperial Officers

### Tactics

This "Emperor" is an impostor, a target for any Rebels who intercepted the transmission and took the bait. He puts on a good show and negotiates convincingly with the Duros. The heroes have plenty of time to prepare, aim, and take the best shot they can muster. The DC to hit the false Emperor is 16. lf the attack is successful, the impostor slumps forward onto the table, dead.

Regardless of whether the heroes kill the impostor, as soon as they make their presence known, the Empire springs its trap. The Imperial Royal Guards leap to attention with their Force Pikes. Both Duros officials- really Corporate Security Agents- draw their sidearms. Through each of the four doors come two Heavy Stormtroopers and an Imperial Officer. Chaos erupts.

In this encounter, it is in the heroes' best interests to flee rather than fight, but some combat is necessary to escape from the ambush. Each doorway is blocked by two Heavy Stormtroopers and an Imperial Officer. Their purpose is to slow down the heroes while the others open fire. The two Imperial Royal Guards move into melee to engage the heroes with their Force Pikes

The Empire's ultimate plan is to let some of the heroes escape so they can be followed back to a Rebel base. Thus, the Imperials put up a realistic struggle to capture or kill the heroes but make sure to let at least one or two get away.

### Features of the Area

The auditorium has the following features:

**Illumination:** The battle takes place indoors, but the auditorium is fairly well lit, with no penalties for low light.

**Cover:** The auditorium is full of places where the heroes can find Cover, including numerous rows of seats, the balcony, and some alcoves.