Thread #6362888
Mars. Shattered terraforming spikes encircle habitats half-buried in chlorate sands. A wan sun peaks through an skyline veiled behind drifting dust.
Your pilots stir, stretching pale limbs against the tug of centrifugal gravity. The mission briefing pulses in your mind like an imprint.
//INITIAL COMPANY OPTIONS:
> STRIKE LANCE. [+ ASSAULT/CAPTURE CONTRACTS].
> SALVAGE MANIPLE. [+ SALVAGE/EXPLORATION CONTRACTS].
> HOLY ORDER. [+ VENGEANCE CONTRACTS].
> FINAL VANGUARD. [+ CIVILIAN DEFENSE CONTRACTS].
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Welcome, everyone. I've been super busy with my inpatient rotations lately so I don't really have the time to render updates for SOLSTICE, but I wanted to try something much lower effort. VANGUARD quest is a simple, story-light multiplayer quest where players can customize their individual mechs and participate in shared missions. I welcome everyone to play, and apologize beforehand if my update schedule is irregular.
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//VANGUARD ASSEMBLY OPTIONS:
/CORE:
>CORE/LANCER. [ LOAD LIMIT: 5 | HP: 1 | ++ EVASIVE ].
>CORE/ROOK. [ LOAD LIMIT: 7 | HP: 2 ]
/ARM R/L:
> RIFLE//EXTEN-R. [LOAD: 1 | + DMG/ALL].
> MG//MINIEX. [LOAD: 2 | ++ DMG/LIGHT].
> PILE DRIVER//ISHMAEL. [LOAD: 2 | ++++ DMG/HEAVY ] [R-ARM ONLY].
/BACK R/L:
> MISSILE//2-CELL [LOAD: 1 | + DMG/ALL].
> RADAR//SEEKER [LOAD: 1 | + SCOUTING | + HIT/ALL] [R-BACK ONLY].
> SHIELD//HI0-SHELL [LOAD: 2 | + HP] [L-BACK ONLY].
> CANNON//DRIVER [LOAD: 3 | +++ DMG/ALL | - EVASIVE].
/FCS:
> FCS/BML-CL [ 2D4 | ++ HIT/HEAVY ]
> FCS/BML-LR [ 1D6 | ++++ HIT/LIGHT ]
/CALLSIGN
>ENTER
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Rules for combat are relatively straightforward and will be discussed more extensively in a later post. In brief, combat encounters will have specific tags [HEAVY, LIGHT, EVASION, etc] that incur specific bonuses or penalties. Each turn, players will roll their FCS dice against objectives, inflicting and taking damage if successful or unsuccessful respectively.
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>>6362889
Oh shit new Observer quest. Time to get in on the ground floor. Good to see ya again.
> FINAL VANGUARD. [+ CIVILIAN DEFENSE CONTRACTS].
>CORE/ROOK. [ LOAD LIMIT: 7 | HP: 2 ]
> PILE DRIVER//ISHMAEL. [LOAD: 2 | ++++ DMG/HEAVY ] [R-ARM ONLY].
> RIFLE//EXTEN-R. [LOAD: 1 | + DMG/ALL].
> RADAR//SEEKER [LOAD: 1 | + SCOUTING | + HIT/ALL] [R-BACK ONLY].
> CANNON//DRIVER [LOAD: 3 | +++ DMG/ALL | - EVASIVE].
> FCS/BML-LR [ 1D6 | ++++ HIT/LIGHT ]
>Callsign: Corvid
My build. Can handle a bit of everything, but can do some real damage against heavies and groups.
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>>6362889
ah shit, here we go again
> FINAL VANGUARD. [+ CIVILIAN DEFENSE CONTRACTS].
>CORE/LANCER. [ LOAD LIMIT: 5 | HP: 1 | ++ EVASIVE ].
> PILE DRIVER//ISHMAEL. [LOAD: 2 | ++++ DMG/HEAVY ] [R-ARM ONLY].
> SHIELD//HI0-SHELL [LOAD: 2 | + HP] [L-BACK ONLY].
> RADAR//SEEKER [LOAD: 1 | + SCOUTING | + HIT/ALL] [R-BACK ONLY].
> FCS/BML-CL [ 2D4 | ++ HIT/HEAVY ]
Callsign: Kanchō
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>>6362908
Pilot ID verified. Welcome!
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>>6362889
> HOLY ORDER. [+ VENGEANCE CONTRACTS].
>CORE/LANCER. [ LOAD LIMIT: 5 | HP: 1 | ++ EVASIVE ].
> MG//MINIEX. [LOAD: 2 | ++ DMG/LIGHT].
> MG//MINIEX. [LOAD: 2 | ++ DMG/LIGHT].
> RADAR//SEEKER [LOAD: 1 | + SCOUTING | + HIT/ALL] [R-BACK ONLY].
> FCS/BML-LR [ 1D6 | ++++ HIT/LIGHT ]
CALLSIGN: Button Man
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>>6362939
Pilot ID verified. Welcome!
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>>6362889
>> FINAL VANGUARD. [+ CIVILIAN DEFENSE CONTRACTS].
/CORE:
>CORE/ROOK. [ LOAD LIMIT: 7 | HP: 2 ]
/ARM R/L:
> RIFLE//EXTEN-R. [LOAD: 1 | + DMG/ALL].
/BACK R/L:
>L: CANNON//DRIVER [LOAD: 3 | +++ DMG/ALL | - EVASIVE].
>R: CANNON//DRIVER [LOAD: 3 | +++ DMG/ALL | - EVASIVE].
/FCS:
> FCS/BML-CL [ 2D4 | ++ HIT/HEAVY ]
/CALLSIGN
>GORGON
I'm phoneposting right now, will claim from my home computer later.
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>>6362889
Deal me in.
> STRIKE LANCE. [+ ASSAULT/CAPTURE CONTRACTS].
>CORE/LANCER. [ LOAD LIMIT: 5 | HP: 1 | ++ EVASIVE ].
> RIFLE//EXTEN-R. [LOAD: 1 | + DMG/ALL].
> RADAR//SEEKER [LOAD: 1 | + SCOUTING | + HIT/ALL] [R-BACK ONLY].
> FCS/BML-LR [ 1D6 | ++++ HIT/LIGHT ]
>CALLSIGN: GAMBLER
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>>6362888
//INITIAL COMPANY OPTIONS:
> FINAL VANGUARD. [+ CIVILIAN DEFENSE CONTRACTS].
/CORE:
>CORE/LANCER. [ LOAD LIMIT: 5 | HP: 1 | ++ EVASIVE ].
/ARM R/L:
> RIFLE//EXTEN-R. [LOAD: 1 | + DMG/ALL].
> RIFLE//EXTEN-R. [LOAD: 1 | + DMG/ALL].
/BACK R/L:
> SHIELD//HI0-SHELL [LOAD: 2 | + HP] [L-BACK ONLY].
> RADAR//SEEKER [LOAD: 1 | + SCOUTING | + HIT/ALL] [R-BACK ONLY].
/FCS:
> FCS/BML-CL [ 2D4 | ++ HIT/HEAVY ]
/CALLSIGN
> treehugger [dont ask him about his first landing]
>ENTER
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>>6362975
Oh we can add more
> STRIKE LANCE. [+ ASSAULT/CAPTURE CONTRACTS].
>CORE/LANCER. [ LOAD LIMIT: 5 | HP: 1 | ++ EVASIVE ].
> RIFLE//EXTEN-R. [LOAD: 1 | + DMG/ALL].
> PILE DRIVER//ISHMAEL. [LOAD: 2 | ++++ DMG/HEAVY ] [R-ARM ONLY].
> RADAR//SEEKER [LOAD: 1 | + SCOUTING | + HIT/ALL] [R-BACK ONLY].
> MISSILE//2-CELL [LOAD: 1 | + DMG/ALL].
> FCS/BML-LR [ 1D6 | ++++ HIT/LIGHT ]
>CALLSIGN: GAMBLER
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>>6362976
Welcome Pilot!
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>>6362977
Yep! Welcome!
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>>6362888
> STRIKE LANCE. [+ ASSAULT/CAPTURE CONTRACTS].
>>6362889
>CORE/LANCER. [ LOAD LIMIT: 5 | HP: 1 | ++ EVASIVE ].
> RIFLE//EXTEN-R. [LOAD: 1 | + DMG/ALL].
> RIFLE//EXTEN-R. [LOAD: 1 | + DMG/ALL].
> MISSILE//2-CELL [LOAD: 1 | + DMG/ALL].
> MISSILE//2-CELL [LOAD: 1 | + DMG/ALL].
> RADAR//SEEKER [LOAD: 1 | + SCOUTING | + HIT/ALL] [R-BACK ONLY].
> FCS/BML-LR [ 1D6 | ++++ HIT/LIGHT ]
>CALLSIGN: Swallow
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>>6362971
Welcome! Sorry for missing your post earlier.
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>>6363052
Welcome!
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> FINAL VANGUARD. [+ CIVILIAN DEFENSE CONTRACTS].
Two of them host the briefing. One of them stares blankly, her dark eyes recessed into thin, sallow skin. The other produces a crisp smile through a mask of lab-grown plasticine.
"As a representative, I wish to extend our heartfelt thanks for accepting our contract and and -"
"There's a good bit of plague contamination throughout most of the substrata, as well as the main fabrication complex," interrupts the woman bluntly. "And the entire hub is crawling with mercenary units."
"I need to get the last of the civvie staff out." She points at an orbital elevator hub. "They're holed up in a safehouse deep in the facility below the elevator spindle, waiting for a safe ascent window."
She looks at the fine meshwork of burn scars covering your face and most of your neck, lingering on the faint blotch where rank markings had been acid stripped from your plug-suit.
"I couldn't find anything on your mercenary company before you took this contract."
You manage a faint smile. <Perhaps we were not mercenaries before all this commotion.>
//DROP TIMING:
> DAY. [+ MERCENARIES / - PLAGUE]
> NIGHT. [- MERCENARIES / + PLAGUE]
[A SCHEMATIC of the operational area is provided below. Areas with MILD/MODERATE PLAGUE CONTAMINATION are marked in YELLOW and RED respectively. There are additional SUB-OBJECTIVES and AREAS OF INTEREST, some of which will be revealed during active exploration. These can be pursued for additional rewards.]
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>>6363068
/CORE:
>CORE/ROOK. [ LOAD LIMIT: 7 | HP: 2 ]
/ARM R/L:
> MG//MINIEX. [LOAD: 2 | ++ DMG/LIGHT]
/BACK R/L:
>L: SHIELD//HI0-SHELL [LOAD: 2 | + HP]
>R: CANNON//DRIVER [LOAD: 3 | +++ DMG/ALL | - EVASIVE]
/FCS:
> FCS/BML-CL [ 2D4 | ++ HIT/HEAVY ]
/CALLSIGN: HERMIT
//DROP TIMING:
> NIGHT. [- MERCENARIES / + PLAGUE]
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>>6362889
First time trying out multiplayer stuff, let's see if I fucked up my trip...
>CORE/LANCER. [ LOAD LIMIT: 5 | HP: 1 | ++ EVASIVE ].
> RIFLE//EXTEN-R. [LOAD: 1 | + DMG/ALL].
> RIFLE//EXTEN-R. [LOAD: 1 | + DMG/ALL].
> CANNON//DRIVER [LOAD: 3 | +++ DMG/ALL | - EVASIVE].
> FCS/BML-LR [ 1D6 | ++++ HIT/LIGHT ]
/CALLSIGN
> RUIN
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>>6363090
Welcome
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>>6363128
Welcome!
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> NIGHT. [- MERCENARIES / + PLAGUE]
The dropship falls through the lightless martian sky before flaring an aggressive braking maneuver that leaves less than a dozen meters of ground clearance. Your vanguard units drop from their magnetic cradles by twos and fours, making landfall on the planet which had once been your home.
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Ahead, fields of storage containers and gantry-cranes wallow in darkness. Dull red emergency lighting pools in the space between flat-faced buildings. While there was no sign of the distorted, melted-sugar architecture that signified plague contamination, you had no ability to see into the facility's extensive substrata.
Above, attack satellites deployed for a trans-orbital shuttle expand into a quarantine formation. Their ruby-coated lenses twinkle gently. [You have five turns to complete this contract.]
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[Each turn, you may MOVE to any ADJACENT node. If this node is UNEXPLORED, you can use your ACTION to SCOUT it, revealing POINTS OF INTEREST (POI). There may be multiple POI per node, so there are benefits to having multiple players scout the same node. Some parts, like RADARS, always provide a SCOUTING BONUS, while other stats may grant more situational scouting benefits.]
[Note that all DCs are inclusive. (>=)]
>NODE: 1-1. DEVELOPMENT COMPLEX. (Roll 1D6) DC: 5
>NODE: 2-1. MAIN FABRICATION COMPLEX. (Roll 1D6) DC: 3
>NODE: 3-1. STORAGE YARD ALPHA. (Roll 1D6) DC: 2
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Oh BTW registration is basically always open for anyone who wants to join. I may keep new players in reserve for a fight or two if there's actually a fight going on or something, but otherwise please feel welcome.
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Rolled 3 + 1 (1d6 + 1)
>>6363291
>NODE: 2-1. MAIN FABRICATION COMPLEX. (Roll 1D6) DC: 3
Plague infested or not, it is the straightest shot to the objective, and you'll have to go through there eventually if you head to 1-1 anyways. Better mass up and knock the hardest task off the board first, or at least see what's there.
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>>6362889
>CORE/ROOK. [ LOAD LIMIT: 7 | HP: 2 ]
> PILE DRIVER//ISHMAEL. [LOAD: 2 | ++++ DMG/HEAVY ] [R-ARM ONLY].
> RIFLE//EXTEN-R. [LOAD: 1 | + DMG/ALL].
> RADAR//SEEKER [LOAD: 1 | + SCOUTING | + HIT/ALL] [R-BACK ONLY].
> CANNON//DRIVER [LOAD: 3 | +++ DMG/ALL | - EVASIVE].
> FCS/BML-CL [ 2D4 | ++ HIT/HEAVY ]
>Callsign: Stonefish
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>>6363391
Yes that is right - each turn you get to move to one adjacent node AND perform an action (which in this turn is scouting).
>>6363389
Welcome!
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>>6362889
>CORE/ROOK. [ LOAD LIMIT: 7 | HP: 2 ]
>/ARM R/L:
>MG//MINIEX. [LOAD: 2 | ++ DMG/LIGHT].
>MG//MINIEX. [LOAD: 2 | ++ DMG/LIGHT].
>MISSILE//2-CELL [LOAD: 1 | + DMG/ALL].
>SHIELD//HI0-SHELL [LOAD: 2 | + HP] [L-BACK ONLY].
>FCS/BML-CL [ 2D4 | ++ HIT/HEAVY ]
>/CALLSIGN : SCARAB
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NO NODES HAVE BEEN EXHAUSTIVELY SCOUTED.]
Your vanguard units divide into three groups to maximize their sensor coverage. Most of the LANCER frames remain airborne to take advantage of their mobility. By contrast, their heaver counterparts stay closer to ground level, bounding from roof to roof to provide advancing cover.
/NODE 1-1: 1 Scouting Successes
The first group moves north towards the DEVELOPMENT COMPLEX. Here, you see the faintest traces of plague contamination: weeping cracks in the concrete and the hiss of aberrant radio activity. Your two pilots wait - and are eventually rewarded with the sensor signature of a contaminated salvage unit, its hulking form inactive as it siphons emergency power through a massive copper taproot.
COMBAT:
>PLAGUE SALVAGE UNIT 1-1. 12 HP | HIT DC6 | [HEAVY].
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>NODE 2-1: 4 Scouting Successes
The second group advances directly towards the primary objective, scouting the perimeter of the MAIN FABRICATION COMPLEX. You detect a sizable force of AUTOMATED SECURITY UNITS blocking the transit way, as well as a pair of small caches near the complex outskirts. While the security force was not particularly well-armed, neutralizing them would require a fair level of commitment due to their entrenched positions.
COMBAT:
>TURRET EMPLACEMENT 2-1-1. 4 HP | HIT DC5 | [EVASION].
>TURRET EMPLACEMENT 2-1-2. 4 HP | HIT DC5 | [EVASION].
>GUARD DRONES 2-1-1. 6 HP | HIT DC6 | [LIGHT].
SALVAGE:
>CACHE (2). [Roll 1D8 for salvage] [1-7MU CREDITS | SCHEMATIC/SPECIAL/UPGRADE on 8]
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>NODE 3-1: 3 Scouting Successes
The third group maps the cluster of storage containers towards the south. There was considerable value here - plenty of high-value materials and civilian equipment that could be tagged with retrieval beacons and boosted directly into orbit on an automated carrier drone. There was also a larger cache with the familiar markings of mech-grade equipment - most likely a shipment intended for on-site security.
As your team finishes the survey, they detect a UNKNOWN UNIT approaching with a NEUTRAL IFF. A group of four vanguard frames descend in close formation. The leader pings your pilots with broad-spectrum comm broadcast.
"ATTENTION, MERCENARY DOGS. We have already claimed this ENTIRE SALVAGE FIELD by RIGHT of orbital-first-observation charter. IF YOU DISTURB OUR SALVAGE YOU WILL BE FIRED UPON."
You can practically hear her spitting even through the low-baud comm channel.
COMBAT:
>UNKNOWN UNIT//BLUE-NINE 12 HP | DC 6 | [LIGHT]
SALVAGE:
>CACHE (6). [Roll 1D8 for salvage.] [1-7MU CREDITS | SCHEMATIC/SPECIAL/UPGRADE on 8]
>TECH CACHE (1). [Roll 1D2 for salvage.] [10 MU CREDITS on 1 | WEAPON SCHEMATIC SLOT OF CHOICE on 2]
OTHER:
>OPEN COMMS. Free Action. [Type in what you want to say. In the spirit of this quest, anything you say over open comms will be considered canon as-is.]
[As a reminder, per turn, you may move to one ADJACENT node before performing your ONE action (SALVAGE, COMBAT) in that node. COMM options are always free. Failing a combat roll will decrease your HP by 1, unless otherwise stated. ]
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>>6363607
Welcome!
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Rolled 2, 1 = 3 (2d4)
>>6363731
>OPEN COMMS
"ATTENTION, FRESH SALVAGE. DIE."
>CLOSE COMMS
>COMBAT: NODE 3-1: UNKNOWN UNIT//BLUE-NINE | DC 6 | [LIGHT]
No time for diplomacy. I'd tell them to kill themselves but they're already doing that anyways.
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Rolled 1 + 4 (1d6 + 4)
>>6363729
"Corvid, confirming positive contact with Heavy Plague type. FCS not optimized to handle it. Moving to 2-1 to engage Guard Drones to clear transit way. Recommend someone shift up here with FCS rigged for heavy types."
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>>6362889
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>CORE/LANCER. [ LOAD LIMIT: 5 | HP: 1 | ++ EVASIVE ].
ARMS
> RIFLE//EXTEN-R. [LOAD: 1 | + DMG/ALL].
> RIFLE//EXTEN-R. [LOAD: 1 | + DMG/ALL].
BACK
> SHIELD//HI0-SHELL [LOAD: 2 | + HP] [L-BACK ONLY].
> MISSILE//2-CELL [LOAD: 1 | + DMG/ALL].
FCS
> FCS/BML-LR [ 1D6 | ++++ HIT/LIGHT ]
CallSign: Pillow
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Rolled 6 (1d8)
>>6363730
"Vanguard, this is Swallow. Two turret emplacements with eyes on the main thoroughfare to our objective, one high, one low, plus a swarm of guard drones directly on the path. Low calibre armaments, but they're buttoned up, and there's a lot of 'em. Recommend the company rallies on our position whenever we're ready to push through. Holding this position for now. There's some salvage we can make use of."
>Salvage Cache 2-2Are we gonna push through 2-1 onto the OBJ? Or do we intend to detour to sub-OBJ C and bypass the most direct route, to see if there is an easier path to the main objective?
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>>6364047
I have a few questions.
If attacking something with the Evasion tag, do we add our [Evasive] stat to the to-hit roll? Asking since that is what we how we resolve whether we take damage, and there's no defensive rolls or enemy attack rolls. Can you go negative on [Evasive]? In effect getting a malus versus turrets and the like?
For damage resolution purposes, how does damage work out if one or all of your weapons is of the inappropriate type? Like, if someone hits a light unit with an Ishmael, is damage halved, or does it only do one damage, or is the default damage one and then you add the four damage in addition to that if the unit were a heavy unit? Or can you not damage a unit of the wrong type at all with an inappropriate weapon? What about units with the [Evasion] tag? Do they just take full damage from everything, or do they only take damage if you yourself have a positive evasion stat, for some reason?
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>>6364064
Apologies - I really should have explained these mechanics in full detail at the start of the quest:
>If attacking something with the Evasion tag, do we add our [Evasive] stat to the to-hit roll? Asking since that is what we how we resolve whether we take damage, and there's no defensive rolls or enemy attack rolls. Can you go negative on [Evasive]? In effect getting a malus versus turrets and the like?
Yes to all. You can think of tags as indicators as to which bonuses to apply. For example, if you were to roll against something with a [EVASIVE] tag, you would add your evasion bonus OR malus directly to your hit roll. As a result, having an evasive bonus or malus is only relevant against enemies with the corresponding [EVASION] tag.
>For damage resolution purposes, how does damage work out if one or all of your weapons is of the inappropriate type? Like, if someone hits a light unit with an Ishmael, is damage halved, or does it only do one damage, or is the default damage one and then you add the four damage in addition to that if the unit were a heavy unit? Or can you not damage a unit of the wrong type at all with an inappropriate weapon?
There is a base 1 damage for a successful hit, followed by weapon specific modifiers. For instance, if you were to attack a [HEAVY] target with a [HEAVY +3 DMG ] energy sword and a [LIGHT +2 DMG ] Rifle, the modifier on a hit would be (1+3). You cannot damage a unit of the wrong type with an inappropriate weapon, though future weapons may have a broader type spread than what you have currently.
>What about units with the [Evasion] tag? Do they just take full damage from everything, or do they only take damage if you yourself have a positive evasion stat, for some reason?
They take full damage. There are no special rules for enemies with the [EVASIVE] tag. However, this tag is also used for some non-combat checks that may appear later.
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>>6362889
>CORE/ROOK. [ LOAD LIMIT: 7 | HP: 2 ]
Arms:
> RIFLE//EXTEN-R. [LOAD: 1 | + DMG/ALL].
> PILE DRIVER//ISHMAEL. [LOAD: 2 | ++++ DMG/HEAVY ] [R-ARM ONLY].
Back:
> SHIELD//HI0-SHELL [LOAD: 2 | + HP] [L-BACK ONLY].
> MISSILE//2-CELL [LOAD: 1 | + DMG/ALL].
FCS:
> FCS/BML-CL [ 2D4 | ++ HIT/HEAVY ]
Callsign:
>OGRE
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//GORGON: Hit FAIL, 1 damage sustained
//GAMBLER: Hit SUCCESS, 1 [BASE] +1 [ALL] +1 [ALL] DMG inflicted against BLUE-NINE
//CORVID: Hit SUCCESS, 1 [BASE] +1 [ALL] +3 [ALL] DMG inflicted against GUARD DRONES
//SCARAB: MOVE TO 1-1. Hit SUCCESS, 1 [BASE] +1 [ALL] DMG inflicted against PLAGUE SALVAGE UNIT
//HERMIT: Hit SUCCESS, 1 [BASE] +3 [ALL] DMG inflicted against TURRET EMPLACEMENT 2-1-1. Target DESTROYED!
//TREEHUGGER: Hit FAIL, 1 damage sustained. Mech CRIPPLED!
//RUIN: Hit SUCCESS, 1 [BASE] + 1 [ALL] + 1 [DMG] + 3 [DMG] against GUARD DRONES. Target DESTROYED!
//KANCHO: Hit SUCCESS, 1 [BASE] + 5 [HEAVY] DMG inflicted against PLAGUE SALVAGE UNIT
//STONEFISH: Hit FAIL, 1 damage sustained
//BUTTONMAN: Hit SUCCESS, 1 [BASE] DMG inflicted against TURRET EMPLACEMENT 2-1-2.
//SWALLOW: CACHE SALVAGED. [Filtration Unit x 2]. VALUE: 6 MU
//GASHADOKURO: TECH CACHE SALVAGED. [DESTROYED WEAPON CACHE]. VALUE: 10 MU
//PILLOW: Registered.
//OGRE: Registered.
>NODE 1-1:
One of the pilots in your scouting force had built their vanguard frame exclusively for CQC. Instead of following standard protocol and engaging the salvage unit from long range, the pilot surges forward on recklessly overcharged boosters, priming the pile bunker's explosive hammer for a devastating strike. Weapons fire from the awakening plague unit is sporadic, bouncing ineffectively against the mech's scintillating pulse shield.
The pile bunker slams its metal spike directly through the salvage unit's core, emerging in a spray of metal shrapnel. The pilot yells "KANCHO!!!" over the comm unit - some war cry you presume, though the precise meaning of the term escapes you. As he backstaps to recharge his melee unit, he receives cover from SCARAB, a heavier biped unit that peppers the salvage unit with machinegun fire. Most of the [LIGHT] weapons fire bounces of the unit's [HEAVY] armor, but a few rounds manage to cut through the plague unit's central taproot.
COMBAT:
>PLAGUE SALVAGE UNIT 1-1. 4 HP | HIT DC6 | [HEAVY].
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>NODE 2-1.
Your central force mounts a concerted attack against the automated defenses. CORVID, HERMIT, RUIN, BUTTONMAN, and STONEFISH work as a unit. Their heavy, shoulder mounted cannons prove invaluable here, providing enough power and accuracy to breach their entrenched positions. Your pilots find favorable positions above the MAIN FABRICATION COMPLEX and pick apart the enemy formation piece by piece.
However, the stitching autocannon fire from the turrets catches STONEFISH as they attempt to flank from an awkward angle. The mech crashes onto the ground - armor damaged, but still intact.
COMBAT:
>TURRET EMPLACEMENT 2-1-2. 4 HP | HIT DC5 | [EVASION].
SALVAGE:
>CACHE (1). [Roll 1D8 for salvage] [1-7MU CREDITS | SCHEMATIC/SPECIAL/UPGRADE on 8]
>TURRET EMPLACEMENT WRECKAGE. [Roll 1D4 for salvage] [2-6MU CREDITS | COMMON BACK WEAPON SCHEMATIC on 4]
>GUARD DRONE WRECKAGE. [Roll 1D4 for salvage] [2-6MU CREDITS | COMMON ARM WEAPON SCHEMATIC on 4]
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>NODE 3-1.
>COMMS
You do not hear precisely what your mercenaries say in response, but you assume that it was direct, succinct, and thoroughly impolite - a known specialty of your company. The leader of BLUE NINE makes her rebuttal as she opens fire.
"YOU MARTIAN DOGS DESERVE YOUR PLAGUE. DIE."
The barrage catches TREEHUGGER off guard and peels open the mech's lightwight armor, sending it tumbling into a stack of shipping containers. The rest of the unit retaliates immediately. GORGON lays down suppressive cannon fire while GAMBLER swings around for a flanking attack. A combination of missile and rifle fire crashes into BLUE-NINE's formation and rips one of her subordinates out of the sky.
COMBAT:
>UNKNOWN UNIT//BLUE-NINE 9 HP | DC 6 | [LIGHT]
SALVAGE:
>CACHE (6). [Roll 1D8 for salvage.] [1-7MU CREDITS | SCHEMATIC/SPECIAL/UPGRADE on 8]
OTHER:
>OPEN COMMS. Free Action. [Type in what you want to say. In the spirit of this quest, anything you say over open comms will be considered canon as-is.]
[You have recovered 16 MUs worth of non-military salvage.]
[TREEHUGGER is now CRIPPLED. CRIPPLED mechs can continue to participate in non-combat operations (salvage, scouting) without penalty, or travel to the dropship for REPAIRS, which will take 1 turn/HP. CRIPPLED mechs can also attempt combat with a -4 HIT PENALTY and a +2 DMG MODIFIER, with the provision that a FAIL will DESTROY the mech, imposing a 3 x [LOST HP] MU cost in repairs.]
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File: Pillow.png (1.9 MB)
1.9 MB PNG
>>6363811
Welcome! Sorry you were not in the tacmap - please assume you are at the deployment and declare an actions you would like to take.
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Rolled 2, 4 = 6 (2d4)
>>6364527
>NODE 3-1.
COMBAT:
>UNKNOWN UNIT//BLUE-NINE 9 HP | DC 6 | [LIGHT]
"Taking fire, we better wrap this up quick, if we take much longer nobody's getting this salvage...Get a load of this salvage, Kesslers!"
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Rolled 1 + 1 (1d6 + 1)
>>6364524
"Good kills all around. Seems like the way is clear with Stonefish cleaning up. If Gashadokuro's feed ain't glitching out, I'd say the rude salvagers aren't long for this world either. Why don't you lot tag the rest of this salvage, I'll scout ahead."
>Move to Node 2-2 and Scout it out.
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>>6364578
You need to put that in the options field buddy.
>>6364559
>>6364577
Also, I'm pretty sure Gashadokuro has taken care of the salvagers this turn, no need to follow up. You guys could be salvaging or scouting instead. Though, I don't want to edge into telling you how to play, and if anyone deserves overkill, it is these goons.
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Rolled 4, 3 + 2 = 9 (2d4 + 2)
>>6364523
>OPEN COMMS
"Reloading. Firing at the taproot again."
"Kancho, butcher this walking garbage as you see fit. It will be occupied by my firepower anyway."
>CLOSE COMMS
>NODE 1-1
>ENGAGED
>COMBAT
>PLAGUE SALVAGE UNIT 1-1. 4 HP | HIT DC6 | [HEAVY].
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>>6364765
Roll 1d8.
> 1: SPECIAL: KINETIC BOMBARDMENT SATELLITE, SINGLE USE
> 2: FCS: MELEE SPECIALIZATION
> 3: BACK WEAPON: MEDIUM SHIELD
> 4: BACK WEAPON: MISSILE LAUNCHER,
MULTI
> 5: ARM WEAPON: ENERGY MELEE
> 6: ARM WEAPON: HEAVY KINETIC
> 7: ARM WEAPON: PLASMA RANGED
> 8: NEW CORE
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File: TacMap.png (2.1 MB)
2.1 MB PNG
//STONEFISH: Hit SUCCESS, 1 [BASE] +1 [ALL] +3 [ALL] DMG inflicted against TURRET EMPLACEMENT 2-1-2. Target DESTROYED!
//GASHADOKURO: Hit SUCCESS, 1 [BASE] + 2 [LIGHT] + 2 [LIGHT] + 1 [ALL] + 1[ALL] DMG inflicted against BLUE NINE.
//SWALLOW: MOVE 2-2. Scout FAIL.
//OGRE: MOVE 1-1. Hit SUCCESS, 1 [BASE] + 5 [HEAVY] + 1 [ALL] + 1 [ALL] DMG inflicted against PLAGUE SALVAGE UNIT. Target DESTROYED!
//PILLOW: Hit SUCCESS, 1 [BASE] + 1 [ALL] + 1 [ALL] + 1 [ALL] DMG inflicted against BLUE NINE. Target DESTROYED!
//GAMBLER: MOVE 3-2. SCOUT SUCCESS.
//SCARAB: MOVE 1-1. HIT SUCCESS, 1 [BASE] + 1 [ALL] against PLAGUE SALVAGE UNIT [DESTROYED]. Target already DESTROYED!
//RAVEN: MOVE 2-2. Scout SUCCESS.
//HERMIT: HIT SUCCESS, 1 [BASE] + 3 [ALL] against TURRET EMPLACEMENT 2-1-2 [DESTROYED]. Target already DESTROYED!
//RUIN: MOVE 2-2. Scout FAIL.
//KANCHO: Hit SUCCESS, 1 [BASE] + 5 [HEAVY] DMG inflicted against PLAGUE SALVAGE UNIT [DESTROYED]. Target already DESTROYED!
//GORGON: CACHE SALVAGED - SCHEMATIC - MISSILE/6-CELL-MICRO
//BUTTONMAN: MOVE 2-2. Scout SUCCESS.
//TREEHUGGER: NO ACTION.
FYI, I don't think GASHADOKURO's action (7 DMG) was enough to destroy BLUE-NINE (9 HP), so I took the initial vote for pillow. Hope this is OK.
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>NODE 1-1:
Before the salvage unit can recover, KANCHO and OGRE re-engage and land a pair of devastating pile driver strikes. Smoke billows from the plague-corrupted machine as it struggles to remain upright with most of its internal machinery slagged or pulverized. Unceremoniously, it collapses to the ground, spilling a viscous mixture of coolant and dormant plague-machinery onto the cooling concrete.
SALVAGE:
>PLAGUE SALVAGE UNIT WRECKAGE. [Roll 1D6 for salvage] [CONTAMINATION THREAT ON 1 | PLAGUE MODULE ON 2, 3, 4 | SCHEMATICS ON 5, 6]
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>NODE 3-2:
Operating as a solo scout, GAMBLER notices clear signs of plague contamination emanating from the underground transport tunnels beneath this section of the facility. The characteristic rust-red of plague-growth spills from transport pipes in long ropy masses, burrowing into the concrete like a root system. The tendrils pulse in unison. While the plague presence your company has encountered so far has been unusually - and gratifyingly - low, the images you see give you a premonition that this may soon change.
SCOUTING INTEL:
> [YOU WILL FACE A SUBSTANTIAL PLAGUE PRESENCE IN 1-3 TURNS]
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File: MG1.png (3.4 MB)
3.4 MB PNG
>NODE 3-1:
Emboldened somewhat by their initial success, BLUE-NINE manages to push northwards for several minutes before meeting your company's reinforcements. GASHADOKURO and PILLOW manage to pincer their formation inside the crowded storage field, using their ballistic weapons to cut apart their advance in a brutal close-quarters ambush. By the time the engagement is over, all four mechs have suffered critical damage. Their leader attempts a comm ping before her communication equipment shorts into incomprehensible static.
OPTION:
>SALVAGE. DESTROY BLUE-NINE. [Roll 1D4 for salvage] [4-8 MU CREDITS | SCHEMATIC on 3, 4]
>CONTRACT. SPARE BLUE-NINE BUT STEAL THEIR CONTRACT. [Add additional bonus objective to this operation]
>RANSOM. SPARE BLUE-NINE BUT REQUEST PAYMENT. [14 MU]
>CACHE (4). [Roll 1D8 for salvage.] [1-7MU CREDITS | SCHEMATIC/SPECIAL/UPGRADE on 8]
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>NODE 2-1:
The remaining turret emplacement collapses as STONEFISH and HERMIT hammer it with concentrated fire from their cannons. Your company begins to advance towards the towering spindle-hub that marked your primary objective, moving carefully through the narrow transitway that the turrets were previously protecting.
SALVAGE:
>CACHE (1). [Roll 1D8 for salvage] [1-7MU CREDITS | SCHEMATIC/SPECIAL/UPGRADE on 8]
>TURRET EMPLACEMENT WRECKAGE. [Roll 1D4 for salvage] [2-6MU CREDITS | COMMON BACK WEAPON SCHEMATIC on 4]
>GUARD DRONE WRECKAGE. [Roll 1D4 for salvage] [2-6MU CREDITS | COMMON ARM WEAPON SCHEMATIC on 4]
>NODE 2-2 - OBJECTIVE.
The base of the spindle-hub looms over your scouts as they survey the area by air. After several passes, they detect the characteristic ping of a civilian distress beacon emanating from deep within the structure, consistent with the intelligence your client had provided. Unfortunately, this signal is accompanied by the activation signature of a second automated defense unit. A pair of weapons platforms emerge from subsurface hangers on heavy quad-boosters, while a squadron of drone gunships hover overhead for aerial cover.
COMBAT:
>DRONE GUNSHIP SQUADRON 14 HP | DC 8 | [LIGHT] [EVASIVE]
>WEAPONS TETRAPOD 2-2-1 8 HP | DC 6 | [HEAVY]
>WEAPONS TETRAPOD 2-2-2 8 HP | DC 6 | [HEAVY]
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Rolled 4 (1d6)
>>6364947
>MOVE from NODE 3-1 to NODE 3-2
>SCOUT
"Your kills, do what you want with the space junk. The contract target's looking armed to the teeth and Gambler's sensing plague so I'm gonna help wrap this up before we're up to our necks in robots with the clap."
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>>6364952
>COMM
"You might've eyeballed it first, but we're the boots on the ground, here. Reckon trashing you fellas makes up for Treehugger. Anyways, let's take a proper gander on that bleedin' contract, aye?"
>CONTRACT
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>>6362889
>CORE/ROOK
>R ARM-RIFLE
>L ARM-MG/MINIEX
>BACK R- MISSILE
>BACK L- MISSILE
>FCS/BML-CL
>CALLSIGN: CHYORNIJ
Also, I have to ask, is there a way for us to get physical shields? Because I'd love to mount one on my left arm.
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File: CHYORNIJ.png (1.9 MB)
1.9 MB PNG
>>6365817
If you want to declare your turn too I'm happy to incorporate it into the upcoming update. Also, this goes everyone but if you want do two moves on a turn you can do that at the expense of your action.
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>>6365166
ROLL 1D8 for SCHEMATIC/SPECIAL/UPGRADE:
> 1: SPECIAL: KINETIC BOMBARDMENT SATELLITE, SINGLE USE
> 2: FCS: MELEE SPECIALIZATION
> 3: BACK WEAPON: MEDIUM SHIELD
> 4: AUX EXTENSION: FLARES
> 5: ARM WEAPON: ENERGY MELEE
> 6: ARM WEAPON: HEAVY KINETIC
> 7: ARM WEAPON: PLASMA RANGED
> 8: NEW CORE: UL/DUELIST
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File: TAC.png (2.1 MB)
2.1 MB PNG
//GORGON: MOVE 3-2. Scout SUCCESS.
//CORVID: Hit FAIL. 1 damage sustained.
//SCARAB: WRECK SALVAGED - SCHEMATIC - TGT/TATTLE
//SWALLOW: Hit SUCCESS. 1 [Base] + 1 [ALL] + 1 [ALL] + 1 [ALL] + 1 [ALL] DMG inflicted against DRONE GUNSHIP SQUADRON.
//KANCHO: WRECK SALVAGED. [PLAGUE MODULE x 1]. VALUE: [ILLEGAL FOR PUBLIC EXCHANGE PER QUARANTINE ORDER 34B]. MOVE 2-1.
//HERMIT: MOVE 2-2. Hit SUCCESS. 1 [Base] + 1 [ALL] + 3 [ALL] DMG inflicted against WEAPONS TETRAPOD 2-2-1.
//OGRE: MOVE 2-1. CACHE SALVAGED. [CRUDE ORE SAMPLE x 1]. VALUE: 1 MU.
//GAMBLER: MOVE 2-2. Hit SUCCESS. 1 [Base] + 1 [ALL] + 4 [HEAVY] + 1 [ALL] DMG inflicted against WEAPONS TETRAPOD 2-2-1. Target DESTROYED!
//BUTTONMAN: Hit 3 + 4 + 2 = 9 SUCCESS. 1 [BASE] + 2 [LIGHT] + 2 [LIGHT] DMG inflicted against DRONE GUNSHIP SQUADRON.
//PILLOW: CACHE SALVAGED. [NANOLATHE CORE x 1]. VALUE: 7 MU. MOVE 3-2.
//GASHADOKURO. CONTRACT HASH TRANSFERRED.
//STONEFISH: CACHE SALAVAGED - SCHEMATIC - *** MOVE 1-1
//RUIN: 1 + 2 + 4 = 7 Hit FAIL. 1 damage sustained. Mech CRIPPLED!
>NODE 1-1:
After spending several minutes scanning the destroyed salvage unit, KANCHO detects the characteristic signature of active nanomaterial within its ruptured wreck. Salvaging active plague material was frowned upon, though mercenaries were given a sliver of leeway if they had access to proper containment machinery - which you fortunately did, at least for a modestly-sized sample like this one.
>NODE 2-1:
Similarly, your forces surrounding the MAIN FABRICATION COMPLEX pick through the broken remanants of the facility's automated defenses. While your finds are generally unremarkable, SCARAB finds a pristine schematic for a targeting laser small enough to be mounted to the back slot of a vanguard.
SALVAGE:
>GUARD DRONE WRECKAGE. [Roll 1D4 for salvage] [2-6MU CREDITS | COMMON ARM WEAPON SCHEMATIC on 4]
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File: CORE.png (3.8 MB)
3.8 MB PNG
>NODE 3-1:
Against your better judgement, you allow your mercenaries to spare BLUE-NINE at the cost of their active contract. The leader of the unit spits a perfunctory threat, but reverts almost immediately to quiet resignation realizes that it was more than a fair deal given the situation that they were in. You use one of your salvage carryalls to lift their shattered frames back into orbit, where they could be picked up by their support ship.
BLUE-NINE had received a contract for acquiring INITIAL SCOUTING DATA FOR THE ENTIRE FACILITY from an anonymous corporate rival. It was relatively straightforward job - albeit low-paying - and likely explained why they were so eager to lay reckless claim over the salvage field.
On the way back to the dropship for field-repairs, STONEFISH detects an unmarked, seemingly mundane shipping container emitting an errant reactor signature. Careful examining reveals a PRISTINE DUELIST VANGUARD UNIT, along with an associated production schematic. You almost laugh at the sheer absurdity of the pilot's luck.
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File: Gunship.png (4.3 MB)
4.3 MB PNG
SALVAGE:
>CACHE (3). [Roll 1D8 for salvage.] [1-7MU CREDITS | SCHEMATIC/SPECIAL/UPGRADE on 8]
>NODE 2-2 - OBJECTIVE.
Your forces cluster around the elevator hub. Unlike the guard drones, the gunships are well-armed and well-designed. The squadron breaks into two-ship hunting groups, using their vectored lift fans to strafe around buildings. Guided missiles and autocannon fire rips through your formation, crippling one light mech and damaging several others. Fortunately, your pilots respond by using accurate rifle and machinegun fire to counter their mobility advantage, claiming most of the squadron in turn.
At the same time, GAMBLER and HERMIT attack one of the tetrapods, exploiting its poor turning speed to land a devastating melee hit against its rear armor.
COMBAT:
>DRONE GUNSHIP SQUADRON 4 HP | DC 8 | [LIGHT] [EVASIVE]
>WEAPONS TETRAPOD 2-2-1 8 HP | DC 6 | [HEAVY]
SALVAGE:
>TURRET EMPLACEMENT WRECKAGE. [Roll 1D4 for salvage] [4-16MU CREDITS]
>NODE 3-2.
GORGON scans the area again briefly, noting a seismic disturbance that quickly grows into a consuming roar. A massive, building-sized machine emerges from one of the substrate tunnels in a spray of fine red dust. A CORRUPTED TERRAIN PROCESSING UNIT emerges. It rotates slowly in place as it blinks its multitude of organic and inorganic sensor clusters. The machine remained DORMANT for now - to your relief - showing no signs of advancing any further into the facility.
> TERRAIN PROCESSING UNIT. [DORMANT FOR 3 TURNS]
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Rolled 6 + 4 (1d6 + 4)
>>6365862
Enaging gunships. We need to end this before either the Terrain Unit wakes up or this place gets glassed from orbit. gashdokuro, recommend you check out 3-3. Might as well try to scout the place if we're getting paid.
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Rolled 4, 2 + 2 = 8 (2d4 + 2)
>>6365862
>MOVE: NODE 2-2 - OBJECTIVE
COMBAT:
>WEAPONS TETRAPOD 2-2-1 8 HP | DC 6 | [HEAVY]
"Wait your turn, big creep, looks like you already got lucky once."
"Gorgon. Coming in hot, about time I used my guns on somethin' big enough t' sate 'em."
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Rolled 2 (1d3)
>>6365862
"Fucking hell, why's my frame so weak! How am I meant to lay waste to the enemy with paper mache hull? Whatever. I'll leave this sector to you guys. I'm going ahead and scouting the upcoming sector so we can fulfill that new contract we borrowed."
>Move to 2-3
>Scout
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Rolled 3 (1d4)
>>6365862
>NODE 2-1
>SALVAGE
>GUARD DRONE WRECKAGE. [Roll 1D4 for salvage] [2-6MU CREDITS | COMMON ARM WEAPON SCHEMATIC on 4]
>MOVE to 3-1
"If that thing has just come out there is more cancers following it boys."
"I'll salvage the wrecks we have left behind, and go to check on Treehugger. Going to give him cover, and try and see if its his comms are gone. Maybe he just needs a moment, and then he can get himself some repairs at the dropship."
>>6364139
"Buddy are your comms fried ? Give me a martian handshake with your mech if so. We ain't leaving you here."
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>>6365862
>> TERRAIN PROCESSING UNIT. [DORMANT FOR 3 TURNS]
>The entire place gets glassed from orbit in 2 turns
Guess the spider isn't gonna be the problem.
Cool quest, I'll join next mission probably since this one is pretty much a wrap.
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File: untitled.png (1.2 MB)
1.2 MB PNG
//CORVID: Hit SUCCESS. 5 DMG inflicted against DRONE GUNSHIP SQUADRON. Target DESTROYED!
//STONEFISH: MOVE 2-2.
//PILLOW: MOVE 2-2. Hit SUCCESS. 4 DMG inflicted against WEAPONS TETRAPOD.
//HERMIT: WRECK SALVAGED. VALUE: 16 MU
//GORGON: MOVE 2-2. Hit SUCCESS. 8 DMG inflicted against WEAPONS TETRAPOD. Target DESTROYED!
//RUIN: MOVE 2-3. Scout 2-3 SUCCESS.
//SWALLOW: Scout 2-2 SUCCESS. Cache identified!
//GASHADOKURO: Scout 3-3 SUCCESS. CIVILIAN OBJECTIVE IDENTIFIED.
//GAMBLER: MOVE 2-2. WRECK SALVAGED. VALUE: 6MU
//SCARAB: WRECK SALVAGED. VALUE: 6 MU. MOVE 3-1
//TREEHUGGER: MOVE 1-1. Mech REPAIRED!
//OGRE: Hit SUCCESS. 7 DMG inflicted against WEAPONS TETRAPOD [DESTROYED]. Target already DESTROYED!
//BUTTONMAN: MOVE Scout 2-3 FAILURE.
//KANCHO: MOVE 3-3.
//CHYORNIJ: MOVE 3-2.
The rest of the engagement resolves firmly in your favor. PILLOW and GORGON bait the lumbering weapons tetrapod into a narrow transit corridor. Exploiting its poor traverse speed, the two pilots outmaneuver the machine and land hits against its vulnerable top armor. A trio of armor-piercing cannon rounds core the machine from top to bottom. The turret seizes and slumps, smoke pouring out from burning ammunition racks.
At the same time, CORVID manages to pin the remaining gunships against the wall of the spindle-hub. Deprived of space to dart in and out of hard cover, the squadron disintegrates in a barrage of ranged weapons fire.
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File: Processor.png (4.2 MB)
4.2 MB PNG
Seconds after the last gunship wreck shatters against the spindle-hubs concrete foundation, you inform your client that the immediate area was secure. Slowly, you watch a tiny point light ascend the elevator-spindle, traveling skywards on a silvered magnetic quad-rail. Your client smiles in satisfaction and confirms the completion of your contract. Curiously, one of your mechs detects the faint trace of a plague signature on the spindle carriage as it ascends - but by then it has long passed the point where you - or the orbital blockade satellites - could do anything about it.
Since your company still had several hours of allotted time before blockade imposition, your pilots begin to scout out the remaining sections of the facility to complete the secondary contract you had "acquired". Your pilots spread out while maintaining respectful distance from the lumbering terrain processor, which - for the moment - remained perfectly docile as it meandered around the entrance of the transit corridor.
Most of the discoveries your pilots find are unmarkable - however, GASHADOKURO manages to find a small civilian shelter broadcasting an active distress signal. The occupants were - understandably - trepidatious about the prospect of encountering a mercenary company. The reason becomes obvious once you inform your client.
Through the video feed, you watch her consult the shelter manifest with tired, uncaring eyes. "These individuals are temporary contractors - not employees. Their evacuation is not included in your compensation clause, and we will not compensate you for recovery costs."
The implication is clear. Recovering the civilian contractors before the orbital blockade went online would be expensive, requiring use of pressurized salvage machinery you typically reserved for transport of sensitive samples. You were confident that the civilians be unable to cover even a fraction of the cost. It was a poor deal for any mercenary company, and you suspected that your client was well-aware of this.
>RESCUE. [-12 MU]
>LEAVE. No penalty.
You have one turn remaining for SALVAGE actions before imposition of the orbital blockade:
2-3:
>CACHE (1). [Roll 1D8 for salvage.] [1-7MU CREDITS | SCHEMATIC/SPECIAL/UPGRADE on 8]
2-2:
>CACHE (1). [Roll 1D8 for salvage.] [1-7MU CREDITS | SCHEMATIC/SPECIAL/UPGRADE on 8]
>TETRA WRECKAGE. [Roll 1D4 for salvage] [4-16MU CREDITS]
>GUNSHIP SALVAGE. [Roll 1D6 for salvage] [4-24MU CREDITS]
3-1:
>CACHE (3). [Roll 1D8 for salvage.] [1-7MU CREDITS | SCHEMATIC/SPECIAL/UPGRADE on 8]
2-1:
>TURRET EMPLACEMENT WRECKAGE. [Roll 1D4 for salvage] [2-6MU CREDITS | COMMON WEAPON SCHEMATIC on 4]
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>>6366290
>RESCUE. [-12 MU]Whoops, didn't realise this was a group vote.
"I say rescue 'em. We've tagged plenty of salvage to make up the loss. At the end of the day, we're vanguard, protectors of the people, albeit for a price. Not just any mercenary dogs."
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Rolled 4 (1d4)
>>6366290
>RESCUE. [-12 MU]
> FINAL VANGUARD. [+ CIVILIAN DEFENSE CONTRACTS].
We were made to flee once before, the innocent watching the backs of their saviors disappear alongside any hope.
We will not fail again.
>NODE 2-2
>SALVAGE
>TETRA WRECKAGE. [Roll 1D4 for salvage] [4-16MU CREDITS]
"Too bad I can't call this one mine alone. An assist on a monster don't ring the same as a kill stripe."
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>>6366312
"I bet they made the plague, a real Mirai grown, mechanome, biome-home, drone spread disaster! All so they can sell the cure! Or maybe they're just making it worse. For...corporate...reasons, yeah. But yes, more work would be nice."
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Rolled 6 (1d8)
>>6366290
>RESCUE[-12 MU]
"Just my luck... these temps better think of a way to compensate or I'm gonna start harvesting organs before extract."
>CACHE (1). [Roll 1D8 for salvage.] [1-7MU CREDITS | SCHEMATIC/SPECIAL/UPGRADE on 8]
>>6366305
"Yea, 'for a price'. Let's make sure our next employer gets that drilled into their skull, hm?"
>>6366312
"Hey, if Corps stopped making monsters to clean up, we'd be out of a job, right?"
>>6366327
"I'll take that bet! Loser buys the company a round."
>>6366330
"Pretty cruel to leave us high and dry too, y'know. I'm sure they can put their heads together and scrape a reward together on the way out~"
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"Decent haul on this cache. Nothing special though."
>>6366348
"We really ought to add a 'discretionary lump sum to cover stylistic choices of operation' clause into our contract. Maybe when we're in the big leagues."
krrt
"These contracters gotta have a temp agency or something that'll pay for 'em, right? Maybe they got some useful skills in the bunch that we can use. I 'iunno."
krrt
"It's a bet then!"
"Sol fry me, I'm gonna have to work weekends in a salvage maniple to save up for drink expenses. Betting against *Gambler*, pfft, better to take an ice-walk without a suit."
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Rolled 2 (1d8)
>>6366252
Worry not, it's all good, especially if you have me rolling sixes!
>>6366290
"...perhaps we should warn them about the plague signature we detected...? Otherwise, our next mission very well might take us back to our contractors."
>RESCUE. [-12 MU]
"You guys are all such softies... Fine. They can tag along. Careful not to rattle them too much, hm?"
>2-3
>CACHE (1). [Roll 1D8 for salvage.] [1-7MU CREDITS | SCHEMATIC/SPECIAL/UPGRADE on 8]
"And now that I'm there, I might as well look for anything worth its weight. So far from the entry point, I expected something a little cooler, but it just seems like a normal cache."
>>6366320
"I sure wish I could have gotten to engage that corrupted terrain processor. It's large enough that I wouldn't have to aim very much, and I'd just have to go in guns blazing..."
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>>6366364
"Worst case scenario we can chuck a few temps into a ring in the Cargo Bay--draw a ring for 'em with chalk, take bets on who gets knocked out of bounds first? Sumo on a budget."
>>6366370
"Still time to poke at it with a few missiles, y'know. I'll be happy to watch over your stuff back at base if you don't make it back..."
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>>6366370
"I have a feeling the plague signature we picked up is what they wanted in the first place. Either way, nothing we can do now. And if you drag the Company into a fight against that Processor you're paying for all the repairs needed to bail your dumbass out."
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>>6366290
>RESCUE. [-12 MU]
"We are of Mars blood, more than mercs. Let's get this people out before they become cancers food."
>Move to Dropship
"The facility is clear. Unless we want to start taking in orbit the Mirai machinery and vehicles present for cargo hauling ..... i doubt it would be worth it, the scans don't reveal anything of real worth."
>>6366327
"Do not worry Swallow, with this mission success news will circle about us. There will be no shortage of contracts. And no shortage of more inquiries about our origin either."
>>6366348
"If they are kin of our world, they will repay us in do time, Gambler. Its not likely they will have anything in terms of assets, technical skills, credits or strategical info about Mirai work practices or facilities. But they shall speak of us, and offer us their support. We did more for them, than anything Mirai ever did for them in years. And the Boss can use this support......when our finances are more stable."
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Rolled 1 + 1 (1d6 + 1)
>Civvies? Fuck em, should have had mechs if they wanted to live.
"There ain't shit here! No scraps, no scrap, fuckin ell, did I board a shuttle to a petting zoo?"
>Scout current zone (3-3)
>Salvage anything you find
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>>6366462
"Time will tell, Gambler."
"We might be bested by other mercenaries, the plague could take us, or our enemies might realize what we truly are before we even have the chance to return to our former strength. What little help this people would give us would not matter at that point, we would be corpses and wrecks left upon the red sands of our home."
"Still, i feel a chance is ahead of us to be seized. If our leader can use it, and if we do not fail. Then, the help of those people no matter how small might balance the scale in our favor."
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>>6366394
"I can't have you pawning off my anime girl figures man, they've got too much of an emotional value."
>>6366400
"Where's everyone's fighting spirit? It'll be good training for when we inevitably have to fight a building-sized mech!"
"If that's how it'll be, I guess I'd better suck it up and make sure to pick a frame that doesn't blow to bits when it's grazed by gunship fire next time. I'm gonna let off some steam by blowing shit up on the way out."
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>>6366414
"Hear that Scarab? That's the sound of me grumbling again. I distinctly remember you saying that shit last time. 'Oh, don't worry Swallow! Regolith corp is known good actor in the construction sector, it's totally a good idea to rent out our heavy mechs to them? Oh, what's that? Martian regolith ain't the same as lunar regolith, and their entire expansion plan went up in flames, so they are recouping their losses by selling our heavies on the sly? They have their reputation to think of Swallow! I'm sure ThEy'Ll RePaY uS.' Now we're stuck with lights! Screwed yourselves there, huh?! At least I'm free as a bird in my Lancer."
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>>6366491
"Riiight... as long as all of those other horrible and very probable things you just listed don't happen, we'll be right as rain! Me and my love of underdog stories..."
>>6366585
"You WOUND me, Ruin! Pawning off your lady figurines? I'd never! Totally unrelated, but do you keep them in their original packaging, by chance? In cases, maybe? What animes we talkin' here? Not that I'd know any of the names, of course!"
>>6366680
"I totally left a pair of sunglasses in my old mech, too. Didn't even get a chance to clean it out before the Corpos bagged everything up..."
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Your pilots spent the last, frantic hour of your allotted time salvaging whatever they could find from the facility. The yield is passable by your standards. While you find no more schematics, there was more than enough mid-grade industrial material and recoverable technology to make the affair profitable. It was also enough to cover the substantial amount of resources you had sunk into evacuating the civilian onto their own pressurized salvage carryall. They had reacted to the offer in disbelief before accepting it with almost indecent haste. Mercenaries, after all, were neither known for generosity or charity. A fair minority of your pilots, admittedly, were in an equal state of disbelief.
You meet the blockade deadline by a quarter-hour. As your pilots dock their smoking vanguard units into their dropship bays, you see the telltale red stutter of ranging lasers flickering over the facility outskirts. The blockade constellation would maintain an unblinking watch over the perimeter - ensuring that nothing without quarantine sanction could enter or exit. Minutes after leaving atmospherel you see a thin lance of ruby light flash through the clouds like distant lightning - representing a mercenary or contractor who had failed to give the blockade deadline the respect it was due.
The journey back to your transport ship takes several hours. You confirm contract completion with both of your clients. The pale MIRAI representative smiles blandly through the video feed as she congratulates you, offering you discounts on mass augmentation packages that she knew you could not afford. She then asks you an expected question:
"Our orbital observation unit detected significant salvage activity around the civilian bunker, which was unexpected given our productive conversation."
In response, you provide a non answer: "We chose to perform salvage operations in accordance with our contractual salvage rights."
"Of course." She answers, bringing an abrupt end to the conversation.
The second client simply transfers the compensation sum to your account after verifying the scouting data - showing little to no interest in the fact that their contract had changed hands entirely.
It takes more several days for your transport to dock with the orbital station holding the local NEST branch. As a complete newcomer, you are afforded the lowest docking and boarding priority. You review the financials of your mercenary company, noting that you had earned a fairly significant profit this time around. A combination of luck, you suppose, and an unusually generous contract. As your pilots diffuse through the station - in pursuit of various items, activities, and complaints - you consider the equipment on offer. While corporations always reserved their best equipment for closely affiliated units, there were still plenty of mid-line schematic available for purchase.
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--- C O M P A N Y | L E D G E R ---
//REVENUE:
SALVAGE: 6+10+1+7+16+6+6+[6+2+8+16+2+6+2] = 94 MU
CONTRACT 1 - MIRAI GENETICS IO 10488126: 50 MU
CONTRACT 2 - UNKNOWN CLIENT IO ########: 25 MU
TOTAL: 169 MU
//COSTS:
CIVILIAN TRANSPORT: -12 MU
VANGUARD REPAIR:
REPAIR, STANDARD: 3 x 2 MU = -6 MU
REPAIR, CRIPPLED: 2 x 3 MU = -6 MU
FUEL/AMMUNITION/TRAN: 15 x 1 MU = -15 MU
TOTAL: -39
//BUDGET: 130 MU
//SALVAGE INVENTORY:
SCHEMATIC - MISSILE/6-CELL-MICRO
SCHEMATIC - TGT/TATTLE
SCHEMATIC - CORE/DUELIST
SAMPLE - PLAGUE MODULE
OTHER - CIVILIAN x 71
>>
--- N E S T | S H O P ---
//BUDGET: 130 MU
//CORE
> CORE/BREAKER. [120 MU] [GDM HVY INDUSTRIES]. Tank frame. Very high HP/LOAD. Evasion penalty. Cannot perform combat and movement actions on the same turn.
//FCS
> FCS/SHINKAI. Melee specialist. [40 MU] [SHIN-RAI]
//BACK
> GL/RAIDEN. Grenade launcher. Multihit on critical. [45 MU] [GCC INT]
> PLS/ARSENIC. Light plasma projector. Adds [LIGHT] tag on impact. Cooldown [35 MU] [HLT PREC LABS]
> MSL/YELLOWSTONE. Cruise missile launcher. 2 uses. [35 MU] [GCC INT]
> SHLD/PARA. Medium shield, evasion penalty. [30 MU] [HLT PREC LABS]
> FLR/FLARES. Single use flares. 1 turn boost to HIT/EVADE, usable after roll. [15 MU] [GENERIC]
//ARM
> LAS/ANTARES. Standard laser rifle. Weight efficient. Cooldown. [35 MU] [HLT PREC LABS]
> BZK/IRIDIUM. Light grenade launcher. Multihit on critical. [30 MU] [GCC INT]
> RFL/ESSEN. Heavy rifle. Multipurpose, heavy bonus. [35 MU] [BFA FD]
> SG/HALD. Shotgun. Multipurpose, light bonus. [35 MU] [GDM HVY INDUSTRIES]
> PB/PULSAR. Multipurpose pulse blade. [25 MU] [SHIN-RAI]
> LASW/CENTAURI. Lightweight laser blade. Cooldown. [18 MU] [HLT PREC LABS]
//UPGRADE
> NONE AVAILABLE
//PILOT
> AUG/FOVEAL CLARIFICATION. Scouting rolls are now 1d7. [130 MU] [MIRAI GENETICS]
> AUG/AXONAL HYPERTROPHY. +1 to all hit rolls. [600 MU] [MIRAI GENETICS]
> AUG/CORTICAL PRUNING. +1 to all hit rolls. [1200 MU] [MIRAI GENETICS]
[For this vote, I will probably rank individual items by the total number of votes received and purchase from the top down.]
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>>6366833
> FCS/SHINKAI. Melee specialist. [40 MU] [SHIN-RAI]
"For the Ishmael users, for now. For the duelist cores too, once we pick up some proper melee weapons."
> PLS/ARSENIC. Light plasma projector. Adds [LIGHT] tag on impact. Cooldown [35 MU] [HLT PREC LABS]
"I insist. One hit and suddenly the rest of the company is doing effective damage to heavies, or armoured turrets."
> PB/PULSAR. Multipurpose pulse blade. [25 MU] [SHIN-RAI]
"For the duelist cores. More reliable than a laser blade."
> BZK/IRIDIUM. Light grenade launcher. Multihit on critical. [30 MU] [GCC INT]
"Sounds deadly. And I'm sure some of us like to gamble on luck. Wouldn't be opposed to dropping the Iridium and Pulsar for the Essen and Centauri though. Since we are lack in ranged weapons effective against heavies, short of humping it with a cannon. It would allow heavy hunters to specialize properly, for less weight. The Centauri is just a budget choice."
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>>6366833
"Hmph, standard Corpo. Lure you in with the fancy crap they know you can't afford."
> FCS/SHINKAI. Melee specialist. [40 MU] [SHIN-RAI]
For the new core
>FLR/FLARES. Single use flares. 1 turn boost to HIT/EVADE, usable after roll. [15 MU] [GENERIC]
Can't go wrong with the basics
> RFL/ESSEN. Heavy rifle. Multipurpose, heavy bonus. [35 MU] [BFA FD]
More punch
> SG/HALD. Shotgun. Multipurpose, light bonus. [35 MU] [GDM HVY INDUSTRIES]
For skeet shooting
> PB/PULSAR. Multipurpose pulse blade. [25 MU] [SHIN-RAI]
A classic.
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>>6366833
As tempting as the tank frame is, we've gotten good use out of our present frames as is.
>//FCS
>FCS/SHINKAI. Melee specialist. [40 MU] [SHIN-RAI]
>//BACK
> MSL/YELLOWSTONE. Cruise missile launcher. 2 uses. [35 MU] [GCC INT]
> FLR/FLARES. Single use flares. 1 turn boost to HIT/EVADE, usable after roll. [15 MU] [GENERIC]
An emergency boost, that can be used on demand, is very beneficial. Especially for light units that can't eat the hit. Meanwhile a cruise missile launcher reads to me as "doesn't have to move to the node to help." Also very useful to have on hand if more dice are needed.
As neat as the Arsenic is, I just like the cruise missiles more.
>//ARM
> PB/PULSAR. Multipurpose pulse blade. [25 MU] [SHIN-RAI]
We got the new frame for melee, may as well spoil it a bit.
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>>6366833
> FCS/SHINKAI. Melee specialist. [40 MU] [SHIN-RAI]
"not my cup of tea, but some of my team prefer to hit mechs with giant toothpicks, so let's give them a little help"
> PLS/ARSENIC. Light plasma projector. Adds [LIGHT] tag on impact. Cooldown [35 MU] [HLT PREC LABS]
"now this might be a crazy opinion but I don't think taking a weapon that in two shots becomes scrap is a good financial use of our money. the laser pointer on the other hand would be useful on are heavy hitters"
> FLR/FLARES. Single use flares. 1 turn boost to HIT/EVADE, usable after roll. [15 MU] [GENERIC]
"honestly the best thing on here"
PB/PULSAR. Multipurpose pulse blade. [25 MU] [SHIN-RAI]
"are melee crew need all the help they can get"
> RFL/ESSEN. Heavy rifle. Multipurpose, heavy bonus. [35 MU] [BFA FD]
"please team PLEAASE can I have it I'll give you my next salvage please"
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>>6366833
> GL/RAIDEN. Grenade launcher. Multihit on critical. [45 MU] [GCC INT]
> FLR/FLARES. Single use flares. 1 turn boost to HIT/EVADE, usable after roll. [15 MU] [GENERIC]
I just want these two. I'd get the Essen as well, but I don't want to break the bank. It's a good idea to have MU left over.
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>>6366680
"I can't deny that did not go well that time, it wasn't our best decision. But i think we can avoid something similar again, or at least not to the level of such disaster."
>>6366680
*Scarab simply hums before giving radio silence*
>>6366833
"What STONEFISH has found with that PRISTINE DUELIST VANGUARD UNIT and the related schematics is of great use."
>FCS/SHINKAI. Melee specialist. [40 MU] [SHIN-RAI]
"Perfect for our pilots that prefer close quarters, and if we can make some of those VANGUARD UNIT..."
>BZK/IRIDIUM. Light grenade launcher. Multihit on critical. [30 MU] [GCC INT]
"A good weapon."
>PB/PULSAR. Multipurpose pulse blade. [25 MU] [SHIN-RAI]
"Powerful"
>RFL/ESSEN. Heavy rifle. Multipurpose, heavy bonus. [35 MU] [BFA FD]
"I admit i might need something else than the MINIEXs i use, i could probably just swap them with some EXTEN-R but the ESSEN..."
>>6366834
Thanks for telling us. Observer a few questions, will there be two other "phases" after the market before the next mission ? Assembly for change our loadout, if we can. And then contracts. Or i am wrong ? Also does loadout/core, change/creation require MU ?
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>>6366833
> BZK/IRIDIUM. Light grenade launcher. Multihit on critical. [30 MU] [GCC INT]
> RFL/ESSEN. Heavy rifle. Multipurpose, heavy bonus. [35 MU] [BFA FD]
> SG/HALD. Shotgun. Multipurpose, light bonus. [35 MU] [GDM HVY INDUSTRIES]
> PB/PULSAR. Multipurpose pulse blade. [25 MU] [SHIN-RAI]
As much as I love my pile bunker, not all of us have the… constitution… to get into close range combat with a heavy opponent.
These arm weapons should fill out a lot of gaps in our arsenal without breaking the bank.
As for the shotgun… please, I am begging you. I am so fucking bad at hitting fast targets.
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>>6366832
>130 MU
"That's it--I'm harvesting livers."
>>6366833
"Oh-ho! That's the COMMUNAL BUDGET, ey? Harvesting postponed. I LOVE the sound of a paycheck in the morning~but cripes, even the individal check's pretty stingy! This'll be gone in less than a week!"
> FLR/FLARES. Single use flares. 1 turn boost to HIT/EVADE, usable after roll. [15 MU] [GENERIC]
> RFL/ESSEN. Heavy rifle. Multipurpose, heavy bonus. [35 MU] [BFA FD]
> PLS/ARSENIC. Light plasma projector. Adds [LIGHT] tag on impact. Cooldown [35 MU] [HLT PREC LABS]
> SG/HALD. Shotgun. Multipurpose, light bonus. [35 MU] [GDM HVY INDUSTRIES]
"Here's my picks since they're on bossman's dime. And might I also suggest a pool table again? Gonna go stir-crazy here."
>>6366834Thanks for running so far! Love all the work and effort you're putting into it even being as busy as you are.
>>6366839
"WHOSAIDGAMBLE"
>>6366851
"Next salvage, ey? Can I get that in writing, Pils? My vote was totally the deciding factor, you know."
>>6366924
"I'd be happy to sling a few pointers your way, Ogre! We can hit the range later... and yes, I accept all major payment apps!"
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>>6366833
> GL/RAIDEN. Grenade launcher. Multihit on critical. [45 MU] [GCC INT]
> BZK/IRIDIUM. Light grenade launcher. Multihit on critical. [30 MU] [GCC INT]
"I need more explosive ordinance to do my job."
> RFL/ESSEN. Heavy rifle. Multipurpose, heavy bonus. [35 MU] [BFA FD]
"The light rifles are alright, but I wouldn't mind the extra stopping power."
"I'd have picked that Breaker core, but I can't well spread devastation at one mile per fucking year."
"Bit of a selfish selection, but I'm up against all of you melee fighters. You do you, but nothing beats a proper levelling of the battlefield."
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>>6366924
"Heavy opponents are best dealt with from a safe distance. I say. If I'm slinging heavy ordinance at the fucker, I'd rather not get people pissed at me because they got caught in an explosion... My ass doesn't have enough cash to pay for your repairs, so even if you wanted to shake me down you'd find nothing."
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>>6366833
>> PLS/ARSENIC. Light plasma projector. Adds [LIGHT] tag on impact. Cooldown [35 MU] [HLT PREC LABS]
Sounds veeery interestin
> FCS/SHINKAI. Melee specialist. [40 MU] [SHIN-RAI]
I wonder what that Duelist frame can pull
> LASW/CENTAURI. Lightweight laser blade. Cooldown. [18 MU] [HLT PREC LABS]
> PB/PULSAR. Multipurpose pulse blade. [25 MU] [SHIN-RAI]
wonder wonder, what these can pull
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File: Example.png (1.9 MB)
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This is not an update, but I also wanted to give a chance for everyone to vote/propose a name for the mercenary company (if you would like) and a color scheme. I can't do color schemes for individual mechs since that would be too much work, but I can do a scheme color for everyone if there is 1. very strong agreement and 2. I don't think it looks really bad.
> COMPANY NAME
> BASE COLOR [Currently white]
> HIGHLIGHT COLOR [Currently metallic teal]
> GLOW COLOR [Currently pale blue]
> COLOR SCHEME
>>6366878
Yes, there will be additional phases where you can select from a list of contracts with different salvage provisions and (after that) mech assembly if you wish to change your loadout.With the exception of the ammunition/repair costs tabulated at the end of mission, there is no additional MU fee for swapping parts.
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>>6367040
Gambler, you might have a snowball’s chance in hell of out-fighting OR out-drinking me on my absolute worst day.
But both at once? Nah, not happening. I gotta give you at least a small chance to win.
You show up stone cold sober and we’ll do this like gentlemen. Loser buys the drinks after when we settle that second point afterwards.
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>>6367031
> COMPANY NAME
Iron Angels
> BASE COLOR [Currently white]
Red like the Martian dirt, we rep our home planet’s colors
> HIGHLIGHT COLOR
Black or dark brown
> GLOW COLOR
Green, it stands out from the armor. So they know we’re targeting them.
> COLOR SCHEME
I’d like my shield to be green instead of blue.
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>>6367031
>BASE:
HIGHLIGHT:
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>>6366833
>> FCS/SHINKAI. Melee specialist. [40 MU] [SHIN-RAI]
> GL/RAIDEN. Grenade launcher. Multihit on critical. [45 MU] [GCC INT]
> FLR/FLARES. Single use flares. 1 turn boost to HIT/EVADE, usable after roll. [15 MU] [GENERIC]
> BZK/IRIDIUM. Light grenade launcher. Multihit on critical. [30 MU] [GCC INT]
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>>6367171
>>6367172
"Score one for all the snowballs in hell... Up an' attem', big guy. You owe me a drink."
>ACTION: HELP UP
"For what it's worth, you hit like a brick, Og. I've just never been much of a gentleman, is all."Drew this a few days ago but didn't wanna be the first person to post dumb Merc Pics. Oh well!
>>6367133
"Ordinarily I don't share, but I'll take partial over nothing any day."
>>6367137
"Know what a worse plan is? Saying that about me in earshot, Ru."
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>>6367096
"Agreed."
>>6367096
>>6367031
i am of the same mind of Swallow for colour schemes, so i will change from the one i proposed to push for Ogre one and the other guy one.
Name... yeah Dust Walkers sound cool. I was thinking of something "mercenary" but with the vibe that evokes something else behind it. Which is what we are...
>>6367133
"We are definitely buying it then."
>>6367241
nice work!
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>>6367241I’m no artist myself, so here’s a picture of how I imagine Ogre. Yes, it’s Rory Swann from StarCraft.
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>>6367241
"Having the ol' fisticuffs on a bet again, Gambler? At least yer winning this time."
>>6367391
"I think I like that. But the word 'knight' is awful generous to describe us, yeah?"
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>>6367391
I poured over Martian geographic websites to find something better but I got nothing.
We are the Knights of Cydonia. The red dust clings to our boots and our machines alike, our homeland will follow us to the galaxy’s edge!
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I drew my design for Stonefish
>>6367241
>>6367428Very based and drawpilled...
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>>6367428
>>6367435
HELL yea, the team's slowly coming together! Visually, at least! Both armor designs look awesome--I like the idea that everyone's a different 'flavor' of space merc. Gives them all character!
>>6367428
"Hey, he started it! Not my fault everyone wants to buy me drinks! It's a curse, really."
>>6367431
"I looked up some Mars facts too, but this great ad popped up for a comet casino and I got distracted. The place only comes to this solar system once every fifty years or so... and they've got an ice spa and frost bath treatments too--can you believe it!? Hope it's here in time for my birthday."
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>>6367391
while I like the name Knights Of Cydonia, i don't feel like the crew really fit the knight description. considering I only agreed to save those civies because I new we could make up the lost, if we couldn't do that I would of recommended termination as a mercy. but as a PR move it will give us more jobs because it will give us the illusion on being noble.
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//FCS
> FCS/SHINKAI. IIIII II 7
//BACK
> GL/RAIDEN. III 3
> PLS/ARSENIC. IIII 4
> MSL/YELLOWSTONE. I 1
> SHLD/PARA.
> FLR/FLARES. IIIII I 6
//ARM
> LAS/ANTARES.
> BZK/IRIDIUM. IIIII 5
> RFL/ESSEN. IIIII I 6
> SG/HALD. III 3
> PB/PULSAR. IIIII I 6
> LASW/CENTAURI. I 1
//PURCHASE ORDER:
> FCS/SHINKAI. [40 MU] [SHIN-RAI]
> FLR/FLARES. [15 MU] [GENERIC]
> PB/PULSAR. [25 MU] [SHIN-RAI]
> RFL/ESSEN. [35 MU] [BFA FD]
TOTAL: 115 MU REMAINING: 15 MU
You spend the majority of your funds on new hardware for your company, focusing on flexibility over raw power. Within hours, the vague impression of new vanguard frames and weapons begin coalescing in the autofabricator vats aboard your docked transport.
As your pilots enjoy the modest luxuries of orbital shore leave, you approach the NEST representative to formally register your company as a free mercenary unit. It was something of a perfunctory gesture in the Martian quarantine zone, but there were contract benefits attached to NEST-certified ID and a traceable reputation.
The NEST branch office is filled with a faint floral scent that you do not recognize. The representative flips through your registration paperwork, his glittering ocular implants flickering through your pilots biometric identifiers with practiced ease.
His gaze lingers on your plugsuit.
"A former martian unit," he says neutrally. "Did you desert?"
"No." You respond blankly. "There was nothing to desert."
He shrugs. "Merely a question."
A sliver of iridescent plastic flashes in his metal rimmed hands. "Dust Walkers. Fitting. Please accept both our sincere condolences for your planet and our preemptive congratulations for your future fortune."
A flash of metal. The registration card appears between your fingers.
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--- C O N T R A C T | S E L E C T ---
> SUBLEVEL EXPLORATION. [GCC INT]. "We have an open contract to explore a quarantined SUPPLY DEPOT SUBLEVEL north of Noctis highlands and perform supply recovery, formerly belonging to GCC-INT. Low risk." BASE PAY: [100MU], 50% SALVAGE SHARE
> TERMINATION. [SHIN-RAI]. "An EXPERIENCED MERCENARY UNIT has compromised our operations in the martian lowlands. Identify and destroy this unit in-transit, pay per diem. BASE PAY: [40 MU PER TERMINATION], 100% SALVAGE SHARE"
> PLAGUE EXTERMINATION. [### OFFICIAL - MOCA/MARTIAN ORBITAL CLOSURE AUTHORITY###]. "A PLAGUE CONTAMINATED TERRAIN PROCESSOR UNIT has breached a temporary gap in the Tharsis quarantine line. Priority payment for rapid termination. [450 MU], PRIMARY TARGET SALVAGE FORBIDDEN."
> PLAGUE SALVAGE. [###CLIENT UNKNOWN##]. "We are interested in studying a TERRAIN PROCESSOR UNIT that has breached a temporary gap in the tharsis quarantine line. Reach the target before it is destroyed by the closure authority, and perform neutralization/sample recovery. [150 MU], 50% SALVAGE SHARE."
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//VANGUARD ASSEMBLY OPTIONS:
/CORE:
>CORE/DUELIST. [ LOAD LIMIT: 3 | ARM SLOTS ONLY | HP: 1 | INBUILT RADAR + 1 HIT | INBUILT SHIELD NO CRIPPLE PENALTY | DMG TWICE WITH MELEE WEAPON ON HIT].
A previous-generation vanguard model optimized for exceptional melee performance. Aggressive weight reduction renders it incompatible with standard modular shoulder/back weapons, compromising flexibility.
>CORE/LANCER. [ LOAD LIMIT: 5 | HP: 1 | ++ EVASIVE ].
An outdated but reliable vanguard model with respectable speed and modest load capacity, produced en-masse by the Martian armed forces.
>CORE/ROOK. [ LOAD LIMIT: 7 | HP: 2 ]
An outdated but reliable vanguard model with high load and passable armor, produced en-masse by the Martian armed forces.
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File: SAMPLE5.png (1.1 MB)
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/ARM R/L:
> RIFLE//EXTEN-R. [LOAD: 1 | + DMG/ALL].
> HEAVY RIFLE//ESSEN. [LOAD: 2 | ++ DMG/ALL | + HIT/HEAVY | - EVASION]
> MG//MINIEX. [LOAD: 1 | ++ DMG/LIGHT].
> PULSE BLADE//PULSAR. [LOAD: 2 | +++ DMG/ALL | - HIT/ALL ]. [R-ARM ONLY].
> PILE DRIVER//ISHMAEL. [LOAD: 2 | + DMG/ALL | +++++ ++ DMG/HEAVY | -- HIT/ALL ] [R-ARM ONLY].
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File: SAMPLE4.png (1.1 MB)
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/BACK R/L:
> MISSILE//2-CELL [LOAD: 1 | + DMG/ALL].
> MISSILE//6-CELL-MICRO [LOAD: 2 | + DMG/ALL | ++ DMG/LIGHT].
> RADAR//SEEKER [LOAD: 1 | + SCOUTING | + HIT/ALL] [R-BACK ONLY].
> TARGET DESIGNATOR//TATTLE [LOAD: 1 | ON HIT, REDUCE TARGET DC BY 1 FOR ALL PILOTS NEXT TURN] [R-BACK ONLY].
> SHIELD//HI0-SHELL [LOAD: 2 | + HP] [L-BACK ONLY].
> CANNON//DRIVER [LOAD: 3 | +++ DMG/ALL | - EVASIVE].
> FLARE//DRIVER [LOAD: 1 | SINGLE USE | +++++ EVASIVE +++ HIT FOR ONE TURN].
/FCS:
> FCS/BML-CL [ 2D4 | ++ HIT/HEAVY ]
> FCS/BML-LR [ 1D6 | ++++ HIT/LIGHT ]
> FCS/SHINKAI. [3D2 + 1 | NO MELEE HIT PENALTY]
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A few quick things - I rebalanced some of the weapons. I would have preferred to not do this, but I think it helps with distinguishing different weapon options for this update and for future updates. To summarize:
1. Melee weapons now have an innate Malus to hit, [-1 for pulse blade, -2 for pile driver]. To compensate, their damage/weight efficiency as been significantly increased above that of ranged weapons.
2. The weight of the MG has been decreased to 1, since it is too specialized with a single damage type and under-performs at weight 2. This should provide more build options .
3. I have updated a few weapon models to make size and color more consistent, specifically the 2-cell missile launcher and the rifle.
As always, registration is ongoing so if you want to pick a loadout after the contract is finalized feel free to.
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>>6368623
Upgrading my hardware.
>CALLSIGN GASHADOKURO
>CORE/ROOK
>ARM L/MINIEX
>ARM R/MINIEX
>BACK L/2-CELL
>BACK R/6-CELL-MICRO
>FCS/BML-LR
>PAINTJOB/DUSTWALKER STANDARD
"Woulda preferred if me mech's head's painted white, but I gotta get a few more kills, I reckon."
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>>6368618
> TERMINATION. [SHIN-RAI]. "An EXPERIENCED MERCENARY UNIT has compromised our operations in the martian lowlands. Identify and destroy this unit in-transit, pay per diem. BASE PAY: [40 MU PER TERMINATION], 100% SALVAGE SHARE"
Time to shoo away the vultures.
/COLOR:
> DUSTWALKER STANDARD [RUST/DARKGREY/GREEN]
/CORE:
>CORE/ROOK. [ LOAD LIMIT: 7 | HP: 2 ]
/ARM R/L:
>R: RIFLE//EXTEN-R. [LOAD: 1 | + DMG/ALL].
>L: RIFLE//EXTEN-R. [LOAD: 1 | + DMG/ALL].
/BACK R/L:
>R: MISSILE//6-CELL-MICRO [LOAD: 2 | + DMG/ALL | ++ DMG/LIGHT].
>L: MISSILE//6-CELL-MICRO [LOAD: 2 | + DMG/ALL | ++ DMG/LIGHT].
/FCS:
> FCS/BML-LR [ 1D6 | ++++ HIT/LIGHT ]
Though if the TPU is being hunted I'll probably switch back to the cannons and heavy targeting FCS.
/CALLSIGN
>GORGON
I figure this is just a formality.
>>
>>6368618
> TERMINATION. [SHIN-RAI]. "An EXPERIENCED MERCENARY UNIT has compromised our operations in the martian lowlands. Identify and destroy this unit in-transit, pay per diem. BASE PAY: [40 MU PER TERMINATION], 100% SALVAGE SHARE"
"High risk, high reward. Without knowing how many unit we'll be facing, it is difficult to judge the difficulty of the contract, or the payout. But we have the opportunity to salvage schematics from an experienced bunch. Attrition could really bite into our payday though."
>>6368619
Definitely seems worth picking up the laser sword, so the duelist can have two melee weapons.
>>6368623
/CORE:
>CORE/LANCER. [ LOAD LIMIT: 5 | HP: 1 | ++ EVASIVE ].
/ARM R/L:
> MG//MINIEX. [LOAD: 1 | ++ DMG/LIGHT].
> MG//MINIEX. [LOAD: 1 | ++ DMG/LIGHT].
/BACK R/L:
> MISSILE//6-CELL-MICRO [LOAD: 2 | + DMG/ALL | ++ DMG/LIGHT].
> RADAR//SEEKER [LOAD: 1 | + SCOUTING | + HIT/ALL] [R-BACK ONLY].
/FCS:
> FCS/BML-LR [ 1D6 | ++++ HIT/LIGHT ]
/COLOR:
> DUSTWALKER STANDARD [RUST/DARKGREY/GREEN]
/CALLSIGN
>Swallow
>>
>>6368618
> TERMINATION. [SHIN-RAI].
>>6368623
/CALLSIGN
> HERMIT
/COLOR:
> FACTORY DEFAULT [WHITE/TEAL/BLUE]
/CORE:
> CORE/ROOK. [ LOAD LIMIT: 7 | HP: 2 ]
/ARM R/L:
> R: HEAVY RIFLE//ESSEN. [LOAD: 2 | ++ DMG/ALL | + HIT/HEAVY | - EVASION]
> L: RIFLE//EXTEN-R. [LOAD: 1 | + DMG/ALL]
/BACK R/L:
> R: RADAR//SEEKER [LOAD: 1 | + SCOUTING | + HIT/ALL] [R-BACK ONLY].
> L: CANNON//DRIVER [LOAD: 3 | +++ DMG/ALL | - EVASIVE]
/FCS:
> FCS/BML-CL [ 2D4 | ++ HIT/HEAVY ]
>>
File: GASHADOKURO1.png (1.9 MB)
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>>6368632
Please also vote on the contract.
>>
File: GORGON1.png (1.9 MB)
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>>6368637
>>
File: SWALLOW1.png (1.9 MB)
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>>6368642
>>
File: HERMIT1.png (1.9 MB)
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>>6368643
>>
>>
>>6368618
>> PLAGUE EXTERMINATION. [### OFFICIAL - MOCA/MARTIAN ORBITAL CLOSURE AUTHORITY###]. "A PLAGUE CONTAMINATED TERRAIN PROCESSOR UNIT has breached a temporary gap in the Tharsis quarantine line. Priority payment for rapid termination. [450 MU], PRIMARY TARGET SALVAGE FORBIDDEN."
Truly a wonder, in art and weaponry.
/CORE:
>CORE/DUELIST. [ LOAD LIMIT: 3 | ARM SLOTS ONLY | HP: 1 | INBUILT RADAR + 1 HIT | INBUILT SHIELD NO CRIPPLE PENALTY | DMG TWICE WITH MELEE WEAPON ON HIT].
/ARM R/L:
> RIFLE//EXTEN-R. [LOAD: 1 | + DMG/ALL].
> PILE DRIVER//ISHMAEL. [LOAD: 2 | + DMG/ALL | +++++ ++ DMG/HEAVY | -- HIT/ALL ] [R-ARM ONLY].
/FCS:
> FCS/SHINKAI. [3D2 + 1 | NO MELEE HIT PENALTY]
/COLOR:
> DUSTWALKER STANDARD [RUST/DARKGREY/GREEN]
/CALLSIGN
>Kanchō
>>
>>6368623
>>> PLAGUE EXTERMINATION. [### OFFICIAL - MOCA/MARTIAN ORBITAL CLOSURE AUTHORITY###]. "A PLAGUE CONTAMINATED TERRAIN PROCESSOR UNIT has breached a temporary gap in the Tharsis quarantine line. Priority payment for rapid termination. [450 MU], PRIMARY TARGET SALVAGE FORBIDDEN."
"Yeaaaaaaaah, I have a feeling it's the thing we woke up. Well, time to clean up the mess we made. At least it pays well."
>CORE/ROOK. [ LOAD LIMIT: 7 | HP: 2 ]
> MG//MINIEX. [LOAD: 1 | ++ DMG/LIGHT].
> PILE DRIVER//ISHMAEL. [LOAD: 2 | + DMG/ALL | +++++ ++ DMG/HEAVY | -- HIT/ALL ] [R-ARM ONLY].
> CANNON//DRIVER [LOAD: 3 | +++ DMG/ALL | - EVASIVE].
> RADAR//SEEKER [LOAD: 1 | + SCOUTING | + HIT/ALL] [R-BACK ONLY].
> FCS/SHINKAI. [3D2 + 1 | NO MELEE HIT PENALTY]
"Alright, lets get up close and personal this time."
> DUSTWALKER STANDARD [RUST/DARKGREY/GREEN]
"The Dream lives on."
Interesting lore. Looks like the Martian government collapsed hard, likely cause of the plague. Well, someone has to fight the good fight.
>>
>>6368618
>PLAGUE EXTERMINATION. [### OFFICIAL - MOCA/MARTIAN ORBITAL CLOSURE AUTHORITY###]. "A PLAGUE CONTAMINATED TERRAIN PROCESSOR UNIT has breached a temporary gap in the Tharsis quarantine line. Priority payment for rapid termination. [450 MU], PRIMARY TARGET SALVAGE FORBIDDEN."
"This machine must be destroyed. It cannot be allowed to infect the ruins of our home."
>>6368623
>CORE/ROOK. [ LOAD LIMIT: 7 | HP: 2 ]
"CORE confirmed"
>/ARM R/L:
"Request for changing Loadout from my two MINIEX. Two ESSEN instead."
>HEAVY RIFLE//ESSEN. [LOAD: 2 | ++ DMG/ALL | + HIT/HEAVY | - EVASION
>HEAVY RIFLE//ESSEN. [LOAD: 2 | ++ DMG/ALL | + HIT/HEAVY | - EVASION
>/BACK R/L
"Request for changing the Back of my mech. Take out the MISSILE//2-CELL for a TARGET DESIGNATOR."
> TARGET DESIGNATOR//TATTLE [LOAD: 1 | ON HIT, REDUCE TARGET DC BY 1 FOR ALL PILOTS NEXT TURN] [R-BACK ONLY].
"Confirming H10-SHELL."
>SHIELD//HI0-SHELL [LOAD: 2 | + HP] [L-BACK ONLY].
"Confirming FCS"
>FCS/BML-CL [ 2D4 | ++ HIT/HEAVY ]
>COLOR
>DUSTWALKER STANDARD [RUST/DARKGREY/GREEN
"Its only right."
>CALLSIGN
>SCARAB
"Confirming my CALLSIGN"
>>6367369
>>6367428
>>6367435
Wonderful! Makes me want to do it as well. Though I am already working on something.
>>
>>6368676
"MOCA's satellites should've turned the TPU to ash. I have a feeling that its miraculous breach in the quarantine line has less to do with us, and everything to do with our mysterious unknown client. If we take MOCA's contract, we should go into the job expecting sudden mercenary intervention, possibly racing us to the target. A fast tempo will be needed, as will a balanced loadout. We don't want to overindex on the TPU and heavy plague units, only to be taken by surprise by unscrupulous mercs."
>>
>>6368623
>CORE/ROOK. [ LOAD LIMIT: 7 | HP: 2 ]
> HEAVY RIFLE//ESSEN. [LOAD: 2 | ++ DMG/ALL | + HIT/HEAVY | - EVASION]
> HEAVY RIFLE//ESSEN. [LOAD: 2 | ++ DMG/ALL | + HIT/HEAVY | - EVASION]
> TARGET DESIGNATOR//TATTLE [LOAD: 1 | ON HIT, REDUCE TARGET DC BY 1 FOR ALL PILOTS NEXT TURN] [R-BACK ONLY].
> SHIELD//HI0-SHELL [LOAD: 2 | + HP] [L-BACK ONLY].
> FCS/BML-CL [ 2D4 | ++ HIT/HEAVY ]
“I’m trying something new. Instead of punching fresh corpses again, Papa Ogre is gonna make you all able to hit the broad side of a barn!”No worries about the rebalance QM. That piledriver was stupid OP.
> PLAGUE EXTERMINATION. [### OFFICIAL - MOCA/MARTIAN ORBITAL CLOSURE AUTHORITY###]. "A PLAGUE CONTAMINATED TERRAIN PROCESSOR UNIT has breached a temporary gap in the Tharsis quarantine line. Priority payment for rapid termination. [450 MU], PRIMARY TARGET SALVAGE FORBIDDEN."
>>
>>
>>6368684
>COLOR
>DUSTWALKER STANDARD [RUST/DARKGREY/GREEN]
I feel bad for you younger ones, you never got to see Her glory days. We kill these Plague bastards one at a time and we’ll bring Her back.
Sorry, the new paint scheme got me a tad nostalgic. You all made a good choice with these here colors, best in the world… no, best in the whole damn universe.
>>
>>6368618
>TERMINATION. [SHIN-RAI]. "An EXPERIENCED MERCENARY UNIT has compromised our operations in the martian lowlands. Identify and destroy this unit in-transit, pay per diem. BASE PAY: [40 MU PER TERMINATION], 100% SALVAGE SHARE"
>>6368623
>>CORE/LANCER. [ LOAD LIMIT: 5 | HP: 1 | ++ EVASIVE ].
/ARM R:
>HEAVY RIFLE//ESSEN. [LOAD: 2 | ++ DMG/ALL | + HIT/HEAVY | - EVASION]
/ARM L:
>HEAVY RIFLE//ESSEN. [LOAD: 2 | ++ DMG/ALL | + HIT/HEAVY | - EVASION]
/BACK R:
>RADAR//SEEKER [LOAD: 1 | + SCOUTING | + HIT/ALL] [R-BACK ONLY].
/FCS:
>FCS/BML-CL [ 2D4 | ++ HIT/HEAVY ]
/COLOR:
>DUSTWALKER STANDARD [RUST/DARKGREY/GREEN]
/CALLSIGN
>EARTHLING
Heard you guys put your best PR face on last mission. Screw it, no survivors this time.
>>
File: gambler2.png (908.5 KB)
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>>6368618
> TERMINATION. [SHIN-RAI]. "An EXPERIENCED MERCENARY UNIT has compromised our operations in the martian lowlands. Identify and destroy this unit in-transit, pay per diem. BASE PAY: [40 MU PER TERMINATION], 100% SALVAGE SHARE"
Merc-on-Merc action, ey?
Time to break out the elbow grease... now where'd I leave that damn drill?
>CORE/LANCER. [ LOAD LIMIT: 5 | HP: 1 | ++ EVASIVE ].
> RIFLE//EXTEN-R. [LOAD: 1 | + DMG/ALL].
> RIFLE//EXTEN-R. [LOAD: 1 | + DMG/ALL].
> RADAR//SEEKER [LOAD: 1 | + SCOUTING | + HIT/ALL] [R-BACK ONLY].
> SHIELD//HI0-SHELL [LOAD: 2 | + HP] [L-BACK ONLY].
> FCS/BML-CL [ 2D4 | ++ HIT/HEAVY ]
> DUSTWALKER STANDARD [RUST/DARKGREY/GREEN]
/CALLSIGN:
>GAMBLER
>>6368627
>drowned
Looks like this post could use a 'redux'. Seriously though, thanks! I whipped up another thanks to you. Hope you're happy...
>>6368632
"I'm sure there's a can or two rotting away in CARGO somewhere. Can probably convince one of the Rookies to look for it if they make it back."
>>6368642
"Just means we gotta ice 'em before they ice us. Same shit, different day."
>>6368688
"Uh-oh. Og's reminiscing again. Better confirm a mission before he starts blasting those oldies tunes again... Eugh."
>>
>>6368709
"Gambler! Battle sister! Just because the plug suit can handle us marinating ourselves on extended missions, doesn't mean it's casual wear for a desert. You're gonna get sand in the ports again, and *then* how shall we battle?"
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>6368618
> PLAGUE EXTERMINATION. [### OFFICIAL - MOCA/MARTIAN ORBITAL CLOSURE AUTHORITY###]. "A PLAGUE CONTAMINATED TERRAIN PROCESSOR UNIT has breached a temporary gap in the Tharsis quarantine line. Priority payment for rapid termination. [450 MU], PRIMARY TARGET SALVAGE FORBIDDEN."
"Easy target, easy cash. What more can a man ask for?"
>>6368623
//CORE
>CORE/ROOK. [ LOAD LIMIT: 7 | HP: 2 ]
//ARM L
> HEAVY RIFLE//ESSEN. [LOAD: 2 | ++ DMG/ALL | + HIT/HEAVY | - EVASION]
//ARM R
> HEAVY RIFLE//ESSEN. [LOAD: 2 | ++ DMG/ALL | + HIT/HEAVY | - EVASION]
//BACK R
> RADAR//SEEKER [LOAD: 1 | + SCOUTING | + HIT/ALL] [R-BACK ONLY].
//BACK L
> MISSILE//6-CELL-MICRO [LOAD: 2 | + DMG/ALL | ++ DMG/LIGHT].
//FCS
> FCS/BML-LR [ 1D6 | ++++ HIT/LIGHT ]
"Kind of a generalist outfitting, but with better stopping power. The radar and FCS should make up for the lack of precision on evasive targets. Too bad about the grenade launchers..."
//CALLSIGN
>RUIN
//COLOR
> DUSTWALKER STANDARD [RUST/DARKGREY/GREEN]
"Seems like my red and black design wasn't a hit. Pah! Mercs have no taste, so I shouldn't be surprised."
>>6368688
"Don't be too sad, pops. I don't really give a shit either way, we're dealt the hand we get and that's that. So long as I get to blow shit up and get paid, glory or patriotism aren't worth shit. Here, I'll share one of my cigs with you. I get the premium shit, so take the time to savour it, alright?"
>>6368734
"The more I get to know you, the more I realize that it's a fucking miracle you're still around. Name checks out, I suppose."
>>
>>
>>6368756
"I pick the gum OUT before deploying, duh! Callsign's 'GAMBLER', not 'DUMBASS'! Have a little faith in your 'Battle Sister', wouldja, 'Big Bro'?"
>>6368793
"I didn't pick it out of a hat, y'know... and despite the conclusions you might come to based off of my 'bon-vivant' personality and sparkling disposition, this ISN'T my first rodeo!"
>>6368799
"And riches. Don't forget riches."
>>
>>6368801
"Well, were it that surviving long enough led more people to share your upbeat demeanor rather than turn into sociopaths, this trade would certainly be a lot more entertaining. I might be a bit rude sometimes, but I'll say you seem like a funny one. Beats my previous crew..."
>>
>>
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>>6368709
You don’t get to say anything about my music. I’ve seen the crap you listen to.
Now that you got me thinking about it, I’m gonna educate you yunguns about what REAL music sounds like. This one here was one of my granddad’s favorites, good for when I’m in the reminiscing mood…Look at this photograph, every time I look it makes me laugh…
>>
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>>6368665
>>
File: CORVID1.png (1.9 MB)
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>>6368676
>>
File: SCARAB1.png (1.9 MB)
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>>6368679
>>
>>6368801
"You're right, right, 'Dumbass' would make for a much worse decal. If we'll ever earn those again, that is. Scratching em off after we lost, I mean, 'became independent', it hurt... But ya know how it is, I gotta worry now. Ain't got time for it on mission!"
>>
>>
File: EARTHLING1.png (1.9 MB)
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>>6368705
>>
>>6368814
"It's not 'crap', it's Astropop! And you barely listened to one song... and you had one earpod in! This is the thanks I get for trying to connect with the older generation...
And if you play even a lick of that 'guitaring rock' music I'm gonna seal off my ears with a breach welder!"
>>6368808
"Can't lose your cool when you're down a few chips, Ru... not at the table and not in the cockpit either. You're not outta' the fight til' you've got nothing left to bet."
>>
File: GAMBLER1.png (1.9 MB)
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>>6368709
>>
>>
>>
>>6368624
>CORE/LANCER. [ LOAD LIMIT: 5 | HP: 1 | ++ EVASIVE ].
> MG//MINIEX. [LOAD: 1 | ++ DMG/LIGHT].
> MG//MINIEX. [LOAD: 1 | ++ DMG/LIGHT].
> RADAR//SEEKER [LOAD: 1 | + SCOUTING | + HIT/ALL] [R-BACK ONLY].
> SHIELD//HI0-SHELL [LOAD: 2 | + HP] [L-BACK ONLY].
> FCS/BML-LR [ 1D6 | ++++ HIT/LIGHT ]
> FACTORY DEFAULT [WHITE/TEAL/BLUE]
>>
File: BUTTONMAN1.png (1.8 MB)
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>>6368870
>>
>>6368861
Ah, sorry boss, you've got the wrong FCS, I took the BML-LR.
Just so we're alright, the +4 only applies against light targets, right..? You probably explained it a whole bunch but I wasn't certain if it's the same as the other weapons since you actually added the +4 in the graphic.
>>6368858
"Aye, ain't that the truth. Sometimes though, the right burst of emotion at the right time can lead to great results... When you're proper angry at something, it's a hell of a lot easier to point all cannons at it until it's gone!"
>>
>>
>>6368643
>>6368650
Mind if I change my build one more time? Feel free to pass on updating my sheet, I just want to play a different build.
/CORE:
>CORE/DUELIST. [ LOAD LIMIT: 3 | ARM SLOTS ONLY | HP: 1 | INBUILT RADAR + 1 HIT | INBUILT SHIELD NO CRIPPLE PENALTY | DMG TWICE WITH MELEE WEAPON ON HIT].
/ARM R/L:
> RIFLE//EXTEN-R. [LOAD: 1 | + DMG/ALL].
> PULSE BLADE//PULSAR. [LOAD: 2 | +++ DMG/ALL | - HIT/ALL ]. [R-ARM ONLY]
/FCS:
> FCS/SHINKAI. [3D2 + 1 | NO MELEE HIT PENALTY]
/COLOR:
> FACTORY DEFAULT [WHITE/TEAL/BLUE]
>>
>>6368618
> TERMINATION. [SHIN-RAI]. "An EXPERIENCED MERCENARY UNIT has compromised our operations in the Martian lowlands. Identify and destroy this unit in-transit, pay per diem. BASE PAY: [40 MU PER TERMINATION], 100% SALVAGE SHARE"
/CORE:
>CORE/LANCER. [ LOAD LIMIT: 5 | HP: 1 | ++ EVASIVE ].
/ARMS:
> HEAVY RIFLE//ESSEN. [LOAD: 2 | ++ DMG/ALL | + HIT/HEAVY | - EVASION]
/BACK:
> TARGET DESIGNATOR//TATTLE [LOAD: 1 | ON HIT, REDUCE TARGET DC BY 1 FOR ALL PILOTS NEXT TURN] [R-BACK ONLY].
> SHIELD//HI0-SHELL [LOAD: 2 | + HP] [L-BACK ONLY].
/FCS:
> FCS/BML-LR [ 1D6 | ++++ HIT/LIGHT ]
/COLOR:
> DUSTWALKER STANDARD [RUST/DARKGREY/GREEN]
/Callsign
PILLOW
"Pillow ready to assist "
>>
>>6368618
>> TERMINATION. [SHIN-RAI]. "An EXPERIENCED MERCENARY UNIT has compromised our operations in the martian lowlands. Identify and destroy this unit in-transit, pay per diem. BASE PAY: [40 MU PER TERMINATION], 100% SALVAGE SHARE"
> DUSTWALKER STANDARD [RUST/DARKGREY/GREEN]
>CORE/DUELIST. [ LOAD LIMIT: 3 | ARM SLOTS ONLY | HP: 1 | INBUILT RADAR + 1 HIT | INBUILT SHIELD NO CRIPPLE PENALTY | DMG TWICE WITH MELEE WEAPON ON HIT].
> PILE DRIVER//ISHMAEL. [LOAD: 2 | + DMG/ALL | +++++ ++ DMG/HEAVY | -- HIT/ALL ] [R-ARM ONLY].
> FCS/BML-CL [ 2D4 | ++ HIT/HEAVY ]
> RADAR//SEEKER [LOAD: 1 | + SCOUTING | + HIT/ALL] [R-BACK ONLY].
> CANNON//DRIVER [LOAD: 3 | +++ DMG/ALL | - EVASIVE].
/CALLSIGN
>STONEFISH
"But you already knew this, didn't you?"
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>6368622
>CORE/ROOK. [ LOAD LIMIT: 7 | HP: 2 ]
ARM R: RIFLE//EXTEN-R. [LOAD: 1 | + DMG/ALL].
ARM L: HEAVY RIFLE//ESSEN. [LOAD: 2 | ++ DMG/ALL | + HIT/HEAVY | - EVASION]
> MISSILE//2-CELL [LOAD: 1 | + DMG/ALL].
> CANNON//DRIVER [LOAD: 3 | +++ DMG/ALL | - EVASIVE].
>FCS/BML-CL
> DUSTWALKER STANDARD [RUST/DARKGREY/GREEN]
>CHYORNIJ
>>6368618
> PLAGUE EXTERMINATION. [### OFFICIAL - MOCA/MARTIAN ORBITAL CLOSURE AUTHORITY###]. "A PLAGUE CONTAMINATED TERRAIN PROCESSOR UNIT has breached a temporary gap in the Tharsis quarantine line. Priority payment for rapid termination. [450 MU], PRIMARY TARGET SALVAGE FORBIDDEN."
>>
>>
File: HERMIT1.png (1.9 MB)
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>>6368898
Of course!
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File: PILLOW1.png (1.9 MB)
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>>6368904
>>
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File: CHYORNIJ1.png (1.9 MB)
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>>6368935
>>
File: Tank.png (3.9 MB)
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PLAGUE EXTERMINATION:6
TERMINATION:8
The SHIN-RAI representative speaks through a blank, brushed-steel mask. His voice buzzes fainly as he delivers your briefing.
"The GCC-affiliated mercenary group CHRYSANTHEMUM RED has inflicted considerable [damage/dishonor] to SHIN-RAI terrestrial assets. SHIN-RAI requires immediate [termination/neutralization/disarticulation] of this hostile asset."
You stare at the glowing pinpricks that served as his eyes.
"Disposition?"
"CHRYSANTHEMUM RED is an EXPERIENCED MERCENARY UNIT, with a [rating/honor/worth] that exceeds your mercenary unit by a significant margin," the representative replies. "Their force composition relies on a contingent of HEAVY TANK FRAMES supported by LIGHT SCREENING ELEMENTS. Outside of their two lead units, their piloting abilities are unremarkable."
He pauses briefly.
"You have two [options/possibilities]. One is to ambush their force in-transit through the canyon fields, which is will likely catch them unaware. The other is to attack during one of their supply raids. You will face an intact enemy, but SHIN-RAI will be able to offer additional armed support.
>AMBUSH - PASS.
>ATTACK - DEPOT.
[BTW assembly is still open]
>>
>>6369003
>ATTACK - DEPOT
"If we're undersized and outgunned, I fear that we'll get our asses kicked the moment they get back into formation. Additional firepower and the opportunity to steal their salvage? Sounds like a good fuckin' deal."
>>
>>
>>6369003
"CHRYSANTHEMUM RED... rings a bell, but I couldn't tell ya which one it is. DEPOT sounds like the safer bet with the support, but they'll have a plan for that attack... and if they're halfway as experienced as our employer claims them to be, these guys'll definitely be expecting SHIN-RAI to up their game, and that means they'll be expecting us.
We ambush 'em out in the PASS and we'll control the battlefield--won't control the possibility of getting ventilated, of course, but catching them scattered and surprised might just be the edge we need to really thrash 'em."
>AMBUSH - PASS
>QUESTIONS!
"What do we know about these two leads?"
"Canyon Fields... Are we talking narrow passages? Cliffside Trails?"
>>6368919
"Oh, and one more thing: since this contract's gonna be a turkey shoot regardless of which route we take, why not make things a little more... interesting? Buy-In's ten credits each (not from our communal fund, of course)--highest killcount gets a lil' present bought with the pool. Booze, music, a pretty lamp... prize is winner's choice!
Lemme know what you think before launch. Oh, and don't worry--there's no shame in sitting out! Heheh~"
>>
>>
>>
>>6369003
>AMBUSH - PASS.
"The best kind of fight's one the other guy ain't ready for. That an' we don't catch no one else in the crossfire. And think about it. Their star frames are tanks. Place like a canyon's about as bad for 'em as bein' stuck in Little Deimos without a breather."
>>6369022
"Make that ten a hundred and I'll bite."
>>
>>6369003
"How does this affect our contract terms as to terminations if both Shin-Rai and Duster Walkers contribute to a kill? Salvage share is still 100% for us if we choose to fight at the depot?"
>ATTACK - DEPOT.
"Tentative choice. Sounds like we're undergunned. Seems like firepower, skill, and staying power will matter more than positioning and defeat in detail."
>>6369022
"You're on Gambler! I'll take your money any day of the week! Easiest money of my life."
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>6369003
>AMBUSH - PASS.
"SHIN-RAI armed support. Key words. I have doubts that this CHRYSANTHEMUM RED mercs will attack a supply depot with a visible upsized garrison."
"It is quite likely, SHIN-RAI will maintain a standard garrison there instead. This will ensure the CHRYSANTHEMUM RED raid is committed. That they don't suspect. They have no reason to go with their raid otherwise. Once the raid starts SHIN-RAI will tell us to move and go on the counter attack. Both us and their armed support, would be likely concealed and away from the depot."
"Strategically, at that point, deploying SHIN-RAI armed support would be an excellent move. Fight the enemy from three points : the SHIN-RAI depot garrison, Us the Dust Walkers force, and the SHIN-RAI armed support. It would ensure a full defeat of CHRYSANTHEMUM RED, and deny them retreat."
"But this is not our military. None of SHIN-RAI forces have reason to fully coordinate or support us. Maybe they wish to see if we can inflict some damage before deploying, or they wish to see us bleed. Corpo-scum."
"The canyon doesn't give us any SHIN-RAI forces working with us. But we fundamentally have the advantage of terrain and surprise, over CHRYSANTHEMUM RED. If we can kill their back and their front, we choke them inside the canyon temporarily. Enough chaos and death, to deliver a direct blow to their two leaders. Then its a clean up."
>QUESTION
"Boss, how much explosive ordinance did we take from our unit quartermaster during the fall ? If we have still any of those C-20 charges this could be a great use of them. A sudden rock slide can be brutal in a canyon of Mars, as all of us know."
>>6369022
"Its possible this group are martian kin. Perhaps even like us, military. We are about to discover it. Our victory remains imperative, regardless of what they are."
"I will entertain your idea Gambler. Consider mine added to the pool."
>>
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>>6369026
"Ha-HA! I hoped you would say that, Gor! I'll see that bet if the other chumps will! And yea, I agree--treading through a narrow canyon's hard enough without it raining bullets around your rig. Hell, I figure we walk the canyon rim, find a big rock, plop it right onto their wagon trail--boom. Easy money."
>>6369035
"Famous last words~"
"And yea, that's a good point. How do we know these Corpo Cowboys aren't gonna snag our salvage? Way I see it, they're hiring us for a reason. I earn my pay, thank you very much!"
>>6369095
"Thanks to Gorgon the winner'll be eating the good noodles, I think... my condolences in advance to the losers, though..."
>>6369099
"See, Scarab's talking sense! I say we trim these flowers before they're delivered! Doesn't matter if they're old pals or new strangers--they ain't gonna hold back and neither should we... think of the betting pool!"
>>6369137
"Just be ready to kill your Comms system when Og starts singing..."
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File: Tanks.png (2.3 MB)
2.3 MB PNG
>DEPOT: 7
>PASS: 4
You decide to take the second offer, which seemed unusually generous given the circumstances. You had assumed that the representative would have - at the very least - pressured you to relinquish a portion of your compensation or salvage share in exchange for his company's support. But that unpleasant conversation fails to materialize. The SHIN-RAI representative simply bows slightly before he leaves, acting as if you had already done his company a great favor.
You spend the next two days holding your company dropship in a suborbital slot, waiting for your target to appear. As the faint sun crawls past the solar terminator line, the representative forwards a live video feed. You watch as a squadron of carryall units descend through the thin Martian atmosphere, each carrying a half-kiloton of assorted weaponry and ablative armor. The tank units flare their boosters as they descend, crashing into the lowland dunes with towering plumes of toxic dust.
"CHRYSANTHEMUM RED has made contact with our outer defenses." intones the representative, pointlessly. Everyone in your company could already see the dense shoals of laser and autocannon fire stitching through the Martian dusk.
"Engage your forces as appropriate, mercenary. SHIN-RAI will follow your lead."
>COMMIT NOW. You have an opportunity to sandwich the incoming force between the supply depot defenses and your drop point.
>COMMIT LATER. Wait until they advance inside the supply depot, which may mitigate a portion of their ranged advantage.
>>
File: Tanks1.png (2.5 MB)
2.5 MB PNG
>>
>>6369447
>COMMIT NOW. You have an opportunity to sandwich the incoming force between the supply depot defenses and your drop point.
Attack them from both sides and deny them cover. Good luck finding a rock to hide behind, assholes!
>>
>>6369003
Man, all the employers on Mars are so fucking weird
>>6369447
Considering the way company rep acts, those guys are crazy powerful. I'm not sure what their "ranged advantage" means mechanically. Do they gain a [EVASION] tag if we let them inside the depot?
Either way, we brought a ton of heavy rifles, we should be able to light them up like crazy, since those are definitely [HEAVY].
>>COMMIT NOW. You have an opportunity to sandwich the incoming force between the supply depot defenses and your drop point.
>>6369451
Those fat fucks outrange, outweigh and out-caliber us, pretty sure open wasteland only benefits them. Unless we can swarm them it is. Everyone brought +HEAVY?
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>>6369447
>COMMIT NOW. You have an opportunity to sandwich the incoming force between the supply depot defenses and your drop point.
"That's it? no fighting over scraps, no negotiation, no whining about contractual obligations? Something stinks about this job. Sooner we dust these treadheads the better... and keep an eye peeled on those Supply Depot Defenses."
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>>6369447
>COMMIT LATER. Wait until they advance inside the supply depot, which may mitigate a portion of their ranged advantage.
"Let them attrit themselves and commit to the attack. Going in now means facing heavy weapons on sand dunes, nowhere for our light frames to dodge. They could turn and destroy us, let the lasers and autocannons attenuate as they rush and intermix with us, hampering targetting for the corpos."Tired tonight? Or just lewd thoughts?
>>
>>6369447
"As i expected from my analysis. SHIN-RAI made the depot a proper soft target, so that CHRYSANTHEMUM RED would bite it."
"The next step is to logically attack with the Dust Walkers force and the SHIN-RAI armed support, while the garrison and defenses ties our foe down. But it feels .... just too convenient for us no ?"
"Either the SHIN-RAI representative has a solid military mind, and truly wants CHRYSANTHEMUM RED fully destroyed or there is something wrong. Corporations usually only have in minds costs and profits, military coordination and strategy is often secondary in their thinking."
>COMMIT LATER.
"Let's wait. For now."
"Someone, remind our dropship pilot to keep an eye out for any SHIN-RAI AA defenses"
>>
>>
>>6369447
>COMMIT LATER. Wait until they advance inside the supply depot, which may mitigate a portion of their ranged advantage.
"As much as I'd like to have them sandwiched, I'm REALLY not feeling our employers this time around... Argh, blowing up that land processor sounds like easy pickings now."
>>
>>
Apologies all I had a pretty long day and need to get up early tomorrow, so no update today - will try my best tomorrow but our service hours got increased a bit this week. (My block next week will be a lot better though)
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>>6368918
Took a while, but it's now here. I took some inspiration from anything you guys said to personalize each call sign a bit. I hope it's appreciated!
Doing from A9 to A16, it will take me a while, but they will also arrive. Then I think I will try to make Scarab.
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File: untitled.png (1.7 MB)
1.7 MB PNG
Genuine apologies for the delay everyone. My two weeks of inpatient l&d have finished, and my next rotation should be significantly less busy. Daily updates will return tomorrow. In the meantime, please have these images of the combat drop.
>>6371020
Holy shit this has to be some of the most beautiful fanart that I have ever seen - I'm incredibly flattered that you took the time to make this. The emblems are wonderfully detailed, and I'm amazed at how much thought and careful attention you put into making them seem meaningful. Genuinely made my day after finishing a super busy week.
Thank you anon - if you ever have a specific idea for a mech frame or a weapon you want modeled, I will gladly do it.
>>
File: untitled1.png (1.7 MB)
1.7 MB PNG
>>
File: untitled1.png (1.7 MB)
1.7 MB PNG
>>
Thanks everyone ! Very appreciated.
>>6371924
Its no problem, i was thinking you were occupied with work. It's standard for most QMs in qst if you don't see them for a while.
Thanks ! While i had something in mind at first, i would not have thought of commiting to making this image (and the next one), if the other players didn't start making something of their own. Your 3D models where also quite inspiring to see for me (i did see some of the models you made in others quest and they are also very nice). I am very glad and satisfied, you and the others received the emblems so well. I am flattered.
>if you ever have a specific idea for a mech frame or a weapon you want modeled, I will gladly do it.
Hmm I'll think of something. You already provide a feast for the eyes to see with the war gear and mechs we have, it will be difficult. Maybe a long range gauss rifle or an heavy plasma cannon ? I will return on this topic and provide you with a proper idea.
With that aside, a few quick questions : have you thought of a symbol for the "Dust Walkers" (i had some in my mind but I decided to wait first) ? And how do you see the "Boss"/Leader (i think of a grizzled look, maybe with a unorthodox haircut. I don't think I will try my hand at making him. Trying to make Scarab after the next image will occupy me already XD) ?
>>6371228
>>6371245
They will arrive and i will make sure they look just has good !
>>
File: Drop1.png (1.8 MB)
1.8 MB PNG
>COMMIT NOW
Several kilometers behind the line of contact, your dropship plummets down through the towering canyon fields, ventral armor still smoking from the heat of atmospheric reentry. Your mercenary company exits in four-mech lances - making the final descent using their own boosters. They skim low across the flowing dunes, stirring faint contrails of rust-red dust.
>>
File: Drop2.png (1.7 MB)
1.7 MB PNG
As your pilots make their approach, the defense of the depot becomes increasingly tenous. Most of the depot's outer defenses had been brushed aside by CHRYSANTHEMUM RED's armored spearhead. Now, they were battering against the depot's primary defensive line. The defenses here were somewhat heaver - you spot turret emplacements and sporadic fire from a mechanized infantry unit that was horrendously outmached. Judging from the number of burnt wrecks you saw littered by the walls, however, you doubted that the depot walls would hold for more than an hour or two.
You hear faint laughter over the local comm-net. "You know - I almost feel bad that we're doing this. It's not fair, really!"
A sigh. "But that's not my problem, really - pick a better place to guard next time, or maybe a better employer!"
>>
File: untitled.png (1.7 MB)
1.7 MB PNG
AVAILABLE NODES:
//ALPHA (1-1)
> SCOUT DC: 4
//BETA (1-2)
COMBAT:
>CHRYSAN-RED ESCORT 1-2-1 18HP | DC 8 | [LIGHT]
>CHRYSAN-RED ESCORT 1-2-2 18 HP | DC 8 | [LIGHT]
>CHRYSAN-RED HEAVY 1-2 32 HP | DC 8 | [HEAVY][EVASIVE]
COMM:
>CHRYSANTHEMUM RED
>ALLIED UNIT [YOU MAY REQUEST ALLIED UNITS TO CONCENTRATE FIRE ON A SPECIFIC TARGET]
[ATTACKS BY ALLIES WILL AUTORESOLVE USING SPECIFIED HIT DICE]
ALLIES:
- M. TURRET x3 (1D10 | 2 DMG | 1 HP)
- L. TURRET x3 (1D8 | 4 DMG | 2 HP)
- MECHANIZED INFANTRY, MERCENARY "SONS OF OLYMPUS" (1D7+3 | 2 DMG | 3 HP)
>>
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Rolled 6 + 4 (1d6 + 4)
>>6372343
>MOVE: NODE //BETA (1-2)
"I'm falling on the right. I'm not trophy hunting today, somebody else take the big game. I'll see if I can wipe out whatever squad I look at in one go. Count it all as one big mark."
"...that's a lotta them alright. Firing away."
>COMBAT:
>CHRYSAN-RED ESCORT 1-2-1 18HP | DC 8 | [LIGHT]
>COMM:
>CHRYSANTHEMUM RED
"CHRYSANTHEMUM RED. TURN AND FACE WORTHY OPPONENTS, IF YOU DESIRE THEM SO MUCH. WE ARE THE DUST WALKERS, AND YOU ARE OUR ENEMY TODAY. OUR WROTH FALLS UPON YOU."
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Rolled 2, 3 + 5 = 10 (2d4 + 5)
>>6372334
Damn, the visuals for this quest are incredible
>>6372343
I don't seem to be in? Well, whatever, I'll probably just die in one turn. Someone's got to, to show how badass the enemies are, right?
>MOVE BETA 1-2
>ATTACK CHRYSAN-RED HEAVY 1-2
No open comms, true mook vibes from me.
>>6368857
>>6368705
Here's my build for reference
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Rolled 3 + 1 (1d6 + 1)
>>6372343
"Tch, can't do much with my loadout right now. Well, I can scout, so better then nothing. Can't shake the feeling something is off about this job..."
>MOVE ALPHA(1-1)
>Scout Alpha(1-1)
"Investigating the area. I ain't getting jumped again, even if it is just mercs..."
>>
Rolled 5 + 1 (1d6 + 1)
>>6372343
>Move and Scout Alpha 1-1
"Clearing the approach to their support elements. Stay sharp, they may be holding something in reserve. The heavy in Gamma sector seems particularly heavily armed, wouldn't wanna get hit by 'em, but they should have trouble tracking us."
>>
Rolled 2, 3 + 2 = 7 (2d4 + 2)
>>6372343
"SHIN-RAI armed support should arrive shortly."
"The depot defenses and garrison are has i expected-..... wait they have reinforced them with other mercenaries ? "SONS OF OLYMPUS". It sounds martian."
>MOVE BETA 1-2
>ATTACK CHRYSAN-RED HEAVY 1-2
"Marking the enemy. Opening fire."
>COMMS
>ALLIED UNIT [YOU MAY REQUEST ALLIED UNITS TO CONCENTRATE FIRE ON A SPECIFIC TARGET]
"SHIN-RAI garrison, this is Dust Walker A12, requesting firepower with M. TURRET on CHRYSAN-RED HEAVY 1-2. Acknowledge ?"
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>>6372343
"The probability of armor penetration on 1-2 Heavy is lookin real bad, about a 12.5%. Now on 1-1-1 Heavy though? That's 12.5% to *not* penetrate. I like those odds more, and besides, flank attacks were always my favorite."
>Move to 1-1
>if loot was scouted by others, Scavenge that.
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Rolled 2, 1 + 2 = 5 (2d4 + 2)
>>6372343
>MOVE BETA 1-2
>ATTACK CHRYSAN-RED HEAVY 2
Deploy shield and targeting array. Time to dig in for a fight!
“Alright you pups, keep those swarms of flies off me and Papa Ogre will make sure that heavy regrets living… 3… 2… 1… SUPPRESSING!!!!”
Comm:
- L. TURRET x3 (1D8 | 4 DMG | 2 HP)
“SHIN-RAI light turret detachment, request targeting of light escort units. Keep them off our backs while we smoke these tanks, will ya?”
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Rolled 2, 2, 2 + 2 = 8 (3d2 + 2)
>>6372343
>MOVE: BETA (1-2)
>COMBAT: CHRYSAN-RED HEAVY 1-2 32 HP | DC 8 | [HEAVY][EVASIVE]
/CORE:
>CORE/DUELIST. [ LOAD LIMIT: 3 | ARM SLOTS ONLY | HP: 1 | INBUILT RADAR + 1 HIT | INBUILT SHIELD NO CRIPPLE PENALTY | DMG TWICE WITH MELEE WEAPON ON HIT].
/ARM R/L:
> RIFLE//EXTEN-R. [LOAD: 1 | + DMG/ALL].
> PULSE BLADE//PULSAR. [LOAD: 2 | +++ DMG/ALL | - HIT/ALL ]. [R-ARM ONLY]
/FCS:
> FCS/SHINKAI. [3D2 + 1 | NO MELEE HIT PENALTY]
>>6372494
"Belay that order! The escorts are too nible for the L. turrets to hit reliably (1d8 vs DC8). They're better off suppressing Chrysan's support element (DC 6)."
>>
Qm, I have questions about the system again.
1) On my mech card it says my dice is 2d4+2, but in the parts list my FCS just has 2d4 written. Where does +2 comes from?
2) Should I have rolled just 2d4+2 instead of adding the bonuses against enemy tags myself? I think if I include the +2 AND the +hit/heavy and +evasion bonuses, then my bonus against their heavies is +7? That'd be pretty crazy. Heavy hunting is what I specifically built the mech for, but damn.
>>
>>6372517
>On my mech card it says my dice is 2d4+2, but in the parts list my FCS just has 2d4 written. Where does +2 comes from?
Your fcs is listed as (>FCS/BML-CL [ 2D4 | ++ HIT/HEAVY ]), which is 2D4+2 against [Heavy] Targets. The two plus signs are just a +2 bonus.
2) Should I have rolled just 2d4+2 instead of adding the bonuses against enemy tags myself? I think if I include the +2 AND the +hit/heavy and +evasion bonuses, then my bonus against their heavies is +7? That'd be pretty crazy. Heavy hunting is what I specifically built the mech for, but damn.
It actually makes it a bit easier for me to resolve turns if you add bonuses to your rolls, but I'm OK either way!
The bonus should be: 5 [BASE ROLL] + 2 [HEAVY FCS] + 1 [RADAR] + 2 [HIT/HEAVY] + 2 [EVASION] - 2 [EVASION] = 10
Yeah the bonuses are meant to be significant to encourage specialization.
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>>6372584
"Don't go senile on us yet, Og..."
>>6372390
"... Did you guys sniff too much fumes in the hangar or something? Remind me to bug the gearheads about checking out the ship's vents when we're done here..."
>>6372475
"Sons of Olympus? That name rings a bell too, but I can't tell which one. I swear, these Merc Companies all blend together after a while..."
>>6372615
"Just avoid getting shot and you'll do just fine. I've seen worse odds before!"
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>>6372615
I mean please don't feel obligated to run any specific build. The rules favor specialization to some extent but the most important thing in the quest is to have fun and build a mech you actually like. As you unlock more parts hopefully you can find parts that look nice no matter what you want to shoot at!
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File: Map.png (1.2 MB)
1.2 MB PNG
//GAMBLER: MOVE 1-2. Hit SUCCESS. 3 DMG inflicted against CHRYSAN-RED ESCORT 1-2-1.
//GORGON: MOVE 1-2. Hit SUCCESS. 9 DMG inflicted against CHRYSAN-RED ESCORT 1-2-1.
//GASHADOKURO: MOVE 1-2. Hit FAIL. 1 DMG sustained.
//EARTHLING: MOVE 1-2. HIT SUCCESS. 5 DMG inflicted against CHRYSAN-RED HEAVY 1-2.
//PILLOW: MOVE 1-1. SCOUTING success. SUPPORT UNIT 1-1-1 detected.
//RUIN: MOVE 1-1. SCOUTING success. DROPSHIP 1-1 detected.
//CORVID: MOVE 1-1. SCOUTING success. SUPPORT UNIT 1-1-2 detected.
//SWALLOW: MOVE 1-1. SCOUTING success. SUPPLY CACHE 1-1 detected. All entities on this node have been scouted!
//SCARAB: MOVE 1-2. Hit FAIL. 1 DMG blocked. SHIELD DEPLETED [RECHARGE IN 3 TURNS].
//KANCHO: MOVE 1-1. SALVAGING SUPPLY CACHE 1-1.
//OGRE: MOVE 1-2. Hit FAIL. 1 DMG blocked. SHIELD DEPLETED [RECHARGE IN 3 TURNS].
//HERMIT: MOVE 1-2. Hit SUCCESS. 5 DMG inflicted against CHRYSAN-RED HEAVY 1-2.
//STONEFISH: MOVE 1-1. SCOUTING success. All entities on this node have been scouted!
//3x MEDIUM TURRETS: 3/3 Hit FAIL. All MEDIUM TURRETS DESTROYED!
//2x LARGE TURRETS: 2/2 Hit FAIL. 1 DMG sustained EACH.
//"SONS OF OLYMPUS": Hit SUCCESS. 2 DMG inflicted against CHRYSAN-RED ESCORT 1-1-G.
>>
File: Firefight.png (1.6 MB)
1.6 MB PNG
>NODE 1-1 ALPHA:
Your pilots split into two assault groups. The first group skims northward, approaching a broad plateau overlooking the supply depot. After spending several painstaking days reviewing orbital cartography for the surrounding terrain, you had concluded that this was the safest and most fuel-efficient landing zone for a force mounting a potential assault against the SHIN-KAI depot. As your mercenaries crest over the lip of plateau, your suspicions are confirmed. Your mechs streak over a temporary staging area. A heavy-lift DROPSHIP occupies the center of the plateau, main boarding ramp yawned open to unload munitions and presumably carry the spoils of the operation back into orbit. For better or worse, they were clearly running a far more ambitious salvaging operation than your company had ever attempted.
Regardless, it was a poorly defended, poorly prepared position - and your mercenaries would exploit that to their benefit. Scattered tracers flicker towards your pilots as ground crews race to their vehicles. The dropship begins to spool its engines, but you knew that it would take several minutes before it was flight-ready.
COMBAT:
>CHRYSAN-RED SUPPORT 1-1-1 16 HP | DC 6-2 | [HEAVY] [UNPREPARED, -2 DC PENALTY]
>CHRYSAN-RED SUPPORT 1-1-2 16 HP | DC 6-2 | [HEAVY] [UNPREPARED, -2 DC PENALTY]
>CHRYSAN-RED DROPSHIP 1-2 40 HP | DC 2 | [LIGHT]
SALVAGE CACHE ALREADY CLAIMED BY KANCHO.
>>
File: Engage2.png (1.8 MB)
1.8 MB PNG
>NODE 1-2 BETA:
The second group approaches the base of the defensive line, where the fighting had progressed poorly for the defenders. All three of the bunker-mounted turrets defending the depot were shattered or slagged beyond recognition. The heavier turrets mounted on the wall pylons were - at least for the moment - still stitching fire into the Martian dusk, though it was difficult for you to judge if they were scoring any hits. To your surprise, the only unit that had accomplished anything of value was the mechanized infantry company you had spotted earlier. Despite their outdated equipment, they manage to inflict substantial losses against the support forces trailing behind the armored spearhead using a combination of vehicle and tripod-mounted weaponry.
Your mercenaries begin to skirmish with the escort line, exchanging fire with HUNTER-class vanguard frames as they dive in and out of cover. While your adversaries were using more modern, terran-made equipment, their performance here did not impress you. A barrage of accurate rifle fire from GAMBLER nearly cuts one vanguard in half. The rest of the enemy unit vectors for a flank, only to be intercepted by a swarm of micro-missiles from GORGON. The two surviving pilots wisely retreat back behind the canyon force.
Unfortunately, your company's attempt to engage with the armored spearhead is less successful. The sheer amount of autocannon and missile fire emanating from the tank frames made it difficult for your pilots to approach their position. Two of your mercenaries suffer shield overloads, while a third takes significant armor damage. In response, EARTHLING manages to batter one tank vanguard with sustained heavy rifle fire. Exploiting a temporary opening, HERMIT executes a flanking maneuver, jetting his DUELIST frame inside the range of an isolated tank unit. An aggressive thrust from a crackling pulse blade sends an entire weapon arm toppling into the sand.
With some satisfaction, you hear the same voice on the comm-net again, now seemingly bereft of laughter. The frustration in the transmission is almost palpable. "my arm.....How DARE you! CHRYSANTHEMUM have your FUCKING head for this you Martian dogs, and then we'll KILL one who HIRED you... "
COMBAT:
>CHRYSAN-RED ESCORT 1-2-1 6 HP | DC 8 | [LIGHT]
>CHRYSAN-RED ESCORT 1-2-2 18 HP | DC 8 | [LIGHT]
>CHRYSAN-RED HEAVY 1-2 22 HP | DC 8 | [HEAVY][EVASIVE]
>>
File: Engage5.png (1.9 MB)
1.9 MB PNG
>NODE 1-1-1 GAMMA:
COMBAT:
>CHRYSAN-RED SUPPORT 1-2-1 10 HP | DC 6
>CHRYSAN-RED ESCORT 1-1-1 18 HP | DC 8 | [LIGHT]
>CHRYSAN-RED HEAVY 1-1-1 26HP | DC 6 | [HEAVY][EVASIVE] | 2 DMG ON HIT FAIL
>>
Rolled 4 + 3 (1d6 + 3)
>>6372809
"Holy shit... Is this for real? Bahahahaha! Hear that, Gambler? That's the sound of your and everyone else's paycheck flowing into my pocket! Ain't no way I'm losing this stupid bet now! Now, Chrysanthemum... Let elder brother Ruin take care of you."
>Attack CHRYSAN-RED SUPPORT 1-1-1
"I'll probably stay on this node until all of them are taken care of - can't wait to have a go at that dropship..."
>>
>>
Also in retrospect, I think it's a bit unfair to allow wasted scouting rolls. For future node scouting, I will provide the number of possible successes so that people can't over roll on an already scouted node and waste their action.
Accordingly I'll let you carry over this roll Stonefish
>>6372746
>>
File: Hunter.png (1.6 MB)
1.6 MB PNG
Also here's a closeup of the hunter frame
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Rolled 6 + 4 (1d6 + 4)
>>6372809
COMBAT:
>CHRYSAN-RED DROPSHIP 1-2 40 HP | DC 2 | [LIGHT]
"disabling transport?.. disabling transport"
>>6372623
"I'm fine? yeah I'm fine. just me helping my team kill the enemy. but someone?, you guys know may have taken? no mixed several.. several chemicals to improve focus? focus"
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Rolled 3, 4 + 2 = 9 (2d4 + 2)
>>6372812
"Might wanna run a diagnostic on your comms unit, Chrysanthemum--it's... it sounds like you're... crying? Over."
>ATTACK >CHRYSAN-RED ESCORT 1-2-1 6 HP | DC 8 | [LIGHT]
>>6372820
"Love the enthusiasm, Big Bro--let's see what it does for your aim. Payout ain't til' we're all back home."
>>6372850
"Holy Hell, just... just make sure to drink a LOT of coffee when we get back, yea? Unlaced."
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Rolled 3 + 4 (1d6 + 4)
>>6372812
>>6372813
>MOVE- //NODE 1-1-1 GAMMA
>>NODE 1-1-1 GAMMA:COMBAT:
>>CHRYSAN-RED ESCORT 1-1-1 18 HP | DC 8 | [LIGHT]
"They're not ready for us at all. Let's roll up this line and rattle it neck t' knees. Don't get too distracted burnin' habs. None of them ought t' think they're getting in those walls while we're here."
>COMM:
>MECHANIZED INFANTRY, MERCENARY "SONS OF OLYMPUS" (1D7+3 | 2 DMG | 3 HP)
"Callsign Sons of Olympus, I am Vanguard Unit A4 Callsign Gorgon, and am vectoring to reinforce. I would rather you RETREAT against foes like this, but if you wish to stay, leave the enemy vanguard units to me."
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Rolled 1, 1 + 5 = 7 (2d4 + 5)
Mechanised infantry actually doing damage is amusing. You go guys.
>>6372812
>ATTACK
>>CHRYSAN-RED HEAVY 1-2 22 HP | DC 8 | [HEAVY][EVASIVE]
"I don't think their fire control even picks me out at this distance and speed. Keep the light units off me and I'll do my job."
"Also the Hermit guy is crazy and should probably stop hugging the obliterator. Worked out for him so far though."
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Rolled 1, 4 + 2 = 7 (2d4 + 2)
>>6372623
"Keep an eye on them."
>>6371101
>>6368935
>>6365995
"ButtonMan, Treehugger, Chyornij confirm activity and deploy. We need you now."
>>6372812
>BETA 1-2
>ATTACK CHRYSAN-RED HEAVY 1-2
"Reloading. Trying an attack run again, flanking its left. Marking."
"Shield gone. Ogre one is out too. It is likely that the two of us will have to retreat if this keeps going. Cover us if that happens."
>COMMS
>CHRYSANTHEMUM HEAVY 1-2
"Raider scum like you has gotten too bold. No matter the mech you have, you will die. I'll make you choke on my own blood if needed for make that a reality."
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Rolled 1, 4 + 4 = 9 (2d4 + 4)
>>6372812
Dammit, negative damage. Re-engaging!
COMBAT:
>CHRYSAN-RED HEAVY 1-2 22 HP | DC 8 | [HEAVY][EVASIVE]
“What happened to you, flower girls? I see that Martian kit. You use it to pick through the bones of what’s left? To fight your brethren?? I’ll personally pull you out of your wrecked frames so I can drown you in the dust!”
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Rolled 2, 2, 2 + 2 = 8 (3d2 + 2)
>>6372812
"Uh, I think my new walker is malfunctioning. Hermit disengaging."
>MOVE NODE 1-1-1 GAMMA
"Now where did I put that pamphlet...?"
(I dealt 5 damage, but I think I should've dealt 8 with duelist's doubled melee damage: 1 [BASE] + 1 [RIFLE] + 3 [PULSE] x 2 [DUELIST] )
"Now to test my blade."
>COMBAT: CHRYSAN-RED SUPPORT 1-2-1 10 HP | DC 6
/CORE:
>CORE/DUELIST. [ LOAD LIMIT: 3 | ARM SLOTS ONLY | HP: 1 | INBUILT RADAR + 1 HIT | INBUILT SHIELD NO CRIPPLE PENALTY | DMG TWICE WITH MELEE WEAPON ON HIT].
/ARM R/L:
> RIFLE//EXTEN-R. [LOAD: 1 | + DMG/ALL].
> PULSE BLADE//PULSAR. [LOAD: 2 | +++ DMG/ALL | - HIT/ALL ]. [R-ARM ONLY]
/FCS:
> FCS/SHINKAI. [3D2 + 1 | NO MELEE HIT PENALTY]
>>
>>
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>>
File: Map.png (1.2 MB)
1.2 MB PNG
//RUIN: Hit SUCCESS. 6 DMG inflicted against CHRYSAN-RED SUPPORT 1-1-1.
//PILLOW: Hit SUCCESS. 3 DMG inflicted against CHRYSAN-RED DROPSHIP 1-2. DC reduced by 1!
//STONEFISH: Hit SUCCESS. 11 DMG inflicted against CHRYSAN-RED SUPPORT 1-1-1. Target DESTROYED!
//GAMBLER: Hit SUCCESS. 3 DMG inflicted against CHRYSAN-RED ESCORT 1-2-1.
//GORGON: Hit FAIL. 1 DMG sustained.
//EARTHLING: Hit FAIL. 1 DMG sustained. Mech CRIPPLED! [You may move back to the origin point for repairs, or continue combat with a roll malus]
//SCARAB: Hit FAIL. 1 DMG sustained.
//SWALLOW: 8 DMG inflicted against CHRYSAN-RED DROPSHIP 1-2.
//OGRE: 5 + 2 [HEAVY] + 2 [HEAVY] -2 [EVASION] Hit FAIL. 1 DMG sustained.
//HERMIT: MOVE 1-1-1. Hit SUCCESS. 8 DMG inflicted against CHRYSAN-RED SUPPORT 1-2-1.
//CORVID: Hit SUCCESS. 11 DMG inflicted against CHRYSAN-RED SUPPORT 1-1-2.
NOTE:
[GAMBLER has been [ENGAGED] by an enemy unit, as indicated on the map. ENGAGED units MUST make combat against the unit engaging them, unless otherwise specified.]
[Units that are [RETREATING] are no longer combat effective, but must be attacked if you wish for salvage.]
>>
>NODE 1-1 ALPHA:
Heavy weapons fire scours the surface of the plateau. The crack of detonating munitions merges into a continues roar as your mercenaries engage target after target in brutal close-range combat. One support unit is wiped out immediately as RUIN and STONEFISH find their vehicles still idling inside service gantries. The other unit suffers heavy casualties against CORVID, losing the majority of its armored vehicles to devastating close-range hits from the mercenary's explosive pile bunker.
Your unit proceeds to engage the mercenary dropship. As missiles and rifle rounds batter against the ship's hull, you see the tell-tall glow of cyan plasma exhaust spear out from the main lift engines. Evidently, the pilot had chosen to evacuate without the bulk of CHRYSANTHEMUM RED on board. You come to a difficult decision. You knew that destroying the dropship here would probably please your employers greatly and net substantial salvage. However, doing so was also frowned upon by certain mercenaries and supposedly discouraged by NEST - assuming that either of these two parties found out, of course.
COMBAT:
>CHRYSAN-RED SUPPORT 1-1-2 6 HP | DC 6 | [HEAVY]
>CHRYSAN-RED DROPSHIP 1-2 29 HP | DC 1 | [LIGHT] [TARGET LOCKED]
SALVAGE:
>SUPPORT UNIT WRECKAGE. [Roll 1D4 for salvage] [2-6MU CREDITS | COMMON BACK SCHEMATIC on 4]
>>
File: Death.png (1.9 MB)
1.9 MB PNG
>NODE 1-2 BETA:
Your second attempt to engage with the enemy force is again repelled. Your mercenaries sustain significant armor damage this time, with one of the lighter LANCER frames catching enough autocannon fire to disable several critical systems. The pilot is uninjured but you doubted that their them - or their mech - would be able to survive a similar salvo.
To your surprise, however, both of the pylon-mounted turrets - which had utterly ineffectual during the first phase of the battle - manage to lock on to the tank units before unleashing a withering stream of solid kinetic rounds. By the time CHRYSANTHEMUM RED re-orients their tank mechs, they have already taken considerable damage. One tank unit slumps over in a smoking heap, armor macerated by hundreds of tiny impacts. The other unit manages to find hard cover behind small rock outcropping, venting coolant from its oversized laser rifle.
The damaged escort unit, seeing the abrupt change in fortune, promptly attempts to disengage. Its undamaged counterpart, however, swings around for an aggressive flank - seeking to single out one of your pilots and cut them off from the rest of your formation.
Almost as an afterthought, you remember to ping the SHIN-RAI representative to ask for an update on his company forces. His response is frustratingly unhurried.
"With great regret, I must inform you that our [strike/execution] force is unable to launch presently due to a mechanical fault. We will launch in support of you as soon as we are able."
COMBAT:
>CHRYSAN-RED ESCORT 1-2-1 3 HP | DC 8 | [LIGHT][RETREATING]
>CHRYSAN-RED ESCORT 1-2-2 18 HP | DC 8 | [LIGHT]
>CHRYSAN-RED HEAVY 1-2 11 HP | DC 8 | [HEAVY][EVASIVE]
>>
>NODE 1-1-1 GAMMA:
Two of your mercenaries proceed to scout ahead. Capitalizing on the confusion created by the allied mechanized company, HERMIT descends towards the support division and sweeps through a column of vehicles. The remaining forces scatter and attempt to withdraw back to the plateau.
Meanwhile, CRYSANTHEMUM RED's second tank unit continues to bombard the depot's external walls. After several minutes of firing, a section of the wall sags from thermal stress and collapses in a shower of smoking rubble.
>CHRYSAN-RED SUPPORT 1-2-1 2 HP | DC 6 | [RETREATING]
>CHRYSAN-RED ESCORT 1-1-1 18 HP | DC 8 | [LIGHT]
>CHRYSAN-RED HEAVY 1-1-1 26HP | DC 6 | [HEAVY][EVASIVE] | 2 DMG ON HIT FAIL
>>
>>
Rolled 3, 4 + 2 = 9 (2d4 + 2)
>>6373287
"Fancy your luck, huh? You'd better not cost me the pot, punk..."
>ATTACK
>CHRYSAN-RED ESCORT 1-2-2 18 HP | DC 8 | [LIGHT]
>"We will launch in support of you as soon as we are able."
"I KNEW it! 'Mechanical fault'... yea, I'll give 'em a 'mechanical fault' by the time this is over!"
>>
Rolled 6 + 3 (1d6 + 3)
>>6373285
"Yo, Stonefish! You're not participating in Gambler's little game, right? Even if we did it together, it's basically like I'm the one who took down the other unit, isn't it? So it's alright if I claim the kill, don't you think? We make a good team, let's do it again!"
>CHRYSAN-RED SUPPORT 1-1-2 6 HP | DC 6 | [HEAVY]
"My former team would see no qualms in blowing up dropships... But I guess you guys care about reputation, what with you saving civilians. Are we just letting it go, then?"
>>
>>
>>
Rolled 2, 2, 2 + 2 = 8 (3d2 + 2)
>>6373289
"Forget about the dropper, ain't worth the hassle. Focus on the targets who can shoot back. Besides, not like our Employers can complain considering their support has been so minimal."
>CHRYSAN-RED HEAVY 1-1-1 26HP | DC 6 | [HEAVY][EVASIVE] | 2 DMG ON HIT FAIL
"Engaging targets. Requesting marker to boost chances."
>>
Rolled 3 + 4 (1d6 + 4)
>>6373289
>NODE 1-1-1 GAMMA:
>CHRYSAN-RED ESCORT 1-1-1 18 HP | DC 8 | [LIGHT]
"Making 'nother rocket run, they put a scratch on the dust. They're on the ropes now, no letting up. Somebody come help with the big fellas, won'tcha?"
>>
>>
>>
Rolled 1, 2 + 2 = 5 (2d4 + 2)
>>6373285
Damn tank, I can’t land a shot. I can’t draw a bead through all this fire.
This new targeting software keeps blue-screening, what the hell is it even running on… what the hell is TempleOS? Has anyone here worked with this before?
Never mind that… Ogre going for gold. Either we draw a bead on this tank, or I’m a smoking wreck. Make this count!
>CHRYSAN-RED HEAVY 1-2 11 HP | DC 8 | [HEAVY][EVASIVE]
>>
>>
>>
Rolled 1, 3 + 2 = 6 (2d4 + 2)
>>6372971
"Not against the weapons of that mech Ogre. Earthling mech is devastated, mine and yours are soon to follow. Our shots and markers have not landed a single time, that war machine is unfortunately superior."
"If we cannot continue the engagement, retreating for repairs is a must. We have no chances of fighting this battle with broken armor and systems. Please do not give that raider an easy kill."
>>6372903
"Earthling, you need repairs. Disengage has soon as you can !"
>>6373287
>BETA 1-2
>ATTACK CHRYSAN-RED HEAVY 1-2
"Reloading. Mech is not in good condition, requesting assistance from inactive dust walker mechs at our dropship. Please confirm status."
"Going for another attack run on the raider. Right flank. Marking."
>>6373471
(See EARTHLING status. Being crippled means we are basically one shot from being destroyed. And receive a malus if we keep fighting)
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>>6373484
"Yeah, yeah, I'm going, he just got lucky spraying that cannon. I'll be back in one. Reminder to me that volume of fire is a great substitute to precision. "
Heavy 1-2 is soloing our task force holy shit. Man got his arm chopped off and activated protagonist mode.
>>
>>6373485
"With our luck another CHRYSANTHEMUM RED task force sieging the depot walls. If not a SHIN-RAI drone watching us bleed, while their armed support waits from afar. My favorite choice would be sand."
>>6373487
"Good. Whatever it is i don't think we can do it on our own, we need our fellows. His mech is too superior for us three to do anything about it. Me and Ogre didn't put even a dent in his plating."
(yeah we aren't doing shit to it, and good chance he will start shooting at us while we leave)
>>
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As a general reminder, crippled mechs (0 HP) can return to the origin point for repairs OR keep fighting with a -3 combat malus and risk getting destroyed. You can also participate in non-combat options with no penalty.
>>6373312
Yes of course, no worries
Apologies for the delay. Update tomorrow.
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//STONEFISH: 5+2-2+1 Hit SUCCESS. 11 DMG inflicted against CHRYSAN-RED SUPPORT 1-1-2. Target DESTRYOED!
//GAMBLER: Hit SUCCESS. 3 DMG inflicted against CHRYSAN-RED ESCORT 1-2-2.
//RUIN: MOVE 1-1-1. Hit SUCCESS. 9 DMG inflicted against CHRYSAN-RED ESCORT 1-1-1.
//PILLOW: Hit SUCCESS. 3 DMG inflicted against CHRYSAN-RED DROPSHIP.
//CORVID: Hit SUCCESS. 11 DMG inflicted against CHRYSAN-RED HEAVY 1-1-1.
//GORGON: Hit FAIL. 1 DMG sustained. Mech CRIPPLED!
//SWALLOW: Hit SUCCESS. 8 DMG inflicted against CHRYSAN-RED DROPSHIP.
//OGRE: Hit FAIL. 1 DMG sustained. Mech CRIPPLED!
//HERMIT: Hit SUCCESS. 8 DMG inflicted against CHRYSAN-RED HEAVY 1-1-1.
//SCARAB: Hit FAIL. 1 DMG sustained. Mech CRIPPLED!
//EARTHLING: 1/1 HP REPAIRED!
//KANCHO: Hit SUCCESS. 16 DMG inflicted against CHRYSAN-RED HEAVY 1-1-1. Target DESTROYED!
//GASHADOKURO: Hit FAIL. 1 DMG sustained. Mech CRIPPLED!
//BUTTONMAN: MOVE 1-1. Hit SUCCESS. 5 DMG inflicted against CHRYSAN-RED DROPSHIP.
//L TURRET 1x destroyed
//L TURRET 1x engages retreating SUPPORT UNIT. Target DESTROYED!
//"SONS OF OLYMPUS": Hit FAIL. 1 DMG sustained.
>>
File: Map.png (1.6 MB)
1.6 MB PNG
>NODE 1-1 ALPHA:
The rest of the enemy force collapses in short order. The second support unit fares no better the first, succumbing to the same close-quarter tactics that your mercenaries had employed to dismantle the rest of the forces defending the landing site. Wrecked vehicles now dot the plateau. Oily smoke billows into the thin Martian air, shrouding your vanguard frames in a shroud of static-grey.
After taking another barrage of rifle fire, CHRYSANTHEMUM RED's shuttle hangs perilously against the pull of gravity. One engine was already stalling. You suspected that damaging another would send the shuttle hurtling back towards Martian firmament.
[YOU HAVE ONE MORE TURN TO ENGAGE THE DROPSHIP BEFORE IT LEAVES]
COMBAT:
>CHRYSAN-RED DROPSHIP 1-2 13 HP | DC 1 | [LIGHT] [TARGET LOCKED]
SALVAGE:
>SUPPORT UNIT WRECKAGE. [Roll 1D4 for salvage] [2-6MU CREDITS | COMMON BACK SCHEMATIC on 4]
>SUPPORT UNIT WRECKAGE. [Roll 1D4 for salvage] [2-6MU CREDITS | COMMON ARM SCHEMATIC on 4]
>>
File: Attack.png (3.1 MB)
3.1 MB PNG
>NODE 1-2 BETA:
Your mercenaries test the approach again and are repulsed for a third time. To your immense frustration, the two remaining tank frames have positioned themselves against a natural outcropping with a commanding view of the surrounding area. Any attempt at an assault is immediately broken by a stream of suppressive autocannon rounds followed by lancing fire from two laser rifles.
The damage your company sustains is severe. Three of your mercenaries take critical damage, rendering them nearly combat inoperable. You hastily order the dropship to land in order to facilitate emergency field repairs. While GAMBLER had successfully broken the escort unit angling for a flanking attack, you quickly realize that this was not necessarily a good design.
Having correctly concluded that your heaviest forces here were neutralized, the enemy mercenaries advance towards the region where your dropship was currently landed. You estimated that they would be within engagement range within [the next turn]. Although you were leery about pulling your other forces to defend your drop point, you were also painfully aware that the dropship was your company's only method of orbital transport.
COMBAT:
Targets have moved to ORIGIN POINT.
>NODE O [ORIGIN]:
COMBAT:
>CHRYSAN-RED ESCORT O 15 HP | DC 8 | [LIGHT]
>CHRYSAN-RED HEAVY O 11 HP | DC 8 | [HEAVY][EVASIVE]
>>
File: PB HIT1.png (3.2 MB)
3.2 MB PNG
>NODE 1-1-1:
The strike force engaging at the base of the depot walls enjoys significantly more success. The tank unit that CHRYSANTHEMUM RED had had chosen to deploy here was equipped with dual laser rifles. It was a loadout that exchanged flexibility with pure firepower - a single hit from the laser rifles would devastate any of your mechs, but their lengthy their cooldown cycle gave your pilots plenty of time to make an approach.
Your mercenaries take advantage of this weakness and manage to dismantle the unit in short order. CORVID, HERMIT, and KANCHO engage the tank unit with their CQC weapons, well inside the range where their laser rifles could easily maneuver. Heavy armor is tested and found wanting by disruptive pulse-fields and explosive-driven metal piles. The last tank unit - the presumed leader of the squad - has her final, desperate transmission cut short by a brutal pile bunker strike that blows apart the back half of her mech's torso.
To your surprise, the light mech unit escorting the tanks does not attempt to retaliate. Even after receiving suffering several losses from missile fire, the unit continues to boost forward - moving through the breached defensive walls and into the depot proper. You weren't totally sure what they were attempting now that most of CHRYSANTHEMUM RED was destroyed, but the urgency was obvious. You note with some interest that SHIN-RAI is no longer sharing live intel data from the regions inside the depot.
"We are [deploying/revealing] our forces," says the representative tonelessly.
COMBAT:
Targets have moved to SD1.
SALVAGE:
>SUPPORT UNIT WRECKAGE. [Roll 1D4 for salvage] [2-6MU CREDITS | COMMON ARM SCHEMATIC on 4]
>CHRYSAN-RED HEAVY WRECK. [Roll 1D10 for salvage. 1-3 10-30 MU | VALIANT FRAME SCHEMATIC ON 4-7 | VALIANT FRAME SCHEMATIC + 1 WEAPON SCHEMATIC ON 8-10
>SD1
COMBAT:
>CHRYSAN-RED ESCORT SD1 8 HP | DC 8 | [LIGHT]
>>
File: PB HIT.png (3.5 MB)
3.5 MB PNG
>>
File: PB HIT2.png (3.3 MB)
3.3 MB PNG
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File: Cannon.png (2.5 MB)
2.5 MB PNG
>>
Rolled 2 + 5 (1d6 + 5)
>>6374183
>Attack CHRYSAN-RED DROPSHIP 1-2 13 HP | DC 1 | [LIGHT] [TARGET LOCKED]
"Alright, if we stay on it, this thing's done for. Lets wrap up and mop up the rest of them. With no way to carry their loot out, their whole purpose for being here is gone. Ideally this should collapse their morale."
>>
>>
Rolled 2, 3 + 5 = 10 (2d4 + 5)
>>6374184
>ATTACK
>CHRYSAN-RED HEAVY O 11 HP | DC 8 | [HEAVY][EVASIVE]
Laying down fire, let's see if he gets obscenely lucky for the second time.
I do 5 damage on success, 6 more is needed, anyone with bonuses agains [Heavy] or [LIGHT] come to the origin point, we need two guys dead.
Forget their dropship if necessary, we have our own about to come under fire.
>>
Rolled 3 (1d10)
>>6374185
>>NODE 1-1-1: SALVAGE
>CHRYSAN-RED HEAVY WRECK. [Roll 1D10 for salvage. 1-3 10-30 MU | VALIANT FRAME SCHEMATIC ON 4-7 | VALIANT FRAME SCHEMATIC + 1 WEAPON SCHEMATIC ON 8-10
"Guess I won't be much good for the rest o' this fight. Shame. Finish the fight fer me, they're after our dropship for sure, an' I can't brush them off a' it in this condition. Hope luck's with me now..."
>>
>>6374184
"They are moving too fast Boss ! Listen order the dropship pilot to take back both Treehugger and Chyornij and go back in air. Have it go higher and out of those mercs weapons range instead. If we do field repairs there now they will just shoot at us and the dropship while we cant move !"
"Our dropship cannot be harmed. Me, Gorgon, Gashadokuro and Ogre can wait it out. We are just going to play it safe until those two mechs are dealt with."
>>
Rolled 1 (1d4)
>>6374185
>MOVE TO NODE 1-1-1
>SALVAGE
>SUPPORT UNIT WRECKAGE. [Roll 1D4 for salvage] [2-6MU CREDITS | COMMON ARM SCHEMATIC on 4]
"Scarab moving away from hostiles."
"Scavenging."
"Be advised my kin : SHIN-RAI silence is not too be trusted. Their armed support has not show it self. They waited a lot. Remain ready for combat, and watch the depot walls and the wasteland out of it."
>>
>>6374215
They'll be on our dropship during the NEXT turn, on this turn you can go back and heal 1HP, and on the next turn you can attack without a malus. 2d4+2 isn't great against DC 8, but you might get lucky.
I'm already taking HEAVY-0 to 6 hp, we just need someone to get on the ESCORT-0
>>6374185
>>6374186
>>6374187
Love the triple shot of the kill, QM, very anime.
>>6374203
Ruin, you watch out in there.
>Corpo is werdly considerate
>Delays in activation of our "support"
>Mercenary leader seemingly commands the remaining unit to rush the depot before dying.
>Corpo cuts the feed from inside the depot before "deploying/revealing" their forces.
Okay man, I said that everyone on Mars is weird as fuck, but that's way too much. Whatever they're "revealing" in there is probably bad. Rogue AI? Weaponised Plague?
Hopefully it's just some new commercial tech they don't wanna show to us before it hits the market. Hopefully.
>>
>>6374217
>>6374218
"... I'll try to take a peek inside if I can. I'm doing pretty alright for myself, so I could probably take a hit and make it out ready to keep going."
>Open comms to "Sons of Olympus"
"You guys aren't looking too hot. Stay out of range while I take care of that guy. Have you been working for Shin-rai for long? Some of my colleagues were curious about your mercenary name."
>>
>>6374218
"Negative, Earthling."
"We cannot risk the dropship or the crippled and dormant mechs, CHRYSANTHEMUM RED is out for blood."
(Luck is not on my side, not counting on that. Yes the dropship can be reached and boarded for repairs. And they dont attack it until next turn. Would it make sense for my pilot to do it ? No. He would want the dropship and crippled mechs out of harm way. We have also two other mechs sitting there dormant and unmoving. Repairs should be done not with this two swords hanging above us)
>>
>>
Rolled 1, 4 + 2 = 7 (2d4 + 2)
"You guys know you can't collect on the pot if you're scrapped, right? Just... try to hold together a little longer--I'm going to defend our ride outta this dump."
>MOVE NODE O [ORIGIN]
>ATTACK CHRYSAN-RED HEAVY O 11 HP | DC 8 | [HEAVY][EVASIVE]
>>6374204
"I'll be your Huckleberry."
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>>6374278
>CORE/LANCER. [ LOAD LIMIT: 5 | HP: 1 | ++ EVASIVE ].
> RIFLE//EXTEN-R. [LOAD: 1 | + DMG/ALL].
> RIFLE//EXTEN-R. [LOAD: 1 | + DMG/ALL].
> RADAR//SEEKER [LOAD: 1 | + SCOUTING | + HIT/ALL] [R-BACK ONLY].
> SHIELD//HI0-SHELL [LOAD: 2 | + HP] [L-BACK ONLY].
> FCS/BML-CL [ 2D4 | ++ HIT/HEAVY ]
Isn't this your build? You have +5 against HEAVY 0, that's 3 damage, HEAVY 0 is at 3 HP
>>
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Rolled 6 + 1 (1d6 + 1)
>>6374185
"Something's not right. Why aren't they fleeing? What would drive mercenaries to make a suicidal charge? If only I was paid to give a damn."
>MOVE: DELTA 1-1-1
>SCOUT DELTA
"Hermit, securing the perimeter."
>>
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Rolled 6 + 1 (1d6 + 1)
>>6374185
"The fuck is up with Chrysanthemum, they're fighting more like religious zealots then professional mercs. I'm gonna scan Gamma, maybe we can get a clue. Do please make sure our ride home is intact, these frames aren't the most comfortable to sleep in. Nor do I want to sleep with one eye open for Plague."
>>
>>6374376
"I've heard of bosses that make employees wanna kill themselves, but I've only had the ones that make me want to kill them. Speaking of, remind me to flag down our contractor for this mission for a private 'chat' after this shitshow."
>>6374448
"I don't care if they act like mercs, boy scouts, or Jehova's Witnesses--they almost made me drop my cig. We can interrogate what's left of 'em when the fight's over."
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File: Map.png (1.5 MB)
1.5 MB PNG
//SWALLOW: Hit SUCCESS. 8 DMG inflicted against CHRYSAN-RED DROPSHIP.
//RUIN: MOVE SD1. Hit SUCCESS. 8 DMG inflicted against CHRYSAN-RED ESCORT SD1. COMMS ACTION.
//EARTHLING: Hit SUCCESS. 5 DMG inflicted against CHRYSAN-RED HEAVY O.
//GORGON: WRECK SALVAGED. VALUE: 30 MU
//SCARAB: MOVE 1-1-1. WRECK SALVAGED. VALUE: 2 MU. 1 SHIELD RECHARGED; NO LONGER CRIPPLED.
//GASHADOKURO: MOVE O. 1 HP REPAIRED.
//GAMBLER: Hit SUCCESS. 3 DMG inflicted against CHRYSAN-RED HEAVY O.
//BUTTONMAN: Hit SUCCESS. 5 DMG inflicted against CHRYSAN-RED DROPSHIP. Target DESTROYED!
//HERMIT: MOVE 1-1-1-1. Scout SUCCESS. DISCOVERED SHIN-RAI HEAVY SNIPER TEAM "三日".
//STONEFISH. WRECK SALVAGED. COMMON BACK SCHEMATIC OPTIONS AS BELOW.
//CORVID: Scout SUCCESS. DISCOVERED SHIN-RAI HEAVY SNIPER TEAM "五月".
//OGRE: MOVE 1-1-1. WRECK SALVAGED. VALUE: 4 MU. 1 SHIELD RECHARGED; NO LONGER CRIPPLED.
//PILLOW: Hit SUCCESS. 3 DMG inflicted against CHRYSAN-RED DROPSHIP. Target already destroyed!
//KANCHO: Hit FAIL. 1 DMG sustained. No crippled penalty!
//L. TURRET: No valid targets.
//"SONS OF OLYMPUS": Withdrawing/repositioning.
>>
File: GamblerEarth.png (2.6 MB)
2.6 MB PNG
>NODE 1-1 ALPHA:
The enemy dropship shudders under another salvo of missile and machinegun fire. This time, your mercenaries hit something vital - you see a portside thruster release a thick plume of smoke before blowing out in a spectacular shower of burning fuel.
It takes nearly a minute for martian gravity to transform the dropship's steady ascent into an uncontrolled spin. However, once that happens, there is nothing that the pilot can do to compensate. The metal superstructure hammers into the plateau before detonating in a cataclysmic explosion that throws debris kilometers into the thin martian air.
SALVAGE:
>DROPSHIP WRECKAGE. [Roll 1D10 for salvage. 1-3 15-45 MU | FRAME SCHEMATIC ON 4-7 | FRAME SCHEMATIC + 1 WEAPON SCHEMATIC ON 8-10]
>CACHE. Roll 1D8 for salvage.] [1-7MU CREDITS | SCHEMATIC/SPECIAL/UPGRADE on 8]
>>
File: Engage.png (3.3 MB)
3.3 MB PNG
>ORIGIN:
After a frantic conversation with your pilots, you decide to withdraw the dropship from the landing point. While it would compromise your ability to perform repairs, you had no desire to endanger your only method of transportation.
Withdrawing your dropship also placed your forces in a much better position against the remnants of CHRYSANTHEMUM RED. The two remaining heavy tank frames had left their entrenched position during their advance, and your forces no longer had to divert attention towards protecting their dropship. GAMBLER and EARTHING manage to flank around the two tank frames, using both natural cover and energy shielding to protect themselves from the constant autocannon fire that had proved so difficult for your forces to evade previously. Well-aimed rifle rounds crack into sensor clusters and exposed joints. While the damage wasn't fatal, you could tell that both tank frames were seriously damaged. The unit leader curses incomprehensibly over the local comm-net as the gravity of the situation becomes apparent. While it was undignified, the feeling of helplessness was certainly not foreign to you or - you suspect - most of your Martian-born mercenaries.
COMBAT:
>CHRYSAN-RED ESCORT O 15 HP | DC 8 | [LIGHT]
>CHRYSAN-RED HEAVY O 4 HP | DC 8 | [HEAVY][EVASIVE]
>>
File: Sniper.png (3.1 MB)
3.1 MB PNG
>NODE 1-1-1 GAMMA:
The escort element racing towards the supply depot only makes it a few dozen meters beyond the walls. RUIN interlaces the formation with rifle and missile fire. Two frames take critical damage and smash against the perimeter walls. The last surviving unit continues on - but only for a moment. Without warning, the mercenary unit loses altitude and skids into a bundle of storage containers. What remains for the wreck is consumed in the cobalt glare of a raging fuel-cell fire. The radiation monitors that a few of your mercenaries carry spike briefly. Delayed reactor failure, you presume - an uncommon event but certainly not unheard of.
Having no other targets in the immediate area to engage, you direct several of your pilots to scout the surrounding landscape. Your pilots diligently ping their radar systems over the tight valleys and rolling dunes.
CORVID reports a return signature. It is faint but unmistakable - a signature from an active vanguard frame. The mercenary transmits a blurry visual of a dark grey tetrapod lurking at the top of a distant canyon, its armor shimmering with the tell-tell iridescence of active camouflage. A massive GAMMA CANNON occupies one shoulder. Your mercenary immediately transmits an IFF interrogation, which is unanswered. You however, recognize the design as a heavily modified STALKER-class tetrapod, a unit favored by SHIN-RAI's internal security forces.
At the same time, HERMIT, who had been scouting the NORTHERN sector, identifies an identical sensor signature. Through the pilot's video feed, you spot another pair of sniper mechs rush into position, now abandoning up any pretense of stealth.
The SHIN-RAI representative pings you.
"We sincerely apologize, but I hope you [understand/comprehend] the importance of deniability in select termination contracts. In truth, no company assets were ever held in orbit. We [hid/camoflaged] a group of select units here in the unfortunate event that your company would be unable to terminate the target and prevent the breach of this [depot/facility]."
An brief pause.
"We did not commit them because it remains [favorable/non-suspicious] if the termination of CHRYSANTHEMUM RED is done by a rival mercenary for a believable monetary sum rather than a corporate entity. We will mark this contract as complete once you [destroy/terminate] the two remaining SHIN-RAI assets, MERCENARY."
The transmission terminates abruptly.
[GLOBAL VOTE]
>AGREE. Complete the contract.
>NEGOTIATE. The terms of the contract have changed, and your company's pay should change accordingly.
>THREATEN. There is something important here, clearly. Your priorities have not changed, but they may.
>ATTACK. It has not escaped your attention that the sniper teams are vulnerable while they are repositioning...
>>
>>
Rolled 3, 2 + 5 = 10 (2d4 + 5)
>>6375162
>>NEGOTIATE. The terms of the contract have changed, and your company's pay should change accordingly.
Word of mouth is king in the merc world--and if they ever want to hire any more they really oughta' rethink how much more they plan on paying us for leaving us in the lurch!
>>6375160
>ATTACK
>CHRYSAN-RED HEAVY O 4 HP | DC 8 | [HEAVY][EVASIVE]
"Sorry, pal--game was rigged from the start."
>>
>>
>>
>>
Rolled 6 (1d8)
>>6375156
>CACHE. Roll 1D8 for salvage.] [1-7MU CREDITS | SCHEMATIC/SPECIAL/UPGRADE on 8]
>>6375162
>NEGOTIATE. The terms of the contract have changed, and your company's pay should change accordingly.
And if they don't budge...
>THREATEN. There is something important here, clearly. Your priorities have not changed, but they may.
>>
>>
>>
Rolled 4 + 5 (1d6 + 5)
>>6375160
"Tag this wreck for the carrier drones. I've got a bet to win."
>MOVE to ORIGIN
>ATTACK CHRYSAN-RED ESCORT O 15 HP | DC 8 | [LIGHT]
>>6375162
>NEGOTIATE. The terms of the contract have changed, and your company's pay should change accordingly.
"I believe we were lied to, clearly there was no mechanical fault. You just didn't want to expend your own resources when you could get us to risk our own heavy metal. We deserve a little extra, wouldn't you say? Tactical choices were based on the premise of that strike force reinforcing us."It would be terrible for our reputation, but despite the hard fight, I think we have sufficient strength to deal with the forces we can currently see, if we wanted to threaten Shin-rai, or attack them and try and raid the supply depot ourselves. I'm open to whatever.
>>
>>
>>6375162
Will vote for my action later, in the meantime
>THREATEN. There is something important here, clearly. Your priorities have not changed, but they may.
"I'm right next to their depot... Say the line and I'll do what needs to be done."
>>
>>6375162
>NEGOTIATE. The terms of the contract have changed, and your company's pay should change accordingly.
>THREATEN. There is something important here, clearly. Your priorities have not changed, but they may.
"We entered this contract on a premise that turned out to be untrue. While we acknowledge the necessity of compartmentalization, our tactical decisions were made based on an incomplete framework. Considering the heavy investment made here, our company would very much appreciate a bonus rendered considering your heavy snipers were spared any damage, as well as limited damage to the base proper. Such bonus can take the form of either credits or equipment."
>>6375169
"Don't beat yourself up, 45 MU is nothing to sneeze at. It just means we can purchase something fancy back in orbit."
>>
>>
>>6374225
"Those Sons of Olympus have been awfully silent if they are martians. For an infantry and mechanized only force, you would expect them to be more chatty when we saved them. Did you manage to see them up close ? "
>>6375162
>MOVE TO NODE 1-1 ALPHA
>IDLE
"Repositioning. Waiting for clean up of Drop point."
"Good our dropship is safe. When those two CHRYSANTHEMUM RED mechs are dealt with Boss, have it deployed again so we can properly repair."
"Meanwhile, its has we expected. SHIN-RAI had a force nearby. Beside their own garrison. Now question is : its this their full force ? There is another flank we have not covered and we don't know what they have behind the depot. What they present now is heavily armed and capable of long range combat. Good chance they are marking me, Ogre and Gorgon. Their sensors would pick up our wrecked armor plating."
>NEGOTIATE. The terms of the contract have changed, and your company's pay should change accordingly.
"They better pay us more. We have valid arguments for an increase."
>>
>>6375155
"Oof, me bones are still achin' but I'm not a complete write-off. Still can't do anything but crawl though. I'll find a ditch to take cover in."
>NEGOTIATE
"Yeeeah we can keep our mouths shut - or even spread a rumor smokescreen if you want us to... for the right price. Skullduggery costs its own obols."
>>
>>
Rolled 2, 4 + 5 = 11 (2d4 + 5)
>>6375162
>>AGREE. Complete the contract.
Ah, it wasn't anything special. Well, I don't care then, just pay me. I'm as "uncaring hired thug" as mech pilots go.
>ATTACK
>>CHRYSAN-RED HEAVY O 4 HP | DC 8 | [HEAVY][EVASIVE]
>>
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>>6375261
I remember, though I think I'm out of time to make any moves.
Again, I'm very sorry to have been dead weight here, the past two weeks have been rather tiring on me, and my mind was focused on that. I just straight up forgot this quest existed, and only checked /qst/ today because I was wondering if Solstice Quest had popped up again.
>>
>>
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>>6375367
i think you can still do actions. Others did, and Observer is a Qm that accepts them. No worries RL takes priority in the end, and not being able to be present is not something anyone here would think its wrong.
also is just me or captcha is getting more shitty...
>>
>>
>>
File: Map.png (1.5 MB)
1.5 MB PNG
//GAMBLER: Hit SUCCESS. 3 DMG inflicted against CHRYSAN-RED HEAVY O.
//PILLOW: Wreck SALVAGED. VALUE: 45 MU
//STONEFISH: Wreck SALVAGED. VALUE: 6 MU
//SWALLOW: Hit SUCCESS. 8 DMG inflicted against CHRYSAN-RED ESCORT O
//SCARAB: MOVE TO 1-1.
//KANCHO: Hit FAIL. 1 DMG sustained. Mech DISABLED! Pilot EJECTED!
//EARTHLING: Hit SUCCESS. 5 DMG inflicted against CHRYSAN-RED HEAVY O. Target DESTROYED!
//OGRE: MOVE O.
//RUIN: MOVE SD2. SCOUT SUCCESSFUL. SHIN-RAI WILL NOT PERMIT ADDITIONAL SCOUTING ACTIONS.
//CORVID: Scout SUCCESS. DISCOVERED SHIN-RAI HEAVY SNIPER TEAM "七月".
//HERMIT. MOVE 1-2.
CHRYSANTHEMUM RED's last tank frame disintegrates in a hail of armor-piercing gunfire. The pilot ejects too late. Her armored control capsule emerges from the chestpiece in a puff of propellant before corkscrewing into the ground. You had not offered her the possibility of surrender, and she had not asked for your mercy.
Meanwhile, the last escort unit fights a losing battle against the full weight of your company. Several of the enemy mercenaries manage to break KANCHO's rushing advance, using their energy rifles to overwhelm the melee-focused DUELIST frame. The mech's ablative armor glows red-hot until a final shot slags both leg actuators sends the frame tumbling into the dense sand. Your overeager pilot ejects with only seconds to spare. Fortunately, your enemy's fortune is short lived - machinegun fire and rack-launched missiles tear through their formation as SWALLOW harries them further into the surrounding valley.
As your mercenaries move into the cleanup phase of your operation, several of them begin to skirt the edge of the depot for additional scouting.
As you wait for them to report, you note that RUIN and several other pilots had been communicating with the "SONS OF OLYMPUS" - the mechanized infantry unit which had now retreated behind the walls. Evidently, the unit had been offered a contrast similar to the one SHIN-RAI had offered you. Regardless, none of them had expected to fight a full vanguard assault unit without support. Their transports had been devastated by the initial assault on the wall, though their infantry had taken only modest losses.
Their commander whispers in a dust-burnt voice, her face obscured by the arc of a visored EVA suit. Like you, the tight rank-symbols adorning her combat rig have been neatly crossed out with black grease-pen. "Former Martian unit. 54th Active Recon."
"Former Orbital Vanguard Unit." You respond.
"Obvious. Require extraction. Will pay."
"Does your unit have combined arms experience?" You ask.
A tap against the visor. "Limited."
[GLOBAL VOTE:]
> OFFER TRANSPORT. +10 MU.
> OFFER FREE TRANSPORT. -10 MU. Reputation bonus with non-vanguard mercenary units.
> RECRUIT. -40 MU. Gain a permanent NPC mechanized infantry unit, capable of limited combat and granting small node-specific bonuses.
>>
One of your pilots interrupts your conversation. After straying too close to the depot's outer perimeter, it takes only several seconds for one of your more adventurous pilots to earn a warning lock from an observant SHIN-RAI sniper-team. However, the telemetry they send back to you in that short window is telling. Contrary to the briefing and the carefully curated intel package, there was extensive underground substrata to the "supply depot" you were supposedly defending. Your pilot's sensor signatures bounce through kilometers of access tunnels and engineering shafts that burrowed into the surrounding landscape like some kind of man-made root system.
The information wasn't enough to tell you precisely what was going on, but it was probably enough for you to negotiate new terms for your contract. You ping the SHIN-RAI representative.
"We request additional compensation." You say.
"I apologize, but you have no [grounds/justification]. Denied." Comes the blunt response.
"This is not a supply depot, and the risk profile of this operation was significantly higher than what was originally proposed. The - "
You emphasize the next word.
"- considerable - investment you have made made in securing this site suggests that our pay should reflect our successful defense of a critical asset. With minimal losses on your side."
You force your face into something resembling an amicable smile. "We understand that you do not want to risk your resources and repute, but we operate under similar constraints."
"I apologize, but you have no recourse. Denied." The tone seems almost self-satisfied now. "Apologies for the insinuation, but I hope you have not [forgotten/deluded] yourself into believing that we have the same values as a now-defunct colony."
Your expression drops into something more natural to you. "Very well. I suppose we can always recoup our operating expenses through other means. Research facilities have plenty of expensive salvage."
"Please do not make threats you cannot [actualize/execute]"
You continue. "And even the intel alone would be valuable. There was no confidentiality clause. If not us, then I'm sure someone will be willing to take the chance..."
The representative pauses, as if speaking to someone. He dips his head.
"We will offer a hazard bonus and a confidentiality clause, to [sustain/foster] a productive working relationship."
"You may depart after you eliminate the last escort unit."
COMBAT:
>CHRYSAN-RED ESCORT O 15 HP | DC 8 | [LIGHT]
SALVAGE:
>CHRYSAN-RED HEAVY WRECK. [Roll 1D10 for salvage. 1-3 10-30 MU | VALIANT FRAME SCHEMATIC ON 4-7 | VALIANT FRAME SCHEMATIC + 1 WEAPON SCHEMATIC ON 8-10
>>
>>
Rolled 1 + 5 (1d6 + 5)
>>6375940
> RECRUIT. -40 MU. Gain a permanent NPC mechanized infantry unit, capable of limited combat and granting small node-specific bonuses.
"The company grows. Mars will be restored."
>ATTACK CHRYSAN-RED ESCORT O 7 HP | DC 8 | [LIGHT]
"Die dogs. Your scrap will pay for my comrade's new steed!"
>>
Rolled 3, 2 + 1 = 6 (2d4 + 1)
>>6375940
> OFFER FREE TRANSPORT. -10 MU. Reputation bonus with non-vanguard mercenary units.
"A favor goes a long way in this line of work... not sure I wanna give 'em a bunk and a company swag bag, though. Got enough mouths to feed on our boat."
>>6375942
"Slimy pricks. Good negotiating, bossman. Let me know if you want us to tip anything over on our way out!"
>ATTACK
>CHRYSAN-RED ESCORT O 15 HP | DC 8 | [LIGHT]
"Still haven't forgotten the wager. Game's still afoot til' clockout, boys."
>>
>>
Rolled 3 (1d10)
>>6375940
>> RECRUIT. -40 MU. Gain a permanent NPC mechanized infantry unit, capable of limited combat and granting small node-specific bonuses.
>>6375942
>MOVE TO GREEN DOT
>SALVAGE
>>CHRYSAN-RED HEAVY WRECK. [Roll 1D10 for salvage. 1-3 10-30 MU | VALIANT FRAME SCHEMATIC ON 4-7 | VALIANT FRAME SCHEMATIC + 1 WEAPON SCHEMATIC ON 8-10
>>
Rolled 6 + 4 (1d6 + 4)
>>6375940
> RECRUIT. -40 MU. Gain a permanent NPC mechanized infantry unit, capable of limited combat and granting small node-specific bonuses.
"ugh my head, I.. I think having people to taste test some mixtures I got stored will be very.. beneficial"
> Move To Origin
>>6375942
COMBAT:
>CHRYSAN-RED ESCORT O 15 HP | DC 8 | [LIGHT]
"dang another enemy... guess I'll tag it"
>>
"F-fuck you! Wretched dogs! You're lucky your in a Hunter frame, this would've turned out differently otherwise."
"I'm slagged team, backing off. Those mediums and nimble and tough, don't let off the trigger to sight in the next one until you see flame belch and scrap fly!"
>>6375184
"Looks like you win our bet Ruin. Congrats, don't spend it all in one place."
~(*)~
Damn, definitely need those shotguns, DCs are higher than the first mission, can't rely on near or totally guaranteed hits anymore.
In other news Ruin has the highest number of 'narratively'* confirmed kills, at least of the members of our little outfit that took Gambler's bet. At 3 hunter frames, or 2 and a half, depending on how you count the one that sputtered out. Also second highest damage at 23 damage, all on lighter units, so it makes sense he'd have the most kills. For reference, I have the highest damage at 32, but 24 of that is on the dropship. So I'd say that makes him the winner of our bet, everyone pay up!
Gambler and Gorgon each have one 'narratively' confirmed kill, though Gambler may actually have a higher kill count depending on how you interpret her having 'broken' the hunter frames that engaged her. 15 and 9 damage respectively.
Kanchō has the honour of being the only one to land the last blow (kill), mechanically speaking, a unit, a heavy even. 16 damage.
Scarab did no damage.
I have no kills, though it is implied that I decimated the last escort unit pretty badly, and I did the most damage to the dropship, who's destruction could be considered shared, but that still only counts as one, if your charitable.
*By this I mean that the images or narrative text has specifically confirmed or heavily imply a frame was killed by said pilot, not that someone got the last blow on a unit mechanically. There are multiple frames in each 'unit' it seems, so hypothetically pilots with more damage against lighter, more numerous units could have killed more than otherwise indicated. Lucky for us, the damage and narrative line up in this case.
Finally, holy shit are we having horrible luck at getting the schematics. Lots of money though, though the damage we've sustained (even lost frames) means that our payday will shrink a bit.
>>
>>6376004
Yeah I've been a bit janky about representing all the players on the renders - apologies about that. I'll try to spread stuff out a bit more.
Thank you for keeping track though - am flattered genuinely! My headcanon which way or not be true is that your engaging units/groups rather than individual frames. This is why the damage/health values are pretty lopsided.
>>
>>6375940
> RECRUIT. -40 MU. Gain a permanent NPC mechanized infantry unit, capable of limited combat and granting small node-specific bonuses.
Not much to say besides, there's places where these suits can't reach, after all.
>>
>>6375940
"Active Recon eh? Color me surprised, didn't think there were much of you left after The Ruin. I mean, it's one thing to the fight Plague when you're ensconced in a Vanguard. Quite another when all you've got between you and a Phage claw is an EVA suit and an ETC rifle, maybe a Launcher if you're lucky. Judging by your name, I guess you were on the Olympus cordon? That was a nightmare and a half. Still made the Plaguers pay for every inch... Ah, sorry, easy to slip into memories. Still, good to meet another Dreamer down here. Want to shack up? We offer competitive rates, and free reminiscence of the Halcyon Days. Also if there is one thing those Earthers successfully hammered into my head through those lectures, it's that there is always a place on the line for the rifleman."
> RECRUIT. -40 MU. Gain a permanent NPC mechanized infantry unit, capable of limited combat and granting small node-specific bonuses.
>>6375942
"Ain't much of a surprise our employers are up to something else. Should talk to the Sons, see if they heard anything. No finer intelligence gathering body then the Lance Corporal Underground after all. Actually, while I'm still here, I'mma see if I can grab a blackbox from one of these wrecks. Might have something we can use."
>Action: Gather blackboxes
OOC: Since I can't get back to Origin in time or anywhere unknown, figured I'd something narrative. Also took the time to add my own lore musings that you can use Observer. Or just throw away if it conflicts. Lotta fun to get in character like this!
>>
>>6375184
*credits sent*
"Seems we have a winner to Gambler little friendly competition. Good job, Ruin you deserve it."
>>6375942
"The corpo-rat has lost its will to bark once pressed. Must have thought of his superiors deadlines on this facility, and the need to make sure it remains a "supply depot". Typical."
>Move To Origin
>Shielding Kancho
"Moving in Drop Point."
"Providing Protection to Kancho. CHRYSANTHEMUM RED ends here, once that last mech is done for and if Corvid finds something we will know who sent them here."
>RECRUIT. -40 MU. Gain a permanent NPC mechanized infantry unit, capable of limited combat and granting small node-specific bonuses.
"One step closer."
"We should take the 54th. They have shown they can fight even with odds against them. In addition Boss, Corvid point stands. Their commander would know more of SHIN-RAI activities here. The 54th commander seems also capable, you could use an officer under you. We are not exactly flush on a command staff."
>>6376004
>Scarab did no damage.
(T▽T)
>>
Rolled 2, 2, 2 + 2 = 8 (3d2 + 2)
>>6375940
I've only rolled max results this mission. If I roll another 8, I declare quantum immortality.
>MOVE TO ORIGIN
>CHRYSAN-RED ESCORT O 15 HP | DC 8 | [LIGHT]
> RECRUIT. -40 MU. Gain a permanent NPC mechanized infantry unit, capable of limited combat and granting small node-specific bonuses.
>>
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>>6375940
> RECRUIT. -40 MU. Gain a permanent NPC mechanized infantry unit, capable of limited combat and granting small node-specific bonuses.
Boss, these guys held up under fire better than my frame did today. They’ll earn their pay and then some.
I’m combat ineffective against the last remaining CHRYSANTHEMUM assets and unwilling to risk more damage. But don’t worry, I’ll still make my presence known tot hear shitbags.
>Crouch near the escape capsule of the tank pilot. If vital signs are verified, open comms channel to them and place the microphone near the speaker. Make an obscene gesture with mech arms.
HOW DOES IT FEEL!?!?
>>
>>6376067
Don’t sweat it Scarab, our heavy hunting tech was outclassed. They out-shot me too. We need a full analysis of the combat log against these guys to figure out what worked, cause light artillery ain’t cutting it.
At least we can say we’re still standing, unlike these bastards.
>>
>>6376067
-_(*▽*)_-
>>6376068
I...I guess Hermit is immortal. Praise be!
4 8s for attacks, and a 7 for scouting, all max rolls, as said. With this most recent attack, you'll have done 32 damage, tied with me for highest, but you were actually fighting real opponents. With your luck, you should consider using grenade launchers, if we pick them up. Or going to the lottery. While you weren't part of Gambler's bet, if you were, you'd definitely have won. Pretty sure you have the most kills, from those support vehicles and these last Hunters.
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>>6376278
Fuck I did. I'll take your roll kek. Roll 1d6:
> 1: BACK WEAPON: MEDIUM SHIELD
> 2: BACK WEAPON: MULTI-FLARE
> 3: BACK WEAPON: CRUISE MISSILE
> 4: ARM WEAPON: SHOTGUN
> 5: ARM WEAPON: AUTOCANNON
> 6: ARM WEAPON: LIGHT LASER BLADE
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>>6375940
> OFFER FREE TRANSPORT. -10 MU. Reputation bonus with non-vanguard mercenary units.
They did get lucky and did some damage, which pretty impressive because those are dudes in power armor with APCs going against high-grade vanguard frames. But I don't think we should invest into them getting lucky again.
>>6376068
I guess one of our melee guys is just immortal. Cool.
>>6376280
Oh hey, more things to shoot at [HEAVY] targets while staying as far away as possible. Hell yeah.
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>>6375184
"Yep, yep, you win... nice shooting, Tex. And hey, if all that newly-earned cash is weighing ya' down, don't forget about your favorite coworker who made it all happen!"
>>6376004
"Oh, those totally count! But, well, I guess I'm just too generous! It's a curse!"
>>6376067
"Typical suits--get someone else to do their dirty work, then try to scamper away when it's time to pay the piper. There's still time to kick over a few crates or something!"
>>6376096
"You know what they say--if the play is stupid, but it works... then it ain't stupid. I'm down for a highlight reel watch party, though!"
>>
>>6376361
"Yeah, yeah, I'm sure. You're a charitable soul Gambler, donating your cash to Ruin like that. If you keep it up, you could become a nun! I'd happily make use of your communal services! If you could just choke during the next wager, I'll just slip on ahead of you in tallyboard, ey? Since you're feeling so charitable and all..."
>>
>>6376004
>>6376067
Eh eh eh eh... Thanks for the cash, fellas. Elder brother Ruin will play with you guys again anytime, if that's how it goes!
>>6376361
You'd have me spend all that cash on you, huh...
>>6376374
I suppose purchasing a nun cosplay with all that money is still in the cards... Say, Gambler, can you go "Hai minna, watashi wa chista desu! Kami-sama... Kakkoi!" and give us a peace sign? That right there could be your ticket to fame! The public loves Battle Nun Rinkah, it's a classic!
>>6375940
>Move to Gamma 1-1-1
>>
>>6376361
>>6376398
I’m pretty sure that highlight reel will just be Ruin doing cool shit and turrets blowing the light elements away.
Come to think of it, Boss might want to put it together in a sizzle reel. If we gotta be salesmen, we need some damn good marketing. One guy cutting through a lance single-handed will make us look damn good!
>>
File: gamblermiljacket1.png (392.9 KB)
392.9 KB PNG
>>6376374
"Har har. I'd tell you to quit your merc job and become a comedian, but ya' ain't that funny..."
>>6376398
"I can say '黙れ, クソ野郎'... is that 'kawaii' enough? And in my brief stint with the stuff, folks ain't fans of cosplayers with scars... but shit, if you wanna throw your hard-earned cash my way then who am I to object?"
>>6376411
"Now THIS I can get behind! Toss that stuff up on Youtube, snag a few sponsors--we'll be eating noodles with REAL MEAT in 'em by the end of the fiscal year!"picrel: some well-deserved shore leave! And hey, isn't that a Martian Military Jacket? Vintage!
>>
>>6376439
"...yeah, it was wishful thinking on my part. No way you could be half as cute as Rinkah with that attitude. Brief stint with the stuff, huh...? I might have to do some digging when we get home... Now let me take a drag from your cig, I've finished my last pack on the way there. Yes, yes, I'll pay you back. Nice outfit, by the way. Maybe I should use your cash to get me one of those jackets..."
>>6376411
"Eh eh eh... Had I known this was in the cards, I'd have shown off a little more. If the royalties are good enough, it might tickle my generous bone and get me to pay for my round of drinks. Maybe."
>>6375940
> RECRUIT. -40 MU. Gain a permanent NPC mechanized infantry unit, capable of limited combat and granting small node-specific bonuses.
"Don't care much for Martian pride, as I said, but I figure building up a Martian unit might be fun for marketing."totally didn't forget to vote btw
>>
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>>6376439
>>6376443
Oh damn, almost forgot about the Sons. They probably got some fucking Nova shots from when Kancho, Ruin, Hermit, Gorgon and myself took the Red Chrysan attackers to the cleaners. Oh we will be swimming in jobs after I get the mediaites and Razzi in orbit on this. They love good drama. Soon, we will be able to afford a Steak dinner! Orbit grown, if it was Earth made we'd have to sell the ship. Damn Kobe Barons...
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File: gamblermixmatchfixed.png (388.3 KB)
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>>6376443
"You're right there--I'm TWICE as cute with this attitude. And these jackets ain't for sale--they're earned. Little souvenir from serving on Mars."
>>6376455
"You just HAD to mention the 'S' word, didn't you? I'm gonna be dreaming about steak for weeks, man..."
>>6376457Thanks, big dog! Have a version without the Mars Military Jacket.
>>6376523
"Next time I see the name 'Shin-Rai', be it on the mission brief or some counter in a convenience store, I'm gonna break something."
>>6376542
"Whoof. Hate to break it to ya, pops, but... well, nevermind! We can edit it all out in post, right? Is it okay to edit out most of an operative's combat footage? I... I think it's fine..."
>>
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File: Map.png (2.7 MB)
2.7 MB PNG
//GAMBLER: Hit FAIL. 1 DMG sustained to shield.
//SWALLOW: Hit FAIL. 1 DMG sustained. Mech crippled!
//PILLOW: Hit SUCCESS. 3 DMG inflicted. DC of target reduced by 1!
//HERMIT: Hit SUCCESS. 10 DMG inflicted. Target destroyed!
The last escort frame manages to outmaneuver your first pursuit team, jetting from cliff to cliff in a genuinely impressive display of piloting. In the end, it makes no difference. The second pursuit team immediately tags the HUNTER frame with a targeting laser before engaging. PILLOW suppresses the mercenary from above, limiting their vertical movvement. A moment later, HERMIT darts from cover directly into melee range. You see the blurring flash of a pulse blade followed by an arc of molten metal. The bisected mech remains upright for several seconds before flashing into a fireball.
Almost immediately, you task your dropship pilot to the extraction point. While your negotiations had succeeded, you held no illusions regarding the integrity of your employer. You would wanted your company to be in orbit long before SHIN-RAI had time to weigh the pros and cons of reneging on your hazard payout.
>>
While your company had suffered fairly extensive material losses, morale remained high. None of your pilots had died - though Kancho had come close - which was fortunate given the circumstances. Through the local comm net, you hear your pilots plan, threaten, and cajole over bets made and collected. One particularly irate mercenary makes an obscene gesture over one of CHRYSANTHEMUM RED's downed pilots, which you reluctantly consider an impressive feat given the limited dexterity of his vanguard frame.
As the drop-ship touches down, you decide - somewhat impulsively - to buy the mercenary contract for the SONS OF OLYMPUS. The SHIN-RAI representative was more than willing to part with what he considered to be damaged goods. Most of SONS, however, are understandably ecstatic to have transport, employment, and familiar armored support. Their hoarse-voiced major is perhaps the only skeptic - not unlike you, she was suspicious of overly generous offers. You notice that she is the last to board your dropship. She taps her visor twice - a quick martian salute - before disappearing into the passenger compartment.
Your dropship makes a rapid but uneventful ascent into low Martian orbit, at which point you feel the characteristic gravity shift of a automated docking sequence. As the spindle-white shape of your transport slowly drifts into view, you ping the SHIN-RAI representative. He appears with minimal delay this time. You notice that there is blood leaking from the eye-slits of his brushed mask.
"Valued [warrior/mercenary], SHIN-RAI has verified completion of your assigned contract. Please find your compensation detailed in the enclosed contract certification statement. Select discounts/permissions have been assigned to your NEST registration ID. We value our working relationship and..."
He coughs wetly. The transmission terminates.
>>
File: NewWeapons.png (4 MB)
4 MB PNG
--- C O M P A N Y | L E D G E R ---
//REVENUE:
SALVAGE: 30 + 2 + 4 + 45 + 6 + 30= 117 MU
CONTRACT 1 - SHIN-RAI IO 11738123:
60 x 1 [DROPSHIP] = 60 MU
40 x 2 [HEAVY] = 80 MU
20 x 2 [ESCORT] = 40 MU
15 x 3 [SUPPORT] = 45 MU
4 x 16 = 64 MU HAZARD/CONFID. BONUS
TOTAL: 406 MU
//COSTS:
VANGUARD REPAIR:
REPAIR, STANDARD: 3 x 2 MU = -6 MU
REPAIR, CRIPPLED: 9 x 3 MU = -27 MU
REPAIR, REPLACEMENT: 1x 20 MU = -20 MU
PILOT RECOVERY, KANCHO: 1x 10 MU -10 MU
FUEL/AMMUNITION/TRAN: 16 x 1 MU = -16 MU
RECRUITMENT FEE, SONS OF OLYMPUS: -40 MU
TOTAL: -119
//PRIOR BALANCE: 15 MU
//NEW BALANCE: 302
//SALVAGE INVENTORY:
SCHEMATIC - GRENADE LAUNCHER/RAIDEN
SCHEMATIC - MSL/YELLOWSTONE
>>
--- N E S T | S H O P ---
//BUDGET: 302 MU
//CORE
> CORE/VALIANT. Medium tank frame. Very high HP/LOAD. Evasion penalty. Cannot perform combat and movement actions on the same turn. [130 MU] [GDM HVY INDUSTRIES].
> CORE/HUNTER. Biped frame. Medium load and HP, bonus to hit. [130 MU] [GDM HVY INDUSTRIES].
> CORE/STALKER. [UNAVAILABLE] [SHIN-RAI]. Modified HUNTER frame, tetrapod. Optimized for long-range combat.
//FCS
> FCS/MULTI. Bonus for all multihit weapons. [40 MU] [GCC INT]
//BACK
> CNN/PITONE. Rotary cannon. Effective against all targets. [65 MU] [GCC INT]
> LAS/POLARIS. Laser cannon. Weight efficient. Long cooldown. [65 MU] [HLT PREC LABS]
> PLS/ARSENIC. Light plasma projector. Adds [LIGHT] tag on impact. Cooldown [35 MU] [HLT PREC LABS]
> MSL/TETON. Heavy cruise missile launcher. Heavy area damage. 2 uses. [65 MU] [GCC INT]
> MSL/YOSEMITE. Tactical missile cell. Extreme area damage. 1 use. [130] [GCC INT]
> SHLD/PARA. Medium sheild, evasion penalty. [30 MU] [HLT PREC LABS]
> DRN/WATCHER. Light attack drone, guaranteed damage. [60 MU] [KAIDA RBTC]
> RAD/OCULUS. Heavy track/scan radar. Significant scouting and hit bonus. [130 MU] [RAYLEONARD]
> HS/HOTSHOT-1. Single use heatsink. Refresh all cooldowns. [25 MU] [GCC INT]
//ARM
> ACC/HYDRA. Light autocannon. Optimized for tank frames. [35 MU] [GCC INT]
> SNP/HARPY. Sniper rifle. Double damage on max hit roll. [35 MU] [SHIN-RAI] [DISCOUNTED]
> SNP/FURY. Heavy sniper rifle. Double damage on max hit roll. [70] [SHIN-RAI]
> LAS/RIGEL. Heavy laser rifle. Weight efficient. Cooldown. [60 MU] [HLT PREC LABS]
> LAS/ANTARES. Standard laser rifle. Weight efficient. Cooldown. [35 MU] [HLT PREC LABS]
> EMP/LOCKDOWN. EMP rifle. Adds [HEAVY] tag on impact. [60 MU] [HLT PREC LABS]
> GL/IRIDIUM. Light grenade launcher. Multihit on critical. [30 MU] [GCC INT]
> GL/TITANIUM. Heavy grenade launcher. Multihit on critical. [60 MU] [GCC INT]
> SG/HALD. Shotgun. Multipurpose, light bonus. [35 MU] [GDM HVY INDUSTRIES]
> SG/ZIMM. Heavy shotgun. Multipurpose, light bonus, light hit bonus. [60 MU] [GDM HVY INDUSTRIES]
> LASW/CENTAURI. Lightweight laser blade. Cooldown. [18 MU] [HLT PREC LABS]
> PB/QUASAR. Heavy pulse blade. [55 MU] [SHIN-RAI] [DISCOUNTED]
> PB/AHAB. Heavy pile bunker. Cooldown. [70 MU] [SHIN-RAI] [DISCOUNTED]
//UPGRADE
> LANCER MID-LIFE REFIT PACKAGE. [140 MU]. Upgrade package for the venerable LANCER frame. + LOAD + EVASION.
> ROOK MID-LIFE REFIT PACKAGE. [150 MU]. Upgrade package for the venerable ROOK frame + LOAD + HP.
> AUXILLARY REFIT PACKAGE [300 MU]. Add AUX slot to all frames.
//PILOT:
> AUG/FOVEAL CLARIFICATION. Scouting rolls are now 1d7. [180 MU] [MIRAI GENETICS]
> AUG/AXONAL HYPERTROPHY. +1 to all hit rolls. [700 MU] [MIRAI GENETICS]
>>
Ahhhhhh, that is money in the bank. And we get a wealth of choices to spend it on
My must buy is either a
> CORE/HUNTER. Biped frame. Medium load and HP, bonus to hit. [130 MU] [GDM HVY INDUSTRIES].
or
> ROOK MID-LIFE REFIT PACKAGE. [150 MU]. Upgrade package for the venerable ROOK frame + LOAD + HP.
Our machines may be Martian forged, but we need to keep up with the times. Either upgrade our stock, or get something new.
As for weapons...
> CNN/PITONE. Rotary cannon. Effective against all targets. [65 MU] [GCC INT]
> PB/AHAB. Heavy pile bunker. Cooldown. [70 MU] [SHIN-RAI] [DISCOUNTED]
> PB/QUASAR. Heavy pulse blade. [55 MU] [SHIN-RAI] [DISCOUNTED]
Order of preference for weapons. I want a heavy pilebunker, and a rotary would be great for chaff. Pulse would be fine, but I can do without.
Also we need to host a Duster Welcome Party! Need to show our red kin of the Sons a good time! I say sushi and booze, just like our folks did back during the Halcyon Days to welcome on new crews!
>>
>>6376787
>> CORE/HUNTER. Biped frame. Medium load and HP, bonus to hit. [130 MU] [GDM HVY INDUSTRIES].
> FCS/MULTI. Bonus for all multihit weapons. [40 MU] [GCC INT]
> SG/ZIMM. Heavy shotgun. Multipurpose, light bonus, light hit bonus. [60 MU] [GDM HVY INDUSTRIES]
> CNN/PITONE. Rotary cannon. Effective against all targets. [65 MU] [GCC INT]
"Brokeness... is impeding our victory."
>>
>>6376787
>CORE/HUNTER (130 MU)
>BACK/ARSENIC (35 MU)
>BACK/PITONE (65 MU)
>ARM/ZIMM (60 MU)
These are the ones I'd like for the budget we've got, although I also want Axonal Hypertrophy... damn shame it's too pricey.
>>
>>
>>6376787
>CORE/HUNTER. Biped frame. Medium load and HP, bonus to hit. [130 MU] [GDM HVY INDUSTRIES].
> FCS/MULTI. Bonus for all multihit weapons. [40 MU] [GCC INT]
> PB/QUASAR. Heavy pulse blade. [55 MU] [SHIN-RAI] [DISCOUNTED]
> SNP/HARPY. Sniper rifle. Double damage on max hit roll. [35 MU] [SHIN-RAI] [DISCOUNTED]
"Gotta shop smart and take advantage of those discounts! I like that Hunter frame. Since we got explosive schematics, I'm fairly content to vote for something that'll benefit other pilots."
QM, do grenade launchers count as multihit weapons? Otherwise, what weapons would count? Autocannons? Rifles?
>>
>>6376787
> PLS/ARSENIC. Light plasma projector. Adds [LIGHT] tag on impact. Cooldown [35 MU] [HLT PREC LABS]
> RAD/OCULUS. Heavy track/scan radar. Significant scouting and hit bonus. [130 MU] [RAYLEONARD]
"The Arsenic so those of us specced out to screen can contribute to the fight against heavier threats. The Oculus because it has become readily apparent that we need superior avionics if we are going to be fighting experienced foes in quality mechs. Who knows what could've happened if Shin-Rai decided they didn't want to pay up and we hadn't detected them."
> EMP/LOCKDOWN. EMP rifle. Adds [HEAVY] tag on impact. [60 MU] [HLT PREC LABS]
> GL/IRIDIUM. Light grenade launcher. Multihit on critical. [30 MU] [GCC INT]
> SG/HALD. Shotgun. Multipurpose, light bonus. [35 MU] [GDM HVY INDUSTRIES]
> LASW/CENTAURI. Lightweight laser blade. Cooldown. [18 MU] [HLT PREC LABS]
"Same reasons as before. Lets someone with the right fire control system lock down hyper-manoeuvrable bandits for those of us with clunky weapons or fire control systems that prioritize precision over rapid tracking. The grenade launcher is fun, and those of us in Lancers could use the boost against our peers. The laser blade lets peeps who use pulse blades with their Duelist fit two melee weapons onto their mech."
>Regarding mid life refits
"Honestly, we really need these, but I don't think we should take 'em if we aren't taking both at the same time. I know hard choices have to be made 'n all, but it kinda sucks to tell either Lancer or Rook pilots to suck it because they were outvoted or because one wouldn't fit in the budget."
"Moreover, I don't think firepower is our weakness right now. We're getting by just fine on that. The problem is hitting our opponents, before they hit us. That last mission we were pretty outclassed, I'm honestly not sure we could have taken them without the ambush scenario and the help. Sure, carrying capacity is part of ensuring a quality loadout, but we need refits for additional module slots to make use of the extra utility, given that we'll soon be spoiled for choice of attachments, now that we're on the rise. It ain't all about the extra firepower."
>>
>>6376712
"The man makes the outfit, Og, even if he doesn't fit in it anymore. Still, it's good we both still have something to remember where we came from... and everything we left behind in that damned dustbowl... Mine always was a little too big on me--itched like hell, too--but it kept the dust and cold away, so... anyways, that's enough waxing nostalgic for now. Let's see what's on this catalog..."
> CORE/HUNTER. Biped frame. Medium load and HP, bonus to hit. [130 MU] [GDM HVY INDUSTRIES].
Yes.
> FCS/MULTI. Bonus for all multihit weapons. [40 MU] [GCC INT]
Very yes.
> SNP/FURY. Heavy sniper rifle. Double damage on max hit roll. [70] [SHIN-RAI]
Brings back good memories, this. Distance is always the best defense!
> CNN/PITONE. Rotary cannon. Effective against all targets. [65 MU] [GCC INT]
> PB/AHAB. Heavy pile bunker. Cooldown. [70 MU] [SHIN-RAI] [DISCOUNTED]
> PLS/ARSENIC. Light plasma projector. Adds [LIGHT] tag on impact. Cooldown [35 MU] [HLT PREC LABS]
>>6376795
"Now that's the best idea I've heard all day! Hey, maybe Ruin can chip in with his hard-earned winnings to treat the newbies to some of the GOOD stuff~"
>>6376799
"Amen to that. I've been saying that since before I enlisted. Shit, probably why I enlisted in the first place."
>>
>>6376824
TLDR: This FCS doubles your chance at multihit.
Multihit weapons include all weapons that allow you to hit more than one target on the hit highest roll. This currently includes grenade launchers and bazookas, as well as one or two other weapon classes that are not currently on offer
This does not include weapons that inflict AOE damage that affects an entire node, or frames that allow you to hit twice with melee weapons, like the duelist frame..
>>
>>6376787
> CORE/HUNTER. Biped frame. Medium load and HP, bonus to hit. [130 MU] [GDM HVY INDUSTRIES].
> LANCER MID-LIFE REFIT PACKAGE. [140 MU]. Upgrade package for the venerable LANCER frame. + LOAD + EVASION.
> SG/HALD. Shotgun. Multipurpose, light bonus. [35 MU] [GDM HVY INDUSTRIES]
"Can't stay stuck in th' past when it comes t' Vanguards. Sure we all saw how that worked out back when we had the meatball flag flyin' over us. Have t' stay lookin' forward. Make these our own. In case the next guys are better. We won't be losin' again."
>>
>>6376787
> CORE/HUNTER. Biped frame. Medium load and HP, bonus to hit. [130 MU] [GDM HVY INDUSTRIES].
"why not"
> FCS/MULTI. Bonus for all multihit weapons. [40 MU] [GCC INT]
"will be useful for the grenade launcher we scavenge"
> PLS/ARSENIC. Light plasma projector. Adds [LIGHT] tag on impact. Cooldown [35 MU] [HLT PREC LABS]\
"Arsenic my favorite flavor"
> SG/HALD. Shotgun. Multipurpose, light bonus. [35 MU] [GDM HVY INDUSTRIES]
"this goes hand in hand with Arsenic"
> SNP/HARPY. Sniper rifle. Double damage on max hit roll. [35 MU] [SHIN-RAI] [DISCOUNTED]
"I prefer a rifle but Lasers? ew I want to end my enemies by shooting a 4 ton piece of Martian lead, straight into there cockpit, not by using a big flashlight to slowly boil them alive while they scream in agony over comms. it's.. it's not humane"
> LASW/CENTAURI. Lightweight laser blade. Cooldown. [18 MU] [HLT PREC LABS]
"for the dualist"
>>
>>6376712
>>6376835
"Damn, you guys are gonna make me jealous of a fight I've never fought. Too young for all that. Maybe calling myself an elder brother was a bit presumptuous, considering the amount of veterans that make up this team, huh... Well, Og, if you feel like giving away your jacket to a good home, Ruin's your man. It's like, passing on the torch of the Martian spirit, or something!"
>>
>>6376877
Nothing to be jealous of Ruin. The Calamity was Armageddon on Mars. Those first days when entire cities were devoured by the Plague. *sighs* Entire blocks turned to cysts of metal and meat. The worst weren't the dead, but those still alive, in pain and watching their mutilated and misshapen forms tear apart their loved ones. Deimos and Phobos, the screams they made... Couldn't use any kind of radio or all you'd hear was them crying and begging for mercy. I lost more comrades in a week then I did during my entire 4 year service in the Vanguard.
Sorry, didn't mean to come off too harsh. You're a good runner, and I get it, you do have experience in other crews. You ain't a freshie just out of the institute. Keep flying with us, you'll be a duna in no time.
For you and anyone else, take some advice from someone who was there from the investigations of the Agyre homesteads to the Stand at the Tharsis Tower. What we saw at Mirai wasn't even a hint of what the Plague can do. May the First Builders bless us that Mars never sees another Bloodmetal Tide again...
>>
>>6376684
"That's fine. Just give us a heads up so we can partecipate."
>>6376785
"It's good that the SONS are with us, you made a good choice Boss. We are rebuilding finally. We shall welcome them properly."
"Seems the SHIN-RAI rat was also beaten up on the side. Good."
>>6376787
"Our ROOKs are ...old. Barely combat capable. If we weren't fighting together some of those CHRYSANTHEMUM RED pilots could have wasted and executed us inside our mechs."
"While I would want to keep our martian mechs, those upgrade packages are pricey. I am not sure I will leave mine. But our other pilots could use those fast HUNTERs"
>CORE/HUNTER. Biped frame. Medium load and HP, bonus to hit. [130 MU] [GDM HVY INDUSTRIES].
>FCS/MULTI. Bonus for all multihit weapons. [40 MU] [GCC INT]
"And that FCS."
> RAD/OCULUS. Heavy track/scan radar. Significant scouting and hit bonus. [130 MU] [RAYLEONARD]
"We need to have better means to find our enemies. Or liars and uninvited guests."
>>6376795
"I agree in full."
>>6376877
"You are becoming one of the best pilots this unit ever had. Its better that you weren't present there, and that you got to live away from all that destruction. Even if it was in a shoddly printed refugee hab-block."
"If you want one of our old jackets, you could earn it with another friendly competition. Up for it Ruin ?"
>>
>>6376787
> CORE/HUNTER. Biped frame. Medium load and HP, bonus to hit. [130 MU] [GDM HVY INDUSTRIES].
> GL/IRIDIUM. Light grenade launcher. Multihit on critical. [30 MU] [GCC INT]
> SG/ZIMM. Heavy shotgun. Multipurpose, light bonus, light hit bonus. [60 MU] [GDM HVY INDUSTRIES]
> PB/AHAB. Heavy pile bunker. Cooldown. [70 MU] [SHIN-RAI] [DISCOUNTED]
>>
>>6376877
I’m afraid I’ll have to disappoint you. A displaced man has to do what he can to hold onto his history.
You ought to get something of your own, something that you pick for yourself. It’ll mean a lot more to you than carrying an old man’s memories.
>>6376888
I was in the Hellas Sprawl garrison. My unit held fine, the guys next to us held fine. My buddy’s unit to the north broke and the Plague got in behind us. By the time we got to the civilian shelters there was no one left.
I saw my buddy’s frame at the Tower. Shooting at us this time. I made sure to put a couple of extra shots into his core after it went down, the guy didn’t deserve to suffer like that. None of them did.
>>
>>6376787
>> CORE/HUNTER. Biped frame. Medium load and HP, bonus to hit. [130 MU] [GDM HVY INDUSTRIES].
Way to tease me with the STALKER. HUNTER shall do for now. Is it unavaliable because we got our japanese salaryman handler tortured for giving us extra money and cool discounts?
>> EMP/LOCKDOWN. EMP rifle. Adds [HEAVY] tag on impact. [60 MU] [HLT PREC LABS]
Hell yeah, damage bonuses.
>> SNP/HARPY. Sniper rifle. Double damage on max hit roll. [35 MU] [SHIN-RAI] [DISCOUNTED]
>> DRN/WATCHER. Light attack drone, guaranteed damage. [60 MU] [KAIDA RBTC]
My [ASSHOLE SNIPER] build is coming together.
I do wish we could save for the genetic package to become even more of an abomination, alas we will go just go for broke after every contract. Understandable
>>
>>6376888
"...right. I was around for that too - but as a civvie. Not quite old enough to enlist. It got my old man and my old woman; had to take care of my sisters after that, but we avoided seeing the worst it had to offer, so I shouldn't really be complaining. Having to look after other people kept me busy enough not to think about what we saw at the time. Even now, I think I've repressed almost everything that happened, considering I don't recall much of anything regarding that period."
"Still, it must have been rough to keep fighting through that. You guys have my respect for sticking to the trade instead of blowing your brains out like I saw some washed-up vets do."
>>6376922
"Another friendly competition, huh... And what would I have to bet to get my hands on your sweet fits?"
>>6376925
"Ah, I figured it was worth a try. Hopefully I won't be left behind to pick up the pieces off of anyone's mechs to make mementos out of."
>>
>>6376877
"One youngin' to another--the coats, the medals, the bits of shrapnel--they aren't souvenirs or trophies... they're chunks taken away from us that we managed to save. Scraps of who we are--and who we were. Don't bother looking for hand-me-downs--you'll know when you find one of your own... and you'll fight tooth and nail to bring it back with ya."
>>6376888
"Eyyy, Mirai! I think there's still a chunk of my thigh buried somewhere around there. Fucking meatgrinder, man."
>>6376922
"I agree with Rab here--you've got a good thing going for ya here. Just keep doing what you're doing and don't listen to 'heroes', trust me."
>>6376925
"Hellas? I ran with Mountain Division--Scouts. The Rock Geckos? Morons in my unit never stopped gushing about you guys--said you'd eat dust by the handful to 'invoke the Martian Spirit' or some crap like that. Never thought I'd meet a real one!"
>>6376945
"Tell you what, Ruin--you can have my coat if you pry it from my cold, dead fingers. I mean it--I bite it out there and you take that thing home, clean the blood off, and... I dunno, put it on display or something. Woman's fit so I wouldn't recommend wearing it to bars."
>>
>>6376982
Eat dust by the handful? Ha! If only.
One time the Cap convinced a couple of new guys that they’d only be true “Hellan Hoplites” after they snorted a couple lines of the red dust. Poor bastards ended up in the infirmary for a week blowing it out their noses.
That Captain became a Lieutenant when the brass found out. He actually made it out right behind me in the Tower mass evac, I should send him a message and see how he’s doing.
You Rock Geckos blew our minds. Out in the field for weeks, no resupply in sight. If we had half that level of marksman training I’d have been able to tag those damn tanks. I will neither confirm nor deny that some of us made jokes about the cockpits smelling bad.
>>6376945
This jacket for me… it’s not something that can be handed down. It’s gotta be something personal. Something that helps you remember.
You’ll know it when you see it. Every old soldier picks one up sooner or later.
>>
>>6376945
"Good question."
"You dont have a lot that interest me, Ruin. Except seeing you and others becoming more deadly pilots. Credits are credits. The ones we throw around are not that much."
"You lack something of similar worth. Call it a second skin, a thing that was with you all along. Still you are in luck. To me my jacket means something, but i value more the unit it self and my kin than it. Beside it remains in the unit if i lose. Or if i die."
"So if i win.... you will give me your time. 2 or 3 hours of your time. Lets say for an entire month. We will go see and talk with some people i know regulary."
"The challenge though will be something a bit more harder than just kills. Needs to be something else, more fitting. A merc or corpo officer death could work. And if you feel that is not enough, there is a more deadly option. Eliminating with certainty a dangerous machine infected by the Plague. A true threath on the field, a cancer of Mars."
>>
>>
>>6376888
"Ahh shite, Phobos... was on the last Mars Express outta that shitstorm. Granted I was just a wee lil freshly-orphaned tyke but I made the mistake of taking a gander at the spaceport during takeoff... you wouldn't believe what I've seen. Me grandad was Old Earth Irish and he told me stories about Rawhead 'n' Bloody Bones... guess which bloody lookalike tore a hole through the dome? The Plague man, shit! If I can time travel I'd wallop the mad scientist that created them."
>>
>>6377046
"Keep that talk up and you're gonna make me blush, Og... but yea, some of the more resourceful geckos made a mint stocking up on those little air freshener things folks used to hang in their cockpits--wasn't exactly 'glam'ping on those long-hauls, let me tell ya. Shame about the Mars Dust, but I guess everyone had to come up with some kind of explanation for how nasty Hellas Sprawl was! Buncha' Urban Legends, the lot of ya."
>>6376795
"Update on the welcome party front--one of the techies I bum smokes off of back on the ship says he's got an old karaoke machine lying around in cargo. Wonder if the newbloods know their way around a microphone?"
>>
>>6377394
OOC: I was trying to use phobos and deimos as a sort of invocation, thank god or something like that. Can work with this though.
"Yeah, Phobos was bad. Just a small package missed on scanners was enough to nearly lose the moon. First Builders be praised we were able to sterilize the infection. Heard rumors that if we hadn't, Earth would have quarantined the entire Martian sphere and left us to die. Harsh as it was, I can't say I blame the Earthers this time. The Plague was bad enough on Mars, I can only imagine the carnage it would have wreaked on a world with an actual Biosphere."
>>6377552
"Gambler, you just made my day. Hope this thing can run the song collection passed down by my hab. Some of them date back to when the idea of terraforming Mars was but a pipe dream!"
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>6377877
I was thinking about making it myself and I've got three options.
1) Mech in a tourist getup. Hat, sunglasses, camera around the neck, that sort of thing
2) Armored Core FA reference (spirit of motherwill or the cradles)
3) A badge that has nothing to do with the callsign
You can leave it if nothing comes to mind, I'll draw it myself. Your work is very stylish though.
>>
>>6377896
Interesting.
>You can leave it if nothing comes to mind
I am doing it, dw, you are in already. It's just that I am looking at what I made right now and staring at it.
But I think I can work with what you just said. Your pilot is also very ready to kill, so I was planning to add something that reflects that.
>>
File: Bay.png (3.1 MB)
3.1 MB PNG
> CORE/HUNTER IIIII IIIII 10
> FCS/MULTI IIIII 5
> CNN/PITONE IIII 4
> PLS/ARSENIC IIII 4
> PB/AHAB III 3
> SG/ZIMM III 3
> SG/HALD III 3
> SNP/HARPY III 3
> PB/QUASAR II 2
> RAD/OCULUS II 2
> GL/IRIDIUM II 2
> EMP/LOCKDOWN II 2
> LASW/CENTAURI II 2
> SNP/FURY I 1
> DRN/WATCHER I 1
//PURCHASE ORDER:
> CORE/HUNTER. [130 MU] [SHIN-RAI]
> FCS/MULTI. [40 MU] [GCC INT]
> CNN/PITONE. [65 MU] [GCC INT]
> PLS/ARSENIC. [35 MU] [HLT PREC LABS]
> SG/HALD. [35 MU] [GDM HVY INDUSTRIES]
> WELCOMING PARTY [1 MU]
TOTAL: 306 MU REMAINING: 3 MU
>>
From orbit, Mars spins like a rusted marble - red-on-ochre, poles speckled with the faint afterglow of hermetically sealed corporate arcologies. When you were a child, you remember being told that you would feel rain on your home planet in your lifetime. You had believed it too, when you saw the terraforming guilds in their grand finery and their networked spires billowing particulates into the thin Martian air, hour upon hour, year upon year.
There was a certain bitter irony, you suppose, in the fact that the plague most likely originated in one of those terraforming units. There was no one to answer for it now. The guilds were long dead even though if their spires and re-processors still remained.
All that was history now. It takes several days for your transport to receiving docking clearance - slightly faster than last time. You spend most of that time on the inglorious administrative tasks that made up the bulk of any mercenary commander's time. Individual pay is allocated and bonuses are applied. You formally request NEST to merge the SONS OF OLYMPUS with your unit. Most of the civilians you had rescued during your first contract had also informally chosen to stay aboard your transport as part of the support roster, which also required your approval.
>>
File: Shot1.png (3.8 MB)
3.8 MB PNG
Once your transport docks with the NEST station, your company disperses to enjoy their well-earned shore leave. Bets are made and tallied for a second time in three days. Some of your more social mercenaries arrange a welcoming event for the SONS OF OLYMPUS, which is helpfully conveyed to you through an unprompted reimbursement request titled "GENERAL EXPENSE-MORALE :)". You approve it reluctantly. The expense line was eye-watering for a single meal, but negligible compared to what you would be spending soon on schematics.
You make your company's equipment requisition order the following day. The last contract had shown some shortcomings in your unit composition which you were eager to correct. You request schematics of a HUNTER-class frame to improve the flexibility of your unit, followed by a heavy chaingun, a plasma projector, and a light shotgun to give your pilots more loadout options.
You proceed to meet briefly with the NEST representative. His ocular implants click as he reviews the details of your last operation. He politely informs you that the successful contract has been registered to your company log, and congratulates you for eliminating RED CHRYSANTHEMUM. As you turn to leave, he offers a brief piece of advice.
"NEST maintains neutrality regarding any and all interactions which occur within the Martian quarantine zone. However, you may have noticed that several of the freelancers here have been...less hospitable...to you during your recent docking."
You consider his words carefully. You had noticed strange glances from some of the other mercenaries on-station. One particularly despondant looking young woman had actually approached you a few hours earlier, only to turn away at the last second.
The representative continues. "If you wish to engage in...more definitive...combat actions against other freelancers, it may be prudent to ensure that witnesses are either absent or adequately compensated. Merely a suggestion, of course."
He returns your registration card with a practiced flourish.
>>
--- C O N T R A C T | S E L E C T ---
//NEST RATING: II [You are offered low-medium risk contracts]
/MIRAI GEN: I
/SHIN-RAI: II
> FACILITY EXPLORATION [RAYLEONARD]. "We wish to recover research materials from a recently abandoned laboratory facility. Expected moderate plague contamination, frequent activity from other mercenary units." BASE PAY: [250 MU + SCHEMATIC], 50% SALVAGE SHARE"
> RAID. [GCC INT]. "A rival corporation is constructing a large orbital asset on PHOBOS. We require prompt removal of this asset before reinforcements can be mustered." BASE PAY: [300 MU + SCHEMATIC], 100% SALVAGE SHARE"
> TERMINATION. [### OFFICIAL - MOCA/MARTIAN ORBITAL CLOSURE AUTHORITY###]. "A LARGE MERCENARY UNIT IS HARVESTING AND HOLDING UNAUTHORIZED PLAGUE MATERIALS. TERMINATION AUTHORIZED." [450 MU], 100% SALVAGE SHARE, PLAGUE SALVAGE FORBIDDEN."
> RECON. [### OFFICIAL - MOCA/MARTIAN ORBITAL CLOSURE AUTHORITY###]. "TEMPORARY BLOCKADE SATELLITE GRID OUTAGE SQUARE 57C-1. REQUEST IMMEDIATE RECON, PAY TO BE INCREASED WITH ASSESSED HAZARD RATING." BASE PAY: [100 MU], 100% SALVAGE SHARE, PLAGUE SALVAGE FORBIDDEN."
> PLAGUE EXPLORATION. [###CLIENT UNKNOWN##]. "We are interested in retrieving plague samples from the contaminated SOUTHERN TERRAFORMING OUTPOST. You will have a short window to retrieve samples during a temporary fault in orbital quarantine. [80 MU per PLAGUE MODULE]."
> RESCUE. [INDEPENDENT ####PO VERIFIED]. "MY FRIEND HAS BEEN TAKEN HOSTAGE. THIS IS ALL I HAVE. CONTRACT OPEN TO ANYONE, PLEASE." BASE PAY: [12 MU], 100% SALVAGE SHARE
>>
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--- V A N G U A R D | A S S E M B L Y ---
/CORE:
>CORE/HUNTER. [ LOAD LIMIT: 6 | HP: 2 | + HIT ].
A second generation vanguard model popular among mercenaries and corporate line units. Flexible, but does not excel in any specific area.
>CORE/DUELIST. [ LOAD LIMIT: 3 | ARM SLOTS ONLY | HP: 1 | INBUILT RADAR + 1 HIT | INBUILT SHIELD NO CRIPPLE PENALTY | HIT TWICE WITH MELEE WEAPON].
A second generation vanguard model optimized for melee performance. Aggressive weight reduction choices render it incompatible with standard modular shoulder/back weapons, compromising flexibility.
>CORE/LANCER. [ LOAD LIMIT: 5 | HP: 1 | ++ EVASIVE ].
An oudated but reliable vanguard model with respectable speed and modest load capacity, produced en-masse by the Martian armed forces.
>CORE/ROOK. [ LOAD LIMIT: 7 | HP: 2 ]
An oudated but reliable vanguard model with high load and passable armor, produced en-masse by the Martian armed forces.
>>
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/ARM R/L:
> RIFLE//EXTEN-R. [LOAD: 1 | + DMG/ALL]
> HEAVY RIFLE//ESSEN. [LOAD: 2 | ++ DMG/ALL | + HIT | - EVASION]
> MG//MINIEX. [LOAD: 1 | ++ DMG/LIGHT]
> SG//HALD. [LOAD: 1 | + DMG/ALL | + HIT/LIGHT | - EVASION]
> PULSE BLADE//PULSAR. [LOAD: 2 | +++ DMG/ALL | - HIT/ALL ] [R-ARM ONLY]
> PILE DRIVER//ISHMAEL. [LOAD: 2 | + DMG/ALL | +++++ ++ DMG/HEAVY | -- HIT/ALL ] [R-ARM ONLY]
>>
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/BACK R/L:
> MISSILE//2-CELL [LOAD: 1 | + DMG/ALL].
> MISSILE//6-CELL-MICRO [LOAD: 2 | + DMG/ALL | ++ DMG/LIGHT]
> CRUISE MISSILE//YELLOWSTONE [LOAD: 2 | 2 USES | ON USE, INFLICT 3 GUARANTEED DAMAGE AGAINST ANY [HEAVY] TARGET IN CURRENT OR ADJACENT NODE.]
> RADAR//SEEKER [LOAD: 1 | + SCOUTING | + HIT/ALL] [R-BACK ONLY]
> TARGET DESIGNATOR//TATTLE [LOAD: 1 | ON HIT, REDUCE TARGET DC BY 1 FOR ALL PILOTS] [R-BACK ONLY].
> SHIELD//HI0-SHELL [LOAD: 2 | + HP] [L-BACK ONLY]
> CANNON//DRIVER [LOAD: 3 | +++ DMG/ALL | - EVASIVE]
> ROTARY CANNON//PITONE [LOAD: 4 | +++ DMG/ALL | -- EVASIVE | ON HIT, INFLICT 3 ADDITIONAL DAMAGE IF ROLL IS EVEN.]
> GRENADE LAUNCHER//RAIDEN [LOAD: 3 | +++ DMG/ALL | - HIT | - EVASIVE | ON HIT, [MULTIHIT] UP TO 2 ADJACENT UNITS ON HIGHEST DICE ROLL.]
> PLASMA//ARSENIC [LOAD: 2 | + DMG/HEAVY | ON HIT, ADD [LIGHT] TO TARGET FOR 2 TURNS.]
> FLARE//FLARES [LOAD: 1 | SINGLE USE | ON USE, GAIN +++++ EVASIVE +++ HIT FOR 1 TURN.]
>>
/FCS:
> FCS/BML-CL [ 2D4 | ++ HIT/HEAVY ]
> FCS/BML-LR [ 1D6 | ++++ HIT/LIGHT ]
> FCS/SHINKAI. [3D2 + 1 | NO MELEE HIT PENALTY]
> FCS/MULTI. [1D5 | ++++ HIT/HEAVY | ROLLING 4 OR 5 ON 1D5 ACTIVATES MULTIHIT.]
/COLOR:
> FACTORY DEFAULT [WHITE/TEAL/BLUE]
> DUSTWALKER STANDARD [RUST/DARKGREY/GREEN]
/CALLSIGN
>ENTER
>>
>>6378085
"Oogh, my aching skull... AND throat! Say what you will about their singing chops, those grunts can DRINK. Anyone know where the karaoke machine ran off to? I gotta return it or my Tech buddy's gonna tan my hide. Mighty good pipes y'all got, though. Oughta' do it again some time!"
> RESCUE. [INDEPENDENT ####PO VERIFIED].
"Ordinarily I'd tell this person to take a long walk out the airlock, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't intrigued. Sounds risky, and you all know how I feel about risky!"
>CORE/HUNTER. [ LOAD LIMIT: 6 | HP: 2 | + HIT ].
> HEAVY RIFLE//ESSEN. [LOAD: 2 | ++ DMG/ALL | + HIT | - EVASION]
> MG//MINIEX. [LOAD: 1 | ++ DMG/LIGHT]
> PLASMA//ARSENIC [LOAD: 2 | + DMG/HEAVY | ON HIT, ADD [LIGHT] TO TARGET FOR 2 TURNS.]
> RADAR//SEEKER [LOAD: 1 | + SCOUTING | + HIT/ALL] [R-BACK ONLY]
> FCS/BML-LR [ 1D6 | ++++ HIT/LIGHT ]
> DUSTWALKER STANDARD [RUST]
>CALLSIGN: GAMBLER
>>
>>6378085
>> TERMINATION. [### OFFICIAL - MOCA/MARTIAN ORBITAL CLOSURE AUTHORITY###]. "A LARGE MERCENARY UNIT IS HARVESTING AND HOLDING UNAUTHORIZED PLAGUE MATERIALS. TERMINATION AUTHORIZED." [450 MU], 100% SALVAGE SHARE, PLAGUE SALVAGE FORBIDDEN."
"If we're keen on bein' wolfhounds, hell, may as well go all in."
>>6378087
>CORE/HUNTER. [ LOAD LIMIT: 6 | HP: 2 | + HIT ].
/ARM R/L:
>>R: SG//HALD. [LOAD: 1 | + DMG/ALL | + HIT/LIGHT | - EVASION]
>>L: SG//HALD. [LOAD: 1 | + DMG/ALL | + HIT/LIGHT | - EVASION]
/BACK R/L:
>>R: RADAR//SEEKER [LOAD: 1 | + SCOUTING | + HIT/ALL] [R-BACK ONLY]
>>L: > CANNON//DRIVER [LOAD: 3 | +++ DMG/ALL | - EVASIVE]
"Call it m' crowd pleaser. An' not th' spaceside waterin' hole kind where zero gee does all 'a the work."
>>
>>
>>6378085
> FACILITY EXPLORATION [RAYLEONARD]. "We wish to recover research materials from a recently abandoned laboratory facility. Expected moderate plague contamination, frequent activity from other mercenary units." BASE PAY: [250 MU + SCHEMATIC], 50% SALVAGE SHARE"
"considering how close we got to losing are only mode of transportation. I feel like we should dial it back to test are new capabilities, through a simple exploration mission where combat is somewhat necessary. but whatever mission we choose I will always be ready to assist!"
>CORE/LANCER. [ LOAD LIMIT: 5 | HP: 1 | ++ EVASIVE ].
ARMs:
> HEAVY RIFLE//ESSEN. [LOAD: 2 | ++ DMG/ALL | + HIT | - EVASION]
BACK:
> CRUISE MISSILE//YELLOWSTONE [LOAD: 2 | 2 USES | ON USE, INFLICT 3 GUARANTEED DAMAGE AGAINST ANY [HEAVY] TARGET IN CURRENT OR ADJACENT NODE.]
> TARGET DESIGNATOR//TATTLE [LOAD: 1 | ON HIT, REDUCE TARGET DC BY 1 FOR ALL PILOTS] [R-BACK ONLY]
/FCS:
> FCS/BML-LR [ 1D6 | ++++ HIT/LIGHT ]
COLOR
> DUSTWALKER STANDARD [RUST/DARKGREY/GREEN]
> CALLSIGN: PILLOW
>>
>>6378085
> RAID. [GCC INT]. "A rival corporation is constructing a large orbital asset on PHOBOS. We require prompt removal of this asset before reinforcements can be mustered." BASE PAY: [300 MU + SCHEMATIC], 100% SALVAGE SHARE"
>CORE/HUNTER. [ LOAD LIMIT: 6 | HP: 2 | + HIT ].
> FCS/BML-CL [ 2D4 | ++ HIT/HEAVY ]
> PILE DRIVER//ISHMAEL. [LOAD: 2 | + DMG/ALL | +++++ ++ DMG/HEAVY | -- HIT/ALL ] [R-ARM ONLY]
> GRENADE LAUNCHER//RAIDEN [LOAD: 3 | +++ DMG/ALL | - HIT | - EVASIVE | ON HIT, [MULTIHIT] UP TO 2 ADJACENT UNITS ON HIGHEST DICE ROLL.]
> ROTARY CANNON//PITONE [LOAD: 4 | +++ DMG/ALL | -- EVASIVE | ON HIT, INFLICT 3 ADDITIONAL DAMAGE IF ROLL IS EVEN.]
> DUSTWALKER STANDARD [RUST/DARKGREY/GREEN]
>CALLSIGN: STONEFISH
>>
>>6378085
> RESCUE. [INDEPENDENT ####PO VERIFIED]. "MY FRIEND HAS BEEN TAKEN HOSTAGE. THIS IS ALL I HAVE. CONTRACT OPEN TO ANYONE, PLEASE." BASE PAY: [12 MU], 100% SALVAGE SHARE
Vanguard never turns down a call for help. Plus, we get to keep all the loot.
>CORE/ROOK. [ LOAD LIMIT: 7 | HP: 2 ]
Was tempted by the hunter, but I can't help but want to stick with what I know. The extra load helps. I really want to get the midlife upgrade for this baby. Been flying her since the start...
> HEAVY RIFLE//ESSEN. [LOAD: 2 | ++ DMG/ALL | + HIT | - EVASION]
> PILE DRIVER//ISHMAEL. [LOAD: 2 | + DMG/ALL | +++++ ++ DMG/HEAVY | -- HIT/ALL ] [R-ARM ONLY]
> RADAR//SEEKER [LOAD: 1 | + SCOUTING | + HIT/ALL] [R-BACK ONLY]
> MISSILE//6-CELL-MICRO [LOAD: 2 | + DMG/ALL | ++ DMG/LIGHT]
> FCS/SHINKAI. [3D2 + 1 | NO MELEE HIT PENALTY]
> DUSTWALKER STANDARD [RUST/DARKGREY/GREEN]
>CALLSIGN: Corvid
Needed a change up. Missiles should give me an option for lights, and the rifle is just a flat upgrade. Add on the pilebunker, and I can bring the pain.
>>
>>6378087
"Time to fix some of these bones..."
>CALLSIGN/GASHADOKURO
>CORE/HUNTER
>ARM/ESSEN
>ARM/MINIEX
>BACK/TATTLE
>BACK/ARSENIC
>FCS/BML-LR
>DUSTWALKER STANDARD
>RAID/GCC INT - PHOBOS JOB
"Ah, back to my old haunting grounds."
>>
>>6378085
Will you accept a new hire?
> RESCUE. [INDEPENDENT ####PO VERIFIED]. "MY FRIEND HAS BEEN TAKEN HOSTAGE. THIS IS ALL I HAVE. CONTRACT OPEN TO ANYONE, PLEASE." BASE PAY: [12 MU], 100% SALVAGE SHARE
(Simply because it looks like a plot hook. Also isn't this a civilian defense unit?)
>CORE/HUNTER. [ LOAD LIMIT: 6 | HP: 2 | + HIT ].
> MG//MINIEX. [LOAD: 1 | ++ DMG/LIGHT]
> MG//MINIEX. [LOAD: 1 | ++ DMG/LIGHT]
> PLASMA//ARSENIC [LOAD: 2 | + DMG/HEAVY | ON HIT, ADD [LIGHT] TO TARGET FOR 2 TURNS.]
> MISSILE//6-CELL-MICRO [LOAD: 2 | + DMG/ALL | ++ DMG/LIGHT]
> FCS/BML-CL [ 2D4 | ++ HIT/HEAVY ]
> DUSTWALKER STANDARD [RUST/DARKGREY/GREEN]
> CALLSIGN Snowman
>>
>>6378193
>isn't this a civilian defense unit?
Former, technically.
It should be considered that our last mission's operational costs alone amounted to around seven times what is being offered here. This isn't a charity, and if it isn't a trap or extremely misleading through lack of details on the specifics, we're also massive overkill. Vanguard Mechs are the size of a small ship, from what the size comparison to a person is.
>>
>>6378194
As an addendum, rescue of an individual person is more something our new infantry unit would be better suited for. 12 MU is probably an absolute shit load of money for a single person to be offering by themselves.
>>
>>6378195
To reduce operational costs we can just load up on +HIT to not get damaged.
Which I actually should do
>CORE/HUNTER. [ LOAD LIMIT: 6 | HP: 2 | + HIT ].
> HEAVY RIFLE//ESSEN. [LOAD: 2 | ++ DMG/ALL | + HIT | - EVASION]
> HEAVY RIFLE//ESSEN. [LOAD: 2 | ++ DMG/ALL | + HIT | - EVASION]
> MISSILE//2-CELL [LOAD: 1 | + DMG/ALL].
> RADAR//SEEKER [LOAD: 1 | + SCOUTING | + HIT/ALL] [R-BACK ONLY]
> FCS/BML-CL [ 2D4 | ++ HIT/HEAVY ]
> DUSTWALKER STANDARD [RUST/DARKGREY/GREEN]
> CALLSIGN Snowman
>>
>>6378193
>Will you accept a new hire?
Welcome to the team. And yeah, the core of Dustwalkers is all former Martian Vanguard. Some would say we deserted, but frankly it was more like there was nothing left to desert. We just continued to do what we do best. And just maybe keep the Dream alive.
>>
>>6378085
"W-uh!? Wuht I miss? Drinking? En-engine fumes are li-IUKE d-drink - *hic*! New loadout. Shoot all good."
...
> FACILITY EXPLORATION [RAYLEONARD]. "We wish to recover research materials from a recently abandoned laboratory facility. Expected moderate plague contamination, frequent activity from other mercenary units." BASE PAY: [250 MU + SCHEMATIC], 50% SALVAGE SHARE"
"T-this one! Shakedown run. Variety a-is the smoke of life."
/CORE:
>CORE/ROOK. [ LOAD LIMIT: 7 | HP: 2 ]
/ARM R/L:
>\R: HEAVY RIFLE//ESSEN. [LOAD: 2 | ++ DMG/ALL | + HIT | - EVASION]
>\L: MG//MINIEX. [LOAD: 1 | ++ DMG/LIGHT]
/BACK R/L:
>\R: PLASMA//ARSENIC [LOAD: 2 | + DMG/HEAVY | ON HIT, ADD [LIGHT] TO TARGET FOR 2 TURNS.]
>\L: MISSILE//6-CELL-MICRO [LOAD: 2 | + DMG/ALL | ++ DMG/LIGHT]
/FCS:
>\FCS/BML-CL [ 2D4 | ++ HIT/HEAVY ]
/COLOR:
>\DUSTWALKER STANDARD [RUST/DARKGREY/GREEN]
/CALLSIGN:
>SWALLOW
>>
>>
>>6378087
>CORE/HUNTER. [ LOAD LIMIT: 6 | HP: 2 | + HIT ].
Arms:
> MG//MINIEX. [LOAD: 1 | ++ DMG/LIGHT]
> PILE DRIVER//ISHMAEL. [LOAD: 2 | + DMG/ALL | +++++ ++ DMG/HEAVY | -- HIT/ALL ] [R-ARM ONLY]
Back:
> RADAR//SEEKER [LOAD: 1 | + SCOUTING | + HIT/ALL] [R-BACK ONLY]
> SHIELD//HI0-SHELL [LOAD: 2 | + HP] [L-BACK ONLY]
FCS:
> FCS/SHINKAI. [3D2 + 1 | NO MELEE HIT PENALTY]
Colors (As if there were really any other choice…)
> DUSTWALKER STANDARD [RUST/DARKGREY/GREEN]
/Callsign: OGRE
I’ve had enough of this “marksmanship” crap. I’m going back to my roots fighting in the Sprawls. Hoplites lead the way!QM, can you explain a bit better how evasion works? Does the evasion penalty apply across the board, or can we choose to not engage evasive targets with disadvantageous weapons?
>>
>>
>>6378077
>>6378079
i love that bay
>>6378082
"Those Sons know how to have fun. It's good to have them with us."
>>6378085
"That MOCA job of 450 MU sounds dangerous, if it's a large mercenary unit we can expect something tougher and more numerous than RED CHRYSANTHEMUM. The RAYLEONARD job is not too clear. Could end up being a lot of mercs companies around a pile of research data, plus the cancer. GCC INT wants the destruction of an entire orbital construction site, and destroy the corpo garrison the other corporation likely placed there. Lot of work. The MOCA recon means going blind in a region that is probably plague infested."
"That Unknown client explicitly wants plague materials... we can expect it wants the largest amount we can gather. On that point, if we have to harvest plague infested materials we should consider buying or having proper equipment for it."
"The civie job doesn't pay us at all, the contact must be desperate and unfamiliar with mercenaries. This is not even enough to cover ammo and fuel we regularly use .... I wonder how this civilian managed to learn who captured its friend, and how they learned where they took it. The culprits, it's clear they have specifically hunted and imprisoned a Martian civilian. If it was before the fall something this vile would have not been allowed by us. It might be a tough fight, but details are sparse. The silver lining is that they kept the hostage alive, meaning they will not kill it if they come under threat."
>RAID. [GCC INT]. "A rival corporation is constructing a large orbital asset on PHOBOS. We require prompt removal of this asset before reinforcements can be mustered." BASE PAY: [300 MU + SCHEMATIC], 100% SALVAGE SHARE"
"We need more money, more equipment. If we weren't in such conditions i would gladly provide help to that civilian. If we decide to go for it, i will be ready. Though we might need to strip bare of value whatever facility that hostage has been placed in."
>>6378087
"Confirming my current loadout."
"Confirming my callsign."
>>
>>6378255
An evasion bonus or malus only applies to targets with the [EVASIVE] tag, so yes - you can certainly choose not to engage these targets, and this is intended.
With explosive weapons specifically the multihit bonus is not roll dependent, so it is also possible to score damage against adjacent targets that you normally would not be able to roll successfully against.
>>
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>>6378107
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>>6378119
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>>6378143
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>>6378184
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>>6378200
Certainly! Welcome and thank you for playing!
>>
>>
>>6378085
> FACILITY EXPLORATION [RAYLEONARD]. "We wish to recover research materials from a recently abandoned laboratory facility. Expected moderate plague contamination, frequent activity from other mercenary units." BASE PAY: [250 MU + SCHEMATIC], 50% SALVAGE SHARE"
/CORE:
>CORE/DUELIST. [ LOAD LIMIT: 3 | ARM SLOTS ONLY | HP: 1 | INBUILT RADAR + 1 HIT | INBUILT SHIELD NO CRIPPLE PENALTY | DMG TWICE WITH MELEE WEAPON ON HIT].
/ARM R/L:
>R: PILE DRIVER//ISHMAEL. [LOAD: 2 | + DMG/ALL | +++++ ++ DMG/HEAVY | -- HIT/ALL ] [R-ARM ONLY]
>L: RIFLE//EXTEN-R. [LOAD: 1 | + DMG/ALL]
/FCS:
> FCS/SHINKAI. [3D2 + 1 | NO MELEE HIT PENALTY]
/COLOR:
> FACTORY DEFAULT [WHITE/TEAL/BLUE]
>>
"I got knocked the hell out during that fight. Sorry for missing the after party."
>>6378094
"I see most picked up slack where I left off, quite a lot of pile drivers, but not enough ant-[Light], well, let it not be said that Kanchō can't ambush the quick as well as the lumbering."
>CORE/HUNTER. [ LOAD LIMIT: 6 | HP: 2 | + HIT ].
> MG//MINIEX. [LOAD: 1 | ++ DMG/LIGHT]
> MG//MINIEX. [LOAD: 1 | ++ DMG/LIGHT]
> MISSILE//6-CELL-MICRO [LOAD: 2 | + DMG/ALL | ++ DMG/LIGHT]
> MISSILE//6-CELL-MICRO [LOAD: 2 | + DMG/ALL | ++ DMG/LIGHT]
> FCS/BML-LR [ 1D6 | ++++ HIT/LIGHT ]
> DUSTWALKER STANDARD [RUST/DARKGREY/GREEN]
/CALLSIGN
>Kanchō
>>6378085
"As for the contract... eh, whatever makes the others happy."
>>
>>
>>6378267
I guess my question was more of the following:
If I were to take the shotgun, which has a evasive debuff, would I be able to specify “Do not engage this target with the shotgun” to give up its damage and hit bonus to shed the evasive penalty? Or would every weapon apply to every combat?
>>
>>6378350
The latter. The lore explanation is that the weapon itself is bulky/ungainly, and makes approaching/dodging difficult unless you eject the weapon from your mech permanently.
Practically though, it's more because it makes combat a bit more work-intensive to resolve. Sorry - I would allow it otherwise!
>>
>>6378348
"Would have loved a shield, but couldn't fit one on the Duelist frame. Though as for standing in front of bullets, well our [Light] experts were too busy scavenging wrecks to deal with the [Light] mech savaging our shuttle. Better my frame then that. But no harm no foul, we haven't lost anyone, and that's all that matters."
>>
>>
>>6378085
>FACILITY EXPLORATION [RAYLEONARD]. "We wish to recover research materials from a recently abandoned laboratory facility. Expected moderate plague contamination, frequent activity from other mercenary units." BASE PAY: [250 MU + SCHEMATIC], 50% SALVAGE SHARE"
>CORE/ROOK. [ LOAD LIMIT: 7 | HP: 2 ]
ARM
>/R RIFLE//EXTEN-R. [LOAD: 1 | + DMG/ALL]
BACK
>/R ROTARY CANNON//PITONE [LOAD: 4 | +++ DMG/ALL | -- EVASIVE | ON HIT, INFLICT 3 ADDITIONAL DAMAGE IF ROLL IS EVEN.]
>/L SHIELD//HI0-SHELL [LOAD: 2 | + HP] [L-BACK ONLY]
FCS
>FCS/BML-CL [ 2D4 | ++ HIT/HEAVY ]
COLOR
>DUSTWALKER STANDARD [RUST/DARKGREY/GREEN]
CALL SIGN:
>FAMINE
A brief hiss of static crackles over comms. Someone's trying to communicate, but nothing intelligible was heard. Only random garbage noise and something that barely, vaguely resembling human speech.
>>
>>
>>
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>>6378298
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>>6378342
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>>6378362
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>>6378082
Mercenary etiquette is weird as hell around those parts. Two groups clearly hired by two hostile parties have engaged in hostilities on behalf of their employers and we're getting side eyes for that? That's the most clear possible case of mercs fighting! Not like we jumped them in orbit or anything. Although thirsting their dropship was kind of mean, yeah. Oh well.
>>6378082
>"GENERAL EXPENSE-MORALE :)"
Gambler hands wrote this request.
>>6378085
> RAID. [GCC INT]. "A rival corporation is constructing a large orbital asset on PHOBOS. We require prompt removal of this asset before reinforcements can be mustered." BASE PAY: [300 MU + SCHEMATIC], 100% SALVAGE SHARE"
Yeah, more corpo wetwork sounds good. I sure hope we're not going to actually deploy to save some hostage for 15 MU and a pack of cigs. Right guys? We're a serious outfit. Right?
>>6378087
>CORE/HUNTER. [ LOAD LIMIT: 6 | HP: 2 | + HIT ].
> HEAVY RIFLE//ESSEN. [LOAD: 2 | ++ DMG/ALL | + HIT | - EVASION]
> SG//HALD. [LOAD: 1 | + DMG/ALL | + HIT/LIGHT | - EVASION]
QM, did ESSEN get buffed or you just mistyped? It was +HIT/HEAVY, now just +HIT
> PLASMA//ARSENIC [LOAD: 2 | + DMG/HEAVY | ON HIT, ADD [LIGHT] TO TARGET FOR 2 TURNS.]
> RADAR//SEEKER [LOAD: 1 | + SCOUTING | + HIT/ALL] [R-BACK ONLY]
> FCS/BML-CL [ 2D4 | ++ HIT/HEAVY ]
> DUSTWALKER STANDARD [RUST/DARKGREY/GREEN]
> CALLSIGN: EARTHLING
Let's try out this plasma cooker thing. Everyone with +DMG/LIGHT watch for who I'm tagging.
Hey scarab, since you're making emblems, here's one for you
>>
>>6378077
>Welcome Party was so fucking radical it cost us a whole MU
"... I regret nothing. Not that I remember much, but still."
>>6378193
"More meat for the grinder! Welcome to the party, Frosty!"
>>6378217
"Don't take this the wrong way, Swal, but I'm genuinely shocked that you're still alive and lucid after that shindig."
>>6378266
"Big gigs come in small packages, Rab. Someone doesn't post an ad like that without knowing what so few words broadcast."
>>6378342
"It's okay--we dressed a keg up like you and made it dance a bit. I think one of the Sons recorded some vids so you can party by proxy later on."
>>6378378
"You uh... you know you don't have to live in your mech, right, newbie?"
>>6378381
"We're gonna step on toes one way or another, Ling. Might even be paired up with our enemies the day after. Hell, I got a friend request on Call of Ares from one of those BLUE-NINE guys we tangled with a few missions ago."
>>6378381
"A happy merc is a deadly merc~"
>>
>>6378385
An agitated growl crackles over the line. Then, almost immediately after, the person on the end of the line mumbles out an apology.
"...SAFETY, PRIVACY, INSIDE. LIKE IT. APOLOGIES."
Another hiss of static.
"...NEED TO FIX THAT. SORRY."
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>>6378378
Yeah buddy, hear you loud and… not exactly clear, but close enough.
>>6378381
It’s cause we dragged their dropship. If we let those scum sucking pirates pick up their ejected pilots and lick their wounds then no one would have cared. But now they’re getting ride shares back to the NEST.
>>6378385
Oh don’t worry Gambler, I remember plenty from last night. Especially the part where I got you to sing along to my granddad’s oldies… I knew I’d bring you around to good taste eventually.
>>
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>>6378401
"... Shit. Guess that explains why my voice is shot to Hell and back... you'd better hope no one remembers me doing that or I'm gonna bring you around to my foot up your ass, gramps."
>>6378389
"... Huh. Hey >>6378143 Pils, I think I found your soulmate. They're more strung-out on pharma than you are!"
>>6378408
"That'd be Ruin, the bloodthirsty bastard. Man carved through that last mission like a whirling dervish--I'd be more pissed off about losing if I wasn't so damn impressed."
>>
File: 0001-0150 (2).webm (2.1 MB)
2.1 MB WEBM
Short animation since I had some extra time
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>>6378193
"Always. The fight has only begun."
>>6378342
"I almost thought those fucks had you. Glad it was only a visit to the doc instead. There are still a few drinks around if you need booze in your system. Spent plenty on the party."
>>6378381
Wonderful work!!! Thank you, Earthling!
"Of course, we are a serious outfit, Earthling, no matter the missions we do. Mars spirit in our bones and blood, backed up by true discipline and training. If it wasn't for our lack of firepower and hardware, the Boss and Us could wreak some serious havoc."
>>6378385
"Think it's bait? I know all those merc companies around NEST are nothing less than scum for the most part, but this would be low even for them. If they were friends of RED CHRYSANTHEMUM, we can send them to the same grave."
>>6378389
"We have plenty of support crews now. Call them in if you need help with that static."
>>6378444
so kino.............
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>>6378280
"Over the limit? You think you can tell a stonefish to change his spines? Hmmph. I'll relent... just this once."
> RAID. [GCC INT]. "A rival corporation is constructing a large orbital asset on PHOBOS. We require prompt removal of this asset before reinforcements can be mustered." BASE PAY: [300 MU + SCHEMATIC], 100% SALVAGE SHARE"
>CORE/HUNTER. [ LOAD LIMIT: 6 | HP: 2 | + HIT ].
> FCS/BML-CL [ 2D4 | ++ HIT/HEAVY ]
> PILE DRIVER//ISHMAEL. [LOAD: 2 | + DMG/ALL | +++++ ++ DMG/HEAVY | -- HIT/ALL ] [R-ARM ONLY]
> GRENADE LAUNCHER//RAIDEN [LOAD: 3 | +++ DMG/ALL | - HIT | - EVASIVE | ON HIT, [MULTIHIT] UP TO 2 ADJACENT UNITS ON HIGHEST DICE ROLL.]
>> MISSILE//2-CELL [LOAD: 1 | + DMG/ALL].
> DUSTWALKER STANDARD [RUST/DARKGREY/GREEN]
>>
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>>6378482
They're cool Ogre, you can stop looking for the emergency eject. I've heard of ones like these, people who consider their Vanguards their real body. Especially common among people with serious illness, or suffered massive injuries in the Void. Besides, Plague Knights aren't anywhere near as coherent in their 'speech'. Call it first hand experience. Still can't help but get a little nervous when I hear that FUCKING giggle...
>>
>>6378444
Uh-oh. He's animating again, folks... looks radical, but dear lord please don't overdo it again!
>>6378455
"What I lack in experience I make up for in gut feelings--call it Women's Intuition--and according to my feeling: if it looks like bait, smells like bait, and sounds like bait... you probably don't need to taste it to be certain of what it is. All the same, I'd rather nip this problem in the bud before it starts bleeding into our actual work..."
>>6378456
"Trust me, Stoney--you do NOT wanna overload that thing. Might be smooth-sailing for a deployment or two, but a day or two of those joints grinding from all the weight? If the airlock fire that starts from all the sparks doesn't kill ya then the bill for a whole new frame with non-stripped joints will. And no, adding oil doesn't help. If I had a buck every time my dad learned that the hard way in his scrap shop, well... I wouldn't had to enlist!"
>>6378461
"Pleasure's all mine, I think...? Hoo boy, these newbies, man..."
>>6378493
"'Serious illness'? Yep, I'm not getting near the new guy."
>>
>>6378354
"Didn salvage shit!"
>>6378362
"Uuuuuhhh...think we got a clanka."
>>6378381
"Sh-sherioush ootfit? hahahahah..."
>>6378385
"L-lushid? O-ooh, I should sober..."
"...mished talk, sober up now."
>>6378444
>>6378381
Very cool art.
I'll echo Earthling's question on top of one of my own. Did Essen get buffed to be a +HIT/ALL instead of +HIT/HEAVY? Also, maybe you forgot again, but just to make sure Pulsar also has +1 damage to lights, per >>6368625 right?
>>
>>6378523
>>6378381
Oh yes, apologies about that. I accidentally copied over a previous version of the shop list before I made those changes.
ESSEN should still be +HIT/HEAVY, and the Pulse blade should have the +1 LIGHT damage bonus. I can't change the post now, but I'll use these for the actual combat calculations.
I may slightly buff some underperforming weapons after this mission, FYI
>>
File: EARTHLING2.png (1.9 MB)
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>>6378381
Thanks to you and corvid for catching the typo BTW - much appreciated!
>>
File: STONEFISH2.png (1.9 MB)
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>>6378456
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>>6378434
"Forwarding credit transfer then..... done. Debt settled. I would suggest going again, but another loss would mean eating nutri sludge until the next paycheck, and that is a risk I cannot take."
>>6378455
"The medics work with inhuman skill and energy they do not possess, the work they do cannot be repaid, so it lies up to us to not bother them overmuch. As for booze, inebriation during combat has served me poorly before. But I will gladly take the offer after mission conclusion."
>>
"Eurrghh, my head... Someone fucking kill me... Og, Gambler, whoever else was there... You guys are fucking nutcases. Who fucking drinks this much??? I'm NEVER letting my ego try to make me keep up with you people. Hopefully I haven't missed anything..."
>>6376982
"Bah! You're like some kind of tardigrade, there's no way anything can do you in. And if it somehow happens, it's definitely something I don't want to get involved with... But hey, if you ever get to retire, offer's still open."
>>6377046
"Hmm... Guess I was lucky the last group I ran with wasn't much of a cheery bunch... No one to mourn this way."
>>6377162
"Well, the anime girl keychain on my belt *has* been with me for a while, but... I guess it's not quite trademark. You're on for that bet. Officer kill? That's piss easy for me. Plague machinery? I've been waiting on this for ages. Bring it on, old timer."
>>6378389
"Awww, we've got a shy one. Don't feel too bad about it. Your type either gets blown up fairly early, or turns out to be pretty dangerous. Looking at how attached you are to your mech, it's probably the latter, isn't it?"
>>6378434
"And you better be ready for this one. We've blueprints for my signature weapon type. You'll see why it is that my callsign is Ruin..."
>>6378754
"Thanks for the contribution, Kancho~ That cash will directly go to curing the killer headache that's doing me in right now. I somehow managed to get rid of most of my cash last night, and I hardly recall how... And besides, I'd feel bad robbing you down to your smallclothes, eh eh eh..."
>>
"Now, let's get to serious business."
>>6378085
> RECON. [### OFFICIAL - MOCA/MARTIAN ORBITAL CLOSURE AUTHORITY###]. "TEMPORARY BLOCKADE SATELLITE GRID OUTAGE SQUARE 57C-1. REQUEST IMMEDIATE RECON, PAY TO BE INCREASED WITH ASSESSED HAZARD RATING." BASE PAY: [100 MU], 100% SALVAGE SHARE, PLAGUE SALVAGE FORBIDDEN."
"Low base pay, but I feel that a proper fight's brewing. That'll be a good way to battle the Plague unit Scarab wants me to take down... And an official contract is what we need to get back into the Nest's good graces again. Still, I feel bad for the kid who pooled together his allowance money for that request... This isn't a charity."
>>6378087
>CORE/HUNTER. [ LOAD LIMIT: 6 | HP: 2 | + HIT ].
"Let's give this a try. The additional hit will be great for my chirurgical strikes."
ARM L
> HEAVY RIFLE//ESSEN. [LOAD: 2 | ++ DMG/ALL | + HIT | - EVASION]
BACK R
> RADAR//SEEKER [LOAD: 1 | + SCOUTING | + HIT/ALL] [R-BACK ONLY]
BACK L
> GRENADE LAUNCHER//RAIDEN [LOAD: 3 | +++ DMG/ALL | - HIT | - EVASIVE | ON HIT, [MULTIHIT] UP TO 2 ADJACENT UNITS ON HIGHEST DICE ROLL.]
FCS
> FCS/MULTI. [1D5 | ++++ HIT/HEAVY | ROLLING 4 OR 5 ON 1D5 ACTIVATES MULTIHIT.]
"Now that's more like it. Not used to having a free arm, but you can't help the load limit. Let's blow this joint up."
COLOR
> DUSTWALKER STANDARD [RUST/DARKGREY/GREEN]
"Alas! Still no RED BLACK color scheme."
CALLSIGN
>Ruin
>>
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FAMINE's comms crackle online. There's a moment where you hear snoring before the person on the other line scrambles awake.
>>6378523
"....CLANK...ER? WHAT IS A...CLANKA? I AM. FAMINE. THAT IS MY NAME, NOT CLANKA."
"WHAT IS...CLANKA?"
>>6378493
"...I LIKE...VANGUARD. IT IS...BIG AND SCARY AND...BIG GUN. IT IS...PERFECT FOR ME."
"WHO...DOESN'T LIKE...BIG VANGUARD?"
>>6378809
"...LARGE GUN, SHREDS ALL PROBLEMS..."
"...PROTECT VANGUARD...KILL PROBLEMS. THAT'S ALL I NEED TO DO...RIGHT?"
>>6378513
"...NOT ILL..."
"...INJURY, MAY BE APPLICABLE."
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>>6378754
"Kanch, Kanch, Kaaaaanch! Don't you know you only lose if you leave the table with less cash than you started with? C'mooon, next mission's gonna be a huge payout! Don't miss this opportunity, bud."
>>6378809
"Tartigrade? Well, I've had worse insults slung at me... and compliments. Thanks, I guess? And enjoy that cash while it lasts--that last ante was a warmup!"
>>6378853
"... Yep, still not approaching your frame without some PPE."
>>
>>6378461
"I can hear your voice just fine, but in battle could be an issue. Up to you, is your mech."
>>6378513
"Yeah i see how it could become a problem. I'll keep an eye out for this kind of contract from now on."
>>6378754
"Excellent. We will have something to drink when this job is done, then."
>>6378809
"Good thats the spirit, Ruin. Once we see one, it's on."
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File: MechQuest Animation Test1.gif (7.8 MB)
7.8 MB GIF
>RESCUE: IIIII
>TERMINATION: I
>EXPLORATION: IIII
>RAID: IIII
>RECON: I
You choose the last contract on the board. It made little financial sense, but surprisingly few of your mercenaries complain about it. An certain amount of curiosity - perhaps. But you also assign blame to that old sense of Martian duty, still haunting your company like a stubborn ghost clinging to a long-demolished house.
The contact pings you from orbit. A modest trade cutter peels from the endless stream of shipping traffic milling in geosynchronous orbit, firing a brief retrograde burn before docking with the NEST station. You find your new client in one of the myriad meeting rooms occupying the station's low gravity loop.
A vac-helmet is cradled in his lap, held between gaunt-knobby knees: a born spacer. He reviews a summary printout detailing your company's composition and performance record. His expression is nervous.
"I..I...wasn't expecting..." he swallows. "I was told that it would be very unlikely for any mercenary unit to accept the low sum that I posted, let alone a full company."
"Correct." You shrug. "But here we are. The DUST WALKERS can deploy over a dozen VANGUARD units. And -"
You point towards the hoarse-voiced major, standing with her visored sunshield still blocking most of her face.
"An attached infantry recon contingent."
"Is there a..."
"No. There's no catch. Just...strange ideals, maybe." Your facial scars crinkle into something vaguely resembling a smile. "And questionable financial sense."
>>
File: OPT1.png (2.5 MB)
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He recovers quickly. "...very well. The requ...contract is quite simple, honestly. I have a...close friend groundside who performs independent remote survey work for various corporate clients. A few days ago, she told me that her team found something really important."
-Tactical Data.- rasps the Major.
"Probably not - she works mainly on surveying plague migration patterns, sublevel subsidience - geology data important for construction operations but nothing...military."
"Anyways, she pinged me to bring the FAIRTIDE into orbit so she had a neutral place to store her data before she negotiated with anyone and then..."
He pauses before continuing. "Nothing. She stopped transmitting. I even sent a few of my boys down - bless their fragile bones - to check their dig site, and it's completely abandoned. Their storage units were gone too."
You sigh. "That's not enough data to..."
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He interrupts with a wince. "..however, after we rolled back the FAIRTIDE's sensor data, we noticed a dust contrail that disappears somewhere here, at the base of the Noctis canyon system."
He shows you a surprisingly detailed topographical map.
"There's no corporate arcologies there," you point out. "Not even any sensor outposts."
"There has to be something," responds the client. "All I'm asking for is for you to survey this quadrant. Bring my friend home, if she's there. The contract posting really is all I have - any more, and we would have to sell the FAIRTIDE."
The major looks at you and shrugs. -Recon is fine.-
You sigh and take the map. "If you have some more sensor data, it will help my company find a drop point..."
>DROP - SQUARE D. More cover, further from target area.
>DROP - SQUARE C. Less cover, closer to target area.
>>
>>6378961
>DROP - SQUARE C. Less cover, closer to target area.
"Land survey in th' middle a' nothin' but rusty sands. Tryin' t' pretend we're homesteadin' straight from orbit, are we. Hope this data's good 'nuff for this drop. Or that whoever else wants it wasn't expecting this turnout."
>>
>>6378961
Hiss. Crackle. Crackle.
>DROP - SQUARE C. Less cover, closer to target area.
"...TIME...OF ESSENCE. LONGER TO RESCUE, LESS LIKELY SHE'S ALIVE..."
"...DEFEATS POINT...OF MISSION IF WE WASTE TIME..."
"...RATIONAL...EXPLANATION...? I...HOPE."
>>
>>6378961
>DROP - SQUARE C. Less cover, closer to target area.
"Noctis, huh? It's further west than I'm used to being, usually came out of the valleys early before ever reaching that far whenever I was heading to the Tharsis uplands. I advise we land closer to the objective area, the terrain can be quite rough, big dips and sheer canyon walls, the difference between the floor and the top of the walls is something like twenty thousand odd meters. Big chance you could fall into a lava tube too, which is where I reckon the Plague is hiding, given what the client's friend was investigating. Lots of minerals the plague could make use of there, water in the rocks too."
>>
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>>6378961
>DROP - SQUARE C. Less cover, closer to target area.
"What Stoney said. No guts, no glory. By the way--new mission, new ante, folks--roll up, roll up!"
>GAMBLE: He who bags the most heads, wins! BUY-IN: $100! Victor wins the pot!
"As for hostiles, well... call it a hunch. Even Mars can be too quiet sometimes."
>>6378965
"Yep, I think you touched on the main points there, Fami. Keep your sensors peeled, yea?"
>>6378968
"It's the rockslides you gotta watch out for. Martian gales fling stone around like paper--and they get pretty nasty the higher up you go. At least we've got some coverage out here. Man, I really don't want to get caught in a duster..."
>>6378973
"It ain't about SIZE, Stoney, it's about strain! Overload your frame and you're gonna strip the attachment points, and trust me--those replacements don't come cheap."
>>
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>>6379006
"We should be fine. Even after the attempted terraforming, the winds usually top out at a hundred klicks. It's worse at the entrance into the labyrinth, where the sheer wall channelize the wind, but once we get in deeper where there are rocks to break the wind, and the leeside of the various crater chains to shelter in, the worst of it is past. Sensitive parts like our radars and thrusters might get fucked up though, stones like you said, and charged dust. Depends on the forecast, might not even be a storm during the op."
>>
>>6378973
"...MY MECH IS...BIGGER THAN YOURS."
"...HEH...HEH...EMBARRASING."
"...SIZE...MATTERS...HEH..."
>>6379006
"PEELED...LIKE...ORANGE..."
"..." There's a pause. A long, awkward pause. "...BET?""
"...INTERESTING. SIGNING UP...MONEY NEEDED...WOULD MAKE FAMINE HAPPY."
"...FINE LIVING OFF...NOODLES FOR WHILE. IF I LOSE."
"...CAN'T EAT MUCH ELSE ANYWAYS..."
>>
>>6378961
"Hmm. A surveyor gone without a trace after saying the found something big. And no body or signs of a struggle. As well the data blocks are gone. That says a few things. One, she likely did find something. Two, someone else was looking for it. Three, that someone else needed the surveyor alive. Add it all together, and this job is looking a lot more interesting then I thought."
>DROP - SQUARE C. Less cover, closer to target area.
" If my hunch is right, the people we're after will know we're coming, and they won't be friendly. Hit hard, hit fast. Odds are we're fighting someones black bag team, not scrap junk reavers. "
>>
>>6378961
>DROP - SQUARE C. Less cover, closer to target area.
"we should get proity.. I mean priboity Fuck I knew I Shouldn't have gone cold for this shit. hopefully this schizoid is right and we get some scrap out of this, or better yet some plague I could mix into my "Legal" and "safe" stash of unmarked subsentence."
>>6379012
"don't worry famine, if you ever feel hungry just take some of my grade A mars meth made from Martian pride of a classified part of the ship But don't take all of it, because some of it has anthrax in it"
>>
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>>6378961
"Damn my heart and desire to protect my fellow martians, this guy feels genuine. I am surprised he calls her just a "close friend" to use all this credits. Whatever, i am in. Might still be all a bait like Gambler said, but i am getting too old to change my habits."
>DROP - SQUARE C. Less cover, closer to target area.
"A disadvantage tactically, but if nothing else we have a better chance to find the place and break inside for save that surveyor. Which means we have a chance to turn the tables around with whatever secret defenses are here."
>>6379009
"This place feels exactly like a corporation black site, the positioning of this location is well concealed from most of the ex-habitated regions of Mars, and far away for one. And it just fits with the surveyor being snatched away. No corporate manager would want to be in the position to say to their superior, that their dozen billions credits secret facility has been discovered by a random surveyor. That would be a down right embarassing fuck-up for the one in charge here."
"If we are lucky, this facility might not be able to send a signal out without revealing it self. In that case we just have to enforce martian law. And today i feel like, reparations for citizenry abduction and unauthorized construction are owed to us."
>>6379014
"Corpo-rats definitely, i am expecting 2 gen mechs and maybe 3 gen for their officers. Inside they must have infantry at least. This canyons are likely to have concealed turrets, cameras and sensors across them. Keep your eyes out, they will try an ambush."
>>
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>>6378874
"Heh, too late to get in on the betting? Wouldn't be a lot, but I can throw in some pocket change."
>>6379045
"Nah, I don't think it's as simple as that. My guess is they are looking for the same thing that our surveyor found. If it was just to cover up a secret, no need to kidnap her and take the data. No, far easier to just turn our lost indie into a corpse and burn down the site. Why bother keeping loose ends unless you need them?"
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So, what's that thing? You can kind of see it even from orbit.
Also the rock just about that thing is hollow(?). I don't like the hollow rocks. Things can hide in hollow rocks.
>>6378961
>>DROP - SQUARE D. More cover, further from target area.
If this is a corpo blacksite, and if the corpo is efficient enough, the hostage has already been drugged, interrogated and killed. No hurry. We're here for revenge and salvage.
>>
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>>6379012
>>6379110
"Never too late for me to take your money, nope! The more the merrier!"
>>6379014
"Four: she got abducted. By aliens..."
>>6379033
"... How are you still alive?"
>>6379039
"Tell me about it. I've been eying this one cockpit chair for weeks now--not cheap, but I sat in one of their display models at a trade show? They'd have to surgically-remove me from one of those things. If I'm gonna get shot at, might as well do it in style, right?"
>>6379045
"Love on Mars... just like those romance flicks. I hope you're right, Rab. I really do."
>>6379126
"Holy cow, Earth, you've got some peepers, y'know that? What IS that thing?"
>>
>>6379177
>>6379126
"Saw that too, thought it was cargo containers at first glance. Now that I look at it closely, it reminds me more of silos of some kind. Maybe hidden weapon emplacements? The larger indentation is definitely an elevator of some kind. And that facade is definitely covering something. Look alive dusters, looks like we've stumbled on something someone put a lot of effort into hiding."
>>
>>6379191
>The larger indentation is definitely an elevator of some kind.
God I hope so. Our array of options is looking pretty good then, depending on the potency of their defences.The best defence would be to have tunnels too small for the vanguard frame to fit lol
A) Take over the entire place, salvage everything.
B) Scan as much of the place as possible and bail, sell the data to rival corpos.
C) Scan as much of the place as possible and bail, ransom owners for our silence.
The hostage is beyond cooked, but it appears this won't be a waste of orbital lift after all.
There's no law on Mars, right? We can just highwayman the shit out of this place? The closure administration only cares about destroying plague, and corpos seem to only care about researching plague. I guess MIRAI has monopolised the entire food/medical sector of the market in the meantime.
>>
>>6379195
Damn Earthling, nice catch. We go in for a hot landing and burn straight for that shaft, we’ll be on top of these sumbitches before they can get their guns up.
It’s tempting to land farther away, but we’ll have to cross this ground one way or another and they’ll see our lander coming from miles out. Speed is our friend here.
>>6379033
Boss, belay that order to scan Famine. Hit Pillow’s bunk instead.
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>>6379006
"Naturally, I'm buying in as well. Can't well let just anyone claim my crown, eh eh eh..."
>>6379012
"That's the spirit! You love to see someone open up like this. Funny lad, aren't you?"
>>6379045
"So long as I can sleep without having to be worried for me or my sisters' lives, I don't actually mind taking on that sort of corpo... Can't say I've destroyed any blacksites like that yet, but there's a first for everything. Exciting..."
>>6379126
"Hmmm... Elevators, maybe..? If need be, I could blow those hatches up so they never open again."
>>6379177
"The romantic type, are you? I wonder if we've got any other soft hearts in this crew. Certainly wouldn't mind getting some Valentine's chocolates, even the cheap ones..."
>>6379242
"Hey now, no snitching! So long as the job's done, let the man have his brain-melting shit."
>>
>>6379191
"Why can't these jobs ever be simple? I feel a headache coming on already..."
>>6379195
"Tunnels? Nose goes--I ain't no tunnel rat."
>>6379249
"I'm about as romantic as you are smart, Ruin, but props to anyone who can get their fill of warm-fuzzies out here in the dustbowl. Will never say no to fancy sweets, though."
>>
>>6379255
"Wow, looks sure are deceiving... Who knew that behind this scarred, tough skin beats the heart of a maiden? Let's keep the ad hominem to a minimum, lover girl, at least until the end of our little trip, eh eh eh...."
>>
>>6379111
"don't worry the only way they would know is if you snitch"
>>6379177
"being cautious with the substances you have does wonders, and it helps to have some test subjects to test the more dubious chemicals"
>>6379242
"The only thing You'll find there are my sleeping pills"
>>6379195
"dang the schizoid was right, thanks earthling for cutting are fuel expenses by half, lets reunite the lovebirds or at least a body to a love one"
>>
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>>6379177
"INDEED...WILL WIN. WILL SHOW YOU...HAHAHA..."
>>6379249
"...ENGAGING WITH...TEAMMATES IS...GOOD. RAPPORT BUILDING EXERCISES ARE...REQUIRED."
"..."
"ALSO...SURE I WILL WIN...SURE BET..."
>>6379033
"..."
"...METH? IS THIS THE...PHARMA GAMBLER TALKED ABOUT...?"
"...MAYBE I SHOULD...TAKE IT THEN?"
"...WILL CONSIDER."
>>6379039
"...COPE."
>>6379126
"...COULD USE BIG GUN...TO OBLITERATE IT...IF ELEVATOR THEORY IS CORRECT."
"BIGGEST GUN...ALWAYS WINS..."
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>>6379267
"well being a test subject isn't a job I more target certain people who wouldn't be miss like the people we rescued way back. though I do have one position open, one of the subjects went into a coma, because the mushrooms I was growing was apparently a new form of black mold that parasitizes the brain"
>>
File: untitled.png (2 MB)
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>DROP - SQUARE C. Less cover, closer to target area.
Your crew spend the rest of the cycle analyzing your client's map. The Noctis valleys were the product of a collapsed lava flow: a maze of sheer canyons cutting deep into the Martian crust. The steepest of these canyons were, in theory, a prime location for secreting something away from the prying eyes of orbital telemetry. The geography made it exceptionally difficult for automated systems to distinguish artificial structures from occlusive shading or erosive debris.
Eventually, though, an aberration draws your attention of your crew. A sensor officer notices a peculiar formation only several dozen kilometers from your proposed drop point. You request your client to perform additional imaging during his cutter's next flyover, and the blurry aberration resolves into something definitively artificial: a trio of heavy-lift elevators, flanked by one or two concealed observation pylons.
"...Is this what you would...expect?" asks your client tentatively.
You shrug. "Not certain. This could be a tiny supply depot, or an entire subsurface facility. Difficult to tell from orbit."
-Penetrating radar inadequate. Direct observation needed.- notes the Major. Without further prompting, she lowers her visor and leaves.
"She's not wrong. We'll have to take a look," you add.
"Are you sending her as a scout?"
You shrug. It was the logical thing to do, but something told you that - for better or worse - that this contract would rapidly become more complicated than a simple ground survey.
"No. We'll land the entire company."
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File: APPROACH.png (1.7 MB)
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The dropship hovers at the base of the Noctis Valley, stirring great plumes of red-brown dust. Your pilots drop in groups of four, firing their boosters to cushion their landing. Once your frames are launched, the dropship dips down to allow your infantry company to disembark - landing for only a few minutes to minimize exposure.
You note with some amusement - and a surprising tinge of pride - that the SONS OF OLYMPUS had re-painted their EVA suits to match your company's color scheme, their visors tinted deep orange to match the glare of the Martian noon-sun. Despite their commander's taciturn demeanor and their participation in a seemingly revelrous welcoming party, most of the infantry squads had trained extensively over the past few days to mesh with your vanguard company. In theory, they would be able to supplement your main force by providing target designation and opportunistic fire support. You watch them break into individual squads and board hover-transports intended to better match the pace of your mechs.
Your force had landed several kilometers out from the elevator site. As the begin to advance, you realize that there are only two feasible paths to approach your objective, divided by a massive outcropping of rock. Still, you see no signs of habitation - no seismic sensors cluttering the ground or transmitters protruding from the canyon walls.
>NODE 1 ALPHA. [0/4 SCOUTED | SCOUTING DC 3]
>NODE 5 EPSILON. [0/4 SCOUTED | SCOUTING DC 3]
[THE SONS OF OLYMPUS WILL ATTEMPT 1 SCOUTING ACTION THIS TURN]
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Rolled 5 + 1 (1d6 + 1)
>>6379393
"Whatever they're doin' down there, no way they're ready for this fallin' on their head right off. And if they are...better find out sooner 'n later."
>MOVE + SCOUT: NODE 5 EPSILON. [0/4 SCOUTED | SCOUTING DC 3]
"Hooking down the right side. If anything's waitin', they won't have much dodgin' room for my kit. Let's see if this radar's all it's cracked up t' be."
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Rolled 3 + 1 (1d6 + 1)
>>6379393
SCOUT
>NODE 5 EPSILON. [0/4 SCOUTED | SCOUTING DC 3]
"Happy to have the Sons tagging our targets. It'll be useful if we end up fighting more evasive enemies. My loadout is ideal for blowing up heavy targets either way."
>>6379267
"You really do want me gone... Sob... I thought what we had was special, but you really do hate my guts... I'll drown my sorrows in the flames of battle."
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