Thread #6362888 | Image & Video Expansion | Click to Play
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.
//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
>
>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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File: Space.png (2.6 MB)
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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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File: DLST.png (1.8 MB)
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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.]
>>
>>
>>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"