It is the year 22XX and Humanity has reached the stars. Alas, even though they have attained the lofty goal of interstellar travel, mankind has yet to conquer it’s baser instincts.Humanity is ruled by ultra-Corporations. Some own continents. Some own multiple worlds. But no matter who you are, everyone is a citizen-employee somewhere. The qualms that beset corporations of the past, copyright infringement, tech theft, still exist. If anything, they are amplified by the scale of the players.Without government to turn to for legal recourse and separated by millions and billions of miles, corporations have turned to less savory solutions to resolve disputes. You are one of those solutions.You are an elite mercenary, also known as a High Impact Public Representative, of the StrikeOut Company, a group of mercenaries who accept contracts and missions from the highest bidder. You are launched out of a spaceship in a drop pod filled with bright orange and highly toxic gel. You crash land into the target’s facilities, make a mess, do your job, and then get the hell out.You are a Fall Guy. You are a Deniable Asset.QM’s Twitter:https://twitter.com/DickishDeadArchive Link:http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive.html?tags=Deniable%20Assets%20QuestArchive Link to Thread 5:http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive.html?tags=homoerotismAnd a Foolz search link for those of you who don’t want homoeroticism in your suptg search history:http://archive.foolz.us/tg/search/subject/Deniable%20Assets%20Quest/tripcode/!m0Qr3Wnyeg/type/op/Pastebin of MC:http://pastebin.com/jW5Cn337Pastebin of Combat System:http://pastebin.com/KypPFgFrCharacter Sheet: <- Not totally up to datehttp://pastebin.com/E747zHj7The pastebins will be updated and corrected as time goes on, so keep an eye on them.
You awake the next morning to your alarm. Sliding your e-glasses on blearily you stare at the notifications. You yawn and stretch as you sit upright in bed. Why’d you set your e-glasses to wake you up four hours before the cruiser left? Doesn’t take that long to get prepped. Suddenly you remember. You wanted to visit the armory for some pre-drop shopping. Muttering darkly to yourself, you slide the envirosuit on and pack up your duffle bag with bits of gear and some spare clothing. Stepping out into the hallway, you make a beeline for the Tram, stepping around fellow denizens of the Brick as they make their way to work. The Tram is full. For once. People spare you tired glances as the transport glides across the Brick. No chance for peaceful contemplation today. You’re the only person to exit at the Armory stop, the section of station deserted so early in the day. Most mercs like to do their shopping later, preferably after they’ve had a few drinks. Still, you’re pleased to see that the Armory is open anyway.The Armorer is less pleased to see you. More along the lines of totally neutral to your presence. You step forward, and identify yourself to the Armory’s mainframe. A terminal near the wall pops out, listing the various weapons and armaments mercs with your skillset and at your paygrade are approved to purchase. You scroll through the list, contemplating your options. BiodYne did request minimal casualties if possible...
>>30171590Welcome back, Fall_Guy.
>>30171616>minimal casualtiesCanister Launcher + Laughing gas, here we come
>Kinetic Armaments>>MPSE 2093: 9,000 credits>>>Shotgun>>M24: 11,000 credits>>>Assault Rifle>>BPP: 1,000 credits>>>Handgun>>QuadShot HHMSP: 20,000 credits>>>A weapon about the same size as your Model 223. Has four barrels. Utilizes metal storm technology, a smart fire computer, and specialty ammunition for high lethality in a variety of situations>Grenades>>Flashbang: 150 credits>>>Will blind anyone not equipped with protective eyewear in a room for a few seconds>>Smoke: 100 credits>>>Releases a cloud of thick smoke>>Fragmentation: 250 credits>>>Releases a burst of shrapnel upon detonation, fatal to lightly armored targets in a 6 meter radius>>Pepper: 75 credits>>>Releases a cloud of concentrated irritant in a 15 meter radius.>Accessories>>DeadEye Camera: 16,000 credits>>>Camera attached to gun barrel, with feed back to helmet. Enables you to shoot accurately without exposing your head>>Alt-Fire Attachment for MPSE 2093: 2,000 credits>>>Adds a secondary magazine to MPSE. Used for specialty shells that you might not want to fire all the time>>Chamber Expansion for Model 223: 3,000 credits>>>Increases number of chamber for Model 223 from six to eight.>Specialty Munitions>>.50 RR Airburst: 15 credits>>.50 RR Half Load Rubber Head: 1 credits>>.50 RR EM Delivery System: 20 credits>>Beanbag Shell: 2 credits>>EM Shell: 25 credits>>Tranq Sabot for MPSE: 15 credits>Misc.>>Wrist Ties: 1 credit for fiveYou have 18,268 credits in your checking account.
>>30171765Are we gonna do a full teeth cleaning, too?
>>30171808I'd get the shotgun but it appears to cost an arm and a leg, maybe the market's unstable or some shit. I'd rather get a lathe and make our own.>GrenadesFour of each would come to 2,300 credits.I think it's worth it.>Specialty MunitionsGet a bunch, but skip the airburst until we can easily afford smartgun accessories. That's asking for trouble, we can throw grenades for now.Rubber heads we can get, say, fifty. EM delivery, 20 of.>MiscGet a bunch of wrist ties, no way we need more than fifty so ten credits worth.>OtherDo they have any hacking modules?
>>30171808Alright, Ivan doesn't have any weapons that can fire any of the specialty rounds, so let's stick with grenades.Will have to rely on distractions and nonlethal takedowns.2 flash, 2 smoke, 2 pepper, and 1 frag. 50 wrist ties.
>>30171913Thought the six-shooter was a .50 RR?QM, pls explain.
>>30171808Could you provide more details on the MPSE 2093?We could grab the assault rifle if we need a longer range option at some point. Its pretty cheap.
>>30172008The MPSE 2093 is the starter level shotgun. It's utility arises in the massive variety of specialty rounds it can fire, the ones listed on the Armory catalog only being a few.Generally, as your skill with shotguns improves you can unlock more rounds for the weapon.
>>30171808Grenades:Flashbang(4)=600Smoke(4)=400Pepper(4)=400total=1400Special Ammo:no idea what bullets we can use.50 shots of non-lethal bullets20 EM bullets20 Tranq shotsAll this assumes we have guns that can fire these.
>>30171808.50 RR are bullets compatible with your Model 223 revolver.The shells are used in the MPSE 2093 shotgun.
>>30171910This is fine for grenades, I'd rather have it than not need it. And in light of >>30172188 the bullets are right too.>>30171808I'll take the chamber expansion thing as well.
>>30172209>>30172155pretty much thesenot sure if we wanna spring for a shotgun now or after this mission what do you guys think
>>30171910>Hacking ModulesNo, the armory does not sell them. However, a friend of yours might know how to make them...
>>30172245Alright, after we're done here we should go bug Niels. Can we check if he's on station via e-glass?
>>30172155Sounds good. Maybe a slightly upgraded handgun would be useful too.
>>30172235The shotgun is tempting, but I'll only be convinced to buy it if there's a way to improvise ammo on the field, ie. pressurized water shots or some other crazy notentirelyrealistic ammo.
>>30172155>>30172235>>30172284We can't fire tranq shots without the shotgun.I'm gonna go with the plan with frag grenades in case shit goes bad.>>30172290I like that you're thinking about logistics, but why do we need to improvise ammo if we haven't run out?Maybe a mobile set of reloading tools would be useful though.
Alright, I'm reading through here and it seems as though people want:>>Flashbang x4>>Smoke x4>>Fragmentation x2>>Pepper x4>>.50 RR Half Load Rubber Head x50>>.50 RR EM Delivery System x20>>Wrist Ties x50Which adds up to 2,260 credits.Anything else? Corrections etc?
>>30172459It's fine. I don't get your prices for weapons if we can loot 'em for free, but then again resale isn't that bad a prospect.I'd rather have more frags in case ZOMBIES EVERYWHERE or some shit, but people are gonna bitch and say no frags so I'm sticking with two.See Niels afterward.
>>30172459Sounds good.We shouldn't get into enough fights to use of all of these anyway.Any available armor upgrade?
>>30171808>>M24: 11,000 credits>>Chamber Expansion for Model 223: 3,000 credits>>Wrist Ties: 1 credit for fiveI'll let other people pick the grenades, and I would pick up about 20 or so Wrist Ties.I say pick up the beginner shotgun so we have it and can improve upon our use of it.
>>30172459may as well add 12 Airburst rounds>>30172454You can't prepare for everything, so I figure being able to make a particular ammo for in-mission would be handy.
>>30172459Chamber expansion for the pistol, at least.>>30172538We need a smart system upgrade to control where they burst, I think.OP input would be good here.>>30172530This is the shotgun:>>MPSE 2093: 9,000 credits>>>ShotgunYou're voting for the assault rifle.
>>30172501Weapons that you can loot are generally of a lower quality than ones you purchase from the Armory.Also, Niels is away on a mission still>>30172517Yes, but unfortunately, you don't have sufficient time to get it installed, so I left it off.>>30172538>>30172530Putting the matter up to vote. Buy the Shotgun, and if so, any specialty rounds for it?Also, Airbursts, yea or nay?
add the shotgun
>>30172459Definitely add the chamber expansion for our revolver.
>>30172674no shotgunno airburstsno chamber extensionagree with grenades and ammo as above anons otherwise
>>30172674>AirburstsCan we set them to explode at a certain distance or is that extra?>ShotgunKinda depends if we need to shell out five grand to make airbursts work.>Chamber expansionYep.
>>30172674Yea on AirburstNay on revolver expansionneutral for shotgun, but if we get it, get the special ammo.
>>30172674>buy the Shotgun, and if so, any specialty rounds for it?Neutral, but if we buy it, we should get specialty rounds along with it>Also, Airbursts, yea or nay?nay
>>30172674Yes on revolver expansion. If we get the shotgun we're obviously getting ammo, I'd say 24 EMPs for 600, 50 beanbags, and 20 tranqs for 300.Shotgun with ammo would run 10K.I'm on the fence about airbursts until I know more.
Seems to be a split down the middle on these issues.Airbursts would require a smart system. Let's just say that's an added feature with the chamber expansion.To simplify matters, I'm going to give you all four choices.>Model 223 expansion and 24 Airbursts>MPSE Shotgun and 50 beanbag rounds and 20 Tranq Sabots>Both>Neither
>>30172674Nah, no shotgun.
>>30172658Woops, pasted the wrong thing.
>>30172976>>Model 223 expansion and 24 Airbursts
>>30172674add the shotgun and tranqs...it will be easier on Ivan's concience
>>30172976>Model 223 expansion and 24 Airbursts
>>30172674I say get the shotgun.
>>30172976>>Model 223 expansion and 24 Airbursts>>30172994>Ivan's concienceKilling hippies doesn't count.
>>30172976Can we take some rubber load too, for dealing with those targets we DON'T want to kill?
>>30172976Both. This job should be lucrative, I think.
>>30173021yeah but we saw how his killings affected him. I think he would like the option to have a way to put down someone without killing
>>30172976>>Neither
>>30172976both>>30173042yeah we need those
>>30173021Clearly, it does. Especially since these hippies have a good public image and aren't from SWJworld. Mars is the hippies.
>>30173060You remember how we dealt with the security guard we didn't want to kill on our first drop? We shot him in the leg. We don't need to spend ten grand for that.
>>30172976everything, OP. GIVE ME ALL THE THINGS.
>>30172976>Model 223 expansion and 16 AirburstsWe still have rubber shots for non-lethal.
>>30173202those don't incapacitate, just hurt like hell
>>30173160That's a shitty solution in a variety of ways. We have wrist ties. Making people bleed is traumatizing, just like murdering.Anyway, beanbags and rubber bullets are for taking people down with a minimum of risk and are probably +honorable. So are tranqs.
>>30172976BothGuise we're not gonna get anywhere putting off a purchase we'll need later anyway, shotguns are pretty useful in CQC.
>>30173243still not enough to convince me to spend another 10k
>>30173160you suggest we shoot a civy in the leg when we don't want them going around and maybe telling on us?
>>30173042This is in addition to the previously stated loadout.Alright calling it here! We are getting the Expansion and air bursts and that is it.should have next update up soon, been working on it
>>30173271well, them we should buy bindings for their legs and duct tape to make a makeshift "tranq".thinking about it now, Im amazig we don't have duct tape yet
>>30173371*amazed
You ponder the catalogue for a while, considering potential loadouts. The MPSE has a lot of utility, especially with the tranq sabots, but damn if it isn’t expensive. Eventually you decide to purchase:>>Flashbang x4>>Smoke x4>>Fragmentation x2>>Pepper x4>>.50 RR Half Load Rubber Head x20>>.50 RR EM Delivery System x20>>Wrist Ties x20>>Chamber Expansion for Model 223>>.50 RR Airburst x24Which sums up to 5,614 credits. You focus on packing your new toys into your duffel bag, trying to not watch as your checking account depletes down to 12,654 credits.You hurry out of the Armory with your acquisitions, checking account lower, but noticeably better armed. You spent more time pondering the limited selection the armory had to offer than you realized. Jogging over to an elevator, you repeatedly ping the system for a ride to the Docking Bay. Eventually, the doors open and you hurry in. Less than an hour till your ride leaves the Brick. They might not go without you, but it’s considered very poor form to show up late. And since you don’t think you know any of the other mercs on the mission, not that you bothered to check, you really don’t want to piss any of them off.You jog up to the airlock in question to see that two of your dropmates are already there. One of them, a compact and olive skinned Asian man, is facing you. He points in your direction and his companion turns around.
“Hey Ivan! Surprise seeing you again.”“Hey Martian,” you reply as you walk up to the two mercs. “Didn’t think I’d run into you here.”“Didn’t think I’d be dropping with you either,” answers Marlena, raising an eyebrow. Marlena gestures back at her fellow merc. “Ivan, this is Trahn. He prefers it if you call him by his title. So Dr. Trahn.”The other merc nods and extends a hand. You shake it. “Hello.”“Hello Dr. Tran. I assume you’ll be patching me up should things go horribly wrong?”Dr. Tran scowls. “I would prefer not to. I am a biologics specialist. I do not understand why all of you mercs think that I am here to fix up all of your boo-boos. Should you choose to waste my time by getting injured, expect to pay a premium for it.”Backing away from the crotchety doctor, you mutter to Marlena. “He’s a cheery sort.”“Yep,” Marlena grunts. “I’d say he grows on you, but that’d be a lie.”“Still,” you say, “Not complaining about seeing a friendlier face than Dr. Tran over there, but I thought this mission was a bit beneath your paygrade?”Marlena gives you an unreadable half-smile. “Yeah. But we’re dropping on a HoriZone world.”>What will Ivan discuss prior to cryo-sleep?>Ask Marlena where the fourth squadmate is>Ask Marlena about Dr. Trahn>Talk about the mission and how unusual it is.>Ask about HoriZone>Write in
>>30173445"A what now?"
>>30173445>Ask Marlena where the fourth squadmate is>Ask about HoriZone
>>30173445>>Ask about HoriZoneDon't forget that we get a bonus for not killing too many people.
>>30173445>Ask about HoriZone
>>30173445>Ask about HoriZone>Write-inAsk about the other merc that dropped with Elda and Redskies on their last mission.There's a chance Redskies isn't murderspree bitch, let's try and find out.Also ask who's calling the shots.
>>30173445>Ask Marlena where the fourth squadmate is>Talk about the mission and how unusual it is.>Ask about HoriZone
>>30173445>>Ask about HoriZone
>>30173517was the other merc niels mentor the policewoman? im not sure shes a murderer either
>>30173517>There's a chance Redskies isn't murderspree bitch, let's try and find outIf she is, maybe she doesn't make it back from this mission.
>>30173607And maybe if we want to take on an experienced merc specializing in CQC we should have bought a shotgun, genius.
>>30173607PERFORMANCE REVIEW: YOU DOUBLE-FIRED, NIGGA
>>30173607or we could act like a professional and deal with the situation appropriately, instead of being a pants-on-head retarded moron
>>30173731But I thought we were Russian?
>>30173445>Dr Trahnhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FO0kRE5OTZI
>>30173643Handguns are easier to use in close quarters than an unwieldy shotgun. Besides, buckshot is pretty good against unarmored, but is crap against armor. Better a large bullet than a bunch of tiny pellets.
>>30173643Except that since we have a handcannon we are proficient with buying a unleveled shotgun is both redundant and useless.
>>30173731We're talking about Ivan here.
“HoriZone? Why’s that matter?”Marlena shakes her head. “It doesn’t really. I guess. HoriZone specializes in Start Up Worlds. They do initial colonization for other Corps, get things started, the foundations laid. Then they sell the planet to whoever wants it at a major markup.”Not entirely sure why Marlena would care about a colony speculator Corp, you move on to other subjects. “I was sure I’d be the last one here,” you say, “Where’s our fourth?”Marlena shifts her duffle bag on her shoulder. “You are. We’re picking up the squad leader in transit. Clayton Burnside. One of those extra-terrestrial aussies. You probably haven’t met him, he lives on New New South Wales.”“Actually yeah,” you respond grinning slightly, “I do know Clayton. He was on my last drop.”“Really? Small galaxy.”“Yeah,” you respond as the airlock door opens, allowing the three of you to enter the cruiser. Dr. Tran walks ahead of the two of you. You consider asking Marlena about the fourth merc on her drop with Elda, but the woman’s face is distant. Cold even. Wondering what could have brought about such a mood to the, from your experience at least, cheery Marlena, you spend the rest of the walk to the cryo-bay in silent contemplation.You take your time preparing for cryo-sleep, dreading the inevitable awakening. As you double check your holster for the fourth time, Marlena calls out to you. She’s sitting in her cryoberth, Dr. Tran’s is already sealed. She grins. “Try to remember to have fun rookie.”Slightly unsettled, you stop messing about with your equipment, and lower yourself into your berth too. As the hatch seals you mouth Marlena’s words to yourself. “Fun.”
>>30173773you have very poorly informed ideas of what being 'Russian' means
>>30173790oops, image
>>30173777Hahaha No way. That's a hilarious coincidence.Working on next update.
>>30173777>Dr. Tran will be at your local record store from 4 to 9 just giving out HOT DICKINGS!Jesus, my sides.
>>30173790He has RAGE and dumb bro dialogue, not teamkilling douchebaggery.Check your dickbag privilege, sith scum.
You awake from cryosleep feeling just as shitty as you always do. Lying in place, you suppress the wave of nausea as it washes over you. Maybe next time you’ll risk the cabin fever and not go under. Thinking dark thoughts as you extract yourself from the Cryoberth, you are met with Clayton’s grinning face.Your exclamation of shock ends abruptly as you suppress a very wet belch. Clayton roars with laughter as you clamber back on out of the cryoberth. “Skittish, ain’t ya rookie?”Coughing into your fist, you pull out the body armor out and begin to clamp it on. “Didn’t expect some insane stralyan to be leering at me when I got out of cryo. Can’t blame a man,” you smile. “Good to see you Clayton.”“Good to see you too mate,” Clayton responds, clapping you on the shoulder.Marlena snorts as she pulls her hair into a ponytail. “Well, looks like Ivan does hang out with the popular kids.”>Anything Ivan wants to say as they equip and head off to the prep room?
>>30174169Lets just stay silent and concentrate on keeping the content of our stomach where it belong.
>>30174169Do we have to attach the chamber expansion to our 223?
>>30174169"I'll put a few hundo down that we're facing some eldritch abomination that should not exist in this dimension."
>>30174169Ask them what the plan is.
>>30174169>>Anything Ivan wants to say as they equip and head off to the prep room?An Australian farmer called BlueHad a twenty foot didgeridoo.They say that he sleptWith the sheep that he keptAnd he didgeridid them all too.
>>30174225Taken care of already.>>30174325My sidesWriting, but will monitor the thread for more suggestions
Deciding to take Marlena’s comment as a charitable one, you continue to arm yourself for the mission. In a clinic, so tight spaces. No need for the AK-94 then. Especially with all of these grenades. After a while you finish equipping yourself and turn around to see Marlena and Clayton standing in place, watching you expectantly. “You guys waited on me?”Clayton replies in the affirmative. Marlena says, “Not really. Dr. Tran was just the first one to leave and I didn’t want to be stuck in the prep room with him.”Clayton nods at her wisdom as the three of you walk down the hallway to the prep room. You decide to speak up. “Weird mission, isn’t it?”Clayton grunts. “Kinda. We occasionally get missions like these, where the company wants us to resolve some sort of internal crisis. First time I’ve ever gotten a non-lethal stipulation though.”Marlena snorts. “What, you actually gonna do that?”Clayton scowls at her. “Rack off with that. There aren’t supposed to be any hostiles, and BiodYne is paying us extra if we keep the body count nil.”“I’m just saying,” Marlena replies with a mocking shrug, “There’s gotta be a reason why the investigation teams BiodYne sent in earlier didn’t respond. No one hires us to give out kisses and roses.”Clayton scowl deepens. “BiodYne is different from most corps. Besides, I’m squad leader here. Pulling rank. Non-lethal unless I give the go-ahead.”Marlena rolls her eyes. You figure now’s a good time as any to change topic. “So… I'll put a few hundo down that we're facing some eldritch abomination that should not exist in this dimension."Clayton and Marlena both look at you in shock before chuckling. “Nice, Ivan,” Calyton snorts. “And I’ll counter that wager. It’s the Greys. They’ve snuck into the clinic and third encountered everyone.”“Nah,” responds Marlena, “Portal to hell opened up. Demons everywhere.”
The three of you spend the rest of the walk down to the prep room engaged in wild speculation about what made the clinic go dark. As the three of you step into the prep room laughing, you are confronted by a large number of donuts, and not freeze dried ones either, and several other pastries. You are so distracted by the food, you fail to notice a woman in business attire standing next to the debriefing screen. “Hello,” she says somberly, eyes downcast. “My name is Martha Sirra, Sub-Director of Operations for BiodYne in this sector. Feel free to get situated.”You sit between Marlena and Clayton carrying a plate full of donuts and a large mug of coffee. Dr. Tran has settled on a chair on the opposite side of the door from the three of you. Ms. Sirra looks around at you all for a few moments before coughing and speaking up. “Alright then. Like I said before, I’m Martha Sirra, Su-”“Yeah we heard that bit,” groans Marlena, “Hurry it up.”Ms. Sirra flushes slightly. “Yes, well. Yes. Ahm, your target for today is a BiodYne clinic on this world, called Astra Nova,” a planet appears on the debriefing monitor, “which is currently in development by the HoriZone Corporation. It went dark about two weeks ago, no comms, nothing. We’ve sent two teams now to investigate, and both have stopped responding to comms as well. We need you all to ascertain what happened down there, and maybe even resolve it. Also, BiodYne has a firm commitment to human life, I’m here to emphasize how important it is to us that you use non-lethal force, if possible. There will be substantial compensation if you do so.”
Just as Ms. Sirra stops talking, the debriefing monitor flashes, switching to the Handler’s coll expression. “I had Ms. Sirra tell you that in person, because some of you,” a pointed look in the direction of you, Clayton and Marlena, “Have trouble listening to me. Now, this is twenty questions, so feel free to ask Ms. Sirra anything you want until deployment.”>Anything you want to ask Ms. Sirra about the mission?
>>30175019Do we still lose the bonus if we are attacked first?
>>30175019composition of the teams that went in, the times they went in, how long they were 'live' for, as well as size and areas of note of the facility, number of people that were staffing it, and maps/blueprints/codes to give us all access to the facility
>>30175019Ask her if anything else odd has gone down on the planet. I mean, they don't own the planet, right? Anything weird gone down with HoriZone installations?
>>30175019Anything at all we should know that was left out of the job's description?I don't want a nasty surprise to jump on us.Anything in particular we should watch out for? Dangerous fauna or flora? What can you tell us about the local population?
>>30175019Ask her who BiodYne's enemies might be, what you're facing, and about the security systems down there.Ask her how many people were there.Ask her if there were any hazardous materials in the area.Ask if there was any reported outbreak of illness or fiscal weirdness before the clinic closed down.
>>30175019"There any theories on why the clinic went silent? Was the clinic working on anything experimental or dangerous? Is there anything odd about the planet that we should know about? Were there any signs of things being strange leading up to it going silent?"
>>30175019the layout would be useful
>>30175222Seconding. Also a summary of what kind of equipment the other two teams were carrying when they went in.
access codes to any cameras or doors?
>>30175191>>30175214>>30175175>>30175168>>30175109>>30175222These are all good.
Alright, great questions anons.Ask about HoriZone/local eventsAsk about what sort of Teams visited the clinic before yoursAsk if the clinic was doing/storing anything dangerous.Access codes etc.Other stuff I forgot to list here, but will be addressedWriting.
>>30175019What is their stance on looting?
>>30175019Is the non-lethal bonus for each member who exercises the option, or for the whole team?Meaning, if Redskies decides to go nuts while the rest of the team goes for the bonus, will the others still get the bonus despite Marlena.
>>30175367...No.
>>30175367This is set down in laws, anything we loot is ours by agreed-upon standards. Don't ask this shit, they'll just hate us more for reminding them what they stand to lose.>>30175392Oh, great. Another excellent question from anons that want Ivan sitting in HR being slowly and carefully told not to ask dumb shit.
>>30175392Oh, that's a question that needs to be answered...
>>30175222>>30175109These two
>>30175419Looting is expected Anon. We're gonna loot.
>>30175434Hey, I want the bonus. Ivan wants the bonus. I'm in character. More dosh means more shit to buy.
>>30175392asking this 1) gives marlena a reason to slip off the leash and 2) tells the corp that strikeout employees don't trust each otherit's bad prwe should just ask the handler over the e-glass
>>30175550I can get with that.
ask if there where any experiments that could go horrably wrong, going on before the place went dark
>>30175392It seems obvious to me that the whole "non-lethal" thing applies to the whole team, since it's rather pointless otherwise if one person goes nuts and does the MurderDeathKill thing. Having them pay bonuses to three of us while that one person kills everyone is sort of...stupid.Besides, Clayton already made it clear by pulling rank and saying it was non-lethal unless he says so. Kind of makes the question a pointless one.
>>30175613Yes. This is actual logic. More of this please.
>>30175510I'm saying no to flat out asking the Director "CAN WE STEAL YOUR STUFF AND GET PAID AT THE SAME TIME?"
>>30175754Seconded.
>>30175754Oh, yeah I'm behind that.
>>30175754they hired StrikeOut, i'm pretty sure thats in the contract...
>>30175754We really should just assume we're allowed to. Only a crime if we get caught.
>>30175780Still not a reason to actually say this, jesus.
>>30175754With the clinic being in development, I am also very much against asking about looting. Seems that would be directly at odds with preserving what they are doing.Especially since they also want non-lethal force used, this really does not sound like the Shock and Awe "Murderhobo steal everything not nailed down" tactics we've used in more straight-up scenarios.This sounds more like a "sneaky sneaky, find out wtf is going on and try to peacefully resolve it" situation.So in short, I don't think we should ask.
>>30175925Kind of wishing we went on that tech stealing mission now. Half the fun is the looting.
>>30175780>>30175807Still doesn't mean we ask her TO HER FACE WHILE SHE'S IN THE ROOM.We can snag some stuff all sneaky like while we're there. Just keep it on the down low, later. Like not saying "Look at all this secret shit I stole from BiodYne!" just after we finished the job. Wait around a bit, then undercut them.
“Alright,” you say, speaking around a mouthful of donut, “I wanna know about the composition of the teams that went into this clinic before us. What weaponry, what skill set, that sort of thing.”Ms. Sirra nods for a second before speaking. “Well the first team was just a maintenance crew. A mechanic, electrician and an engineer, to check to see if there was an equipment failure. We lost contact with them about two hours after drop off. The second team was from our security division. Three security officers, two combat medics, and another engineer. I think that most of them either had OMPs or shotguns.”“Alright,” interject Marlena, “I want to know. Did either of these teams give you any useful intel before they went dark?”“No. Not really anyway. Both of them noted that the lights were out and power seemed to be down. Unfortunately, this clinic is pretty massive. It’s expected to service the entire population of Astra Nova’s capital city for the next several decades. A lot of the facility is simply unused at the moment. They didn’t make much headway before going silent. We lost contact with the second team when they were going in to check and see if they could reactive power.”Clayton leans back and nods sagely. “Alright then. What were ground conditions? Any sort of tension between HoriZone or the locals? Any known competitors in the area?”Ms. Sirra chews on her lip before answering. “I… I’m not sure. According to the site manager, there was some tension with the locals and HoriZone. But nothing that would suggest an attack or anything else like that. Neither of the teams noted any battle damage when they were arriving on site.”
Dr. Tran looks around before speaking. “I understand this might be a bit beyond your educational base, but was the clinic engaged in any sort of… research? Storing anything dangerous, like disease samples?”A shake of the head. “No. No, absolutely not. I’m not sure what sort of research you are insinuating we do here at BiodYne, but I can guarantee that any diseases we have are stored with the utmost precaution at our headquarters on Vallia. This was simply a gene therapy clinic. Nothing more.”“Okay, one more thing,” you say, leaning forward, “I get that power is down, or at least appears to be. Assuming we can get it back up, can you give us access codes to doors, security cameras, that sort of thing?”The Sub-Director pauses. “I… I don’t know. I’ll need to talk to my superior about that. I’ll inform you of his decision once he reaches one.”The Handler stare at the four of you impassively. “Anything else? Yes? Too bad. You’re deploying now. Get to the HOEV.”
The three more senior mercs file out of the prep room. You linger for a moment to grab an extra donut or two. As you are about to take your leave, Ms. Sirra walks up to you. She looks at you with fearful eyes. “Listen. I have a friend down in that Clinic. Barry Vickers. Please, make sure he’s okay for me. Or… just find him. Please.”“I… I’ll try,” you respond, slightly taken aback. “Is there something going on here you haven’t told us about?”Ms. Sirra shakes her head. “No, I’m just scared for him is all.”“Well, I’ll see what I can find,” you promise as you exit the prep room. You jog after the three mercs, catching up with them in the hanger. Dr. Tran snorts. “I see being late is something of a hobby for you, isn’t it?”Deciding to be the bigger man, you ignore the Doctor’s barb as the four of you pile into the HOEV. >Well, what does Ivan do to pass the time?>Talk to someone>Read [Post Modern Psychology?]>Write in
>>30176129>>Read [Post Modern Psychology]Not really in a talking mood.
>>30176129>>Talk to someoneTalk to Marlena about Mars.
>>30176087>The Handler stare at the four of you impassively. “Anything else? Yes? Too bad. You’re deploying now. Get to the HOEV.”We need to start calling the handler Mom>>30176129>Talk to someoneeach quad member about their thoughts on the mission
>>30176129>Read Technical manuals.
>>30176129>>Talk to someoneWe should talk to Clayton. Pick his mind for any insights on what we might be dealing with.Considering the strange circumstances, and the lack of having access codes readied (which is very, very odd), it would be good to get our lead's thoughts.
>>30176129Read about how to evacuate civvies?Or aliens/demons/eldrich abominations
>>30176129>>Write inSee if we can dig up any information on one "Barry Vickers"
>>30176129>Read [Computer Hacking and You]>>30176211Seconding our handlers new nickname.
>>30176211>We need to start calling the handler MomI second this. We don't need to be mean-spirited about it, however. Make it clear we mean it in a playful way, even if she doesn't really appreciate it at the start.Would be nice if we can smooth over the initial rough patch with her, in a company like this, connections can be everything.
>>30176129>Read [Post Modern Psychology?]
>>30176225Sure, I want to know the big guy better, anyways.>>30176211>calling the handler MomSomething tells me that this is a bad idea, but I still want to do it anyways.
Alright, I think Reading Won.Talking to Clayton also seemed popular, so I'll see what I can doWriting.
>>30176184Let's not antagonize her about her past, she's just gonna want to blow someone away.
>>30176381Fall Guy? You still awake?
>>30177046calm down bro, he's just writing it up, quality takes time
>>30177046Do not worry mortal, fall guy is beyond any state that mortals could define as awake or asleep.
You decide to try your hand at that one book. The Human Root Kernel. Something to get your mind off of this admittedly creepy sounding mission. You pop on your e-glasses and begin to read. From a random page. You doubt it’ll make any more sense than if you started from the one you left off on.>-and so, in this neotextual paradigm of scientific study, where empirical observation took a secondary position in the role of inquiry to analysis of lived experiences, Fellini writes that “The human mind cannot be defined by equations of concrete statements, no matter how minute. Instead one must approach the study of the human condition and the agent of its creation by analysis of the languages and textual concepts it employs to describe it’s own condition.”>This breakthrough in psychological study blurred the lines between biochemistry, physics, psychology, and literary analysis. By dismantling the lens of privilege through which the human experience was for so long examined, and by allowing a more populist and literary approach, one more interested in the self actualizing narratives through which life, memory, and thought are experienced, Fellini brought about a fundamental shift to the psychological dialectic. One we are still benefitting from to this dayYou close out of the book once more. This is what you deserve for thinking postmodern psychology would start making any sense whatsoever. Sighing softly, you glance over at Clayton, who seems very interested in picking at his forearm guard. “Hey,” you whisper, unwilling to disrupt the silence more than is necessary, “Hey Clayton.”
Clayton looks up at you. “What is it mate?”“You think there’s anything odd. Anything odd about the fact that they wouldn’t give us the codes right away?”Clayton sighs and crosses his arms. “I don’t think so. Probably just wants to make sure we’re not getting access to the entire BiodYne corporate net if she gives them to us. I reckon we’ll be getting them pretty soon.”“How about the mission in general?”“Too right I do. This mission is weird. The last time I went down on a HOEV it was during a hostage situation. This doesn’t seem anything like it. I coulda sworn it’d be locals. Don’t think so, from what the Director lady said though.”The HOEV comes to a jerking stop. The pilot’s voice blares over the speakers. “We’ve landed kids. I’ll be waiting here I suppose, so try not to take too long. Weather outside is wet, so put of a helmet.”The four of you slide your helmets on and step out of the HOEV and onto the landing platform. Rain falls in sheets, completely obscuring the city you presume surround the clinic. “Alright everybody. In we go.”The four of you move forward with controlled speed. Clayton and Dr. Tran in the rear, M24s raised for trouble, you and Marlena on point. The door to the Clinic is open, jammed that way. From the bits of detritus that have been swept in, you figure it’s from one of the teams that went in before you guys. You take cover behind one side of the entrance, Marlena on the other. Eventually Clayton comms in on the squad channel.“Alright kids. Nightvision on. We’re going in.”Your helmet turns black for a moment before bathing the world in green. Only this time, the shadows that fill the interior of the clinic are gone. You and Marlena step into the building.
You are standing in a huge waiting room, lines of seats and benches stretch out to the wall. The path you’re on is wide and clear. Probably for emergency cases or something similar. You take a few steps. They echo loudly in the darkness.>Roll 3d10
Rolled 1, 10, 10 = 21>>30177184Let's try not to die.
Rolled 4, 1, 10 = 15>>30177184We will probably be eaten by a Grue.
Rolled 6, 4, 1 = 11>>30177184
Rolled 4, 3, 1 = 8>>30177184>>Roll 3d10
Rolled 7, 8, 9 = 24>>30177184spooky time commence
Rolled 10, 5, 8 = 23>>30177184
Rolled 9, 9, 4 = 22>>30177184
Rolled 3, 4, 2 = 9>>30177184Well, I need to shower before I head out, wish me well anons, I hope I don't fall prey to the Homo Shower
Rolled 12, 7, 6 = 25>>30177184Rollan.
Rolled 3, 6, 5 = 14>>30177465Aw, crap. Wrong dices.
Despite your best efforts, your steps still echo in the cavernous waiting room. So does everyone else’s. Then, a different sound. A soft thump. You all stop at once. The thump echos throughout the room. You don’t know why, but it seems to be getting louder. Echoes. Echoes don’t work like that. They don’t get louder. Echoes. Go softer. This is-“Kostov.”Clayton’s voice cuts clear through your building panic. “I think it came from your side.”You swallow. Not what you wanted to hear. You gaze up at the ceiling, a green haze, and activate powerful LED headlights built into your helmet. The exposed struts are still unpainted. You gaze up for several seconds, waiting for a shadow to move. Waiting for something bad to happen. It doesn’t, and you lower your head once more to look around your body.Backpack?A backpack is lying a few inches away from your right foot. You reach down and pick it up, comming over the squad channel, “Hey guys, false alarm. Just kicked some poor bastard’s school supplies.”You walk over to a seat and turn the backpack over, dumping out it’s contents. A few loose papers flutter to the ground. Then a heavy rectangle lands on the seat. You pick it up, curious. You turn off your nightvision before activating the tablet. “Everybody,” you say, beckoning your squadmates over, “I think I found something.”You slide a gloved hand over the screen, and the tablet unlocks. You are looking at an email client. The battery icon in the corner flashes red. Fifteen percent power.Hurrying, you start to read through the contents of the inbox in order of date.
>5/30/22XX Re: Bloody Luddites (http://pastebin.com/zVf1byTC)>5/31/22XX Subject: Construction re-Contract vis-a-vis Astra Nova (http://pastebin.com/eFqcuGUS)>6/25/22XX Re: Called it. (http://pastebin.com/Rtp46xmv)>7/12/22XX Re: First Patient (http://pastebin.com/NanUtaCj)>8/09/22XX Re: Intern Request? (http://pastebin.com/8FRwv9pS)As the four of you finish reading the emails, you look around silently."Well, that was slightly underwhelming," mutters Marlena. "I was kinda hoping for like, 'We've got the PROJECT underway. Should be hatched in a few days'. This was all just kinda... bland?"Clayton shakes his head. "No. It's important. And it gives credence to my theory that HoriZone may be responsible."You laugh weakly. "I thought you had it pinned on the Greys, Clayton?">Anything to say before you move on?
Gee, Sirra and Vickers, eh?What a fuckin' coinky-dink.
>>30177716Is this guy we found Barry Vickers? We should check, quietly.
>>30177716>They're a Martian corpShit.
>>30177716>HoriZone Corp is a break away from those wackjobs on Mars, focused on Start Up Planetary Franchises.So thats why Marlena wanted to tag along...ah shit.
>>30177758Yah, duh.
Rolled 6, 2, 8 = 16>>30177716Oh fuck, they hired a local self taught genius at genetic engineering.No way that could go horribly wrong.
>>30177716Any one want to give some one sentence summary's to those of us who can't open pastebins?I know it's just me. ;_;
>>30177716Any advice on dealing with Martians, Marlena?
>>30177881Out of curiosity anon, what's keeping you from accessing them?
>>30177912He has no arms or legs ;_;
Rolled 4, 3, 8 = 15>>30177881The locals are martian hippies and really don't like genetic engineering.The clinic recently hired a self taught local intern who is apparently a genius at generic engineering.
>>30177912A combination of Paste-bin's site having too much traffic and my computer speed being too slow to get around it.>>30177933Thank you kindly
>>30177716Alright, so...Biodyne shows up, starts a clinic, bio-purists don't like it, general NIMBY sentiment, Vasqez, the local HoirZone leader of sorts, stirs up negative PR, slows constructions as much as possible, then charges exorbitant rates for power. At this point, not trusting Vasquez, Biodyne sets up the clinic to be entirely self-sufficient.One patient arrives, and then the next set of emails is about a new intern--a self-taught local named Logan Sandflow. Apparently quite charming.GEE, I WONDER IF IT WAS AN INSIDE JOB?
>>30177716"I want to change my bet! It's totally gene-engineered super monsters created by a luddite genius."
>>30177716Do we have any intel on the rest of the colony? Is everyone else still alive / living their normal routine?
>>30177716>>8/09/22XX Re: Intern Request?Comment on the insanity of hiring on a "self-trained" intern after all of the problems that they had gone through.Seems like trouble from the start, especially after they went through all of the effort to make themselves more or less self-sufficient.Also seconding Marlena's take on it if she has any thoughts.
Alright, writing
“Well fuck. I’m changing my bet from Cthulhu. Seems like that Logan kid in the last few emails did it. Makes perfect sense.”“The idiot with the ax is right,” concurs Dr. Tran. “This reeks on an inside job.”“No,” murmurs Marlena, “the Sandflows were well known malcontents. This would be right up a scion of their clan’s alley.”“We can’t be sure of that,” answers Dr. Tran. “Just because his family is one way does not determine how the child will be.”Before Marlena can respond Clayton rumbles across the comm link. “Alright, quit giving me such an earbashing. We’ll make that determination once we’ve gotten some more intel. Good kicking shit with your foot, Ivan. Now let’s get moving squad.”The four of you begin to walk forward. Marlena on point with her MPSE. You a few steps behind and to her left. Clayton in the middle, assault rifle raised. Dr. Tran in the rear, walking backwards and scanning the six. Your footsteps echo around you. Fuck, this is completely ruining situational awareness. Lord knows what could be creeping around underneath all of this din?Clayton interrupts another one of your panicky trains of thought. “Alright Squad. I’m looking at my map, and there seems to be two or three ways we could go about this. I think our number one priority is returning power to the clinic, that way we’re not wandering around in the dark. Another priority, checking on the locations where the first two teams went missing.”You all nod, unwilling to speak, even into your helmets.“So to do that, I’m suggesting we split. Marlena and I will check out where the missing team went well… missing. Ivan, I want you to go and restore power. Tran will support.”>What say you to this plan?
>>30178391He's squad leader, and to be honest I'd rather take my chances with Tran than be with Redskies. He's an asshole, but at least he's not a crazy asshole.
>>30178391"Gotcha Squad Lead."
Rolled 7, 10, 4 = 21>>30178391DON't SPLIT THE PARTYand besides, the security team that went dark was trying to restore power, maybe we'll find them on the way there
>>30178391That's fine. Clayton can probably rein Marlenna in better than us anyway.
>>30178391"Oh great, if I get hurt he can watch me bleed to death."
>>30178391"Fine, though you and I both know our comm limitations."
Rolled 6, 8, 6 = 20>>30178391Lead, wouldn't the first reflex of both missing team to restore power too?While looking for the power source, we are likely to find clues about what happened to the rescue teams.
>>30178391>What say you to this plan?Who is considered second in command after Clayton? If it's Marlena, she shouldn't be matched up with Clayton and should go with us.Also. A little worried about splitting the team, considering both previous groups went missing.Those quibbles aside, it's Clayton's call, so if he thinks it's best, go with it.
>>30178391"Like, you got it man!" In our best shaggy voice. Then to Tran. "Lets go, Scoob!"
>>30178391I agree with these anons:>>30178503>>30178477Ask Clayton if we can move together to restore power, they'd have gone towards the generator or its control system.
Rolled 7, 3, 4 = 14>>30178391I'll second >>30178477 & >>30178503
>>30178511I think he's...putting us in charge and not Redskies. Seriously? She's gonna be pissed.
>>30178513I'm dying, this, this so much.
>>30178513>Fucking Ivan with his weird ancient references
>>30178511Marlenna's crazy. I'd rather have an experienced merc like Clayton handle her than a newbie like us.
the security teams went to restore power so we should all go there because what ever was here did not want the power on
>>30178513OH GOD YES
Alright, seems like we're going for a quick "Is this wise?" question Point out that the security teams wanted to restore power tooAccept Clayton's final call, however.
>>30178513This! This! A thousand times this!
>>30178513That's some funny ass shit there.
>>30178638I think we both know referencing Scooby will get our questioning tone across to even an Australian.It's been two centuries, I'm sure they've caught up on amurrican media by now.
Rolled 5, 2, 8 = 15>>30178638Not much of a "Is this wise" and more of a "We would be going the same way stupid"
>>30178705Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if two hundred years from now you'll find people still listening to what we think of as classic rock, classical music (which is already hundreds of years old), and probably watching some version of Boomerang that's incorporated all of the great, older cartoons.
“Hey, don’t mean to disrupt the chain of command here,” you say, “but weren’t the two earlier teams headed to restore power too? Shouldn’t we just stay together and we’ll run across them?”Clayton shakes his head. “Damn, knew I forgot to tell you guys something. I was commed in with Ms. Sirra earlier. According to her, both teams made a beeline for the active sections of the clinic first. Living quarters and operational therapy pods. Primary concern fellow employees, stuff like that. There’s a more direct route to the Fiss/Fuse plant from here, that’s what you’ll take.”“So wait,” grunts Marlena, “are you telling me that the other teams went missing after dickering around in the locations where all the inhabitants of the clinic were located? That sounds ominous.”“And that’s why the two more experienced mercs are going there,” sighs Clayton, exasperated. “If something did attack the teams we’ll be there to draw whatever it is away from Ivan and Tran. I thought you were all for something like that Marlena.”Marlena chuckles. “Alright, I concede your point.”You pause for a second, before attempting your best Shaggy. "Like, you got it man!" You turn to Dr. Tran "Lets go, Scoob!"The squad doesn't say anything. After a few moments, the shame gets to you. Not everyone took ancient Earth Culture classes in college.“Alright then," mumbles Clayton, "let’s get moving.”The four of you walk together for a period of time, before coming across a sealed door. Clayton orders the squad to stop. “Alright. That’s the door leading down to the Fiss/Fuse plant. We’ll go on ahead to the gene therapy center.”As Clayton and Marlena walk away, you take off your helmet. “What are you doing, imbecile?” hisses Tran.
“Micro welder makes sparks. Could get blinding. Here,” you say, activating you helmet’s high beams and holding it up to Tran. “Take this and hold it on the door. Need some more light while I work.”Dr. Tran complies, muttering to himself about rank and seniority. The light from your helmet shines out in the darkness. You can see motes of dust float in the air. It’s like nobody’s been here for weeks. Probably because nobody has. You hands reach out, almost in greyscale due to the contrast out from the highbeam, and get to work on the door. The hissing of your microwelder is the only sound in the hallway.>Roll a tech Check! 3d10
>>30179051>Not knowing Scooby-DooHeathens.
>>30179051>Didn't take Ancient Earth Culture 1021I respect each one of them just a little less now.
>>30179051Might as well use this when shit inevitably goes down.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pablq0OcahI
Rolled 9, 5, 8 = 22>>30179102
>>30179051>>30179102We're gonna cal Tran that for the rest of the mission.
Rolled 10, 4, 2 = 16>>30179102
Rolled 1, 2, 3 = 6>>30179102>>Roll a tech Check! 3d10
Rolled 10, 6, 5 = 21>>30179102
Rolled 3, 3, 10 = 16>>30179102
Rolled 4, 3, 2 = 9>>30179102
>>30179102dice+3d10
>>30179230>>30179188Dice gods just up an took a shit on us.
Rolled 5, 10, 10 = 25>>30179171https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9g931LC43MQ>"Scoob! The Fiss/Fuse reactor is in the other room!">[Lack_of_Power_Intensifies}>"I need to get in there and turn it on!">[Eldritch_Abominations_Intensify]>"Scoob! Hold this helmet up for light!"
>>30179241DERPT
So I've been thinking about tech and other skill checks. I've been taking the highest roll thus far, but considering how the 3d10 works, and how it gives rolls on a normal curve, I'm thinking of instituting a new rolls system.Essentially look at first five rolls. Usually go with highest, unless there is a roll at or below an 8, which would mean an automatic failure. This can be cancelled by a roll of a 25+. I think that this will increase the odds of failure from essentially nil to slight.Obviously not going to institute this roll system just yet. Will wait for Ivan to be back on the Brick when it doesn't matter as much to test it out. While I write, what are your thoughts on this system? Totally incomprehensible? Good idea? Terribad?
Rolled 4, 10, 9 = 23>>30179102
Rolled 1, 3, 7 = 11>>30179381Good idea, but I would use roll above 25 or under 8 to represent events outside of our control.
>>30179381I think you should paste everyones' rolls (or first 5, whatever) into a spreadsheet and have it pick order them randomly. Then examine them from top to bottom.If the roll is failed or succeeds, use the next roll in your random list to determine the magnitude of the success or failure - in this case, high rolls are always "spectacular" and low rolls are always "boring". So rolling low both times would be a "you fail at making the sandwich; you dropped it." Rolling low, then high would be "you fail at making the sandwich; there is now peanut butter on the ceiling fan."Have really low rolls get automatically-counted and do something amusing. Same with really high rolls. This means that you might have both a spectacular success and a spectacular failure; in this case, split the action into multiple components. "You successfully make the sandwich. The kitchen is now on fire."
>>30179381Seems fine. Too nice, if anything.I'd suggest a 'you succeed but there is a setback/problem' result for a slew of values towards the top. Some things are just harder, taking averages is boring busywork for QMs, etc and having a penalty-free success be 25-30 rather than 20-30 might be alright - like doing something without using up supplies or fighting without getting a bit injured.
>>30179562This is me.>>30179519This anon makes a good point.>>30179548This would be nice if it didn't add more things to do into every re-post writeup prep.
>>30179548I've run some quests so here's an opinion, take it or leave it. The work involved here is fine on paper when everyone's wide awake but trying to do this at two in the morning when you're also running other mechanics and working on your writing not being shit just makes for a drag.Simplicity and elegance make for faster and easier questrunnan.
For the next post, I suggest listening to this at the lowest possible volume level.Still working on it though, so don't start just yet.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3fqE01YYWs
>>30179589>This would be nice if it didn't add more things to do into every re-post writeup prep.It actually makes things easier for the QM, because he doesn't have to arbitrarily pick out rolls to use or do anything special with the data - just paste them, randomize, and let er fly.It also lets the dice dictate roughly what happens, and will be a lot more amusing and colorful.Picking highest: means we will rarely, if ever, fail unless the difficulty is very highPicking average: means that we will almost never fail medium-low difficulty, and will almost never succeed medium-high difficulty.Picking random: gives everyone (that the QM counts) an equal chance to influence the rollUsing other rolls as followup: gives everyone who doesn't get picked more chances to influence the outcome of the actions (similar to action chains, which are really awesome)
>>30179746Well, he's seen it and he can try it if he wants. I wouldn't do it myself but I'm not gonna eat up any more posts, but I don't think arbitrary choice is the problem so much as mechanichs geared toward creating the best story, the most well-balanced narrative, the fairest system, etc.
You work fast, quickly disabling the locking mechanism that kept the door closed. Wriggling your fingers into the gap between the two doors, you push it open with both hands. You slide your helmet into place, turning off the highbeams. You glance around the hallway you are about to leave before entering the tunnel. You thought that maybe? In the corner of your eye? Shaking your head, you decide it was probably just a dust mote. The two of you descend into the tunnel, you at point, Dr. Tran taking up the rear. The pair of you walk along the hallway. Footsteps echoing.The two of you walk deeper into the facility. Nothing. You kind of expected something. Anything really. You zone out slightly as you walk, just listening to the cascade of footsteps as you and Dr. Tran walk deeper into the facility. Then without warning something changes.You jerk around, Model 223 at the ready. Dr. Tran stares back at you, his own gun up in the firing position. The two of you stare at each other. Then you realize what happened.“We’re out of Clayton’s comm range,” you say, dully.“Yes.”With that out of the way, the two of you keep on walking forwards, footsteps sounding more like a stampede in the darkness. Your mind starts to count your own heartbeats. An exercise in boredom relief more than anything else. Then a thought occurs to you. “Hey, hey Dr. Tran. What if everyone in the facility just got lost going down to the reactor after the power went out? What if they’re all down here with us, lost in the darkness, looking for the li-”You cut yourself off. That line of thought got very dark, very fast. You shiver and return to being silent.The two of you walk on. You feel like it’s been hours, but according to your HUD, it’s only been about thirty minutes since you separated from Marlena and Clayton. You turn a corner, and grunt in surprise.
A light. A single glowing fluorescent bulb hangs above an industrial lift. HoriZone’s logo is stencilled onto the floor. The two of you deactivate night vision and walk up to it, suspicious. “How?”“It can’t be,” replied Dr. Tran, shaking his head in disbelief. “Why isn’t the rest of the clinic powered?”“How is this powered then?”Tran doesn’t answer.You walk up to the lift and push apart the metal safety grate. You step up to the controls. They’re live.“Going down?”Dr. Tran joins you on the lift. “Stupid fucking question.”The lift shudders, and begins to descend.>Anything to say to Tran on the ride down?>Also, roll 3d10 for… reasons.
Rolled 5, 1, 2 = 8>>30180165"So, read any good horror stories lately?'
Rolled 4, 1, 7 = 12>>30180165"Here's hoping it's localized power near the generator, Scoob."
Rolled 8, 1, 10 = 19>>30180165Please god, no aliens waiting to lay eggs in our chest.
Rolled 10, 5, 6 = 21>>30180165>>Anything to say to Tran on the ride down?What do you make of this?
Rolled 7, 3, 2 = 12>>30180165
Rolled 5, 9, 7 = 21>>30180165
Rolled 4, 7, 6 = 17>>30180165"How you doing on grenades, Scoob?"Also, what other weapons do we got with us?
Alright, writing. Will keep an eye open for more posts.While we wait, feedback. How are things right now? Any complaints or concerns I should be aware of?
Rolled 1, 7, 6 = 14>>30180165"If this OP turns into the horror movie my subconscious is screaming it is, I just want you to know I fucking called it."
>>30180361Oh man, the meta questioning if everything's ok for everyone is giving me Dead Space flashbacks. Why would you do that?
Rolled 1, 9, 2 = 12>>30180165If I don't make it, tell Valkrie I sent you in my place.
>>30180361Things are slow and somewhat linear at the moment, but you're trying a new ambience so we'll see how it goes.
Rolled 10, 10, 7 = 27>>30180165
>>30180446Hahahaha sorry about that anon. I've never actually played Dead Space before. Is that sort of thing... common I guess?I can guarantee there won't be body horror anything close to what I've seen in trailers for it though>>30180496Yes. I'm hoping to build some tension, but please, let me know if I'm missing the mark. Feedback like that is important
>>30180519>>30180361I for one am rather on edge. Not sure how much of that is the writing or that fucking video. *shudders*
>>30180519Why didn't you roll earlierWhy
Rolled 1, 4, 7 = 12>>30180165"you think they where able to hook up part of this place to the new generator?"
>>30180528In light of >>30180549 I'll get back to you later on the Hugbox. Keep at it, but just remember what you already know about the necessity for compelling choices that make some kind of difference and what we've come to learn about supplying dialogue so far.Up to this point it's been intro, we've been following orders, the only other option would have been pants on head retarded shit like insubordination and then running off into the darkness for no good reason.
>>30180361>How are things right now? Any complaints or concerns I should be aware of?Nah, getting creepier by the post though.
>>30180549I imagine that recording has shit tons of infra- and ultra- sound. Assuming, of course, that your speakers/headphones actually have that much range.
>>30180165That's from Amnesia.OH FUCK THAT'S FROM AMNESIA.
>>30180635yeah whatever it is, it certainly set the mood for creep factor. lol
>>30180165"So, realistically, what's the worst-case scenario we could be looking at here?"
>>30180748The first or second?IT'S IMPORTANT THAT I KNOW WHAT WE'RE DEALING WITH
>>30180805First I believe.Prepare for pain boyo.
Rolled 5, 8, 4 = 17>>30180837
The lift creaks down, away from the dangling bulb. Just when you consider switching night vision back on, you notice a new light, rising up from the blackness. The lift passes by it. Another fluorescent bulb, screwed into a wall socket. As you watch it rise away from the lift, you turn to face Dr. Tran. “So, read any good horror stories lately?”Dr. Tran jerks his head around to face yours. “Ha. Ha,” he says crossly. “Very funny Kostov. How about you do us all a favor and focus on the mission, rather than opening your mouth at every opportunity?”“Alright then. What do you make of this? Why isn’t power getting to the rest of the clinic?”“I do not know. I thought this was your specialty, messing about with machines and electronics. Leave me in peace.”You fall silent. The only noise now the metallic creaking as the lift descends. A few minutes, and the it hits you. Where did all of the wall lights go? Again, another light rises up out of the blackness. You grin and shake your head. Too skittish. You watch the light as it approaches.Your eyes go wide.
>>30180837OH SHIT THE BROWSER'S GONNA CLOSE IF WE DIE OH SHIT OH FUCK
A glowing light strip stuck against the wall. You and Dr. Tran watch as it flickers slightly. The wall socket next to it has a bulb inside. The bulb is smashed. You swallow. “Those things are only rated to last four days,” you mutter.“Who?”“I suppose we’ll find out,” you mutter as the lift comes to a stop. Power plant level. You step off of the lift. More of the glow strips are pressed against the wall, obviating the need for night vision. You take point and step forward, Dr. Tran scuttling behind you. The pair of you walk forward, looking around at the wall strips. According to your map, you’re headed towards the reactor room, as well as the primary power control board. Your passage is one of a few that meet up in a larger corridor that leads to the reactor room. Instinctively, you know that that the last passage way to hook up with the corridor to the reactor room leads back up to the Gene Therapy clinics.About twenty meters down the hall you hear it. You hear it over the sound of your own breathing. You and Dr. Tran turn in unison and stare back down the hallway.The lift is going back up.>Wat do?>Also, roll a grit check
Rolled 9, 10, 1 = 20>>30180985Prepare defensive positions, and pray to whatever god we feel like praying to today.
>>30180985Oh boy here we go.
Rolled 5, 2, 9 = 16>>30180985Jesus fucking christ.The entire place has power.Somebody just broke every goddamn bulb in the clinic.
Rolled 5, 1, 6 = 12>>30180985Find some cover. Prep grenades.
Rolled 9, 2, 4 = 15>>30180985Try not to piss our pants. Continue forward to the reactor room
Rolled 6, 5, 5 = 16>>30180985
>>30181021>Dat spoiler>MFW
Rolled 7, 8, 10 = 25>>30180985
Rolled 10, 2, 1 = 13>>30180985come on Grit!
Rolled 7, 2, 8 = 17>>30181021Not manually. Maybe he used some kind of sound based nonlethal weaponry.>>30180985
>>30181067I rolled well. Now we'll go crazy from adrenaline at the worst possible time. Yay, me.
>>30181067Sixth.
>>30181096Or they were just really, REALLY dedicated.
Rolled 9, 3, 3 = 15>>30181113That kind of decication frighten me more than whatever that mad genetic genius could come up with.
Rolled 6, 8, 7 = 21>>30180985Turn to Dr. Tran and say "Once we get to the reactor you DO NOT take your eyes off this hallway while i try to fix this, ok."
>>30180985>Dr. TranI just got here, but please tell me he has a PHD in kicking ass
>>30181358Only in watching asses, anon.He specializes in Biology.
>>30181358No, he has a PHD in being a no fun douchenozzle.
>>30181413Still better than Redskies.
>>30181438Not debating that, anon. Still, compared to Clayton... He's definitely an asshole.
“Shit.”Best you can muster. “Shit.”Dr. Tran stares at you. “I don’t want to be here when whatever called the lift up comes back down.”“Me neither.”A few steadying breaths. You begin to walk forward, towards the reactor room. Dr. Tran falls in behind you, scanning the hallway leading back to the lift with his rifle. You stop at the intersection of your hallway and the larger corridor, glancing around the corner. Nothing that you can see.“Clear,” you mutter.The two of you press on, walking towards the reactor room. Your heart is beating faster. You know what it dreads. The last hallway. What is down the last hallway? AS you draw closer to it, you press yourself against the wall, shuffling your armored feet along, hoping to make less noise.Still. The echoes. You stop at the corner. And you glance down the hallway.Nothing.Sighing in relief, you unglue yourself from the wall and take a step forward.Something. Movement. You point your revolver down the hallway, finger on the trigger. Something shifts in the distance. You activate your headbeams.A body. A body is sitting up against the wall. You and Dr. Tran walk up to it, eyeing it carefully.
You can see the brown surrounding it in a dry pool. As you get closer, it’s easy to see what happened. Neck. Ripped open.Dr. Tran hurries forward and turns the head to get a better look at the injury. The dead man’s eyes stare up into your own. They are wide. Suprised. His mouth turned down in a grimace of shock. You shudder, and step outside of the dead man’s field of vision. After a few seconds, Dr. Tran stands up.“Teeth.”“What sort?”“I only know the dentition of one species on this world.”“Fuck.”Dr. Tran pats down the corpse before coming up empty handed. The two of you quickly back away from the body, unwilling to linger in the hallway so close to the Gene Therapy center. As you pull back, you swear you can hear more footsteps than there are people. Only a few seconds and the pair of you are both sprinting to the Reactor Room. You stumble into it, panting, and not from exertion. Dr. Tran takes up position near the entry door, scanning the hall with his rifle.You take a few steps forward, and survey the room.
Welp, the green lights make it pretty damned clear the Fiss/Fuse plant is up and running. Grunting, you walk over the the electricity control panel. A bag. A bag lies next to the seat in front of the control panel. You lift it up. Unactivated glowstrips fall out. And another tablet. You reach down to grab the tablet. That’s when you notice something odd about the glowstrips.Some of them are smeared with brown.You look again at the bag in your hand. A hint of forest green peeks out from behind the… Brown.You drop the bag. “Shit.”Gotta focus. You have a job here. Restore power. You need to do that first and foremost. You place the tablet on the panel as you contemplate it.Wiring damage. Power cut off to the rest of the clinic to avoid overloading the… lights. Shaking your head, you begin to override unnecessary safety protocols. You’d take an operational computer system, security system, and doors at the risk of blowing out all of the lights any day.You are about to call out to Dr. Tran when there is a loud noise.Shots.
>>30181824Okay I've been running about 7 hours now, and I'm running out of steam. This seems like a terrible place to cut off, which is probably a good thing for the sake of suspense.Anyway, sorry about how little got done today. I didn't realize building suspense would take so bloody long.Next thread on Thursday, when I can write up more email pastebins and we can get to some serious HAPPENINGS.As always I'll be lurking in case you have questions or criticism.
>>30181927Why is Dr. Tran such a stick in the mud?
Rolled 8, 9, 3 = 20>>30181927Thank you for running fall guy
>>30181927Have you played Amnesia by any chance?Because it's practically one of the defining games of the horror genre.
>>30181927Criticism: fuck horror, go for thrills and suspended terror. Horror is about writing something awful, or showing a monster in a movie, or a chainsaw. Suspended terror is often about fear of the unknown, of what's coming next.The 'this place is dark and abandoned' was supposed to have that effect but we're not actually there so instead I was sitting here listening to a nasa recording and waiting for the next action - not dreading it, not in the grip of desperation, not wondering where the chips would fall. Just waiting for the next post and waiting for a choice, and there were no choices so it was a matter of waiting some more.Also you were telling a lot more than you were showing. HAppens to the best of us when tired.I'm putting it down to experimentation in a new area.
>>30181989I mostly just wanted to write a character that you didn't get along with.>>30181994I have played an earlier game from the same company, Penumbra.I have Amnesia on my compy, but am too scared to play it. I am a total wuss
>>30182056Thanks for the input anon. This mission was experimental for me, I don't think I'll be repeating it.And yeah, things were railroaded quite a lot this thread. I'll be the first to admit it. Regardless, next thread should be much more free in terms of player agency.Thanks for riding it out anyway tho
>>30182185That's a shame, I was quite enjoying the change of pace.
>>30182185No worries, man. But if you're gonna rattle us you gotta stop building ambience at some point and grab us by the scruff.
>>30182213I mean, I will be finishing it in this tone, don't you worry too much about that anon.I'm also planning for some at least creepy and thematic missions in the distant future. Less explicitly horror than this one though.
>>30182185I only just finished reading the thread, at work atm, but gotta say, I'm not a coniseur of the horror genre, but I had fun reading through that, I feel it set the atmosphere very well while still being enjoyable to read, I'm looking forward to the rest of this mission
>>30182370Personally, I agree with >>30182669It's a bit railroady, but that's sorta consequence of the mission itself. I don't mind reading trough suspense like this, myself, and the music choices definitely help.That said, missions like these should be a rare sorta treat, I think heh. I want to see you do something similar sometime. Sci fi horror is my favorite. Keep in mind, the more implants we get the tougher we feel. That might make it harder to feel suspense too.All the same, good thread. Look forward to the conclusion, and what the hell is going on here. You put a TON of work into those pastebins man. It's impressive, and I appreciate it.Didn't get to join this thread sadly, was out.Some personal thoughts>Pros>>Good descriptionsI like how you describe things in general.>>Nice music choiceYou're one of the few who incorporate such a thing so often. It is extremely important in a horror thing, too. But so is the feeling of helplessness. Good to remember.>>Great sense of 'What the fuck' going down.To specify, you had interesting things happen during it all. They were small, but notable. It wasn't 'you walked down a dark hall, and it was dark' the entire time. I liked that.>Cons>>Linear Not always bad. Possibly next horror style mission might be an exploration one>>Lack of dialogue This one was a personal thought. We got stuck with a guy who's a big old lump, hard to bounce stuff off of in such a situation. I think it would've been interesting to see Ivan try and get his nervous energy out by trying to talk a lot more. He seems the type.Hope this was helpful mate.
