awww yeaaaahhh

>>41544928
First, I read that as "Corgis Quest".
My disappointment upon re-reading is great.

File: Mission_7.jpg (1.93 MB, 4267x2133)

1.93 MB JPG

>>41544928
Your targeting computer identifies the interlopers as Pugilist and Wimp class mechs respectively. The former is melee oriented mech sporting two massive spiked fists while the other carries a disproportionately large mini-gun.

Right now you've got the Cognis hunkered down in cover behind some cargo containers.

[Tactical Combat Display Activated]

Enemy Status:
>Pugilist-D1, in range of laser,railgun and missiles, target obscured
>Wimp-D1, in range of railgun and missiles, target obscured
>Armoured Train, no line of sight
>Caboose, in range of laser, railgun and missiles.

We still have the initiative(Remember. 3d20 for the Laser or HMG, 1d20 for the railgun, missile and melee.)
>Manuever to try and get a better shot.(Choose Weapon)
>Hold position and open fire. (Choose weapon, Will attempt to lock in addition to shooting.)
>Fallback and set up overwatch. (Choose weapon)
>Write in

Instructions for Lev
>"I want a missile on my target!" (Specify)
>"Grab a weapon and shoot!"
>"Hack the enemy." (Specify)
>"Lock on to my targets but hold fire."
>"Grab a weapon and shoot when a target presents itself."(Overwatch)
>Write in

Rolled 14 (1d20)

>>41545235
>>Hold position and open fire. (Choose weapon, Will attempt to lock in addition to shooting.)
Pugilist with railgun
>"I want a missile on my target!" (Specify)
Wimp

Rolled 12 (1d20)

>>41545235
Let's fall back and let them come to us
>Fallback and set up overwatch. (Railgun)
>"Grab a weapon and shoot when a target presents itself."

Rolled 5 (1d20)

>>41545235
>rail gun puglist
>lev target locks and missiles wimp

Run interference for our clients. Tell them to gtfo.

>>41545600
Holding position btw.

>>41545352
>>41545449
>>41545600

Looks like we stand and fight. Lev will fire a missile if he can.

Writing...

>>41545235
We're fighting the two craziest fighters in anime right? The gunslinger girl from black lagoon and the Scotsman from helsing?

>>41545660
I just used their faces, but yes. the irony is that their roles have been swapped.

>>41545235
We should make called shots on their leg bits with the rail guns. That way we can keep them here and run like buggery.

Once our clients are out of here that is.

They say they're after us, but that could easily be a lie. And we don't want to give these guys the idea that our mech is more valuable than their shit.

File: Mission_7_P1.jpg (1.95 MB, 4267x2133)

1.95 MB JPG

You ready the railgun but find it hard to line up a shot through the interfering cover. You think you have a shot and squeeze one off only to have it impact the ground between the two mechs.

You see a target lock flash on your HUD and seconds later a missile slams into the Wimp. Despite his success Lev looks aprehensive.

"There's something weird going on here... I'm getting some error messages from the fire control system."

It might be nothing, or not, but first things's first.

"Gamma 1, be advised additional hostiles have entered the mission area. I'm moving to engage. I suggest you take your 'asset' and haul ass!"

(Resolving Enemy Phase, standby...)

>>41545709
Just so you know, called shots have a big penalty to them.

>>41545908
what can we do to boost our ability to hit?

Lockons right? So can we lockon and railgun somebody's leg?

Or lock onto the leg specifically and put a missile into it?

>>41545984
I'm fairly certain lock-ons are missile exclusive.
Also I get the feeling that train car is just as much of a threat as the mechs

>>41546012
well we stay the fuck away from them as best we can. They don't appear to have long range weaponry, so we just have parts of the map denied us.

>>41546047
The one thing we can't really run away from is the satellite car. I'm thinking they're going to start jamming our missiles soon enough, if nothing more than that.

>>41545210
So did I

>>41546137
oooh, that's a good point... well I guess we'll see... if necessary we'll put a rail gun round through it...

but right now I think our objective is 'survive' and 'flee'.

Hmmm...

Wait a tick.

Why the HELL did the PMC that came with us not bring any mechs?

OP? Why didn't the PMC we travel with bring any mechs?

File: Mission_7_E1.jpg (1.98 MB, 4267x2133)

1.98 MB JPG

>>41546237
((They did bring mechs: YOU))

You look on in horror as the Pugilist charges towards you. The terrain that you thought would buy you some time doesn't even slow it down. The rear flat bed of the first train: smashed aside, the crane: you're not even sure, it just explodes and suddenly the Pugilist is right infront of you delivering an uppercut to the main hull.

The impact is shakes you violently in your seat, the primary sensor feed goes offline for a split second and when it comes back, it's crowded with warning labels.

Lev is freaking out. "Aww shit! Half our systems just went offline. I think that mech has some kind of EMP capability built in to it's fists."

Meanwhile the Wimp opens up on the Terminal building with its minigun, a torrent of high caliber explosive shells spews out of it's barrels turning the corner of the building into swiss cheese. When firing stops, that segement of the rail terminal just collapses.

[t@ctic#l ^0mbat D!spl-- Onl()ne]

Cognis Status:
>Cognis Armour Integrity:14/45
>Missiles:4/6
>Railgun Rounds:15/20

Enemy Status:
>Pugilist-D1, in melee range
>Wimp-D1, in range of laser,railgun and missiles
>Armoured Train, in range of railgun and missiles
>Caboose, in range of laser, railgun and missiles.

Oh shi...(Remember. 3d20 for the Laser or HMG, 1d20 for the railgun, missile and melee.)
>Fight back in melee?
>Fall back! Fall Back!
>Shoot the Pugilist in the face! (Big penalties)
>Write in

Instructions for Lev
>"I want a missile on my target!" (Specify)
>"Grab a weapon and shoot!"
>"Hack the enemy." (Specify)
>"Lock on to my targets but hold fire."
>"Get our systems back online!"
>Write in

Rolled 5 (1d20)

>>41546349
>>Armoured Train, in range of railgun and missiles
missiles
>"Grab a weapon and shoot!"
Pug

Rolled 4 (1d20)

>>41546349
You know what.

Every time we see mechs, they're in a defensive position.

They're never on the offense, except us, which are somehow special, and these guys, who have a caboose that does... nothing? It's not even trying to hack us.

What if that's somehow important?

Let's put everything we have into the caboose.

>move away from Puglist to get maximum shot capabilities on the caboose
>Railgun the caboose
>Lev missile the caboose

>>41545984
>>41546012
Lock-ons do give bonuses to regular ranged attacks as well as enabling the use of missiles.

Rolled 7 (1d20)

>>41546427
Seconding this guy. Shit roll and all. We'll just be pulverized otherwise.

Rolled 2 (1d20)

>>41546427
Seconding myself as well, we might as well take a chance on this.

>>41546491
>>41546466
>>41546427
The dice gods are not with us brothers... let's hope aiming for something so fucking big will increase our chances of hitting...

>>41546491
Wow, the dice are not with us on this one.

>>41546349
>>Fall back! Fall Back!
>"Get our systems back online!"

Guy he nearly killed us in one hit, run.

>>41546547
They move so damn fast we have no chance of getting away from them. So gamble time on satellite dishes being important

>yfw I've been pressing us to shoot out satellite dishes since the first mission

>>41546547
The Pugilist dealt 12 to our armor. That's sure as hell nearly half what we had when we started this session, but if the damage is consistent we have at most 2 more rounds. We're definitely not gonna take both of this mechs out in that time, but that satellite car, maybe..

>>41546349
is no one else going to point out how that guy has a chain gun that apparently just CHEWED THROUGH A FORTIFIED DEPOT?!

>>41546425
>>41546427
>>41546466
>>41546491

Looks like we're gonna take a chance on that satellite car.

Writing...

Rolled 9 (1d20)

>>41546427
come on dice gods... SUPPORT THIS SHIT

File: Mission_7_P2.jpg (1.93 MB, 4267x2133)

1.93 MB JPG

As the Pugilist winds up for another attack you notice the cluster of comms equipment on the caboose. Surely they didn't... no way could anyone be stupid enough to bring their mobile server farm into battle with them. Still it was either that or get pounded to death by the enemy.

"Lev! Get our systems back online now!"
"R-right, uh EMP recovery. I need to reboot each subsystem and..."

A light winks on your HUD as the railgun come back online. You don't have time to aim, as soon as you see an opening you swing the barrel round and let off a snap shot. The projectile blows a hole in the caboose, wrecking one of the comm relays.

(Resolving enemy phase, standby)

File: Mission_7_E2.jpg (2.05 MB, 4267x2133)

2.05 MB JPG

>>41546874
At first you wonder if your guess was correct, but then the Puglist's movements start to slow down, becoming more sluggish allowing you to side step it's follow up strike at the last second.

You smile to yourself. And that is the dirty not-so-secret of mechs. Their onboard computers couldn't handle all the processing required for operations in a combat environment. So armies had to run supplemental cloud computing threads from mobile server farms, usually kept behind the lines... these idiots though...

The Wimp still seems to be at full capacity it calmed walks through the wreckage of the rail terminal and sprays a hail of bullets in your general direction. The explosive rounds engulf the Cognis and it's surroundings in a storm of tiny blasts. Fortunately the guy's like of discipline meant that you avoided the worst of the damage.

--------------
"Hank! Fucking cease fire! My computers are fucked and you're hitting me with that thing."

"Then get out my fucking way bitch! I've got a fever and the only cure is more DAKKA!"

[Tactical Combat Display Online]

Cognis Status:
>Cognis Armour Integrity:10/45
>Missiles:4/6
>Railgun Rounds:14/20

Enemy Status:
>Pugilist-D1, in melee range
>Wimp-D1, in range of laser,railgun and missiles
>Armoured Train, in range of railgun and missiles
>Caboose, in range of laser, railgun and missiles.

Wat do?(Remember. 3d20 for the Laser or HMG, 1d20 for the railgun, missile and melee.)
>Fight back in melee?
>Fight retreat! (Choose target and weapon)
>Shoot the Pugilist in the face! (Big penalties)
>GTFO!(move faster, get defensive bonuses)
>Write in

Instructions for Lev
>"I want a missile on my target!" (Specify)
>"Grab a weapon and shoot!"
>"Hack the enemy." (Specify)
>"Lock on to my targets but hold fire."
>"Get our systems back online!"
>Write in

>>41547309
>>GTFO!(move faster, get defensive bonuses)
>"Get our systems back online!"

>>41547365
Seconded. Try to keep the Pugilist between us and those guns, too.

>>41547365
Sorry. I goofed cus I was rushing the update out. Your systems are already back online.

Rolled 2, 1, 2 = 5 (3d20)

>>41547309
>>Fight retreat! (Choose target and weapon)
Pug with laser
>"Hack the enemy." (Specify)
Wimp

>>41547411
In that case
>GTFO!(move faster, get defensive bonuses)
>"Put a missile in the other comm!"

>>41547411
>>41547466
backing

Rolled 5 (1d20)

>>41547309
Fall back, put a shot into the second satellite dish. Then we high fucking tail it.

>>41547466
changing decision. from >>41547504
to >>41547466

Sorry, didn't read it.

>>41547448
>>41547466
Alright, when all is said and done we're gonna put a missile into the other comm then cheese it.

Writing...

>>41547309
oh also tell our apc buddy to gtfo. Guard the truck. We'll be right behind.

File: Mission_7_P3.jpg (1.94 MB, 4267x2133)

1.94 MB JPG

"Lev put a missile in that Caboose!"

"I-I'm sorry Sergei, the targetting system is having a hard time getting through the ECM."

"Dammit, we gotta GTFO now!"

You spin the Cognis on it's heel and open up the throttle. With a surprising amount of aclarity the mech leaps forward, opening up a massive gap between it and it's pursuers.

(Resolving enemy phase, standby...)

>>41547715
Tell our buddy to leave! PLEASE D: he's gotta gtfo too!

File: Mission_7_E3.jpg (1.97 MB, 4267x2133)

1.97 MB JPG

>>41547715
"Don't be a hero gamma 1, keep the asset safe, we'll be right with you."

The AFV doesn't need to be told twice any thoughts of assisting you evaporate once it realises the amount of devastation being unleashed by the Wimp.

Your enemies continue their pursuit. The Pugilist continues to barrel through cover, but with only a fraction of the speed and ferocity you previously observed. The Wimp moves in and opens fire, but you seem to be out running the bullets, or more accurately the enemy pilot has sorely misjudged his aim.


[Tactical Combat Display Online]

Cognis Status:
>Cognis Armour Integrity:10/45
>Missiles:4/6
>Railgun Rounds:14/20

Enemy Status:
>Pugilist-D1, in range of all weapons
>Wimp-D1, in range of laser,railgun and missiles
>Armoured Train, no line of sight
>Caboose, in range of railgun and missiles.

We might just win this(Remember. 3d20 for the Laser or HMG, 1d20 for the railgun, missile and melee.)
>It's time to hit back, turn round and give em hell (Choose target and weapon)
>Fighting retreat (Choose target and weapon)
>GTFO!(move faster, get defensive bonuses)
>Write in

Instructions for Lev
>"I want a missile on my target!" (Specify)
>"Grab a weapon and shoot!"
>"Hack the enemy." (Specify)
>"Lock on to my targets but hold fire."
>Write in

Rolled 16 (1d20)

>>41547906
Fighting Retreat
>Lock onto Wimp
>Railgun Wimp

Rolled 9 (1d20)

>>41547906
>Fighting retreat (Choose target and weapon)
Railguns Wimp
>"Grab a weapon and shoot!"

Rolled 15 (1d20)

>>41547906
>Turn around and circle back towards the train, putting a railgun round into the Wimp
>"Fire a missile into the Pugilist!"

Rolled 2 (1d3)

>>41547918
>>41547952
>>41547955

Hmm, so we all agree to railgun the Wimp, but beyond that opinion is divided. Rollin muh d3

Writing...

File: Mission_7_P4.jpg (1.94 MB, 4267x2133)

1.94 MB JPG

You decide you've got enough range on the enemy to return fire with relatively little risk to yourself. You ease up on the throttle and swing the Cognis round, lining up your railgun on the enemy Wimp.

"Lev grab a weapon and see if you can give them something to think about."

"Will do Sergei."

Your score a solid hit on the Wimp, blasting a ragged hole in the side of it's torso, from which spews thick black smoke. At roughly the same time Lev burns some armour off the Pugilist with the laser, he couldn't quite keep the beam on targt for the duration but not a bad showing for someone with no skill.

Satisfied with the damage you start walking the Cognis backward to form up with Gamma 1 and the asset.

(Resolving Enemy Phase, standby)

File: Mission_7_E4.jpg (2.08 MB, 4267x2133)

2.08 MB JPG

>>41548386
Hank was in a world of hurt, one moment he had been so joyously spewing explosive dakka at the target the next his mech was on fire and he was jumping out the emergency hatch.

"FUCK!-FUCK!-FUCK! Now not only do I have to fix my mech, I have to buy more ammo for the gun! Do you know how much it costs to fire that thing for as long as I did!?" he screamed at no one in particular as he ran back to the train.

Gerty for her part just fummed silently, knowing that she had missed her chance to make the kill.

---------------------

You see the pilot of the Wimp bail out, and Pugilist turn and head back towards the train. Looks like you had successfully repelled the attack. You breifly consider turning back to finish them off but you remember that the armoured train did have a turret armed with a pair of cannons, in the Cognis's current state, best not push things. You open up the throttle again and move to join Gamma 1 and the cargo truck as the exit the mission area.

((Mission over, stay tuned for your reward.))

File: Shady_Character.jpg (54 KB, 1600x1600)

54 KB JPG

A few hours later you find yourself in a secure warehouse. Technicians from A.E.S.R are swarming over the Cognis repairing battle damage. In front of you is another one of Dvorak's trench coated representatives.

"Congratulations on your successful mission. A.E.S.R thanks you for the recovery of it's property. Now as agreed we will upgrade your mech with one of our unique pieces of equipment."

He turns to several large crates behind him. Inside each you can see an unusual looking device. Some were clearly weapons, others, you had no idea. The representative points to a long barreled cannon that looked similar to a laser but different.

"This is our Ion Gun, same damage profile as a laser weapon, but with increased range and a slight chance of shutting down the enemy's systems with EMP."

He moves along and gestures to a pair of short barreled weapons.
"Speaking of EMP, our twin Tight Stream Electromagnetic Pulse projectors are a great choice for impairing enemy performance."

In the final crate is a device you don't recognize, it looks like something out of science fiction.
"What's that one?"

The Rep get's a twinkle in his eye.
"That, my friend is a beam dispersal field generator. It reduces the searing power of a beam weapon to a gentle caress*"

"Uh... that's nice except that laser weapons aren't exactly widespread, the vast majority of the world uses solid ammo or mag rail."

He gives you a knowing smile. "True, true but A.E.S.R specializes in beam weapons and our weapons are the future. Fitting that we should have the best means of defense against them, besides I have a feeling that you may find a use for this sooner than you think..."

>cont

>>41549054
"I don't suppose you could replenish our stock of railgun rounds and missiles?"

The Rep frowns.
"No. A.E.S.R don't make railguns or their ammo, as for missiles I don't have the kind you were using. I do have some with EMP warheads. Not as damaging as a standard missile but a vastly increased likelyhood of inflicting EMP shock. I can't give them to you just like that though. Our deal was for one piece of equipment only. This is already a once in a life time opportunity, this stuff won't hit the market for months."

You were starting to notice a trend with this company...

What shall we get?
>Replace HMGs with TSEMP. (Decreased damage, increased chance of inflicting EMP shock.)
>Replace Laser with Ion Gun. (Increased range, slight chance of inflicting EMP shock.)
>Replace ECM with Beam Dispersal Field (Greatly reduces the damage of beam weapons.)

Trade in something for 6 EMP missiles?

Current Equipment:
>Skypiercer Railgun System
>Apex Combat Laser
>Twin-Linked Heavy Machine Guns
>6 Tube Vertical Launch Missile System
>ECM Suite
>Adaptive Camoflague Plating
>Missiles: 4/6
>Railgun Rounds: 13/20

Storage:
17 Railgun Rounds
3 Missiles
1 De-Orbiter Strategic Payload

((Bear in mind guys, you can put anything you're not using into storage and swap it out between missions.))

>>41549190
>>Replace Laser with Ion Gun. (Increased range, slight chance of inflicting EMP shock.)


No trade but take out the Extra missiles and rail rounds for use.


What does de-orbiter do?

>>41549190
man, the beam dispersal looks promising but I don't want to lose the ECM

>>41549280
I don't think we'd lose it, it'd go into our storage for later use.
It is very tempting though. I'm split between the straight upgrade to the laser and more options in our arsenal.

>>41549248
Well I might as well tell you now. Enough information has already been given in the quest for people to piece it together anyway.

The Cognis can deploy it's railgun into a "launch mode". In this mode it can fire strategic payloads into space. The de-orbiter is for shooting down satellites. You might want to hold on to this one.

So by now it's obvious what makes the Cognis special: It has the ability to shoot down satellites and does not require a mobile server farm to run effectively.

>>41549280
You won't. Unless you trade it away the ECM will be placed in storage and you can re-install it if you think the mission requires it.

A side note on EMP: EMP shock reduces the amount of actions a unit can take per turn. It also disables their high tech equipment (railguns, lasers missiles, and other electronics) This is not as useful against mechs that use a very low tech loadout.

>>41549190
I think we should go with the Dispersal Field. The way this guy is advertising it makes me feel like AESR's got some kind of plan for their laser tech...
No trading, I think we could make due with what we have for at least one more excursion. Maybe we could make another arrangement with these guys in the future, but make sure the meeting location next time is more secure.

>>41549248
>>41549280
>>41549499

As it stands it looks like people are leaning towards Beam Dispersal.

You sure this is what you want?

>>41549759
As the first vote i'd rather have the ion cannon and trade the lasers for emp missiles.

>>41549802
I'll second this actually. The ion gun we'll have with us until we get something better. The BDF is something we'll have to take a chance on using.

>>41549759
Alright, sorry for being wishy washy. I was just concerned that now we get to upgrade the Cognis half my players disappear. The last thing I want is for the Player base to get pissy next session because of a decision three guys made when they weren't around.

As it stands it looks like we've got 3 votes for the Ion Cannon, 2 for the BDF. A further two have advocated trading in our laser for EMP missiles.

Writing...

"Well the Ion Gun is clearly better than the laser in every way. I'll have that and you can keep the laser as payment for the missiles."

The representative nods.
"A good choice Mr. Boystov. My technicians will make the necessary modifications."

Current Equipment:
>Skypiercer Railgun System
>Ion Cannon
>Twin-Linked Heavy Machine Guns
>6 Tube Vertical Launch Missile System
>ECM Suite
>Adaptive Camoflague Plating
>Missiles: 4/6
>Railgun Rounds: 20/20 (Reloaded)

Storage:
>10 Railgun Rounds
>3 Missiles
>6 EMP Missiles
>1 De-Orbiter Strategic Payload

You've got some time before the technicians finish their work. Lev is wondering round the hangar while the Rep is overseeing some guys packing up the stuff you didn't choose.

>Think about the previous battle. "Who were those guys?"
>Question the Rep. "You know something I don't?"
>Write in...

>>41550199
>Think about the previous battle. "Who were those guys?"

>>41550199
>Check up on Anya if possible, and go discuss our next move with Lev.

You think back to the previous battle and you shudder. The Pugilist and Wimp, both models of mech produced by Guye Co. Munitions. The company itself had a mixed reputation. Some people called it a joke, others at least respected the destructive potential of its equipment. You yourself felt that they were overspecialized, very effective in close quarters, but useless beyond a certain range.

Then there was the camo pattern used by those mechs: a jagged pattern made up of red and neon pink: the colours of the Blood Dragons merc company. Until now you only knew them by reputation. They were brutal and willing to take any contract, no matter how dirty or illegal. It made sense, Surden Nevik wouldn't be able to send it's black ops units this deep into Foskoedal without sparking a war. Of course the Cognis's masters would now call upon mercs to finish the job.

Your thoughts are interrupted by Lev.

"Hey Sergei. I just got word from Anya, she's set up meeting with the Zanvrans, we'll move out when she gets back."

((That's all for tonight folks. I'll stick around for some Q&A. Let me know what you think so far. Any improvements? Anything you want see? Also thanks for playing. Looks like I'm starting to get a following at last.))

File: Exo_Terra_Almanac_Redact.jpg (685 KB, 1667x1669)

685 KB JPG

Also. Here's another little almanac thing, to give you an idea of what some of the mechs look like.

>>41550467
Next session's going to be Saturday, right?
One question I have is would it be possible to salvage mechs after battles, considering conditions were perfect?

>>41550467
Thanks for running!


I like the combat, just wish we had more flat upgrades than exchanges.

>>41550545
We did get a flat upgrade, that's why we were given a choice.

>>41550517
I'm thinking Sunday. Check the twitter for the latest news.

It's not possible to salvage mechs after battle. You are a lone super mech on the run, not a mlitary unit or merc company. You don't have the equipment, resources, personnel and time necessary to perform battlefield salvage, let alone use any mechs you might repair.

>>41550545
That depends. The Cognis only has a certain amount of hard points for equipment. They already started off filled. Some things you get will be straight upgrades (like what you chose to day.) others will be more like options that grant you alternative capabilities.

Bear in mind that the Cognis is already a very powerful machine compared to regular mechs.

>>41550679
Can we loot for ammo?

>>41550694
It's possible, but don't count on it.

The missiles used by the Cognis are special models that are not easy to come by. It's unlikely that you will encounter units in the field that carry them.

As for rail rounds, well there's only one type of mech in the world that uses the same rail rounds as the Cognis, and you haven't encountered it yet.

But the main reason you can't loot ammo is because I said so because you are on the run. You generally want to leave the battlefield as quickly as possible once things are over, lest you run into even more enemies trying to track you down.