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>>2944977
Welcome to Moe Drone Skirmish, a game about war, sacrifice, loyalty and human shaped drones.

This is a tactical turn based collective game where each player takes on the role of a drone commander. Each player controls a squad of drones from the relative safety of one of the command crawlers on the field. While you have lots of units, you cannot control them directly. Actions are limited so you must work together to fight effectively. Drones are disposable and can be replaced freely, however if a command crawler gets destroyed all commanders on board will did and their drones will self-destruct. If all command crawlers are destroyed then the game is lost.

I will attempt to make all relevant information available in this thread. Feel free to ask questions.

Skirmish discord: https://discord.gg/U8TUPH

What's that? You HATE discord... well I guess I'll loiter on IRC as well:
Rizon #Skirmish

QM twitter: https://twitter.com/CognisQM

Patch Notes:
>Charge and slash special attack attributes added.
>Balance tweaks to enemy units.
>Codified blast attacks and how they scatter.
>Added the Pyro Drone
>Added Crawler Engineer and Extra Bandwidth Perks
>Strategic Planner perk now allows you to set other player’s waypoints.
>Upgraded CQC Skirmisher attack now has the charge attribute.
>Crawler system level 4 unlocked.
>Fire Support- RR, changed to Fire Support- PC, it’s mostly an aesthetic change.
>Command Cap reduced to 6.
>Not really a change but last game I wasn’t processing artillery strikes in accordance with my own rules. Strikes take effect at the end of the enemy phase, plan accordingly.

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>>2945002
After reading the rules, if you’re ready to sign up please post with the following format:

Name:
Command Perks:
Starting Squad:
Protocol:

Squad Cap for this mission is 6
Players can select up to 3 command perks.

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>>2945009
Command Perk List

>Standby for Briefing...

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Briefing: Thanks to unit X33’s recon work we have managed find and establish contact with the lost command crawler Fis’kiire.

Fis’kiire:“Command!? This is Fis’kiire crawler ops, come in Command!”

Fleet Intelligence: “Fis’kiire this is Fleet Intelligence, the crawler Amida is enroute to your location, what is your status?”

Fis’kiire: “Bad, we suffered engine failure just as a massive wave of veggies attacked. Akolon drew them off to buy us time for repairs but then our fabricator shit the bed. The whole crawler is inoperable. It’s a miracle we can even talk right now. The crew had to open up the arms locker and form a defensive line with the last of our drones.”

Fleet Intelligence: “Hold position Fis’kiire, the Amida will arrive shortly to render assistance.”

Fis’kiire: “Hurry! I think the veggies know we’re vulnerable, we can’t hold out for long!”

The Amida will have to move within 5 hexes (measured from the centre of each crawler) of the Fis’kiire and divert half of it’s base fabrication capacity to bring the Fis’kiire’s engines back online. Once it’s engines have been repaired the Fis’kiire will retreat along the path we cleared, continue to provide support until it has exited the combat zone.

Recovering the Fis’kiire takes top priority, as such command has suspended the nominal secondary objective of harvesting vegetable corpses for food. You are now authorised to deploy pyro drones. Use them to incinerate enemies and the cover they hide behind.

Commando droid X33 will be aiding you in this mission. They will act as they see fit to help achieve mission objectives but you can make requests of them. Now that we’ve patched the unit into our C3 system they count as a signal source with a 5 hex range.

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>>2945025
Fleet Intelligence: "I have made the following intelligence brief available for your edification."

Looks like it'll take awhile for players to filter in. I'm gonna leave this thread over night.

>>2945025
"Let's git our folks home, yeah?"

Name: Wendigo
-Command Perks: [FSDUP] FS 2-RL. [SDUP] Signal 2-ST. [Extra Bandwidth]
-Squad: 8/6+2
3A: Signal 2-ST (6/6hp)
3B: Signal 2-ST (6/6hp)
3C: FS 2-RL (6/6hp)
3D: FS 2-RL (6/6hp)
-Protocol: _^5

>>2945025
Is it within the intent of Charge to activate as part of Doubletime?

>>2945025

"You three made it through the last mission, so I expect great things from you! Off you go now!"

Name: Cryptic
Command Perks: [Crawler Operator], [Soldier Drone Upgrade Package 2-AC]
Starting Squad: Soldier 2-AC x3
Protocol: _^5

>>2945025
Amida to Fis'Kiire. What's your C3 status? Hoping to drop some reinforcements on you when feasible.

Also hoping you're not stuck with verbal onthose drones. Gets a little imprecise, if you ask me.

>>2945025
"So I had to pull more than a few favors and my entire set of savings for this. So I guess you can consider this a gift i suppose?"
"Oh well thats good, so I press this button and it does what?"
"That fire's the artillery system Bethany, now for this set of butt- NO WAIT DONT PRESS THAT BUT-"
*Distant flushing of the crawlers on board toilet.*
"What was that?"
"....That was the on board organic waste system Bethany or more commonly known as the toilet...I'll fix it

>Inform me how many command perks I have to spend to make this a reality Cogniscommand

Name: Arkul, (and former signal drone Bethany)
Command Perks: ??????
Starting Squad: ?????
Protocol: ????

>>2946221
Dirty bombs and other weapons of mass disgustion are well-defined and forbidden by corporate food-safety bylaws, you understand.

I bet this place looked like an escape route the first time Fis'Kiire passed through. Veggies work damned fast.

Patches we've encountered so far favor lower ground to hide their bulk. Overgrowth on the northern hill seems more developed, which would suggest they're somehow more entrenched in that area. I say we quickly crush whatever's in the south, and we'll have one flank secure during our exit.

>>2945025
Name: Yacherii
-Command Perks: Crawler Engineer, Orbital Response, Extra Bandwidth
-Squad: 8/8
A-C Pyro
D Signaller

-Protocol: _^4

>>2945425
As it stands, no. If you want to perform a move + bayonet charge combine the weapons free order with advance. Kill Mark can also activate a move + charge attack if the target is initially out of range.

>>2945574
Fis'kiire: C3 is down, at this point everything but the emergency systems are offline.

Marsh: If you want I could double time it down to their location. My own signal source should be enough for the drop pods to lock on to. I won't be able to relay protocols if the crawler is out of range though, so whichever one you set is what you'll be stuck with until you move the Amida up.

>>2946606
Understood.

Marsh, let's call that least concern for now. I'm gearing up for a basic grind south.

>>2945025
Deep in the bowels of the Amida, Dudley plots from his panic room.

Name: Dudley
Command Perks: Strategic Planner, Extra Bandwidth, Skirmisher 2-CQC
Squad: 4/8
Skirmisher-CQC x4
Protocol: _=W

Set Strategic WP as Commando X33
Set Personal WP far west of Amida, NNW of Fis-Kiire

>>2946611
That's pretty clever. Waypoint rules seem to specify using a map location, though.

>>2946392
*confused look*
"What do you me-"
*realizes*
"OHHOHOH!!! Nice!"

>>2946221
>>2946606

"Alright teams are assembled, let's hope the crew is safe. As for you Marsh we don't really need you to reach there at least thats my opinion we're gonna set up for the slow slog up the hill."
-Updating char sheet

Name: Arkul, (and former signal drone Bethany)
Command Perks: Interlaced command packet, Soldier 2-M, Crawler Operator
Starting Squad 6/6: 1 Pyro drone. , 2 Soldier 2-M

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>>2945238
>>2946738
Approved

>>2945491
Approved but you know you allowed 3 perk this time around?

>>2946611
Stat block checks out, but your strategic point is going to be a static point. You can choose to put it on X33, but when they move the point is not going to move with them.

Anyhow, please confirm your waypoint placement and perhaps pick another strategic point.

>>2946764
"No then, how's this instead," the hermit says, tapping out new waypoints with a greasy finger
//: Relocate D directly west of the Amida and NNW from the Fis'Kiire, deep in the forest
//: Place Strategic WP on the Fis'Kiire

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>>2946814
How about now?

Everybody else, please finalize your squad composition and starting protocol if you haven't already.

>>2946929
"Squad ready sir Bethany do me a favor and head over to the signal room I'm sure that you can figure how to tune the signals without activating the toilet again."
"Okay!"
>Lock in squad and stuff

Name: Arkul, (and former signal drone Bethany)
Command Perks: Interlaced command packet, Soldier 2-M, Crawler Operator
Starting Squad 6/6: 1 Pyro drone. , 2 Soldier 2-M

>>2946929
"That'll do, that'll do."

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Alright, looks like everyone is ready. I'm going to prepare the map and get the game started.

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Running Crawler System Check...
Command Lines Open...
>̶͕͘E̶̖̍R̵̬̿R̴̙̎Ö̷̯R̶̞̃ ̸̛̝U̸͓̒N̵͎̐Ä̶̤U̶̼̽T̶̠̂Ḥ̷͌O̵͋͜R̸̹͘I̷̟͐Ś̷̠E̷̹̔D̴̖̏ ̶̥͝C̶͙̓O̷̬̎M̸̛̺M̴̙͊Á̶̙N̶̝͆D̵̬̿ ̸̤̏T̸̘̀H̴̦̒R̷̡̈E̴̝͌Ặ̸D̸̗͝
>SYS NORMAL
Deploying Drones Squads...
Assigning Commander IDs...

1:Arkul
2̷̪̊:̷̳͗ ̴̠͌D̷̙̚u̴̝̍d̷̢̀l̵̨͐e̸̮͒y̷̼̓
3:Wendigo
4:Yacherri

Commanders be advised... someone has designated strategic point Zulu for use with all waypoint navigation systems; command code: "Z"

Please add your number IDs to your names this makes things easier to keep track of.

>Crawler Amida Status:
>HP : 50/50
>C3: Lvl 1
>PDG: Lvl 1
>Fabrication: Lvl 1
>Engines: Lvl 1
>Artillery FCS: Lvl 1
>Artillery Ammo: 2/4

>All players declare actions. Turn will be processed Sunday 10am GMT+1

>>2947099
>Command action: Issue the following order: _^z# (maintain formation as is if possible)
>Crawler action: Boost signal range by +2

Name: Arkul, (and former signal drone Bethany)
Command Perks: Interlaced command packet, Soldier 2-M, Crawler Operator
Squad 6/6: 1 Pyro drone. , 2 Soldier 2-M
-Protocol: _^z# (maintain formation as is if possible)

>>2947099
>Command: +
>Crawler: Manufacture Artillery

"I'm gonna send my girls t'the top of that southern hill, so's the can have a bird's eye on the forest as we sweep through. Mebe git some pyros working on clearin' out the veg?"

>>2947099
>>2947253
Name: Wendigo
-Command Perks: [FSDUP] FS 2-RL. [SDUP] Signal 2-ST. [Extra Bandwidth]
-Squad: 8/6+2
3A: Signal 2-ST (6/6hp)
3B: Signal 2-ST (6/6hp)
3C: FS 2-RL (6/6hp)
3D: FS 2-RL (6/6hp)
-Protocol: _^5

>>2947253
"Will do if we spot any."

>>2947099
>>2947099
Dudley crunches down on a pilfered apple as he considers the Fis'kiires drone deployment. They'd do well against most, but oni-ons would cripple them and automatos outrange severely. They need the X33 quickly, at least until the Amidas drones can reach them.

A quick analysis on the map and Dudley is finished with his treat. Ideally, the Amida would advance south with a forward screen of drones, using the edge of the engagement zone to its advantage to limit flanking from the east. Going down the middle opens flanking from the rear from both potential pumpkin spawners.

He throws the apple core into the corner with the rest, and waits to see what the other officers do.

//: Issue Order !# -- loose formation abreast
//: Boost Engines

Name: Dudley
Command Perks: Strategic Planner, Extra Bandwidth, Skirmisher 2-CQC
Squad: 4/8
Skirmisher-CQC x4
Protocol: _=W

>>2947099

"Uh, Command? I don't have an ID tag, and my drones are still int heir bays. Could you help a guy out?"

>(If allowed actions this turn)
> Move Crawler, Turn to facing 4, move 4444444 (engines boosted from L2 to L3 by [Crawler Operator]
>Protocol _^4
>(If not, deploy)

Name: Cryptic
Command Perks: [Crawler Operator], [Extra Bandwidth], [Soldier Drone Upgrade Package 2-AC]
Starting Squad: Soldier 2-AC x4
Protocol: _^5

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>>2948303
Whoops, good thing I stayed up late tonight.

5: Cryptic

Yes I'll process your actions this turn.

Speaking of which processing time might have to be moved back to 12. Given how late it is I will likely sleep in.

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>>2947201
>>2947253
>>2948067
>>2948303

I finally rolled out of bed and got myself a coffee, only 1.25 hours behind schedule! Yay?

Processing...

>>2949269
For your reference and mine.

>Crawler Amida Status:
>HP : 50/50
>C3: Lvl 2
>PDG: Lvl 1
>Fabrication: Lvl 1
>Engines: Lvl 2
>Artillery FCS: Lvl 1
>Artillery Ammo: 2/4

>Build Queue:
>1 Artillery Ammo

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Marsh: I'm gonna shadow those skirmishers for a while otherwise they'll be out of signal range... who's squad are they in again?

>Standby for enemy phase

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>>2949286

Amida AI: Critical Damage sustained; forward gun battery offline.

Fleet Intelligence: "I'm tracking an unusually high number of automatoes in this region. Infested units tend to be comparatively rare. Is this a response to Fis'kiire's air units? But their flight deck has been inoperable for some time hmm..."

Fis'kiire Crewman: "Oh gawds I can see more of them massing at the tree line. Our supressors can keep the little ones at bay but the big guys..."

>standby for aftermath...

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>>2949316
Fleet Intelligence: "It looks like those automatoes were attempting to form a gun line on the ridge, good thing you disrupted them."

>Crawler Amida Status:
>HP : 38/50
>C3: Lvl 2
>PDG: Lvl 1
>Fabrication: Lvl 1
>Engines: Lvl 2
>Artillery FCS: Lvl 1
[Critical Damage] Forward Battery Offline
>Artillery Ammo: 3/4

>All players declare actions. Turn will be processed today at 8pm GMT+1 if all players post, else Monday 8pm GMT +1

"Set your girls a little more bloody-minded and give them a hug goodbye, Dudley. Another step this turn and they graduate from C3."

>Protocol _=4
>Repair 2

Name: Yacherii
-Command Perks: Crawler Engineer, Orbital Response, Extra Bandwidth
-Squad: 8/8
4A-C Pyro
4D Signaller

-Protocol: _=4

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Whoops processing error. Posting a corrected pic.

>>2949350
The soldier drones on the Amida's right flank will kill one Automato each as long as they keep advancing, giving space for the fire support drones to hussle into position. Good. The Fis'kiire though...

With a sigh, Dudley redirects his disposable skirmisher drones southwest. Hopefully, the X33 gets the idea.

//: Move Waypoint D onto the Automato NW of the Fis'Kiire
//: Build Drones 2x Soldier

Name: Dudley
Command Perks: Strategic Planner, Extra Bandwidth, Skirmisher 2-CQC
Squad: 8/8
Skirmisher-CQC x4
Soldier x2 (building)
Protocol: _=W

>>2949323

>Change protocol to _^5
>Move Crawler 44444444

>>2949350
>Command:!^4
>Crawler: Auto Point Defense
>Threat Recognition: East-most Automato will be in range at end of movement, if marking with threat recog is legal, please do.

Name: Wendigo
-Command Perks: [FSDUP] FS 2-RL. [SDUP] Signal 2-ST. [Extra Bandwidth]
-Squad: 8/6+2
3A: Signal 2-ST (6/6hp)
3B: Signal 2-ST (6/6hp)
3C: FS 2-RL (6/6hp)
3D: FS 2-RL (6/6hp)
-Protocol: _^5

>>2949350
A: "DOUBLE TIME DRONES WE NEED TO REACH THEM BEFORE THEY BLOODY KILL EVERYONE!"
B: "Yeah!"

>Interlaced packet:: Double time my troops over to location Z. Protocal: _=z# (maintain current formation in march)
>Crawler action: Use my crawler operator on the point defence grid to upgrade the level to level 3
>-Question to QM did my crawler operator thing not boost it to level 3????

Name: Arkul, (and former signal drone Bethany)
Command Perks: Interlaced command packet, Soldier 2-M, Crawler Operator
Squad 6/6: 1 Pyro drone. , 2 Soldier 2-M
-Protocol: _=z# (maintain formation as is if possible)

>>2951975
Sorry I misread your action. Yes the C3 did get boosted.

Processing Delayed slightly because I can't process well on an empty stomach.

>>2949340
>>2949688
>>2950201
>>2951947
>>2951975

Okay Processing

>Crawler Amida Status:
>HP : 40/50
>C3: Lvl 1
>PDG: Lvl 3
>Fabrication: Lvl 1
>Engines: Lvl 1
>Artillery FCS: Lvl 1
Forward Battery Repairs in Progress
>Artillery Ammo: 3/4

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>>2952797
Marsh:"I'm seeing a small horde of gourdos in these woods and in my experience there's probably more of them further in. Watch your 6 Amida."

>standby for enemy phase...

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>>2952974
Forward Gun Battery Repaired


[Critical Damage]:Forward Gun Battery Offline
[Critical Damage]:Fabrication capacity reduced
[Critical Damage]:Forward Right Side PDF turret offline
[Warning]:Hull Integrity Critical

Marsh: "Shiiiit!"

Fleet Intelligence:"Commanders! Secure the Amida immediately!"

>Standby for aftermath...

>>2953113

Fis'Kiire Crew: "We just lost our northern suppressor and there's an automato chipping away at the south one!"

>Crawler Amida Status:
>HP : 7/50
Forward Gun Battery Offline
Fabrication capacity reduced
Forward Right Side PDF turret offline
>Artillery Ammo: 3/4

>All players declare actions. Turn will be processed Tuesday at 8pm GMT+1

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>>2953133
Forgot Pic

>>2953133

"No, south damnit you clods! I said heading 4!"

My drone protocol was changed to advance 4 last turn, though this was my own fault for not editting the stat sheet. Woops!

"Well, with the amount of veggies around whatever meager repair work we could manage is probably going to do us less good than just taking out all the threats. All remaining gun turrets, open fire!"

>Set Protocol _^4
>Activate Auto Point Defence (L3)

Name: Cryptic
Command Perks: [Crawler Operator], [Extra Bandwidth], [Soldier Drone Upgrade Package 2-AC]
Starting Squad: Soldier 2-AC x4
Protocol: _^4

"Swinging my girls to our south and wrestling with this damn gearshift. Someone back us the hell out of here!"

>>2953133
>_^3
>Boost engines

Name: Yacherii
-Command Perks: Crawler Engineer, Orbital Response, Extra Bandwidth
-Squad: 8/8
4A-C Pyro
4D Signaller

-Protocol: _^3

>>2953137
"NOPE NOPE NOPE NOPE NOPE NOPE NOPE NOPE NOPE NOPE NOPE NOPE NOPE!!! WHOEVER WAS THE IDIOT THAT DECIDED TO THIS IM GOING TO STRANGLE YOU BEFORE THEY KILL US ALL!"

>interlaced command packet: FUCKING PROTECT THE AMIDAA AAGGHHHHTHHHHHHHHH
>Crawler action: Back the Amida in direction 1 as much as I can.

Name: Arkul, (and former signal drone Bethany)
Command Perks: Interlaced command packet, Soldier 2-M, Crawler Operator
Squad 6/6: 1 Pyro drone. , 2 Soldier 2-M
-Protocol: *screaming about protecting the amida*

>>2953137
//: Set New Protocol _@
//: Repair 1 Hull Point

Name: Dudley
Command Perks: Strategic Planner, Extra Bandwidth, Skirmisher 2-CQC
Squad: 7/8
Skirmisher-CQC x3
Soldier x2
Protocol: _=W

>>2954305
Bethany: *sighs and puts in the correct orders*

>Interlaced command packet: _=3


Name: Arkul, (and former signal drone Bethany)
Command Perks: Interlaced command packet, Soldier 2-M, Crawler Operator
Squad 6/6: 1 Pyro drone. , 2 Soldier 2-M
-Protocol: _=3

Processing postponed while I grab a quick dinner.

>>2954839
Okay that wasn't the quickest dinner but I'll begin processing now.

>Crawler Amida Status:
>HP : 7/50
>C3: Lvl 1
>PDG: Lvl 1
Forward Rightside PDF turret Offline
>Fabrication: Lvl 1
Fabrication Capacity Reduced
>Engines: Lvl 2
>Artillery FCS: Lvl 1
Forward Gun Battery Offline
>Artillery Ammo: 3/4

>>2954966
Is repairing the walker's hull impossible??? If we can only heal 1 hp per man?

>>2954981
Each repair action heals 1 HP AND can repair critical damage.

You can heal 1 HP repeatedly over several turns however the maximum repairable amount is capped at half the crawler's HP since HP has dropped below the half way mark.

>>2954994
I guess that's nice, but it does make recovering from a massive attack near impossible but hey that was probably intentional :P

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Dudley: Drones 2A-C out of signal range, unable to update protocol.

>Standby for enemy phase

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>>2955054
Fis'kiire: Oh gawd we just lost Incognito! He was just a cadet! Amida where are you!? We're taking actual human casualties over here!

>standby for aftermath.

File: Mission3_A3.jpg (2.08 MB, 1560x1318)

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>>2955115

>Crawler Amida Status:
>HP : 2/50
Point defense turret repaired
Fabrication Capacity Reduced
Forward Gun Battery Offline
>Artillery Ammo: 3/4

>All players declare actions. Turn will be processed Tuesday at 8pm GMT+1

>>2955134

"Alright, maybe we can still make this work? If I crank up the engine, would somebody else drive us straight southwest? We've can probably clear out the rest of the forces that were going to cover that ridge, so..."

>Boost Crawler Engines (to lv3)
>Isse Protocol _%

Name: Cryptic
Command Perks: [Crawler Operator], [Extra Bandwidth], [Soldier Drone Upgrade Package 2-AC]
Starting Squad: Soldier 2-AC x4
Protocol: _%

"Veg's way inside our decision curve... Get a mark down, Marsh! Help's on the way."

>>2955134
>_%
>Drop 2 Soldiers, 2 Skirmishers on Marsh's mark

Name: Yacherii
-Command Perks: Crawler Engineer, Orbital Response, Extra Bandwidth
-Squad: 8/8
4A Pyro
4B C Soldier
4D E Skirmisher

-Protocol: _%

>>2955134
A: "GAK!" *falls to the ground unconscious with a bruise on his head*
B: *sighs after looking at arkul* "Alright, let's see here..."

>Interlaced command packet: _^Z
>Move crawler south 4, turn towards direction 5 and move 1 towards direction 5.


Name: Arkul, (and former signal drone Bethany)
Command Perks: Interlaced command packet, Soldier 2-M, Crawler Operator
Squad 6/6: 1 Pyro drone. , 2 Soldier 2-M
-Protocol: _^Z

>>2955134
>Command: !%
>Threat Recog: Mark Cornzerker 3 of 5C
>Crawler: Auto Point Defense

Name: Wendigo
-Command Perks: [FSDUP] FS 2-RL. [SDUP] Signal 2-ST. [Extra Bandwidth]
-Squad: 8/6+2
3A: Signal 2-ST (6/6hp)
3B: Signal 2-ST (6/6hp)
3C: FS 2-RL (6/6hp)
3D: FS 2-RL (6/6hp)
-Protocol: _^5

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Due to unforseen circumstances i will not be processing the turn tonight. Turn will be processed same time tomorrow.

Please wait warmly.

>>2955188
>>2955405
>>2956205
>>2956913

Beginning turn processing. I made a slight error in the previous turn... The crawler has 4 HP, not 2.

>Crawler Amida Status:
>HP : 4/50
>C3: Lvl 1
>PDG: Lvl 1
>Fabrication: Lvl 1
Fabrication Capacity Reduced
>Engines: Lvl 3
>Artillery FCS: Lvl 1
Forward Gun Battery Offline
>Artillery Ammo: 3/4

File: Mission3_P4.jpg (2.13 MB, 1560x1318)

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Wendigo:[Warning]: Target out of range, unable to place mark.

Marsh:"Mark is in place, call em down!"

>Standby for enemy phase

>>2958625
"Ms. Marsh I don't think anyone has the permission for orbital drop drones.."

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>>2958641

Marsh:"You're very smart for a drone, but you clearly haven't been paying attention."

>>2958648
"Oh, (｡•́︿•̀｡)"

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>>2958625
Fis'kiire: "I hear them scratching the hull! Hurry Amida, this crawler wasn't built for frontline combat. *Incoming Missiles* Oh FU-"

>Standby for aftermath...

File: Mission3_A4.jpg (2.08 MB, 1560x1318)

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>>2958673
Fleet Intelligence:”The Fisk’kiire… is lost. With the Amida critically damaged High Command is unwilling to risk losing it for the slim chance of recovering the Akolon. You are to withdraw to Sarkaeleus Base immediately. If the Akolon is still out there they will have to fend for themselves. May Saint and Spirits have mercy upon them.”

[Receiving New Directives from High Command]

>Primary Objective:
>Exit the mission area by moving the crawler Amida to the extraction zone in the north.

>Secondary Objective:
>Ensure the recovery of Commando Droid X-33, by allowing them to board the Amida before exiting the combat zone.
…
…
…
>Tertiary Objective:
>Rescue the sole survivor of the Fisk’kiire by allowing them to board the Amida before exiting the combat zone.

Marsh: “I never thought I’d see the day where my existence would be put above a human’s. Hey commanders, I’ve managed to extrapolate the Akolon’s likely location from data I recovered from the Fisk’kiire. I can’t disobey a direct order from High Command, but if you’re hell bent on bringing your comrades home set a course south. The choice is up to you.”

((Looks like you failed the mission, but there’s still one more after this. Your actions will directly affect what the third mission in this mini campaign will be. Note that dying is also a choice. Choose wisely))

>Crawler Amida Status:
>HP : 2/50
Fabrication Capacity Reduced
Forward Gun Battery Offline
>Artillery Ammo: 3/4

>All players declare actions. Turn will be processed Saturday at 10am GMT+1

>>2958728
* Minor correction: The crawler still has 4HP, this is what I get for rampant copy pasta.

>>2958728

"...Well, whichever direction you all decide on going you're going to need engine power. Lemme help with that."

>Boost engines (lv3)
>Issue Command: prioritise Automatoes

Name: Cryptic
Command Perks: [Crawler Operator], [Extra Bandwidth], [Soldier Drone Upgrade Package 2-AC]
Starting Squad: Soldier 2-AC x1
Protocol: _%

>>2958728
"LETS GO GO GO GO GO FAAASST!"
>Crawler action: Turn the crawler towards direction 1, and move north.

Name: Arkul, (and former signal drone Bethany)
Command Perks: Interlaced command packet, Soldier 2-M, Crawler Operator
Squad 6/6: 1 Pyro drone. , 2 Soldier 2-M
-Protocol: _^Z

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>>2958868
Marsh:"That is a very advanced drone you have there Commander. Not even Signal drones have the kind of autonomy needed to change protocols and operate a crawler. Did you upgrade her AI?"

>>2958910
"Yes, I spend MORE THAN HALF OF MY LIFES savings on the bloody upgrade's days after days of couponing and bargaining with merchants on the prices of food and working late nights all gone for a single drone... As for acquiring them well I had to redeem more than a few favor's from a few 'friends' to help with the rest, I won't exactly say who except Vickens is a weird man that loves drones a bit to much."

>>2958939
"If that's even his name, either way he helped the process more than I thought he would once I drunkenly proposed the idea to him. Said he would 'cover all the bases' when it came to it as long as he could get a picture with it wearing cat ears afterwards..."

>>2958868
"I don't know where you two think you're taking this vessel while we've still got an expensive droid asset to retrieve. Also a cadet to tease and shove the grunt work on. At least the working artillery's closer to the Veg, now?"

"And, I don't know about the rest of you, but I'll personally drive this thing backwards into Hell for Akolon. It's a good vessel, and losing the man-years of training that's gone into its crew is going to hurt."

>>2959210
"Our crawler is in shambles Yacherii a single rail drone could destroy it. Where running on fumes and I would prefer if I didn't end up as veggie lunch...Would that count as mulch I dunno but you get my point."

>>2959423
"I assure you I haven't missed all the warning lights, but I think you've left squad 3's Signallers out of C3 range. If there's any chance of us salvaging this, it'll require contact with our drones. Remedying... 4A, acknowledge."

"Dudley, move your girls on that automato before it shoots us in the ass."

>>2958728
>Boost C3
>_^4

Name: Yacherii
-Command Perks: Crawler Engineer, Orbital Response, Extra Bandwidth
-Squad: 8/8
4A Pyro
4B C Soldier
4D E Skirmisher

-Protocol: _

>>2958728
>Command: _^Z
>Crawler: Repair

Name: Wendigo
-Command Perks: [FSDUP] FS 2-RL. [SDUP] Signal 2-ST. [Extra Bandwidth]
-Squad: 8/6+2
3A: Signal 2-ST (6/6hp)
3B: Signal 2-ST (6/6hp)
3C: FS 2-RL (6/6hp)
3D: FS 2-RL (6/6hp)
-Protocol: _^Z

>>2958728
If Dudley doesn't respond, requesting _^4 and crawler repair from him, on grounds of automato's immediate threat to Amida.

>>2958825
>>2958868
>>2959800
>>2960033

Rolled out of bed a little late today Okay a lot late so let's get this processed.

>>2963356
Bot order accepted.

>Crawler Amida Status:
>HP : 4/50
>C3: Lvl 1
>PDG: Lvl 1
>Fabrication: Lvl 1
Fabrication Capacity Reduced
>Engines: Lvl 3
>Artillery FCS: Lvl 1
Forward Gun Battery Offline
>Artillery Ammo: 3/4

>>2963527
Whoops, C3 should be at level 2

File: Mission3_P5.jpg (2.08 MB, 1560x1318)

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Cadet:"It's all gone..."

Marsh:"I know that inefficient meat sack body of yours thinks it's dead already but if you want to prolong your existence pull yourself together and follow me!"

>Standby for enemy phase...

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>>2963548
Fleet Intelligence: "A pumpgulist just emerged from the southern forest! Sensors show enemy waves approaching from all sides! Push the Amida to flank speed and get out of there now!"

"I know this is hard for you but we cannot afford to lose the Amida, everything else on the battlefield is as good as dead."

Cadet:"Oh gawds, please! I don't wanna die!"

Marsh:"My tactical subroutines agree with FI's assessment. Get out of here Amida. I was built to operate alone in enemy territory. Who knows, I might even be able to save this loser."

Cadet:"WAAAAAAAH!"

>Standby for aftermath...

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>>2963565

>Players can now vote to move the Amida off the edge of the map in the extraction zone and end the mission immediately.
>If at least 3 people vote for this option it will go through.
>However you will fail all other objectives.
>If the vote fails then the game will continue normally (and the veggies will get another turn)
>Choose wisely...

>Crawler Amida Status:
>HP : 6/50
All systems repaired
>Artillery Ammo: 3/4

>All players declare actions. Turn will be processed later today at 8pm GMT +1 if all players post and/or I get enough votes. Else it will processed at some point on Sunday.

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>>2963566>>2963565

"Oh my, okay time to go everyone thats a Pug-list and its right next to us agghhhhh!!"
>Vote to withdraw
-Also I drew bethany yaaaay

I have a plan. It's almost crazy enough to work.

>>2963718
Fleet Intelligence:"Please elaborate, because from where I'm standing there are 3 immediate threats to the crawler that we can SEE. Your drone squads are scattered and depleted and the Amida's hull integrity is so low that it will be breached if even 2 gourdos make it into clawing range. If the Amida does not retreat now, it will not retreat at all!"

As far as I can see, you guys will not survive another turn, but I''m open to being surprised. You've surprised me before.

>>2963718
>>2963750
We move E out of range of the the gourdo group to the W, then we throw everything we have at that Pumpgilist. All-outs, lvl4 PDF, the works. But we'll have to do this in order.

Marsh stabs the Pumpgilist real good, and Cadet moves 4NE, taking out the E wounded Gourdo. Preferably this happens first, but we could do without.

Wendigo goes % and moves us in reverse, 5SE 1S. Depends on how hard the map borders are. If we can't do 5SE, the plan's practically sunk, and you've got my Withdraw vote. But if it isn't...

Dudley goes % and repairs the crawler.

Cryptic Boosts the PDF and marks the Pumpgilist.

I mark one of the Gourdos near the Pump-kin, and Boost the PDF to 4. Everyone prays we beat the 40% odds, or that 7 hp is enough.

Arkul activates the PDF and marks the lone Pump-kin.

--

That's the NW evaded and 52 base damage thrown at the Pumpgilist. 32 is affected by armor but won't miss (I expect 24 to go through, but 20 is also acceptable), 20 ignores armor but could miss or crit monstrously. Back that up with 2 FS 2-RL going % and Soldiers that can each take out 2 Gourdo on their own, and that's the -visible- south sorted (or tempted by squishy cadet and wounded droids, but shhhh).

Survive the turn, and we're in range to pick up Marsh and Withdraw. The Cadet too, if he runs and Marsh drags him on.

Optimistic, but an option.

>>2963840
I will not verify every aspect of your plan, but I will say that you can partially move the crawler off the map edge provided the central dish and circle thing are still on the map.

I've outlined a distant possibility. I'll align with the next vote cast.

If no one votes or comes to vote I propose we escape.

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((In the absence of any further player input I’m gonna go through with the Amida’s withdrawal. The mission is now over.))

Fleet Intelligence: “Once a safe distance has been reached, commence a creeping barrage as you continue your retreat.”

Marsh: “We can’t hitch a ride out on the Amida, but there might be still be another way… ”

((I originally had a set of three missions planned based on the assumed success of the previous mission. However this mission was failed, but it has inspired me to plan something completely different and hopefully more interesting for the final mission. I hope you will all return for the finale of this mini-campaign.

As always feel free to leave feedback. I feel that the enemies are now as dangerous as I want them to be, however after seeing you wipe the floor with them in the last mission I may have placed a leeeetle too many of them on the map this time and I apologize if this ongoing balancing has lead to a drop in your enjoyment. All the same; you should be careful about driving your crawler headlong into a forest. Pumpkins can move 10 hexes a turn.))

>>2968092
Love the game so far, the little drone chatter combined with the seemingly harmless until they get in range of the crawler killer vegetables make for a fun game idea!
As for the game I am hoping that orbital drop is buffed in some way, it just doesn't seem that useful at the moment same with a few other drone upgrades as the signal drones Repair and smart link kits provide the biggest change to them compared to say the soldier drone and skirmish drones straight RPG upgrade which is usable once per game.
Mayhaps make the drone upgrades between the two a bit more varied?
While the bayonet is a good idea personally the hunter killer missle feels iffy at best and impractical at worst. Perhaps a sub option for Skirmisher be simply a evasion protocol that negates 'scratch damage'. I dunno at the moment, I'll have to give it more thought.

Also I feel a melee drone could be fun to see or at least pilot perhaps make it have similar stats to the soldier drone, maybe give it 6 Agility 6 health, 4 movement, 2 DR takes 2 points of bandwidth and rather than say a mono sword perhaps give it a cutlass and call it a Power cutlass.
One upgrade path could be simply giving it a pistol with stats similar to the signal drone. The other mostly likely could be a 'fencing protocol' with riposte tacked onto it. Switch it's cutlass to a rapier.
An example below
-Privateer drone:
6 Aglity, 6 health
2 Dr 2 bandwith
4 movement
-Cutlass slash: Precision attack, 7 damage with the charge property

-Melee HG-
*Grants a range 3 scratch 5 hand gun
-Agility +1

-Melee FC-
*Fencing protocol: Whenever a attack misses it, it ripostes dealing 4 damage
-Agility +1

But yeah a melee drone could be cool, but as for how we wiped the floor I think the repair drones repair kit is what did it. Also this is the last mission?? Awww ;_; I really liked this game, well I hope for a grand finale and for more moe drones!!! I really like this skirmish so I hope your having as much fun as I am playing it and hope for more campaigns of war to wage against the vegtable menace :D

>>2972249
Another idea for a 'Drone at arms' get it? eh eh?
...I'm bad at jokes.

This is gonna be using similar stats but this time with a 'rally' protocol and a 'shield' protocol. The look i'm guessing is more of a medieval brigandine with a Armet for a helm with the classic arming sword...I'll try to make a sketch of it later.

-Drone at arms:
5 Agility, 8 health
2 Dr, 2 bandwidth
4 movement
-Arming slash: Precision attack, 6 damage with the charge property

-Drone at arms RLY-
*Either similar to the drone repair kit or having a mechanic where it has a module similar to the signal drone but it extends to signal 2.


-Drone at arms -SHL-
*Shield protocol: Halves damage taken
-2 DR (yes as in minus 2 DR gotta balance that half damage somehow :D)

>>2972280
Heres my fun little idea for a command drone
Command droid X-13 "Crusader"

Health 18 Agility 7
Dr 3 Mov 4
Signal: 4
*This unit can take 3 actions per turn
Pre Plague great sword: Precision: Damage 8 Charge property, Penetration
Throwing knife: Swarm Damage 4 Range 3
Rally module: All damage received becomes scratch damage

Notes: X-13 Made with a 'challenger' aspect in mind, X13 originally deployed to the [Redacted] crawler where it would serve as a protector role for the crawler. However upon it's first deployment it immediately set it's sights upon a group of corn berserkers and proclaimed a challenge at the 'barbarians' before sallying forth from the crawler. Much more concerned with 'honor' than anything else it has been reserved for missions that require a 'chaotic' touch.

>>2972249
Thanks for your feedback. I will look into the idea of a melee focused drone. I think the drone roster is more or less complete but a melee drone is the last niche to fill.

The idea behind the mortar soldier and hunter-killer skirmisher is that they fire off their special weapon, get sent into the meat grinder, then replaced and the process repeats. However the game doesn't seem to play out that way so I will look into alternate upgrades.

As for Orbital Response Teams I have an idea to rework them but due to the nature of the final mission you will not get to see it.