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Meta Board => Retired PbP Games => Archive => [D&D 3.5] Phantasy Star: Start of the Millenium => Topic started by: oslecamo on May 04, 2013, 03:39:25 PM

Title: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: oslecamo on May 04, 2013, 03:39:25 PM
Parum Military outpost at the outskirts of area X781-Codename Forest IV (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbRORnX_MQk)

It's a nice day, clear of clouds, the yellow sun shining above you, and just a few hovering sentinel drones in sight. Plus some birds. And butterflies. Not holograms, but local, breathing wildlife!

In front of you extends a vast sea of tall green grass punctuated by massive trees and bushes. Not an hologram or synthetic replicas, the real, organic thing! Well, at least as "real" as lab-engineered plant specimens can get.

At your side, a tall metallic fortification, with mecha hangars and heavy gun emplacements, with some elvish sentries in grey and green military uniform, photon rifles at their backs. If talked to, they simply tell you to wait.

You can't stop noticing that despite looking impressive at distance, in proximity the fortification seems like it has seen better days, rust formed over the  cannon barrels and wild vines growing over and cracking the walls here and there. The soldiers uniforms and rifles seem well treated, but they have little other combat gear to speak of. Even the hovering drones patroling the terrain are clearly old models with improvised repairs that look like they should've been sent to recycling long ago.

After some minutes of your arrival, a soldier comes out from the outpost's main door, this one with some silver strips on his shoulders revealing some sort of higher rank. Instead of a rifle he carries twin pistols at his belt. He looks elven at first due to his thin features, but his darker skin tone and more feline eyes reveals his true nature as a newman. He stops in front of you in a rigid pose, and starts speaking in a disciplined, strong voice:

I'm Hopkins, a lieutenant in the 32nd WORKS division of Parum's Military land task force.
Our job here is to patrol and guard the limits of Forest IV.
As you may know, an experimental bioplant sits at the center of this area, part of Parum's Organic Restoration Project.
And as you can see, it was quite sucessful for the last decades, creating a whole new vibrant ecosystem.

However-and what I'm about to tell you is extremely confidential- recently something went wrong. Nobody knows when or why it started, but when we noticed it, Forest IV had became infested with biomonsters.

The bioplant was fully automated. When the higher ups tried to shut it down from afar, they couldn't stablish contact. Probably related to the malfuction that made it start producing up organic rampaging predators.

I received the Administration's order to contain the situation and go to the bioplant at the center of Forest IV to shut it down manually. But our force is here is ill-equipped, we have our hands full just stoping biomonsters here from wandering on the neighbour areas, let alone make our way in to the bioplant. So I asked for suport, and here you are.

Your job is to get to the bioplant, enter it and disable the automatic system. You're free to kill anything that gets in your way, but the higher ups want the bioplant back in one piece. So you can't just crash inside with your mechas or shoot until the whole structure comes down. Once you've dealt with any biomonsters outside, you'll have to come out from your machines and enter on foot.

I admit that our soldiers are too weak. Good luck.

Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Raineh Daze on May 04, 2013, 04:32:19 PM
"As ship captain, I would like to ask whether any flying monsters have been observed; if our foes are exclusively ground-bound, I believe that the Illustrious can transport us the majority of the way in relative safety," a black-haired girl, dressed in a shortened blue kimono and wearing a scarf despite the warm day, asked, briefly resting her hand on her chin before folding her arms confidently, "Otherwise, going on foot appears the most effective option, as it saves precious time when inevitably attacked."
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: oslecamo on May 04, 2013, 05:58:55 PM
Yes, we've already faced some variants of biomonsters capable of aerial combat. We've lost some our own Lion units against them actually when we tried to reach the Bioplant by air.
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Scout89 on May 04, 2013, 06:12:57 PM
"Sir, do you have a map of the plant? We'd better know exactly which way is fastest to our objetive".
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Concerned Ninja Citizen on May 04, 2013, 07:34:30 PM
At the back of the group stands a fairly nondescript looking young man, average height and build with medium shade brown hair in a short military cut. He seems anxious about speaking, almost glancing over his shoulder as if afraid someone might be after him. When he does speak, however, his voice is strong, even a little overconfident sounding, "Anything you can tell us about the types of monsters seen so far would help as well."
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Nanshork on May 05, 2013, 12:47:15 AM
Another young man who has been standing off to one side speaks up.  He appears to have a mecha superimposed around his body, almost like a hologram, with special emphasis on the bracers.  Those who keep up with new technological advances remember something about a relatively new holographic technology that is more than just pretty pictures, they can affect the physical world.

Under it he is wearing a long leather coat but carries no visible weapons, and even through the hologram his bright blue eyes can be distinguished.  "What is our timeline?"
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Clanjos on May 05, 2013, 11:43:54 AM
The kobold, however, was noticeably uncomfortable. Throughout their lives, Kobolds had stayed away from such verdant areas, preferring caves, mountain slopes, and eventually the city. In the darkness, green usually meant deadly molds or intense radiation. Brown, blue, white, now those were more reassuring colors to a species who spent more time underground than dwarves.

"I, for one, say we get this done as quickly as possible. I... really hate all this green. Green means lethal gasses."
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Concerned Ninja Citizen on May 05, 2013, 11:54:27 AM
"We'll fix that soon enough, though, won't we," An orange red glint appears in the young man's eye and a thin wisp of smoke curls from the side of his mouth. "Everything turns black, when it's been charred by Dragon Fire."  
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Raineh Daze on May 05, 2013, 12:02:23 PM
"Can we please not set a century of progress back to square one with careless use of fire? Wanton destruction makes things better for nobody," Alexia complained, frowning at the suggestion all the scenery get immolation, "I am afraid I must ask you to not board my ship if you go through with such an act."
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Clanjos on May 05, 2013, 12:16:18 PM
The kobold sidled away from the pyromaniac. "There's a difference between 'I'm uncomfortable around something the color of things my species associates with death' and 'kill it with fire.' I'll be just as happy once I'm in SimoLeon and we can be on our way."
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Concerned Ninja Citizen on May 05, 2013, 03:26:48 PM
The pilot wilts under his comrades rebuke, "I was just trying to be friendly..." he mumbles.
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Kuroimaken on May 05, 2013, 04:39:45 PM
An inaudible whirr of gears as a large-looking CAST places his hand on the soldier's shoulder in a show of support.

His armor plating looks light but seamless; hardly standard issue. It would be hard to guess it had been designed several centuries ago. At waist-level, behind his back, is what seems to be the massive handle of a sword, the safety still locked in place.

He has short, black hair, and a mostly plain face, intelligent yet sad blue optics gazing about.

"I'm plenty sure we'll have opportunity to set fire to hostiles soon enough. Let's just keep the collateral to a minimum, shall we?"
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: oslecamo on May 05, 2013, 06:55:07 PM
"Sir, do you have a map of the plant? We'd better know exactly which way is fastest to our objetive".

Yes. Here, I'll share it with you-replies Hopkins , handing you a photon hologram.
(click to show/hide)

Your main target would be the Control Panel, but there's also several Supply Storages scattered across the bioplant. Aparently they were added before the place was made fully automated in the case of an emergency for the people who first worked there. I would say this is the time for them to be used.


When he does speak, however, his voice is strong, even a little overconfident sounding, "Anything you can tell us about the types of monsters seen so far would help as well."

We've met three main kinds of biomonsters so far, all as big as a Gespent. I've taken the liberty of compiling the data we've uncovered about them for you to inform yourselves
-continues Hopkings, handing you three more photon holograms.

(http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg138/oslecamo/Extras/fireant_zps3df6c44e.gif) (http://s247.photobucket.com/user/oslecamo/media/Extras/fireant_zps3df6c44e.gif.html)
(click to show/hide)

(http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg138/oslecamo/Extras/bee_zpsb88aa00e.gif) (http://s247.photobucket.com/user/oslecamo/media/Extras/bee_zpsb88aa00e.gif.html)
(click to show/hide)

(http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg138/oslecamo/Extras/poisoner_zps369f0369.gif) (http://s247.photobucket.com/user/oslecamo/media/Extras/poisoner_zps369f0369.gif.html)
(click to show/hide)


Mutations from those patterns are however a too common ocurrence. If you find a pack of biomonsters, chances are that at least one of those has some nasty suprise inside its guts.


"What is our timeline?"

Due to the unusuality of this situation, we weren't given one.
But I can assure you, the faster you can solve this, the more satisfied the higher ups will be with your performace, and the better will be your future work prospects.
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Raineh Daze on May 05, 2013, 08:42:58 PM
Leaning in to look at the map hologram, Alexia concluded that fully half of the supplies would best be investigated after reaching the control panel, since going out of their way to get to them seemed... counter-intuitive, at best.

"How big is the plant?"
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Scout89 on May 06, 2013, 07:58:11 AM
"And what is supposed to be in these supply storages? Are they of any value to you and your opperation? And after we power the plant down, you'll still have to deal with the biomonsters on the loose. Are we required to clear them all too?"
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Nanshork on May 06, 2013, 09:56:45 AM
"You've told us that we'll have to enter the plant on foot, but the only biomonsters that you have met are as big as Gespent.  Are you telling us that you have no idea what kind of resistance we'll encounter once we have exited our mechas?"
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: oslecamo on May 06, 2013, 05:15:43 PM
"How big is the plant?"

The map is in scale, each square side corresponds to roughly five feet. So around 150 feet by 425 feet.

"And what is supposed to be in these supply storages? Are they of any value to you and your opperation? And after we power the plant down, you'll still have to deal with the biomonsters on the loose. Are we required to clear them all too?"

The supply storages will contain mostly assorted medical equipment and electronic tools. However there should also be some weapons and protection gear in there. Standard issue back when the bioplant was built,  since there were still some dangerous groups roaming the wastelands then, the remants of the defeated armies and those who didn't acept the Android Administration. Thanks Alys they now only show up in holograms, crazy nasty folk they were.

Whatever you find that isn't bolted to the walls is yours, but I'll gladly take anything you're willing to share with us. What the higher ups give us nowadays feel more like glowing toys compared to what was still being built in the aftermath of the Devastation War. If we could get our hands in some better guns, frames and healing mates, it would definetely make our job easier.

Don't worry about having to kill every last biomonster in Forest IV. Once you've made sure new ones aren't being produced, my squads should be able to mop up any leftovers in the open. We could use the training, and besides the higher ups will want a report about what you found inside the bioplant as soon as possible.


"You've told us that we'll have to enter the plant on foot, but the only biomonsters that you have met are as big as Gespent.  Are you telling us that you have no idea what kind of resistance we'll encounter once we have exited our mechas?"
Hopkins looks somewhat embarassed at this comment.

...Yes. We know that there's smaller biomonsters in Forest IV. But we know little to nothing about them, since they never engage us while inside our mechas and never try to roam out of the cover of the vegetation into the surrounding areas. But whenever one of ours had to eject inside Forest IV, if we didn't get to their escape pods quick enough... Whatever was left of the poor pilot when we got there was barely enough to order a replacement clone.
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Scout89 on May 06, 2013, 09:28:31 PM
"Well then, if there are no more questions, we should get moving. To my knowledge we'll need to be fast. I suggest we drop any heavy machinery and armor add-on in order to be as quick as possible. In and out quickly before every biomonsters in the area come chasing us. Once we have the plant offline, we start clearing the place from bad guys. Do you agree? And miss, I'm sure you won't object if we fight the flying biomonsters over you ship's hull, right? I don't think its guns will be enough to punch through".
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Kuroimaken on May 06, 2013, 09:35:50 PM
"Sounds like a fine plan as any. You point, I slice."
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Concerned Ninja Citizen on May 06, 2013, 09:38:35 PM
"And I BURN!" He stops himself and looks nervously at the ship captain and the kobold, "Taking all possible precautions to prevent unecessary collateral damage, of course."
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Nanshork on May 06, 2013, 09:44:54 PM
"My abilities vary depending on how I have programmed my holographic transmitters, today I will engage the enemy quickly and do more damage while avoiding damage myself.  Unfortunately I shall be less capable outside of my mecha, I will most likely be slower than all of you due to the protective equipment I am carrying."
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Kuroimaken on May 06, 2013, 10:02:37 PM
"We're gonna get along famously, I just know it." The CAST offered with a light, rehearsed chuckle.

For some reason, he had fairly advanced behavior routines. Like he was supposed to be a spy at some point.
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Scout89 on May 06, 2013, 10:14:45 PM
"My abilities vary depending on how I have programmed my holographic transmitters, today I will engage the enemy quickly and do more damage while avoiding damage myself.  Unfortunately I shall be less capable outside of my mecha, I will most likely be slower than all of you due to the protective equipment I am carrying."

"You sure you can't leave some of your gear behind?"
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Clanjos on May 06, 2013, 10:50:53 PM
"And I'll play the sneaky bastard the whole way. ...But only since my explosives were confiscated."
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Scout89 on May 07, 2013, 09:49:39 AM
"And I'll play the sneaky bastard the whole way. ...But only since my explosives were confiscated."

"Please! No explosives and no fire. The instalation is already damaged and our mission is to recover their control over it. There will be nothing to control if we blow it up or burn it to the ground. How many of us use pistols and rifles instead of swords and axes? I'm a sword guy myself, don't like firearms. Ok! You, mister kobold, will be our scout. If anyone else is good at scouting, follow him and give him a hand. Bartok, please try to keep moving as fast as possible. I'll be by your side all the time, so if the forward group needs to advance, you won't be left alone. If Bartok and I fall behind, don't wait on us. Go on, complete our objective, then come back to meet us on the way out. Maintain constant radio contact. When we encounter resistance in our way to the main console, I suggest we focus our attacks on one of the targets to finish it quickly. I think this is the best way to fight through without stopping. Focus on biomonsters that can block our advance. We should assign a target painter to apply this strategy. Do you agree with this plan?"
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Nanshork on May 07, 2013, 10:08:24 AM
"If I leave my gear behind then I will remain unprotected.  I would rather be slow than dead, especially since when it comes to non-mech combat I am not equipped for ranged capability."  He then looks at Bagra, somewhat confused.  "Why are you so intent on having us run all over the place?  The plant isn't going to explode or anything of the sort if we carefully take our time."
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Elevevated Beat on May 07, 2013, 10:11:06 AM
Cashile, a slim, middle aged man wearing green grey dappled armour stands up from where he'd been resting on the ground.
"I'll head out with our scaled friend here," he drawls, winking at the Shatterscale. "That is," he continues, looking over at Bartok, "if you want to scout ahead."
His attention shifts back to Private Atlib, ""Not much for hand to hand fightin' myself, but gimme a bulls eye and I'll give you a dead bull." He chuckles at his own joke.
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Scout89 on May 07, 2013, 11:31:29 AM
"If I leave my gear behind then I will remain unprotected.  I would rather be slow than dead, especially since when it comes to non-mech combat I am not equipped for ranged capability."  He then looks at Bagra, somewhat confused.  "Why are you so intent on having us run all over the place?  The plant isn't going to explode or anything of the sort if we carefully take our time."

"There is a whole army of biomonsters there. If we 'take our time' we will be overwhelmed quickly. By moving fast, we'll reduce this possibility. Our mission is to turn it off, not clear it of enemies. The less we fight to get the job done, the better".
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Raineh Daze on May 07, 2013, 11:46:29 AM
"I would appreciate it if you do not automatically assume command. As a trained officer, my entire role in a combat situation is supportive. Similarly, I would appreciate it if you not assume that my ship is equipped for combat; the Illustrious is sorely in need of newer plating," Alexia asked, frowning at the large man's decision to lead, "I, too, would prefer not to sacrifice our defences for speed; we need to be sure that we shall survive. Simply ignoring enemies that are not actively in our way would just lead to being attacked from behind."
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Clanjos on May 07, 2013, 12:45:19 PM
"I'm with the Captain. Besides, my scouting does no good if you're all hot on my heels, now does it?"
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Scout89 on May 07, 2013, 02:01:31 PM
Bagra towers the little girl, visibly irritated: "What?! I never 'assumed command'. I'm making a suggestion in our course of action. I simply brought this plan up since no one else did. Not a problem...'captain'! Stop waiting on us to do your job and lead. And if your vessel is not equipped for combat, we'd better look for another one that is, don't you think? Unless your ship is VERY fast, it will be destroyed before getting to our objective if you have no means of fighting back. Lead on, 'captain'!"
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Raineh Daze on May 07, 2013, 02:18:45 PM
"I would have spoken earlier but to interrupt in such a manner would be unforgivably rude," the black-haired female said, resisting the urge to snap back. It was unforgivable to sacrifice politeness over a brief bout of irritation, "Now that I have had chance, I agree with our holograph-using friend; it would be better to take things slowly and carefully. 'Fools rush in where angels fear to tread."

After a deep breath, she continued, addressing the slight towards her ship: "The presence of armament alone does not make the Illustrious a warship. It is capable of transport or support but hardly surviving in the thick of combat. If possible, I would prefer for the fighting to be kept as far away from the ship's surface as possible."
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Scout89 on May 07, 2013, 02:23:27 PM
"Then, unless you have a spare mecha or plan to stay away, you have a lot of ground to cover. My Gespent doesn't have a spare seat and I doubt these guys' mechas do so. You plan to park your ship away from our objective and have us walk around with huge monsters flying over our heads? Really?!"
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Clanjos on May 07, 2013, 02:53:29 PM
"Is it really our fault the makers of your mass-produced garbage knew you'd never need a bitch seat?" Shatterscale said, standing at the Warblade's back, claws and teeth ready to plunge in. "There's plenty of room in SimoLeon, Captain."
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Nanshork on May 07, 2013, 03:01:27 PM
"By moving fast and rushing through things you increase the likelihood of something going wrong.  Running past enemies just means that they will attack you from behind when you have to stop.  Furthermore, complete combat focus is not always a priority.  I pride myself and my mecha on our versaitlity, and I am always willing to sacrifice speed for survivability.  That will allow me to help protect the less sturdy members of our group, we are supposed to work as a team after all.."
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Scout89 on May 07, 2013, 03:15:41 PM
Bagra responds to Bartok: "Forget about my plan, Bartok! Our commanding officer surely knows better. Lets rejoince on her knowledge of the battlefield!"

Then he turns to the kobold: "You better back off, buddy! This is a military opperation, try to act like a soldier. If you wanna go fist-to-fist with me, wait for the mission to be completed. Then I'll show you a true warrior don't attack from behind".
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Kuroimaken on May 07, 2013, 04:33:22 PM
A gunshot echoed.

Sargeant Antares held his smoking pistol back down to face level, briefly blew at the muzzle, and holstered his sidearm.

Then he motioned as if clearing his throat - a dramatic emphasis since he doesn't actually NEED to clear his throat.

"This discussion is leading us nowhere fast. For one thing, our ACTUAL knowledge of the situation is limited. We know there are biomonsters about, and we know they're a threat, but we don't know how many there are, whether they have any tactics of their own as a group, or even if they have self-preservation instincts.

Our ability to coordinate as a group is going to be key to the success of this operation. To this end, we need to keep our heads cool and support each other - not bemoan our flaws. If any single one of us could do this on their own, we wouldn't be here as a group, would we?"

The sargeant then grasped a nearby branch from a tree and scrawled a rough map on the dirt.

"This is our position. The plant is located here. No matter what way we pick to get there, our one certainty is that the closer to the plant, the more biomonsters there will actually be since it is their source. We don't know whether it is producing creatures for the purpose of defense for reasons we ignore, such as the work of a hacker, or if it has been automated to do so, but I believe the safest approach is to presume the enemy has the ability to organize itself. It might not, however, have the ability to communicate. This is something we must make certain before all.

If we rush in, we risk having our escape route cut off, and we ARE the reinforcements so we cannot expect to be bailed out. But if we take our time, we risk entering a battle of attrition, which we are ill-equipped to win.

It thus becomes a matter of whether the enemy is able to coordinate on an intelligent level. If whatever is behind the plant's malfunction is capable of coordinating the biomonsters already produced, we need to establish a perimeter before heading in - cut it off from any reinforcements it might have out and about. But if it doesn't, it is to our advantage to strike hard and fast and leave mop-up for later.

I believe our first order of business is to locate a potential scout. We bait it, kill it - preferrably without revealing the entirety of our forces - and see if it gets replaced. Based on that, we decide our approach.

I am primarily a melee combatant. My job is to attack and kill. I can provide some degree of defense, but I admit I am at my best when used for offense instead of defense."
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Raineh Daze on May 07, 2013, 04:54:16 PM
"As I was saying, I am not trained for front-line combat, and neither is my ship equipped to be engaged in the heat of combat. Consequently, drawing fighting close to it in the belief that it will not be harmed will simply cost us a base of operations," Alexia continued, disliking the overly aggressive soldier already, "Whilst it can provide backup and some ranged support, I do not expect it to endure long if attacked; it is, after all, over five hundred feet long."

The plan, as she could see it, had one flaw: "Surely there is a simpler way of telling if they can co-ordinate? If the attacks on this base and its inhabitants are co-ordinated, so, too, would be our opposition."

Turning to Hopkins, she asked, "Have the biomonsters thus far displayed signs of co-ordination or intelligence?"
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: oslecamo on May 07, 2013, 06:06:37 PM
Turning to Hopkins, she asked, "Have the biomonsters thus far displayed signs of co-ordination or intelligence?"
The numan soldier, who had been silently observing you with an awkward look on his face, quickly puts back a serious expression and replies:

Armored ants and Spitkills have show some basic pack ambushing tactics. They lie in wait underground or blending in with the vegetation and then burst out to attack when they have at least a couple of us surrounded.

Buzzers move around in groups as well, just without any subtelty. They fly around the area and will attack any mechas they spot. You'll get some free shots out of it. Make them count.

Otherwise they never seemed very bright. They won't try to finish off a weakened machine if it pulls back and another draws their attention. They won't try to help others of their kind in trouble if they're already busy with something else. The biomonsters have not shown any ability at large-scale organization as far as we observed either, only relatively small packs of individuals, never more than a dozen togheter, more often some eight or nine individuals at a time.


Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Elevevated Beat on May 07, 2013, 08:05:40 PM
Cashile's eyes are narrowed thoughtfully as he stares out at the forest in front of him, like he can see what's beyond the treeline. "Hopkins, I've been ponderin' your words from earlier. What surprises have these lil critters got in store for us?" He turns back to the lieutenant, "You said summin' about mutations having surprises in their guts?"
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Concerned Ninja Citizen on May 07, 2013, 10:45:03 PM
Vail stood slightly back from the others as they began arguing, glad that he was not at the center of the conflict this time. As they spoke, though, it occurred to him that he had something relevant to say and after hesitating a few moments, he spoke up.

"I have the ability to impede the movement of enemies in a small area. If we end up being attacked by more than we can handle, I can slow them down so we can escape."
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Elevevated Beat on May 08, 2013, 12:06:51 AM
"That's real nice of you there, buddy. Hell, I know I wouldn' be jumpin' in front of no pack of animals for any of you." Cashile winks at Vail, and chuckles.

He turns back to Hopkins, "Sorry, lieu-y. Go on."
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Nanshork on May 08, 2013, 09:54:26 AM
Bartok withdraws from the banter, watching the others. 
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: oslecamo on May 08, 2013, 08:13:32 PM
Cashile's eyes are narrowed thoughtfully as he stares out at the forest in front of him, like he can see what's beyond the treeline. "Hopkins, I've been ponderin' your words from earlier. What surprises have these lil critters got in store for us?" He turns back to the lieutenant, "You said summin' about mutations having surprises in their guts?"

I've seen some able to shoot beams from their mandibles. I've seen some able to spit lesser versions of themselves. I've seen some simply vanish in thin air. I've seen some able to recover from grievous wounds almost instantly. But it's never the same mutation twice in a row. Always something we didn't expect them to be able to do.
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Elevevated Beat on May 08, 2013, 09:41:53 PM
I've seen some able to shoot beams from their mandibles. I've seen some able to spit lesser versions of themselves. I've seen some simply vanish in thin air. I've seen some able to recover from grievous wounds almost instantly. But it's never the same mutation twice in a row. Always something we didn't expect them to be able to do.

Cashile grins and takes a single step towards the jungle. His body, at ease before, now seems to be filled with energy. He begins to stare intently at the treeline again.
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Clanjos on May 08, 2013, 11:12:08 PM
Shatterscale, meanwhile, was trying to figure out just what would be an appropriate response to invisibility.

"...Did anyone pack some paint? We can use that to track invisible ones.
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Nanshork on May 09, 2013, 10:08:00 AM
Bartok looks at Shatterscale, jaw slightly agape.  "...why would anybody pack paint on a combat mission?"
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Clanjos on May 09, 2013, 10:42:34 AM
"I dunno. Maybe to deal with invisible targets? All mine got confiscated with the explosives, apparently they thought I was going to use it to make more. I'm sure I can come up with something though. A bag of flour, maybe."
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Kuroimaken on May 09, 2013, 10:57:33 AM
"You seem to forget the scale you're dealing with. 'Painting' a target like that would cost enough flour to live on for months."
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Clanjos on May 09, 2013, 11:02:05 AM
"Wait, what? Obviously not for those. For those we just need to make them bleed. I'm talking about once we get into the factory."
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Raineh Daze on May 09, 2013, 11:25:03 AM
"Given that the Illustrious is in need of a new coat of paint, I do not think there is any on board, though we are still taking stock of some miscellaneous supplies. So far, all that I know has been catalogued is food and laundry," the captain said, unfortunately not expecting to find any paint--though, if she did, that would be enough for even large enemies. "Even one bucket should be enough to highlight large-scale enemies, though."
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Scout89 on May 09, 2013, 12:17:27 PM
Bagra, with his arms crossed, chuckles.
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Concerned Ninja Citizen on May 09, 2013, 12:23:45 PM
"At my last deployment the quartermaster had this crate of experimental gew gaws he scrounged from gods know where. There were a couple packets of stuff, that said they let you see invisible creatures. I pocketed some when I left and I've still got them."
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: oslecamo on May 13, 2013, 09:09:54 PM
As you enter Forest IV (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EltMQay9oSU), you enjoy almost half an hour of quiet travel. The terrain starts geting somewhat more rough, with several rocky hills dotting the landscape.


Then you spot them in the horizon...
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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Kuroimaken on May 15, 2013, 12:16:07 AM
7 to 8. Antares liked those odds. Swarm tactics should be a little less effective if they managed to down a couple of enemies in the opening salvo.

"Everyone, I suggest we share targetting system data so we don't end up focusing unnecessary fire. Stay close to the Illustrious to prevent swarming tactics."

With that said, Antares deployed, sticking close to the ship as per his own recommendation, waiting for the enemy to move first.

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Concerned Ninja Citizen on May 15, 2013, 07:29:43 AM
"Copy, Antares. I'll take point, my defensive systems should hold up to these overgrown gnats."

Vail grinned as he activated the launch sequence. A soldier's life had its downsides but he couldn't deny combat was a rush.

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Clanjos on May 15, 2013, 09:25:44 AM
Shatterscale sat in the cockpit of SimoLeon, double checking the systems before launch.

"Nacht System activated. Preparing for launch- heading for nearby cover to flank as needed."

With a mighty FWOOOOSH, the mech launched and headed to the nearest hill for cover.

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Nanshork on May 15, 2013, 10:16:35 AM
As his Gespent deploys, Bartok makes his own analysis of the situation.  Flying down to join Vail on point he prepares to shoot any buzzer that gets close.

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Raineh Daze on May 15, 2013, 11:54:29 AM
On the bridge of the Illustrious, Alexia was leaning against a table, gazing at the screens displaying the surrounding forest and the monstrous creatures ahead of them. Very well; if they were going to come to them, her ship would stay here and wait.

"Charge the main cannon," she commanded, standing up straight and folding her arms, "Blast them if they get close."

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Scout89 on May 15, 2013, 12:44:02 PM
"Finally some action!"

Bagra launches and join the front line, getting ready for the fight.

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Elevevated Beat on May 16, 2013, 01:03:13 AM
Cashile was in his mecha before the shout alerting them to the presence of buzzers had finished having been restlessly pacing back in forth for most of the trip.

He takes a moment to steady himself, breathing out slowly. Finally. He grins.

His mecha launches from the ship and he disappears from sight as his mecha's Nacht System kicks in.

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: oslecamo on May 18, 2013, 12:20:30 PM
You react quickly and spread out before the buzzers can close in, preparing to meet them head on! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WsXcw4EIyLk)

The Illustrious main cannons first first, unleashing a massive yellow beam that cuts the horizon! It is however hard to get a proper lock-on on the quickly aproaching biomonsters, that dodge out of the way. Still two of them get grazed and their chitin is seared by the attack. Luckily you are fighting organic beings, and not plated combat mechas.

Vail unleashes a pair of split missiles at one of the wounded buzzers diving towards you, but fails to get a proper lock-on with either weapon and they scatter wildly.

Bartok and Antares pick up the slack, shooting their own missiles directly into the seared torso of that same buzzer. The first two tear a nice hole into its body, and then the last warhead detonates inside the biomonster, making it explode in a shower of chitin pieces and purple fluids!

Bagra fires two more missiles on the next incoming Buzzer, managing to hit it with one, but the second grazes the biomonster.

Witnessing the destruction of one of their own, the other buzzers dive into the nearby rocks and trees, clearly seeking whatever cover they can as they aproach you.

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Kuroimaken on May 18, 2013, 01:04:43 PM
"What an odd scramble pattern. It doesn't look like they're confused from losing their numbers, and it's not like any formation I can think of, either...

Our main advantage is that they can't attack at a distance. Vail, I'm covering the right flank, we have two strays nearby - but I can only take care of one. Can you take care of the target I'm painting now?"

Antares shared his targetting data with Vail, clearly showing the two targets at his 1 and 2 o'clock. The one closest to Vail was noted as locked, and the other was painted green - meaning Antares sought to shoot the one closer to his companion out of the sky. Given Vail's preferred attack method, it made sense to ask him to handle the one with cover.

Regardless of the answer, the CAST's Lion hummed as it initiated its electromagnetic accelerator.

"Initiating drive. Compensating for electromagnetic field. Locking on heat signature."

A persistant beep confirmed lock.

"Fire."

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Concerned Ninja Citizen on May 18, 2013, 01:30:57 PM
"I copy, consider target lit up and pinned down."

Vail gunned his Gespent's engine as he bore down on the Buzzer Antares had indicated. The cowardly little (in the figurative sense) thing had taken cover on a rocky outcropping but that wouldn't save it from the wrath of the dragon. As he exhaled, Vail took a moment to marvel at the amplifier system which meant that, instead of rebounding from the mecha's interior, his fiery breath flowed out onto his target, magnified to the same impressive scale the bug opperated on.

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Nanshork on May 19, 2013, 01:12:03 AM
Bartok quietly takes aim at the buzzer concealed with the tree directly ahead of him.  He fires two missiles in quick succession, knowing that the tree is jamming his targeting sensors but not being able to do anything about it.

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Scout89 on May 19, 2013, 07:06:37 PM
"We should block their advance on our left flank".

Bagra charges at the first couple of enemies on the left.

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Clanjos on May 21, 2013, 11:25:54 PM
Shatterscale, seeing his chance, drove SimoLeon's claws up into the Buzzer to his left after hearing the charge coming from the side.

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Elevevated Beat on May 22, 2013, 12:23:45 AM
Cashile reacts at the sight of Bagra charging in. Kicking off from the ground, his thrusters engage. His missile launcher zero's in on the unlucky bug and as soon as the lip of the cliff is not obstructing his view, Cashile lets his missile fly.

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Raineh Daze on May 23, 2013, 04:31:58 PM
Antares would find himself receiving a transmission from the ship: "Downloading battlefield data to your ship, Antares. It's only accurate for a brief window of time; make it count."

Transmission complete, the ship prepared to fire at anything that attacked it.

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: oslecamo on May 25, 2013, 06:32:15 PM
Antares Railgun hits his target straight on, tearing a large chunk of its abdomen-but seems like he failed to hit anything vital as the biomonster takes flight once more, charging straight at the Lion and The Illustrious!

And is promptly met by a missile barrage that literally vaporizes it in mid-air.

Vail wreathes another buzzer in flames. The monster trashes around angrily as the flames persist and it is burned alive, pouncing on the origin of its pain. Its maws fail to penetrate the gespent's plate, but a colossal stinger pops up from its abdomen and manages to pierce right trough the mecha's abdomen joints, dealing heavy damage and knocking him down on the grass!

The heavy vegetation seems to be jamming Bartok's targeting systems as both his missiles miss. He does suceed on drawing the attention of the biomonster regardless, as it quickly buzzes the remaining distance between them and falls over Bartok's mecha, trashing with a variety of sharp apendages.  The gespent's plating  proves resilient against the organic weapons, but can't stop a lucky hit from striking the leg servo motors, making the machine fall on the ground!

Bagra charges  straight at the enemy swinging his chainsword two-handed, but ends up miscalculating the distance and crashing on the side of the cliff! Luckily the gespent's been designed to handle at least this kind of rough treatment, so no structural damage is done.

Shatterscale cunningly takes advantage of the distraction provided by Bagra to leap into a Buzzer. The biomonster only notices this new opponent as mechanical claws are driven into its softer underside, eviscerating it.

Cashile manages to hit another buzzer with an homing missile. The wounded biomonster takes to the air, flying over Bartok and straight into Bashile's mecha. Its maws manage to tear into the Lion's plating, geting the smaller machine into a deadly embrace!

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Raineh Daze on May 25, 2013, 06:41:35 PM
Seeing that many of her allies were, in fact, in serious trouble, Alexia sent a quick transmission to Antares, informing him that she was going to target the creature assailing Bartok--because, after all, doubling up their targets was not going to be the best option. Another barrage of missiles was fired.

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Concerned Ninja Citizen on May 25, 2013, 07:12:34 PM
Gagh! Get away from me you cursed insect! Vail flailed with his mecha's fists as the flame wreathed buzzer bore down on him but melee combat had never been his strong suit and its attack knocked him sprawling.

As the wasp burned, Vail tried to make his mecha scramble to its feet and fire a missile salvo, painfully aware that both of these things were likely to draw retribution from his attacker.

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Scout89 on May 25, 2013, 09:08:22 PM
Bagra swings his blade at the enemy in front of him. His movement is fast making an upward, diagonal cut on the beast.

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Nanshork on May 25, 2013, 09:14:02 PM
Bartok punches at the Buzzer at it closes with him then flails as his mecha falls over unexpectedly.

"Damn bug!" he yells as he gets back up and strikes at it again, this time using up some of his fuel to put some extra kick behind his mecha's punch.

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Kuroimaken on May 26, 2013, 03:09:21 AM
"Roger that.

Vail! Incoming!!"

Seeing the Illustrious' efforts to support his comrade sadly fall short, Antares took it upon himself to eliminate the closest threat. All told, Cashile, Bagra, Bartok and Shatterscale were doing fine as far as hammering the enemy went.

He took a moment to charge up, his weapon emitting an ominous hum before a superheated piece of metal tore toward the Buzzer with a vengeance.

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Elevevated Beat on May 29, 2013, 05:22:53 AM
The bug's speed catches Cashile by surprise and he only manages to fire of a round from his Vulcan before it crashes into him.
The lack of preparedness for such a maneuver hurts Cashile's mecha immensely, as no sooner does the bug envelope the small machine in it's grasp than warning signals flare up inside his cockpit. An automated transmission is sent to Alexia's ship notifying her of the situation.
Warning! Major damage sustained - functional capacity at 30%.

Cashile struggles with his assailant, its mandibles having dug into the plating making escape difficult.
Get off me, you damn pest!

Bracing his mecha's arms against the bug's maw, Cashile pushes them slightly apart before quickly twisting in an effort to slip through their clutches. In anticipation of the maneuver succeeding he sets a path straight for the tree he used as concealment just a moment before hoping to lose his opponent in the branches.

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Clanjos on June 03, 2013, 11:29:29 AM
"Come and get me, you buzzing freaks!" Shatterscale shouted, opening the vents on Simoleon's arms and driving the claws of the mecha up into the Buzzer as best he could once again. Hopefully, the bit of extra strength would make him a more pressing target to the giant insects.

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: oslecamo on June 03, 2013, 08:43:59 PM
Alexia finds her crew still needs more training as the second barrage of missiles just blasts some patches of vegetation. Altough in their defense, most of the buzzers are now quite close to your mechas.

Vail manages to slip from under the biomonster's flailing limbs, and his point-blank missiles proceed to detonate the burning buzzer into a shower of flaming bits!

Bagra manages to land a clean, deep hit on his target's abdomen, but not deep enough to finish it off. The heavily wounded buzzer retaliates with its limbs and mandibles, managing to slip a claw in one of the gespent's torso joints. It then tries to pull the mecha down into the ground, however Bagra manages to keep his machine up!

Bartok smashes the jaw of the buzzer pouncing him as he falls down, then proceeds to rise himself and tear of the rest of the head of the biomonster with his powered-up fist!

Cashile's vulcan blows off one of the incoming Buzzer's limbs before they're locked into grapple. Before his mecha sustains any more damage,  he manages to slip free from the biomonster's grasp, and Antares takes the chance to finish off the wounded biomonster with his railgun!

Shatterscale slashes and tears at the buzzer near him, one of the two last remaining. He draws violet blood, yet this one seems quite tougher than the previous one he had just slain... Suddenly, bright light starts glowing from between the biomonster's carapace joints. The Biomonster opens its jaws and unleashes a shower of glowing white spheres upon Bagra and Shatterscale! The projectiles sear right trough your mecha's plating and threaten to overload your visor systems!


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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Concerned Ninja Citizen on June 03, 2013, 10:44:05 PM
"Got you!"  Vail crows as his opponent's body parts rain down around him. He then whips his mecha around and heads for the remaining unfriendlies at top speed.

As the furthest from the live buzzers he is the least able to engage the target with the weird powers so he decides to take Bagra's opponent out of the fight instead.

"Bagra, am closing on your position, engaging hostile on your 12 o'clock",  he sends as he hits the firing stud on his missiles.

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Kuroimaken on June 04, 2013, 09:28:19 AM
"I can't get a clear enough shot. Bagra, Shatterscale, both of you are directly in my line of fire. Standing by for a shot."

Antares cooly focused on the screen and the remaining enemies, waiting for the right moment in the flow of battle to shoot.

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Clanjos on June 04, 2013, 12:55:46 PM
Shatterscale quickly threw up his hands, blocking off most of the damage to the sensory array and managing to avoid getting blinded himself. Still, SimoLeon was pretty badly damaged- but that was nothing a little time wouldn't fix.

"Right, getting sick and tired of this. Clearing your shot, Antares.

Shatterscale hit the reverse thrusters, keeping his eyes on the Buzzer at all times.

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Scout89 on June 04, 2013, 12:59:28 PM
Bagra was certainly not ready for the flash. He tried closing his eyes but wasn't quick enough. But he trained for this in the academy. He would not lose the opportunity of killing his enemy. Unfortunately his sword hissed over the buzzer's head hitting nothing. He curses and steps to the side in order to clear Antares' line of fire.

"I can't see shit and am badly damaged! Withdrawing! Somebody cover me."

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Elevevated Beat on June 09, 2013, 02:13:08 AM
Cashile gestures towards Antares, "Than-" he breaks off as he glimpses a bright glowing from the corner of his eyes.

"Huh," Cashile grunts watching Shatterscale shoot overhead, his mecha much worse for wear than he was a second ago. "That's new."

Cashile kneels down and levels the sight of his railgun at the lip of the cliff. He scans for the bug. He waits.

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Nanshork on June 09, 2013, 10:32:46 AM
Bartok quickly moves in to engage the closer insect.  "Covering Bagra," he announces as his mecha punches at the creature using every ounce of power he can muster.

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: oslecamo on June 11, 2013, 06:55:16 PM
The most wounded buzzer manages to dodge one of Vail's missiles, but the second one detonates directly over it, blasting it in half!

Shatterscale and Bagra pull away from the last biomonster, opening the line of fire for Antares and a charging path for Bartok.

The lion's homing missile flies straight into the buzzer's open jaws, and then the incoming gespent's fist smashes its mouth shut, further driving the warhead inside the biomonster's body. The mutant biomonster glows brightly for a moment before exploding into a cloud of white ash! When it subsides, you can spot something yellow glowing on the nearby ground... Meseta! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQ6xTYMxv2s)

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Kuroimaken on June 11, 2013, 09:20:31 PM
"All targets down. Captain, I'm returning to the Illustrious to resupply." Antares buzzed over comm.
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Raineh Daze on June 11, 2013, 09:45:31 PM
"Roger that; anyone who took damage make sure to not step on the mechanics. Your mecha will be repaired before we get going again--it should only be a few minutes," Alexia said, broadcasting to everyone and preparing to go into cruising speed. She was proud of her crew--even if the Illustrious was basically an old heap of junk, the crew made up for it. Any mecha that they could get their hands on? Repaired in minutes.
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Nanshork on June 11, 2013, 10:26:33 PM
Bartok pilots his mecha back to the ship for repairs.
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Concerned Ninja Citizen on June 11, 2013, 10:30:58 PM
As he docks with the battleship, Vail is beginning to come down from the exhilaration of battle. He feels a little drained and runs through some calming exercises, mostly involving thoughts of dragonfire.

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: oslecamo on June 14, 2013, 06:24:19 PM
As you finish repairing your machines and restoring your minds, the Illustrious sets into cruising speed once more towards the bioplant.

Suddenly after around half an hour of quiet flying, you catch up a weak, erratic radio transmission being broadcast in a general, open frequency:

"Vrzkt-Crashed-brzkt-Biomonsters attacked us-brzkt-Someone listening?-vrzt-Please help-crsszz-Quickly-trsz"

Alexia's crew informs her the message is coming somewhere from the east, just a couple minutes of flight at cruising speed away.
It's being jammed by some exterior force, but you just happened to pass close enough to catch it up.

You could go check it out. Or you could ignore it and continue your course, since the soldiers made it clear nobody else is suposed to be inside the area, so it means it's an illegal trespasser that got in trouble for its own fault, and you already have a mission of your own.
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Raineh Daze on June 14, 2013, 07:33:04 PM
Alexia's response was naturally quite immediate, shifting in her seat and grasping the heavily alloyed rapier in front of her. "Change course to track the transmission, if people are in danger we must help. Prepare for hostiles; it could still be a trap. Even if it isn't, there's going to be more monsters around."

Even if it made her unpopular with others, there was no way that she could ignore a distress signal and retain a clear conscience. That didn't mean being stupid about it, though. Besides, this was her ship; the path it took to their mission destination was hers to decide.

A call to battle stations was sounded throughout the ship, so there was no excuse to not be in position by the time they got there...
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Concerned Ninja Citizen on June 14, 2013, 09:04:42 PM
"There's not supposed to be anyone in this area." Vail says, frowning, "Could it be a trap? The biomonsters are manifesting bizarre mutations. Maybe one of those is "mimic the call of prey in distress"?"  
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Kuroimaken on June 15, 2013, 01:36:57 AM
"All the way down to specific radio frequencies and channels? If they had that level of intelligence we would have much bigger things to worry about." Antares pondered aloud. "I don't doubt the biomonsters are likely to show up, but I doubt they are outright lying in ambush."
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Scout89 on June 15, 2013, 06:07:23 AM
"Vali is right. No ship should be here. But we can't ignore the possibility of a real distress call. We'd better be ready for the worse".
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: oslecamo on June 16, 2013, 09:50:44 AM
As the Illustrious flies towards the new destination, you notice you're moving into a less rocky area with a lot more vegetation than before. Soon  something glittering on the horizon appears. A large transport ship, a civilian model whitout weapons, badly wrecked, with some plating sections looking like they melted, laying in a small crater. Three biomonsters circle it, tearing at the hull as if trying to reach something inside-Two bulky Armored Ants and one Spitkill.

You hear a new, stronger transmission coming from the crashed ship:

"Please! Whoever you are please help us! We've taken refuge in the innermost ship rooms, but we don't know how long it'll hold! Watch out for the snake biomonster, it can spit highly corrosive acid!"


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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Raineh Daze on June 16, 2013, 10:14:37 AM
"Roger that," Alexia returned, hoping to hell that everyone else was in position and moving closer so they'd be within combat range after deploying.

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Kuroimaken on June 16, 2013, 11:33:45 AM
"Copy. Everyone, I'm going to focus fire on the Spitkill." Antares announced to his companions as the Lion flew out and unleashed a missile salvo on the snake-like biomonster.

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Nanshork on June 16, 2013, 11:44:43 AM
Seeing two of his teammates focusing on the Spitkill, Bartok disembarks from the ship and flies down to engage an Armored Ant before it fully breaches the interior hulls of the downed ship, shooting with with a pair of missiles.

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Concerned Ninja Citizen on June 16, 2013, 02:56:46 PM
Time for the direct approach. "I'm going in!" Vail radioed. "Targeting the spitkill and the ant on the far side. Get ready to burn, vermin!"

Streaking out from the ship's catapult, he landed his mecha with a thump, a short distance out from the side of the civilian ship and immediately unleashed his fire breath.

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Clanjos on June 16, 2013, 03:27:56 PM
"Nacht Systems engaged. As usual, making for cover to strike when they don't expect it."

Shatterscale launched, heading for the tremendous tree nearest the giant snake. He

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Scout89 on June 17, 2013, 08:29:34 AM
"Engaging the ant on the left!"
Bagra launches and moves into the fight raising his mech's sword over its head and chopping down fast.

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Elevevated Beat on June 22, 2013, 04:28:17 AM
Cashile quickly zips out of the hold and takes position near the ship. He's more wary of the capabilities of the monster now after that last one tore through his mecha like a hot plasma knife through reinforce steel. He aims his rail gun at the Spitfire and a resounding THWUMP indicates he has fired.


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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: oslecamo on June 22, 2013, 11:01:52 AM
Vail sets one Armored Ant and Spitkill aflame, filling the air with the smell of burnt organics.

"Hey, watch out! We don't want to be cooked alive!"
-comes a transmission from the crashed ship.

Alexia's crew only manages to hit one missile on the side of the burning spitkill, understandable since they're trying to not hit the wrecks where the survivors are.

Antares railgun proves deadly acurrate however, riping an hole straight trough the monster's main body, that then falls convulsing and hissing in the ground before finally it stops moving!

With the Spitkill ended, Cashile takes aim at the nearest Armored Ant. A large burst of orange blood indicates the place where the supersonic shot penetrated its shell, but the monster seems far from finished.

Bagra deploys right after, but once more finds himself miscalculating the distance to his target and struggling just to keep his machine upwards. However Alexia this time was ready and instantly relays corrections to the Gespent. Bagra thus manages to strike the monster right from above! His chainsword starts tearing trough the biomonster's tick shell, that seems to be resisting for a moment-and then suddenly cracks along the wound inflicted by Cashille. From there Bagra's swords rips right trough the Armored Ant's soft insides, reaching all the way to the ground. The two halves still twitch for a few moments before they lay inert.

Shatterscale once more takes cover, waiting for an opening from the biomonsters.

The last,  burning armored ant advances towards Vail, trying to hit his machine with its mandibles but failing to penetrate his plating.

Then those of you in the ground can hear a sudden rumbling and the ground erupts at three points around you, more armored ants emerging from the ground, while some of you manage to spot in time what looked like a rock start moving and changing color, anotther Spitkill!

What you don't notice fast enough is the two other Spitkills skulking on top of two other rock formations, suddenly rising and unleashing long and thin streams of acid aimed at Antares and Cashile, filling the nearby air with noxious vapors! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jmagfI15s5E)

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Kuroimaken on June 22, 2013, 04:23:15 PM
"Tch!"

Antares suppressed a curse over the comm as his Lion was splattered with acid. The plating was not particularly resillient, but his systems were still operational.

Thankfully, his physiology protected him from the fumes of the noxious assault, but they seemed to wreak havoc on his targetting system's correction, causing his retaliatory shot to veer off more than he expected.

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Concerned Ninja Citizen on June 22, 2013, 05:42:16 PM
Seeing the spitkill detonate, Vail cracks a smile as he focuses on the flame wreathed ant that failed to damage him. Taking a swift step, just far enough to get out of its range, he unloads point blank twin missile fire.

Even as he does so, the fire continues burn and hamper the ant. 

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Initiative = 5 (http://www.minmaxboards.com/index.php?topic=10048.msg172665#msg172665)
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Elevevated Beat on June 23, 2013, 04:27:01 AM
"Hyurkk" Cashile fights back a rising lump of bile in his throat. He hadn't been scanning for a potential ambush at all. Stupid! The Spitkill had taken him completely by surprise. His body, acting on it's own accord, continues to function despite his concentration seemingly being solely on not making a mess in his cockpit. In the back of his mind a voice, unheeded, cautions ... focus fire...

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Nanshork on June 23, 2013, 12:20:37 PM
Bartok quickly moves in to engage the Ant that burst out of the ground next to him, burning some of his fuel in order to be sure of piercing its carapace.

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Scout89 on June 24, 2013, 03:59:45 PM
"Thanks for the correction, captain!"

Bagra realizes the peril the snake-like biomonsters represent. Then he circles around the one at his seven o'clock to nullify its terrain advantage.

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Clanjos on June 29, 2013, 12:14:59 AM
With Bagra on the move towards the giant snake, Shatterscale saw his own opportunity, scurrying along towards the burning ant. Something caught in a vent, however, making a noise like a pot smacking the ground. Hopefully, the sound was drowned out by battle.

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Raineh Daze on July 04, 2013, 09:01:35 PM
Once again, Alexia sent information to allies, regretting the incredibly short range the ship's current communications offered. Then, again, a salvo of missiles was fired. Hopefully more successfully.

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: oslecamo on July 06, 2013, 12:51:28 PM
Antares shot blows apart one of the spitkill's limbs, and then Bagra comes in from behind the biomonster, driving his gespent's chainsword trough its back and shreding the monster's torso to pieces. Not as elegant as he intended, but the biomonster is finished.

Vail rains down missiles on the burning giant ant closing on him while pulling back, the biomonster aparently refusing to die, and then it suddenly falls over itself and stops moving. Then Vail notices  Shatterscale behind the dead body, his robotic claws driven deep in the chinks on the biomonster's carapace.

He doesn't have much time to favor his kill however, as the other near armored ant charges him from behind, breaking his torso plating and and crashing him into the ground!

Bartok punch cracks his target's carapace, but the biomonster seems ready for more and quicly counter attacks, driving its mandibles onto the gespent and trying to knock it over. Bartok manages to make his machine hold firm.

Alexia orders a salvo on the nearest Armored Ant while helping Cashile on her moment of sickness. The biomonster's heavy carapace is barely left dented from the explosions, while Cashille manages to wound the eastern spitkill, but not finish it off.

The two remaining spitkills shoot more acid towards you, but now you've caught on the suprise and manage to dodge out of the way while taking just minor, harmless splatters of the corrosive fluid.

Then the biomonster that The Illustrious had just attacked turns towards it, and its legs suddenly extend to over double the length of the other Armored Ants you're facing! As the Mutant Ant leaps trough the air, its mandibles tearing themselves apart to reveal row after row of serrated teeths inside, and as it impacts against the flying ship, it attaches itself to its hull with its "mouth". Alexia and the crew inside then can hear multiple tearing sounds as the biomonster's teeth start eating trough the ship's plating at horrifying speed.



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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Concerned Ninja Citizen on July 06, 2013, 01:15:42 PM
"Thanks for the assist, Shatterscale. Returning favor, firing on the bug in your face."

Vail must have been trying too hard, however, as his attacks were far from precisely on target.

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Nanshork on July 06, 2013, 02:00:52 PM
Bartok's Gespent avoids taking any serious damage as he immediately counterattacks.

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Scout89 on July 07, 2013, 09:58:40 PM
"Vail, watch it! You turned your back to a Spitkill."

Seeing that the enemy attacking The Illustrious is being taking care of, Bagra decides to charge the Ant threatening the downed ship and Shatterscale. But the tight curve he was forced to do to avoid stepping at the ship ruined his attack.

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Kuroimaken on July 08, 2013, 07:27:35 PM
"Why you little!"

Turning the Lion's frame sideways a bit, Antares went all-out with the vulcans, then cautiously retreated (still on top of the Illustrious) and attempted MASSIVE! RETALIATION!! with his missiles.

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Elevevated Beat on July 14, 2013, 02:59:12 AM
Out of the corner of his eye, Cashile notices the biomonster flying towards the Illustrious. The sudden transformation causes Cashile to whistle softly to himself.

"New primary target acquired," Cashile remarks once it becomes obvious the biomonster has eyes only for the Captain's ship. "Let's blow this creep outta the sky."

His finger's crossed, Cashile quickly locks on and fires his Vulcan's at the monster. As the ant crashes into the ship his rail gun cracks down onto it's carapace. The motion, having now spun his gespent facing the ant, allows Cashile to push off the monster, and he gains a few mu distance before unleashing a devastating salvo of missiles from point blank range.

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Raineh Daze on July 15, 2013, 06:06:16 PM
The lights dimmed as the monstrous ant was buried in a salvo of missiles, and Alexia winced at the damage to her precious ship. 'Precious' in the metaphorical sense; in the physical it was a half-functional heap of junk where the structure looked like Swiss Cheese and the core was mostly burnt out. Hence why the damage sustained appeared to have just cut half the ship's lighting.

Everything was very noir all of a sudden.

"Is anyone hurt?" Alexia asked, glad that nobody appeared to have been hurt despite the damage sustained--fortunately, the bow wasn't somewhere anyone was likely to be.

"Fire and reload."

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Clanjos on July 16, 2013, 12:19:32 PM
Shatterscale opened a transmission to the ship before promptly cutting communications.

"Alexia, I'm going to need a pickup for Simleon once the hostiles are cleared. Also someone willing to give me a lift on their mecha for any similarly large hostiles."

With that, he whistled to grab the ant's attention and stood up, waiting for its retaliation and calibrating the escape pod.

"Right in that smugass invertebrate's smugass face." He said with a toothy grin and a manic look in his eye.

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Scout89 on July 16, 2013, 01:14:40 PM
In response to Shatterscale's request, Bagra says "I'm on it!"
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: oslecamo on July 18, 2013, 07:18:50 AM
Vail's machine steps back and fires a new salvo of missiles, but fails to get a proper lock on the armored ant due to its proximity with both Simleon and the crashed ship so close to it. The missiles end up exploding at its side, and the biomonster's carapace resists the explosions.

Bartok keeps up his assault, punching the Armored Ant next to him again and again until it's a twitching pile of purple fluids and broken carapace bits.

Cashille and Antares react quickly to the mutant attacking the Illustrious, wearing it down with their vulcans and railgun blows before steping away in opposite directions and finishing it off with synchronized missile salvos from opposite directions! When the smoke clears there's no trace left of the biomonster, but Alexia's crew reports in the appearance of multiple meseta crystals on the damaged areas.

Bagra closes in with the next target, but as he swings down his sword a small explosion from the crashed ship damaged parts distracts the pilot in the critical moment, making his chainsword drop with the flat side on the armored ant's body, dealing no damage.

Shatterscale, seeing his allies didn't manage to deal with the close enemy, bravely makes his machine stand up while exposing himself to the biomonster's mandibles. The armored ant instantly takes the opportunity and tears into the weakened Simleon's frame, shredding the machine's torso. As it falls apart, Shatterscale's escape pod shoots out aimed at the monster's head, impacting right on target! The armored ant doesn't seem to notice that detail as it quickly turns around and viciously lunges at Bagra's machine, managing to penetrate between the mecha's protective platings.

Alexia orders a new salvo against one of the remaining spitkills, but her crew clearly is still recovering from the last damage as the missiles just hit the base of the rocky formation where the biomonster is standing. The Spitkill replies by unleashing a new load of acid at the Illustrious, toxic fumes entering trough the damaged compartments.

The other Spitkill takes aim at Bartok and scores a sucessful hit as well, burning the gespent's metal pauldron.

Yes!-cheers an excited transmission from the crashed ship-Finish off those ugly things! Just three more to go!

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Raineh Daze on July 18, 2013, 07:52:20 AM
Despite feeling that she was going to throw up, and wishing that the ship's defences were more effective against such as this, Alexia nevertheless ordered another salvo, despite being close to running out of ammunition and the high chance her crew would miss in this state.

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Scout89 on July 18, 2013, 08:44:44 AM
"Damn bug!"

Bagra raises his sword over his gespent's head once again and drops it hard into the armored ant in front of him. After the attack his Gespent's mechanical hand reaches down and picks up Shatterscale's drop pod. He assumes a defensive position to better protect his colleague.

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Nanshork on July 18, 2013, 10:13:01 AM
Having pulverized the Armored Ant Bartok makes his way closer to the Spitkill that 'shot' him and opens up with a barrage of his own.

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Clanjos on July 18, 2013, 10:20:02 AM
Shatterscale himself, however, had already climbed out onto the ant's head, rearing back and clawing and biting at the monster.

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Concerned Ninja Citizen on July 21, 2013, 09:15:14 PM
I'll get you this time. Die, insect!

Holding his position, Vail takes careful aim and lets fly another pair of missiles.

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Elevevated Beat on July 24, 2013, 06:30:43 AM
As soon as Cashile is happy the Illustrious is not in any immediate danger from the still twitching husk hanging from its plates, he turns to face his original bug. He raises his rail gun and, without further adieu, fires.

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Kuroimaken on July 25, 2013, 09:12:06 AM
Quickly analyzing the situation, Antares decides that his best course of action is to eliminate the closest Spitkill - couldn't afford getting his teammates disoriented by another salvo of solvent saliva.

Turning almost without looking, the air thrums around the barrel of the railgun before releasing high-velocity shrapnel towards the spitkill's face.

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: oslecamo on July 26, 2013, 12:41:17 PM
And the spitkill's head explodes like a ripe fruit from the impact! Its body still holding itself up for a moment aparently unaware that its main nervous system has been turned to mush, then it finally tips over and tumbles down the cliff into the vegetation below.

Cashile shoots takes aim at the last spitkill. Altough her aim isn't as good as Antares, is still good enough, blowing off half the head of the biomonster that curls over itself before finally expiring.

Bartok finds himself forced to stop his attack at the last moment as he realizes the small companion is on the top of his target, in order to not turn the kobold into a bloody smear over his chainsword's teeths.

Shatterscale himself slashes and bites at what look like the softest parts of the Armored Ant, slowly digging inside its body as if mining a tunnel in soft soil. But altough purple, foul-smelling blood floods all over the kobold, he realizes he's but an irritation to the biomonster.

Vail and Bartok, with a single target left, flank the Armored Ant and unleash missile salvos from diferent directions! Some end up impacting on the fallen ship, from which come girlish screams over the communicator. But enough strike the biomonster to make it topple over, smoke coming from the places where missile cracked its carapace and charred the flesh underneath.

Shatterscale himsel miracously escapes the explosions unschated, the armored ant's own body having shielded him as he had digged inside it.

As the last biomonster falls, steam starts coming out from a section of the crashed ship and an hatch opens, from where a young-looking blonde woman comes out, wearing a white and bright green dress with a matching ribbon on her neck-long hair tied in an elegant style. On her waist you recognize a protection belt, a basic force field device the kind civilians use when they have to go to dangerous areas. Floating just over her shoulder is a floating yellow orb with a large lens, aparently recording the surrounding area and focusing for some seconds on each of you. She holds a pocket communicator over her ear with one hand and waves at you with a broad smile. You recognize her voice as the one that first contacted you.

Oh, thank you, thank you so much! Can I have your names? And your jobs? What are you doing in this area? Can you confirm the rumors about the bioweapon tests going over this area? Oh, and you can pose to the camera over those dead monsters? Perhaps a group shot or two...

Her excited speech is interrupted by another figure coming from behind the hatch. Brown haired, he's wearing basic black and gray combat armor, a photon pistol in hand and turning his head around with a worried look on his eyes. Everything points for him to be a professional bodyguard. Or at least an aspiring professional bodyguard, as he doesn't look much confident.

Please miss, it may still be dangerous out here! And be careful with what you say, remember the reason we're here!


Oh, you worry too much. We're at their mercy now, so I may as well get as much material as I can while I can.

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Raineh Daze on July 26, 2013, 12:52:25 PM
The Illustrious lowered itself to allow its captain to exit, as well as giving Shatterscale a way into the ship with his mecha downed--which would also be easiest to transfer into the ship from ground level. As she climbed out, it was apparent that the captain both had a basic pistol hastily shoved into her obi--and that the sash itself was basically a more ornate, advanced version of the reporter's own protections.

"Captain Alexia Dragon, speaking. I know nothing about bioweapon tests, but it is clear from the monsters that something biology-oriented has gone wrong," the elaborately-dressed newearl answered, barely managing to bite her tongue about the plant creating the monsters. She hated lying, "Whilst I wait for my associates to disembark, I would like to extend an invitation to you: I believe it would be safer on my ship than to stay on the forest floor."

Even if said ship was going to head deeper into the forest.
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Kuroimaken on July 26, 2013, 05:31:44 PM
"Miss, I'd listen to your companion over there. The place is still rather dangerous, and will likely remain so until we are done."
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: oslecamo on July 27, 2013, 08:23:50 PM
"Whilst I wait for my associates to disembark, I would like to extend an invitation to you: I believe it would be safer on my ship than to stay on the forest floor."
The woman salutes, her eyes flashing in clear admiration of Alexia.

Reporter Tappy from Parum News! Say captain, doesn't your ship quite resemble The Illustrious? I tought they had rotated that model out of the fleet...
 
But nevermind that. We'll gladly accept your invitation. And by all means continue your investigation of the area with us on board. You won't even notice we're there. All I ask is a compartment with a good view to the exterior.


"Miss, I'd listen to your companion over there. The place is still rather dangerous, and will likely remain so until we are done."
Tappy turns to Antares and pouts for a moment, her expression instantly changing to defiance:

Pfft, if I had listened to Edin here, I would be attending  the "safe" high-speed XXXVI android chess tournament. Boring!
But here, I get to do something important! To confirm that there are giant monsters growing somewhere in Parum! The people have the right to know something like this!

And you cashing in some fat meseta for an exclusive story like this doesn't matter at all right Tappy?

Oh, shut up Edin, you accepted to escort men here in return for a fair slice of my share.


Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Raineh Daze on July 27, 2013, 08:29:17 PM
"Rotated out of active combat service, not the fleet; its days as a warship may be over but it is fully functional for quashing an overblown vermin problem, Ms Tappy," Alexia answered, wincing at the suggestion her ship had been completely retired.
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Kuroimaken on July 28, 2013, 01:50:29 AM
"I will take that to mean you won't be doing potentially fatal things such as getting out on the deck for better footage during combat.

But it's Captain Alexia's ship, not mine. Ultimately, it's not my decision." He tossed a glance at Alexia as if to ask "you sure you want that trouble on your hands?"
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: oslecamo on August 08, 2013, 03:11:55 PM
Oh no, I intend to live a long life before I ever need my first cloning.

Tappy says with a miscievous smile while Edin sighs.

But well, if this is just an overblown vermin problem, I guess there's no problem if I tag along with you right? Wouldn't want to bother you with carrying me all the way to the nearest city. Mind keeping us on the bridge Captain Dragon? It's not every day we get to record a ship like the Illustrous in action from the inside!

Once Alexia tells them where they can stay during the trip reporter and her bodyguard board the Illustrous and you resume your trip.

After some more minutes flying at cruising speed, you finally spot the bioplant on the distance. A massive shining rectangle of gray plastic concrete, with thin lead pipings coming in and out at hundreds of points. Thin plumes of steam come out from some of the piping connections. Photon columns at regular intervals flash with red lights “Android Administration Property-Non-Authorized Units Keep Out”.

The area around the bioplant in a large plains, filled with just short grass carefully trimmed and ocasional tiny white, blue and red flowers, all undulating slowly under a soft breeze. There's not any signs of any biomonsters on the area. The whole atmosphere is eerily calm.

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Scout89 on August 08, 2013, 03:34:02 PM
Bagra comments through the intercom, blocking the reporter, "When was this place abandoned? Yesterday?"
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Raineh Daze on August 08, 2013, 04:41:10 PM
"Automated, remember? It's why they had to send us out here," Alexia replied, not trying to conceal anything from the reporter--sure, there might not be a direct channel, but everybody was on the bridge, "As we have to go in on foot, now would be a good time to decide what route we take. I'm in favour of leaving the side of the facility without direct access to the panel until after order is reestablished."
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Nanshork on August 08, 2013, 04:58:59 PM
Bartok shakes his head.  "I'll leave the overall strategy to someone else, however I am as heavily protected outside of my Gespent as I am in it so I should take point."
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Kuroimaken on August 08, 2013, 05:13:17 PM
"This reeks of trap so badly we should be seeing it by now.

Captain. Anything on scanners?" Antares questioned.
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Clanjos on August 08, 2013, 06:14:33 PM
Shatterscale walked onto the bridge, scales still glistening after a quick stop in the showers, his towel stained purple with the muck from the ant.

"I'd say go in from below but my explosives were confiscated. Speaking of, Captain, any chance I could borrow the lab later?"
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Scout89 on August 09, 2013, 07:58:02 AM
"Still, this place is too neat. One of those Spitkill would leave a trail no robot can easely hide. And the small ones are too irrational to let the cleaning droids go around doing their jobs. I say there's something else going on here."
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Elevevated Beat on August 11, 2013, 06:22:53 AM
"I'm sure Shatterscale would have no issues if I volunteered him for scouting duties," Cashile grins as he leans against a bulkhead. "Oh, and yours truly will be happy to accompany him."
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Kuroimaken on August 11, 2013, 11:45:47 AM
"Hmmm. All told... I think the situation suggests a minefield. Even if they were hiding, the biomonsters aren't smart enough to stay hidden once they saw us. And the robots have no reason not to send a hail at the very least."
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Raineh Daze on August 11, 2013, 11:50:16 AM
"As far as I can tell, nothing moving down there," Alexia replied, checking for the familiar weight of her weapon, "Mines would of course be possible, but if we set down close to the entrance, it should be easier to see where anything has disturbed the interior floor."
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: oslecamo on August 22, 2013, 03:56:12 PM
The Illustrous lands as close as possible to the bioplant entrance. Neart the land, you still don't spot or hear anything wrong, but you can an unpleasant smell in the air. The reinforced front door of the facility is locked, so you input the entry keys contained on the map hologram given to you on a nearby control panel flashing red. Its lights turn to green and  you enter the biofacility (http://www.fantasyanime.com/phantasystar/ps2_shure.mid).

As soon as you enter the automatic lights turn on and you're overwhelmed by a mixture of diferent chemical smells that saturate the interior. The source is quite clear as the walls are lined with human-sized glass tubes filled with bubbling chemicals. Taking a closer look inside them, you can see that floating inside each of the tubes, there's the blurry figure of strange creatures, one in each tube. You can't tell details because of the lack of transparecy of the chemicals inside, but you can make out spiky limbs, glowing eyes and growing carapaces. None of them seem to be "awake" however, just undulating with the flow of the bubbles inside.

Hoho, so this is the source of the vermin problem? Who built it? Why did they built it? What are you going to do about it?-
says Tappy grinning, having discretly joined your group as you entered and recording the whole scene.

Ssshh miss, let the professionals do their job! I'm sure they'll gladçy to answer your questions when they finish their work. Or you want them to lock us in the ship?-interrupts Edin, keeping a gloved hand on Edin's shoulder to keep her behind you.

Fine, fine, I'll shut up for now...

Then Bagra and Cashile notice them. Two... Blobs of purple, translucid flesh, sticking to the ceilings just behind the corners of the two passages in front of you. A single pulsating red nucleus in the middle of their amorphous bodies.

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Kuroimaken on August 23, 2013, 09:48:02 AM
Antares readied what, at first glance, looked like little more than a large sword handle. It deployed into a shaft almost as tall as himself, and buzzed to life with photon energy resembling the sound of a chainsaw.

"I'm going to engage those things at close range. Anybody with me?"

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Scout89 on August 23, 2013, 04:45:35 PM
Bagra moves forward. I'm with you, Antares! We'd better make a line of defense here to clear the entrace for the others.
He raises his shield and plasma sword and gets ready for combat. I'll take the one on the right. Get the other one.

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Nanshork on August 23, 2013, 05:02:29 PM
Seeing Bagra move to one side, Bartok moves into position on the other side with sword and shield at the ready.

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Elevevated Beat on August 25, 2013, 11:51:46 PM
As he walks further into the bioplant, Cashile removes a mottled green and brown coil gun from a holster slung over his back. Silently, he sets himself up just behind and to the left of Bagra and raises his weapon whilst scanning the room.

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Raineh Daze on August 29, 2013, 05:31:41 AM
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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: oslecamo on August 30, 2013, 05:07:07 PM
As you spread across the room , you can see both Amoebas start bubbling, while the lower parts of their bodies start swelling, two clear protuberances forming. Just as it seems the Amoeba is going to split in two, the protuberances "pop" out of their bodies and quickly roll across the floor, leaving a trail of black goo behind. From inside each, bursts out a small biomonster covered in viscous fluids. Two of them resemble giant locusts filled with small sharp claws and teeths, while the other pair consist of mostly a scaly tail ending on a long head.

Cashile instantly shoots one of the Locusts at point blank range, but altough his round penetrates the carapace, spewing dark blue blood, the biomonster quickly crawls forward togheter with its sibling!

Ganking up on Bartok, they try to bite and tear at him, but the talented pilot holds his ground with his shield, and only suffers a small scratch on his leg.

The Hit Tails on the other hand don't advance, but rather launch an hail of white strings from the end of their bodies towards Cashile and Bagra, and the filaments quickly glue themselves to their armor and weapons. Both pilots find themselves tied up in the sticky silk, making it much harder for them to move!

Behind you all,  Patty is recording everything with an exhilarated look (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jmagfI15s5E) on her face while Edin nervously holds his pistol, clearly hesitant on what to do.

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Raineh Daze on August 30, 2013, 05:28:59 PM
Testing the guitar in her hand, Almalexia smiled. It was a good one, that was for certain. And then she began to play (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_LeAq5dNrI), doing her best to raise people's spirits and help them to kill the monsters. Damn, those things were ugly...

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Kuroimaken on August 30, 2013, 07:11:29 PM
Antares hurried to Bartok's side. Of the three making up the front line, he was the one most vulnerable to flanking at this point.

Of course, Cashile and Bagra's situation was worrying as well, but they looked mostly okay.

"Closing up the flank, Bartok!"

With a grand roar, the CAST slashed at the closest Locust.

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Elevevated Beat on September 01, 2013, 12:10:31 PM
Despite taking a face full of webbing from the Hit Tails, Cashile keeps his eyes on the Locust he first shot, "These here critters look a mite familiar... like sum'in' I used ta hunt. Guess who won those exchanges?" Cashile grins as he ducks slightly to create a better line of sight at the Locust in between Bartok and Antares and fires again. Struggling to striaghten up, he looks down at the sticky filaments holding him near immobile, "Hmm, now what am I gonna do about this then?"

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Scout89 on September 03, 2013, 08:54:34 AM
Bagra tries to ignore the web on his armor and steps forward. He focus his mind in the enemy in front of him and swings his plasma blade.

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Nanshork on September 03, 2013, 10:12:38 AM
Bartok nods at Antares in thanks, then slashes at the same foe.  The quicker they can take these creatures down the better.

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Concerned Ninja Citizen on September 04, 2013, 10:31:33 PM
Irritated by the overly peppy reporter and somewhat worried that her recordings might reveal his whereabouts to his family, Vail had kept to the rear of the group, trying to stay inconspicuous and out of the camera's line of sight.

The new enemies banished those thoughts from his mind, however, and he stepped up to the front rank, unleashing flames on the bizarre crawling monsters.

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: oslecamo on September 09, 2013, 07:49:54 PM
As Alexia fills the entrance hall with her music, Antares and unleashes his own kind of metal, his chainsword gruesomely shredding a locust's head and then bisecting the rest of the body! Only a pool of green goo and green chitin pieces remains from the biomonster.

Bartok tries to follow up on the other nearby locust, but aparently the bite on his leg is worst than it looks as he loses his balance and just slices the air above his enemy.

Cashile picks up the slack firing a second round on the Locust he had already hit. This time he scores a hit right on the center of its abdomen, and the biomonster falls on the floor twitching helplessly.

Bagra pushes forward despite the bindings restraining him, his energy blade delivering a clean cut across the hit tail's main body, slicing off a large chunk of its soft body. The biomonster struggles for a bit before finally laying still over its own yellow spilling innards.

Vail breathes on the second Hit Tail, engulfing it in flames.  Then the biomonster turns its head towards him and slithers forward, suddenly lunging upwards and managing to sink its teeth on Vael's hand! They don't wound too deeply, but he feels the area quickly going numb.

The two Amoebas crawl across the ceiling further inside the facility out of your sight, and then you hear more rolling and bursting sounds...

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Kuroimaken on September 09, 2013, 08:30:56 PM
"Vail! Are you ok?!" Antares questions in a tone that betrays worry unbefitting of his cold, calculating demeanor up until now.

Rushing to his companion's aid, the massive chainsword revving up as if fresh with the outrage of the Hit Tail's audacity.

A longer slash followed. It was more predictable, but it definitely had a greater momentum behind it.

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Clanjos on September 12, 2013, 05:19:14 PM
With a bit of skittering, Shatterscale began moving along the left wall, checking for additional threats... and making his way to the cache. After all, first dibs and all that.

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Concerned Ninja Citizen on September 15, 2013, 11:49:39 AM
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Vail staggers as the poison courses through his body. He backs up a step and fumbles out a small packet which he attempts to throw at the Hit Tail but he is too weak to manage more than a feeble lob and the object bounces harmlessly off the ground, well wide of its target.

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Scout89 on September 18, 2013, 07:17:35 AM
When the last enemy falls to the ground, Bagra silently uses his sword to cut the web off of him. He points to Vail, Would anyone help that guy? He's obviously been poisoned by the monsters.
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Kuroimaken on September 18, 2013, 09:25:10 AM
"We're not in the clear yet. Vail, get to the back of our formation. Everybody, keep your eyes peeled - I think this isn't the last ambush we're going to run into."
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Elevevated Beat on September 18, 2013, 10:02:54 AM
Cashile struggles with the strong webbing, "You'd think I'd have learnt by now how to get out of these things easily." Confident he has removed the last of the webbings, he goes to step out of the tangled remains... only to fall flat on his face, and becoming hopelessly entangled again.

He sighs.

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Nanshork on September 18, 2013, 10:04:14 AM
Bartok shakes his head.  "This is just he beginning."
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: oslecamo on September 19, 2013, 06:19:15 AM
The Hit Tail's constant squirming on  the ground doesn't exactly make it an easy target as Vail misses with his explosive, but as Antares chainsword has an easy time driving itself inside the biomonster's soft flesh.  Brownish, acid-smelling fluids splash on the metal floor as the Hit Tail's squirms one last time before finally dying.

The rest of the party regroups and tries to shake off the webbings, while Patty aproaches Vail, directly recording him:

"You said you were poisoned? I'm not  a doctor, but I would bet they must have some first aid kits around this place! We should go deeper to look for it!"

Edin follows just behind Patty sighing, nervously overwatching the room with his photon handgun.

Shatterscale meanwhile starts scouting ahead, and as he turns the corner he instantly spots the amoeba they had faced before lurking in the ceiling, as well as two Locusts under it, still covered in fresh fluids. Spoting Shatterscale, the pair of biomonsters quickly close in the short gap between them, traping Shatterscale against the corner and lashing with their claws. One inflicts some scratches on his left leg, while the other of them manages to drive its sharp limb right into a chink of his armor, hurting him quite badly on his right flank!

Almost simultaneously, the amoeba starts bubbling again and spews two new "eggs" across the room, that instantly eclode and unleash two more Locusts, that charge at Bartok. The pilot is clearly surpised as he can't defend himself from the first blow that tears at his sword arm, but he suceeds on blocking the next biomonster's sharp arm.

"Ah!"-screams Eidin, firing his weapon at one of the Locusts harassing Bartok but missing wide-"They just keep coming! We have to find their source to stop them for good!"

Before you can retaliate however you hear slithering sounds from behind and two Hit Tails come from around the corner, shooting more sticky strings at the party, this time aimed at Antares and Vail!

Then a couple of amoeba "eggs" roll from behind the corner before ecloding into another pair of Hit Tails, this ones quickly advancing towards the now entangled Antares and Vail. Their tiny teeth fail to penetrate the android's plating, but Bartok's knee starts going numb as the other biomonster manages to sink in the flesh behind the lower leg armor joint.


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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Kuroimaken on September 19, 2013, 09:04:11 AM
"RRRRRGH!!"

Antares growls in annoyance as he's snared, but at least the monsters did him a favor by sticking close.

"We need to do something about those blasted blobs!" He calls out, even as he readies a swing of his chainsword. "GET OUTTA MY WAY!"

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Nanshork on September 19, 2013, 10:40:15 AM
Bartok restrains an 'I told you so' as he focuses his attention on the creatures in front of him.  His holographic projections seem to become more solid as he focuses all of his energies on finishing this, his monofilament sword cutting deep.

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Scout89 on September 19, 2013, 11:20:17 PM
Bagra tries slashing at the enemy in front of him.
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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Clanjos on September 29, 2013, 02:27:31 PM
Shatterscale said something rather improper in draconic as he was shoved up against the wall by the two insects, lashing out with tooth and nail against them. However, being in pain from repeated insect bites often impeded one's enraged attacks.

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Raineh Daze on September 30, 2013, 02:46:50 PM
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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: oslecamo on October 01, 2013, 08:02:13 AM
The strings enveloping Antares slow down his movements, making him sluggish enough for the Hit tail to roll out of the way before the chainsword slashes the ground.

Bagra, inspired by Alexia's music, picks up the slack by simultaneously cuting in half two hit yails with a single slash of his weapon!

Bartok cuts down one of the locusts assaulting him with a clean strike.

Shatterscale's claws have an easy time ripping trough the locust's soft chitin, felling both his foes!

Even Edin takes aim around the corner at one of the remaining hit tails and manages to blow off its head clean with a single photon shot.

I got one! You recorded that?-asks Edin to Patty in an excited tonne.

Oh, sorry, I wasn't looking.-replies the reporter, busy  taking camera shots of Bagra and Antares standing side by side with a small pile of hacked biomonsters in front of them.

Yet fresh amoeba eggs roll across the room, from them bursting a new pair of hit tails and locusts, that quickly join their siblings assault on the party. One of the new locusts charges all across the room at Antare's back, scratching deep his plating with its mandibles. The CAST and Bagra find themselves surrounded by four of the biomonsters, making it harder to defend themselves, in particular with the silk strings restricting their movements, and they both suffer damage from the small teeth looking at chinks on their defenses. Antares luckily doesn't have an organic circulatory system for poison to flow in, but his fellow living warrior feels again numbness spreading from his wounds.

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Kuroimaken on October 01, 2013, 10:11:54 AM
"Oh for..."

Sensing the enemy but being too sluggish to stop it before it strikes, Antares grunts as the fangs sink into his plating.

System diagnostics...

Motor systems undamaged.
Combat_OK.


"This isn't going to end until those blobs are dead! Bartok! See if you can break past and get to the one around the left corner!

I've got this. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVXxxNzDsnQ)"

Gram Drive Engaged.

Antares' exhausts vent excess heat in the form of steam as he turns the rockets on his chainsword on. Spinning on his heel, he slashes towards the enemy at his back.

"OOOOOOOOOOOOORAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!"

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Elevevated Beat on October 03, 2013, 10:44:40 AM
Feeling increasingly frustrated with the spawning monsters and his inability to escape the webbing, Cashile takes his anger out on a nearby Locust that is engaged in combat with Bartok.

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Scout89 on October 04, 2013, 09:49:41 AM
Damn! Someone need to get that amoeba!

Bagra swings his plasma sword again. (http://www.minmaxboards.com/index.php?topic=10048.msg194578#msg194578)
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Clanjos on October 05, 2013, 09:15:43 PM
Shatterscale continued to defend himself, before preparing to make a run towards the amoeba. While he might not be able to reach the ceiling, he doubted it'd stay too close to an aggressor based on its earlier behavior.

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Nanshork on October 09, 2013, 04:54:46 PM
Bartok swings his sword again, his normally cool demeanor marred by the frustration he feels at this whole situation.  He can't kill the amoebas until he makes sure the less well defended members of his group are protected, and that will never happen because more of these damn things keep coming out!

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: oslecamo on October 10, 2013, 04:49:40 PM
Antares finds that the harder he pushes against the silk strings enveloping him, the more they restrict his movements, and his chainsword again just tears apart another ground panel.

Bartok is struggling against the locust facing it, the small biomonster too close for him to deliver a good blow.
But suddenly a shot from Cashile grazes his armor and goes trough the Locust's torso, taking it down! A pretty close shot...

Bagra meanwhile seems to be geting into the battle rythm, slashing another two hit tails with a single clean sweep of his blade!

Shatterscale rips apart another locust. It seems their survival instincts are pretty nonexistent the few seconds after they're "born", rushing ahead with no care for their own well-being.  The kobold then closes in with the Amoeba around the corner.

Vail unleashes a line of fire that goes too high and just sizzles a bit the hit tail in front of him.

Miss, please pull back! This is getting too dangerous!-asks Edin, aparently undecided on what biomonster to attack next.

Run away? And lose an exclusive like this? Give me that photon handgun!-shouts Patty back before pulling the gun out of Edin's hand and shooting down the locust behind Bagra-Now get in the front like the good bodyguard you're suposed to be!

Edin sighs, moving next to Bagra while making a quick geasture with his right hand, and a green photon saber forms over his open palm. Holding the weapon with both hands, delivers an elaborate upward slash that completely misses the hit tail in front of him.

Two new amoeba eggs roll across the right side of the room, unleashing a fresh pair of hit tails that rush at Bagra and Antares over the bodies of their fallen siblings. Bagra manages to keep the biomonster assaulting him at bay, but the other manages to actually tear down some of the Antares weakened plating!

Meanwhile Shatterscale sees the amoeba slowly crawl across the ceiling, away from him, when suddenly it starts bubbling and unleashes another couple of eggs directly at the Kobold's feet. He manages to dodge the first locust bursting forth, but the second comes out almost simultaneously, giving him no time to react. The biomonster manages to sink a claw right trough a chink on the side of Shatterscale's body armor, cuting at his flesh!

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Kuroimaken on October 11, 2013, 12:40:16 AM
Growing more and more exasperated at the monsters' persistence, Antares growls and lets his chainsword loose once again.
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Scout89 on October 11, 2013, 02:33:50 PM
We need to get to the amoeba. Push forward!

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Elevevated Beat on October 13, 2013, 03:51:11 AM
It looks like the group has things in hand, so Cashile sets about freeing himself from the mess entangling him.

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: oslecamo on October 18, 2013, 05:03:57 PM
Antares and Bartok team up to quickly make minced meat out of the three hit tails assaulting them, then the human soldier pushes forward, catching sight of an amoeba deeper inside the corridors.

Heavily wounded, Shatterscale pulls back and Bartok moves in with his sword at the ready for any biomonster trying to aproach.

Cashile tries to slip out of the silk strings, but they're too sticky, too entangled around his body. Noticing his struggle, and with no more biomonsters in sight, Edin turns and uses his photon blade to cut the organic bindings, freeing him!

The two locusts that had attacked Shatterscale go after Bartok, quickly joined by two more freshly spawned of their kind. The warrior cuts down one of them as it aproaches, while Tappy shoots at one of the incoming biomonsters but misses. The three locusts then gank up on bartok, one of them managing to scratch his arm.

Bagra sees the amoeba in front of him launch two more eggs right in front of him, from which new hit tails emerge and bite at his legs, one of them managing to sink its teeth trough his armor, seeping in more poison!

On the other hand, Bartok and Bagra can see that both amoebas seem pretty shrinked down. It seems impossible any more eggs could be coming out of them.

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Elevevated Beat on October 20, 2013, 08:56:30 AM
Sighing, Cashile nods his thanks at Edin then dashes closer to Bagra and Shatterscale and takes a shot at one of the Hit Tails that has them cornered in.

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Kuroimaken on October 20, 2013, 09:31:16 PM
Antares drags himself to Bartok's side in order to balance the confrontation. Slowly moving his feet (blast those webs!) he swings towards the nearest critter upwards.

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Nanshork on October 21, 2013, 12:09:21 PM
Bartok slashes slashes at another locust, ready to end this.

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: oslecamo on October 25, 2013, 09:31:15 PM
Cashille, Bartok and Antares shoot and hack at the biomonsters until a single one of them is still standing, which is then finished off by Edin with his photon sword. The base feels eerily silent as you see the depleted amoebas crawl deeper inside the facility's corridors. Tappy takes a long breath before asking

Uff, I was starting to believe that my career would suffer an abrupt end...
So what now? There seem to be two main paths for us to take.


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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Raineh Daze on October 25, 2013, 09:49:22 PM
Still playing, Alexia spoke up: "I remember that the right-hand path is shorter, so if we go that way we can stop the creation of enemies faster."
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Scout89 on November 04, 2013, 12:08:23 PM
Bagra says while cutting out the web on his armor, What about the supply boxes on the way? Should we leave them and just head for the core? And may I suggest to the people carrying pistols and rifles to focus their fire on the next amoeba we run into? Please, just forget about everything else and finish it off quickly to avoid the repetion of such a hard fight.
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Kuroimaken on November 04, 2013, 05:14:41 PM
"Given our current state of injury, we should prioritize securing supplies, or else we might not make it to the core. I'll keep that in mind for next time."
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Raineh Daze on November 04, 2013, 05:32:39 PM
"The nearest supply cache is down the corridor to our immediate right, and then taking the first right from that," Alexia said, indicating with her head, "The right-hand path is pretty easy to remember: take the path heading to the far wall, any earlier branches lead to supplies or the other half of the facility. Don't know the details of the other side."

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Kuroimaken on November 04, 2013, 06:38:45 PM
"So, we head right, get the supplies, and head to the core. Sounds good?"
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Clanjos on November 04, 2013, 07:31:47 PM
Shatterscale staggered for a bit as he caught up to the rest of the party.

"I'll, uh... I'll bring up the rear. And try to hold in my organs."
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: oslecamo on November 05, 2013, 05:15:54 PM
The room in the right corner of the facility contains an assortment of tools and spare electronic parts. Screws, cables, basic power sources, work benches,  you guess this was where the original workers would come when they needed to fix something. It is however all basic stuff, most obsolete by today's standards actually, and there doesn't seem to be anything that could be of use to you in your current situation.

Except for a large, reinforced steel container with a bliping red symbol that you recognize as the standard symbol used in Parum over the last millenium for signing emergency supplies. Touching it, the symbol turns green and the metal box opens revealing an assortment of neatly organized sealed packages.

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: oslecamo on November 14, 2013, 05:54:40 AM
After you finish distributing the supplies among yourselves, Tappy speaks:

Oh, you don't want that stuff? I guess I'll help myself then!
Well, tecnically that would be stealing from the Administration as we're not government agents-points out Edin-But it would indeed be a waste to just leave them here when there's probably more biomonsters lurking inside. We'll just... Burrow those for now. You're free to ask them back when you want.

Captain Alexia then proceeds to lead the party deeper inside the facility, never pausing her music. As you turn the corner, you notice one of the glass tubes on the walls is cracked and leaking a tick, dark blue fluid, that drips down to form a large puddle on the metal below. But when you look harder, you notice the puddle is actually an half-shrinked Amoeba pressed against the ground. It is slowly growing bloated again by absorbing the leaking nutrient solution falling over it.

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Clanjos on November 18, 2013, 03:41:00 PM
Shatterscale looked at the amoeba before tapping Edin on the leg. "...Shoot it or give me the gun."
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: oslecamo on November 18, 2013, 04:12:02 PM
I don't feel very confident with this model, better that you use it.-replies Edin, passing the Silent Shot to Shatterscale.
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Kuroimaken on November 29, 2013, 08:45:10 AM
Watching the shrunken amoeba, Antares shakes his head.

"Oh no you motherfucking don't."

The back plating splits open as a large, vulcan-like machinegun mounts over his shoulder, and with a dizzying roar, he fires upon the amoeba as well as near the ground.
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Clanjos on November 29, 2013, 12:52:16 PM
Shatterscale takes the gun, bracing himself for the recoil, and fires at the amoeba as well.
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: oslecamo on December 01, 2013, 05:31:55 PM
The android's bullet barrage ignites the nutrient fluid at the same time as it pierces the amoeba's body, making it contort in agony as the flames instantly engulf its body. Then Shatterscale finishes its agony with the Silent Shot, and the dark blob just breaks apart, the leftover bits burning to a crisp. The smell of overcooked eggs fills the corridor before suddenly a mechanized arm drops from the ceiling, spraying white foam over the fire, quickly putting it out. There's no more signs of the biomonster, but in its place there's  now some medium-grade meseta crystals on the floor!

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: oslecamo on December 11, 2013, 11:31:47 AM
With the way clear once more, you resume your advance across the facility's corridors. No more threats appear in your way, but as you advance there's more and more evidence of biomonster activity. Cracked walls, malfuctioning lights, silk threads hanging from the ceilings, dark stains of unknown origin, broken maintenance drone remains...

Eventually, after a series of claustrophobic turns, you reach the control room. In front of the panel stands a man in a lab coat with glasses observing the data screens, that turns towards you when you aproach

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Hello ladies and gentlemen.
How may I be of service to you?

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Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Kuroimaken on December 11, 2013, 03:20:52 PM
"You could begin by introducing yourself and explaining why this facility is pouring out biomonsters that have become a threat to the surrounding colonies." Antares notes with some annoyance.
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Nanshork on December 11, 2013, 03:28:48 PM
"Yeah, what is going on here?"
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: oslecamo on December 11, 2013, 06:10:28 PM
The man utterly calm as he adjusts the position of his glasses and replies to you:

I would've liked to start by introducing myself, but, things being the way they are, I can't reveal my real name. Some people  like to call me "White." You can go ahead and call me that, too, if you want.  Before we get down to the nitty-gritty here, I want you to learn how this place was set up.

The Android Administration may have told you this was a facility to repopulate the natural fauna and flora of this place, but my organization found out the truth-It is actually a research center for bioweapons and mass slave production. Progress on electronic weaponry and bots has slowed down on the latest decades, and thus the Android Administration decided to explore organic alternatives. When we found out, we first planned to shut it down, but then decided it would be best to reprogram it for own purposes. However, something went wrong with the new formulas we implemented. The biomonsters broke out of control and started to multiply too fast. My own colleagues seem to have paid for their errors by becoming meals to the creatures born from this place

I trust you understand our basic mission despite our mistakes. We have raised the flag of resistance against this current government, and with the help of our comrades, we conduct research day and night to build a world where the dignity of all life can be protected. I would like you to join us in our mission...


As far as you can tell, "White" is speaking the truth. Or at least what he believes to be the truth.

You also know that delivering "White" to the Android Administration would result in a great reward and excellent career advance prospects. Even better if you bring him in alive.
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Raineh Daze on December 11, 2013, 06:43:56 PM
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Alexia pushed her way through to the front, still playing, though she seemed to be going over just the same few chords, now. He... wanted to use these monsters to stage a rebellion? The numan could not countenance such a thing--and, as this seemed to be a scenario where talking was the best way to a solution, she felt right at home.

"Though I understand your grievances, fighting fire with fire will just escalate into another fruitless war," Alexia said, trying to look as open as possible. Given that she was by nature honest to a fault, this wasn't an issue, "If this facility is indeed meant to manufacture biological weapons, would it not be more beneficial to shut it down entirely and delete all relevant data?"

"If you shut everything down and come with us, I promise to do everything in my power to allow no harm to come to you."
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Kuroimaken on December 11, 2013, 09:35:12 PM
"Perhaps more to the point, if not us, someone else will come for you. And while we're reasonably skilled we're hardly the biggest amount of firepower the Administration's got.

I don't agree with your methods, but I can't let such serious accusations slide, either. You've made mistakes for which you need to make amends, but the truth must surface regardless.

If you shut down the facility and bring forward relevant proof of your accusations, then you will have done your companions' deaths justice."

Antares turns to the reporter.

"See that lady? I'm sure she'd love nothing more than to tell your story."
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: oslecamo on December 13, 2013, 09:45:06 AM
"Though I understand your grievances, fighting fire with fire will just escalate into another fruitless war," Alexia said, trying to look as open as possible. Given that she was by nature honest to a fault, this wasn't an issue, "If this facility is indeed meant to manufacture biological weapons, would it not be more beneficial to shut it down entirely and delete all relevant data?"

War... Revolution may be our only choice. We all know how the Android Administration works. No organics allowed on the upper echelons. No elections. They simply replace the older administrative system units with new, faster, more efficient, more ruthless ones straight out of their factories.

However, you have a point that my current situation is unsustainable. You managed to reach me. Even if I deal with you, which I don't want to do as you seem like reasonble people, the Android Administration will simply send more dangerous people here. Perhaps it would be better to indeed return to our original plan and just render this facility inoperational... Hopefully this will set them back a bit.


"If you shut everything down and come with us, I promise to do everything in my power to allow no harm to come to you."

...I trust you're being honest, but your power is still too limited. If you deliver me to the guard bots, I doubt any other living being will see me again.



Antares turns to the reporter.

"See that lady? I'm sure she'd love nothing more than to tell your story."
As Antares turns to Tappy, she can see she has a look of pure ectasy on her face. And seems to be drooling.

Ah, yes, Parum News will make sure to tell the truth about this place to the peope!

White gives out a chuckle, then reaches for a pocket on his coat, retrieves something small and throws it at Tappy. She skillfully catches it, and then you see it is a data storage disk.

A backup copy of all the records of this facility. Everything about this place is in there, as well as some extras. Use it well.
-says White.

Then he turns back to the cotrol panel and starts pressing some buttons.

I'll be shutting  off this facility down, but I'll need to remain here some more time to properly do it. Making sure it cannot be used again for its original purpose, and that the Administration cannot just destroy this place to erase the evidence. Now go. If you really wish to protect the dignity of all life in this planet, then there's nothing else for you to do here. Unless you would reconsider my offer to join us.

We are in a struggle against the government, but did you know that many of our members  used to work for the Administration itself...? There's more of them than you'd think. I, myself, am not worried about becoming their enemy, though. What we're trying to accomplish... It's worth it.
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Kuroimaken on December 13, 2013, 02:12:58 PM
"We  should probably stick around a little longer, mend our wounds and make sure the facility stays out for good. It would be a real pain in the ass if some biomonster snuck in and made you its snack in the middle of this debacle."
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Clanjos on December 15, 2013, 08:56:18 AM
"If this IS some sort of slavemaking operation I can see no moral option other than looting everything that is not nailed down and finding a crowbar for the rest."

Shatterscale said, looking back up the hall.

"Besides, who else is going to use it? The purple squishy things?"
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Kuroimaken on December 15, 2013, 10:27:19 AM
"That's the step between triple question marks and profit, Shatterscale."
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: oslecamo on December 15, 2013, 11:07:17 AM
"We  should probably stick around a little longer, mend our wounds and make sure the facility stays out for good. It would be a real pain in the ass if some biomonster snuck in and made you its snack in the middle of this debacle."

Oh, you don't need to worry about me. Why do you think I'm the last survivor of my group? I've improvised a special connection of pheromones tha makes the biomonsters seem me a something not edible nor dangerous, as long as I don't attack them myself. I would offer you some, but unfortenely this connection is very specialized and each dose has to be calibrated for a specific individual biology. I know my own genetic traits pretty well, but not yours, thus I cannot make any more for you.

You're free to stay here while I finish my work, but the biomonsters are bound to start converging in this place if you wait too long, and you would have nowhere to fall back.


I would follow your small friend's advice, and go explore the rest of this facility for anything else you may find useful. Better that you take them than the next clean up crew the Android Administration sends here.
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Kuroimaken on December 16, 2013, 09:23:41 AM
"Are you familiar with how a bottleneck strategy works?" Antares grins.

"Whatever you do, you have a lot to answer for. We need to, at the very least, make sure you won't skedaddle the second we turn our backs. I don't think you're lying, but I've been wrong before.

Anyone got a tracking device or something?"
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Raineh Daze on December 19, 2013, 05:15:16 PM
Alexia shook her head, turning away from her failure at convincing the man to come with them peacefully and back to Antares' suggestion. A bottleneck strategy? Maybe it could be effective--in a different situation. In this one? At best two of them could really hold off the enemy, they were underequipped, and their mission was effectively complete. No, better to loot the place clean and go.

She peered over at the screen, trying to see if she could identify--likely or not--whether White was doing as he said, before turning her attention back to the matter at hand. "We are under-equipped, vulnerable, and have no reason to stay here. We likely passed several sets of stored equipment on the way here, and gathering them will vastly improve our ability to survive the monsters than a narrow corridor."

And, of White: "If possible, could you provide a copy of a map?"

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: oslecamo on December 26, 2013, 03:35:08 PM
As far as Alexia can tell from the control screen, White is sendings orders to slowly overload several of the factory's systems, cuting down nutrient supplies, and cutting down power sources.

And, of White: "If possible, could you provide a copy of a map?"

Certainly-replies White, handing the captain an holo disk. However, it's an identic copy of the map handed to her by lieutenant Hopkins.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Raineh Daze on December 26, 2013, 04:45:32 PM
Satisfied that White appeared trustworthy, Alexia took the map--seeing as apparently nobody had brought the original they'd been handed off of the ship, and started examining it. Anyone paying attention would have noted the guitar she held just a minute before was now nowhere to be seen, disappeared without a trace. Handy, that.

"I can see five cabinets we could get just by heading straight to the entrance, and another six on top of that if everyone wants to investigate the other half of the factory."

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: oslecamo on December 27, 2013, 08:23:47 PM
Leaving White working on the control panel, you backtrack your steps back to the factory's entrance, taking the time to pick up the emergency containers you had skipped past before.

(click to show/hide)

However, as you walk across the facility's corridors, you can't stop feeling there's still some kind of danger lurking around...

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Raineh Daze on December 27, 2013, 08:48:34 PM
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: oslecamo on January 05, 2014, 07:58:26 PM
Antares spots it just in time-a large crab-like purple biomonster trying to sneak behind you just around  the corridor!

(click to show/hide)

(click to show/hide)

Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: oslecamo on January 26, 2014, 07:28:26 PM
The biomonster quickly aproaches you across the corridor, suprisingly fast for its great bulk.  Before you can react, it swings one of its claws and gets an hold of Antares, starting to crush the android!

(click to show/hide)

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Clanjos on February 12, 2014, 12:53:39 PM
BANG! (http://www.minmaxboards.com/index.php?topic=9780.new#new)

Shatterscale fires at the beast, hoping that he does not hit a teammate.
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Kuroimaken on February 12, 2014, 03:00:34 PM
Antares grunts under the weight and pressure.

Images of past battles he doesn't remember briefly flash through his mind. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=maGo746WoLE)

"Are you content with this much, little bug? Think you have the best of me?"

[Structural damage detected. Immediate repair advised. Optimal fighting threshold under 30%.

Murder Drive Initiated.
]

With a distorted cry that sounded more human than machine, Antares' backplate slid open as it materialized a huge gatling gun firing point-blank at the monster.

"DON'T YOU FUCK WITH ME!!"
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: oslecamo on February 16, 2014, 05:00:35 PM
Patty shoots her handgun while Edin slices at the biomonster with his photon saber, hurting it a bit, but it still doesn't release its vicegrip on Antares.

Shatterscale fires at the biomonster, managing to hit it just under its back carapace segment. Purple blood sprays out of the wound, and it recoils from the pain!


This gives the opening needed for Antares to bring out his gatling gun. He quickly aims it under the struggle of being crushed, but with a last effort manages to align the weapon with the biomonster's softer abdomen and unleash an hail of bullets! The creature explodes from the inside from the attack, in a shower of purple gore and meseta crystals! High quality ones at that. Seems like this specimen had previously fed on some important people.

With this obstacle gone, you manage to reach the exit of the facility, your mechas and Alexia's ship waiting outside. Your mission is almost over, just one last obstacle remains-writing down a report for the Andministration. Part of your contract after all. Still, you feel like you've already gained something from this whole experience.

Wow, what a trip!-exclaims Patty, taking a deep breath as she pauses to bask in the bright sun outside-Can't wait to publish this story. Mind if I use your real names? Or would you prefer to be referenced as anonymous sources? Fine by me either way. Real names from real people are always cool, but some mystery and intrigue is also nice.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Low End IC Episode I- Clean Up Operation
Post by: Kuroimaken on February 16, 2014, 11:04:40 PM
"I'll be content with you using a pseudonym for me. Just call me 'Lieutenant Betelgeuse'."