Oh god, so many quest to follow at once. Oh well. YAY!

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>>25184973
After reading the warning note the masked figure gave you, you wonder if it's real or some sick joke. The masked figure moves to run away, but turns around and frantically motions for you to follow.

>Let's follow. I don't want to see what that person is running from.
>Try and question to the stranger.
>Don't follow. It might be an ambush.
>Other

>>25185015
>Let's follow. I don't want to see what that person is running from.
ZAMBIES

>>25185015
Follow, but weapons ready even more than before if possible.

>>25185015
>>Let's follow. I don't want to see what that person is running from.

>>25185015
>Let's follow. I don't want to see what that person is running from.

WHY QYBURN WHY?

>>25185015
>Let's follow. I don't want to see what that person is running from.

Questions later, Running now.

NOVA 6!
>Let's follow. I don't want to see what that person is running from.

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>>25185015
"What do we do, Cap?" Sam asks, still spooked by the choking atmosphere of the town.

"Let's follow him. I don't want to stick around and see what he's running from." You say. You turn to the rest of the squad and wave them forward. "Move it, Demons! But I want guns up and eyes open!"

Fenrir and Kilroy's engines roar to life as they shoot down the street at maximum speed. Apparently, even with several inches of armor separating them from the town, Julia and Headcase aren't keen on sticking around either.You and the rest of the Demons barely have time to mount the vehicles before you're left behind.

The masked figure darts from street to street, periodically turning around to make sure you're following close behind. Every few seconds, you glance behind you as well, looking for what could possibly be chasing you. However, all you see is darkness and dead town.

After about fifteen minutes, the figure leads you to what looks like an old ragnite mine.

"Are you sure about this, Captain?" Tarin eyes the mine warily. "If there's any place to ambush us, that mine is the perfect place."

>Keep going.
>Stop here.
>Other

>>25185454
>Keep going.
In for a penny in for a pound

>>25185454
>Keep going.
I trust this man!

>>25185454
"If they were going to ambush us they would have had plenty of opportunity to do so without risking one of their men."

>>25185454

keep going

crossedthelinebutletskeepgoing.jpeg

>>25185454
Keep going

>>25185454
Keep going, but leave a rearguard if possible

>>25185579
With orders to catch up if they see ANYTHING weird.

>>25185454
>Keep going

Can't stop here. This is zombie country.

>>25185601
Weirder than our commanding officer following a masked man into an abandoned mineshaft, sir?

>>25185614
...No just about that same level of weird.

>>25185642
Ah, so being ordered to stand watch over the creepy abandoned mineshaft outside the creepy abandoned level weird?
Got it sir

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>>25185454
"Let's keep going." You say. "Julia, Headcase, you stay out here and keep an eye on things. Your vehicles won't fit real well in the mine anyways."

"Roger that." Julia says, a nervous edge still in her voice.

You follow the masked figure as he leads to to the mouth of the mine opening. However, you see similarly masked people milling about at the mine opening as well. They seem startled at your arrival, though your "friend" frantically waves at them to stand down, which is a good thing, since the other masked figures appear armed to the teeth.

"Bolt action rifles and gatling guns..." Sam frowns. "That's EWI weaponry..."

"Very well used EWI weaponry." Isolde observes. "Those aren't for show."

Your "friend" currently seems to be in a heated conversation with another masked figure, presumably the leader or at least some sort of representative. However, the conversation seems decidedly one way, given how your "friend" seems to be frantically waving his arms around as if trying to mime out his thoughts rather than speak. The leader merely nods for a bit before turning his attention to you. You tense up as he begins approaching you, though he doesn't appear armed.

>Greet him.
>Retreat.
>Other

>>25185607
RAGNITE NOVA 6 ZOMBIE COUNTRY.

>>25185731

Hey, didn't 3 of the Demons stay behind or something?

Would they be outside the ... wasteland? Or further away or something?

How many of the Demons might carry around a radio or something? Because I think we might use the radio to warn the 3 who refused to enter and tell them to GTFO for now.

>>25185731
>greet him

>>25185731
>Greet him.
Oh god these guys are the ragnite nova 6 zombies and they're fighting something even more terrifying

>>25185752
You left them at the edge of the town. The should be safe where they are.

>>25185731
Lets take the wait and see approach to this for time being.

>>25185763

Well that's a relief.


Next question -- do the Demons happen to carry around gas masks? If yes, we should probably put some on.

Probably not something that would be standard gear since gas is a war crime (I think?) but I figure that, for this particular mission, Jaeger might have gotten some anyway because of the things he feared Qyburn might have left behind.

Because, I mean, "only place of the town still alive" kiiinda hints that it might be a poisonous wasteland or something.

>>25185731
Greet the leader of the heavily armed gas mask people politely.

>>25185807
I am shocked the imps did not learn about this dead town

>>25185841

Er, I'm not.

I mean, we might run into Imperials who were sent on a half-wild-goose-chase to this place, maybe. ((Go go race to destroy the weapon schematics before the Imps get them! Or to recover them or something!))

But I also wouldn't be too surprised if we DIDN'T run into any Imperials at all.

>>25185731
Still wary of the man approaching you, you cautiously move forward to approach him and introduce yourself.

"I'm Captain Jager Sturmfuhrer, commanding officer of the Demons of Randgriz mercenary company." You say. "Please identify yourself."

"You may call me Arytom. I guess you could call me the "mayor" of Somtaw... or what is left of it." The man pulls off his mask, revealing an old and grizzled Darcsen face underneath. "Randgriz... you're Gallian, aren't you?"

"Well, most of us are." You shrug.

"I had trouble believing Artya when she told me you weren't Imperials." Artyom frowns. "Only the Imperials ever seem to hold an interest in this place."

"Hey, this is nice and all, but can we PLEASE stand around somewhere that isn't out in the open like this?" Sam glances nervously around.

"Ah, forgive my rudeness. Please, come inside. There is also more than enough room for your vehicles as well."

As Artyom leads you inside the mine, you see that there are more people inside. A LOT more. Undoubtedly the Darcsens who used to live in the village. Judging from the state the mine was in, you could guess that these people had been living in the tunnels for quite a long time. You also notice all of them wearing gas masks.

"Um, Artyom? About those masks..."

"Oh, don't worry." Artyom laughs lightly. "Despite appearances, the air in the town is perfectly safe to breathe. We wear the masks mostly as superstition. Please, sit and tell me what brings you to our forsaken little town."

>Tell him about Qyburn.
>Make something up.
>Ask him what he's doing here.
>Ask about your "friend."
>Other

>>25186041
Fuck forgot my trip... again.

>>25186041
ARTYOM USE THOSE NUKES TO BOMB THE SHADOW PEOPLE!

Ask him what they are doing here.

>>25186041
>Tell him about Qyburn.
Man I'm glad these guys aren't ghost people nova 6 ragnite zombies.

>>25186041

Hmm... Okay, so...

... We probably should have pressed Qyburn for more information before we left. Damn. If we had, we'd have an idea how to approach this.

I mean, it sounds like something Qyburn did might have caused this, so he might not be popular here -- on the other hand, it could be that the IMPERIALS are the reason this place is a hellhole...


We should ask when the last time the Imperials bothered them was. And how often they'd come. And with what forces. And if they were hanging around in this new war now, too.


So basically... Ask about the Imperials.

If we're (un?)lucky, we might have a force of Imperials to fight at some point.

>>25186041
>Tell him about Qyburn.
"Friend said that he left some notes behind, asked me to destroy them. also some partisan group working for the imperials was causing trouble, supposed to take care of them too."

>>25186094
I'm just waiting for a librarian and a pair of bitches.

>>25186041
>Tell him about Qyburn.

Might as well get this out in the open.

>>25186123
I think we're talking to said partisans.

I don't think we should just openly tell them about Qyburn.

We might say something about how what we're up to might result in the Imperials no longer bothering them anymore though.

"Imperials? Well, hopefully we'll be able to make any future Imperials lose any interest for this place."

Or something like that, anyway.

>Artyom
So now this is ValChr + AceCom + BlOps + Metro.

I am okay with this.

>>25186249

Oh yeah, so THAT'S why that name seemed so familiar!

Hell, I had even just started watching a Let's Play of Metro Last Light recently, and I had even compared Somtaw to the places in Metro too... Just, the name itself escaped my recognition somehow.

>>25186299
I'm think that Somtaw is from something too, but I'm not getting anything from google.

It might be from Ace Combat seeing as how Ustio is from there and Valais is place in Ustio apparently.

>>25186041
"Qyburn sent us here." You say.

The entire mine goes silent, as if somebody had switched the sound off. Artyom's face darkens before turning to the other Darcsens.

"All of you leave. Now."

Not needing to be told twice, Artyom's people shuffle away. The only exception is your "friend", who decides to stay behind as well. Artyom frowns at this, but doesn't do anything about it.

"Qyburn... I haven't heard that name in years. It is a dangerous name... and he is a dangerous person." Artyom narrows his eyes. "Why did he send you here?"

"Qyburn said his research is still in this town, and he wants it destroyed before the Imps find it."

Artyom only laughs bitterly.

"Qyburn really should have stayed. He's afraid the Imperials would come back? They never left."

>You know Qyburn?
>The Imps are here?
>Why are you still here?
>Other

>>25186453
Motherfucker I gotta start remembering to check if my trip is on.

>>25186453

mother fucker

>The Imps are here?

>>25186453
>The Imps are here?
It's time to HUNT

>>25186453
>The Imps are here?

>>25186453

Oh. Looks like mentioning Qyburn didn't blow up in our faces as badly as I'd feared.

>The Imps are here?

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>>25186453
Pass the ammo boys! its zombie hunting time with TANKS

>>25186453
>You know Qyburn?
>The Imps are here?
>Why are you still here?

All the questions.

I hope we can find some old weapons, or some SAFE weapons blueprints

>>25186453

Agreed. >>25186519

>>25186453
>never left

Oh shit. What if they are imperials as well?

>>25186453
All of the above.

>>25186551
>some SAFE weapons blueprints
Depends on what Qyburn means by 'incendiary' for me. That would be the only one really worth looking into. If it's white phosphorus... That has a lot of application outside of just burning people badly. If it's napalm... I couldn't care less really. It just sits stuff on fire. Big whoop.

>>25186656
I doubt they'd have the chemistry required for napalm when everything runs on Ragnite.

Napalm is a crazy distillation of oil

>>25186453
I think we want to ask
>The Imps are here?
>Why are you still here?

I mean, their Darcsens. Getting caught by Imperials is... well... unpleasant yet their still in the town

>>25186808
True, but they could have a napalm-equivalent that's derived from Ragnite.

>>25186453
"The Imperials are here?" You gasp. "Wait... what do you mean they never left?"

"Like us, they are ghosts of a forgotten time." Artyom sits in a nearby chair and drinks from a flask you suspect is full of alcohol. "The men who were originally sent to take Somtaw, the Beasts, still roam the ruins of the town, at least, what remains of them. Do not ask me why, because I do not, nor do I wish, to know."

"Well then we'll just clear them out for you the." You say, turning to exit the mine.

"WAIT!" Artyom yells, stopping you in your tracks. "Night is almost upon us. They are far more dangerous in the dark."

"I still have people out there." You say.

"Yes, Artya has told me of them. They are on the edge of the town, correct? They will be safe. The Beasts do not venture out that far."

"You talk about these Beasts a lot. What exactly are they?"

"Terrible men who threw away their humanity long before they came here, hence their name. Now, thanks to Qyburn, they are even less human than before."

"Do you care to elaborate on that?" You raise an eyebrow. "Qyburn told he made some pretty horrible stuff, but didn't give much specifics."

"In order to drive away the Beasts, Qyburn made a gas." Artyom empties the flask, obviously not enjoying having to recount this story. "You see, he didn't just want to kill the Imperials, he wanted to break their spirits. The gas he made didn't just kill whoever breathed it, it killed them slowly and painfully. He engineered it that way. Well, from the screams we heard, it worked."

If Qyburn hadn't told you about his sins himself, you'd have a hard time believing what Artyom was telling you, but it made a chilling amount of sense.

"Well, it MOSTLY worked. Some of the Beasts survived, and there were... unintended side effects." Arytom sighs. "Like I said before. They're hardly human anymore."

>We can help you with the Beasts.
>We're only interested in Qyburn's research Do you have any idea where it can be?
>Other

>>25187044
>We can help you with the Beasts.
Jager is a pretty good guy, he'd offer help.

I'd rather just burn everything as to put Qbyurn's regrets to rest.

>We can help you with the Beasts.
>What do you know about them?

If we help them we might help things.

>>25187044
>We can help you with the Beasts.
we wipe out EVERY TRACE!

>>25187044
>We can help you with the Beasts if your willing to help us destroy Qyburn's research

>>25187044

>Ask them why they didn't just LEAVE.


I mean, clearly this is a horrible place. And if the Beasts don't venture beyond the town, why not just leave?


Is there some reason the Darcsen haven't left? Or is it just sheer stubbornness or something?

>>25187044
>We can help you with the Beasts.
Then ask about the research so that nothing like what happened here can happen again.

Hell, if we can earn their trust they can help us with the partisans. If they aren't the partisans in the first place.

>>25187044
>Other
Is there anywhere in this town... untouched by the war?
>I swear to CHRIST if you say the library I'll knock you FUCK librarians.

>>25187044
>We can help you with the Beasts.
Hell, we might be able to get some Rangers to join up if we can wipe out the threat of the Beasts.

>>25187044
Other.

What kind of side effects, exactly?

>>25187136
This. If we're going to get into a fight then we need intel on these 'Beast.'

>>25187127

So to reiterate -- guys, I think that before we pre-commit to fighting some unknown foe (and our people are already rather creeped out, AND nobody is paying us for this) we should find out why we can't just burn down the research and then take the Darcsen with us when we leave.

>>25187136
Asking about side-effects would be useful too, yeah.

>>25187044
"You know, if this place is as horrible as you describe, why don't you just leave?" You ask, perplexed.

"Fear and superstition, mostly. As long as the Beasts roam the ruins, my people refuse to leave the safety of the mine. Believe me, I've tried."

"You know, I can help you with your Beast problem." You say. "Free of charge. Well, mostly."

"You would do that for us?" Artyom gapes."We have no money to pay you. Only our gratitude."

"Yeah, well, I'm a charitable guy like that."

You can feel Sam rolling her eyes behind you.

"But I'd like to know what exactly these Beasts are capable of."

"They are far more resilient than normal men, and absolutely fearless. And very organized. I suppose the reason they haven't left is because of the same reason you are here. Qyburn was a brilliant man, after all, and they saw proof of it first hand."

"Qyburn said something about burying his research in the one place untouched by the war. Do you have any idea what he meant?"

"No... but Artya might. Besides me, she is the only one brave enough to venture into the ruins."

"One of our young ones. She was the one who led you here." Artyom motions for your "friend" to approach. "Captain Sturmfuhrer, this is Artya."

Artya waves to you happily.

"Ah." You nod. "Hello."

>What do you say?

"Why don't you leave? Also do you know where the notes are located?

>>25187403
"It's nice to meet you. Thanks for leading us here, by the way. I don't want to imagine what would have happened to us if you didn't."

Then inquire about the possible stash. And possibly any safehouses we can fortify if we ever get into a fight with them beasts in the open.

>>25187403
Sounds like we should get our mortar squad to do some damage here. Fearless+mortars=pain.

>>25187489
Let me reword that:

Any places we can hide and/or fortify if we encounter the beasts outside

>>25187549
Really wishing we picked up those AP-Mines. We could have setup such lovely traps for this 'people.'

>>25187618
Too late now. We weren't expecting... well, whatever these things are. They're not zombies... unless their semi intelligent fast zombies (crap)

>>25187762
Atryom already said they're very organized. They are intelligent. And if they named it Beast, you can be sure it's fast as fuck, too.

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>>25187403
"Hello Artya, it's nice to meet you. Thanks for leading us here, by the way. I don't want to imagine what would have happened to us if you didn't." You say, shaking Artya's hand.

Artya nods and starts scribbling in her notebook, tearing out a page and handing it to you.

YOU PROBABLY WOULD HAVE DIED

HORRIBLY

"Ummm, thanks." You frown.

She starts scribbling down more notes.

WHAT'S THE OUTSIDE LIKE

IS THE SKY REALLY BLUE

ARE TREES REALLY A THING

WHERE TO DO BABIES COME FROM

"Uhhhhh, It's nice, yes, yes, and you should as your parents about that." You say, taken off guard.

Artya cocks her head to the side and hands you another note.

NO PARENTS JUST ME

"Ohhhhhhh..." You suddenly feel like an asshole and quickly decide to change the subject. "Do you have any idea where Qyburn might have hid his research?"

I THINK I MIGHT, BUT IT'S DEEP IN BEAST TERRITORY

"And you can take us there, right?"

Artya puts her hand up to her masked chin, as if in deep thought.

MAYBE. VERY DANGEROUS.

"Well, what isn't."

"All right, that's enough, Artya. Go see to it that the water filters are working properly." Artyom interjects.

Artya nods, gives an exaggerated salute, and skips off deeper into the mine.

"Forgive her enthusiasm. You're the first outsiders she's seen." He says apologetically. "She's only known life in the mine and the ruins. Anyways, you are free to stay here. We will move out in the morning. Now if you excuse me, I have other duties to attend to."

>Wait, I have something else to ask. (specify)
>Discuss these new developments with your squad.
>Track down Artya
>Explore the mine.
>Other

>>25187909
>WHERE DO BABIES COME FROM
Mah sides.

ask him what kind of weapons the beasts have, and if they have any favored tactics. Also try and get an idea of there numbers.

>>25187909
>Discuss these new developments with your squad.

>>25187909
>Discuss these new developments with your squad.

We might need to reassess how deep we are in shitsville. See what the others have to say.

>>25187909
>Discuss new developements with your squad

>>25187909
>>Discuss these new developments with your squad.

might as well talk about how awesome it is fighting in what could be equivalent to hell. At least Ramirez wont be feeling any boredom.

>>25187948
This, also ask why night is consider more dangerous than day in regards to them. Then:
>Discuss these new developments with your squad.

we should tell the squad we are here. we are asking them to march though hell, and fight monsters. They deserve to know why.

>>25188025
the second we should be a why

>>25187909
Why do I get the feeling that we just found a new party member?

>>25188083
Why do I get the feeling we have found a squad of rangers to join the Demons...

Well... I can dream at least.

>>25188083

Cause ARTYOM is STALKER level awesome and oh you were talking about the girl that can olny talk by writing weren't you?

>>25187909

>Ask if the Beasts would attack this place or something.
>Do we also want to ask why Artya only communicates by writing? Why doesn't she talk?

Then we check with our team.

>>25188083
Adorable mute scout? Yes please.

Now I'm half expecting some sort of FALLOUT SOON, FELLOW DEMONS thing.

Oh, joy.

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>>25187909
>Discuss these new developments with your squad.
Also some of the stuff drawn by the artist for Artya look pretty cool.

This one looks like it's straight from VC.

>>25187909
Does any one else want to adopt Artya? Cause she would make an awesome little sister/daughter.

>>25188308
Provided we are not all eaten by mutants, I will second this motion.

>>25187909
"Alright Demons, huddle in." You say, motioning for your squad to come closer. "Opinions?"

"My gut tells me to get the hell out of here, but my conscience says to stay and help these people." Sam sighs.

"Just send me at them." Ramirez cracks his knuckles, his fear gone. "We know what they are. That means they can be killed."

Elizabeth frowns. "Not even Lynch knew about this. Qyburn's more devious than I thought..."

"Shit as long as they don't have lances I don't mind." Julia sighs. "Though I really don't want to be fighting in urban combat with these guys."

"Should have just stayed in reserve." Headcase leans back in his chair. "Less stress and negativity."

"It's our duty to give these Beasts the Emperor's Mercy." Isolde says grimly. "We will banish the ghosts of EWI."

You grin. While they were certainly reluctant, the Demons were more than willing to test their mettle against the Beasts.

A quick radio call to your rearguard and you explain the situation to Heloise, Alek, and Brillant. Naturally, they're still a bit reluctant to enter the town, even with the situation (mostly) explained.

>Order them to link back up with you in the morning.
>Let them stay as a rearguard.
>Other

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>>25188452
Gah! That's the third time!

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>>25188452
>trip

>>25188452
>>Let them choose to stay as a rearguard or support.

>>25188452
and thus merc shows his skills at forgetting his trip.

>>25188490
+1
This mission is pro-bono, so it should be volunteer only.

>>25188490
Seconding

>>25188452
>Let them stay as a rearguard.

Tell them that they're free to stay, but if push comes to shove and we need them...well, we need them. Have them link up with the locals if it comes to it, should make things easier for them to catch up.

>>25188452
>>25188549
This. They need to know longs we think we can deal for now... But we need them to know when we say get to the front now... they can't just ignore that order.

>>25188452

Hey Merc, if we were to give the Demons some bonus pay for this, how much of a bonus would be reasonable? And how much can we afford?

>>25188490

Hmm... I dunno, I think we might need everyone.

Plus, they might feel like shit if they think about how their comrades are facing monsters while they're safer(ish) elsewhere.


I think we should link up with them during the morning.

Probably have US come to THEM -- because we're the bigger group, whereas they're just 3 people.

>>25188452
>Let them stay as a rearguard.
We still have a job to do. So let's not forget about it.
>>25188146
Antyom strikes me more from Metro 2033. But that may be because the name is the same.
>>25188183
This has a huge Dead Money vibe.

>>25188654
>Antyom strikes me more from Metro 2033. But that may be because the name is the same.

This is definitely more Metro vibe right now. But STALKERS and RANGERS are equal opportunity bad-asses.

>>25188761
Meant to add Metro/Dead Money vibe but didn't. Eh.

>>25188452
"Brillant, hold position where you are." You say. Honestly, you would've liked the extra manpower, but you feel guilty about pretty much tricking them into coming on a personal mission.

"Don't worry, sir." Heloise says. "I'm setting up a sniper perch for Alek. If my calculations are right, he should have a pretty good vantage point of the whole town."

"That's great, Heloise." You turn to the rest of your squad. "Okay people, it's going to be a hell of a day tomorrow, so get some rest."

Your squad them mumbles affirmatives and all wander off to their own devices, leaving you by yourself.

>Talk to someone. (specify)
>Find Artyom
>Find Artya
>Explore the mines.
>Other

>>25188797
>>Find Artya

>>25188797
>Find Artya

Mute scout girl, tell me your secrets.

>>25188797
>Find Artya

>>25188797
>Find Artyom
Ask him what type of help (if any) we can expect from his people. Gear, tactics they use, etc...

Then we can go looking for the little Mute girl after that. But business first... please.

>>25188797

>Find Artyom

He can tell us more, to be honest.

>>25188797
>Find Artya

>>25188797
You go off to try and find Artya. If she was going to be your guide through the ruins, you sure as hell would want to know a little more about her.

>roll 1d20

Rolled 15

>>25189017
>gettin lost in the mines GO!

Rolled 8

>>25189017

Rolled 19

>>25189017
Fine... find the mute girl...

Rolled 3

>>25189017
Rad-spider encounter is a go

>>25189076
We crash into her.

Literally.

>>25189076
As you move through the mines, you notice something doesn't quite add up. Now that you think about it, how have these people been surviving in this mine for nearly two decades? How were they feeding themselves?

Then you notice supply crates. Fresh ones, both with Imperial and Ustian emblems painted on them.

"Interesting..." You mutter as you pass by.

You find Artya in one of the mine's deeper chambers, fiddling with the filters keeping the mine's pipe system clean.

"Hey, Artya, do you have a minute?" You ask.

Artya turns her head and tilts it curiously before shrugging and nodding.

>Ask her about what she does.
>Ask her about the Beasts.
>Ask her about the supplies.
>Ask her about her parents.
>Other

>>25189278
>>Ask her about what she does.

Lets get to know our guide a bit.

>Ask her about the Beasts.

First, then...

>Ask her about the supplies.

>>25189278
...shit. I think we just found our partisans.

>Ask her about what she does.
Then we can ask her about the beasts. Convincing them to stop raiding Ustian supplies can come later.

>>25189278
>Ask her about what she does.
>Ask her about the supplies.
>Ask her about the Ruins
>Ask her about the Beasts.

That order... I guess.

>>25189278
>Ask her about what she does.
>Ask her about the Beasts.
>Ask her about the supplies.

>>25189278
>Ask her about the Beasts.
It's obvious the supplies are boosted. We can deal with that after the monsters are dealt with.

so either they have been stealing supplies, or are being fed by whoever is. hmmm, it occurs to me that we may not want to take there word about the other group of people in the area being inhuman monsters.

>>25189331
>Convincing them to stop raiding Ustian supplies can come later.
Well if we deal with the Beast they won't or at least shouldn't have a reason to be raiding anymore as they should be able to leave the mines for good.

>>25189365
You're being too paranoid. The supply stash could just be them being desperate enough to raid supply shipments.

>>25189331
I said so earlier in the thread >>25186183 here to be exact.

I think we can deal with it peacefully after we help them.

>>25189331

But Artyom said that none of the people are willing to even LEAVE THE VILLAGE.

How are they getting supplies, if they're too frightened of the beasts to go out to the countryside to raid?

Do they have an exit from the mines to a place outside the village?


But if they DO have such an exit tunnel... why haven't they actually just left?

>>25189483
>why haven't they actually just left?
Superstition?

As for the rest...

There might be a small group that goes out raids but not willing to abandon the people still in the mines. Something akin to The Rangers of the Order from Metro.

>Ask her about what she does.
>Ask her about the supplies.

>>25189569

Yeah that's right, but he listed superstition as the reason they haven't left the village.

>"You know, if this place is as horrible as you describe, why don't you just leave?" You ask, perplexed.

>"Fear and superstition, mostly. As long as the Beasts roam the ruins, my people refuse to leave the safety of the mine. Believe me, I've tried."

>As long as the Beasts roam the ruins, my people refuse to leave the safety of the mine.


So if they're not willing to leave the mine, they're not going to be ranging out for supplies.

Unless, like you just said, there's a Ranger equivalent that goes out.

Either way, I think we ought to figure out whats up.

>>25189679
"You know Artya, I've been wondering. What do you actually do here?" You ask.

Artya pauses, and hands you a note.

I DO WHATEVER THE MINE NEEDS ME TO

"Does that including venturing into the ruins?"

Artya shakes her head and hands you another note.

PERSONAL REASONS

"Okay, then what do you know about the Beasts?"

SLOW BUT METHODICAL. HARD TO KILL. SCARE ME A LOT

You frown. That doesn't sound very promising.

"And what about your supply situation?"

ASK ARTYOM

"Huh, okay."

VERY BUSY. FILTER WON'T FIX ITSELF

>Ask her something else? (specify)
>Confront Artyom about the supplies.
>Drop the issue for now. It might make things worse.
>Other

>>25189679
>Unless, like you just said, there's a Ranger equivalent that goes out.

>Either way, I think we ought to figure out whats up.

This is why I wanted to talk to Artyom first over Artya (nothing ageist her). We could have gotten more info.

>>25189791
I saw that.

>>25189816
>Confront Artyom about the supplies.
Might as well deal with this now.

>>25189852
>ageist
>against

Wooo

>>25189816
>Drop the issue for now. It might make things worse.

It can wait until the zombies are dead. Preferably with the entire town exposed to the cleansing flame.

>>25189816
>>Drop the issue for now. It might make things worse.

Ask after burning the notes. Don't want to hurt our relations with our only allies here.

>Drop the issue for now. It might make things worse.

I really wish we had gotten the flamethrowers.

>>25189890
>>25189949
>>25190009
If you people aren't willing to confront this now. Can we at least get some more info on his people? Aid they'll be giving us, how much of it, what type tactics they'll be using or used to, at the very least...

since we're pretty much in the zone, I wonder if we could find any artifacts that'd be useful

>>25189816
>Confront Artyom about the supplies.

And Artya reminds me of Celty from Durarara.

>>25190136
I bet we will find some nice toys out in that mess,

>>25190136
Lets not worry about that...

>>25189816
You decide to keep this knowledge to yourself for now. No need to potentially antagonize Artyom and his people when they're the only friendly population in this area. You check your watch and realize that it is indeed getting late. Leaving Artya to her repair duties, you return to the main chamber where you lie down on one of the makeshift cots that were set up for you and your squad.

You dream of men burning alive, yet you see no fire.

----

The next morning (though honestly it was pretty hard to tell), the Demons are assembled and ready to move out. Artya walks out and stretches. You can almost imagine her trying to soak in the weak sunlight filtering through the gloom.

"I'm sorry we can't provide any more help. Other than a place to stay the night." Artyom says glumly. "I've tried asking, but nobody but Artya has the courage to accompany you."

>I understand.
>Cowards
>Actually, I got something to ask you before we leave...
>Other

i'm fucking terrified at what these 'beasts' look like and act like.

If these fuckers are as hard to kill as ghost people, we're boned.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFO_Ml0DUig
mood music for the moment

>>25190451
>I understand

Time to set the town on fire.

>>25190451
>I understand.

>>25190451
>I understand

>>25190486
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KRRGYEFZF4A
This also works

>>25190451
"I don't blame them." You sigh. "Even I have my second thoughts about the whole thing."

"Artya's a good kid. Please make sure she comes back safe."

"I will." You nod. "Demons, let's move out!"

Your small convoy pulls out of the mine and heads to the ruins, with Artya pointing out where to go.

The first hour is uneventful. Nothing but lifeless fields and ruins to be seen. During the spare time, you catch Sam teaching Artya basic military hand signals. From the rate Artya is going, it seems she's a quick learner. This will at least make it a bit easier for her to communicate with your squad.

<Danger ahead.> She signs to you.

"Hey, that's pretty good." You grin.

Artya shakes her head rapidly and waves her arms around, as if trying to figure out what hand signal would best convey what she wants to say. Finally, she gives up and scribbles up a note.

SERIOUS. DANGER AHEAD. IN ENEMY TERRITORY.

"Demons, get ready for a fight." You say.

>Go in quiet. Slower but less likely to be detected.
>Go in loud. Get through as quickly as possible.
>Other

>>25190866
>Go in quiet. Slower but less likely to be detected.

>>25190866
>Go in quiet. Slower but less likely to be detected

Find out about your enemy before you go loud.

>>25190866
>Go in quiet. Slower but less likely to be detected.

>>25190866
>Go in quiet. Slower but less likely to be detected.

Dismount if we're not already.

>>25190866
>go in quiet, it's not yet STURMFUHRER time

>>25190866
"We go in quiet. No need to draw attention to ourselves." You say.

You squad nods and dismounts their vehicles. Meanwhile, Julia and Headcase power down their engines, slowing to a crawl in order to minimize noise.

>roll 1d20

Rolled 7

>>25191016

>>25191016

Hey, what kind of weapons do the Beasts use? How do they fight? What do they fight with? Do they ever set any traps?

>>25191016
Rollin'

Rolled 16

>>25191016

Rolled 9

>>25191085
Dammit.

Rolled 19

>>25191016

Hope this is a good roll.

>>25191071
Nobody really knows. Only Artya and Artyom really have any experience dealing with them, and they spend most of their time actively avoiding fights. What you do know is that they're basically EWI Imps, with a few "changes".

Rolled 9

>>25191016

>>25191113
i now picture them as a mix of ghouls and super mutants for fallout

>>25191099
You pass through the outskirts of the town with no trouble. However, Artya waves you over.

TWO ROUTES. THROUGH MIDDLE OR AROUND. MIDDLE FASTER. AROUND SAFER BUT LONGER. PREFER FASTER. NIGHT BAD.

>Cut through the center of town.
>Hug the outskirts.
>Other

Rolled 18

>>25191176

Er, wouldn't we have set out in the morning-ish?

How long would this be taking, that we'd have to worry about NIGHT?

>>25191176
Middle

>>25191176
>Cut through the center of town.

>>25191197
You're moving at snail's pace because you're trying to be stealthy. That kind of builds up. If you don't take shortcuts, it will be night on your return trip. Remember that you also have to spend time searching for the objective as well.

>>25191197
I think it's more she anticipates the fight taking a while and if we hug the outskirts we might not make it back before nightfall.

>>25191245
Then let's cut through the middle. With any luck, we'd pass through it unscathed and get back the time we lost being all stealthy and shit.

>>25191176
>Cut through the center of town.
Always, ALWAYS listen to the scout. Always.

File: 1370156586760.gif-(2.19 MB, 350x258, 1340781562387.gif)

2.19 MB GIF

>>25191176
>Cut through the center of town.
Let them come, if they have the balls to attack us.

>>25191176
>Cut through the center of town.

We'll have to kill them sooner or later anyway. Trough the center!

>>25191176
"We'll cut through the town square, then." You say, pointing down the road. "Move forward but stay quiet."

>roll 1d20

Rolled 12

>>25191319
dice gods!

Rolled 13

>>25191319
Sneaky gits.

Rolled 6

>>25191319

Rolled 13

>>25191319

Rolled 13

>>25191319

Rolled 7

>>25191343
>>25191346
>>25191364
All these 13's

Rolled 10

>>25191319

Rolled 10

>>25191343 >>25191346 >>25191364

Well. Looks like 13 is our lucky number today.

File: 1370157220362.jpg-(176 KB, 1280x720, Who the fuck are these guys.jpg)

176 KB JPG

>>25191343
Your squad finally reaches the town square, which is somehow even more ominous and foreboding than the rest of the town. Burned out hulks of buildings line the square, and piles of rubble lie everywhere. Whatever conflict had happened here, this place was hit the hardest.

You are also acutely aware of the two decade old corpses laying about. Things were apparently so bad that people were unwilling or unable to bury the dead. Your squad tries not to notice, while Artya strides past without a second glance.

"You're not bothered by this?" You whisper to her.

BEEN HERE BEFORE. LOOTED ALREADY. NOTHING VALUABLE

"That's... nice."

Suddenly, Artya raises her hand to your chest, stopping you. At the same time, Tarin kneels and gives the danger signal. Your squad takes cover and Julia and Headcase cut their engines.

At the opposite end of the square, you can see four... things slowly picking their way through the rubble.

<Hostile.> Arya signs to you.

>Keep your heads down. Maybe they'll pass.
>Take them out before they can react.
>Other

>>25191534
>Keep your heads down. Maybe they'll pass.

If things get too dicey, then we let loose.

Not until then though.

Rolled 19

>>25191534
helgans?
>keep your heads down
I wonder id their stuff is better than ours

>>25191534
>Keep your heads down. Maybe they'll pass.

As much as I want to take them down quickly and quietly... I double we could do that.

Rolled 19

>>25191534
>Keep your heads down. Maybe they'll pass.

>Helgans
I may not know much about them, but their armor looks cool as fuck. Don't mess around with people that have cool armor.

>>25191534
>Helghast
>Metro/STALKER
>Dead Money
>Shit loads of other stuff
THIS MISSION IS EVERYTHING I LOVE

>>25191641
And I forgot my dice on, sure could've used this instead of that 6.

>>25191599
>>25191641
dem 19's

Rolled 16

>>25191534
given our luck, they'll walk right into us.

To bad we didn't figure out how many Beasts they think are hanging around

Shouldn't we at least try to negotiate with these people?

>>25191781

Even if they weren't some kind of mutated monsters, they're still Imperials -- the guys we're fighting and trying to kill, you know?

I mean, there's a time and place for talking to enemies, but it usually isn't the first resort when you're **sneaking around in a battlefield**.

Rolled 14

>>25191781

as logical as that may sound, I'm assuming that this game is operating under 'sneak, hide, creep or else the undead will eat your face off' principles here

>>25191781
Yeah, no thanks. They're still imps which is enough for Jagar to shoot them.

>>25191781
Never try to negotiate with people dressed like operators.

Rolled 7, 2, 19, 13 = 41

>>25191534
"Everybody stay down. Let's hope they don't notice us." You duck down, trying to stay out of sight.

<Patrol.> Artya signs.

Looking more carefully, you can get a clearer look at the mystery soldiers. They are clearly wearing EWI Imperial uniforms, tattered and rotting from age and constant wear. Like the Darcsen survivors, they wear heavy gas masks, with an unearthly orange glow emanating from their eyepieces. They are also armed with EWI ere Imperial weaponry. Those old Imp bolt action rifles that were more like miniature cannons rather than guns.

The Beast patrol continues to pick their way through the rubble as they pass by your position.

(cont)

>>25191884
>19
We're fucked.

Oh well, since you people don't support negotiation... Where's our mortar crew?

>>25191884
Unfortunately, one of the Beasts spots you. It turns to its squadmates and barks in some guttural, alien language, pointing directly at you.

>ORDERS?

>>25191929
FIRE EVERYTHING

>>25191929
End them.

>>25191929
Shoot them in the everywhere with the everything.

Time to go loud. Lets see just how tough these dudes are.

>>25191929
Welp. There goes subtlety.

EAT LEAD

>>25191941

Well, probably not the tank...


Did we only have the one sniper on overwatch?


Also, guys -- we could try to handle this with knives and garrotes, you know?

They approach our position, and we sneak up and STAB or GARROTE them.

Don't just open fire right away!

>>25191929
"WEAPONS FREE"
>Does the TD have HE shells?

>>25191974
Do you really want to get close to an enemy with unknown capabilities?

>>25191941 >>25191953 >>25191966 >>25191983

Let's not shoot just yet. Maybe we can kill them stealthily still.

Knives and garrotes maybe.

Rolled 5

>>25191929
Let's try to slow them down. Maybe we can take out their legs and keep them away from us or slow them down

If multiple pieces of lead don't kill them, we might need something heavier

>>25191993

Do you want to open fire and draw everything's attention?

>>25191974
>>25191996
>Enemy points us out
>we can still do stealth!

>>25191996
You know that adage about bringing knives to gunfights? Melee kills work before you get spotted by the guys with guns, not after.
>Pop pop

Rolled 7, 5, 12, 2, 16, 9, 5, 7, 11, 20 = 94

>>25191929
"Shit, weapons free!" You yell.

Julia and Headcase fire their HE shells.

Sam and Isolde fire frag lances.

Tarin and Artya open fire with their rifles.

Ramirez sprays the area with his SMG.

A distant CRACK signifies Alek has taken a shot as well.

>roll 3d20

Rolled 20, 8, 13 = 41

>>25192091

Rolled 1, 2, 10 = 13

>>25192091
Boom., you're dead.

Rolled 4, 12, 16 = 32

>>25192091

Rolled 9, 3, 4 = 16

>>25192091
Dice!

Rolled 6, 14, 11 = 31

>>25192091
pop pop pop, watchin' mutants ignore our guns and butcher us!

Rolled 16, 8, 4 = 28

>>25192091
FIRE

Rolled 14, 8, 9 = 31

>>25192091
This will end well

Rolled 12, 20, 9 = 41

>>25192091
>>25192114
Explosions ripple across the Beast quad, sending shockwaves and shrapnel slamming into them, yet it does nothing but seem to mildly annoy them. Similarly, the storm of hastily aimed shots fails to drop them, as most miss. You definitely know you and Tarin scored solid hits, the Beasts just seemed to shrug them off.

However, a bullet zips out of nowhere and nails one of the Beasts in the head, blowing out the back of its skull and sending it toppling to the ground. Despite their inhuman toughness, it seemed like a classic headshot could still take them down.

The Beasts, instead of running for cover and trying to rush you, the Beasts merely stand and march toward you, rifles raised and ready to fire.

(cont)

>>25192248
Roll 1d20

Rolled 20

>>25192248

Rolled 19

>>25192248
Here comes the pain.

Rolled 6

>>25192266
>>25192269
Fucking yes.

Rolled 15

>>25192261
GO AWAY ZOMBIES

Rolled 20, 9, 1 = 30

>>25192261
Boom. Headshot

Rolled 13

>>25192261
Nice shot

>>25192283
ZOMBIE GOASTS, LEAVE THIS PLACE

>>25192283
Fuckin' Zombies.
Headshot only.
And there's gonna be more of them coming... with guns... and not giving a fuck about bullets

>>25192261
I guess we'll have to order our soldiers to do headshots only!

File: 1370159778259.png-(150 KB, 750x900, The hell is that thing made of.png)

150 KB PNG

Rolled 11, 16, 5 = 32

>>25192248

... Okay yeah, "FIRE FUCKING EVERYTHING!" was definitely the right response here.

What the fuck are these guys made of? Dirty-little-BITCH-inite?

>>25192266
One of those mini cannon rounds come perilously close to hitting you, ricocheting off your shoulderpad.

The remaining Beasts keep marching forward.

>Fire again!
>Fall back!
>Mount up and blow past them.
>Other

>>25192384
>Fire again!

but this time, take careful aim shots at the head only

>>25192384
>Fire again!
SHOOT IT SHOOT IT SHOOT IT!

Rolled 10

>>25192384
Give out order to fire again! Controlled shots to the head.

Which is hard as all hell. But if we remain calm, we might be able to pull it off.

>>25192384
>Fire again!
"Headshots only demons!"

>>25192384
>Fire again!

Kinda want to tell the lancers to use AP rounds. Rip chucks of flesh off them if they're this tough.

>>25192397
This. Lancer can switch to sidearm, tank and TD can Manoever past us and run them over.

Rolled 7, 16, 14, 13, 6, 4, 12, 13, 16, 19 = 120

>>25192384
"Demons! Hit em again! Aim for the head!" You yell.

Your squad retargets. Seeing that their HE and frag shells were pretty much useless, your vehicles and lancers swap to AP ammo.

>roll 3d20

Rolled 1, 6, 13 = 20

>>25192464

Rolled 16, 20, 19 = 55

>>25192464

Rolled 1, 13, 4 = 18

>>25192464

>>25192474

Oh fuck the hell YES!

I can't believe I rolled that well.

Rolled 9, 3, 18 = 30

>>25192464

Rolled 9

>>25192384
>Other
Order Julia and Headcase to run them over. With tanks.

Rolled 2

>>25192464
With this much weight of fire, the Beasts don't even stand a chance. Headcase manages to score a direct hit on one of the Beasts, completely demolishing its torso. Your SMG burst manages to down another Beast. Alek also manages to score another headshot, but your dismay you see that it the round deflected off its helmet.

The last Beast returns fire.

(cont)

>>25192528
And the shot is wide.

What do you do now?

>Finish off the last Beast.
>Let's just blow past him.
>Other

>>25192542
>Finish off the last Beast.
dont want the zombies coming after us

>>25192542
>Finish off the last Beast.

After that, inspect what we can, then hurry to the objective. We're burning daylight.

>>25192528
>Finish off the last Beast.
Yeah no. Finish it and get the hell out of here.

>>25192542
He's spent. Fistfight him and take a look at his face.

>>25192542
>Finish off the last Beast.

>>25192542
You have to give it credit. The Beast doesn't seem phased to see its buddies get cut down. It merely stops to clear its chamber for a new round as a fresh wave of fire cuts it down.

"Well, if the Beasts didn't know we were here, they do now." You remount onto the Fenrir. "Demons, mount up! Julia, Headcase, full speed!"

>roll 1d20

Rolled 19

>>25192587
dice gods

Rolled 18

>>25192587

Rolled 15

>>25192587

>>25192597
>>25192600
Damn. Looks like we got the rolling mojo back.

>>25192597
You get through the other side of the square with no problems. Wherever the Beasts are, it doesn't seem like they're in a position to stop you yet.

By now, you've reached the target area, which is a massive building built into the side of a mountain cliff.

"W-what is this place?" You gape.

"Definitely doesn't look like it belongs in a village." Sam frowns.

"That certainly is not ominous at all." Julia sighs.

Artya tugs at your sleeve.

QYBURN LAB. MAYBE IN THERE.

"Have you ever been in there?"

Artya shakes her head.

"Well damn." You frown. Julia and Headcase obviously couldn't follow you inside with their vehicles. Plus you at least want to have the door watched in case the Beasts try to follow you here.

>Who goes in? Who stays out?

>>25192692
Isolde and Sam i don't think we need explosives in a decrepit old building

>>25192692
Who's with us again?

>>25192692
Julia, Headcase and Sam stay as the rearguard, with fire support from Alek and the mortar guys. If shit hits the fan, and I mean REALLY hits the fan, they abandon vehicles and follow us in.

Also, tell Alek, Brillant and Heloise to watch for any movement in town.

>>25192692
I say we take one of the Lancers. If the zombie-soldiers attack those outside, frag rounds can only do so much. Whoever we pick, have them leave their Lance and give them either the shotgun or our SMG. Ramirez should stay behind and cover the entrance, just in case we need to bug out fast.

>>25192692
Tarin and Sam is with us. Everyone else stays out to protect the tanks.

>>25192739
>abandon vehicles
Hell no. They either get the fuck out of battle or stand their ground. They are not to leave those tanks unless they are on fire, literally. We not handing over two tanks to the enemy.

>>25192765
>We not
>We are not

>>25192765
If they get the fuck out, the Beasts can very well follow us in and hit our derrier. And if there would be enough beasts to go through two tanks and support, I'd prefer someone to at least tell us they're coming.

File: 1370161803421.jpg-(130 KB, 1185x673, Power Trio.jpg)

130 KB JPG

>>25192692
"Ramirez, Isolde, you stay here and keep an eye on the door. Let us know if any more Beasts arrive."

"Got it, sir." Ramirez nods.

"It will be done." Isolde salutes.

"Tarin, Sam, we're going in. Artya, what about you?"

I'M GOING TOO. MAYBE GOOD THINGS TO LOOT INSIDE

"Alright." You nod before entering the lab.

It's a pretty large building, but studying a tattered directory nailed to the wall, you determine that there's three possible places to search. The roof, the main levels, or the building sublevels.

>Check the roof.
>Check the main levels.
>Check the sublevels.
>Split up to cover ground faster.
>Other

>>25192858
>Check the sublevels.
I mean he said it was "buried"