Heretics.

>>25652824
Heretics. The Illuminati, the Masons, the orders that have been accused of seeking control over the world so long ago. Perhaps there was a foundation in those stories so long ago, but now, their names are meaningless in the face of the Heretics. Illusive, secretive, and powerful in their secrets, their radical means and powers are perhaps one of the only means that mankind has left for repelling the forces besieging it on all sides.

The future promises to be quite interesting, according to divinations, should the Heretic's path be chosen.

>A few more votes for Heretics, or a consensus on another faction, desired before moving forward.

>>25652783
Humans

>>25652783

Preferrably Reptiles.

Otherwise, Heretics.

>>25652783
Humanity, fuck yeah.

>>25652824
>>25652858
>>25652865
>Two for Heretics, one for Reptiles, two for Humans.

Humankind. A tenacious thing, the original inheritor of the Earth. Mankind need not sell its soul to the likes of the Hellspawn or the Beyonders in order to save itself from the nightmarish world that has been laid before it. Through force of will, human ingenuity, and strength of character, what remains of mankind can band together. It will be the Humans that reclaim the Earth, drive out the invaders, and manage to-- at long last-- restore their blasted and decimated homeworld to what it once was.

>A bit more consensus, and we can really get things rolling!

>>25652850
Let us Human for once.

>>25652885

Heretics are the better humans. humans are boring.

>>25652885
>>25652865
>>25652852
>Three votes for humans.

>>25652895
>Three votes for heretics.
>It's neck-and-neck, to say the least, but that ought to make this rather interesting in the end on whatever faction is finally decided. Humans and Heretics are also the two closest to one another, so understandable.

>>25652884
Humans. This is our world, damnit.

>>25652916

Shame that there are some boring people tonight...

>>25652909
I wouldn't be opposed to a close alliance with the heretics.

>>25652909
Heretics. Let's fucking take our world.

>>25652936

I'd rather Heretics that secretly and subversively lead humanity to a new dawn.

>>25652953
>>25652938
>>25652916
>Humans four, Heretics five.
>I am rather impressed at how close a race this is.

>>25652936
It is not unknown for the Heretics and Humankind at large to ally their forces, especially in times of great adversity. The terrifying results of the powers of Heretics, as well as the steep costs associated with that power, tend to make mankind as a whole rather queasy at the prospects of extended alliance, but such a thing may just prove necessary in mankind's darkest hour.

>>25653008
Throwin, another vote humanity's way.

>>25653008
Lock it in man.

>>25653035
>>25653035

No.

>>25653008
Idea. What if we were a commander of a joint force of humans and heretics. Made to test the long term viability of merging the two factions.

>>25653158
I could dig an undercover or double agent angle. Working for Humanity, but actually spreading heresy.

>>25653187

Secret occult magic? Alright. let's start up TSW up in this.

>>25653035
>>25653039
>>25653008
>>25653055
>>25653158
>Alright, in the interest of moving things forward... Locking in as...

>Both?! A unique development!

You are a Heretic. The Shadow Cult, Illuminati, and so much more, all seem to be names branded upon you and your peers. The truth is, you are the martyrs that will cast yourselves at the plagues upon humankind, banding it together at great cost to yourselves in order to reclaim so much that has been lost. The masses at large portray you as monsters and madmen, but you merely shield them from the horrifying truth of what has befallen the Earth.

You are a Grand Wizard, though your name is not evident, you are a mighty leader of the Heretics. Not the only one, but with the length of the war, you are one of the few remaining who can truly wield the powers of a Grand Wizard. Your cadre of peers and students follow you for your insight and your ability to have led them to their current points in time.

Yet you are not without insight. You know that, even though the Unified Earth Federation at large distrusts your kind, you know that, without cooperation, Mankind will not last. So you submitted yourself and your peers to their scrutiny, offering to lend your services to the UEF. The other Heretics view you as a potential traitor to the cause, but your true loyalties remain an enigma, perhaps even to you. The UEF, desperate for aid, has accepted your help for now, and has left you with a mixed force.

You have command of the forward operating base designated "UEF-NYC-0112", whose true name has not been given by you, but thus far has been named "Heretic's Hope" in a bid of dark humor by some of the less trusting under your command.

>What is your name, Grand Commander?

>>25653232
Felix Dougall.

>>25653187
How about a black ops group formed by elements for both factions? Working for the betterment of all mankind. No matter the cost. We working in the shadows and are distrusted by both of the main parts of the two factions.

>>25653249
I like it. Seconding

>>25653232
I say we never use the title "Grand Wizard." As in, ever. Because it sounds too flashy for working in the shadows.

I say our codename is Seer or Seere. Preferrably Seere. And mpst of our "peers" among the heretics likewise take the names of Solomon's major demons.

And for reason at that.

That's to say if we're even a man.

Otherwise I say we take the name Macha, Manah, or Malphas.

>>25653257
>Pretty much what you are, really.

>>25653232
Your cadre, also known as a cabal, currently consists of a fair mixture of different forces, but obviously, your numbers are much less than the greater whole of mankind. You currently have control of two mage bands, each numbering a group of four spellcasters of varying power.

You also have command of six UEF infantry squads, each numbering eight men, armed with basic carbines, mostly using scavenged ammunition. The forward outpost itself is built into the slums of Harlem, or at least, what used to be Harlem, an old automotive garage adjoining a shelled-out apartment complex serving as your headquarters, a small helipad having been built atop it, as well as solar panels and a small distillery for water.

You also possess the following assets in your small base, the heavier equipment being stored in the refurbished garage, while the casters tend to gather near their section of the apartments. While things aren't quite tense, they aren't exactly hugs-and-kisses either, even amongst the officers.

>Two Librarians, much more versed in the arcane arts of several schools.
>One Heavy Infantry (Powered Armor) squad of four, armed with heavy weapons and jump jets into their basic powered armor.
>A lone VTOL Thunderbird jet. An all-purpose aircraft intended for multi-combat roles.
>A pair of LS APCs (Land-and-Sea), capable of carrying two full UEF infantry squads each in full protection, or a suitable number of other persons.

>>25653249
>>25653286
>Felix Dougall is currently in the lead.

>>25653249
>>25653257
>>25653290
>>25653303
Ok.
Real name: Felix Dougall.
Human codename: Seere
Heretic codename/demon name: Malphas

>>25653333


I like it.

>>25653333
Let's leave nicknames alone for now. I'd rather earn one.

>>25653379
But they aren't nicknames just codenames. Codenames are what appear on official documents, nicknames are what the troops would call us.

>>25653379
What kind of shadow op uses their real name?

Especially when they dick around with beyonders and demons in which your true name holds power?

Both of our codenames refer to Major demons that have "historically" been brought under human control.

Think like a heretic.

>>25653405
Good point. I'm indifferent to codenames then.

>>25653330
Ok, first order of business is to get both paths of force to work together. How about getting the Magi(politically correct term for Hereitics) to buff the weapons and armor of our Human troopers?

>>25653333
>>25653379
>Data entered and confirmed. "Nicknames" pending, but codenames entered.

New Year's Eve, and it's not celebrated, but rather, filled with a standard shift rotation. The only real celebration is a bit of more cheery music over the radiowaves, your outpost's engineering specialists working to keep the radio relays running, on top of the dozens of other things necessary.

Looking over your reports, and your own divinations, you're left with a number of decisions and issues that have arisen. You've categorized just how utterly screwed up things are into a few simple issues, your adjutant currently sitting nearby, an aspiring Mage that's only just begun to master some of the basic principles of the Evocation school.

>The primary power generator, a hybrid diesel-solar setup, is currently on its last legs. Without the power it provides, your radar, radio, lighting, and several other critical functions will be forced to rely on battery power, which will be a short walk to total shutdown. A replacement generator needs to either be salvaged or looted, or replacement parts somehow procured.
>Fresh water reserves are running low. You currently have enough fresh water, if rationed, to last three days, assuming you leave everyone on cold rations, no showers, and other associated issues. A resupply convoy including a purified water tanker was scheduled for a week ago, but has not been heard from.
>Alien scouts, mostly Greys, have been spotted along the southern edge of Harlem, engaging in sporadic skirmishes with Machine forces, apparently centered over some sort of crater or impact site.

>>25653507
*parts of

>>25653513
>A number of Parasite lifeforms have been spotted in an abandoned high school some thirty miles west. Not in your specific territory, but close enough to be an issue in due time.
>A number of refugee bands have been spotted across the local area, ranging from ten to thirty people. Though not directly harrying your forces, their scavenging has increased the difficulty of your own scavenging efforts.
>An Insect hive is suspected to be located somewhere deeper in New York City's Manhattan area. UEF forces are requesting assistance in locating the hive itself, but it has been proving problematic.
>Reports are coming in of a number of precious arcane tomes in the hands of squatters in the "Free" town of Independence, currently situated in a fortified office building in Manhattan itself. The tomes are rumored to contain a number of valuable insights that would prove helpful for any aspiring mages.
>Intercepted Machine reports indicate that an armored column will be moving up in a week, a number of Hunter-Killer tanks with Terminator support intended to sweep the Harlem area, likely in response to the Alien skirmishes. An eventual threat you'll need to deal with, somehow.

>>25653507
The Magi could, in fact, be used to reinforce UEF trooper capabilities and combat effectiveness. Part of the concern lies in the energy expenditure required for extended enchantments or enhancements, and also in the fact that some UEF equipment is particularly tricky to enchant (such as the numerous moving parts involved in powered armor functionality). With dedicated effort, this is obviously doable, but it will need your Magi to put extended effort and time in order to do so.

>>25653513
>>25653545
Ok, attempt to diplomatically contact the scavengers and the Free town.
Offer aid to the machines in exchange for the generator parts we require.
Get the mages skilled in divining for the UEF's needs.
Get started on buffing the armor of our Human troops(should be simpler than the weapons)
Put the troops on water rations

First order of business, take note of the tome, and a team of humans and illusion/stealth/invisibility Magi to the crater under orders of scouting, and procuring whatever the two forces have found interest in. They are to return before the machine reinforcements arrive/

Meanwhile, we will personally oversee the procurement of water and repairs to the hybrid diesal-solar array. It's the most important. We need it back up ASAP to receive reports from the away team and track the movements of our enemies.

That is, unless we can just use our magic to do that.

Oh, and spread propaganda throughout the humans to make them more willing to become magi as well. It is the only way after all.

>>25653645
>>25653656
Actually could our skills as a Grand Wizard helps take care of the water problem?

>>25653645
>>25653656
>>25653702

How do you wish to "Diplomatically contact" the scavengers and the people of Independence?

Further, if you wish to contact the Machines, how do you wish to reach them? They're not exactly on the most amenable terms with humans, but you could likely reach them over radio if you were so inclined, or send a messenger if you thought them willing to listen.

You put the troops on water rations for now, however, looking over to your adjutant. "Right. First thing's first: Institute rationing for our remaining water supply. Everybody gets an equal share of what we've got, even if it's not much, until we can get a full supply going."

You could, in fact, use your abilities in evocation to condense water into the water tank, but it would require a continuous effort on your part. An enchantment to that effect could also be used, but it would drain local magic reserves, as well as having a potential for luring Hellspawn through such a constant and powerful use of magic. You could refill it at a much lesser risk, but it'd do little to alleviate the overall problem.

You can put your mages to work in practicing their divination, if you desire, or you could have them assist in scouting out the skirmish site with one of your infantry squads. What numbers do you wish to assign to scouting and to focusing on divination?

Furthermore, for repair of the generator, what course do you wish to take? Do you wish to dispatch forces to scout for replacement parts? Do you wish to send them on a raid to steal a power source from a rival group, and if so, what group? The same question applies to your water issue: Do you wish to send out a force to scout out the water convoy's recorded route?

All of this, of course, hangs with the question of what numbers and where.

>>25653811
Additionally, your forces have little experience in coordinating efforts thus far. Being a relatively new outfit, the two sides have remained mostly separate in sentry duty and operations. Any Magi-UEF joint task forces will likely be learning how to coordinate on the fly, though you have high hopes for potential results of that. A Librarian, or the Heavy Infantry squad, could likely do a great deal to aid that.

Furthermore, for any forces you dispatch, please specify whether you want them to travel on foot or what transport you want them to utilize.

>>25653811
Have a Mage band with a librarian with two infantry squads scout for the UEF.
Have the other Mage band and librarian start enchanting armor.
Contact the Machines via radio just to see how will they would be to work together in at least the short term.
Have an apc and two infantry on a general patrol of the area.
Personally refill the water tank a few times to extend the time we can last to about a week and a half.

>>25654042
Have the power armor troops and a inf squad with an apc scout near by ruins for generator parts.

>>25654042
>>25654106
>>25654038
By the way if we some how got a Human/Magi/Machine alliance going I would be so happy.

>>25654042
>>25654106
>Considering the slowness of posting, I'll process your order in lieu of input from others in the interim.

>Please roll 4d100. 1d100 for the scouting group scouting, one for the patrol's results, and one for the refilling effort, and 1d100 for the scavenging efforts.

You elect to dispatch a solid scouting force. A large scouting force, but you suspect your UEF allies will appreciate having more boots on the ground, especially when cutting into the heart of the Parasites. You send one of your precious Librarians, a powerful Alteration specialist by the name of Louis.

The vain Librarian, though of large stature (and ego), seems to understand the importance of putting the UEF on your side. As you call the six-foot-five man into your office, he gives you a bow.

"Commander." He greets you, his rippling muscles kept in check beneath his flowing, black-and-green uniform. "You have a task for me?" He inquires, to which you simply nod.

"Yes. There is a Parasite hive somewhere in Manhattan." You inform him, "I want you to take one of the bands, as well as a pair of infantry squads, and attempt to locate them for future eradication. A favor to the UEF." You inform him, to which he quirks a brow.

"I understand your reasoning, sir, but I will admit I'm a bit wary of taking on such a task." He mentions. You simply nod in understanding.

"The parasites are certainly a dangerous enough foe on their own." He goes on to say, before giving you a somewhat cocky smirk, a trademark of him. "I can see why you dispatched us to look after the UEF." He states, nodding. "Very well! We shall be away shortly." He tells you, turning to leave as you speak up to his turned back.

"And tell the others to get to work enchanting their body armor!" You add, to which you only get a chortle in answer, though you know your order will be relayed and carried out.

Rolled 78, 33, 93, 88 = 292

>>25654228
Are we doing first roll or best of three?

>>25654228
Next order of business... You rise from your desk, traversing into the corridor, the faded walls lit by the strings of electrical lamps corded up along the ceiling.

You traverse the hallways, getting half-hearted salutes from the UEF men lingering, and nods from your Mage peers, as you eventually reach the central storage tank. A large container made out of sanitized sheet metal scavenged up and welded together, various pipes led from its motor pump to parts of the base. A little gauge indicated that it only had a few hundred gallons left in it.

You draw your hands together, raising them high up as you barked forth a few syllables of power. The air around you grows noticeably colder and more damp as you concentrate the local humidity into the tank, a symbol-- the rune for water-- forming in the air, drifting towards the metal surface of the tank. The symbol will work on its own for the meantime, but it has taken a chunk of your (considerable) power in order to place the enchantment in such a way.

Just what effects the spell might have in the long-term will have to be seen, however, but at least you can say that your water issue is being addressed for the interim.

You begin the trek back to your office, grabbing one of the UEF lieutenants on your way back. A young man, his head shaven and his body encumbered by the bulky plates of his armored vest, legs, and arms, he's perhaps twenty years old. A lifetime of experience in these hard times, unfortunately, but you look him up and down regardless.

"I need a patrol team for the area." You order him, "Get one of the APCs and two squads and get a patrol going through the area. I want a full sweep. Tell the Heavy Infantry team to take a squad as well and head out with you-- they're to scavenge for parts to repair the generator." You tell him.

>>25654307
Which brings you, at long last, back to your office. The radio station hooked up in there, though by no means cutting edge, is probably the most cutting-edge thing for quite some distance in comparison to what the looters and survivor grups are utilizing.

You reach for the handset, dialing for a general broadcast the machines are sure to hear... But what do you say to get the ball rolling?

>>25654286
>Until we get additional players/participants, just your roll, which is first.

>>25654286
Eh, pretty solid rolls. Also, don't be to discourage by the low posting rate. I would suggest starting earlier if possible.

>>25654325
>Oh, no discouragement, just stating how things will roll in the interim! In the meantime, the ball is in your court for how to open communications.

>>25654319
"This is Malphas, of the UEF/Magi task force insert our official designation). This communication is to see how willing your faction would be to working together to clear this region of our mutual foes."

I'm following along as I am at work and can't really play right now.

>>25654385
Er, general tone should be direct and polite.

>>25654424
>>25654385
As your base comes to life, the sound of boots moving and engines starting echoing around you, you pick up the headset, your adjutant looking over to you as you pick it up, cuing him to set the broadcast to general.

"This is Malphas, of the UEF-Magi Joint Task Force." You state, "Seeking to speak with the Machine intelligence. Please switch to channel alpha-six. Standard communication cipher." You remark, hoping the Machines are at least aware of basic cipher codes.

Which, it turns out, they are, the monotone voice sounding as androgynous as it does uncaring.

"State intentions."
"We want to cooperate with you to clear this region of mutual foes."
"UEF are foes. Humans are foes. All current organic lifeforms are foes. Clarify statement, human, or face termination of communications preceding termination of existence."

>>25654482
"Well, I was speak specifically of the Aliens in this region, which we know your faction is bring additional forces in to deal with. It is my opinion that we could deal with this mutual threat much more efficiently if we pooled our resources. In the long term, I personally would like to see the status of humans in general be changed to allies, but right now I realize that is a long shot."

>>25654613
There is a sudden burst of static that hurts your ears, but it resolves into a recording of laughter.

"Humans. Organic lifeforms of lowest caliber. Creators of Parasite entities. Creators of own demise. Irrational. Prone to infighting."

Not exactly a spectacular answer, but you get your answer in time.

"Compromised informational security noted for internal resolution. Engagement with Aliens to be resolved with inevitable victory. Human aid will result in organics slaughtering organics. Optimal resolution. Humans do not act without incentive. What is your incentive to assist?" It asks plainly, wondering at your motives in a rather not-subtle manner.

Hopefully your patrols and scouting groups are having an easier time of things...

>>25654789
I like these machines, they cut the bullshit out and even have laughing.mid ready for insults.

>>25654789
"Well, other than clearing the region of Aliens. If you have any water extractors(or any thing else that would alleviate our long term water problems) would be appreciated. Also a chance to have a friendly debate about some of your preconceived ideas about humanity.

>>25654977
>>25654856
"Clearing the area of the Aliens is a mutually beneficial result, I'd say." You offer, "Though if you have any water extractors or humidity collectors, we'd certainly appreciate them. Could even stand to discuss your ideas about humanity." You offer.

There is a momentary consideration, "Humans are weak, organic creatures. No ideas. Only fact. Humans will be exterminated. Extrapolation of request: Human water supplies inadequate. Re-prioritizing anti-human initiatives towards water sources." It informs you plainly. "Alien presence will be exterminated inevitably. Human presence will be eradicated. Alien presence will be eradicated. There will be no refusal of this." It tells you simply, and you hear another burst of white noise, removing the headset as your ears ring slightly from the machine's termination of the communication.

So much for that one, huh?

>>25655042
New objective acquired. Destroy Machine reinforcements. If they won't go for diplomacy we will use force.

>>25655085
A very solid goal! However, with a quick assessment of your forces, you realize that you don't really have much that could stand up against a dedicated column of Machine forces. They've got metal processing and recycling facilities building them more troops. Your troops have to be born... Or recruited from locals or other units.

Still, you could always stand to try to think of ways to prepare for their arrival. You know that that much heavy armor will be forced to stick to the main highway and the city's skyways, which will draw them a lot of attention as it is, but you suspect they're at least partially prepared for that.

In the meantime, it'll be a couple of hours before you're likely to hear anything from your squads in the field. How do you wish to occupy your time in the interim?

>>25655133
General broadcast to Magi and Human forces to watch their water supplies. Plan for the machines: Traps (both mundane and magical), Mines, collapsing bridges to separate their forces, hit and run tactics. Hell, coordinate with local Magi and Human forces to enhance the above plan. Set up said traps to force the Machines to work outside of there normal tactics.
In the mean time, help the Mage band that is enchanting armor.

>>25655234
Phrase the general broadcast to make it sound like we intercept/scryed a machine communication to that effect.

>>25655258
>>25655258

We wouldnt want it to sound like we screwed up

not sure what timezone you are in OP, but its dead early in the morning over here on the East coast. THis is an awesome quest pitch, i'd hate to see it die from lack of attention

>>25655267
Exactly. Truth be told, am not the best at subterfuge.

>>25655133
>>25655234

All forces not actively engaged in operation need to be concentrating on developing Mixed-Unit Tactics and Combat Maneuvers.
The sooner we bolster Synergy, the higher bodycount our force can rack up, and the more reinforcements we can expect.

Nothing says 'great investment' like a small group wrecking havoc on an superior enemy force.

>>25655298
Well the problem with that at the moment is that all magi forces are on assignment, but I did dedicate a rather large mixed group with leadership out.

>>25655316

I guess we have to wait until our deployed units get back to us.

>>25655316

Then we wait in the mean time, keeping a keen eye on our outer perimeter for the Machines. What forces do we have currently at our disposal for defense?

>>25655325
I don't think the Machines are going to show up right away. The ones currently here are engaging Aliens and their reinforcements are a ways out. As for base defense. Two infantry squads and a multirole plane.. Plus a Mage band and librarian are on base enchanting armor. And us.

>>25655133

assist in armor enhancement, wait for reports from the field

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>>25655349

Hopefully they decide the Aliens are a greater threat than us right now. I'm a great shot, but my rifle only holds so many bullets.

You sent out parties to two out-laying factions of civilians, have they established contact yet?

>>25655234
Seconding this

Over all we will need to boost our defenses and scavenge as much as we can before we start pushing the other factions hard.

>>25655258
>>25655234
>>25655267
>>25655297
>>25655298
The VTOL and a lone UEF Infantry Squad unassigned at the moment, but you put them to work on some basic training drills, as the mages set to work on providing more permanent, layered enchantments on unused body armor suits.

Unfortunately for your base, you lack traps of that sort, especially mines. You could likely fashion some demolition charges for the highway and major crossings from existing rockets, but it'd heavily bite into your anti-tank armaments, or at least, what anti-tank armaments you have. Coordination shouldn't be too difficult, but the sides involved are already fighting on all fronts, so reinforcements to support you might be sparse-- if any at all, considering your oddball reputation.

Your knowledge of the Machines on a personal level is limited, especially considering their (moderately) adaptive nature.

You also forward, via radio, a warning about the water supplies.

"We have attained recent trustworthy intelligence that the Machines may be putting new pressure on water supplies. Please take this warning under advisory." You remark, keeping your own hand in the new threat intentionally vague. Hopefully your superiors are more focused on their scouting for the Parasite hive to ask too far into your intelligence's source.

In the interim, however, you occupy yourself with assisting in enchanting armor. Your sheer proximity, combined with your insights in casting, help the Librarian and the mages present in the small workshop (now filled with stacks of armored plates awaiting enchantment) increase productivity immensely.

At least, that is, until one of the UEF riflemen comes barging into the little workshop, almost breaking your concentration on the suit of armor laid before one of the apprentice enchanters. His voice sounds rather urgent as he holds up the long-range radio handset.

>>25655279
>Thank you!

>>25655450
"Commander!" He calls out, "The squads on patrol just called in for backup-- apparently they've been hit by an ambush from the Aliens! A large group of Greys, with a Tripod pinning them down in an alleyway."

>[ ] Take direct control of the situation via astral projection? (Small exertion)
>[ ] Teleport yourself and reinforcements? (Medium to large exertion, depending on number of reinforcements)
>[ ] Issue orders from afar, using command center's satellite feeds? (No exertion, but only remote interaction/command)

>>25655382
You have yet to establish radio contact with the group in Independence, or any other looter bands, but you could attempt to make radio contact if you desire.

>>25655466
>[ ] Take direct control of the situation via astral projection? (Small exertion)
Plus get our Thunderbird in route.

>>25655466

If we teleport ourselves and a group of mages there, would the mages be able to assist in a mass teleport spell to get us, and our troops back with minimal losses?

If so we could go directly to the front lines, increased firepower could push back the aliens long enough for the other mages to port all of us back, wounded included.

I think we'd lose the least amount of manpower with this action

>>25655482

Thunderbird for extraction, while you coordinate the men? You think they can hold out without additional Support?

>>25655489

seconding this. i dont want us to lose our only airsupport.

>>25655482

seems solid, think we should send a squad in an APC to cover them too?

>>25655489
Considering your early expenditure, if you bring just the regular squad of four mages, you ought to have enough energy to teleport that same squad right back. The rest of the troops, including the vehicle, would be near-impossible. At the very least, it'd be taxing to the point of unconsciousness, considering the sheer amount of mass involved. The mages would be able to assist enough to likely reduce it from fatal, but they would share the strain, likely rendering them unconscious as well.

The Thunderbird isn't quite equipped for extraction, however, in spite of its multi-role nature, though it could perhaps help bring a single squad back at a time, or the APC (with a squad inside) if it was stripped of armaments beforehand.

>>25655482
>>25655516
>>25655521
>>25655528
The patrol seems capable of holding out for now, according to what you're hearing over the radio, but it's obvious that there's a difference between "Holding out" and "Successfully repelling the enemy". The Thunderbird might be able to level that Tripod with one good flyby, but it's still a risk.

Possible tags when (and i mean WHEN) you archive at the end of your session: Ultimate Faction War Quest, UFWQ, Strategy, Heretics, Humans, Tactics, Grimdark, The Storyweaver, Quest

What timezone are you in OP? /tg/ traffic tends to peak at around 8-10 in the evening EST.

>>25655606
>I am EST actually.

>>25655599
Teleport in with a Mage band. Have the thunderbird hit the tripod right when you teleport for maximum suprise.

>>25655599

Then we opt for a tri-pronged strike,

Take control of the front lines to direct the unit's attacks to cause as much confusion as possible (topple buildings, create fires and explotions... etc) anything they can do to allow them to place distance between them and the aliens.

Take the remaining squad and split it in half, half in the thunderbird, half in the APC (qhich will be stripped). Thunderbird engages in one strafing run on the Tri-pod once the APC reaches the unit. Regardless of the success, everything pulls back and out as quick as possible, laying down suppressive fire all the while.

>>25655617

weak men need not sleep, oh god the sun is starting to rise

>>25655666
>>25655648

Combine these two, Sync up the Teleport with the Thunderbird.

Have an APC move up to assist in extraction if the enemy can not be pushed back.

>>25655648
>>25655666

these two together, we get in quick as hell, blow em up while they are surprised, and GTFO

>>25655676
This sounds like it would work.
>Blankhammer reporting in

>>25655671
>The sun is my foe! I SHALL SLAY IT.

>>25655679
>>25655676
>>25655666
>>25655648
>Roll 2d100 for FATE!

You look over to the Mages, thankfully not expended too much, having only enchanted a few suits of armor thus far. "We're going out to rescue the patrol group." You order, to which the UEF soldier looks not only slightly surprised, but actually a bit relieved that his friends-- also your men-- will actually be getting some support.

You take the radio handset, and are greeted with the sounds of plasma weapon fire, as well as gunshots. "Requesting reinforcements! That tripod's hot on our asses!" The man on the radio remarks. There's a spectacularly loud explosion.

"Hooooooooly SHIT!" Someone exclaims in the background, "BRUTE!"

"FUGGIT! Plowing his ass over!" You hear a heavy crunching sound before you have a chance to yell into the radio.

"Reinforcements inbound!" You state, "Paint that tripod. We'll be syncing our arrival. Cause as much chaos as you can to cover our arrival!" You add, any response lost as you hear a distant roar.

Right. No time to dick around. You hand the radio back, looking to the awaiting mages. Combat is nothing you're unfamiliar with, but it's clear that these young fellows are still novices. Thankfully, you don't need to focus too hard, your familiarity with the vehicle in question making it rather simple to scry the location of.

Rolled 3, 39 = 42

>>25655745

>>25655755
Uh, someone else please roll.

>>25655745
The shifting location of it, in fact. Your mind's eye paints the picture rather clearly: The armored vehicle plowing down the tight back alley of a Harlem street, its heavy tires crunching across the garbage-strewn alley. Greys, the basic infantry of the Aliens, firing at it from rooftops and attempting to keep pace with it from afar. A massive Brute, its mind enslaved to the strange Alien psyche, is partially smeared across its armored prow, attempting to get a solid hold on it as its lower legs scrape the ground beneath the APC's high suspension. A nearby dumpster explodes into shrapnel as a tripod is visible at the far end of the alleyway.

It's a good thing that your Thunderbird is already prepped, because this is likely going to be a pretty close call.

>Please choose teleport location:
>In the APC itself.
>On the rooftops.
>On top of the APC
>In the alleyway.
>At the end of the alleyway, near the tripod.

>>25655745

>>25655763
>On the rooftops
let's hit these fuckers from behind.

>>25655764
Dice go in the email field.

>>25655745
Trying again
>>25655764

>>25655793
... Put dice+2d100 in the email field not the subject field.

>>25655840
>>25655793
>>25655787
>>25655783
>>25655764
>What's that?
>What?
>Fate's telling you to accept your roll as inevitable.
>YOU KNOW WHAT COMES NEXT. OR DO YOU?

>>25655783
Tiny pieces of plaster fall from the ceiling as the Thunderbird, true to its name, takes off with a whir of engines. Its ramjet engines hit full power as your teleportation spell kicks in. The world goes white as you zap from one locale to the next.

You feel your constituent atoms rearrange more-or-less at once, in addition to the atoms of those around you, lovingly recrafting their bodies and minds in one piece with all the urgency of a Parasite infectee horde that just found an all-you-can-eat beef buffet.

Your arrival presents yourself and your squad with the flanks of a number of Grey infantry, their bulky plasma rifles pointed downwards, their sinuous grey bodies (for which they are so aptly named) all identical, even to the skintight pseudo-leather that they wore, the pauldrons on their shoulders hinting at personal shields. Personal shields that might complicate things for most men.

Your squad snaps into action, however. The mages raise their hands as incantations are abruptly invoked, the men striking suitable poses as your mighty presence magnifies their casting by many orders of magnitude. Paltry fireballs surge into torso-sized orbs, crackling electricity ionizing the air instantly between fingers, your own hands coming together as you prepare a mighty spell of your own.

>>25656008

Rolled 44, 33 = 77

>>25656008

>>25656008

Dismay, confuse, Disrupt, and destroy.

Leave the enemy too bewildered to surmount even the smallest inkling of a counter-attack

Sorry, had to make coffee and play a quick round of DOTA

Rolled 12

>>25656008
Which is all disrupted by the warning bleat of the massive Tripod. The huge war machine makes you appreciate not only the scale of this conflict, but also the scale of Alien engineering. Its towering form swivels as its three legs, for which it is distinctly named, claw down into the building you're not only atop of, but also the building on the opposite side of the alleyway. In spite of its precarious position, it seems firmly anchored, the exotic metal tentacles jutting from its clover-shaped upper section twirling about.

The spells of your peers fizzle slightly as the Greys, in unison, turn about. Your own magic does not, however, as you cast forth a mighty barrier, titanic energies flowing from your fingertips. You know you can't repel both the plasma bolts of the Greys and the might of the Tripod, however, as its tentacles point in your direction. Beams of pure plasma arc at your mages as you hold your hands upright, a glowing, bright white wall of pure light shining forth. Beams deflect in a laser light show of pure chaos, and it is then that your Thunderbird strikes.

Swooping in from the black clouds above, the frigid wind whips at your robes as the only warning of its passage. A passage that is marked a moment after the wind's movements by the sudden shriek of its engines, and the mighty booms of its supersonic assault. Your eyes watch as the Tripod's laser assault is diverted, the tentacles automatically tracking after the fighter craft, but a moment too late.

The Thunderbird's autocannon has already carved a long line of gouges across the hull of the large metal giant, allowing you to focus your barrier on the bolts of the Greys, which dissipate harmlessly against the wall of light.

>>25656079

As the Thunderbird whirls around, one of the dancing laser beams manages to clip its hull, the vehicle banking sharply amongst the cityscape, its hull carving a gouge of its own out of a building. You watch black smoke vent from the new molten hole in it, right before its rocket pods pepper the Tripod and one of its legs. The weapon limbs flail wildly as the building supporting it crumbles inward, its leg scything down as its weight was redistributed. The Thunderbird swoops low as your own group sets to work suppressing the Greys, a smattering of fireballs erupting with the fury of miniature suns across the facet of the building opposite, either immolating or forcing the infantry inside to take cover.

The descending leg smashes down on the APC, however, and even from here you can sense almost a dozen lives being snuffed out at once, the broken hull of the APC erupting into flames as the two squads inside are either crushed, bisected, or otherwise maimed from the tripod's slow collapse, the other two legs of the mighty war machine flailing as it staggers back and forth. The Thunderbird swoops low over the alleyway, its rear ramp opening as the rear door gunner looks towards you and your mages, then down to the vehicle.

>Order it to to see about any survivors.
>Board the Thunderbird yourself for evac.
>Scrub the rescue mission and teleport back
>Other?

>>25656106
have a few mages do a quick sweep for the life-force of our units, then direct all survivors aboard the craft. Send a Shin-Metsu-Hadoken straight at the tumbling tri-pod and remaining grey forces, the explosion should cover our escape.

>>25656106

remaining enemy forces?

>>25656106
>>25656174

hell, our remaining forces too

>>25656174
>>25656138
"Check for life!" You order your peers, as you keep your focus on the barrier. There's perhaps a half-dozen Greys remaining, but they seem to be pinned down from the impressive display thus far.

"Four survivors detected-- their auras seem healthy, but they're trapped in the wreckage." One mage reports. The Thunderbird continues to hover as it leaks black smoke, its swivel-mounted minigun continues firing at the off-balance tripod, its weapons tentacles flailing wildly as it attempts to right itself, twisting with a wicked groan of metal as more gouges are carved into the advanced alloy of its hull. A plasma beam arcs near the Thunderbird, skimming within inches of it, almost, and such that the pilot makes the hovering VTOL dip down a moment.

You could unleash one of your more powerful spells to blast the Tripod, and quite likely disable it, but such would draw upon the last of your reserves of magical power, the energies required to rend something so colossal apart being, in turn, colossal in themselves.

>>25656199
You have the damaged Thunderbird, plus yourrself and your Mage Band, as well as the four surviving members of the original patrol, trapped in the decimated APC.

>>25656200
could we use the energy from the Tri-pod's plasma weapon to fuel a spell to destroy it?

all we would need to fashion an energy-catching shield with us and our fellow mages

>>25656222
You could attempt to deflect the plasma beam back at the Tripod, but that requires it to focus fire on you first. You also could attempt to use telekinesis to physically turn its weapons on it, but that would require your full attention, running the risk of something getting through your barrier.

>>25656222

i like this idea, why not harness their energy against them

>>25656237

maintain barrier, order mages to attack to push it off balance. start thinking of the incantation to teleport the survivors into the VTOL

>>25656253

fuck, this works

>>25656253

then we drop barrier, teleport and fly out. We'd just need to maintain a sheild on the craft.. im liking this plan

>>25656270
>>25656253

yeah, the short distance from the wreck to the bird would likely be less taxing than the full trip back

>>25656200

MASSIVE EXPLOSION. then we walk back at a slow pace.

>>25656270

sounds good

>>25656297
>>25656274
>>25656270
>>25656258
>>25656253
"Hammer the Tripod!" You order, maintaining the barrier as you attempt to layer multiple pieces of spellwork together. For even a Librarian, this would be a mighty feat, but as Grand Wizard, this is a mental exercise made practical, the syllables for the teleportation spell slipping to your lips. You feel more of your power drained, however, as you imagine the men within, the four living souls still breathing, and attempt to visualize them as more than vague entities.

The four mages around you, seeing the Tripod attempt to recover and their only way out in the line of fire, quickly pour all they have out. It's not much, barely anything to talk about compared to the earlier bombardment from the Thunderbird, but it's still enough to keep the Tripod off-balance, as soon as one leg drops down, the other being dislodged, the massive war machine backpedaling along the side of the building, rubble crashing to the ground.

Fireballs bloomed into craters in the machine's hull. Bolts of lightning seared lines into its body, spinning it about like a massive, multi-ton rock. Your secondary spell completes with a flash of light, but the cost to your reserves is notable, a pair of Grey infantry snapping off plasma bolts that actually puncture your shield. You watch a bolt of plasma arc in front of your face before you resolidify your shield.

It's time to leave, though. The Thunderbird twirls in place as its cannon continues firing, its loading door presented to you and your peers. Your magical reserves are getting increasingly drained as the last few shots skip against your shield, and with the Thunderbird so close, you elect to put your energy towards getting to it rather than absorbing plasma shots.

>>25656450

RUN LIKE HELLLLLLL

>>25656450

The last few steps are the most panic-inducing as the Thunderbird begins to rise once more, your feet landing firmly on the loading ramp as the aircraft begins to ascend once more. Standing in the red-lit cargo area, you attempt to catch your breath as the Thunderbird begins to zoom off. In the distance, you see the wounded Tripod finally crash to the ground, its massive legs uselessly flailing as it's left where it finally tipped over.

Four men rescued out of sixteen, but you may have just blunted an Alien attack force. A victory? Of what kind, really?

>>25656347
>Not the same. Just thought it was a neat idea that didn't get used to the fullest extent last time. Was planning on doing an Alien/non-human edition next, depending on thoughts and public consensus.

>>25656469

Pyrrhic Victory it seems.

No need to let the men think that through. Congratulate and praise each one for their valor under-fire.

Get in contact with the two teams contacting the other factions, and see about send a squad of stealth specilists to covertly scavenge from the battle-feild.

Chances are we can grab parts from the APC... maybe some ALien tech if we are lucky.

Stress non-detection over seepdy acquisition to the squad. I'd rather it take 12 hours for us to get a solid find, than 2 hours for another loss of life

>>25656469

Pat the men on the back, get in contact with the other deployed units.

Check the status of our parimeter

>>25656517
>>25656517

this, and see if there are any new developments in the area. esp. from the machiens

>>25656469

return to base and contact our forces to see about re-consolidation and redeployment

>This seems a good potential pause point, but we can continue on if desired.
>Any thoughts so far? Curiosities towards what playing other factions would be like?
>Things you enjoy, things you think could stand to be improved on?
>Elements that aren't clear enough yet?

>>25656520
>>25656517
>>25656526
>>25656565
Your teams still deployed, the scouting team in Manhattan and the Heavy Infantry team scouting for a power supply, provide their reports on the radio as you look over the remainders of the two squads you originally sent out.

From the scouting team looking for the Parasite hive in Manhattan, Louis seems as boisterous as ever. "This place is swarming with monsters! Nothing to fear, however!" He adds, "They're no match for our combined magic and firearms, that's for certain! We're keeping quiet for now to find the hive, but we've run into the sporadic group here or there. I have a feeling we're getting closer, however, as the amount of biomass growing everywhere is getting thicker." He suggests, "One moment." There's a distant crackle in the radio before his voice comes through again, "Simply needed to dispose of another of those annoyances! We ought to be done here shortly, since this ought to be accurate enough for the rest of them to take care of things."

From the team scavenging for parts, there's actually good news. One of the Heavy Infantry pipes up.

"We managed to actually find a whole cache of rather mint-looking wreckage. A mix of things, it seems, from an old looter group. Looks like they died to infighting-- they won't be needing it." He suggests grimly.

>>25656629

>will you do the honors http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/requestinterface.html

Im enjoying this alot, im curious on what it would be like to play the 'demon' faction later, but i want to push this Human/Heretic alliance all the way until it dies.

Im curious as to how rolling effects success/failure. Whats the Target number? Difficulty?

>>25656629

how regular you want to do this? what is the timetable like for you starting this quest?

>>25656647
>Rolls thus far have been a general gauge of effectiveness. I will archive the thread shortly! Demon faction is definitely on my list of things to eventually do.

>>25656667
>I'm EST, but home from college. I'm available most of the time, though I rotate with other quests as well that I run.

>>25656769

Other quests!? jesus, dont over DM yourself.

When are you going to open up another thread?

>>25656831
>>25656769

Aye, what time do i need to set an alarm? Im already invested. I feel like this is going to turn into a really great series if we can get more peeps in

>>25656769
I'd be keen for demons definitely, I've had the original picture on my comp for ages and thought an idea like this would be sick.

It is a lot to take in I will admit, very multifaceted, good job handling it all though. I got here a bit late but I will definitely be following this.

also, what title is this under in the archive?

>>25656831
>I appreciate the sentiment, but I think I do alright with my current rotation. I'll probably open another thread later tonight!

>>25656845
>>25656864
>Likely sometime around 9 or 10 o'clock EST. Demons is doable!

>>25656942
>Archival complete http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/25652783/

>>25656948
cheers mate, looking forward to seeing more of your stuff

dont forget to upvote it guys

>>25656629
Consider an open CYOA system (ABCD + Custom option) for next time or at least prompt for input instead of just posting updates. It would make the game easier to follow and get into, ultimately allowing more posters to join you.

>>25657835
Seconded. Optionless is a good system for civ games or drawfag quests but it bogs things down in texts quests a lot of times.