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>>29793961

HOLLOW SUN: 35.2%

http://pastebin.com/z93fyLYa

RED COMET GUIDE:

http://pastebin.com/7vzY4Zp2

>3 IN THE FUCKING MORNING
God damn elevens. I can't keep doing this.

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(Gentlemen: Due to nature of today's session - Which is likely to be strategy and planning-intensive - I've decided to modify the flow of things slightly, in order to avoid having the thread bog down. The following interlude takes place directly before your meeting with PALLADIUM ROOK.)

INTERLUDE: THE HOLLOW SUN

"...You're attacking an Original Hive."

In the amber glow of the Hollow Sun, Tyrian Edge's voice is low, flat - Just on the edge of disbelieving. He seems oddly at home here, in the manufactorium: The great condensers converting energy to base matter, base matter to raw material, the bang of steam hammers and fabricators muted by the translucent hum of solid-light privacy fields.

Holographic windows hover around him, displaying schematics, datastreams, bewildering in their speed and complexity. To tell the truth, you can't make sense of what you're *seeing*...Not even through your link with the Hollow Sun. The technical details, such as they are, entirely elude you.

"You realize," he says, his voice oddly hollow, "-that no-one's ever *tried* something like this before? The number of ways this could go wrong...Ah, forget it."

He shakes his head, with a low whirr of hydraulics.

"-Anyway. If you're going in, there's a *lot* of things to do - And very little time to do it. Trying to get that many Players pointed in the same direction...It's like herding cats."

Tyrian exhales, a crackling *hiss* of his voxponder as his jointed fingers manipulate the virtual keyboard. He's in his element, here, even if he doesn't know it: There's a confidence to him, an animation, that comes when he puts his mind to a technical problem.

"Now, about what you had in mind..."

(Continued)

>>29794052

And yet here you are.

Waiting. Losing sleep. It is suffering.

>>29794252

Have we given Tyrian Mod or Admin privilege yet or has he hacked in his own credentials? If we haven't, it'd be something to look at. Fortify the electronic defenses.

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>>29794315

(Yes.)

"What're your main concerns, here?" Tyrian's facemask never moves, but you can detect a grimace in his voice. "-Besides, well, everything."

"...I've been going through the data available...And I might be able to kludge together some solutions."

[ ] "I need some means of communication with the other squads."
[ ] "I need a way to monitor the other Players, to know where they are."
[ ] "We need explosives, or some kind of demolition capability."
[ ] "The other Players don't have the reactor capability to use their Hellion weaponry. I need you to fix that."
[ ] "I need to get the Red Comet into those tunnels."
[ ] "We're going to be in the midst of a Corrector Hive. I need..."
- "...Some way of keeping us from being detected."
- "...Some way of keeping them at bay."

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>29794472

(Gentlemen, my sincerest apologies: To clarify, each solution will cost 15% of the Hollow Sun's Meter.)

>>29794578
Damn. That's expensive.

We absolutely need

[ ] "The other Players don't have the reactor capability to use their Hellion weaponry. I need you to fix that."
[ ] "I need some means of communication with the other squads."

Without these two we'll have an unorganized rabble that we can't arm.

>>29794472
>[X] "I need some means of communication with the other squads."

This is the most important one.

>>29794472
Evening OP. Working hard?

>>29794578
Two options then? Damn, if we hadn't grabbed the LFCs that would be three. My vote goes to
[X] "The other Players don't have the reactor capability to use their Hellion weaponry. I need you to fix that." and
[ ] "We're going to be in the midst of a Corrector Hive. I need..."
- "...Some way of keeping us from being detected."

I'd like to suggest a simple strategy: Lightning Rod Joker. We go in loud through the front with Rook and a few others, leaving everyone else to sneak in the back. We've got the only explosives we need in the form of the Void Anchor and our guns. Red Comet should remain on standby outside, and if we can't trust the other squads to do their job with the proper timing we're fucked anyway.

>>29794578
Well shit, then only do [ ] "I need some means of communication with the other squads."

>>29794472

"Communication will be vital down in those tunnels. Real-time comms would be handy, but not necessary; a copy of the Tri-Star emblem on it's own network would be enough. I think. Enough for the lieutenants and captains. Rook has a relay network of beacons set up that he's been using to monitor those tunnels, but they only go down so far. Monitoring Players is irrelevant when we will have real time comms, attempt to copy the Argus's scanner; if we can get a real time map, that would be great. Explosives is absolutely stupid. We do not want to bring those tunnels down on our heads, however. One or two shaped charges to seal off strategic branch tunnels or create choke points would be handy; which would also tie into keeping Smiler and Corrector forces at bay if we're detected. If you think you can work in a juryrigged capacitor that stores my Cobalt Booster charge for a handful of shots each, that'd be handy too."

>>29794578
That's kind of rough.

>>29794472
>[X] "We're going to be in the midst of a Corrector Hive. I need..."
>- "...Some way of keeping us from being detected."
>- "...Some way of keeping them at bay."
Either of these would be very good to have, contingent on them being reproducible solutions.

Any form of Corrector repellant and/or cloaking would be way more invaluable for future endeavors than any of the more temporary solutions that seem like they would only be of use on this raid.

Prioritize cloaking over repellant if the solution is going to be Player-centric, but repellant over cloaking if it's usable as area denial.

After all, both of these seem like something that would make for an extraordinary peace offering for Argent if this whole thing gets us into trouble.

This
>[X] "I need some means of communication with the other squads."
would also be useful to have, especially if it's also not hard-wired. Red World communications devices would be really handy.

Oh, I'd like to add something that everyone is forgetting: The Smilers have communication technology, we saw it at Nara Dreamland. If we really want it, we can take it off of their corpses.

>>29794670
I suggest not wasting any resources with trying to hide 28+ players, cause even if we have some camo or something you just know that once we attack it will turn off.

>>29794713
>If we really want it, we can take it off of their corpses.

Do you really think it's going to be THAT easy? Especially since the bodies disappear when they players die.

>>29794472
>>29794578

Oh, only two? Prioritize production towards reducing detection and communications. We can charge each hellion weaponry individually before going down into those tunnels anyway.

I vote for Hellion weaponry and communication.

>>29794722
We don't take it for ourselves, that defeats the purpose of being a lightning rod. We only need to hide most of them during the injection, withdrawal is going to end in fire no matter what. Getting as many Players as possible into areas where they can do damage is what matters.

>>29794751
It was when we pulled a communications device off of a Smiler we killed.

I'm curious, exactly why are we taking the comms device? I can see that it's going to win, but I'm curious what benefit you think it will serve.

>>29794619
>>29794653

A pause, as Tyrian considers this. "You...don't ask for much, do you?" he sighs - His gloved hand moving to his chin, thoughtfully.

"I've thought of something..." He glances at you, over his shoulder. "...But you're not going to like it." A series of keystrokes calls the Leukocyte, on-screen: The great, silver shape hovering serenely in the void of space, mottled washes of light casting spastic flickers across the rotating banks of control surfaces.

"The Leukocyte is...Ummm, basically - I think I can configure it to broadcast messages. I mean - Microwaves, radio waves...They're almost the same thing."

He winces, visibly, at the 'almost'.

"-What I'm proposing is: We can transmit a signal - In this case, a message - up to the orbital array...Then back down, to someone with a receiver. The problem with this is...Depending on local atmospherics, and so on - I can't be *sure* of the signal delay. It might take you a while to get the message. It's also quite energy-intensive, y'know."

"There's...One more problem." Tyrian Edge doesn't quite look at you when he says it. "-If I do this...If they're smart enough, they're going to figure out that the Leukocyte exists. In case, you know, you were hoping to keep it under wraps."

(Continued)

>>29794829
>It was when we pulled a communications device off of a Smiler we killed.

Yeah and that only allowed us to talk to other smilers.

And are you seriously not seeing why having group wide communications in a 28+ players raid is good?

>>29794472

Ask Tyrian if he thinks it would be possible to modulate the Comet and turn it into an Essence Miner.

>>29794829

Not him, but I'd rather have a guaranteed means of communication.

>>29794929

(My apologies: I'm not sure what you meant by that. Could you clarify?)

>>29794873
>"There's...One more problem." Tyrian Edge doesn't quite look at you when he says it. "-If I do this...If they're smart enough, they're going to figure out that the Leukocyte exists. In case, you know, you were hoping to keep it under wraps."
I knew it. I'd prefer to keep this a secret until it's time to drop the bomb.

>>29794883
Honestly? Yes. The conditions that we're going into won't let us do anything about what we hear through the comms until we're all grouped up again. So if (when) things go wrong during the injection, the only thing we'll hear through it is pleas for help and dying screams.

>>29794945

Converting the Armoury Guardian into an Essence Miner for the Joker Cave. We have a base of operations with no Tier 1 Engineers. All we have is the ACU producing mass and energy.

>>29794957
You are acting as if we will all be grouped together which is obviously not the case since the tunnels aren't big enough for the Red Comet to move.

Also the biggest thing is that we will KNOW who is screaming and dying. If we do not have a means of communication then we would all be in the dark totally oblivious to either Kraken or Rust Kaiser buttfucking whole squads of players near us.

>>29794873

"Oh? Can you jam their communications instead? That would be far more beneficial."

>>29795042
Of course we're splitting into smaller teams. That's why I want the non-detection augment, to maximize the number of Players who get to the target area.

>>29795042
>If we do not have a means of communication then we would all be in the dark totally oblivious to either Kraken or Rust Kaiser buttfucking whole squads of players near us.

Yeah I think this is the best reason to have some means of communication.

>>29795099
The target area is the whole hive. The problem isn't getting in, its getting lucky enough to find enough smilers to kill before having to withdraw.

With the new revelation, I remove my vote for communication but stay true to Hellion equipment.

Instead, cloaking sounds good.

>>29795156
Op said (Continued) so lets wait for her to post before deciding.

>>29795133
It's not. We have a target, placed by Rook the last time he was here. I forget if it was a strange reading or Smiler underground quarters though.

>>29795133

>the target area is the whole hive

That's why we convert the Comet into an essence miner and have it start digging. We won't need to go through the tunnels period. If we can jury rig up a seismic reader with the Argus, we can navigate through the rock and detritus and come out in the hive itself.

> [X] "The other Players don't have the reactor capability to use their Hellion weaponry. I need you to fix that."

"...I was thinking about that, actually."

Onscreen, a shape flickers into existence, limned in hololithic light as it rotates. It's a bulky, ugly-looking backpack - Resembling a restraint harness, a skeletal framework with a complex array of transmitters extending like cilia in all directions.

"It's called the Helios Array," Tyrian supplies, helpfully.

"It's..." he hesitates, as if searching for the words: "...Basically, it drains a Player's power. It's no fun for the poor bastard who's wearing one of these; It slows him down, it weakens him, and it's *heavy*..."

"-But as long as the others are within range, they can use their Hellion guns for free. Better, if they're already primed. It's obviously not something *you'd* want to use, but...I was thinking, if one Player in each squad drew the short straw..."

He scratches at his cheek, in an oddly human gesture. "-Better than nothing, right?"

> [X] "We're going to be in the midst of a Corrector Hive. I need..."
> - "...Some way of keeping us from being detected."

"The Halo Shroud," Tyrian says, immediately. "We, ah - We got it out of the Holophusikon before...Well, *before*."

A brief pause. "I can replicate it's functions...Or rather, the Hollow Sun can. I *think*." He sounds faintly sheepish, now: "...The problem is, it works just like the Helios Array...*Someone's* going to need to power it. And while he's doing it - The others need to cover him. It's...Not perfect. Sorry.

> [X] "...Some way of keeping them at bay."

"Right." His fingers dance over the keyboard; Onscreen, an exploded schematic of a Maser Emitter rotates - Expanded, the view zooming in until you can see the perfect ring of the generator.

(Continued)

>>29795203
I think you are misremembering, what Rook placed were beacons to show the way inside the Hive and hopefully using them as a trail to follow when escaping.

>>29794945
>(My apologies: I'm not sure what you meant by that. Could you clarify?)

My idea from threads ago, which i think that person is paraphrasing

1) Hook the Essence Accumulators that power its ammo factories up to a different relay. Either the Pilot, so they get the kills directly or to:
2) Stick a void anchor relay in the cargo compartment, so the Garm can feed the hollow sun directly.
3) then stick an arsenal beacon in the same spot, so the hollow sun can handle resupplies as needed, since it won't have mid-field rearm capability anymore.

And voila! The Red Rocket's kills either directly feed the hollow sun or empower the pilot instead of being wasted.

Its basically argent's squad-sharing solution, except applied within one vehicle.
Hell, we could probably hook it up so the people in the passenger seats can share, too

I mean if Argent can affeect the red world on a massive scale, and the smilers can change entire stages into hives, we should be able to rewire an armory guardian.

>>29795226
So all options have serious drawbacks huh.

>>29795231
No, I just checked. He marked the path down, but he thought the Smilers were conducting an operation of some kind, trying to create something or recover something. There's a target and it's not "the whole Hive".

>>29795233
>2) Stick a void anchor relay in the cargo compartment, so the Garm can feed the hollow sun directly.

To clarify - the phase drill shouldn't be needed, just the attachment which sends it back to the Hsun.

>>29795226
"What about some sort of localized comm relay? Don't some of the hollow sun guns use microwaves? It seems like having a relay that's not aboveground would be better."

"Come ot think of it, how do the hellions communicate?"

>>29795311
OP explained that we could get a local communication solution through the Audito Array's Foundry project. It's not something we can do now, there's no time for the research.

>>29795258

>drawbacks

Nigga, the more shit we stick on the hapless mooks, the more health they provide when we nom them. We're practically supercharging our health packs.

>>29795386
I...what?

>>29795386
Are you seriously suggesting we team kill? Jesus Christ.

"Correctors - They're...Well, they're *organic*." He taps a finger against the side of his helmet, which returns with a distinctly hollow sound. "-Not like us, I mean. We already know that Masers work really well on them, so..."

The shape onscreen bears a striking similarity to a heavy weapon - It's bulky, cumbersome, a gunmetal-grey slab. "...This thing, it works like a Heavy Weapon. I call it an Interdictor - When you activate it, it..."

There's an awkward silence, for a moment, as Tyrian clears his throat.

"Ummm, basically - It irradiates everyone. Just a little!" he adds, hurriedly. "See, Correctors have a lower tolerance to radiation than us: When they come into the contact with the field...It feels like they're burning. Which they are, you know: They're boiling alive."

"...But just a little," he adds, lamely. "-The problem with it is that...Well, you'll be irradiated, too. It *might* affect your armour's myomer fibres...Especially for Players who aren't heavily armoured...But it'd definently hurt the Correctors a *lot* more."

>>29795015
>>29795233

Tyrian's silent, for a long moment.

"That," he says at last, "-is a tall order. I mean, it's - technically - *possible*, but...Look, I'm tampering with things I barely know, here. I *could* try, but..."

He pauses. "-Give me a week," he says, at last. "...I'll need a few days to think about that - But I'll get back to you with a diagnosis."

>>29795048

"I can do better than that," Tyrian says. He turns to regard the screen displaying the Leukocyte. "-Right now, given the local atmospherics...It's hard to make anything out. But - If you want to be absolutely *sure*, I can get Leukocyte to jam the area. It'd be...Well, it'd be a communications nightmare to anyone. You might be down to visual-only, at this rate."

(Continued)

>>29795411

"...The problem with that is - It's indiscriminate. It applies to *everyone*; I'll have enough trouble keeping it focused, forget picking out specific targets. More - If there *are* any Players down there...They'll know something's up. It'd be hard for them *not* to, I mean."

"And..." Tyrian coughs, sheepishly. "-If you want to use the Leukocyte for anything else...You're going to have to drop the jamming."

> "Come to think of it, how do the hellions communicate?"

"They, um...They don't. As far as I can tell, when you tell them where to *go*...They *swarm*. They'll kill everything in the area, and they'll *keep* doing it until - Until they're out of charge."

Tyrian's lanky form leans forward, the better to regard the screen - "...I *think* there might be more to it, but - I can't be *sure*."

[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>29795397
>>29795399

>that's the joke.jpg

>>29795411
>>29795450
>The shape onscreen bears a striking similarity to a heavy weapon - It's bulky, cumbersome, a gunmetal-grey slab. "...This thing, it works like a Heavy Weapon. I call it an Interdictor - When you activate it, it..."
>There's an awkward silence, for a moment, as Tyrian clears his throat.
>"Ummm, basically - It irradiates everyone. Just a little!" he adds, hurriedly. "See, Correctors have a lower tolerance to radiation than us: When they come into the contact with the field...It feels like they're burning. Which they are, you know: They're boiling alive."
>"...But just a little," he adds, lamely. "-The problem with it is that...Well, you'll be irradiated, too. It *might* affect your armour's myomer fibres...Especially for Players who aren't heavily armoured...But it'd definently hurt the Correctors a *lot* more."

Yeah, I think that might be the best option until now. The only drawback is HP loss and we were already prepared that the mission would be a bloodbath.

Having a giant "Fuck You Correctors" button ifwhen we face Kraken would make a world of difference.

>>29795258

I think it's because these things are kludged-together stopgap measures. They are the zipgun equivalent of hollow sun tech, dangerous and unreliable and likely to blow up in your face.

> [X] "I need a way to monitor the other Players, to know where they are."

How about this one?

>>29795450

The radiation gun sounds like fun against Kraken.

>>29795450
>>29795472
yeah since we are going into the ORIGINAL hive the anti corrector weapon seems to be the best option.

>>29795489

We should change up our armament while we're here. Dual maser guns and the rocket launcher? I want to give that one a shot.

>>29795450
>>29795484

While we're at it, let's ask about how we can possibly fit the Comet down int hose tunnels. Cover everythinh

>>29795503

Dual masers with the gravity gun would be better. The gravitron cannon is basically designed to squash organics.

>>29795503
>>29795522
Yes, anti-light armor weapons and weapons with big AOE should be the priority right now.

>>29795522

Yeah, but we've a) been meaning to use the shotrocket, and b) its -cheap- on the essence meter and won't collapse tunnels with gravity - worst we can do is blow out a wall, but a gravcannon may bring the whole ceiling down.

Seriously, the rocket is 6% meter per shot, effectively.

>>29795548

If it has a fragmentation warhead, we're golden. All of the heavy weaponry, excluding the rad gun, has the potential to bring the roof down on us.

>>29795450
Let's go with the Helios Array and the Halo Shroud solution (does it have a name?). Two men weighed down per squad is very different from one, but if we have both the squads can carry both and turn on whichever they need at a given time.

What's the start up process like for them?

>>29795489
You do realize that it wouldn't stop him? He overrides a Corrector's natural instincts already, all this would do is make them flinch when he directs them to swarm us. It's not a bad item for this mission, because he's somewhat unlikely to show up, but it won't help against him.

>>29795548
>Seriously, the rocket is 6% meter per shot, effectively.

Wait what? What weapon are you talking about?

>>29795585
> He overrides a Corrector's natural instincts already, all this would do is make them flinch when he directs them to swarm us.

What does that have to do with the Radiation Gun? If Kraken sends them then the Gun will cook them too, I don't see your problem.

>>29795585

>it wouldn't stop him

Sure it would. It's god damn radiation. He's a fleshy meatbag.

I'm far more worried about the C'hauliflower having spores spread around down there that will infect our mooks. I didn't want to say anything until now in fear of giving the OP ideas.

>>29795508
If the protective fields have infinite energy,maybe one of the fields can just vaporise the part of the tunnel that comes up against it. Movement might be very slow. If wecould make our own tunnel without being detected, that could be very nice for a surprise attack

>>29795617
>>>29795548 (You)
>>Seriously, the rocket is 6% meter per shot, effectively.
>Wait what? What weapon are you talking about?

Oh wow, its gone DOWN since i've paid attention.

Revolve bazooka was originally 30% priming for six rockets.

Currently its 15% for 5. Holy shit. That's CHEAP

>>29795655
>If the protective fields have infinite energy
I sincerely doubt this is the case so you better rethink that.

Let's here the last two options before we decide on what to go with.

> [X] "I need a way to monitor the other Players, to know where they are."

"That one's...surprisingly simple, actually."

Onscreen, a familiar icon coalesces: The Tri-Stars insignia, identical to the one you're wearing - The one Tyrian Edge shares, the dull gleam catching the amber light.

"When you get down to it; They're a simple transmitter/receiver array. They're...Um, they're not *quite* as good as the originals, but - You can tell where someone else wearing one of *these* will be."

"And when you're within visual range - It'd mark them on your sensors." A pause. "...So you can tell who you *shouldn't* be shooting, basically."

The symbol - Three black stars, against a white one - shifts, slowly assuming the form of your grinning Harlequin mark. "I, uh, took the liberty of changing the design," Tyrian adds, anxiously. "...You don't mind, do you?"

>>29795508

"Yeah, well...That's proven to be - surprisingly complicated."

Tyrian keys up a fascmile of your Arsenal Beacon: The case rotating, to expose the complex mechanisms of the teleport homer within. "-Teleporting something...That's easy. Making the transition in one piece...That, as they say, is the difficult part."

He draws a slow breath, one he doesn't need.

"I can make a, a...I'm not sure what the word for it is. It works on the same principle: It makes a hole *here* that connects with *there*-" Onscreen, the Beacon shrinks itself down to something the size of your fist. "-And it brings the Red Comet through."

"The problem is...It's going to take a *lot* of energy to bring it through, and I'm not sure how *long* it's going to take. And if there isn't any space, or something interacts with the teleport field..."

(Continued)

>>29795680

>here
>hear

Damnit autocorrect. You never give me issue until I browse 4chan..

>>29795617
Notice he says "Just a little" twice? This isn't a Corrector killing weapon. It causes a burning sensation that scares them off. It will make Kraken feel like he's got Poison Ivy until he smashes the device.

>>29795472
>.Well, you'll be irradiated, too. It *might* affect your armour's myomer fibres...Especially for Players who aren't heavily armoured...But it'd definently hurt the Correctors a *lot* more."
And this is why we should use a wide formation, with room for lightly armored players to dart back behind the heavy armored ones.

>>29795694

"-Well...You'll lose the Red Comet, at the very least. And...You don't want to be in the area when *that* happens. The energy-to-matter interaction would be..."

He scratches his head, metal scraping against metal. "I'm still running tests on that...But it'd be bad. Very bad."

Around you, the quiet noise of the Hollow Sun continues, the air muffling all noise.

"And...Well, that's everything. For now." Tyrian adds, awkwardly.

[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>29795714

No, this is quickly going to dissolve into chaos and close combat vs zerg.

We need a solution that preserves our close-combat powers, and lets us either a) get to target faster or b) Kill our way there.

>>29795727
"For the record, tyrian, I seriously appreciate your help. One day you will have to show me how you do this, not just tell me. This is seriously going to make a huge difference."

"Instead of routing things through the leukocyte, could we make a broadcast/reviever Tristar emblem? Seems like a lot more elegant, particularly if we're underground and using rook's relay transmitters anyway, and its got to be simpler to make.."

>>29795671
>I sincerely doubt this is the case so you better rethink that.
We need to find out how much energy the Red Comet has anyway. Might be useful to know.
If we can somehow hook an Anchor to the Comet, that supply might last longer.

>>29794252
>(Gentlemen: Due to nature of today's session - Which is likely to be strategy and planning-intensive - I've decided to modify the flow of things slightly, in order to avoid having the thread bog down. The following interlude takes place directly before your meeting with PALLADIUM ROOK.)

We seriously need to talk to cybele during prep time, also.

Some feelz (good and bad) are in order.

>>29795727
>The energy-to-matter interaction would be..."
>He scratches his head, metal scraping against metal. "I'm still running tests on that...But it'd be bad. Very bad."
"...what's keeping us from using this phenomenon as a weapon, exactly? Pick a big, worthless thing, and "accidentally" fail to teleport it into an enclosed space to blow the whole area to pieces.

Besides the fact that you don't know what it would actually -do-, that is."

>we need a solution

Typing out my notes into a text document real quick. Excuse the naming conventions when I get around to posting it.

>>29795711
>This isn't a Corrector killing weapon. It causes a burning sensation that scares them off.

Yeah, no. Go read it again.

>>29795727
We will definitely take the Radiation Gun.

>>29795727
So don't call the Red Comet unless you absolutely know it will fit and no one will distract you. Makes sense, and good to keep in mind.

The emblem is idiotically useful, even as simple as it is. We wouldn't do too badly to pick that up.

Also, I move to name it the Maverick Emblem, and to name whatever faction we've started the Mavericks.

>>29795758
That's the Audito Array set up. http://archive.foolz.us/tg/thread/28502302/#28503588 Follow the links from "Command Module and Slave Node".

>>29795811
I did. Twice. Despite the part where it will hurt them a lot, this is a device made to keep Correctors "at bay". Not kill them. It causes pain, not serious injury.

>>29795758
>>29795799

Alright, group makeup. It's a rough idea I had. It concentrates and focuses each element to a specific task and job. Modifications? Ideas to improve? Typing out the next bit.

The Groups;

Three Groups consisting of Hammer, Anvil, and Support will act as the driving force behind the Raid. Group Hammer will consist of most of the melee oriented players with a handful of ranged attackers. Group Hammer is the Offensive element of the three teams. Group Anvil will consist of the slowest and most heavily armed and armored players. Group Anvil is the Defensive element of the three teams. Group Support will focus on Scouting ahead of the other two groups and drawing out any Corrector or Smiler positions for Hammer to engage and Anvil to eliminate.

>>29795850

Plan of Attack;

The plan of attack is to get in, get down, loot, and get out with minimal casualties. The three groups must move quickly and methodically in a Blitzkrieg fashion to overwhelm defenders. Time is paramount before defenders can muster a sally and overwhelm the Raid with their far superior numbers. The Scout Group must quickly determine tunnels for Anvil and Hammer to follow behind. If enemy forces arrange enough resistance to cause a retreat, Support must guide Anvil and Hammer back down previous cleared tunnels and insure no hostiles lurk. Hammer and Anvil will then leapfrog up the tunnels covering each other and following the path marked by Support. If Support is engaged, Hammer should be capable of relieving them while Anvil acts as a rearguard until the beleagured group is relieved.

>>29795727
Joker insignia sounds VERY useful, especially since I just know that when the smilers join the fight. We would be able to see who is in our Raid Group and who isn't by a glance inside the battlefield.

Take the Maser Emitter too, an anti-Corrector weapon when going into a Hive? Yes please.

>>29795842
I don't see who you think that" Which they are, you know: They're boiling alive." translates too "it just keeps them at bay"

Seriously Wata.

>>29795867

Group Hammer;

The Hammer's will consist of light-medium to heavy-medium armored players focusing towards melee combat. The Hammer's job is to support Group Anvil's slow moving Wall of firepower. Being the Offensive element means the Hammer's will take casualties the longer they engage enemy forces. Thus Anvil must quickly and methodically focus-fire down designated targets by Support.

Group Anvil;

The Anvil's function is to act as the anchor for the entire raid. Consisting of the heaviest and slowest players, Anvil will be the Wall in which Hammer depends upon to survive. Anvil's objective is pure annihilation and firepower with focus towards quickly and methodically eliminating targets designated by Support. Being the Defensive element for the Raid means players' whos HP has dropped to critical levels will use them as literal meatshields for the duration of the fight and depend upon Anvil for protection.

(Gentlemen: I'll give it ten more minutes before I compile the votes.)

>>29795842
>Also, I move to name it the Maverick Emblem, and to name whatever faction we've started the Mavericks.

That's just stupid. A whole faction named Mavericks? When maverick is used to describe someone that doesn't want to be part of a group?

>>29795758
>No, this is quickly going to dissolve into chaos and close combat vs zerg.
And this is also why we need a wide formation, so players can fight more freely without hitting each other. Think before you shoot down an idea

>>29795897

Group Support;

Group Support will be integral for the survival of Group Anvil and Hammer and the alerting of incoming hostiles. Support will scout ahead of Anvil and Hammer, mark tunnels that are clear of hostiles, and be the bait to draw Corrector or Smiler forces into the waiting maw of Hammer and the destructive firepower of Anvil. Support will be made of lightly to medium-lightly armored players whose primary job is to skirmish and finish off weakened Correctors or Players or designate primary targets for concentrated fire from Anvil. Supports secondary objective is to cut off retreating Players from reaching their lines and alerting forces further down the tunnels of the encroaching Raid.

That's it. If it's shit, then just ignore it. Was in the middle of planning out my groups' next session and I just rolled with it.

>We will definitely take the Radiation Gun.

Maybe. Not quite.

I think our ideal setup is as follows:
Keep in mind that our hardpoints are like this.

Left arm: Sinistral, Charging Element, Hand, Holster
Right Arm: Charging Element, Hand, Crisis arm, Holster

Now, some of our Artifacts and Fusion Celled hellion weaponry DONT take charging elements. the sinistral does. So we can link the sinistral, and use a volatile weapon in that arm to protect it.

A) Friction axe. bear with me here. Its an odd choice, but its unlikely to self damage and very good. More importantly: We can Sinistral/Axe without using meter or booster, and in melee we can toss the axe to our left hand and go Sinistral/Axe AND powerfist.
B) Maser Emitter. For squid cooking.
C) Scatter laser or Revolve Bazooka. Leaning towards bazooka for a few reasons: Its one handable, cheap, and one-shot-kills are fantastic.

>>29795918
The Maser Emitter isn't for us, we can distribute it to the other players that don't have enough dakka for heavy Corrector combat.

>>29795907
I think that noone is objecting to taking the joker insignias.

>>29795934
>we can distribute it to the other players

I don't know, can we? I don't think OP specified if we could make more that 1 copy of it.

>>29795953

Yeah, when it does turn into an absolute clusterfuck of a melee, being able to distinguish friend from foe will be a godsend. Even we're not that good.

>>29795953
>>29795977
Thirding.

>>29795727
I vote for the IFF system.
That's PERFECT for us. Way better than communication.

>>29795973

(My apologies: To clarify, the upgrades Tyrian Edge are proposing are enough to outfit each squad.

The Maser Emitter is the widely-available Hollow Sun weapon: The Maser Interdictor is a variant that irradiates a wide area around the user, effectively microwaving anything in the radius.)

>>29795842

>Maverick

Clearly, we're the Wildcard faction. And I'll throw my vote behind grabbing the tri-star knockoffs as well

>>29796013
>(My apologies: To clarify, the upgrades Tyrian Edge are proposing are enough to outfit each squad.
>The Maser Emitter is the widely-available Hollow Sun weapon: The Maser Interdictor is a variant that irradiates a wide area around the user, effectively microwaving anything in the radius.)

Then hell yes.

>>29795918

Which leaves us to this:

Flexible/situational/maximum boom

Left arm:
Sinistral
Charging Element: Shotgun/Vulcan[1 element] OR Fusion[2 elements]
Hand: Friction Axe/Immolator [Sinistral L2 Compatable] /Tau Gun[Sinistral l1]
Holster: Maser Emitter
Right Arm:
Charging Element: Shotgun/Vulcan[1 element] OR Fusion[2 elements]
Hand: Bazooka/Immolator
Crisis arm
Holster: Maser Emitter(primed)

Heavy: Gravity cannon or Revolve Bazooka(cheap, one handable, and we can spin the barrel and unload)

Ideally, we overstock on hellion weaponry at the Sun. Holster the emitters, carry the axe.

This setup ensures we have ample protection, at-a-moment's-notice melee abilities that don't have an opportunity cost, as well as ranged options that do the same.

>>29795907
- Joker insignia
- Hellion weaponry

>>29795907
My vote goes to the Emblems and the Helios Array.

>>29795878
The item is the solution for "a way to keep Correctors at bay". >>29795226

>>29795908
The group is predicated on the notion that none of the other large factions appeal, and we'd prefer to make our own option rather than go along with those presented us. I think the name's quite apt.

>>29795918
>We can Sinistral/Axe without using meter or booster, and in melee we can toss the axe to our left hand and go Sinistral/Axe AND powerfist.
I don't think we can. Someone asked about using the Sinistral and the Phase Blade and the cutting arc was wrong. So you can have the shield active, but you can use it to cut.

>>29796013
>The Maser Interdictor is a variant that irradiates a wide area around the user, effectively microwaving anything in the radius.)
Is one Interdictor enough to boil them fast ? Do the zones stack, dealing more damage ?
And if it affects a wide area, we only need to put it on the most heavy armored players.

And don't forgot that that Haze player has a similar abilty. Maybe even radiation. Inthat case, the above questions apply too. Ask Rook if he thinks the Interdictors are needed.

(Gentlemen, to confirm:

You're selecting the Joker Insignia and the Maser Interdictors?)

>>29796055

>the group is predicated on the notion that none of the other large factions appeal

We're the Wildcards. Gotta trust in the heart of the cards, Yugi.

>>29796055
>I don't think we can. Someone asked about using the Sinistral and the Phase Blade and the cutting arc was wrong. So you can have the shield active, but you can use it to cut.

That doesn't make sense though. The shield is perpendicular to the forearm. You could swing with something in your hand and catch a large target with both the outlying edge of the shield and then the handweapon.

Or more importantly, hold a gun in that hand, keep the shield up, and shoot people's feet and kneecaps out just by aiming down a little.
Makes sense to keep our volatile weapons, like the immolator, behind a Sinistral 2 anyway.

>>29796077
Joker Insignia and the Hellion weaponry

>>29796055
>So you can have the shield active, but you can use it to cut.
*CAN'T use it to cut if you want to use another melee weapon in that hand

>>29796031
Disagree on the Emitter. It's wholly unnecessary, and requires holding the target for an unknown amount of time to cause damage. Plus, it takes Cobalt Booster. Use the Immolator instead.

>>29796077
Helios Array instead of the Interdictors, or else not everyone's getting Hellion weapons.

>>29796055
Maverick is a stupid faction name no matter the context.

>>29796077
Yes.

>>29796077

The Insignia wins hands down. And I'm not sure about the other bit. Lemme tally.

>>29796077

No on Maser INterdictors

Yes on Insignia

>>29796100
>The Insignia wins hands down. And I'm not sure about the other bit. Lemme tally.

Ditto, please gimme a moment to go through the other options. Can someone list em all out really quick?

>>29796077
Insignia and Hellion weaponry.

Guys, how the fuck do you intend to use the Interdictor when there's no one with Hellion compatibility?

>>29796077

Holy shit, OP. How long did you spend thinking these items up? I'm just saying, I'm totally stealing these ideas.

>>29796118
The Hellion Weaponry can be used just fine, the problem is recharging them.

>>29796114
>[ ] "I need some means of communication with the other squads."
>[ ] "I need a way to monitor the other Players, to know where they are."
>[ ] "We need explosives, or some kind of demolition capability."
>[ ] "I need to get the Red Comet into those tunnels."
>[ ] "We're going to be in the midst of a Corrector Hive. I need..."
>- "...Some way of keeping us from being detected."
>- "...Some way of keeping them at bay."
[ ] "I need some means of communication with the other squads."
[ ] "I need a way to monitor the other Players, to know where they are."

[ ] "The other Players don't have the reactor capability to use their Hellion weaponry. I need you to fix that."
[ ] "I need to get the Red Comet into those tunnels."
[ ] "We're going to be in the midst of a Corrector Hive. I need..."

Most popular options, I think

Insignia has 7 votes.
Radiation Gun has 4 votes
The Hellion Weaponry Charge has 3
Helios Array has 2

Did I miscount?

TBH the second choice depends entirely on our tactics for this. we have 35%

Insignia is a MUST.

Either we commit to OFFENSIVE tactics, and grab the Hellion Array, or STEALTH tactics and grab the Halo Shoud Array, OR we go the third route and go for TACTICAL and spend our final points on the Audito Array( >>29795842 ) setup with a maser node and a few slave nodes to relay orders.

Our final choice is TOTALLY dependant on tactics. we need to decide that now, before committing to solutions

>>29796155
>Did I miscount?

Change one of my votes from the radiation gun to the hellion array - i misspoke earlier - becuse i've come to that realization. >>29796162

>>29796162
Offensive.

The whole point of the mission is to do as much damage we can before the Smilers kill us all.

>>29796075
>>29796148

(To clarify, the Interdictor causes Correctors in the area to feel agonizing pain: It may not necessarily dissuade them from attacking, but they'd take penalties - And damage - while they're in the area of effect.

Overlapping fields don't have a cumulative effect.

The Solaris Array effectively hobbles a single Player, but:

a) Allows the Players around him to fire their Hellion Weapons, even if they lack the Meter to prime/charge them.
b) In the case of weapons that are already primed/charged, it boosts their effect - Or allows for a faster firing rate. )

>>29796174
>The Solaris Array effectively hobbles a single Player, but:
>a) Allows the Players around him to fire their Hellion Weapons, even if they lack the Meter to prime/charge them.
>b) In the case of weapons that are already primed/charged, it boosts their effect - Or allows for a faster firing rate. )

Then this is the clincher: Does this include heavy weapons?
Will one player being down let an entire squad have not just sidearms, but heavy arms?

>>29796174
How many players have Helion weapons? If all of them then take the Solaris Array.

>>29796185

(I'd say that it gives a discount to Heavy Weapons, and empowers them when they're primed: The individual player is still going to have to expend some Meter to charge them, however.)

Insignia has 7 votes.
Radiation Gun has 3 votes
The Hellion Weaponry Charger has 4 (I think this is what you meant)
Helios Array has 2

>>29796205
Then take the Array instead of the Interdictor.

>>29796155

Fuck it, I'll go with the flow here. Take the Insignia and the solaris array, so everyone can start shooting immediately.

>>29796162
We don't have access to the Audito setup, We never accomplished that research.

>>29796174
Well hey, I eat my words. Looks like the Interdictor DOES cause Correctors serious injury. Still voting for Heli-/Solaris/ Array.

>>29796207
Helios Array got renamed to Solaris Array. It is the Hellion weaponry charger.

Insignia has 7 votes.
Radiation Gun has 3 votes
The Hellion Weaponry Charge has 5
Helios Array has 2

>>29796231
>The Hellion Weaponry Charge has 5
> Helios Array has 2
those are the same thing FYI

>>29796224
Agreement. We made a big show of new guns, might as well use them.

>>29796205
Sold!
By the way, does this mean we can prime a gun on meter if we so choose? or are we beneath that?

Guys, about jamming:
There's an upgrade to that for the Argus system

>>29796227

Ah, alright then. I had thought the stealth field generator was named Helios Array.

In that case, Insignia - 7
Radiation Gun - 3
Weaponry Charger - 5
Solaris Array - 2

>>29796261
Costs 15% Hollow sun

Also fuck watashiwa for wasting our only void anchor we've had a chance to deploy. Since income is on a per-thread basis now, we could have had SO MANY MORE upgrades.

Speaking of which, we have an unspent one. Make GODDAMN SURE to plant it in the hive and NOT USE IT AS A BOMB THIS TIME.

>>29796265


There is a third option BTW.

we could get one Solution and something else for ourselves.

>>29796205

While we're here, by the way, could you show us what's available in the GRINDER

I'd like to see if we can't turn Ixion Drive into a second tachyon reactor

>>29796265
Er, sorry, Helios Array=Solaris Array=Hellion weaponry charger. The stealth field generator doesn't have a name that we know.

>>29796281
You are aware that I wanted it planted as an energy gatherer, right? It went off anyway.

>>29796296
While you're right, we really don't want to risk losing more than we gain in the mission.

>>29796296

We do have/will have the Immolator when we return to the present.

>>29796313
>>29796205

And a second update for the Golden Sargophagus - what the heck's up with that? Is it finished self-assembling?
I nearly forgot we had it after the spire, but I was thinking about Kraken again

>>29796313

We leveled up using him bro.

>>29796205

regarding the Lucifer Bits - they're a Relic, right? This means they don't cost meter, doesn't it?
and as a hollow sun relic, it comes with hellion-level ai, like the sword/corsair bots?

>>29796313
Stop trying to make people into clothes, fuck. We need the essence to get more meter upgrades.

>>29796313
His Essence got us two levels. He's gone.

>>29796322
http://archive.foolz.us/tg/thread/29124729 This thread, basically. The sarcophagus became the Hollow Sun, the figure inside is the Daegal frame.

>>29796338
They're a replacement for the Rifle Bits, they'd still cost meter.

>>29796333>>29796343


yeah but I still wanna see what we're carrying

I'm not a clothes fag
also if we need meter upgrades why the he

>>29796338

I'm thinking we should spend a level up on an interceptor system upgrade. OP has stated previously that we can have different types of Interceptors out not just one.

IE; rifle bits and sword bits at the same time.

>>29796351
>also if we need meter upgrades why the hell did you vote for the retarded shit we got last time

>>29796357
>I'm thinking we should spend a level up on an interceptor system upgrade.

NO
NOPE
FUCK NON
METER

>>29796357

We need to find our Tier 5 weaponry, since we know they exist, and we keep not doing it

>>29796357
Dear god no, have you the last time we got an Interceptor upgrade?

>>29796362
For what it's worth, the stuff we got last time is probably going to save our life. The new armor type is excellent; now we can take two hits. And keeping even 30% armor when Carnifexing is cool.

>>29796362
>also if we need meter upgrades why the hell did you vote for the retarded shit we got last time

I DIDN'T
EVERY SINGLE TIME EVERYONE AGREES THAT WE NEED TO LEVEL UP METER BUT WHEN THE TIME COMES TO LEVEL UP EVERYONE GOES FULL RETARD

I think we're getting derailed.

Everyone tally your final votes for SOLUTIONS HERE
>Insignia is guaranteed
> Solaris Array, Shroud Generator, Radblaster?

Counting myself
+1 Solaris, for maximum gunslinging.

>>29796313

(My apologies: At present, you don't have any stored Essence signatures for use in the Grinder - You received two levels from absorbing Ixion's Essence, when you defeated him.)

>>29796338

(They're Relic Interceptors: They cost Meter to use, but they're substantially more powerful than 'standard' Bits.)

>>29796207
>>29796213
>>29796224
>>29796193
>>29796168
>>29796155

> Joker Insignia
> Solaris Array

Tyrian nods, slowly - He's serious, now, the moment of levity gone as quickly as it'd come. "-I'll get right on it," he says; His voice sombre, as he turns back to his work - The pitch of industry changing, as it kicks into high gear.

"Oh, and Joker...

-Good luck."

*********************************

"This," Palladium Rook says, evenly, "-is the beginning of the end."

Outside the crooked house, the wind moans. The solid tile of the ground underfoot have given way to hololithic plates, the light captured, twisted and folded into new shapes, new configurations. He stands, arms folded across his scuffed silver breastplate - Contemplating the vague shape of the map before him: A three-dimensional cube of terrain, shot through with flaws - Like an ant farm turned on the side, worm-tunnels carved from the suffered earth.

The other Players have gathered around the display; Iron Ogre, still missing his leg, leans on his kinetic mace - His armour charred and battered from the bruising you've given him, one horn snapped off at an acute angle.

(Continued)

>>29796396
Godamnit everyone already wants the insignias and the Solaris Array, get on with it and stop counting again and again.

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>>29796366
>>29796386
>>29796375

Problem?

>>29796386

And yeah. It was the shitstorm to end all shitstorms in this quest. Excluding the waifu wars.

>>29796404
>You received two levels from absorbing Ixion's Essence, when you defeated him.)

Hum.

If we bring the essence attunement thing to 5, does that mean we get two levels for every one we would normally get?

>>29796375
We seldom get to tier 3.

>>29796448
I think it was because Ixion had bullshit levels of Essence and not because we had essence attunement 1.

>>29796456

We used to, actually.

Then we started spending meter on tier 2 things all the time.

We need to use our Artifact Guns/Hellion Guns/Vulcans more, and we'll bring back the old joker.

>>29796456

The only time we ever do get to the higher tiers if we're fighting a boss battle. Which is to be expected. Fighting trash won't run up your meter as quick. And we do burn through it quick so there is that.

>>29796463

Right, but i'm saying if he had +100% essence collection, that would double our levelups, wouldn't it?

>>29796492
That's a dangerous mindset anon, it sounds as if you want to spent our hard earned level ups on stupid shit.

Again.

>>29796417
Even the waifu wars have been tamer. Those are mostly people expressing lewd thoughts about Mio or Hecate.

The Interceptor Debacle lasted the entire thread, was brought up again every thread for two months, and is still a source of bitterness.

>>29796463
Attunement 1 cuts Essence to level up by 20%. 40 units of essence off the cost of two levels is a considerable amount.

>>29796492
Only if it stacks. If it's a logarithmic function, the next attunement will take 16% off.

>>29796478

Agreement. A lot of it is we just chip away at our meter with things like argus-on-meter-not-booster now that we have so many options in combat. amd all the options tend to go unless specifically countermanded.

In particular, the plasma shotgun is a culprit - we never see much return out of it, we just hang about even with it.

We should give the goold old Vulcan+booster (with no other booster expenditures) a shot again.

>>29796501
My ideal levelup last time would have been Meter and Attunement, actually.

>>29796501
Red Joker is all about dangerous mindsets.
On a more serious note, I don't see how +100% essence collection is a bad thing

>>29796518
>Only if it stacks. If it's a logarithmic function, the next attunement will take 16% off.

Thhaaats a good point, and somethign we should ask Joker Op about

>>29796529
Opportunity cost. +essence collection is only good the earlier we get it, and can snowball into getting more of it, faster, quicker, more efficiently.
We level up very, very slowly now, so it takes forever to do such a thing.

But basically its Opportunity Cost Now vs riding the rollercoaster later.

>>29796549
>But basically its Opportunity Cost Now vs riding the rollercoaster later.

And as a followup, we missed a chance. +40% collection rate would have been amazing when we're about to do a shitton of killing.

In for a penny, in for a pound and all.
as it is now, i don't think its worth it. It would have been great if next levelup we got +60%.

>>29796404
>The other Players have gathered around the display; Iron Ogre, still missing his leg, leans on his kinetic mace - His armour charred and battered from the bruising you've given him, one horn snapped off at an acute angle.

ah hell, we didn't get time to heal, and cybele's still mad at us

Next time we'll definitely get meter accelerator.
I think everyone agrees that it's time for that thing.

>>29796404

"The tunnels beneath Dis have three distinct strata, divided by increasing levels of infestation: The infraworld analogue of the city's collapsed subway system, the outer hive, and the core."

At a gesture, tiny lights flicker into existence on the display, glowing like miniature stars. "-And these are the projected location of the Tachyon beacons, our waypoints."

Beside you, Vector Geist chuckles; It's a low, cynical sound.

"He makes it sound so easy," he mutters. "-Eh, Joker?"

"Our infiltration of the Hive is a simple one: Multiple points of entry have been located, in the area - Each squad will enter, and make their way through the tunnels towards the waypoint on each strata. Once contact has been established, we'll proceed through the next level, until we reach the core."

Palladium Rook pauses, to let his words sink in.

"I expect," he says, carefully, "-significant levels of resistance. I believe that several passages might be blocked, or otherwise inaccessible; In that eventuality, the compromised squad will have to proceed via a different route."

"-Time is a significant factor. We run the risk of rousing the Hive, the longer we stay within the area: More, we may come into premature contact with Smiler elements, in force. As to how we'll be proceeding...I'll let the Red Joker have the floor."

He nods at you, as attention turns your way. Rook's voice is bitter, and you know - You just *know* - he doesn't trust him to decide strategy.

After all, he's already lost his entire team.

(Continued)

>>29796616

ROOK, WHAT ARE YOU DOING. YOU'RE SPLITTING THE PARTY ALREADY. WHAT THE FUCK.

>>29796615
Two levels of it, if possible. That or we find out if there are more options under the meter directory.

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>>29796616

The uncomfortable fact is - A large group would incite a Corrector response. Like white blood cells...Or black wasps, swarming to repel an invader. Safety in numbers - Or company in death. The line isn't always clear.

It's unusual - Almost disturbing - to be the centre of attention. For the first time - In a very real way - there's more than your own survival to consider. The audience is an uncertain one; Agite Striker's impatience, Ivory Zouave's dubious suspicion, Silver Cross's calculating, measuring silence...

-It's a lot to take in.

[ ] "Speed is our first priority. We can't afford to lose the element of surprise."
[ ] "We should take a conservative approach; No man gets left behind."
[ ] "We need to concentrate our forces. It'd draw Corrector attention down on us, but we'll have the firepower to fend off attacks."
[ ] "We need to clear each passage, before moving on. We can't afford to get cut off from the surface."
[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>29796701
>[ ] "Speed is our first priority. We can't afford to lose the element of surprise."

>>29796616
This is a terrible plan. It says nothing about a rearguard, for example. Are the tunnels only big enough to fit one squad ?

>>29796701
[ ] "Speed is our first priority. We can't afford to lose the element of surprise."

We need to move quickly, strike fast, and cause destruction before they can set up a proper defense or call in the Correctors.

>>29796701
Before I say anything else, who the hell is Ivory Zoave? He's not one of the six you gave an official introduction to.

>>29796701

"Secondary option - A small team infiltrates the Hive while the majority of Players create a ruckus to draw as many Correctors and Smilers to them - and away from the infiltration group."

"I can also set up a jammer to completely block all communication. It goes both ways, but it will ensure the Smilers will have no way to communicate."

>>29796701
>[x ] "We should take a conservative approach; No man gets left behind."

[x ] "We need to concentrate our forces. It'd draw Corrector attention down on us, but we'll have the firepower to fend off attacks."

I don't know about this one. A small group can old against Correctors due to the small tunnels, but being outnumbered against Smilers is a problem.

And how about Iron Ogre ? Isn't it better to let him guard the entrance or sit in the Comet ? His leg is still bust.

>>29796779
We needed Hollow Sun energy for that. The jammer is off the table.

>>29796767

(My sincerest apologies: He was introduced in Episode 75. Unfortunately, I neglected to mention him in the next chapter.)

>>29796791

The point is that it will focus our already meager forces into a reasonably potent fighting element. If they dig in well enough, they could hold for hours while we wreck havoc behind the Smilers lines and look for whatever it is that's here (red crystals). They won't be able to communicate what with the killsat in orbit jamming everything. So even if we did run across a Smiler patrol, we'd be capable of eliminating them before they could retreat to HQ and alert the rest of the base.

>>29796779
"Secondary option - ...while the majority of Players create a ruckus to draw as many Correctors and Smilers to them - and away from the infiltration group."

That group better have the Comet with them to survive the onslaught, or do a fighting retreat. simply holding the line against so many Smilers and Correctors might not work

>>29796791
>>29796869

Oh damn. Now I see. That's disappointing. Didn't read over the communication part thoroughly.

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>>29796790

(The attack's tomorrow, not tonight.)

In the brief lull, you've had the chance to take the measure of the factions around you. Silver Cross's squad - Nominally aligned with Argent Prominence - is small, lightly armoured...And infiltrators par excellence. It's in the way he moves, with an effortless, measured silence: Vaguely disturbing, something unnatural and insectoid in his motions.

Beside him, Ivory Zoauve - Another small squad, exquisitely trained. You've heard that they style themselves the 'Reavers'; Every one of the five flight-capable, and armed to the teeth.

>>29796711
>>29796736

> [X] "Speed is our first priority. We can't afford to lose the element of surprise."

"-And what about those who get left behind?" Agite Striker's voice is cutting - Her crimson armour gleaming, as she folds her arms across her cuirass. You've heard that she has one of the larger squads, numbering close to ten; "If we take losses-"

"Tough shit," Iron Ogre growls. "-The weak perish. The strong survive."

Her helm turns in his direction; Her mask is featureless, except for the intricate spirals - Like traceries of ivy - that decorate either side of her helm, but you can tell that she's narrowing her eyes.

"And I suppose *you're* familiar with weakness," Agite muses aloud - "After all, the Red Joker beat you like a rented dru-"

Iron Ogre's muscles bunch, stung by the insult. One leg or not, he looks about to lunge for her - But Titanium Gigant's hand, on his shoulder, restrains him.

(Continued)

>>29796701
[X] "Speed is our first priority. We can't afford to lose the element of surprise."

"At the same time, we're not going in to lose people. Anything that doesn't register as friendly is an enemy. Be thorough, no survivors, nothing to alert the Hive. After every battle, and at every crossroads, squad leaders make some kind of mark. Don't make it obvious, if people get separated from your group they'll need to make their back to the surface using them as guides.

"This might be hard: If someone is completely beyond saving, don't let their Essence go to the Correctors."

"Other than that, we'll be splitting up. You all know your people, and I hope to God your people know their business. Keep your people moving and kill all sons of bitches."

>>29796829
No worries, just a bit odd.

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>>29796934

"Not the time," Titanium Gigant offers, in his hearty but atrocious accent: He's big, bluff and seemingly delighted to be here - No hint of strain in his voice, even though the steel cables of his internal structure draw taut from the effort of holding Ogre back. "-We're all friends here, eh? Eh?"

Ogre glowers. His gang - The Butcher Street Irregulars - numbers roughly as much as Agite's. He keeps them in line through force of...Well, *force*, and leads from the front. When he's around, they'll keep fighting to the end; If he goes down, you're fairly certain they'll take the chance to flee.

Titanium Gigant, in contrast, couldn't be more different. His is a close-knit foursome, each one ironclad, hulking, and prone to the *heaviest* weapons they can carry. Slow, lumbering, and absolutely unshakeable.

>>29796717

> It says nothing about a rearguard, for example.

"A rearguard, you say? I elect myself," Vertigo Trisagion smirks; He's hoping to get a laugh, as his hands caress the alien instrument slung across his multicolored form. Trisagion's an odd fish, even by a Player's standards - The bizarre device he carries, equal parts guitar and trumpet, is a 'Chaos Trebler' - some kind of quantum projection device.

His group, the Menagerie, is one of the larger ones: They're rather eclectic, apparently, a collection of some of the strangest abilities under the same banner.

He seems to consider himself something of a humorist.

(Continued)

>>29796973
You just said that speed is our proiority but then you also go and say that they need to be thorough during their battles? Talk about mixed signals.

Also fuck no to team killing.

>>29796973

I'll veto this. Usually I support Watashiwa, but I don't want them to think they're going to get away unscathed.

Promoting teamkilling is a BAD idea.

>>29796973
>"This might be hard: If someone is completely beyond saving, don't let their Essence go to the Correctors."

Fuck no. Man Wata what the hell is wrong with you today?

"Heheh. I'm not much of a team player, so where would my talents best be used? Solo causing havoc or protecting the heavies and stragglers from being zergrushed? You have more experience than I do when it comes to leading men."

>>29797022
Speed is a priority, but you don't want every Corrector in the area on your head because one got away. Wipe out the small groups and guards you run into, avoid the massive collections.

>>29797027
>>29797034
Completely unsaveable, like Old Joker. So "missing three limbs, single digit HP, unable to vocalize, hemorrhaging Essence, no healing and no renewal save possible." At that point, you either leave them behind to be torn apart, leave them with a guard (to be torn apart), turn around to get them out, or do the merciful kill. If they're not at that point you don't, as a matter of principle. If they are on the verge of death, it's a choice between their Essence going to the Correctors or not.

I'll admit I'll be happy to be overridden on this. The calculus is painful.

>>29797076

Rook clears his throat. The scuffle over, silence looms.

"As I was saying," he continues, forging ahead grimly - "The Red Joker has it right. We need to move fast, and hit hard. If the Hive is actively attempting to *repel* our presence...We'll be overwhelmed."

> Are the tunnels only big enough to fit one squad?

"That's...a good question, actually," Vector Geist cuts in, his voice gravelly. "I'd like to know that, too."

Geist's group might not be the most skilled - But they're definently the most numerous. Interestingly, most were armed with Red World analogues of actual firearms...Or reasonable facsmiles of them, at least. The weaponry of the Hollow Sun - From the loving way Geist's hands come to rest on his twin Pulse Carbines - is clearly a step up.

On the projection, new lights flare to life.

"We've identified multiple potential points of entry," Palladium answers - Acknowledging your question with a nod. "According to Silver Cross-"

"-We don't know what's down there." Silver Cross's voice is quiet, but he has a way of making himself heard. You get the feeling he's the most professional of the group; Or, perhaps, the one most like you. "The tunnels...They move. They *change*. Down there, anything is possible."

You regard each waypoint, holographic markers hovering like pushpins over the display:

A-1: A freight lift, once meant for heavy goods and machinery descending into the lightless depths below. The lift mechanism still functions, but there's been an ominous silence regarding the zone beneath.

B-2: The subway tunnel leading from the ruined shell of an abandoned train station. You recall, distinctly, travelling along this route before - The one where you encountered Alura Une. By this time, the infestation must have utterly corroded the passage.

(Continued)

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>>29797020
>Trisagion's an odd fish, even by a Player's standards - The bizarre device he carries, equal parts guitar and trumpet, is a 'Chaos Trebler' - some kind of quantum projection device.
Wait a moment...

>>29797134

C-3: Here, the weight of the city has broken it's own base and collapsed downwards, whole streets sagging into the abyss, crushing the floors below. A maze of girders and narrow metal walkways spans the yawning chasm, dipping into inky darkness - A treacherous route, made more so by the place's inherent instability.

D-4: An underground shopping centre, the long underground plaza has - At last notice - survived the disaster in poor condition, the arcade of shops pummeled and compressed into a bewildering labyrinth of dead-ends and shadowed passages.

E-5: Left untouched by the destruction that followed, this subway station's connecting passages were mostly flooded when the water table rose - Black, stinking waters rising up to waist-height on average, chest-height the further one descends. In some places, it's all underwater.

[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>29797134
>>29797171
Oh shit are we supposed to decide what squads should go to which entrance?

Give me a moment.

>>29797171

(Gentlemen: Feel free to distribute the squads accordingly, or to choose auxiliary roles - i.e. rearguard - for each pathway.

There's no limit for how many squads can be assigned to a single entrance, but be aware that it increases the chances of being detected - And that some entrances might end in an impassable dead end.)

>>29797183

(Yes.)

>>29797171

Oh shit.

>>29797193
>here's no limit for how many squads can be assigned to a single entrance, but be aware that it increases the chances of being detected

Well shit, we have more than 5 squads so that means that some people are sure to get detected.

By the way I assume Joker+Rook+His little brother count as one squad right?

>>29797219

(My apologies: I mean to say, you can attach yourself to any one of the above squads.)

>>29797171

I say that we send Ivory zovauve to C3. He can fly, it doesn't matter if he falls.

>>29797171

C-3 should be given to Ivory's squad. They're best suited for it as they can fly.

We should take D-4 with Rook and Silver Cross' team . The Nihl Sphere coupled with the Argus will help us navigate.

E-5 should be given to the eclectic bunch under Vertigo. They would most likely have the ability necessary to navigate underwater.

A-1 should be given to Vector and Gigant. Gigant's group consists of heavies and Vector is an old hand. They'll need the extra firepower Gigant can supply if they run into trouble.

B-2 should be given to Ogre and Striker. It's a known quantity. Just be sure to tell 'em to watch out for infectious spores and to take it slow.

>>29797134
>>29797171
>A-1
Speculation: the space between the lift and the bottom floor is a Corrector sleeping place. High probability of being a dead end because of the lift getting damaged in the ensuing fight.
>B-2
Alura Une's breeding's space. We have no idea if it's going to be accessible because the Red Joker completely destroyed the place when he tried to get out.
>C-3
Only flight capable players should enter from here.
>D-4
Seems the most ordinary of the 5, that means that it is the most dangerous. Players with heavy weapons should enter from here.
>E-5
Underwater route. No Slow players should enter here because they will be easy pickings inside water.

>>29797266

Actually, no. Scratch that. Replace Ogre with Silver Cross. Striker keeps antagonizing him which WILL lead into a teamkill.

>>29797239
We'd want the heavies in the freight lift, and the lightly armored players on the walkways

>>29797193
Seven squads, right?
Agite Striker
Iron Ogre
Ivory Zoauve
Silver Cross
Titanium Gigant
Vector Geist
Vertigo Trisagion

Off the top of my head,

A1=Agite Striker, Silver Cross. Professionalism and seriousness means a good chance of surviving the mystery.
B2=Iron Ogre, no particular reason.
C3=Ivory Zoauve, flight packs will be useful.
D4=Titanium Gigant, Palladium Rook, Red Joker. We need to keep an eye on Rook, Gigant can use the manpower.
E5=This one's going to be hard. This sounds like a water level. Vertigo Trisagion, his people might have aquatic solutions.

Vector Geist is the exit solution. We're using his people to observe the initial infiltrations, and then to secure an exit route--B2 if possible.

>>29797318
Disagree. If the lift gets busted, they can't make it back up.

(Gentlemen: I'll close the voting in about ten minutes from now.)

>>29797362

I'd actually use Vector's men as gophers between squads. Marking tunnels and stuff. It's a shitty job but someones got to do it. Put two or three in each unit and have 'em scout ahead.

>>29797171

Fuck. Zoauve definitely goes to C3, and Trisagon to E5.

I think we should go with Ogre's squad, or Geist's squad. They'll benefit the most from our firepower.

Wait, OP, what route did Rook originally enter by?

>>29797446

(B-2.)

>>29797411
Marking tunnels might alert the enemy if they have patrols going around

>>29797434
I think Ogre's Squad has enough firepower as it is.

>>29797286
>>29797362
>>29797434

Have Gigant secure B-2 for our exit route. Ogre with us. Gigant's a heavy while Ogre is a heavy that's sanic. Gigant will get left behind.

>>29797482
>Ogre is a heavy that's sanic
Ogre can only sanic a few times, and he'll need it in combat.

>>29797482
Gigant also has a four man squad. That's not enough for exfiltration like we're planning.

>>29797508
>>29797519

So Ogre really is the best option. Damn. I was hoping to grill him for info on his Hyades before he dies.

>>29797482

I'll second this, except I vote that we have Gigant accompany Ogre.

>>29797362
>>29797286

I actually think that A1 should be left to Agite and Silver Cross, but Geist should go D-4.

(Gentlemen, any consensus?)

>>29797569

Depends if they're up to snuff on their urban spelunking.

>>29797590

Zoauve C-3, Trisagion E-5, Ogre and Gigant B-2, Agite/Cross A-1.

I vote that Geist should go D-4, because holding back would be a bad idea in this one.

>>29797590

Pretty much >>29797362 right now. I don't see anything particularly wrong.

>>29797622

(To confirm:

> A1:

Agite Striker, Silver Cross.

> B2:

Iron Ogre, Titanium Gigant

> C3

Ivory Zoauve

> D4

Vector Geist

> E5

Vertigo Trisagion

While you'll be accompanying Titanium Gigant?

>>29797642

I thought we were going D4?

>>29797642

We're heading for D4 with Palladium Rook I thought. That looks right though.

>>29797642

I like this one, but we should go D4 with Rook.

>>29797666

> A1:

Agite Striker, Silver Cross.

> B2:

Iron Ogre, Titanium Gigant

> C3

Ivory Zoauve

> D4

Vector Geist + Red Joker/Palladium Rook

> E5

Vertigo Trisagion

It's hard to gauge the mood, by the time the selection is over; Things have sobered, considerably - The flickering play of hololithic light and shadow the only illumination in the crooked house, the rafters rattling in the relentless storm.

"That's it, then," Palladium Rook says - A note of finality in his voice, leaden and weighty. You look around, as a vast silence looms; The atmosphere has shifted, subtly, from before - You're committed, now, an uneasy amalgam of forces that has yet to be truly tested.

...You're not sure how you feel about that.

(Continued)

>>29797534
As the assault is tomorrow,we might offer Ogre to buy him a drink or something-to make up for busting his leg. Even if he refuses, it'll make us look good.

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Servoes whirr, as Vector Geist paces over to you: He extends a hand, his single eye flickering with uncertain light. "-You and me, eh?" Geist crackles, in his gravel-and-rocks and voice - "Glad to have you with us, Joker. Rook, too; Feels like our chances are better, already."

Rook stiffens, subtly - Apparently, Geist's hit a sore spot. It's only for a moment, however; He's formal, entirely proper, as he nods to Vector Geist - Who's evidently rather relieved, from the look of things. It's clear that, to him, your presence counts for a lot.

Iron Ogre's tread is leaden, as he limps over: Even hunched, braced on his kinetic mace, he's a towering figure, smoke rising from the rents in his armour, tendrils of vapour coiling around his battered form.

>>29797751

"Good luck, Joker," he growls - It's gruff, but oddly affectionate. "One way or the other, I'll see you after this." You hear the deep, booming *clang* from within his armour, the metal-on-metal sound of his grim laughter - "When the time comes, I'll hold you to that promise."

Vector Geist exhales, a breath he doesn't need, as Iron Ogre limps out of earshot. "He's crazy," Geist mutters, shaking his head. "I have to say: I'm glad I'm not working with the big bastard. Wouldn't want *him* watching my back, that's for sure."

"...I think he likes you," Rook observes, with something close to amazement. "-If I'd known *that* would work..." His voice trails off, and he shrugs - Sloping shoulders rising, with a hum of actuators.

(Continued)

>>29797821

And that seems to be the end of it. The great double-doors swing open, the storm raging unabated; The would-be warlords and butchers and heroes slipping away, one at a time. Titanium Gigant's the first to leave - Then Agite, the scouring scrape of the tempest's winds tarnishing her crimson plate, streamers of red trailing in her wake. Then Silver Cross, then Ivory Zoauve...

At last, the place is empty. The crooked house seems far larger, now - Hollow, without any one in it. It settles, the beams creaking; Black sand scuffing against the entrance, as the hololithic light flickers out.

Palladium Rook's form seems to shrink - All the tension draining from him, in a convulsive surge. His stance slackens, and - For a moment, just a moment - he sags, as if impossibly weary.

"Finally," he murmurs, each word laden with the weight of years. The eyeslits of his helmet glow a faint neon, the white enamel of his armour giving way to grey where it's been damaged.

[ ] "That went well, I think."
[ ] "Having second thoughts?"
[ ] "-You should get some rest. We have a big day tomorrow."
[ ] "...Doesn't it trouble you? At all?"
[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>29797899
>[ ] "-You should get some rest. We have a big day tomorrow."

>>29797899
>[ ] "That went well, I think."
>[ ] "-You should get some rest. We have a big day tomorrow."

>>29797899
>[x ] "That went well, I think."
>[ x] "Having second thoughts?"

>>29797899

"Well, champ, tomorrow is the big day. Just keep your head on straight and stick with me and we'll get through this shit fine."

"Before we part, I've been thinking of ways to explain this to Argent. Succeed or fail, say that I organized this, okay? It'll keep Argent off your back if this turns south. I can't go into too much detail, but suffice to say, I'm gonna need allies like you and them when the fecal matter starts flying. Things are coming to ahead too quickly for Argent to handle. Time we took things into our own hands."

"You with me?"

>>29798015
>Succeed or fail, say that I organized this, okay? It'll keep Argent off your back if this turns south. I can't go into too much detail, but suffice to say, I'm gonna need allies like you and them when the fecal matter starts flying. Things are coming to ahead too quickly for Argent to handle. Time we took things into our own hands."
>"You with me?"
This is a good plan and I support it.

> [X] "That went well, I think."

"-I'd say." Rook nods, his voice contemplative. "It was mostly you, I think. They wouldn't have listened to me, but - But you've convinced them, somehow."

He glances down at the scuffed floor: "You heard what Geist said. He's relieved *just* to have you along...He thinks your luck's going to rub off ." Palladium snorts, at the thought; "Well, it doesn't matter. After that fight with Iron Ogre...None of them are going to fuck with you."

> [X] "-You should get some rest. We have a big day tomorrow."

"I'll sleep when I'm dead," he says, shortly, brushing your concern - "There'd be plenty of that going round, tomorrow."

Rook catches himself, as if aware he's being ungracious; "Don't mind me," he adds, with a sigh. "-Once this is over...*Then* I'll rest. Before that - There's things I need to do."

>>29797953

> [X] "Having second thoughts?"

"It's too late for that." He stares off into the narrow distance, and - For a long moment - the only sound in the chamber is the howl in the voice of the winds. "You've seen who we're working with. The world could stand to have a few less bastards, I think: Either way, we win."

He laughs, at his own joke: It's an awful, bleak laugh, cold and aching and utterly without humour.

>>29798015

> "You with me?"

For a instant, there's a flash of his old cockiness, through his exhaustion; "All the way, Joker," he growls, a red glow to his eyes. "-To the very end."

A brief nod - And then he's gone, the displaced air swirling in his wake, the great double-doors creaking on their hinges. You're the only one left, in the house at the end of the world: The silence settling, like a thick layer of dust.

You turn to leave-

(Continued)

>>29798096

>all the way, Joker

We're slowly gathering our party. Now we simply haft to keep them alive.

>>29798159

A discordant, jangling cord plays - Echoing through the chamber, a sound like the clash of cymbals. "Well, I'm certainly glad *he's* gone," comes the voice: "Such *intensity*...Almost Byronic, wouldn't you say? Ah, but the candle that burns twice as bright sheds light for but half as long - And youth is wasted on the young."

Vertigo Trisagion's smoke-cloak uncurls from his form, as he fades back into existence; Sketching a low bow, his trebler cradled in the crook of his arm.

He's a flayed harlequin in eye-watering colour, a great seam stitching the halves of his body together as his mouth works in a lipless smile.

"Such things in your mind, Joker! The cavern of rats. The path of boiling steam. The slough of despond and the country of the blind, deep in the vale of tears."

He winks, grotesquely - Folds of shimmering skin closing across one optic lens.

Horizontally.

"I know you're eager to play the secret game, the lovely game of speared eyeballs and dripping guts and the smell of rotting gardenias..."

"-But hear me out, old boy."

"The White Joker has an offer for you."

JOKER QUEST

EPISODE 77

TO BE CONTINUED

>>29798234
>"The White Joker has an offer for you."

DUN NUN NUUUN

>>29798234
Oh boy,

>>29798234
Oooh shit!

Next thread when?

>>29798234

>White Joker

Son of a bitch. We've been played like a second fiddle.

>>29798234

(Gentlemen: My sincerest apologies. It's extremely late on my end, and I've entirely exhausted. I would love to continue, but I'm afraid that my writing quality would suffer.

Again, I apologize for the short time period covered by recent chapters: This has been a rather more extensive and time-consuming process than I initially expected.

I'll be running the next thread next week: Hopefully earlier, as my term of employment ends then, which should give me some breathing space.

As always, good night and God bless - I hope to see you again soon.)

>>29798234

the white what.....!? there's a white joker!?

>>29798234

Wait, is he saying that HE'S the White Joker, or he has a message for us FROM the White joker?

>>29798306

I've been thinking of it in suits of cards. Never even occurred that there might be a White Joker. This guy might be one hell of an outlier more so than us or the Black Joker.

>>29798316

It's kind of ambiguous. I guess it could be either.

>>29798298
Your employment comes first, right ? If I may ask, do you have perspective for new employment ?

>>29798338

(It's an internship, to clarify.)

>>29798306
It's been a popular player speculation that the white colour option in chargen in thread one meant that a White Joker existed too.

Personally I thought that the White Joker was Argent but let's see.

>>29798234
>Cavern of rats
That could be us descending into the Hive or referencing the Tri-Stars

>path of boiling steam
Possibly means we're going to get in some incredibly hot water? With whom?

>vale of tears

Which means gets a BAD END and died when they were killed.

>play the secret game

Us recruiting Rook.

>speared eyeballs

Which could be referencing Natsumi, she uses a spear.

>dripping guts

That is probably Regios

>rotting gardenias

Gravesite? Possibly Black Joker? Her corpse was exhumed.

>>29798382
>The slough of despond and the country of the blind, deep in the vale of tears."
Maybe Cybele's place. She's sad and commented that she can't see what's going on downstairs

>>29798234

Well, shit. This just keeps getting worse for us.

>>29798427

Another Wednesday for RJ. Hell, this guy even introduced himself instead of shooting! He can't be all that bad!

Right?

>>29798452

nope, that usually just means they're confidant

>>29798382
>Possibly means we're going to get in some incredibly hot water? With whom?

Tea. I think that means Mio, since she works at a cafe?

>>29798234

I only just realized how incredibly fucking creepy Trisagion actually is.

>>29794252

The more setup this has, the more evidence there is that this is all going to go very badly. What kind of dark, dire shit are the smilers doing, anyway?

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>White Joker is revealed

>>29799109
Now only Blue Joker is left!

>>29799126
My guess is that NTR dude is the White Joker.

>>29799131
Nah, that's pazuzu

>>29799126

I think it's a reference to Kamen Rider Blade. In Blade, if you count the movie, there are THREE Jokers.

Random thought of the day:
Isn't the Quantum Singularity Cannon basically a D-Gun?