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>>1627836
XCOM HQ, Barracks

You and Rachel have slowly been adapting to your new life as XCOM soldiers. The initial whirlwind of events finally settling down as you have recovered from Fatigue. Whatever the aliens put in that Green Fog of theirs was enough put you out of commission entirely for the last few days. You were still able to go about and get your bearings around XCOM HQ thanks to your physical fitness, but you could only imagine just how crippling extended exposure to Green Fog could actually be to normal civilians.

You learned very quickly of the state of things around XCOM and the shadow war against the alien invaders. The war had officially been going on for almost two months now, but abductions had been reported as early as several months back before XCOM was established. Most of the specifics on XCOM itself is on a need to know basis, with only the kind and enigmatic Commander and the other department heads knowing the full picture. A lot of effort has been made to keep the news of the invaders secret, but judging by how you and your old team had inklings of something odd prior in your old life, you think it’s only a matter of time before the truth gets out..

Regarding Rachel and particularly yourself, you’ve become quite the talk among the other soldiers in the barracks. You’ve had trouble learning what they’ve been talking about of you as Rookies such as yourself are decidedly at the bottom of the food chain. It still hasn’t stopped Rachel from striking up conversation and attempting to get friendly with the other soldiers, however. You have no idea how she was able to shake off her Fatigue as quickly as she did.

You personally have spent the last few days…
>Practicing with the weapons and equipment in XCOM’s arsenal… the ones you are allowed to use that is.
>Learning everything you can about the alien invaders and their tactics, it’s half the battle after all.
>Getting to know your new squad mates, Rachel is starting to rub off on you you think.

>>1627842
>Learning everything you can about the alien invaders and their tactics, it’s half the battle after all.

>>1627842
>Learning everything you can about the alien invaders and their tactics, it’s half the battle after all.

Guns aren't that different yet.

>>1627842
>>Learning everything you can about the alien invaders and their tactics, it’s half the battle after all.

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>>1627842
>>Practicing with the weapons and equipment in XCOM’s arsenal… the ones you are allowed to use that is.

>>1627842
>>Practicing with the weapons and equipment in XCOM’s arsenal… the ones you are allowed to use that is.

>>1627842
>>Learning everything you can about the alien invaders and their tactics, it’s half the battle after all.
Particularly how to prevent mind control.

>>1627842
>>Learning everything you can about the alien invaders and their tactics, it’s half the battle after all.

>>1627842
>>Learning everything you can about the alien invaders and their tactics, it’s half the battle after all.

>>1627842
>Learning everything you can about the alien invaders and their tactics, it’s half the battle after all.

First time I didn't miss a whole thread. Here's to bad RNG.

>>1627842
>Learning everything you can about the alien invaders and their tactics, it’s half the battle after all.
finally caught the thread

>>1627842
>Getting to know your new squad mates, Rachel is starting to rub off on you you think.

>>1627842
>>Learning everything you can about the alien invaders and their tactics, it’s half the battle after all.

Knowledge is power. Especially when it means we can save people by kicking tons of ass.

>>1627842
>>Learning everything you can about the alien invaders and their tactics, it’s half the battle after all.
Wooo! Time for X-COM!

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As Rachel spent her time being chummy with the other troops, you opted to hit the books. Spending most of your free time reviewing combat footage from previous operations as well as learning as much information available on the alien invaders.

You’ve learned there are three confirmed alien types that have been encountered by XCOM, including a variant of one of them, making four. The main alien force you are already well acquainted with, the gray-skinned Sectoids. It’s almost ironic that the most common interpretation of alien life would be what you would be fighting against. The Sectoids are a wholly weak and cowardly race, only bolstered by their numbers, technology, and their mysterious psionic capabilities. You were quick to learn the effective counter of their psionics, flashbangs and killing the Sectoids using mind control to sever the connection.

You wish you had known that sooner, but it’s too late for that.

The next alien unit you learned were the universally hated robotic Drones, impervious to most small-arms fire and requiring a lot of firepower to take down. Despite their frustrating survivability they are thankfully more of a support role for the aliens instead of combatants.

The second most dangerous alien in play is are the guardians of the Sectoid’s UFOs, the energy based Outsiders. Seen exclusively in UFOs, these beings require a coordinated effort to defeat, with regenerative capabilities and deadly accuracy. Breaching UFO’s should be taken with great care.

The last known species of alien has only been seen once, a much more stronger variant of the Sectoid, possibly a commander or leader. Encountered during XCOM’s first mission, Operation Devil’s Moon, this Sectoid singlehandedly mind-controlled and nearly defeated an entire squad of XCOM troopers with ease. Operation Devil’s Moon was also where you had learned of Rook’s first operation, being the sole survivor of the Sectoid leader’s attack. Best not to bring that up lest you destroy any good will you have with him.

As you sit in one of the couches in the barracks with a provided PDA in hand to review a recent operation, you notice Rook himself enter the barracks and approach you. The Argentinian is as professional as ever as he greets you, wearing his kit.

“Show time Rookie, you’re on deck for a mission.” Rook says, motioning for you to follow him.

>Finally, it took long enough.
>Ready to go, sir.
>Other.

>>1628023
>Ready to go, sir,. And you?

>>1628023
>Ready to go, sir.

>>1628023
>>Ready to go, sir.

>>1628023
>Ready to go, sir.

>>1628023
>Ready to go, sir.

>>1628023
Ready to go, sir

also is rachel going.

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>>1628023
>>Finally, it took long enough

>>1628023
>Ready to go, sir.

Time to slay some Ayys.

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“Ready to go, sir.” You say, opting to keep things as by the book as possible. You don’t think anybody would care about a hot shot rookie, after all.

“Good.” Rook nods, keeping things simple.

With that, you follow Rook, making a beeline towards the armory adjacent to the barracks. You haven’t spent much time here, but you had to admit they offered an impressive selection of weapons and equipment. You learned that XCOM, from whoever they were funded by, were provided with the next generation of gear not even available for the next few years.

You don’t get much more of a chance to examine further as you see a familiar face chatting with one of the other troopers who looks familiar to you as they are gearing up, Rachel. She grins from ear to ear as she spots you.

“I knew we’d be going in together!” Rachel says enthusiastically, donning the XCOM’s armor. “The aliens don’t stand a chance.”

“Hm, it appears not.” The other female trooper muses, as she takes a moment to examine a… sword in her lap? You blink and realize it’s Nepal, the trooper who stayed behind with Rachel during your first encounter with the aliens.

“Oh right, before I forget, meet Harita, she's proper badass if I do so myself.” Rachel motions to Nepal, Harita, who looks back sheepishly. The woman smiles politely and nods in greeting, sheathing away her blade with practiced fluidity.

“Ranger works as well, it is my callsign.” Harita says politely, nodding to you. “You know, have quite the reputation, you know.”

“He’s earned it.” Rachel smirks.

“Where is Loki and Babbler?” Rook says with a look of annoyance in his face as he scans the mostly empty armory.

“I assume they did not expect to be on call without the rest of the squad.” Harita shakes her head.

“I’ll find them.” Rook grunts before turning to you. “You’d better gear up, just remember to only take what you are assigned to.”

As you suit up in XCOM’s tactical armor, you consider your options for a primary.

>Assault Rifle: A modified XCOM variant of the G36, it’s a solid and versatile choice of weapon.
>SMG: An XCOM variant of the P90, amusingly named the P90-X.
>Carbine: An inbetween of the assault rifle and SMG, the best of both worlds.

>>1628134
>SMG
ratatatat do it close up

>>1628134
>SMG: An XCOM variant of the P90, amusingly named the P90-X.

>>1628134
>Carbine: An inbetween of the assault rifle and SMG, the best of both worlds.

>>1628134
>Carbine: An inbetween of the assault rifle and SMG, the best of both worlds.

>>1628134
Long Dong, huh?

>Carbine: An inbetween of the assault rifle and SMG, the best of both worlds.

Gonna need more firepower for those Outsider fellows.

>>1628134
>>Assault Rifle: A modified XCOM variant of the G36, it’s a solid and versatile choice of weapon.

>>1628134
>>Carbine: An inbetween of the assault rifle and SMG, the best of both worlds.

>>1628134
>Carbine: An inbetween of the assault rifle and SMG, the best of both worlds.
We need firepower to put them down quickly, and assault rifle isn't going to win.

>>1628134
>>Carbine: An inbetween of the assault rifle and SMG, the best of both worlds.

>>1628134
>>Carbine: An inbetween of the assault rifle and SMG, the best of both worlds.

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>>1628134
>>SMG: An XCOM variant of the P90, amusingly named the P90-X.
WE STARGATE NOW

>>1628134
>>Assault Rifle: A modified XCOM variant of the G36, it’s a solid and versatile choice of weapon.

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>>1628134
>Carbine: An inbetween of the assault rifle and SMG, the best of both worlds.

It's go time

>>1628134
>>SMG: An XCOM variant of the P90, amusingly named the P90-X.
We seemed to be specced for close-range combat.

>>1628134
>>SMG: An XCOM variant of the P90, amusingly named the P90-X.
We're specialized in up close stuff after all.

>>1628134
>>Carbine: An inbetween of the assault rifle and SMG, the best of both worlds.

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>>1628134
>SMG
>P-90

THIS IS A WEAPON OF WAR.

>>1628227
i like you

>>1628134
>SMG: An XCOM variant of the P90, amusingly named the P90-X.

>>1628134
C A R B I N E

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You opt to the go for the Carbine while Rachel picks an SMG and Harita opts for the deadly looking XCOM Shotgun, the weapon appearing to be a completely unique design unlike any shotgun you’ve ever used before.

All the while, Rachel continues to make friendly small talk between the two of you, Harita being a bit overwhelmed by Rachel’s friendliness which you can’t help but smirk at. Thankfully she’s not shying away from it.

You opt to let Rachel remain in her element, determined to keep things friendly and polite as you get ready. You note that Harita seems to be quite curious of you, but can’t seem to find the right words to broach a conversation. As you finish suiting up in your own set of armor with weapon in hand, Rook returns with two more troopers. The pair clearly not expecting to be an operation as Harita is.

“...And how the hell we’re we supposed to know we’d be on deck, Rook? I was just about to win big at cards s’well! I thought you of all people would understand my plight.” The male trooper says. You already know who he is as he makes himself very much known around the barracks. Babbler, the fast talking scottish soldier who you can hear coming a mile away. You remember him distinctly from your first encounter.

“Mm… debatable.” The other female soldier says in a an almost sultry voice, a look of airy smugness on her face. Obviously that must be Loki, a soldier you’ve only seen in passing.

“Your wiles will not work on me, woman!” Babbler says defiantly, to which Loki merely laughs lightly at, before spotting the rest of you in the room.

“Oh? If it isn’t the two American cowboys.” Loki says walking over to you with a cheshire-like smile on her face looking at Rachel, Harita, and yourself. “I see Ranger here is too embarrassed to say what is on everyone’s mind.”

“I have a sense of tact, unlike you, Loki.” Harita mutters narrowing her eyes, you don’t need to be a psychologist to realize there is some sort of rivalry or animosity between Harita and Loki.

Rachel is about to jump into the conversation siding with Harita before Rook reigns in the squad.

“Shut up and focus, we’re supposed to be in the Skyranger in 20.” Rook grunts, which gets Loki to back off her smooth smile and gaze locked on to you as she walks away. Babbler mumbles to himself, still annoyed at being pulled out from his card game.

“What’s she on about?” Rachel crosses her arms at the sight of Loki.
“Nothing you have to worry about.” Harita says, wishing to leave it at that with a sigh.

Choosing it’s best to not interrupt with squad politics just yet, you decide to choose your main kit for the operation instead…

>Standard Kit - HE Grenades and Flashbangs. Useful in all situations.
>Breaching Kit - Ceramic Plate and Flashbangs. Increased survivability for close quarters.
>Sapper Kit - AP Grenades and HE Grenades. When you really want something to blow up.
>Support Kit - Smoke Grenades and Medikits. For when you want to be a team player.

>Sapper Kit - AP Grenades and HE Grenades. When you really want something to blow up.

>>1628331
>>Breaching Kit - Ceramic Plate and Flashbangs. Increased survivability for close quarters.

>>1628331
>Standard Kit - HE Grenades and Flashbangs. Useful in all situations.

Always useful to have.

>>1628331
>>Breaching Kit - Ceramic Plate and Flashbangs. Increased survivability for close quarters.
Time to Assault!

>>1628331
>>Standard Kit - HE Grenades and Flashbangs. Useful in all situations.

>>1628331
>Standard Kit - HE Grenades and Flashbangs. Useful in all situations.

>>1628331
>Breaching Kit - Ceramic Plate and Flashbangs. Increased survivability for close quarters.

>>1628331
>>Breaching Kit - Ceramic Plate and Flashbangs. Increased survivability for close quarters.

>>1628331
>Breaching Kit - Ceramic Plate and Flashbangs. Increased survivability for close quarters.

>>1628331
>Breaching Kit - Ceramic Plate and Flashbangs. Increased survivability for close quarters.

>>1628331
>>Breaching Kit - Ceramic Plate and Flashbangs. Increased survivability for close quarters.

>>1628331
>>Breaching Kit - Ceramic Plate and Flashbangs. Increased survivability for close quarters.

>>1628331
>Breaching Kit - Ceramic Plate and Flashbangs. Increased survivability for close quarters.

>>1628331
>>Breaching Kit - Ceramic Plate and Flashbangs. Increased survivability for close quarters.

>>1628331
>Standard Kit - HE Grenades and Flashbangs. Useful in all situations.

That girl need to put on some muscle.

Hey Pixel, your artstyle is really good you know that? How long have you been drawing?

>>1628331
Support Kit - Smoke Grenades and Medikits. For when you want to be a team player.

lets try to keep atleast someone from dying from the inevitable bad rolls

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Despite the extensive selection of fancy equipment, you opt to stick with what you are familiar with. The flashbangs is something you are well versed in using, but you can’t help but feel impressed by the ceramic plating. It’s light and easy to maneuver in even with your armor and gear. Apparently it can even take a direct hit from a plasma shot. The base XCOM armor is much more durable than its conventional counterpart, but at best it can only take a glancing shot from the alien’s plasma weaponry.

As you all finish gearing up, you take a moment to gauge the rest of the capabilities of the squad. Babbler equips himself with an LMG, his purpose made clear, to suppress and hopefully turn the enemy aliens into shreds while Loki chooses an SMG and an XCOM unique grenade launcher. With Rook finishing his loadout as a proper frontline infantry kit, it’s clear you have an all around solid team.

“Hope you Rookies can pick up the slack! I don’t want to babysit you two the entire time after all!” Babbler chuckles, walking over to give you a hearty slap on the back as he walks past while Loki merely chuckles lightly to herself again, seemingly unfazed as she carries a small armory’s worth of grenades and explosives. Harita takes a moment to collect herself before placing her blade on her back and following the others, shotgun in hand. She gives a friendly nod to you as she does so.

“Well, at least Babbler seems to be an alright guy.” Rachel says stopping beside you as you all make your way to the hanger where one of the Skyranger dropships is waiting for you and the rest of the squad. “Dunno about Loki though, she kept on watching at you the whole time...”

As you make your way to the hanger with Rook leading the squad, you pass by Mission Control, taking a good look at the massive Hologlobe in the center of the room. Rook moves a bit quicker to the hanger, clearly not wanting to stay in the room. You spot The Commander present as well, talking to a man with an itchy looking green sweater. She glances over and waves at you all.

You and the rest of the squad board the Skyranger waiting in the hanger, strapping yourselves in as it rises out of XCOM HQ and into the sky.

(Part 1 / 2)

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While you’ve read up and can clearly see just how fast the Skyranger could move, actually being in the massive craft and experiencing flight in it was a completely different experience. Unfortunately, despite how huge the aircraft was, it had to make sacrifices for it. It seems that it can only sit six, not as many soldiers as you’d like, then again if XCOM is the best of the best, you suppose there shouldn’t be any more need of forces except six.


As Rook quietly gets the necessary information for the operation, you and the rest of the squad have some time to kill. Probably best to get acquainted with the people who you are entrusting your life with.

>Chat with Rachel and Harita, you already are in much better speaking terms thanks to Rachel.
>Get to know Loki and Babbler, maybe you can find out just why everyone is so curious about you.
>Speak with Rook when he has a moment, he’s your Squad Leader and you never really had a chance to talk to him yet.
>Other.

>>1628543
>Chat with Rachel and Harita, you already are in much better speaking terms thanks to Rachel.

>>1628543
>>Speak with Rook when he has a moment, he’s your Squad Leader and you never really had a chance to talk to him yet.

>>1628543
>>Speak with Rook when he has a moment, he’s your Squad Leader and you never really had a chance to talk to him yet.

>>1628471
Thanks! I've been drawing for almost a decade now.

>>1628543
>>Chat with Rachel and Harita, you already are in much better speaking terms thanks to Rachel.

>>1628554
Sheeeeeeeeeeeeit. Well I'm glad your drawing skills are being put to good use here on this mongolian basket weaving forum running this quest about slaying xeno scum.

>>1628543
>Chat with Rachel and Harita, you already are in much better speaking terms thanks to Rachel.

>>1628543
I'm torn between Rachel and Rook (primarily because Rachel is cute)...

Well, random.org says
>Chat with Rachel and Harita, you already are in much better speaking terms thanks to Rachel.

>>1628543
>Chat with Rachel and Harita, you already are in much better speaking terms thanks to Rachel.
Gotta get those support conversations for later combat bonuses.

>>1628543
>Chat with Rachel and Harita, you already are in much better speaking terms thanks to Rachel.

>>1628543
>Chat with Rachel and Harita, you already are in much better speaking terms thanks to Rachel.
Gotta keep our girl's spirits up.

>>1628543
>Speak with Rook when he has a moment, he’s your Squad Leader and you never really had a chance to talk to him yet.

>>1628543
>>Speak with Rook when he has a moment, he’s your Squad Leader and you never really had a chance to talk to him yet.

>>1628569
thought she did that herself.

>>1628585
No, I mean for the inevitable moment when we're alone in-between missions and things get heated :^)

>>1628543
>>Other.
Big Sky

>>1628594
>implying best girl won't be killed.
There are two rookies out on first mission. The odds are bad anon.

>>1628605
Maybe im just shit at XCOM

>>1628543
>Get to know Loki and Babbler, maybe you can find out just why everyone is so curious about you.

>>1628543
>Chat with Rachel and Harita, you already are in much better speaking terms thanks to Rachel.

>>1628605
If you play it smart, the possibility of rookies dying on their first mission is very low

>>Speak with Rook when he has a moment, he’s your Squad Leader and you never really had a chance to talk to him yet.

He is the most experienced. Can we ask him some tips when dealing with the aliens?

>>1628660
Switching to this.

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You decide to get to know Harita further, she seems to be friendlier than Loki and Babbler appears to be too busy chatting to himself or something like that. You don’t mean to tune him out after some time in Skyranger, but it seems like he’s used to it and doesn’t care at all. Loki meanwhile opts to take a nap, serene despite your squad making it’s way to another alien incursion.

“I do apologize for my squad member’s attitude.” Harita says after a moment. “Most of the experienced soldiers such as myself keep a fair distance to Rookies, but they will not let you down during the mission.”

“Eh, we’ll prove it to them. Besides, they didn’t seem like they had any interest of telling us their actual names” Rachel shrugs.

“Another habit of sorts to separate one selves from the new blood. I never liked that practice.” Harita says.

“Tell me about it, besides Harita here all the other troopers practically ignored me.” Rachel shakes her head, “Harita’s great! Even better yet, she’s originally a Gurkha of all things before she signed up to XCOM. I mean, who else but a Gurkha would go into fight with a freaking sword.”

“Admittedly I am still surprised The Commander allowed me to keep my blade, and I would not count both of yourselves out. Most do not survive an encounter with the aliens, especially with how well you both had handled yourselves, but do not worry I will help you both if need be.” Harita says humbly. This raises a few questions in your mind, but it’s clear that whoever The Commander is, she is one to think out of the box in her tactics. After all, she did recruit both Rachel and yourself. At the very least it’s good to know Harita has your back.

The flight continues for some time as you get to know the soft spoken but assured Harita before Rook speaks up again, addressing the squad.

“We’re heading to Germany to clear out a Scout UFO, squad. Command says most of the crew has perished on impact, but expect the usual complement of Sectoids, the Outsider, and possibly drones.” Rook explains.

“Just a Scout? Where’s the fun in that? It’s child’s play!” Babbler frowns, clearly displeased that dealing with a Scout UFO has plucked him out of his card game.

“It’s a training session for the little Rookies we have here, Babbler. Clearly we’re babysitters this time around, not that I mind.” Loki says with amusement.

“Follow my orders and don’t try any heroics you two, and we’ll be done within the hour.” Rook says specifically to both you and Rachel.

Rachel frowns at that, glancing over to you and giving you a look. You can easily tell she wants to show off just how capable you both are in combat and wipe that smug smile off of Loki’s face while at it...

(Part 1 / 2)

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>>1628693
“This is Big Sky, we’re touching down at the crash site now. Standby for deployment.” The Skyranger pilot speaks over the ship's comms, the interior lights flashing red to inform that it’s go time as you feel the entire aircraft touch down onto the ground. With that you and the rest of the squad stand up at attention, as the ramp lowers.

Rook leads the advance down as Harita, Rachel, and yourself stay towards the back. The lush forests of Germany greet you as you exit the Skyranger. The evening sky glowing brighter as the burning wreckage of the UFO looms ahead of you. You scan around quickly assessing the situation as your team fans out, Rook barking silent but quick orders to each of you.

>Roll 1d20+1. The extra bonus is thanks to the Anon that posted some my old art last thread!

Rolled 8 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>1628697

Rolled 17 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

Rollan

Rolled 9 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>1628697
Here goes

Rolled 20 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>1628697
>1d20+1.

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You and the rest of the team make a steady advance from the landing zone, your destination easily seen thanks to the forest fire steadily spreading from the center of the crash site. You and the rest of the squad move from cover to cover. Rook remains on point with Rachel and yourself close to him. Harita remains in the flank while Babbler and Loki stay towards the rear of the squad, their heavier equipment slowing them down slightly in the advance.

It's actually quite eerie out here, silent except for the distant crackling fires illuminating the German forest and countryside.

As you and the rest of Strike One move up, you spot something up ahead, mostly obscured by the foliage and forests.

“Movement ahead.” You say, which causes the squad to halt.

The others take a moment to get their bearings, but sure enough you manage to get a proper visual. It’s a trio of Sectoids, scanning the forests around them as they lie in wait in the shrubbery.

“Damn, good eye there Rookie. The little bastards we’re lying in wait for us!” Babbler comments quietly with a whistle.

“Keep your voice down. Standard takedown on the pod, Rookies stay put.” Rook grunts as he and the rest of the squad begin to move to position.

“We can totally take them...” Rachel says to you nimbly moving from cover to stop beside you silently, as she levels her SMG for a clear shot at the Sectoids. It is a pretty easy shot while you all are still concealed actually...

>No, we follow orders, we’ll remain on overwatch.
>She has a point. We’re in a good position to strike, you should take them out.
>Other

>>1628746
>No, we follow orders, we’ll remain on overwatch.
You know, in case something goes wrong. Better to not have to shoot than not be able to

>>1628746
>>No, we follow orders, we’ll remain on overwatch.

>No, we follow orders, we’ll remain on overwatch.

The sooner we show them we are not overexcited recruits with a death wish, the sooner they won´t treat us like that

>>1628746
>No, we follow orders, we’ll remain on overwatch.

>>1628746
>No, we follow orders, we’ll remain on overwatch.

>>1628746
>No, we follow orders, we’ll remain on overwatch.

>>1628746
>>No, we follow orders, we’ll remain on overwatch.
>inb4 more ayy lmaos start bursting out of the woodworks.

>>1628746
>No, we follow orders, we’ll remain on overwatch.
Gotta trust Rook on this one. He's been through way too much shit to be making a blatant mistake.

>>1628746
>No, we follow orders, we’ll remain on overwatch.

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“Just wait, we’ll get out chance” You say attempting to stop your buddy from jumping the gun as you watch for any more of the aliens skulking about in the trees.

Rachel grits her teeth and relents more anxious than you expected. Was it because of something from earlier today? You tap her on the shoulder, making sure she’s OK.

“Yeah I’m fine, really, don’t worry about it.” Rachel says quickly before you can get any more words in. You’re just about to say something else when the rest of Strike One acts.

The troopers start it off with a bang, or more specifically a flash as Loki launches a flashbang from her grenade launcher right at the center of the pod of aliens. The bright and dizzying blow sending the trio of aliens to scatter wildly, screeching in pain. The rest of the squad opens fire, two of them being instantly gunned down by the barrage of lead unleashed from Babbler’s machine gun and Rook’s accurate fire.

The last one, by some miracle, attempts to scurry away towards the wreckage of the crash site, but Harita is quick to intercept him, crossing the distance splattering the Sectoid into bits with a blast from her Shotgun, yellow blood spraying the trees from the shot.

“One pod down, move up.” Rook says quickly motioning for you all to advance, the jig now up as you all go loud properly.

Babbler can be heard yawning over exaggeratingly over the radio.

That’s when you hear a distinct buzzing sound above you all, making a beeline towards your team’s position. Two Drones, hidden in the trees above vector onto your team's position.

“Drones in the air! Take them out of the sky!” Rook orders quickly, the others in the squad quickly raising their weapons upward to counter them before they can open fire. Thankfully both you and Rachel, having opted to remain in overwatch for just the occasion have a good shot on the descending drones...

>Roll 1d20

>>1628746
>>1628746
Rachel imidiatley wants to get us all killed. while im all for killing ayys, she needs to calm her tits

Rolled 2 (1d20)

>>1628800

Rolled 10 (1d20)

>>1628800
fucking drones...

Rolled 19 (1d20)

>>1628800
Rolling

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Rolled 5 (1d20)

>>1628800
...

>>1628807
>>1628803
one off on two counts

Rolled 19 (1d20)

>>1628800
>>1628768
Damned aliens.

>>1628807
This is just like shooting claybirds.

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Rolled 17 (1d20)

The Drones, hoping to use the element of surprise to take out your team, did not consider there would be others waiting for them to strike. You and Rachel open fire, lighting up the sky as you both attempt to destroy the machines.

“Focus fire on that one!” You say quickly, your time spent reviewing and learning the weaknesses of the aliens put to good use. Rachel doesn’t hesitate to comply, your combined fire managing to punch through the machines armored defenses and score a hit. It blows up mid air, showering alien scrap and circuitry onto the ground as drops from the sky. The other drone attempts to take a shot at your squad at Loki, but she manages to duck out of the way from it’s ineffectual beam burning into the tree Loki takes cover in.

The rest of the squad opens fire at the remaining drone, but it’s height advantage and inherent armor makes it tricky to take out as it quickly soars back up, using the trees to retreat back towards the UFO.

“Pursue it! Don’t let it get back to the UFO!” Rook orders, already moving up to make a pursuit, the rest of the squad sending out affirmatives. With how easily defensible the UFO is for the Aliens, having that Drone in play would make attempting to breach it extremely difficult.

Rachel opts to advance forward with Loki and Harita, using her speed to help in closing the distance while Rook and Babbler move to take the higher ground, advancing up a hill that overlooks the UFO. It will take some time for them to properly get into position, but it would give you a good view of the battlefield.

>Advance forward with the girls, it’s quicker of a crossing and you don’t have time to waste.
>Position yourself on higher ground, it will take longer but you'll have a better shot.
>Other.

>>1628832
Oops, don't mind that roll!

>>1628832
>Position yourself on higher ground, it will take longer but you'll have a better shot.

>>1628832
>>Advance forward with the girls, it’s quicker of a crossing and you don’t have time to waste.

>>1628832
>Advance forward with the girls, it’s quicker of a crossing and you don’t have time to waste

hills are hell on the knees

>>1628832
>Advance forward with the girls, it’s quicker of a crossing and you don’t have time to waste.

>>1628832
>Position yourself on higher ground, it will take longer but you'll have a better shot.

>>1628832
>>Advance forward with the girls, it’s quicker of a crossing and you don’t have time to waste.

>>1628832
>>Advance forward with the girls, it’s quicker of a crossing and you don’t have time to waste.
sanic this shit

>>1628832
>>Advance forward with the girls, it’s quicker of a crossing and you don’t have time to waste.

>>1628832
>Advance forward with the girls, it’s quicker of a crossing and you don’t have time to waste.

>Advance forward with the girls, it’s quicker of a crossing and you don’t have time to waste.

>>1628832
>Advance forward with the girls, it’s quicker of a crossing and you don’t have time to waste.

We're built to get stuck-in, so let's do that.

BRACE FOR REACTION SHOTS!

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While you’re not as quick as Rachel is with her SMG, you are still quick enough to close the distance with her with the carbine and kit you have. With speed, you pass by Rook and Babbler, the latter having some difficulty hauling his heavy machine gun up the incline, cursing to himself all the while. You manage to catch up with the rest of the females in the squad as the dense forest gives way to an open and ruined clearing created by the UFO skidding across the ground.

Bits of alien metal and scrap are strewn about haphazardly in the clearing as the Drone breaks through the trees into the open sky above it. The large glowing UFO rests ahead ominously, but you are more focused on taking out that Drone. You and the girls take up positions and attempt to open fire hoping this time around to take the thing down for good. Up ahead, you can see movement within the UFO as the aliens get ready to respond to your team, but if you’re all quick enough to take out the Drone, it’ll be one less problem to deal with.

>Roll 1d20

Rolled 15 (1d20)

>>1628877

Rolled 10 (1d20)

>>1628877

Rolled 4 (1d20)

>>1628877

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Rolled 6 (1d20)

>>1628877
...

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>Carbines
>SMG's
>Ceramic Plate

Wait. Are we playing vanilla XCOM or Long War XCOM?

>>1628886
Neither, considering the sword

>>1628886
Based on Long War, considering we have Drones as early as now, but with some artistic liberties. (Like Harita's Sword.)

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>>1628891

We must be in some sort of strange Twilight Zone with elements of 2, vanilla XCOM, and Long War mashed together, I'd wager. I wouldn't put it past Pixel to drop in elements from The Bureau in, too.

>>1628895
See that's what I'm afraid about. We might have to go up against a Supply Barge with ballistics, or deal with other early game shenanigans that have been the bane of many a campaign.

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>>1628900
we'll be fine, just have faith

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>>1628900
Well take (little) comfort in that we're a grunt and will not have to make the hard strategic calls, just tactical ones.

>>1628832
>>1628900
>>1628910
On that note, what's the Commander and Central doing during our mission? We're not being micromanaged by them like in the games.

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>>1628900
We can only have faith in The Great Commandy One. She won't let us down. (On purpose)

>>1628913
I'm guessing they're keeping in contact with Rook, and monitoring the situation as it develops.

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You steady your aim and let out another burst of your rifle, causing the Drone to sputter and smoke in the air trailing much slower to the UFO. It attempts to turn around and take a shot back at you, realizing it’s not going to make it to the safety of the alien craft in time. The other girls open fire, taking up positions at the edge of the forest or at any of the substantial cover of the destroyed alien material dotted around the new clearing.

Someone manages to score a killing blow, taking the last drone out of the sky. It smashes onto the ground, adding to the heaps of alien materials littered around the UFO. You reload your weapon, getting a breather as the rest of your squad gets into position. With the second Drone destroyed, the remaining alien crew have opted to stay within the safety of the their craft. Either preparing for you to breach,or perhaps waiting until the right moment to burst out and strike at when you all when you are least prepared.

“Good shooting squad, we’re in position on the high ground. We’ll give you covering fire as you move up. Once the main stretch is secure we’ll link back up.” Rook says over the comms.

“Affirmative, we’re approaching the UFO now.” Harita replies back, advancing quickly and confidently back into the woods, going wide for a flanking maneuver on the aliens.

“Some cover would appreciated as I get my launcher ready.” Loki asks politely, pausing for a moment to crouch behind some alien material to prepare her grenade launcher.

“I'm moving up to get ready to stack up at the… glowing door thing.” Rachel says, approaching forward from the front, SMG leveled and at the ready.

>Close the distance with Rachel, old habits die hard.
>Flank with Harita, the aliens won’t see the both of you coming.
>Protect Loki, her explosives will give your team a decisive edge.
>Other.

>>1628913

Holding a running betting pool over which Rookie gets killed first, obviously.

But seriously--they're probably monitoring the AO from a UAV that deployed simultaneously with the Skyranger and are gonna be buzzing comm-beads in our ears soon about tactical advice on what moves to take or such.

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>>1628913
Probably watching through some sort of camera attached to our bodies.

>>1628921
Hmm, I would say we flank. Gets us with some good shots.

>>1628921
>Close the distance with Rachel, old habits die hard.
>prepare a flash

>>1628921
>>Close the distance with Rachel, old habits die hard.

>>1628921
>>Close the distance with Rachel, old habits die hard.

The Assault is flanking alone? That sorta foolishness gets you eaten by Chryssalids or ganked by a Seeker.

>>1628921
>Protect Loki, her explosives will give your team a decisive edge.

>>1628921
>Close the distance with Rachel, old habits die hard.
>Prep a Flashbang

If we could have Babbler suppressing the Outsider, that would be really peachy.

>>1628921
>Protect Loki, her explosives will give your team a decisive edge.
Is this the overwatch option? Because that's the way to go if my xcom isn't too rusty, especially if we have time (turn based combat is best combat, well... sometimes anyway) in moving up to stack for the breach.

>>1628921
>Close the distance with Rachel, old habits die hard.

>>1628923
Oh hey, I remember that piece! Stacy Bell truly cleaned up house in that X2 preview and lived up to her name. Good times.

She was pretty good.

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>>1628943
I saved a ton of your art.

>>1628943
>She was pretty good.
Pretty good?

>You're pretty good!

>>1628921
>>Close the distance with Rachel, old habits die hard

>>1628920
The great commandy one makes me want to do stupid things.

>>1628943
Did we get that +1 for the EXALT pic last thread?

Also, I vote to flank. Babbler and Rook could cover Rachel and Loki, but Harita's going out alone, and a lone soldier can die easily.

>>1628921
>>>Close the distance with Rachel, old habits die hard.

>>1628921
>>Flank with Harita, the aliens won’t see the both of you coming.
>>1628930
>>1628938
>>1628955
Covering the flanker so she doesn't get shrekt.

>>1628955
You all did, it was used for scouting out the Sectoids attempting to ambush you all in the beginning.

>>1628959
Okay then, just making sure.

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Seeing Rachel get a forward position alone doesn’t sit to well with you, so you advance up to meet with her as well. You make the distance, hopping from cover to cover, fully expecting the aliens to decide to grow a pair and charge you.

“Hmph.” Loki’s disappointed voice can be heard over the comms, you imagine her pouting at you as you move past.

“Oh shut it, I got you covered.” Babbler adds over the comms. Rook and the Scottish Gunner remain still in position providing eyes from above the hill.

“Hey.” Rachel looks back with a relieved look as you take cover beside her. “Was worried I’d be moving up alone.”

You shake your head last thing on your mind, besides, someone's has keep Rachel in check from herself after all. As you advance up, you pause to keep a flashbang on hand at the ready. The two of you manage to get into position. You prepare to motion for the others to move up before you are suddenly given a heads up over your earpiece as The Commander of all people suddenly speaks up to you over comms. Having not heard her voice at all the entire operation, most likely communicating with Rook, you are temporarily thrown off guard.

“Look out!” The Commander suddenly warns you quickly.

Wha-

Suddenly, something bursts through the glowing entryway of the UFO advancing forward at you both, a plasma rifle drawn at the ready. The Outsider has opted to attack you both pre-emptively! Several Sectoids are also spotted from within, having gotten into position to open fire.

“Oh shit oh shit! The Outsider is live! I repeat the Outsider is live!” Babbler says exclaims over the comms, a sudden barrage of fire from behind heard as he attempts to suppress the thing.

This doesn’t make any sense at all, Outsiders never are aggressive and only respond when you breach the UFO. That’s how it was in all the previous operations!

“Fuck!” Rachel quickly dives for cover.

>Hunker down as well! Those things are deadly accurate.
>Flashbang! You might not stun the Outsider with it but you can daze and disorient the Sectoids in the UFO to give the rest of the squad a better chance to cover you.
>Return fire! Take it out before it takes you or Rachel out!
>Other.

>>1628995

>Hunker down as well! Those things are deadly accurate.

>>1628995
>Flashbang! You might not stun the Outsider with it but you can daze and disorient the Sectoids in the UFO to give the rest of the squad a better chance to cover you.
This is why we have the plate

>>1628995
>Flashbang! You might not stun the Outsider with it but you can daze and disorient the Sectoids in the UFO to give the rest of the squad a better chance to cover you.

>>1628995
>>Flashbang! You might not stun the Outsider with it but you can daze and disorient the Sectoids in the UFO to give the rest of the squad a better chance to cover you.

>>1628995
>Flashbang! You might not stun the Outsider with it but you can daze and disorient the Sectoids in the UFO to give the rest of the squad a better chance to cover you.
Combat is about more than yourself, it's about giving your allies advantages as well.

>>1628995
>>Flashbang! You might not stun the Outsider with it but you can daze and disorient the Sectoids in the UFO to give the rest of the squad a better chance to cover you.
hahaha this is such a reckless idea but there is merit to keeping everyone else from getting ganked

>>1628995
>Flashbang! You might not stun the Outsider with it but you can daze and disorient the Sectoids in the UFO to give the rest of the squad a better chance to cover you.

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>>1628995
>>Flashbang! You might not stun the Outsider with it but you can daze and disorient the Sectoids in the UFO to give the rest of the squad a better chance to cover you.

We need explosives on that Outsider right now! And where the hell is our Assault--if we can't take that fucker out in one turn, he'll keep regenerating health until he kills every single person on this strike team!

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Fuck it. You pull the pin on your flashbang.

“What are you--!?” Rachel looks at you in surprise as without hesitation, you pop out of cover and wind up for a throw, staring down face to face with the Outsider as it emotionlessly raises its plasma rifle at you to strike you down. It’s movement is fluid and smooth, much like how it manages to keep itself together.

Rachel did the smart thing in her position, her SMG would’ve done absolutely nothing to stop the Outsider, but you don’t want to risk it just rushing you or her. You don’t hesitate to do your part as well. The Sectoids get ready to open fire at you as well, having been waiting to fire back.

>Roll 1d20! Good luck!

Rolled 7 (1d20)

>>1629035

Rolled 14 (1d20)

>>1629035

RNGESUS SO HELP ME

Rolled 8 (1d20)

>>1629035

Rolled 10 (1d20)

>>1629035
>>Roll 1d20! Good luck!
ded

Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>1629035

>>1629038
Well, could be worse...

>>1629037
>>1629038
>>1629040
oh geez that's not a confidence-inspiring result right there

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Rolled 1 (1d20)

>>1629035
...

>>1629048
Well. This is a thing.

>>1629035
> It’s movement is fluid and smooth, much like how it manages to keep itself together.
>The Sectoids get ready to open fire at you as well, having been waiting to fire back.

>>1629048
>Rolled 1 (1d20)
kek

>>1629048
Get fucked!

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>>1629048
AYY LMAO

>>1629048
Outsider fucked up?

>>1629053
>>1629052
>>1629050
Pretty sure the Sectoids started snorting cocaine again.

>>1628995
>Flashbang! You might not stun the Outsider with it but you can daze and disorient the Sectoids in the UFO to give the rest of the squad a better chance to cover you.
>Have Rook and Babbler focus-fire on the Outsider while the girls and us take out the Sectoids.

>>1629057
Cue the "Drug abuse is a serious problem!" PSA with "A very special episode of XCOM" in the titlecard.

>>1629052
>The sectoids have discovered cocaine, and it shows in their combat performance

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>>1629052

>>1627836
>This particular scuffle in the skies however was thankfully over decisively, with Orpheus defeating the alien craft with only minor damage to both of their Ravens.
>>1628693
>Command says most of the crew has perished on impact, but expect the usual complement of Sectoids, the Outsider, and possibly drones.”
>>1629065
>>1629060
>After the previous UFO raids on drug cartels, the Sectoids looted their cocaine caches assuming it was a combat drug.
>The reason the Scout UFO crash landed so easily and nearly killed all of the crew was because the Sectoids were snorting cocaine on the job.
>The Sectoids still don't realize they're abusing cocaine and decided now was a good time to "boost their performance."

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>>1629048
Coke strikes back.

>>1629080
>The reason the Scout UFO crash landed so easily and nearly killed all of the crew was because the Sectoids were snorting cocaine on the job.
Which is the reason why the interceptors had an unusually easy time taking it down!

It makes perfect sense!

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You spent the extra half second to line up your throw, precious time that could be your last. Your instincts scream at you to throw it now instead of hesitating for that split second, but you steel yourself, making sure your aim is true.

The flashbang is sent hurtling through the air as the Outsider opens fire at you. Everything goes green for a moment as you see the plasma shot sail right at you--

And miss by mere inches.

The shot sails off into the forest, as you duck back into cover. The Sectoids screech in horror as they are disorientated from the flash. They fire wildly, terrified. Incredibly, in their confusion, one of them fires and manages to score a hit at the back of the Outsider.

The Outsider staggers forward, it’s body shimmering and shaking wildly from the point blank impact, not expecting to have it’s masters straight up shoot it in the back. The rest of your team capitalizes on the tactical tumble with extreme prejudice.

Rook and Babbler begin to suppress and lay down as much fire on the staggered Outsider as it is peppered with a constant stream of gunfire who can only weather the storm of bullets as it attempts to regain control of the situation.

Loki launches her prepared grenade, it sails through the air majestically before impacting within the UFO, the AP grenade sending several of the Sectoids flying from the blast while thankfully not blowing up the volatile alien power source within. Dazed, reeling, and about to break. The Sectoids attempt to muster a final stand from XCOM’s combined attack.

That’s when Harita strikes. Jumping out from the shadows behind the UFO, rushing forward and blasting one of them in the back with her shotgun before sprinting past and jumping into the air, pulling out her sword to slash down at another Sectoid who attempts to feebly raise it’s webbed hand in defense. She cuts through the Sectoid with ease and continues to slice and blast through remaining aliens with ruthless brutality. It seems she’s a Gurkha through and through.

Both you and Rachel act next, a complete opening presented to you as you both unload your magazines at the huddled Outsider as it attempts to stagger back up. You both hold down on your triggers, firing and firing until the Outsider simply disintigrates from the overwhelming barrage.

Just like that, it’s over. The Aliens cunning counterattack defeated through your courageous action.

“Fucking hell! Is it hard to walk around with those steel balls ya got, mate?” Babbler exclaims impressed once again by your action as you and Rachel keep your weapon trained on the remnant pieces of the Outsider, fully expecting it to reform again.

“What the hell were you thinking, do you have a death wish, Rookie?!” Rook says pissed understandable so as you did basically attempt a suicidal action.

You take a moment to catch your breath.

>I needed to give you all an opening.
>I was just doing my job.
>I gambled with the aliens and won, simple as that.
>Other

>>1629100
>>I was just doing my job.

Humility is a great thing to have

>>1629100
>>I needed to give you all an opening.

>>1629100
>I needed to give you all an opening.

>>1629100
>>Other
>Making the best of a bad situation

>>1629100
>I needed to give you all an opening.

>>1629100

>I needed to give you all an opening. I apolgize if it was out of line sir.

>>1629100
>I needed to give you all an opening.
Opportunity only knocks once on the battlefield

>>1629100
>I was just doing my job, giving you all an opening.

>>1629100
>>I needed to give you all an opening.

>>1629100
>>1629116
>>1629111
>>1629109
Support.

>>1629100
>I needed to give you all an opening.
>>So I gambled with the aliens and won, simple as that.
>>> I was trying to make the best of a bad situation.

>>1629100
>I was just doing my job.

>>1629057
>>1629060
>>1629083
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGD4p9UekqM
starts at 1:10

>>1629109
Supporting

>>1629100
>I needed to give you all an opening.
>Making the best of a bad situation

>>1629100
A pity we didn't have a stunner. Guess they haven't been developed yet.

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“I was just doing my job, it was a bad situation and I was making the best out of it for the squad.” You say to Rook. When you get down to it, you are an expendable Rookie and the veteran’s weren’t. That and if anyone was going down between you or Rachel, it’d be you.

Rook gets ready to say something back, possibly some frustrated retory at the very real possibility that you could’ve punched your ticket then and there. However, Rook doesn’t, merely grunting in frustration. While most of the other XCOM veterans couldn’t care less for Rookies, it seems Rook is another exception.

“...Secure the area and get it ready for asset recovery.” Rook orders, walking away to call it in with Command.

“Fuck dude, you did it again.” Rachel says after a moment incredulously after Rook is out earshot.

“That he did!” Loki approaches, her grenade launcher slung on her shoulder like a purse as looks over to nod approvingly at the carnage your group wrought. “Perhaps your skill isn’t just a mere fluke after all.”

“Fluke? What the hell are you trying to say to him?” Rachel turns to to face Loki once again stepping toward Loki who merely looks down at her with a sly smile, Harita calmly approaches the three of you, one hand on her alien blood soaked and places a hand on Rachel’s shoulder.

“She means nothing, she is only impressed.” Harita not so subtly suggests to Loki who merely smirks and walks away, seemingly getting what she wanted to know.

“Bitch.” Rachel mutters.

“Oi, can you believe this operation?” Babbler calls out as he walks over, taking his time to wander over thanks to his large machine gun, heavy armor, and kit. “Was it just me or did the gray arseholes seem much more organized this time around, especially the Outsider! He’s never moved around like that before! Still, color me impressed Rookie, again!”

“Their tactics did seem different. But whatever the case may be, the mission was a success with no injuries or casualties. It is best not to worry of things like that and merely celebrate instead.” Harita explains.

“That works for me!” Rachel says, relaxing a bit at that and grinning at you.

“Well don’t worry about that Strike One, I’ll be sure to accommodate for that.” The Commander’s voice speaks up again over the comms, pleased. “I believe you both may have earned a promotion for your efforts.”

That raises your spirits for sure. You are starting to understand why The Commander is respected in XCOM. Still, several questions and oddities did stand out during the operation, but Harita is right, that’s something to consider for later. A drink sounds nice right about now, after all.

>And with that we’ll call it here. Your collective RNG and my own bad luck remains insane as before, hopefully it can last for you guys next mission! We'll be taking it a bit more relaxed next week so hopefully you'll all meet and get to know more of the squad, but until then...

Thanks for playing!

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>>1629157
Cheers boss, see you next week

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>>1629157
>this thread

>>1629157
I'm with Babbler on this one. Sectoids and Outsiders aren't known for their Initiative.

>>1629157
See you next time!

>inb4 we have PSYCHIC POTENTIAL bleeding out of us, pushing odds into our favour

>>1629157
thanks for the thread OP!

careful with those opposed rolls... they've been favourable to players so far,
but if one takes them as the sole measure of difficulty, things can get arbitrarily bad, only at whim of the rng

>>1629169
Noted! I'll see if I can expand on the mechanics to be more varied if need be in the future.

>>1629171
anydice.com can be a useful tool when looking at the raw numbers of things. 'highest of three' is already a decent benefit to the player, and when opposed by a single roll it'll come out ahead ~77% of the time- ignoring crits and critfails all around, those are trickier to understand.

>>1629173
Hm, perhaps I can make it so that more powerful aliens get more dice to play with and follow the same best of X dice system? That and I could also have the rest of XCOM roll dice for themselves for a bit more spice in the combat. Extra dice being thrown around would be more exciting but it might get a bit confusing.

Apologies for all the spoilers!

>>1629188
That's certainly an idea, but you can probably just stick with what you have now as well. Players rolling more dice means they're subject to more crits and critfails as well, not to mention bonuses and penalties.

It's really easy to flail around when homebrewing like this, so sticking to the status quo has its own quality

Awww I missed everything

>>1629157
Finally read everything. I like it a lot, but I must say you should apply the "Show, Don't Tell" principle more often.

>>1629342
Good point, I'll keep that in mind for next time!

>>1631086
Are you going to have some memes in this later, like Beaglerush? Because XCOM memes are really nice compared to other game memes.

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>>1631107
I'm not against the idea, but we'll see how the story plays out

>>1629100
>“Fucking hell! Is it hard to walk around with those steel balls ya got, mate?”
Hah!

>>1631107
Well, we're starting on the coke memes right now...

>>1632383
>tfw MC is asked where he got and why he has a pouch of cocaine in his pocket
>"Pocket sand, sir."