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>>1869278

As you reload your shotgun and try to assess the fight around you from the slightly elevated bar in the center of the casino floor, you hear a grunt as several bottles and glasses are swept off the table and shatter on the floor as Naru makes space for her and her rocket launcher. The both of you having hunkered down together at the bar once the firefight started.

“Just say the word, Dozer!” Naru says through gritted teeth, her aim adjusting with the heavy weapon as she steadies her aim, waiting for your target and call.

>Take out the Thin Men first! You and your squad are being locked down by their suppressive fire.
>The only good bug is a dead bug! Those things are getting closer and closer.
>Those turned civilians need to be neutralized! They may not get you right away but those things look tough.
>Fire in the hole! Have Naru fire a rocket at one of the groups! (Decide what target with your vote as well.)
>Other

>Fire in the hole! Have Naru fire a rocket at one of the groups! (Decide what target with your vote as well.)

shoot the crysilids

>>1869286
>>Take out the Thin Men first! You and your squad are being locked down by their suppressive fire.

>>1869286
>>The only good bug is a dead bug! Those things are getting closer and closer.

>>1869286
>>Fire in the hole! Have Naru fire a rocket at one of the groups! (Decide what target with your vote as well.)
Chyrsallids.
>Shiv suppresses the thin men

>>1869329
this

>>1869286
>The only good bug is a dead bug! Those things are getting closer and closer.

We're doing OUR part!

>>1869329
This seems like a good idea shiv suppression has worked for us before

>>1869300
>>1869329
>>1869341
>>1869358
Rocket time it is, writing!

File: SHIV Supression.jpg (55 KB, 608x340)

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“Take out those bugs! SHIV, suppress the Thin Men!” You order, motioning to the trio of bugs darting from side to side. The things while intimidating seem to operate on a pack mentality. A likely death sentence should any of the three reach any of you, but grouped up enough that any explosives should do serious damage.

The others should be able to handle themselves enough to focus fire on whatever important targets they have to deal with. There’s a chime of a confirmation as the SHIV rolls into action, knocking over stools and chairs as it swivels it’s mounted machine gun to lay down fire at the Thin Men.

“You got it, just keep anything off me from spoiling my shot!” Naru calls back, focusing intently to trying to get the perfect shot.

>Roll 1d20+3

Rolled 5 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>1869423

Rolled 8 (1d20)

>>1869423

Rolled 1 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>1869423
Suppression is awesome

Rolled 1 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>1869423

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>>1869429
>>1869431
>>1869432
>>1869433

Rolled 1 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>1869432
>>1869433
We promised Rook too

>>1869456
weelp

Rolled 16 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>1869423

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>>1869423
>>1869433
>>1869456

We did reload the shotgun right? I think it'd be less painful to just kill ourselves now.

File: Spoiler Image (125 KB, 1200x871)

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Rolled 14, 7, 17 = 38 (3d20)

You turn your attention towards the enemy and begin to open fire, trying to keep the your focus on the enemies all around you. Your shotgun may be close range, but you can still help in keeping the enemies from ducking down.

However, your attention is focused solely on what’s ahead of you and the flanks around you. And while in most situations this is more than enough, there is one flank you had least expected.

Above you.

There’s a clattering and a hellish roar as something drops down above you and lands right on you. One of the bugs, a forth, has somehow managed to sneak its way above you for an ambush! You almost lose your shotgun when the thing drops on you, almost. It roars at you again, saliva dripping down your face as it attempts to hold you down with it’s arms.

“Fuck!” Naru exclaims in horror, nearly being knocked back herself from the drop down ambush. The other bugs are approaching and the rest of the squad could really use that rocket right now, not that you can really assess the situation as the thing attempts to pin you down, your mind racing. Naru attempts to fumble for her shatterarray as you struggle against the beast’s grasp.

>I got it! Fire the rocket!
>Get this thing off of me!
>Reposition dammit!

>>1869478
>I got it! Fire the rocket!

>>1869478
>>I got it! Fire the rocket!

>>1869485
Supporting

>>1869478
>I got it! Fire the rocket!

>>1869478
>I got it! Fire the rocket!

>>1869478
>>I got it! Fire the rocket!

File: XCOM Shotgun and Pistol.jpg (88 KB, 640x640)

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Rolled 18 (1d20)

“I got it! Just fire! Fire the rocket!” You manage to scream out as it attempts to raise it’s sharp claws to impale you. You manage to just straddle yourself out of the way as you do so. It recoils back for a moment and doubles down on trying to pin you down, the gangly long carapaced arms trying to dig into your sides to hold you still long enough for it to finish you.

You hope Naru heard what you said as your attention is focused solely on the beast within arms length of you. You manage to kick it back a bit with a burst of adrenaline, long enough for you to try and blast the thing with 8 gauge.

It attempts to lunge back at you again enraged at what it thinks should be an easy kill. It doesn't want to play with it's food anymore. Now or never, shotgun don't fail now!

>Roll 1d20+4

Rolled 18 + 4 (1d20 + 4)

>>1869522
I got this lads

Rolled 14 + 4 (1d20 + 4)

>>1869522
bang bang

Rolled 20 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>1869522

>>1869522

>>1869526
bueno

>>1869526
Ayy.

>>1869526
NOICE

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>>1869526
How fortuitous! Do you guys wish to save that Crit?

>Y/N

>>1869536
I have a feeling we're gonna need it. Here's a success either way.
>Y

>>1869536
Y

>>1869536
>y

>>1869536
>N
Nah, this fucker got the jump on us, it's going to pay for that.

>>1869536
y

>>1869536
>Y

>>1869536
>Y

File: [ALIEN ACTIVITY].png (94 KB, 699x104)

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Rolled 4 (1d20)

(Crit saved! You guys now have one in the chamber, writing!)

...

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The damn thing may be one hell of an ugly bug that did get the drop on you, but it made one fatal mistake. It didn’t kill you right away. With a grunt you hoist your shotgun and jam it right in the stomach of the beast as it attempts to lunge at you. It’s held back by your shotgun, digging the barrel in between it’s it’s carapaced shell.
You don’t waste any second longer you let out a cry and pull the trigger, unloading 8 gauge point blank in the bug. Yellow ichor splattering everywhere as it roars out a gurgled cry and slumps down. You roll out of the way just in the nick of time as it drops onto the floor. You aren’t going to take any second chances however as you scramble onto a crouch and unload another blast of 8 gauge right in it’s head, turning it into pulpy mush.

“Nice job!” Naru says in relief.

You take a breath then quickly assess the situation as you see Naru drop down behind cover to load another rocket into the tube, the air smoking from the backblast around you. You look over and see a chunk of the casino floor has been blown to smithereens, purple chunks of the bugs strewn about. It seems Naru hit the mark thankfully enough.

The Thin Men are clearly not pleased that the bugs have been taken, yet with the approaching turned civilians the thin men double down, continuing to fight back. One of them recoils back for a moment and spits out acid towards Rachel the closest to the front and the civvies, the cloud of acrid smoke engulfing her. There’s a sound of an alarm eminating from the SHIV as it speeds towards Rachel’s position hastily reloading it’s cannon.

“F--Acgk!” You hear her cough and sputter, her form obscured by the poison cloud. The Thin Men seem to turn their attention elsewhere, pointing their weapons at-- You don’t get to assess things any further as you have to duck down yourself, your head nearly being blown off by accurate plasma fire.

“Bastards got us pinned down!” Naru calls out, switching to her shatterarray and blindly firing the laser weapon at the thin men ineffectually.

“I can give you an opening.” Peppermint says, the close range comms still thankfully not completely jammed by the alien device, she likely has the best shot on the Thin Men.

“The former civilians are getting closer to Riot, give the order and I shall run the alien’s fire.” Burnout says calmly.

Shit, while they’re both effective at what they do they also need to focus their fire on the enemy, turning their attentions to both yourself and Naru denies their fire support. You’re an Assault yourself after all...

>Have Peppermint give you that opening, it should allow you to reposition. Hell, she might even take out one of them in the process.
>Allow Burnout to run the overwatch, not only should he be able to dodge it he could likely flank the enemy.
>Run n’ Gun past the supression and try and get to Rachel, the others can focus on those… things!
>Other

>>1869680
>Have Peppermint give you that opening, it should allow you to reposition. Hell, she might even take out one of them in the process.

>>1869680
>>Run n’ Gun past the supression and try and get to Rachel, the others can focus on those… things!

>>1869680
>>Run n’ Gun past the supression and try and get to Rachel, the others can focus on those… things!
This is what we were made for! Kill Everything!

>>1869680
>Run n’ Gun past the supression and try and get to Rachel, the others can focus on those… things!

We've breathed this shit before and it turned out...well.

>>1869680
>>Run n’ Gun past the supression and try and get to Rachel, the others can focus on those… things!
time for the regularly scheduled plasma bolt to the chest.

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You sneak a peek over the top of the counter as you consider your options, but seeing those civvies getting closer. You think you see some of them slowing down, as if preparing for something. With that and your buddy trapped in the hell that is a Thin Man’s acid cloud you know your call. She needs to get out of there as quickly as possible and you’re the most capable. You don’t even hesitate as you take a breath and position yourself to dash out. Naru sees this and gives you a nod.

“You’re damn crazy, man.” She says but with renewed vigor she slams a fresh reloads a fresh battery into her shatterarray and pops out opening fire with her weapon. “Cover Dozer he’s moving up!”

The team complies and once you hear their return fire you don’t waste any longer and dash out of cover, running the enemy's overwatch and making a beeline straight for Rachel!

>Roll 1d20+3

Rolled 10 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>1869750
Come on baby, daddy needs a new pair of pants after getting shot at like this...

Rolled 2 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>1869750

Rolled 14 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>1869750
LIGHTNING REFLEXES

Rolled 4 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>1869750

File: [ALIEN ACTIVITY] B.png (75 KB, 699x104)

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Rolled 20 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>1869759
...

>>1869765
gg no re

Good thing we banked that crit yes?

File: 1501735961598.jpg (120 KB, 680x650)

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Rolled 20 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>1869765
Uh oh! The Thin Men are being lanky bastards! Do you guys want to use up that stored Crit?

>Y/N

>>1869775
>Y
Unless that is the reroll

File: Worried.png (153 KB, 308x294)

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>>1869775
What the hell, another 20!? That wasn't even intentional. Thin men really want to show off their skills this thread!

>>1869775
>Y

>>1869775
y
Is this second 20 a bit of bad news?

>>1869775
y pls

>>1869775
>>N
If we have to roll vs a 20? NO. That's pointless.

Unless it cancels out their critical?

>>1869785
That's thin men for you, 34% chance to hit = 99%

>>1869781
>>1869786
>>1869793
>>1869797
Using up the crit, writing!

>>1869798
Using up a saved crit cancels out a 20 and nets you a success.

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You rush out as the sizzling plasma sails around you as you charge forward towards Rachel’s position. The SHIV spots this and begins to charge forward, drifting beside you and matching your speed as both you and the drone begin to spray fire and charge in the direction of the Thin Men and former civs. One of the thin men going down from your whole team’s combined fire.

As you get closer you manage to get a better look at the turned civilians. The former man a seemingly a shell of his former self, his body twisting and skin pulsating as if something is inside it, waiting to burst out from within. You don’t give it a chance to do that however as you fire another blast a the man’s chest, taking him down for good.

The SHIV skids to a stop in front of you, blasting at the mutated civilians as you reach the acid cloud slowing down and keeping the horde at bay. Not bad. You turn your attention to the acid cloud, even through the cacophony of noise that is combat you can hear the desperate hacking and wheezing of Rachel within. After taking a breath you grit teeth, hold your breath, and squeeze your eyes shut. You dive in.

Well, it’s just as bad as last time, as you nearly fall over upon contact with the acid cloud. Yet, thanks to your training before with Peppermint and your own experiences with the acid, it does not slow you down as you wade into the cloud and manage to feel out and find the huddled form of your buddy within. Without hesitation you grab her and pull yourselves out of the cloud to the nearest cover you can find, your friend clutching her shield and your arm tightly as you drag her safely behind some slot machines.

Thankfully, she’s fine but will not be helping for the rest of this firefight. You take a moment to catch your breath. Once your composure is regained you push back out again and join up with the SHIV to take out the remaining aliens. Naru and Burnout move up as well with advancing fire, joining in with the SHIV taking down the shambling mutated civs one after the other, thinning the herd of the casualties.

With your semi-cover mobile fire support that’s the SHIV and your team supporting you cross the final bound and reach the cover of the Thin Men, killing one of them outright with your shotgun. You spot the remaining one is sporting some sort of… alien device on it’s person, a warbled static-like sound emanating from it. Seeing you and knowing it’s time is up, it prepares to chuck a glob of acid at you, causing you to have to move out of the way as your position is engulfed in the acrid poison. It uses that opportunity to make a run for it. Peppermint attempts to take a shot… only manages to wing it. The things are still as frustratingly hard to hit as ever and not even Peppermint can’t reliably take it down as it retreats to the upper levels of the casino.

(Part 1 / 2)

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When the last of the herd of mutated civs is taken down, you don’t assume for a moment that it’s over as you hear another roar of more of the bugs coming from within the concert hall itself. You curse and don’t waste any second to act.

“SHIV, watch the door! Peppermint overwatch! Everyone else, find something to barricade it!” You order, rushing to the nearest slot machine. The others follow suit as more roars from the bugs emanate from the within. You quickly begin to prop whatever you can find, mostly slot machines, to bar the door as the SHIV begins to open fire within, beeping warning sounds as you do so. You don’t waste precious time to take a peek and focus on barricading. In moments it’s barred as the doors buckle and bang from the beasts within. For the moment, the area is secure.

“Status report!” You call out as you move to check on Rachel, your friend coughing and wheezing, eyes teared up.

“That… really…. acghk… sucks!” Rachel sputters. She’s out but she’s fine, she manages to raise a weary thumbs up to you to confirm it.

"Took a hit, but it was only a glancing blow." Burnout comments, tapping his vest. Somehow even when the scout is hit it's only a grazed hit. You're not surprised.

“Fine, close calls though.” Naru says, kicking one of the dead mutated civilians, making sure it’s dead. It remains still.

“If there is more of those things within the concert hall, it is only a matter of time before they figure out another exit.” Burnout says quietly, frowning as the things continue to bang at the door for almost mindlessly. The SHIV reloads it’s weapon and chimes in confirmation, weapon still trained at the door. You wonder how much ammo is packed in it, that thing was firing nonstop.

“I think I have an idea on how to take those out….” Naru adds.

“...While that is a problem, that remaining Thin Man had a jamming device.” Peppermint adds from her perch. You look back at her as she points towards the way the alien has escaped to, weapon scoped in that direction. “If we can take it out we could restore communication and reorganize.”

“Or… ugh… we link up with the Harita and the others at the shops! We could take out those bugs, get the jammer and… ice those zombies better as a team!” Rachel coughs, standing up in a daze. She uses the shield to prop herself up as she gets her composure and jerks her thumb towards the direction of the ‘forum shoppes’, you can hear a battle still rages there. Peppermint cocks her head at that in disbelief at the ‘z’ word. You know… come to think of it they do look like zombies.

...Just what more are the aliens capable of?

“What’s the play, Dozer?” Naru asks you.

>Find a way to clear out the concert hall, those bugs and ‘zombies’ are still in there. It’s only a matter of time before they bust out.
>Chase down that Thin Man, restoring comms would pay dividends.
>Link up with the rest of Strike-1. They might need the help.
>Other.

>>1869970
>Chase down that Thin Man, restoring comms would pay dividends

>>1869970
>Chase down that Thin Man, restoring comms would pay dividends.

>>1869970
>Chase down that Thin Man, restoring comms would pay dividends.
There's a reason the radio was such a advancement in warfare

>>1869970
>>Chase down that Thin Man, restoring comms would pay dividends.

>>1869974
>>1869976
>>1869984
>>1869998
Hunting down a thin mint it is, writing!

>>1869970
>>Other.
>Chase down that Thin Man, restoring comms would pay dividends, and then call in the reinforcements. ALL OF THEM. Tell Burnout to take the lead in chasing the alien, this is his specialty.
AND
-Tell Rachel to retreat to Strike 1 or 4 if she cant keep up

Can Naru load another rocket on the move ?

>>1869970
>Chase down that Thin Man, restoring comms would pay dividends.

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“We need to chase down that Thin Man and restore communication. We’re all running blind in this op until we take that jammer down.” You order, garnering a nod of agreement from Peppermint.

“What about those things in there? I doubt a couple of slot machines are going to hold them back for long.” Burnout says with a frown. The SHIV finishes reloading a fresh box of ammunition and chimes a tune that it is ready to shoot again. You smirk a bit at the robot.

“Like I said I got answer to that.” Naru says, coughing.

“And that is?” Peppermint raises an eyebrow.

“We burn them out.” Naru says with a glint in her eye bringing up her flamethrower gauntlet in her hand, with a motion the pilot light turns on and you begin to smell the ignition fluid within. “I can stay here and rig up a proper firestorm in there, especially if I use up what’s left of the bar as a little pick me up.”

“What if there’s civilians in there? What if the fire spreads out of control?” Burnout counters, swiftly lightning another cigarette.

“If there are civs in there they’re as good as dead! Better to be safe than sorry.” Naru answerback, shaking her head and turning back to you. “Look, I’m to slow as is with the rocket launcher. I’m better off staying put here and dealing with those things. Well, me and Riot.”

She jerks a thumb over to Rachel who's still coughing a bit, seeing the attention she holds her hand up and shakes her head, trying to save face.

“I’m.. fine!” Rachel says. “Just need to walk this off.”

“Just saying.” Naru shrugs.

“A single thin man has already caused us enough trouble, we might be harming ourselves if we split up.” Peppermint shakes her head. “Though… we would be slowed down by those two.”

“I’m. Fine.” Rachel grits her teeth, thumping her shield on the ground for emphasis. “And we don’t split up the squad. Ever. That’s suicide!”

The SHIV chimes a tone, reminding you all it’s still there. Hm, whatever the call is the SHIV could be a solid filler as well… Time is running out and the thin man is making further and further distance, time to make a call.

>Have Rachel and Naru secure the area and burn out the bugs in the concert hall.
>Move the team together to chase down the thin man.
>Other

Speaking of, what of the SHIV?
>Have it stay put and secure the casino floor, it can handle bugs.
>Move it ahead to hunt down the Thin Man. It’s an excellent scout.
>Other

Vote for both or specify some combination of the two!

>>1870100
>>Move the team together to chase down the thin man.
>Move it ahead to hunt down the Thin Man. It’s an excellent scout.

>>1870100
>>Move the team together to chase down the thin man.

>>Have it stay put and secure the casino floor, it can handle bugs.

>>1870100
>>Have Rachel and Naru secure the area and burn out the bugs in the concert hall.
AND
>Move it ahead to hunt down the Thin Man. It’s an excellent scout.

>>1870100
Have Rachel and Naru secure the area and burn out the bugs in the concert hall.

>Have it stay put and secure the casino floor, it can handle bugs.

>>1870100
>Have Rachel and Naru secure the area and burn out the bugs in the concert hall.

>Have it stay put and secure the casino floor, it can handle bugs.

>>1870100
>>Have Rachel and Naru secure the area and burn out the bugs in the concert hall.

>Have it stay put and secure the casino floor, it can handle bugs.

>>1870100
>>Move the team together to chase down the thin man.
>Have it stay put and secure the casino floor, it can handle bugs.

>>1870100
>>Have Rachel and Naru secure the area and burn out the bugs in the concert hall.

>Have it stay put and secure the casino floor, it can handle bugs.

>>1870129
>>1870131
>>1870134
>>1870135
>>1870144

When is splitting the party ever a good idea in X-com?

>>1870100
>Move the team together to chase down the thin man.
>Have it stay put and secure the casino floor, it can handle bugs.

>>1870145
Now. You can forget about catching up to that Thin Man with a hacking and couching Rachel.
If you want to worse her current condition by overexertion I have some words for you.

>>1870159
Bruh...

Do you WANT those left behind to die? For all we know, this is Legendary Ironman mode.

>>1870159
Sure, lets leave her behind with AN ENTIRE ROOM OF CHRYSSALIDS.

>>1870166
But that can only end well, tovarisch! :^)

>>1870100
>Have Rachel and Naru secure the area and burn out the bugs in the concert hall.
>Have it stay put and secure the casino floor, it can handle bugs.

The quick will go after the Thin Man, I think 3 squad members can handle it. I hope.

>>1870163
>For all we know, this is Legendary Ironman mode.
Clearly false, Strike 1's plot armor is so thick even a squad of Mutons couldnt break it. Anything more than a short medbay trip wont happen, and we're already resistant to Thin Man gas. It's overwhelmingly clear that the only ones set up as redshirts are the other Strike teams.

>>1870182
;^) ;^)

IF ONLY YOU KNEW.

>>1870185
The fact that a room full of Chrysalids, Thin Men and zombies couldn't even scratch us shouldve tipped you off.

>>1870129
>>1870131
>>1870134
>>1870135
>>1870144
Splitting the party it is, writing!

>>1870192
;^)

Yeah, but you had banked (and promptly used) a crit earlier.

File: XCOM Squad.jpg (211 KB, 1600x900)

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“We can’t risk those bugs breaking out… nor can we let that thin man escape with the jammer. We’re splitting up. Rachel, Naru, and the SHIV will secure the area and burn them out while the rest of us run down that Thin Man.” You say after a moment. There’s general agreement among the team except for Rachel.

“...I hope I don’t get to say I told you so.” Rachel mutters, as she joins up with Naru. The SHIV chimes a confirmation to you, seemingly reassuring you it will do it’s best to protect the pair.

“Alright, help me get some rags and all the booze you can carry, we’re making firebombs.” Naru says to Rachel as the SHIV posts up at the doors.

Seeing the group having handled this and not wasting any time, Peppermint, Burnout, and yourself make chase, leaving the casino floor proper and making your way through the long hallways and narrow corridors of the hotel portion of the casino itself. Unlike the open spaces of the garage or the main casino floor, these hallways and adjoining rooms can house any number of aliens lying in wait.

You and your two squadmates advance quickly and quietly the three of you advance forward, ducking through empty rooms and destroyed corridors, not wanting to betray the alien of your presence…

>Stick together, overwatch and advance carefully.
>Have Burnout scout ahead.
>Move quickly, dash to catch up to the Thin Man.
>Other

>>1870236
>Stick together, overwatch and advance carefully.

>>1870236
>>Stick together, overwatch and advance carefully.

>>1870236
>>Stick together, overwatch and advance carefully.

>>1870255

>Have Burnout scout ahead.

File: 1499471724517.jpg (156 KB, 664x960)

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>>1870236
>Stick together, overwatch and advance carefully.

>>1870236
>>Stick together, overwatch and advance carefully.

>>1870257
Why did you respond to me?

>>1870264

Clicked the wrong post, too tired to notice.

>>1870236
>>Stick together, overwatch and advance carefully.

File: Just like the good old days.jpg (84 KB, 600x328)

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This is uncharted territory and you and your crew need every advantage you can get against this thing. It really only has one way it can go, up. You and your two squadmates move methodically from room to room, clearing and advancing. Expecting the thin man to appear at any corner or shadow.

Funnily enough, it brings you back to your SWAT days as a former Fed. It would be almost nostalgic if Rachel was with you. Room by room, you advance forward. Your hardened training busting gangbangers and terrorists coming back to you once again. It’s going to be a challenge with only three members and a large casino, but the rest of the team is counting on the three of you. Whether they know it or not.

Burnout seems to be able to keep up with you, his previous GIGN experience coming back into play thankfully enough. However, Peppermint is steadily having difficulty with the slow, nerve wracking, and arduous process of the steady room by room clear. She's a sniper after all not a door kicker... Still you all have to make do.

>Roll 1d20+2

File: 1505000659878.png (193 KB, 640x400)

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Rolled 34 (1d100)

>>1870288

Rolled 10 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>1870288

>>1870288

>>1870296
anon you what

Rolled 16 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>1870288

Rolled 19 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>1870288

Rolled 5 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>1870288

>>1870288
>>1870299
Whoops

File: [HIDDEN MOVEMENT].jpg (36 KB, 800x360)

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Rolled 5 (1d20)

>>1870303
...

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Just a heads up friends, this update is likely to be a long one. Stand by!

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Slowly but surely you advance, the distant sounds of gunfire below and the occasional rumble of explosions both inside and outside of the casino casing the lights to flicker and dust particles on the ceiling to fall down, if the hallways are even illuminated in the first place. Parts of the casino itself are either blocked off from rubble or darkened entirely as sections are completely without power.

What is a constant are the bodies. If it wasn’t for XCOM entering into the AO and responding it was likely that the entirety of the poor souls trapped in this casino would’ve been slaughtered, turned into those zombies, or worse.

As you finish clearing a section of business offices and meeting rooms, the three of you round the corner and come face to face with the Thin Man, the alien caught completely unawares as it had stopped to what you could only assume is communicate with any remaining alien contacts, it’s long and elongated hand raised to its ear, as if using a comm’s piece.

“Take it down!” You order and with coordination and extreme prejudice the three of you manage to take it down almost immediately, the thin man and it’s superhuman reaction times nonexistent as it can barely turn around before it’s gunned down by your combined firepower. The alien’s body explodes out in a cloud of acid, keeping you and your two squadmates back for a moment as you wait for the acid to dissipate. A few tense moments pass but thankfully enough you aren’t met with any further contact.

Once the acid clears you step up to inspect the remains of the thin man, and the device attached to it. Kneeling down you note that the wrist mounted device is quite literally mounted onto it. Fused together with it’s arm into a rather grotesque implant.

“That’s a jammer.” Burnout confirms.

Nodding, you don’t put any further thought into as you raise your boot up and crush it, the arm of the thin man and the attached jammer crumpling into a mangled heap. Jammer destroyed. The three of you then wince for a moment as your comms are initially garbled with loud static before evening out, communications properly restored in the area at last. You don’t hesitate as you call it in.

(Part 1 / 2)

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“Strike-1b Lead to Command and other teams reporting in, Jammer destroyed. Status report.” You comm in.

A moment passes and you wince again as Strike-2’s excessively loud lead chimes in, nearly peaking the headset as he practically shouts into the mic.

“Took you long enough! Thought we were the only ones left standing!” The squad leader chuckles. “A few injured but we the xeno scum has been ELIMINATED! ...And I can shout as much as I want Hornet and you can’t stop me dammit! Neither can you Bolilo!” The mic is immediately cut as one of the other Strike-2 troopers quickly chimes an apology for their squad leader’s… rambunctiousness.

“This is Central to all Strike teams, the UFOs in the surrounding area have been driven off or shot down, the skies are clear. Mop up any remaining stragglers and secure the area. Local first response is enroute to deal with the civilians.” Central chimes in, a noted relief in his voice at the restored communications. Hopefully that’ll get him off your ass later. Hopefully.

“Strike-1a Lead reporting in.” Rook adds as well. “Minor injuries but we’re all accounted for. The X-rays in our section of the casino have been neutralized and we have survivors waiting for extraction. Good job Dozer, we’re going to link up at the casino floor momentarily and--”

Rook never gets to finish his sentence however as you are all interrupted by a bloodcurdling scream over the feeds, a scream of pure pain over the comms, the sounds of the open mic broadcasting not only the agony but the sounds of battle still ensuing. Immediately, the comms begins to light up with activity at that, intermixed with the sounds of screaming.

“Status report! What’s going on down there?!”

“What the hell is going on?”

“It’s not us, we’re all accounted for!”

“Who is it?!”

You however know who it is. It’s Rachel’s voice.

>Roll 1d20. Good luck.

Rolled 1 (1d20)

>>1870357
Here comes the snow.

Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>1870357
Oh fuck.

>>1870359
YES
E
S

Rolled 8 (1d20)

>>1870357

>>1870359
Well, shit. M-maybe the SHIV will be totally busted?

>>1870359
they'll be better off behind they said. She warned us to not split the team even.

Fuck.

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>>1870359
...Well then. This might take a bit. Stand by.

Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>1870357

>>1870359
Looks like we've been...

...snowed in.

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Oh fuck this is bad

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>>1870359

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fuck

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>>1870359
>>1870384

i hope it doesn't means the end of rachel and naru, but it doesn't bode well

>>1870367
We still have five waifus left.

inb4 they get chryssalid'd

>>1870396
They're all their own people anon, not just tits on legs. They're not interchangeable.

>>1870396
You think anyone would want to husbando Dozer after leaving half his team to die in such a colossal fuckup like this?

>>1870401
>not just tits on legs.

Not with that attitude they aren't.

Besides, MEC waifu is best waifu.

>>1870402

>>1870402
>half
20%. And they agreed to the plan.

>>1870406
I mean 40%.

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No. No this isn’t be right. This can’t be right.

You stand there for a moment nearly dropping your weapon into the ground. Nearly.

That’s when it hits you like a direct impact from a freight train. That’s her voice. That’s Rachel’s.

Then you start screaming.

You begin to run, no, sprint at full speed back towards the casino floor. You don’t hear what Peppermint and Burnout say, their voices falling on deaf ears as you simply have no time to stop. No time to slow down.

You can’t stop, if you stop, it might be too late.

You stumble and trip as you nearly collapse down the stairs, your mind not thinking clearly as you try and will your body to move faster and faster. To reach your destination quicker. Every time you stumble you curse yourself. Every time you are forced to slow down or navigate an obstacle you curse yourself further.

This isn’t right. This is…

Dissapointing..

A voice echoes in your mind, an utter disdain and contempt not at the situation, but at yourself. To let yourself crack so easily to something such as this. And despite everything, you cannot fight against it. You cannot blame it. You want to with every fiber of your being… but can’t. Not when you get closer and arrive at the casino floor.

The situation has fallen apart.

They’re everywhere, swarming out from the concert hall, the barricade destroyed. From within, the interior of the concert hall burns, casting long large wild shadows of the beasts within accompanied by the echoing with roars and screeches as the things burn within. Quickly; but not fast enough.

Off to the side, knocked over and sparking and burning is the remains of the SHIV. Having been overwhelmed and literally cut apart by the bugs, destroyed in its entirety. At the center of the casino floor is your teammates.

She’s down. Her body crumpled on the floor as Naru attempts a valiant last stand against the beasts beside her. Her flamethrower spewing out burning fury out at the bugs. The fire is the only thing keeping the things at bay as they skitter and move around, encircling the pair. Trying to find an opening. Some of them are caught in the fires howling and screeching in pain, dashing about wildly around the casino floor, spreading the fire further. Man burn, but many more remain. They’re getting closer, poised and ready to strike the pair down.

To kill them.

No. No! This isn’t be right. THIS ISN’T BE RIGHT.

You let out a cry and attempt to cross the distance, but before you can even take a step. Naru appears to do one final last ditch effort to stop them once her flamethrower runs out of gas. She pulls out her rocket launcher.

Danger close.

You only manage to make a few steps before the rocket is fired at practically point blank. You see Naru get knocked back from the explosion and that’s the last thing you see as the ceiling comes crashing down.

And then, nothing...

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>>1870409

>...And with that I’m going to call it here! Apologies again for not running last week but I will strive to not make that happen again or run earlier/during later on in the weekend to make up for it. No new art this week due to my busy schedule but I will see what I can do for next thread. So until next time…

Thanks for playing!

Oh god oh god oh god fuck man all the dead Rachel jokes from the first couple of threads ARE COMING TRUE

riot nooooooo

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>>1870404
Forgot pic

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christ

>>1870410
I'm just saying if one of them ethereal cucks tries to play telepathic chicken with Dozer when he's out cold right now all he's going to hear is Sly Marbo on an infinite loop as his brain liquefies.

Wew lad

it's all gone to shit gentlemen
it's all
gone
to
shit

[Squaddie Anon has panicked!]

>>1870410
Fuck

Maybe next time people will remember to NOT SPLIT UP THE TEAM!

F

>>1870429
Best of three, per usual.

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I don't even feel anymore. Despair, hope or the burning rage that encourages a nuclear response

>>1870425
The first split (Strike1a and 1B was fine). Letting Rachel run a marathon after huffing Thin Man acid was also a very bad idea.

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XCOM

All in a day's work.

Sounds like it's time for revenge by gene mods boys, how bad could it possibly be for our body long-term?

>>1870504
That's...beautiful anon. Where did you find it ?
(Also Gantz suits when)

>>1870437
Lets see... she might be dead so I think out of breath is a lesser worry.

>>1870733
>she might be dead
Shame on you for underestimating Vahlen and Sweet. Our medic better come running to stabilize any survivors tho.

>>1870792
>large bald black man bursts up through the floor with medkit in hand

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RACHEL
NARU
SHIV
NOOOOOOOO

DAMN IT XCOM

It was you who left a pistol-armed trooper to fight chryssalids. It was you anons.

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>>1870874
If that thinmint didn't pull a goddamn crit we wouldn't have had to use our banked crit and could have used it to save the day against zombie demon fucks.

FUCKING THINMEN

>>1870689
in /tg/. There's also a nude version around.

>>1870887
Thinmen are the real alien super weapon.

>Target: Thinman
>Chance to hit 99%

>Miss
>Miss
>Miss
>Miss
>Miss

>>1870409
I'm really really praying that we got hit by a psionic attack that induced PANIC without realizing it and that none of this is actually happening.

>>1871513
I wouldn't count on it. It was a chrysalid terror mission after all.

Also Rook must be cursing the day he met Dozer.

>>1871940
Appears that we're hypercompetent except for the occasions that actually matter.

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>>1870410
>Just caught up
Wew lad that 1. Worst timing. That's d20s for you though.

This is a big moment for you Pixel on what kind of QM you're going to be.

Will you go the MercCommand route where there aren't any stakes and everyone is going to get off mostly free after some bedrest?

Or is this XCOM? Guess we'll find out.

>>1871513
>>1871952
>>1872143
There IS a hint that this might be psionic in nature.

>resolve is tested
then
This isn’t right. This is…

Dissapointing..

A voice echoes in your mind, an utter disdain and contempt not at the situation, but at yourself. To let yourself crack so easily to something such as this.

and finally the Ethereal picture

WE might have run into a psi alien that gave us a huge fuck you. which of course made us run into a blast zone we shouldn't have.

>>1872159
Hopefully we'll just walk out of this mission with a SHAKEN status rather than 3 dead teammates.

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>>1872469
;^)

That WOULD be nice, wouldn't it?

>>1870874
>pistol-armed
You forgot about the rocket launcher and the SHIV. You expect a rookie squad leader to be perfect ? They aren't.

>>1876749
>You expect a rookie squad leader to be perfect?
You should probably expect any soldier to understand that splitting the squad to go after one Thin Man and leaving the least mobile/ most injured half to hold off swarms of chrysalids and zombies isn't a good idea.

Should have pushed together towards the Thin Man and used the Molotovs to light chokepoints on fire to delay the Lids until the Thin Man was dealt with and the full squad could take the Lid threat.

But hey hindsight is 20/20 and I wasn't here so that's on me. And any plan can fall victim to the le nat 1 and be utterly meaningless so I guess it doesn't matter.

>>1877120
Well the plan was get comms back as soon as possible to let everyone know about the wall of bugs.

We just weren't fast enough.

On the bright side, we might get a MEC out of this.

>>1877187
Or, far more likely, several pictures on the memorial wall.

So I just finished archive binging; This is a great quest and a terrible cliffhanger.

>>1879734
Also, this is why you don't spend crits on non-combat rolls. Remember those crits we used to impress Shen? This is the cost.

>>1877617
Why not both?

>>1879970
SHIV and Rachel on the wall and Naru as a MEC?

I can get behind that.

>>1879975
No, the SHIV will become the MEC.

>>1879999
I feel like the MEC is more likely to become a Spark

>>1879975
What the hell is with you tucked up amputee fetishists?

>>1889921

Next thread is up!