>>1889921
>Go to Medical, maybe one of them is OK to visit.

>>1889921
>>Speak with the Commander, she did not berate you and that alone is a miracle. Still, perhaps it’s best to get the evaluation of yourself sooner than later.

>>1889921
>Go to Medical, maybe one of them is OK to visit

>>1889921
>“...At the very least everyone is alive.”
Confirmed for not XCOM. I knew you wouldn't have the balls.

>Speak with the Commander, she did not berate you and that alone is a miracle. Still, perhaps it’s best to get the evaluation of yourself sooner than later.

>>1889943
Kys senpai.

>>1889943
>>1889921
OP YOU GOT MANCHESTEEEEEERRED

>>1889921
>Go to Medical, maybe one of them is OK to visit.

>>1889926
>>1889933
>>1889969

Medical it is, writing!

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>>1889921
>...At the very least everyone is alive

mec inbound I guess

>>1890062
Too early nigga.

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You consider speaking, but you have more immediate concerns and worries and make your own leave. Heading towards Medical to assess the situation. Things were a blur when you had calmed down and for your own sake you’d like to know if the situation could get better or worse. Judging by the Commander during the briefing you are hopeful, but with aliens it remains up in the air. You don’t look back as you make your exit, the Commander’s evaluation can wait. And honestly, you don’t think you are ready to deal with the others yet.

You make your journey to the Medical section with little fanfare. You’re wired, wide awake. Despite being exhausted from the operation itself, decontamination once you returned was a wake up call. Having experienced the high pressure freezing cold water dispensed by the hazmat suited crew, it was another slap in the face.

Upon arriving at Medical you can see that the place remains active as ever and that you are not the only one. Harita appears to be speaking with some of the medical staff, in particular trying to find out the status of the others.

“Ah, yes. I am part of the same squad. I just need to no and-- w-well yes I can wait but at the very least could I ask if--” Harita attempts to persuade the staff but they remain adamant in having her stay at arms length until they are both cleared out. This doesn’t seem to really satisfy Harita. The Doctor remains stern in his ruling and Harita is still a bit… soft for lack of a better word. Despite that, she has yet to back down.

She hasn’t noticed you yet.

>Join in with her in trying to convince Medical to give you some leeway, you might have a better chance in persuading them.
>Stay back and wait, you’d rather not make things awkward or worse. She might not react well to you.
>Get Harita to ease off. You want to see if the pair is alright like everyone else, but badgering the Medical staff isn’t getting anywhere.
>Other.

>>1890091
>Stay back and wait, you’d rather not make things awkward or worse. She might not react well to you.

>>1890091
>Stay back and wait, you’d rather not make things awkward or worse. She might not react well to you.

>>1890091
>>Get Harita to ease off. You want to see if the pair is alright like everyone else, but badgering the Medical staff isn’t getting anywhere.

>>1890091

>Get Harita to ease off. You want to see if the pair is alright like everyone else, but badgering the Medical staff isn’t getting anywhere

>>1890091

>Join in with her in trying to convince Medical to give you some leeway, you might have a better chance in persuading them.
Rachel's our bro, goddammit, and Haritta was hers

>>1890091
>>Get Harita to ease off. You want to see if the pair is alright like everyone else, but badgering the Medical staff isn’t getting anywhere.
>call us as soon as they recover.

>>1890091
>Stay back and wait, you’d rather not make things awkward or worse. She might not react well to you.

>>1890091
>Stay back and wait, you’d rather not make things awkward or worse. She might not react well to you.

>>1890107
>>1890110
>>1890142
>>1890156
Staying back it is, writing!

>>1890185

Anon picks the clear worst option...again.

Right now you are likely not in a well state of mind, and things could likely get worse so you opt to keep one's distance and wait and see what happens. Perhaps Harita could get lucky and present an opportunity for visitors. But right now you would rather not wish to complicate things.

Harita continues for as long as she is able to, trying to find the right words to say to convince the Doctor to see the others, but he remains steadfast. It’s as if Harita is speaking to a brick wall. Medbay protocol seems rather rigid on these things. Despite her attempts Harita becomes at a loss of what to do. Did she see how bad it was for the pair and that’s why she’s upset? Or is it just her natural worry and concern for the squad that spurns her on? You’re not sure.

You are at a loss, much like Harita in this conversation. Eventually the doctor has enough of this and begins to walk away and leaves Harita high and dry, ending her floundering attempts decisively. Defeated, Harita considers whether to wait or leave and come back at a better time. She eventually decides to make her leave, dismayed at the whole turnout. You fully expect her to make another attempt later. Several in fact. Surprisingly she still hasn’t seen you yet, having been so focused on trying to sway the doctor…

>Say hello and give your sympathies. It’s a mess after all.
>Remain at arm’s length from Harita. You can speak with her later.
>Other.

>>1890260
>Say hello and give your sympathies. It’s a mess after all.
Yeah, you know what, anon's right, we're kinda acting like a dick just staring like an idiot here

>>1890260
>>Say hello and give your sympathies. It’s a mess after all.

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>>1890260
>Say hello and give your sympathies. It’s a mess after all.

>>1890260
>>Say hello and give your sympathies. It’s a mess after all.

>>1890260
>Say hello and give your sympathies. It’s a mess after all.

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>>1890260
>Say hello and give your sympathies. It’s a mess after all.

>>1890260
>Say hello and give your sympathies. It’s a mess after all.

>>1890260
>>Remain at arm’s length from Harita. You can speak with her later.

>>1890260
>>Say hello and give your sympathies. It’s a mess after all.

>>1890091
>>Stay back and wait, you’d rather not make things awkward or worse. She might not react well to you.
She has to learn sometime.

>>1890260
>Say hello and give your sympathies. It’s a mess after all.

>>1890271
>>1890272
>>1890273
>>1890274
>>1890276
>>1890280
>>1890282
>>1890289
>>1890305
Striking conversation with Harita it is, writing!

>>1890260
>Other.
If Sweet is not too angry at you, try to get something out of him. He;s your squad mate, after all.

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Where are you Beagle, you memeing fuck. We know you're here

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“Hey.” You wave to Harita as she turns around and spots you. She locks eyes with you for a moment then looks away first. You frown at that, despite being one hell of a tough and reliable soldier with a sword of all things her attitude still remains an issue. A more cynical thought crosses your mind as you wonder how she even made it to XCOM with a personality like that but you are quick to snuff it. Your mood is getting to you.

“Oh, hello Dozer…” Harita says returning the greeting, idly fiddling with one of her braids. “...Are you checking up on the others as well?”

“Yeah, though it looks we have to wait sadly.” You sigh, shaking your head. You can understand why the Medical staff have their reasons but it is still quite annoy--

“W-wait, you saw that?” Harita says, stopping your train of thought. A look of realization written in her eyes.

“Yeah, I didn’t want to interrupt.” You say. You realize too late that probably was a mistake.

“You… you just stood there and watched? You didn’t say anything and just…” Harita’s jaw drops, stunned at this. You quickly scramble to say something, thrown off by this as much as Harita is but your fellow Assault is quick to speak up again more composed, seemingly tired. “...I’m not good at this. Terrible even. I... can understand why you did that. I need to get better, I’m not going to help Rachel or Naru at this rate if I can’t even say what I want to say. Maybe you will do better at convincing the doctor. Please let me know when we can visit.”

Quietly, Harita looks down and begins to walk away, words caught up. Her mood worse. Despite everything she has somehow foisted the blame on herself and or has completely taken this the wrong way. The thought crosses your mind to quickly apologize and set the record straight but things could get worse. Much like her you are a bit at a loss of words.

As Harita makes her leave you spot the same doctor again walking over to chat with a nurse, maybe Harita has the right idea?

>Settle the confusion with Harita, both you and her are not in a good state. The sooner you clear it up the better, even if it’s risky.
>Leave her be and focus on speaking with the doctor. Maybe you can get him to relent.
>Wait it out, it seems you your actions may be making things worse. You might need to take some time to compose yourself.
>Other

>>1890476
>Settle the confusion with Harita, both you and her are not in a good state. The sooner you clear it up the better, even if it’s risky.

>>1890476

>Settle the confusion with Harita, both you and her are not in a good state. The sooner you clear it up the better, even if it’s risky.
lets see if we can try to ger passed the doctors

>>1890476
>Settle the confusion with Harita, both you and her are not in a good state. The sooner you clear it up the better, even if it’s risky.

>>1890476
>Settle the confusion with Harita, both you and her are not in a good state. The sooner you clear it up the better, even if it’s risky.

>>1890476
>Settle the confusion with Harita, both you and her are not in a good state. The sooner you clear it up the better, even if it’s risky.

>>1890476
>>Settle the confusion with Harita, both you and her are not in a good state. The sooner you clear it up the better, even if it’s risky.

The way we keep digging ourselves into a hole, maybe the Commander should put us on excavation duty. I mean, it's explainable given how shaken up we are, but geeze.

>>1890476
>>Wait it out, it seems you your actions may be making things worse. You might need to take some time to compose yourself.
We're clearly not in a right frame of mind, we need to sort ourselves out before we worsen any more relationships.

>>1890485
>>1890486
>>1890490
>>1890492
>>1890499
>>1890504
Setting things straight with Harita it is, writing!

>>1890538
Here comes the snow!

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This is getting out of hand, you need to address this before things get worse. You move to intercept Harita to say your piece. This befuddlement is going to be your downfall at this rate if you don’t work at something. You stop right in front of her before she leaves causing her to be somewhat startled.

“Ah-!” Harita says and attempts to maneuver past you and make a hasty exit but you are quick to juke to the side a bit to prevent her from scurrying off. This continues once or twice but she eventually stops and waits expectantly and worriedly. It's clear she's shaken likely as well as you might be.

>Roll 1d20

(Unrelated to anything I am finding it extremely difficult to find the right image for this thread, it's pretty frustrating!)

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Rolled 13 (1d20)

>>1890579
HEALING

Rolled 19 (1d20)

>>1890579

Rolled 6 (1d20)

>>1890579
No snow!

Rolled 14 (1d20)

>>1890579

>>1890594
I love you.

>>1890660
I love you too. I still think Rachel is best girl. Whatever's left of her.

>>1890669
Have fun trying to waifu a literal potato

>>1890680
I will love that potato with all my heart.

>>1890690
good thing you can make vodka with them

>>1890669
Really? She's the only one I can't really buy as a character.

The rest of the cast have personalities and maturity levels befitting a soldier in XCOM. But Rachel is supposed to be ex-FBI SWAT and acts like/has the maturity level of a freshman girl in highschool. Also the childhood friend-esque role gets real old, real fast. Who the fuck gets salty of a squad member doing well in a goddamn terror mission just because she is a girl that's close to your crush.

>>1890712
you've never met anyone in FBI, SWAT, or military service, have you?

>>1890724
I have. They weren't highschool girls if I remember correctly.

I could be wrong though.

>>1890669
First X-Com MEC with a gigantic fucking shield who's as giggly as a schoolgirl?

>>1889921
>“...At the very least everyone is alive.”
Pixel, I really liked your quest so for, but this concrete plot armor our squad has going is really not doing the setting justice. When you make bad decisions (which splitting the party definitely was) and you roll badly (a one, which is the worst you can roll), your soldiers die. That's Xcom, baby.

It sucks when your best dude dies to some bullshit aliums shooting him through high cover, but if you know that there is no threat of them dying, if you don't have setbacks and loss conditions then the game just becomes pointless. That's like savescumming. You are a savescummer. How does that make you feel?

Seriously though, I know they're your waifus, and you really like them, and you want to tell amazing stories about them, and have them interact with the players, and you probably have a lot in store with them. Still, as a QM, or a GM, or, sometimes, even as an author, things that you didn't plan for can happen. You established or borrowed, in your case a very brutal and unforgiving world. And then you threw the players, and your characters, into it. And we failed. So fucking follow through.

You need to grow a pair, and do the right thing. Take your waifu out the back door, rape her, and put a bullet in her brain.

>>1890732
I hate that she might be one actually. But I would very much like to keep her company and use her as a body pillow.

>>1890735
Go fuck yourself mate it was annoying the first time.

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You can understand what’s happening, after all you are basically going through the same thing. Perhaps even worse after all. She attempts to duck past you again but you stop her, placing both of your hands on her shoulders.

“Just hold on a second!” You say and thankfully, Harita does pausing. You don’t hesitate and press forward. “Look, it’s my fault, not you. Things are a mess and I didn’t want to make things worse. I’m not well with the others and I didn’t want to have this happen. We need to get our heads together for them.”

“Ah-- yes… you’re right.” Harita says warily at first then nods. “We need to stay level headed, I apologize for jumping to--.”

“Don’t, I should be the one. And I am. Right now, We need to focus, for their sake.” You finish, Harita nods again, composing herself. The both of you realizing that spending time talking about this is time wasted. Actions now are more important right now.

“Yes… but what do we do? Most of the time it takes hours before they allow visitors, especially if the injuries were sustained by new aliens. I believe if we can get their perspectives to the others we can settle things down with everyone.” Harita says quickly as you both step away to consider your options.

Technically you were the squad leader, perhaps you can use that to provide some leeway, then again given how bad it was and how you made the call… they might make things worse? You also know for a fact Sweet is likely treating them, he does have an almost mother hen like persistence with the squad, maybe you can call in a favor from him? Or maybe going for a... lest overt route would be best?

>Speak to the doctor and explain who you are. Keep things official and hope for the best.
>Call in a favor from Sweet, you’ll owe him even more than before but you hope he’ll understand.
>Try to find a way to where they are without anyone realizing.
>Other.

>>1890731
Nearly ten years in the army, and the vast majority act like highschoolers

>>1890747
>Speak to the doctor and explain who you are. Keep things official and hope for the best.

>>1890747
>Speak to the doctor and explain who you are. Keep things official and hope for the best.

>>1890747
>>Speak to the doctor and explain who you are. Keep things official and hope for the best.

Honestly it's up to the doctors if they want to let us in or not--the people under their care are patients first, soldiers second as it stands; and it will continue that way until the doctors say otherwise.

>>1890747
>Call in a favor from Sweet, you’ll owe him even more than before but you hope he’ll understand.

>>1890742
>Go fuck yourself mate it was annoying the first time.
Players like you are probably the reason he decided to cop out. All that waifu pandering got you all attached and he's afraid to take it away from you at risk of backlash even if it doesn't do the setting justice.

>>1890747
Speak with doctor angrily

>>1890747
>Speak to the doctor and explain who you are. Keep things official and hope for the best.

>>1890782
what makes you think he even copped out? We don't even know what's exactly wrong, yet.

>>1890782
If you don't like it then leave. It's up to the QM. Most of the players are fine with it anyway.

>>1890742
If you are referring to this fine gentleman >>1889943, then I am not he, but I do fully agree with his sentiment. And, judging by your reaction, at least on some level you understand where we're coming from, and even agree with us. You're just too bound up in your powerwanking and waifufagottry to care if the story you're reading is a good one, and does the source material any justice, or not.

>>1890782
We could be brain dead or a corpse. Dickheads like you lashing out because you're afraid the QM isn't going to stroke you off with glass and grim darkness is annoying.

>>1890801
>Aha! I'm being a cunt! and you must agree with me!

>>1890812
She*

>>1890801
What source material. Soldiers don't have any special character elements besides your imagination from war stories.

>>1890765
>>1890770
>>1890779
>>1890793
Speaking to the Doctor it is, writing!

>>1890782
Rookies getting heavily wounded and fucked up for a month sounds like normal XCOM to me. They don't ALWAYS explode into a cloud of red mist.

Cunt.

>>1890747
>>Speak to the doctor and explain who you are. Keep things official and hope for the best.

IT IS I, BOSS.

>>1890847
So many players here who didn't know that "wounded" and "gravely wounded" conditions exist in XCOM, then proceed to talk about how "brutal" and "unforgiving" the world is. My lord, play at an easier difficulty if you only think soldiers die in XCOM.

Pixel, I'm just going to throw my support in with you. Unlike the guys above who are just jumping to conclusions, I've got my trust that you considered the consequences, and am more than patient enough to wait to find out. Go at your pace, QM.

>>1890812
>lashing out
I'm sorry I pointed out an inconsistency when I saw one, I see now that noticing it has made you experience extremely potent cognitive dissonance. Really sorry for that.

I'm not trying to be rude, or a cunt, or whatever else. And it is ultimately up to the QM to tell the story, just as it is up to me as the audience to listen to it. But this is an interactive medium, so I can voice my displeasure if I feel it. Just as he can ignore it. Or listen to it, and maybe make his story better.

We're not playing a My Little Pony fanfic quest, we're playing xcom. And in xcom, people die when they are killed. I get why the MC has plot armor, because there's no quest without him. I can suspend my disbelief, and assume that he's just lucky/good enough to have survived getting shot at by aliums countless times, despite our bad rolls and risky choices. That's how this kind of format works, I get it.

But, after being presented with the very kill-happy game, and a very grim and dark setting, I feel cheated and lied to when even the side characters aren't killed by either of those things.

If the other shoe won't drop, even on non-essential characters, even under the worst circumstances, then why not just always take the riskiest option? There is no threat. Why roll dice and pretend that they matter? They clearly don't.

>>1890887
>I'm not rude! The QM is a fuck up! How dare they not agree with me! They'd better choose what I want or I'll leave!

>>1890831
The games, XCOM:Enemy Unknown and XCOM 2. You may have heard of them, they're some pretty cool games. Oh wait, you're being intentionally obtuse, aren't ya? You cheeky cunt.

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>>1890868
>>1890847

Look, a lot of this might stem from a lot of people having played Oldcom and Long War and being used to the absolutely punishing difficulty of those first few months and the occasional later mission where Murphy's Law plays out across the entire operation. And yes--permadeath and organic storybuilding are tenets of good XCOM war stories, but to expect Imperial Guard levels of slaughter is unrealistic if one hopes to have a narrative based around a familiar cast that will, no doubt, have to be around for awhile. On top of that, it might take awhile to make new characters--please remember we are dealing with a flesh and blood drawfag on the other side of that computer screen and not a program that can shit out thirty soldiers with different names and hairstyles in the blink of an eye, so creating any new soldiers will take time.

Tl;dr: Be patient, let the narrative run through, have Our Dudes have their stories be built and, finally, if one should fall, let us hope that there is another character concept waiting in the wings.

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>>1890887
You raise a point, but you know, we're in the med bay, visiting at least one of our two buddies who were pretty much in the thick of it last sesh. You consider perhaps maybe waiting to see what's actually become of either of them before you start mucking about?

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>>1890899
Who are you quoting? I didn't say any of those things.

>>1890913
Even in Long War I've had Rookies survive some bullshit hits long enough to make it back to base and be in the sickbay for 42 fucking days.

Rookies. Don't. Always. Explode. Into. A. Red. Mist.

>>1890887
But our action DID have severe consequences. Two of our squad are out for god knows how long and are most certainly gravely injured. One or both may be brain dead, have to become a MEC,etc.

Just because the QM isn't sucking off your misery boner doesn't mean that all of a sudden, the quest is bad.

This is the first time something like this has happened, and I doubt pixel will let something like this slide away again without a death.

If you feel like the quest is utterly, irrevocably tainted because of this, you don't have to follow the quest. Leaving is always an option.

>>1890922
It's the gist of what you said you shit. I don't really feel like parsing out your shit posts to you but here's a bit of it, you entitled fuck.

>I'm sorry I pointed out an inconsistency
So far nothing is inconsistant it's just not what you want.
>I'm not trying to be rude
Well that ship has sailed with your first post.
>We're not playing a My Little Pony fanfic quest
No shit. But you seem to be insinuating that since everyone is not confirmed KIA everything's ruined.
>Why roll dice and pretend that they matter?
Blah blah blah there's no reason to play!

Fuck off with your bullshit.

>>1890847
>>1890868
Rachel was unresponsive on the ground and then took a rocket point blank. By XCOM rules she would be bleeding out and too explosive damage which equals dead as fuck.

>>1890950
Sounds like two months in the sickbay to me.

>>1890929

I didn't say all that to disagree with your point, but support it and let the mind wander on why some anons would prefer more focus on the permadeath and punishing difficulty aspects inherent to the setting.

“We’ll talk directly to him, no need to make things more complicated or worse. Definitely don’t want to step on any toes now. Besides, I was the SL hopefully that means something.” You say with a frown. Harita nods hesitantly at that, concerned. Hopefully she can understand how much this has affected you. Really, if you didn’t lose it earlier you feel like you’d have lost it by now. In some twisted way it’s helped give you some clarity.

With Harita beside you you both make your way to the doctor who turns to look at you both with a rather annoyed look on his face. Initially you assume it’s because of Harita but you realize it seems to be that he was upset prior to you and Harita walking up to him. He lets out a frustrated sigh and pinches his nose and composes himself.

“Yes?” He asks, glancing at Harita. He likely knows what the conversation will be but waits to see.

“It’s about the two new patients, from the last mission.” You start. The doctor sighs again at first but you continue, here goes nothing. “I was the Squad Leader and would like to know their status and to hopefully speak with them as soon as possible. Both to evaluate how well they are… and for report.”

A moment pauses as he considers it, rubbing his chin.

“As I had said to Specialist Aryal, while they both have had as best treatment as they can given the circumstances… and you never really know given the types of weaponry and species the aliens bear… they are still fit for visitors.” The doctor explains, this time trying to be more reasonable.

“Fit?” You pause. “Did something happen to them? What even are their injur--”

The doctor holds his hands up and continues. “Alright, maybe you can help us. One of the patients, Specialist Takumi, is being exceptionally difficult to work with and is making it nearly impossible for me to give her a green light. If you can help us in calming her down and listening to our requests I can try and pull for you having time to speak with Specialist Coda as well.”

“That… we could do that.” You say. “What’s the problem with Naru?”

“When we took her in she had refused to be removed from her weapons. We initially thought that it was the shock from the fighting and put her under with anesthetics. However, upon coming back after her operation she has been erratic and insisting she have access to her weapons. Talk reason to her and get her to relax, perhaps find out why she is acting that way and I’ll see what I can do for Coda.” The doctor explains.

Hm…

>Accept. The Doctor is being surprisingly reasonable on this you’ll do this favor for him
>Deny it. You imagine Naru has a good reason for this and that the Med staff might be looking at this the wrong way. Still insist you see them.
>Other

>>1890958
>Accept. The Doctor is being surprisingly reasonable on this you’ll do this favor for him

>>1890958
>Other
sure, but no promises

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Rolled 1 (1d20)

>>1890958
>Accept. The Doctor is being surprisingly reasonable on this you’ll do this favor for him
Haha! Time for trauma!

>>1890958
>Accept. The Doctor is being surprisingly reasonable on this you’ll do this favor for him
Hope he realizes if we don't agree with the request we'll encourage them to tell him to fuck off.

>>1890950
We're not sure she took the rocket point blank and even if she was bleeding out the mission ended after that turn and she was evac'd.

>>1890958
>>Accept. The Doctor is being surprisingly reasonable on this you’ll do this favor for him

>>1890958
>>Accept. The Doctor is being surprisingly reasonable on this you’ll do this favor for him

>>1890958
>>Accept. The Doctor is being surprisingly reasonable on this you’ll do this favor for him

>>1890958
>>Accept. The Doctor is being surprisingly reasonable on this you’ll do this favor for him

Honestly I don't think any doctor would've put up with Naru's bullshit and either would have had her tied up with restraints, loaded up on sedatives, or both--but let's see if we can get through her PTSD-riddled head!

This feels like reaper indoctrination.

>>1890958
>Accept. The Doctor is being surprisingly reasonable on this you’ll do this favor for him

>>1890997
Let's give this mentally traumatized woman a gun. This time it would surely work out differently.

>>1890965
>>1890968
>>1890969
>>1890972
>>1890980
>>1890983
>>1890989
>>1891005
Accepting it is, writing!

>>1890945
>So far nothing is inconsistant it's just not what you want.
Yes it is. The established rules imply that the characters should be dead. And they're not. Therefore, inconsistency. Also, I do like Pixel's characters, so I don't want them to die. I just think that they should have, all things considered.
>Well that ship has sailed with your first post.
Good thing Pixel isn't a thin-skinned pussy faggot like you. You don't have to get offended on his behalf.
>No shit. But you seem to be insinuating that since everyone is not confirmed KIA everything's ruined.
I used hyperbole to convey my point. I don't think it's ruined, I just think it would be better if they were KIA in that particular situation.
>Blah blah blah there's no reason to play!
I mean, if we get the worst possible number, and yet it doesn't correlate with the worst possible consequence, then what's the point of having dice? They're not needed for a quest. In fact, many quests don't use them. The QM can just decide what happens, based on the player's choice. Which is a perfectly fine way to go about things.

Seeing as how you didn't deem to respond to anything else, can I just assume that you agree with everything else?

>>1890940
I don't think this quest is tainted, or even bad. I just think it's worse than it could be. I'm going to follow it, and if I see this trend continuing, I might quit. Big loss, I know.

>>1891034
>The established rules imply that the characters should be dead.
Por que?

>>1891034
>Yes it is. The established rules imply that the characters should be dead. And they're not. Therefore, inconsistency. Also, I do like Pixel's characters, so I don't want them to die. I just think that they should have, all things considered.

What fucking rules? Yours?

>>1891034
The established rules do not directly indicate the death of the character. We heard her scream, we arrived and saw a danger close rocket. As far as I'm concerned you're only here to stir up shit. I'm not going to waste any more time responding to you. You haven't even been fucking voting.

>>1891034
whatchu talkin' 'bout lil'nigga

>>1891007
Like we are kinda fighting aliums with mind control and then all of the sudden after some kind of kooky mind fucking she's asking for a gun in the middle of a med bay? Something is not right. It could be suicidal PTSD yes. But it could be worse.

>>1890903
Yes I've heard of the games. The soldiers in the games have little characterization beyond your imagination. There is also a lot more tactics involved besides 3 d20 rolls. So I don't really see this quest violating any previous source material. If it's not your style (which is understandable) just find another quest instead of complaining. Would probably make you more happy in the long run.

>>1891074
Probably just suicidal PTSD. That's what it was in ME3 with the Asari commando in the hospital.

>>1890958
Yeah they are fine. A little traumatize but fine.

Man I was really hoping we wouldn't go the no stakes, MercCommand route but here we are. That's Not XCOM baby.

>>1891045
>>1891047
>>1891049
>>1891051
XCOM, you fuckers. It should be lethal. In how many more ways can I explain it? And yes, rookies do explode into red mist more often than not.

As far as the MEC thing goes, have we discovered meld yet? Otherwise, that's gonna take a while.

Also, how does everyone feel about Gene mods?

>kill the entire crew with a thin man that dodged 4 over-watches and detonates a car
>quest ends
>anon is happy

I see no issues here

>>1891094
>gene mods
muy bueno, me gusta mucha.

>>1891078
If you were to play a 40K quest, you would be surprised if in it there were loyalists and traitor Spess Muhreens braiding each other's hair. "There is only war" is what makes 40K 40K.

Just like unfair and constantly present deaths make XCOM XCOM.

>>1891114
Sounds like you need to git gud.

>>1891114
Welp. I guess this quest is being played on easy. Again, Probably should just find something else man.

>tfw people unironically think that this quest is going to go the merc route

Oh my sweet summer children

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That… that doesn’t sound good. At all. You can see why the medical staff would be keeping Naru at arms length, who knows what could happen.

“Alright, we’ll see what we can do.” You say, and already you can see the relieved look on the doctor’s face.

“Appreciated. We feared we were going to have to resort to restraints and further drugs. The last thing we need is setting a bad precedent to the medical staff. I’ll be waiting here.” The doctor says nodding to you and stepping back. You look at Harita and you can see the concern in her eyes but she steels herself sharing your sentiment. Time to check up on Naru.

It doesn’t take much difficult at all to find her room, judging by the nurses loitering outside. When they see the both of you they attempt to shoo you away using whatever excuse they can come up with but after a quick explanation they relent and back away. Standing before the door you exchange one last look with your fellow Assault and open the door.

Naru’s resting in the bed when you enter and you see the bandages immediately. Wrapped around her head over her. Wrapped around one of her eyes. The noticeable scars underneath poking just out from the bandages hint at just how bad the injury is underneath. And despite that, you also are distinctly aware of the fact that she is in fact missing her rocket launcher just as much. Harita barely manages to supress a gasp.

Like a fixture in one's room you forget is there and once it’s gone you realize how off said room is, Naru without her rocket launcher, the one you have seen never without her person is plain jarring to you. This seems to be in a way effecting Naru as well as she seems… off.

“I really hope you guys have-- oh. Hey guys.” Naru stops looking a bit more relieved when she sees a familiar face. But however it remains slight. She gives an acknowledge nod to you and idly scratches at her bandage. Naru seems alright actually, giving the circumstances. You don’t know if that’s a front and you should be worried or if the doctor’s are making the situation seem worse than it really is.

“I…” Harita trails off and quickly looks to you.

>Greet her as normally as you can. Ease into this conversation slowly.
>Let her know of the situation. Get her speaking and set things up front, she was after all a rather blunt person and might appreciate the directness.
>Ask her how she’s doing, perhaps you can get why she’s like this indirectly while getting caught up with her side of things.
>Other.

>>1891159
>Ask her how she’s doing, perhaps you can get why she’s like this indirectly while getting caught up with her side of things.

>>1891159
>Let her know of the situation. Get her speaking and set things up front, she was after all a rather blunt person and might appreciate the directness.

>>1891159
>>Ask her how she’s doing, perhaps you can get why she’s like this indirectly while getting caught up with her side of things.

>>1891159
>Greet her as normally as you can. Ease into this conversation slowly.

>>1891159
>Let her know of the situation. Get her speaking and set things up front, she was after all a rather blunt person and might appreciate the directness.

>>1891159
>Ask her how she’s doing, perhaps you can get why she’s like this indirectly while getting caught up with her side of things.

>>1891159
>>Let her know of the situation. Get her speaking and set things up front, she was after all a rather blunt person and might appreciate the directness.

>>1891159
>Let her know of the situation. Get her speaking and set things up front, she was after all a rather blunt person and might appreciate the directness.

>>1891148
It's almost as if MercCommand and Pixel are completely different people!

>>1891159
>>Let her know of the situation. Get her speaking and set things up front, she was after all a rather blunt person and might appreciate the directness.

Y'all screeching for KIA like a bunch of gibbons are edgier than a fucking bismuth quarry.

>>1891159
Nice new art, Pixel!

>>1891159
>>Ask her how she’s doing, perhaps you can get why she’s like this indirectly while getting caught up with her side of things.

>>1891136
Hey man, even the best players have to restart their Long War Ironman every so often.
>>1891144
Nah. I like both XCOM, and harem quests. Just like I enjoy both peanut butter and jam. But if I open a jar of peanut butter and find jam inside, I might get a little upset.

I thought this would be an XCOM quest, seeing as how it's right there in the title. But I guess a harem quest is fine, too. I will now start having badwrongfun with the rest of you fags.

>>1891221
Fucking harem quest?

Get the fuck out, you're actually just pretending to be retarded at this point.

>>1891228
Waifus, check. Lusting over MC's dick, check. Nothing ever goes too badly, check.

How is this not a harem quest?

>>1891221
Except it isn't Jam. It's Almond butter.

You're thinking too rigidly about this. XCOM EU doesn't have person sized flame throwers, we got a temporary gene mod, and aliens attacked Las Vegas. QM is taking some liberties, and toning down the lethality is just one of them.

It's not exactly XCOM, but it's close enough.

>>1891235
BITCH IS MISSING AN EYE, AND IS OBVIOUSLY TRAUMATIZED

>>1891221
Man, you and those other bitching about "rrrreeee easymodo get out!" sure do tend to speak for the QM a lot...

This quest looks fun

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>>1891228
Please.

Did you forget the beginning threads of this quest.

'Oh Anon-kun~ (Might as well be called that cause he doesn't have a name for max self insert) we are all so interested in you cause you killed a bunch of sectoids without being XCOM even though our tech level and training isn't all that different'

'Wow Anon-kun! You're the only one EVER to get Peppermint to open up. You must be super special!'

'As your childhood frie- I mean previous co-worker I am going to lust after your cock be overtly jealous at anyone that goes near you.'

I don't think it'll go harem, but you still your pandering waifu stable of a bunch of different flavors to appeal to all demographics.

>>1891248
>but you still
but you still have*

>>1891168
>>1891184
>>1891190
>>1891191
>>1891195
Being direct with her it is, writing!

>>1891248
>'Oh Anon-kun~ (Might as well be called that cause he doesn't have a name for max self insert)
To be fair, that's pretty XCOM, and would be a really good fit for an XCOM quest, if this was one.

>>1891263
>>1891248
>>1891242
Go back to /qtg and stop shitposting. You're not voting at all, you obviously have no interest in the actual quest.

>>1891240
I'm sure nurturing a qt traumatized girl is somebody's fetish. It sure is mine.

>>1891263
No it's not. XCOM soldiers all have names at the beginning. I get the symbolic 'You don't get your name until your nickname cause rookies die all the time' but we all know the MC has plot armor.

Establish your damn MCs. Blank slates are retarded.

>>1891269
>/qtg/
Do you mean old /tg/ qtg cause the one we have now is docile as fuck and can't be used as a scapegoat anymore.

>Not voting
I voted earlier. None of the current prompts interest me at the moment and aren't even contentious.

>>1891282
The main character of XCOM games (the commander) is a blank slate, specifically for the reason of self-insert. Therefore, making a blank slate MC could be seen as an homage to the games.

>>1891159
>>Greet her as normally as you can. Ease into this conversation slowly.

>>1891269
I'm gonna check out this quest, catch up and then start voting.

test

Best to be direct with this. If there’s anyone who could appreciate being frank on the situation it would be Naru. You rub the back of your neck as you speak.

“The doctor’s gave us the opportunity to talk with you because of the weapons deal.” You state, coming clean with it. Naru grunts at this, and shakes her head. Though it seems that she’s not taking as bad as you feared. She runs a hand through her hair. Harita remains quiet, providing what support her presence can by itself. She’s handed the reigns to you but will be ready to help if need be.

“Look, I get where they’re coming from. But it’s not like I’m going to burn the Medbay up here. I just feel naked without my stuff. I can see it in your eyes it’s just not right.” Naru explains. “As cliche as it is, and god I’m aware, they weren’t there.”

That doesn’t sound good, but your desire to learn what exactly happened after in the fight after you… lost it means you can’t exactly not dodge the subject. Not only for a better sort of understanding on your part, but for Naru’s as well.

“What happened after we separated?” You ask her directly, no bullshit and no pussyfooting around. For everyone’s sake you look her directly in the eyes--eye. You close your eyes in quiet frustration at the mistake. You try not to dwell on the other mistakes.

“Well, for starters. I don’t blame you, Dozer, if that’s what you’re worried about.” Naru starts giving a tired, small smirk. “Really, if anything we just all just overestimated just how bad those damn bugs were. And then it got bad. Real bad.”

(Part 1 / 2)

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Naru scratches at the bandage again, seemingly indifferent in how that’s generally not a good idea and continues to speak, rubbing at her arm occasionally.

“We were burning them out real good at first. Good news is the things hate fire, best to get that tidbit to Vahlen asap. But, we didn’t plan for those… zombies. The things were slow as hell and while they were indifferent to the fire we figured if we dealt with the bugs first we could deal with them last. Our mistake. The corpses were eggs for more of those damn bugs.”

“...Eggs?” Harita says horrified.

“Yeah. Ticking time bombs. There were maybe, five -- six of them left? Then the numbers tripled when they hatched. It got Rachel immediately, stabbed her and took her out of the fight, passed out from shock. She would’ve died if it wasn’t for that beautiful beautiful SHIV. Hell, I probably would’ve too. Charged right in and took the hits so I could drag her back… I take back everything I’ve said about those bots.”

“That’s… good.” You say simply, glad that despite everything thanks to that SHIV.

“Seriously. We’d be dead if it wasn’t for that robot. End of story.” Naru murmurs. “I heard you saw the rest, got surrounded and I did one last fuck you, yadda yadda. Took shrapnel right in the eye. Not exactly good for you I can say from experience. Apparently I was KO’d from the explosion and here I am. Go me I guess.”

“I’m sorry.” Harita says sadly but Naru shakes her head.

“Nah, don’t be. Hell, I never was supposed to be here anyways.” Naru smirks and shakes her head. “I know it’s stupid, but I need my kit back. You both know me, did I ever act twitchy without my launcher? Not at all. I just… I just need it to feel a bit sane s’all…”

Harita exchanges a glance at you, still at a loss for words. You don’t blame her, this isn’t exactly a cakewalk for you either. But at the very least you’re not ignoring this… still you have a job to do… or do you?

>Insist she follow the doctor’s suggestion. You are relieved she’s more reasonable than let on but the doctor’s reasoning is solid
>Side with her on getting her kit. She’s reasonable and clearly calm, the medical staff are making a big deal over nothing.
>Other.

>>1891728
>>Other.

Pull a dummy training launcher out of storage for her.

>>1891728
Just make sure the equipment is unloaded.

>>1891728
>>1891735
This get some doctor approved dummy gear.

>other
Give her a dummy launcher.

>>1891728
Insist she follow the doctor’s suggestion. You are relieved she’s more reasonable than let on but the doctor’s reasoning is solid

>>1891735
>>1891737
Either of these sound fine

>>1891728
She can have the kit back, just no ammo. Or dummy gear as others have said.

>Security blanked? No security rocket launcher

>>1891728
>>1891735
>this

>>1891735
>>1891737
>>1891746
>>1891748
>>1891785
Empty/Dummy Launcher suggestion it is, writing!

>>1891735
This.

>>1891728
>>1891735
Supporting the dummy launcher idea.

>>1891801
>We get her a Rocket Launcher Daki as a birthday gift

>>1891812
This is how we advance the Naru route, isn't it?

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You consider how to go about this situation before an idea pops in your head. A beautifully simple solution.

“Would you be fine with an unloaded or dummy rocket launcher?” You ask Naru. Both Naru and Harita pause at that. Harita looks worried that Naru might take this the wrong way or that you are not taking this situation seriously. However, Naru begins to chuckle at that. The tension in the room deflating at the suggestion.

“Fucking a’, why didn’t I think of that.” Naru says, placing a hand over her face at the absurdity of it. “Yeah… yeah I can do that. It’s fine by me. Shit might as well get a plush rocket launcher while we’re at it huh?”

Harita lets out a sigh of relief she didn’t know she was holding in. Naru smirks at that.

“I know it’s dumb and childish but can you blame a gal after all that shit?” Naru shakes her own head at her thoughts.

“No, not at all.” You say.

“Right look, just… just don’t tell anyone OK? Especially the others. I’ll never hear the end of it.” Naru finishes, groaning and slumping back onto the bed. You motion your fingers across your lips. Deal.

Some small talk is had among the three of you but, seeing things have wholly resolved itself you finish chatting and say you have some other business to deal with. Naru understands and begins to shoo you both away, the sooner the medical staff can get off her back the better. It seems she has enough to worry about, with her new development. The doctor probably wants to know right now anyways. She’s taking things well it seems…

>Roll 1d20

Rolled 15 (1d20)

>>1891882

Rolled 4 (1d20)

>>1891882

Rolled 5 (1d20)

>>1891882
Does it shoot pillows?

Rolled 17 (1d20)

>>1891882

>>1890735
It's hard to think up new characters all the time. So I understand what Pixel is doing.

Still, there are ways to put a character out of action temporarily without killing them. A coma, burnout, broken leg, etc.

>>1891221
>But I guess a harem quest is fine, too
Maybe it will be MEC harem quest. You dont even know yet.

>>1891926
In this case, I doubt she's going to regain the use of that eye (until we get cybernetics, but that's OCC). XCOM needs the best at their best, so it seems unlikely she'll be going out on missions anymore. In that respect, she's done. Once she's healed, there's no reason to keep her on base unless they give her a new job.

>>1891914
>New Weapon Unlocked: Nonlethal Rocket Launcher!

>>1891985
You dont need a lot of depth perception for rocket launchers. I seem to remember eyepatches in xcom 2 too.

And then there's morale to consider. Just firing Naru won't make the rest of the squad happy.

As you get ready to leave you pause and realize that Naru, while in definitely much better spirits than before has changed. You were so focused on your conversation but you can see now how… twitchy she has become.. She’s been rubbing her arm the entire time and who knows what’s going on in her head right now.

She was definitely affected by the mission whether she knows it or not. Enough to make you want to take note. You pause for a moment and see that confirm that Naru is constantly looking about the room, particularly in small crevices and nooks and crannies… did she perhaps bear new afflictions or fears? And of course there’s the very real question of what her fate is going to be.

You might want to make sure or bring up to the others to keep an eye out on her, particularly around the armory...

You both make your leave and inform the doctor of the compromise struck. He’s taken aback at first at how simple of a solution that is but… will work with that. Though he’s keen enough as you are to note there is more going on.

“We did our part of the deal... what about you?” Harita asks him.

“Well, it took a bit of effort but, I do stand by my word. You’ll both have some time to chat with Specialist Coda, but… you need to be aware of certain things going forward and some considerations when speaking with her.” The doctor says hesitantly. It takes a few reassurances from the both of you but then he tells you what happened.

Then you understand.

Harita needs to take a moment to let this news sink in. You? You can stand there. This wasn’t how things were supposed to turn out, and your mind begins to race to let the news sink in but, the doctor is dead serious. Why would he lie?

Rachel’s…

…

Once you and Harita compose yourselves you and your companion begin to make your way to her room. Just next the ICU. Waiting outside is Sweet, the one person you are glad to see. Your medic’s upbeat attitude has been smothered, and the rings of exhaustion under his eyes says everything as he spots you both. You and Harita understand that he did his best, but there’s really only so much he can do.

“Hey.” Sweet says nodding to you both.

“Yeah.” You answer back. Nothing else needs to be said.. Sweet, barring the lack of his usual attitude and the clear exhaustion he doesn’t betray anything else as he pats you on the shoulder and makes a temporary leave to take care of other such things. He doesn't mind how you got here and won't ask. He won’t ruin it.

You and Harita both stand inf front of the door. Where do you even begin? You really don't know.

>Just do it and get in there already, waiting around is not going to make things any better no matter how much you wish it to.
>You need to try, really try, to put on a brave face as you enter. You doubt it will be successful but what else can you do?
>You… don’t think you’re ready yet. You might need to bring the information to the others first, they need to know.

>>1892051
>>You need to try, really try, to put on a brave face as you enter. You doubt it will be successful but what else can you do?

>>1892051
>>You need to try, really try, to put on a brave face as you enter. You doubt it will be successful but what else can you do?
Fuck. FUUUUUUUUUUUCK.

>>1892051
>You… don’t think you’re ready yet. You might need to bring the information to the others first, they need to know.

>>1892051
>>You need to try, really try, to put on a brave face as you enter. You doubt it will be successful but what else can you do?

>>1892051
>>You need to try, really try, to put on a brave face as you enter. You doubt it will be successful but what else can you do?

Here it comes.

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>>1892051
>>You need to try, really try, to put on a brave face as you enter. You doubt it will be successful but what else can you do?

>>1892054
>>1892055
>>1892064
>>1892066
>>1892072
Option selected, writing.

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>just joined this quest thread
>cliffhanger on her horrendous injuries
oh god what did i get myself into this time

>>1892051
>Just do it and get in there already, waiting around is not going to make things any better no matter how much you wish it to.

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You need to put on a good face. The best one you can make. Partly for her sakes but mostly for your own. Harita is shaking. She after all became very close very quickly with Rachel. A short time accomplished, and while you may not really know what they do all the time you know that she’s handling this just about as well as you can.

A final exchange, an agreement is made between the two of you, no matter what happens the both of you will do your best to keep yourselves together. For her sake.

You want to delay it longer but you really only have so much time, and it would be even worse if you wasted it. You take a breath and open the door, stepping into the breach.

She’s there, and you’re taken aback by your state. The doctor had explained the reasoning, that the alien’s venom was spreading so rapidly and with the vast majority of unknown variables and the very real risk of contamination or worse for both Rachel and those operating on her the decision was made. A part of you wonders if Sweet had to do it himself, after all, he’s a surgeon first before an XCOM soldier. But it’s still overwhelming to you.

She’s there, awake after coming to from the operation trying her best to work her hair into a ponytail. A task made difficult by the arm she doesn’t have. Rachel’s hair is unkempt and loose, partly because of the operation. You didn’t realize how long time had passed between mopping up the AO, returning back to base, and debriefing but it’s shown clear here. Her left arm only barely goes to the entire length of her upper arm, the remaining half wrapped in bandages.

Harita can’t suppress a choked gasp, which is enough to snap Rachel out of her deep concentration and satisfaction of working on her hair just after she managed to wriggle her scrunchie to make a ponytail, messy as it is.

She glances over to you and despite everything, grins.

“Sup!” She says cheerfully, waving with her remaining hand. Not making any effort to hide or deny her condition. As if nothing is wrong...

As you see this only one thing echoes in your mind as you look at her in the eyes;

You did this.

>The anger is immediate and absolute. Your vision almost going red. You’re angry at yourself, at the aliens, at the world. This wasn’t how it was supposed to go.
>The regret is almost too much, nearly making you go dizzy. What can you say? How can you apologize? How can you even begin to describe this? Where do you even start?
>Thank god she’s alive. It could’ve be worse. This was the best outcome… right? She’s fine. So you’re fine... This is fine.

>>1892197
>Thank god she’s alive. It could’ve be worse. This was the best outcome… right? She’s fine. So you’re fine... This is fine.

>>1892197
happy now, miseryfag ?

>>1892197
>Thank god she’s alive. It could’ve been worse. This was the best outcome… right? She’s fine. So you’re fine... This is fine.

>>1892197
>>The anger is immediate and absolute. Your vision almost going red. You’re angry at yourself, at the aliens, at the world. This wasn’t how it was supposed to go.

Hold it steady old chap.

>>1892197
>>The regret is almost too much, nearly making you go dizzy. What can you say? How can you apologize? How can you even begin to describe this? Where do you even start?

>>1892197
>The anger is immediate and absolute. Your vision almost going red. You’re angry at yourself, at the aliens, at the world. This wasn’t how it was supposed to go.

>>1892197
>>Thank god she’s alive. It could’ve be worse. This was the best outcome… right? She’s fine. So you’re fine... This is fine.

As a head up, I will be waiting longer than the usual time before I call this vote.

>>1892197
>Other: Put on a brave face for her sake.
She's the one who lost a limb, I'd like to follow her emotional cues and not be so self-centered that we make it about us.

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>>1892197
I'M ANGRY
ANGRY ABOUT AYYS

>>1892197
>>The anger is immediate and absolute. Your vision almost going red. You’re angry at yourself, at the aliens, at the world. This wasn’t how it was supposed to go.

>>1892197
>>The regret is almost too much, nearly making you go dizzy. What can you say? How can you apologize? How can you even begin to describe this? Where do you even start?

>>1892197
>Write in
>Let Harita help Rachel with her hair and stay with Rachel.
AND
Convene a meeting with Shen and Vahlen rite now to see what can replace her lost arm. Maybe a sort of metal arm+attachment for her shield so she can still use her other hand ?

>Thank god she’s alive. It could’ve be worse. This was the best outcome… right? She’s fine. So you’re fine... This is fine.

>>1892227
>>1892233
Bruh(s), no write-in option this time...

Also, maybe you should fucking apologize if you don't want it to be all self-centered.

>>1892227
Uh, if we want to make this about her, then pick the option that lets us apologize. It's our fault for fucking up after all.

Sweet sweet consequences.

>>1892197
>The anger is immediate and absolute. Your vision almost going red. You’re angry at yourself, at the aliens, at the world. This wasn’t how it was supposed to go.

It isn't fine lads.

>>1892197
>>Thank god she’s alive. It could’ve be worse. This was the best outcome… right? She’s fine. So you’re fine... This is fine.
She's not dead....

SHE'S NOT DEAD! YEAH!!!!!

It sucks about the arm, but she's alive and that's all that matters to me. Fuck.

>>1892211
Heh, he probably isn't. I was actually expecting it to be worse, myself.

>>1892243
>>1892248
I interpreted her actions as not wanting to acknowledge the injury, so to apologize and express regret would open up fresh wounds and make it worse for her. At least,
when bad things happen to me, I don't want people reminding me of them when I'm trying to pretend everything is ok and barely holding together. Maybe I read it wrong, I'm not sure.

>>1892197
>>The regret is almost too much, nearly making you go dizzy. What can you say? How can you apologize? How can you even begin to describe this? Where do you even start?

Such a delicate situation is hard to resolve without a write-in imho.

>>1892197
>Thank god she’s alive. It could’ve be worse. This was the best outcome… right? She’s fine. So you’re fine... This is fine.

>>1892278
But that's the point; something like this can be resolved immediately with just a write-in.

>>1892257
I think that's perfectly valid. But then it sounds like you wanted option 3 then, to go along with the "pretending everything is ok" route. Banter and take it soft for now.

>>1892282
>>1892278
This is the immediate gut check response. There is no write in option.

>>1892124
>Thank god she’s alive. It could’ve be worse. This was the best outcome… right? She’s fine. So you’re fine... This is fine.
>MECHTROOPER WHEN?

>>1892282
>>1892295
Er, whoops. Should've said "something like this CAN'T be resolved immediately with just a write-in."

>>1892300
I was thinking more along the lines of a BIONIC ARM, or grafting a cloned arm if its possible.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s91WxT-CChA

>>1892282
Not saying it can. Any injury like that where it's the result of our (as in, the MC's) mistakes is going to take time for both of us to cope with. She has to cope with losing such critical functionality and we have to cope with the guilt. But I would prioritize her emotions over ours, especially since it's our fault.

This is actually a really interesting discussion. I've never been entirely sure how to handle these situations IRL and have tried to treat the injured party how they wish to be treated as much as I can guess from how they act, so it's interesting to hear other people's opinions.

>>1892286
Ok, I'd be all right with switching my vote to that one then - with that wording it just kinda sounded like we'd be showing the shock on our face. Again, not sure if I was misinterpreting.

>>1892309
Valen gets her an alien bio upgraded clone arm.

>>1892197
The only upside to this is that a good bionic arm wouldve let her carry a thicker and larger shield. maybe. With a built in flamethrower like Naru's

>>1892348
Or a built in breaching device like a Power Fist, or pile bunker.

>>1892348
She's 1 quarter of the way to being a MEC. few more missions like this and there would be no reason not to.

>>1892207
>>1892213
>>1892223
>>1892239
>>1892253
>>1892281
>>1892300
Option selected, writing.

>>1892348
Things are carried with the legs and back, not with the arms. A bionic arm won't get you improved lifting capacity. Especially since modern prosthetics aren't bolted to the bone.

>>1892437
>Especially since modern prosthetics aren't bolted to the bone.
And early prosthetics were ? or havent they found a working solution yet to do it ?

>>1892449
The early ones weren't either. I only know of one bone-bolting experiment so far, and even then it was removed once the experiment ended. They're having troubles with infection and something else I can't remember.

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Ah. You see now.

Seeing Rachel’s grin makes it clear that there really isn’t anything to worry about. You let a long and relieved sigh, cracking a grin back. She’s fine, of course she’d make it. You give her a nod and she returns it without hesitation.

“You got me, you told me so.” You say with a smirk.

“Hah! Took the words right out of my mouth man!” Rachel chuckles. “Close call but hey I’m still standing!”

“What… what are t-two…?” Harita says slowly and hesitantly but neither you nor Rachel notice, the sheer relief and the weight off your shoulders at the whole turnout is so hard for you to describe as you walk over and hive five each other.

“How you feelin’?” You ask Rachel, though of course it’s a redundant sentence, but hey gotta go through the motions right?

“Never felt better! Surviving a scuffle with a space bug makes you feel alive y’know? If it wasn’t for this little thing here and the doctor’s literally barring me from leaving--the jerks--I’d be hanging out with the rest of the squad back at the bar!” Rachel exclaims chuckling again. “Man, do you know how bullshit it is to even put on a shirt now? It’s ridiculous!”

“Well, no shit.” You say back. That’s kiiinda obvious after all!

“What the fuck!?” Harita says, horrified taking steps away from this for some reason. What’s her problem? She really needs to work on her confidence, seriously. “What are you two doing!? S-stop that, please!”

“Yo, Harita! How you doing girl?” Rachel waves. “What’s up? You look like you’ve seen a ghost!”

“Your… your arm!” Harita barely manages to say, her voice cracking.

“Pfft. Well, yeah it’s a bit problem but…” Rachel shakes her head but you finish it for her. You got this.

“Don’t worry about it, Harita. It’s just an arm. She’s fine. She’s alive. And this is XCOM, they’ll just make her a robot arm or something easy.” You say trying to console the clearly overwhelmed Harita. But as you take a step forward, this is too much for her as she dashes out the door. The hell?

“Hey come back, Harita! I know it looks scary but i’m ‘armless!” Rachel calls out and that gets you as you burst into laughter, tears welling up in your eyes by just how damn funny it is. So fucking funny. Harita doesn’t stop, slamming the door shut. You guess she’s bad with puns. But that’s fine, as despite everything. Despite the hell that was Vegas... after seeing Rachel now you know it’s all going to be all right...

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>And with that we’ll call it here! Great idea on the dummy rocket launcher by the way, didn’t see that one coming. So, overall I’m pretty comfortable with this earlier time as it means we can get more done and have more participation during the run so I’ll try my best to stick with this earlier time. So, until next time…

Thanks for playing!

>>1892490
inb4 dozer goes back to his room and the mask slips.

>>1892497
Thanks for the run!

>>1892497
I can't wait to check out your artwork and quest.

Good job on it so far.

Thanks for running this thing.

>>1892497
Thanks for running Pixel.

>>1892490
>I know it looks scary but i’m ‘armless!
And then Harita asked to be reassigned to another squad.

Yeah, she really needs that robo arm. Otherwise, how will she wear any rings?

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>>1892490
Nicely written, conveyed the MC being a little unhinged by the whole thing but not cracking up.

>"I know it looks scary but i’m ‘armless!”
10/10

Thanks for hosting and hope to catch you the next time you run this quest - until then I'll be catching up on the past threads.

>>1892497
Holy shit, great art find. I miss EU/EW Ethereals so much in XCOM 2 and that pic really reminds me of them. Any source?

>>1892538
That picture is in fact from a cutscene in XCOM2 when they are removing the chip from the Commander's brain immediately after Gatecrasher.

>>1892497
Thanks for the thread OP!

You have my sympathies for having to deal with the obnoxious anons. We appreciate your work.

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>>1892544
Ah, ok, cool, That was a really interesting scene that was kinda never explained, though I imagine it has something to do with this: "I often wonder Commander if you told them what you saw in the Elders' chamber. The truth of what's to come. No, you couldn't have. They'd be home screaming now if you did." Firaxis loves their vague writing, that's for sure.

>>1892547
Same here, just ignore 'em. You're the QM, it's your show and tell the story you want to tell. Pic related. Thanks again.

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>>1892490
>this entire post
You anons are fucking idiots.

Why in the love of all that is good and proper and holy and right would you actually try to pretend that everything is hunky dory. The situation requires tact to be sure, but 8 out of 10 cases in which people lose one or more limbs feel close to killing themselves within the first weeks after having lost a limb and realising that their lives are literally never going to be the same again. It sucks, but this was on our head so the first thing we should have done was fucking clear the air. This kind of denial in this sort of case is beyond unhelpful.

Yes, I mad.

On another note, I DO think it's rather encouraging that the QM has managed to prompt this level of discussion over the course of only a few threads.

>>1892497
I bet this thread is the reason why that M72 plushy is out of stock.

Damnit I want one.

>>1892497
Thanks for running. That last post was... interesting. Are there any psychiatrists on base? I think we might need one.

>>1892211
>happy now, miseryfag ?
It was better than I thought tbqh. Maiming is easy but at least it's some kind of consequence for a bad plan + wasting crit saves on inconsequential shit non mission rolls.

I was expecting a couple scars and bed rest which wouldn't teach you guys anything.

>>1893637
I agree with you.

I mean this system seems to suck major eggs, what with the very fact that you can save your fucking crit successes.

But then if you're going to be so stupid as to not use them correctly players deserve some sort of justly earned negative consequences.

Kudos to the QM for the limb removal.

>>1893742
>I mean this system seems to suck major eggs, what with the very fact that you can save your fucking crit successes.
It's to mitigate the fact that, occasionally, RNGesus likes to bend folks over and brutalise them with an eight-foot barge pole. Failures are a part of the in-story learning experience but failure after failure after failure with no way of coming back because RNG decides 'lmao fuck you dude' is no fun whatsoever. The trick is deciding when is a good time to use it and when is a fucking faggotrocious time to use it.

>>1893765
>It's to mitigate the fact that, occasionally, RNGesus likes to bend folks over and brutalise them with an eight-foot barge pole.

Sounds like XCOM to me!

>>1893769
Yeah but we can't just save scum or start a new quest like we could in campaign.

>>1892501
et hitherist begate ye terrible legende of dozer the butcher

>>1893765
If you didn't want RNGesus to fuck you and make it fair based on what decisions were made the system shouldn't be d20s crits active and opposing rolls for enemies.

That's just RNG on top of RNG. But like Trick said that's XCOM baby! (Though modern XCOM is about mitigating the RNG as much as possible)

>>1893778

I feel like not having a death/multiple deaths/FNGs taking the places of old friends is a disservice to the genre.

Of course so is not having the maiming followed by the eventual MEC shit of XCOM

>>1892490
She looks like she needs a hug. I'm worried that instead of being overjoyed that she's alive this has spiraled straight into denial.

>>1893880
True but eventually with everyone dead the players would stop caring.

>>1893900
You'd think that, but somehow The Walking Dead manages to kill off pretty much everyone from season 1 and yet stupid normies continue to watch that shit.

>>1893785
>shouldn't be d20s crits active and opposing rolls for enemies.
I agree. d20 has a 10% to crit each roll, so the chance of getting a crit each dice call is 1-((1-0.1)^3), or 27.1%. That's almost a third of all dice calls.
On top of that, opposing rolls might as well be a coin flip. Take a look at this: http://anydice.com/program/3088
Negative values mean aliens win, positive means we win. Add up the chances on each side and you'll find they are the same.

I'm partial to BO3 3d10 due to the highly normalized result and the 2 in a thousand crit chance, but setting DCs can be a pain. BO3 1d100 is a good linear chance die if you want to keep crits.

>>1893972
>d20 has a 10% to crit each roll

Don't you mean 5 percent?

>>1894002
I was counting 20s and 1s. Only 1s (or any other single value) would be 1-((1-0.05)^3), or 14.2%

>>1894002
5% for crit success and 5% for crit fail.

>>1893785
I'm just going to say this to clear up any potential misunderstanding, cause I think that's what's happened here. If not, fair enough.

I don't have any issue at all with Dozer and Squad taking heavy hits because of RNG. As has been said many times already: that's XCOM baby. It's funny, though, that you mention
>Though modern XCOM is about mitigating the RNG as much as possible
because that is literally what the crit banking system is meant to do.

>>1893972
When in XCOM is there a less than 5% chance of a crit? I'm genuinely curious. I can think of Rangers and the like with 10%, but not really sure what the basis for a d100 system if we have variables in increments of 5 at the lowest.

>>1894211
There aren't crit fails in XCOM as far as I know. What I was trying to show was that every dice call has a ~15% to fail hard with the current system, but only a ~50% to succeed at all, no matter who we're fighting or what choices we make.

Using Bo3 3d100 drops the crit fail chance to 1-((1-0.01)^3), or 2.9%, and crits in general are 5.8% likely.

>>1894313
Ah, I see. Misunderstood your point before, but makes sense now.

>>1894074
>because that is literally what the crit banking system is meant to do.
In the most warped boring way possible. Mitigating rng and risk in XCOM comes from good decision making, tactical positioning, and tech advantage.

>>1894450
In the game, I absolutely agree. How, though, do you propose the QM implements this in a text narrative?

>>1894536

One good way would be rolling 3d20 during training sessions between missions.

For every 20 you roll, that's one mitigated crit fail due to the forethought to put time into training.

Disallowing critfails when particularly good tactics are implemented.

Making critfails less detrimental to the crew when good tactics are implemented.

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>>1894752
I like that idea! I'll give that a try prior to the next battle and see how that goes.

>>1894752
In other words, if the players are involved and actually trying to strategize, Pixel can unhappen a critfail as a reward, or at least mitigate it. This is... an absolutely awesome idea.

>>1894752
Aight, yeah, that's actually pretty solid.

>>1894828
I love your shark.