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>>2927303
>Activate the embedded Muton! That will slow the Mectoid down, but who knows for how long and what will happen. (TN ???)

Here is important bit. Have Naru watch the fight. When it looks like the Muton is about to lose, loses, or suicide bombs she should then fire a HIGH EXPLOSIVE (This might be the last time we can use it since we are still outside) on the cluster of aliens.

>Have Naru rocket the Mectoid during or after the fight. After which she should dismount the tree and retreat back to us.

The rest of the squad should tear through the Lids on their way back to the Skyranger.

>>2927303
>>Activate the embedded Muton! That will slow the Mectoid down, but who knows for how long and what will happen. (TN ???)
It's time!

>>2927303
My suggestion is:
>Have Naru rocket the Mectoid! It's an easy shot for her and will definitely stop the aliens in their tracks but Naru will become a huge target.
Then:
>Attempt a Swap (swap Dozer with Naru)
And then:
>Juggernaut charge the Mectoid!

>>2927303

do >>2927320

>>2927303

>>2927320
Sounds good to me. Supportan

>>2927303
>>2927320
+1

Calling the vote here, writing!

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You quickly formulate a game plan.

“Naru, load your high explosive and get ready to fire. When you see the signal, take a shot at that Mectoid. Climb down as soon as you can. Everyone else, focus on clearing out the bugs!” You say, turning to face towards the enemy pod and preparing yourself.

“Thought you’d never ask!” Naru says excitedly. “What’s the signal?”

“You’ll know it when you see it.” You finish, taking a moment to steel yourself.

It’s time to grant that Muton it’s chance for revenge. Drawing up what little Focus you have left, you cast your consciousness far enough from your body to latch onto the Muton’s mind once again. You zip through the trees, eventually coming close enough to get within mental contact with the Mectoid and it’s Muton escort. They’re moving as quick as they can, not wanting to waste the cleared path towards the Skyranger.

Now that you have a more immediate vision of the Mectoid, you can see that thing is a intimidating looking piece of alien machinery. It might even be slightly bigger than an XCOM Mec. Whatever that environmental suit wearing alien was, they work fast in what you can only guess is them copying XCOM tech.

“HE ready!” You faintly note Naru’s voice come in from the comms. You’re body picking it up but your mind only hazily registering it from this far away.

Good. It’s time to throw a spanner in the works.

Your mental presence looms over the Muton and you impress one simple concept into its mind. First you press the images of it’s dead kin and it’s fallen pod brother once again. It slows to a stop as the horrible memories return into it’s mind. This causes the other Mutons to pause. The Mectoid merely keeps advancing, screeching happily for the havoc it will wreak. At the Muton’s most suggestive you impart two simple words that will cause it to snap and unleash all of it’s rising pent up fury and rage. Activating it to do the job you had embedded within it’s psyche.

Avenge them.

And then it roars, pulling out the alien grenade in it’s hand and priming it by thumping the explosive into its chest. It raises its plasma rifle right behind the Mectoid and charges it, pushing aside it’s confused pod brothers.

Here we go!

>Roll 1d100+15 (TN ???)

Rolled 15 + 15 (1d100 + 15)

>>2927560

Rolled 3 + 15 (1d100 + 15)

>>2927560

Rolled 38 + 15 (1d100 + 15)

>>2927560

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>>2927569
>>2927570

Well that's pretty lame

>>2927575
53 isn't bad. Maybe it'll be enough.

Rolled 32 + 15 (1d100 + 15)

>>2927560
Let's add some Dutch luck.

File: 1cmjvfq7d_1523423735234.gif (489 KB, 497x373)

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>>2927688
>>2927575
>>2927570
>>2927569

>>2927705
I blame the Muton siphoning our luck

File: Mectoid 1.png (913 KB, 882x674)

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The Muton rushes the Mectoid, letting out a bloodcurdling battle cry as it chucks the grenade and opens fire one-handed with his plasma rifle, going full speed to try and climb on it in an attempt to offensively rodeo ride it. Your guess is that he wants to empty it’s plasma rifle right into the Sectoid’s exposed face.

The plasma grenade detonates on impact. Rubble and dirt spraying everywhere in a bright superheated green blast. Even while the shockwave causes the snapped Muton to stumble it doesn’t stop shooting into the explosion. Each step speeding up it’s momentum.

As the explosion clears up and the Muton prepares to launch itself onto the Mectoid. Both you and the Muton are surprised to see… the Mectoid is completely unphased! The Mectoid spins around, surprised by the sudden act of treachery from the Muton. This only pisses off the Muton further as it still jumps forward to tackle it--

Only for it to bounce off a shimmering purple force field. When you see it you know immediately what it is, it’s a Sectoid’s mind merge being applied to the Mectoid. Psionic shield and all! You didn’t even see or sense the psionic tethering. Was it because your Focus was on keeping Juggernaut going?

The Mectoid doesn’t hesitate to raise it’s plasma cannons at the traitorous Muton who is now sprawled onto the ground.. In fact, it’s quite glad to do so and have an opportunity to kill something.

“Firing rocket!” You hazily sense Naru shout. The rocket streaks past above your floating observing form and direct impacts the Mectoid. The combined explosives is enough to cause the psionic shield to flicker and shimmer as glowing cracks appear. It doesn’t do much damage however besides the concussive force of the impact.

The Mectoid and the other surprised Mutons switch between looking at the dazed traitor Muton and the direction towards where Naru’s rocket was. The Mectoid screeches at the Mutons and turns to level it’s plasma cannons towards Naru. Meanwhile, the rest of the Muton pod attempts to dogpile it’s enraged brother, trying to get it to snap out of it and if need be simply execute it. Your Muton struggles and roars as it’s restrained, it’s plasma rifle thrown aside as it’s kind attempt to smack some sense into it, hard.

“Oh fuck! Oh fuck!” Naru yelps as she attempts to hastily get off of the tree she’s on top of.

You spot the Mectoid’s plasma cannons begin to charge up to open fire.

>Swap Naru! It will use the last of your Focus and likely overfatigue you, but she needs to get out of there! (TN 65)
>Mentally force the Muton into a mindless rage. Have it go suicidally rampant to try and throw the Mectoid’s aim! (TN 25-70)
>Try and find the Sectoid merging with the Mectoid and take it out! It’d going to be difficult and cost Focus but your Juggernaut should let you close in quickly and the psionic death feedback will hurt the Mectoid! (TN ???)
>Other (TN ???)

>>2927748
>>Mentally force the Muton into a mindless rage. Have it go suicidally rampant to try and throw the Mectoid’s aim! (TN 25-70)

>>2927748
>>Mentally force the Muton into a mindless rage. Have it go suicidally rampant to try and throw the Mectoid’s aim! (TN 25-70)

Also where the feck are those reinforcements ?

>>2927748
>>Mentally force the Muton into a mindless rage. Have it go suicidally rampant to try and throw the Mectoid’s aim! (TN 25-70)
Muton, I choose you! At least until you die that is!

>>2927748
>Mentally force the Muton into a mindless rage. Have it go suicidally rampant to try and throw the Mectoid’s aim! (TN 25-70)

If the shield is still up, the muton will have a rough time throwing the sectoid's aim off...

>>2927793
It will be more doing something that distracts the Sectoid maybe ?

>>2927748
>>Mentally force the Muton into a mindless rage. Have it go suicidally rampant to try and throw the Mectoid’s aim! (TN 25-70)

Calling the vote here, writing!

>>2927964
You might notice a slight slowing down as you are venturing into a timezone when most of your readers sleep ;) I'm off, at any case.

File: Muton 2.png (728 KB, 717x413)

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No! You’re not going to let that damn robot Sectoid take out one of your own! You turn your gaze and glare down the Muton who is being held down by it’s kin. It’s state is not good enough. You need it to do it’s job!

You snap your way over to the Muton, moving your floating consciousness to loom right over the Muton in a split second’s notice. With everything you have, you push hard into the alien’s mind. Cranking up that anger, that fury, to a point where it simply is past the point of rationality. You take it’s sanity and snap it into pieces.

Then it screams. It’s not a battle cry or a roar, but a pure and high pitched scream. It moves and thrashes about like mad. A feral fury and strength kicking in as it huffs and huffs yellow gas to the point it starts to turn a sickly dark color. The Mutons holding it down struggle but manage to hold him down.

Not good enough!

You push the Muton’s mind harder, crumbling whatever vestiges of sanity it has left. You crush it’s very being and turn it into a mindless animal with one thought and one thought only, channeling your own fury into it's mind at the same time. It utterly eviscerate the Mectoid!

Rip and tear that thing apart, god dammit! Do what you were made to fucking do! And KILL!

>Roll 1d100+10 (TN 25-70)

Rolled 15 + 10 (1d100 + 10)

>>2928086

Rolled 68 + 10 (1d100 + 10)

>>2928086

Rolled 45 + 10 (1d100 + 10)

>>2928086

>>2928112
We beat the max DC. Nice

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Your final push is enough to push it over the edge. With a new found strength gained from it’s now single minded fury, it wrestles itself away from it’s brethren’s bonds. Not that it thinks about them as anything but an obstacle now. In its mind is as you had forced it to be, one simple all consuming thought and emotion. Hatred and desire to destroy the Mectoid.

A berserking rage not unlike anything you’ve seen the aliens capable of, barring the Muton captain who you had engulfed in flames. Even then, that thing had a cockiness and measure of martial expertise backed behind it. This Muton you had broken? It’s a rage much like your own except without that control you have managed to master after so long.

All it’s seeing is a blinding red as it grabs the nearest and heaviest thing it can grab. It picks a large boulder, ripping it from the earth in one heave. It’s muscles and veins bulge with exertion but it doesn’t show a sign of hindrance. It’s beady white eyes have turned bloodshot. Hefting the giant rock high over it’s shoulders it sprints forward. The Mectoid doesn’t realize it at first until it hears it’s mindless feral cry. Pausing just enough to start to look over as the Muton slams the boulder at it.

With a mighty impact, the boulder shatters into pieces, but takes the already failing and cracked psionic shield with it. The sheer force is enough to even jostle the Mectoid as it fires, it’s aim completely spoiled as the large plasma bolts just sail harmlessly into the sky. The Muton slams into the Mectoid, clinging and thrashing like wild at the thing. Latching onto one of it’s plasma cannon arms. The Mectoid completely and utterly surprised at the Muton destroying it’s mind merged shield stumbles about, trying to dislodge the Muton. It refuses to let go, wanting to turn it’s fleshy interior into a pulp. The other Mutons can only watch. Stunned at the sight.

Perfect.

You leave them be for a moment pulling yourself back to your body and assessing the situation as your squad has openly engaged with the Chrysalids, trying to take down the beasts as they dart around the trees, who are still very scared of you but whatever orders they’ve been bred to follow hasn’t broken them completely. Looking back, you see Naru starting to hastily shimmy down from the tree she had clambered up. She struggles with the heavy gear she’s carrying, cursing all the while.

Some of the bugs spot here, and not wanting to be anywhere near you start to move towards Naru, thinking that’s better than trying to mess with you. She’s just out of reach from immediate support given where you had advanced. Burnout snaps alert at that and is prepared to intercept them before they reach the Rocketeer. Naru could climb back up, but she’s still a target to the Mectoid. She’s stuck. Your squad could move to engage the Mectoid and Mutons right now but this might be a problem…

>Eliminate the bugs!
>Trust Burnout to get Naru out and move to engage the Mectoid!
>Other.

>>2928244
>Eliminate the bugs!
The Muton has the Mectoid's attention for now. Let's support Burnout and finish these guys off once and for all.

>>2928244
>>Eliminate the bugs!
Burnout has plenty of sprinting speed, but we have the firepower! So our job is to kill every bug that's going in her way!

>>2928244
>>Trust Burnout to get Naru out and move to engage the Mectoid!
Sorry, I meant this vote
Please disregard this one>>2928272

>>2928277
BTW my reasoning for changed vote is that while the bugs are a threat, they aren't as lethal or as much of a threat as the Mectoid is. Even in the games, a bug attack can Hurt, but one hitting shot from a mectoid can Kill, which means for the sake of every person on this team and the Skyranger, it's better to kill the Mectoid when it's distracted and vulnerable.

>>2928244
>>Trust Burnout to get Naru out and move to engage the Mectoid!

>>2928244
>>Eliminate the bugs!

>>2928244
>Trust Burnout to get Naru out and move to engage the Mectoid!

We should get to that before the bugs completely get over their fear of death.

>>2928244
>Trust Burnout to get Naru out and move to engage the Mectoid!
Can we gen a flashbang on the bugs or are we out?

>>2928244
>Eliminate the bugs!

Remember what splitting up the team when chrysalids were around did to Naru? Don't do that again.

>>2928347
You realize if we move to engage the Mectoid Dozer will be away from the bugs and they won't be affected by Intimidating Aura, giving them free reign

>>2928244
>>2928309
Change of plans

>OTHER: Smash through the bugs to where Naru is, regroup and then move to engage the Mectoid

>>2928244
>Eliminate the bugs!

Calling the vote here, writing!

File: Chrysalid 2.jpg (54 KB, 725x467)

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Your mad and rabid dog of a Muton is giving you what will probably be the best opportunity in eliminating that Mectoid, but with Chrysalids at risk of killing one of your own that thing can wait. With your Intimidating Aura, killing potential, and Burnout’s speed. You should be able to intercept and rescue Naru from falling into the poisonous claws of a salivating Chrysalid.

“Burnout!” You shout to him.

The both of you look at each other, words unspoken but the message understood. He nods to you, legitimately grateful for the call you made. It might be hell later, but the immediate safety of your team overrules everything else. Not another moment is wasted as the both of you dash off, speeding back towards Naru’s position.

“Cover them! Get any of those blasted bugs off of them!” Loki yells, assuming command for that moment for the rest of the squad as you and Burnout sprint.

As you speed towards her position, surprisingly, Burnout is able to keep pace with your own. He’s going at full speed, and his mobility is something to commend in the situation. Behind you, your squad continues to open fire, but you can still hear the skittering of the bugs all around you. Are there really only a handful left? It seems like there’s dozens all around you, behind trees, in the bushes, perhaps even burrowed underground!

You have a better visual of Naru now, catching her desperately stuck on the tree, her glowing eyes trailing about frantically as she tries to figure out what the hell to do. You can sense the legitimate fear she has from being near the things, and the helplessness she's in is probably forcing back the hell she endured in Vegas. Burnout seems to be well aware of this and that appears to be making him push harder.

You catch glimpses of the bugs moving to intercept Naru, and you count three. With your Intimidating Aura, all you’d have to do is get their attention and you can veer them off course away from Naru and give Burnout an opening to get to her. There’s also straight up killing them, but given how close it will be you might get some moving on Burnout instead if you don’t slaughter them fast enough. Swapping her should be easier and the most decisive way of securing her safety, but you’re running with a dozen thoughts in your mind. If you screw up the coordinates…

>Scare the bugs and veer them away from Naru! (TN 40-55)
>Focus on exterminating the bugs! (TN 25-60)
>Swap Naru! (TN 50)
>Other (TN ???)

>>2928568
>Focus on exterminating the bugs! (TN 25-60)
rip and tear

>>2928568
>Focus on exterminating the bugs! (TN 25-60)

>>2928568
>>Focus on exterminating the bugs! (TN 25-60)

>>2928568
>Focus on exterminating the bugs! (TN 25-60)

>>2928568
>Focus on exterminating the bugs! (TN 25-60)
>Use the beaded bug limbs to help deal with more bugs!

>Focus on exterminating the bugs! (TN 25-60)
Make like a Dalek and Remove Lids.

>>2928568
>>Focus on exterminating the bugs! (TN 25-60)

>>2928568
>>Focus on exterminating the bugs! (TN 25-60)

Calling the vote here, writing!

>4 legged shivs with chrysalis exoskeleton and chrysalis claws grafted on robo arms never ever

File: Damn bugs.jpg (125 KB, 1200x871)

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“Burnout, go!” You holler, as you start to angle towards the Chrysalids.

The Scout doesn’t waste any breath to reply, continuing on course towards Naru’s position. You will your body to move faster, even as your Focus starts to wane, it won’t be long until Juggernaut is finally expired. This is your last best chance to expend your psionic stores in one last glorious killing spree. Using a fallen log as your jumping point you jump up and launch yourself in the air, throwing yourself right at your target Chrysalid.

You land right in front of the three bugs, skidding across the ground and trailing dirt to stop in between them and the others. The bugs halt, skittering back a few paces at the sight of you. You smirk, ready to go wild on them with how terrified they seem to but their fear starts to wane. That terror in their eyes start to subside as they begin to instead size you up.

You wince, damn, Intimidating Aura’s going. After this you’ll be out. They’re still flinching, and that might be all you’ll need.

You Run n’ Gun the bugs, getting right into close combat with the three of them!

>Roll 1d100+5 (TN 25-60)

Rolled 32 + 5 (1d100 + 5)

>>2928720

Rolled 4 + 5 (1d100 + 5)

>>2928720

Rolled 24 + 5 (1d100 + 5)

>>2928720

Rolled 69 + 5 (1d100 + 5)

>>2928720

You and the Chrysalids clash.

To anyone watching, it would likely be a hard to follow flurry of Chrysalid claw and your glowing form moving and ducking their strikes. The deadly dance punctated with the howl of the monstrous beasts and the blasts from your Shard Gun. All it would take is one slip up of the poison coated claws to dig through your armor and that could be enough to throw your momentum up. That would be that. But with Juggernaut, you are able to keep one step ahead.

One of the bugs gets filled with gauss slugs, splattering it on the dirt in a spray of yellow ichor and torn limbs. That’s one of three.

But you’re running out of gas fast. Real fast. A migraine is very quickly blossoming and spreading in your head, and the constant throbbing pains are making you sluggish. You can’t keep it up for forever and as you slow down, the bugs get more confident. They’re quickly forgetting the fear you were inflicting on them, their simple minds overwriting the sensation.

You jump back from a lunging barrage of bug claws and risk a glance back towards Burnout and Naru’s position. The Scout’s just caught her in his arms and is setting her down. A feat, considering all the extra weight the short Rocketeer has from her kit. She’s finally out of harm's way from the Mectoid’s line of fire. But there’s still two bugs left to contend with. All it would take is one to weave past you or for you to lose your balance…

God dammit, you can’t think about that shit!

“Get outta the way! I’ll cook the fuckers!” Naru shouts dropping her MAG smg on the ground to fire up the flamethrower on her wrist.

That would finish them for good like in Vegas, but you risk getting caught in the flames and the fire spreading uncontrollably across the entire forest. That could be a problem for everyone. You could keep scrapping as you were, but you’d risk Juggernaut fizzling out on you at the worst possible time, leaving you with only your mundane physical skill and reaction times versus Chrysalids. A more unconventional idea springs to mind as a claw whizzes past your head, your Arc Thrower. You could probably stun one of them long enough to finish the other off and let you kill the remaining at your leisure. The only risk is well, you might get shocked yourself with how close you are!

Juggernaut’s just about to go out and you need to act now!

>Get Naru to flamethrower them! You’ll risk dealing with a possible wildfire later and being burned yourself! (TN 30)
>Keep fighting! you can kill the last two in time before Juggernaut goes off! (TN 50-70)
>Use the Arc Thrower! You’re in close range already! (TN ?!?)
>Other (TN ???)

>>2928781
>>Use the Arc Thrower! You’re in close range already! (TN ?!?)

>>2928781
>Get Naru to flamethrower them! You’ll risk dealing with a possible wildfire later and being burned yourself! (TN 30)

>>2928781
>>Use the Arc Thrower! You’re in close range already! (TN ?!?)

>>2928781
>>Use the Arc Thrower! You’re in close range already! (TN ?!?)

>>2928781
>>Use the Arc Thrower! You’re in close range already! (TN ?!?)

>>2928781
>Use the Arc Thrower! You’re in close range already! (TN ?!?)
Vahlen is going to be even more happy with us than before.

>>2928785
>>2928795
>>2928797
>>2928802
WAIT! Guys! I just remembered how i never captured a bug!

From http://xcom.wikia.com/wiki/Chryssalid
>Stun Immune: This unit cannot be stunned with the Arc Thrower; taking a live specimen is not possible.

>>2928781
Thus, changing vote!
>Get Naru to flamethrower them! You’ll risk dealing with a possible wildfire later and being burned yourself! (TN 30)

>>2928816
Fuck, I guess you're right.

>>2928781
Changing, then
>Get Naru to flamethrower them! You’ll risk dealing with a possible wildfire later and being burned yourself! (TN 30)

>>2928781
>Keep fighting! you can kill the last two in time before Juggernaut goes off! (TN 50-70)

>>2928781
>>Keep fighting! you can kill the last two in time before Juggernaut goes off! (TN 50-70)

>>2928781
>Get Naru to flamethrower them! You’ll risk dealing with a possible wildfire later and being burned yourself!

>>2928781
>Get Naru to flamethrower them! You’ll risk dealing with a possible wildfire later and being burned yourself! (TN 30)

Heck, I invite the idea of a wildfire. We can't leave a single Lid alive where they can reproduce.

Purge the aliens.

File: Sleepy Naru.png (133 KB, 985x809)

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>...Oh god, I just dozed off at the keyboard for a good five minutes. As much as I want to do another update or two, I think I'm going to call it here for the evening. I'll try extra hard to post throughout my busy weekend but things will stabalize like usual from Monday. Apologies! So until next time...

Thanks for playing!

>>2928869
Also, I'm going to call the vote tomorrow whenever I'm awake. This is a fairly important vote for determining certain things anyways!

It also didn't help I was both running and drawing at the same time. Whoooops!

>>2928781
>>Keep fighting! you can kill the last two in time before Juggernaut goes off! (TN 50-70)

>>2928781
>>Use the Arc Thrower! You’re in close range already! (TN ?!?)

>>2928781
>>Get Naru to flamethrower them! You’ll risk dealing with a possible wildfire later and being burned yourself! (TN 30)

Bugs can't be stunned, don't be stupid guys. And while saving the flamethrower for mutons is potentially nice, this is the most dire situation where it's needed. Plus she's already ibn close range of them.

>>2928869

By the way, once backup comes, can we relay them our and enemy positions into their HUD or something? Rachel's MEC at least should have that. We should tell them to go straight for Mechtoid's position ASAP.

>>2928989
That shouldn't be an issue, the real question is where to deploy to be most the effective to respond while minimizing risk of plasma as they deploy!

Didnt we also use the stun on s drone or sth? I dont think those can be stunned either. Hell, the game's only reason to not stub chryssalids may be that they dont offer any reward from research. I think it may be possible to stun them - why wouldnt it? They have a nerve system right?

>>2928964
>don't be stupid guys
You want your argument to be ignored ? Because that makes you get ignored.

>>2929003
Okay, maybe it was uncalled for, sorry about that. But, even if we assume this quest works differently from the game and bugs can get stunned, do you really want to push our luck by testing it right now? Who knows how long the mechtoid will stay pinned down or if it's already free and beelining for us or the skyranger.

>>2928963
Changing vote to
>Get Naru to flamethrower them! You’ll risk dealing with a possible wildfire later and being burned yourself! (TN 30)
And bringing some painkillers next time to take the edge off psionic migraine.

>>2928781
>Keep fighting! you can kill the last two in time before Juggernaut goes off! (TN 50-70)

>>2928781
>Get Naru to flamethrower them! You’ll risk dealing with a possible wildfire later and being burned yourself! (TN 30)

>>2928781
>Get Naru to flamethrower them! You’ll risk dealing with a possible wildfire later and being burned yourself! (TN 30)

a l l b u r n

>>2928781
>>2928802
changing to
>Get Naru to flamethrower them! You’ll risk dealing with a possible wildfire later and being burned yourself! (TN 30)

So they made Chrysalids immune to stunning bc they wanted them to have few weaknesses like Alien ? They aren't mindless.

>>2929002
>>2929387
From Wiki: Despite being obviously organic, Chryssalids cannot be stunned. They likely have a simple insectoid nervous system and the bioluminescent projections on their bodies may be sensory organs that they use like tuning forks to detect the electromagnetic fields emitted by live prey. This is evidenced by their ability to "see" where units with mimetic skin are (though they are unable to attack them) and run into melee range of units beyond their visual perception. Thus, an electric shock will not affect them in the same way as the other aliens that possess a nervous system more closely resembling that of a human's. In addition, the Chryssalids are non-sapient, so nothing of value would be gained from a prospective interrogation besides residual memories of their uplift procedures.

So yes, they don't have a nerves system that's vulnerable to electricity, and they basically ARE mindless.

>>2929406
So mind-reading a Chrysalid just gets you static ?

>>2929479
We would probably get a visual feed from their eyes or whatever senses they rely on.

>>2929512
Mind reading bugs would be either very easy or very hard due to them being mindless. Of course experimenting that would have to happen in a situation where bugs aren't right at our face within striking distance. And preferably on easier mission (implying we get those anymore).

>>2929584
Could also potentially fuck us up if they're a hive mind.

Calling the vote here!

Don't forget, not only does this quest change mechanics compared to the original game, but the quest incarnation of the Arc Thrower is basically Thor's pimp hand. So the option to zap the bugs isn't as dumb as it sounds.

>>2931971
I voted for the flamethrower irregardless of capture possibilies because we are going to capture a whole landed ufo and torching chrysalids is baller.

>>2931971
Biologically speaking it should at least cause them muscle spams, hindering their movement for a (short) time

File: Gauntlet.png (221 KB, 1024x716)

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With two bugs bearing down on you and your Juggernaut about to fizzle out, things are quickly put into perspective for you. You’ve been doing servicably thanks to your psi-enhanced abilities, but this is not a tenable fight the moment it’s gone. The Arc Thrower could probably do magic given you’re in the optimum range to start zapping, but nobody has actually attempted stunning a Chrysalid yet. Fuck experimenting right now.

That just leaves Naru torching these abominations. You’re going to have to evade the blazing flames and then you’ll probably have to deal with a rampaging fire torching the entire forest. But honestly? That’s going to be a future you problem. The you right now would like to not get turned into a Chrysalid breeding host.

“Naru! Torch ‘em!” You shout as you start to haul ass out of the way.

Naru then begins to cackle, which may or may not be a good sign. You catch one last glimpse of the two Chrysalids right within your personal space. Next moment you feel the searing heat from behind you as your night vision goggles go haywire from the sudden explosion of brightness, nearly blinding you outright.

“BURN! BUUUURN!” Naru roars, the pyromaniac within her running wild like the spray of whatever concoction comprises her flamethrower’s fuel.

Time to get the hell away now!

>Roll 1d100 (TN 30)

Rolled 53 (1d100)

>>2932690

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Rolled 63 (1d100)

>>2932690

Rolled 62 (1d100)

>>2932690

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With the last burst of energy from Juggernaut, you fling your self out of the way and land on the soft dirt as the general area you were standing on is just engulfed in flames. The flame is so bright you have to rip off your night vision goggles lest you get blinded. The two remaining Chrysalids are caught in the flames completely as Naru really makes sure they are doused by her hellfire. The noise they make as they burn to death is both horrific and completely satisfying.

“Haha, hell yeah! The only good bug is one that’s burnt into a crisp!” Naru cheers, taking an extreme joy from the death of the bugs by her hands.

Suffice to say, she REALLY doesn’t like Chrysalids.

As you watch the flames and the crumpling forms of the Chrysalids caught within, your Juggernaut finally wears off. Unlike the first time around when you felt like you had just gotten off of cloud nine, it feels like you’ve been hit by a pretty rough hangover. It’s not to the point where you can’t fight anymore, you’re a trained professional who can deal with a splitting headache in the firefight, it’s just… jarring really.

If need be, you could probably dredge whatever remaining Focus is left in your emptied mind, but it’s going to suck. Recuperating from this battle in general is going to be ‘fun’, but with the rest of your squad’s lives on the line you ignore the pain. Burnout heads over to you and extends a hand, which you take.

“The fire will spread.” Burnout informs you, as he finishes hauling you up.

Yeah, it will. It’s already catching a nearby tree on fire and it’s only a matter of time before it lights everything else in the area in flames, much like how most UFO crash missions go. The UFO will be fine, but now you have the fire to have to contend with along with the remaining aliens.

“It was worth it.” Naru says. The big grin she has on her face and the way the flames cast flickering shadows over it… you really are glad the short Rocketeer is on your side.

You rub your aching forehead and place your fingers on your earpiece.

“Loki, we secured Naru if you couldn’t guess by the spreading fire. What’s the situation on your end?”

“The remaining bugs had scattered when the forest started to catch on fire. Likely only one or two left.” Loki explains. “The fires will likely claim them.”

That’s one less problem to deal with.

With your squad a bit more secured for the moment, you still had that Mectoid to deal with. There’s still clearly the sounds of plasma fire going off and general confusion from where the Mectoid and Mutons were. You have no idea what the status is now. The Muton could be dead by now or perhaps it’s significantly damaged the Mectoid. With Naru off from her treetop observation post, the aliens are once again in the fog of war.

(Part 1 / 2)

Your head’s killing you, but… maybe you could risk taking a peek? With your connection made with the Muton, you think you should be able to temporarily piggyback it’s psyche again to gleam the situation. Though, you might really tire yourself out. You don’t want to approach that Mectoid unawares, but you also don’t want to pass out from mental strain…

>Attempt to get a bit of Psionic recon on that clusterfuck.
>Save what little mental strength you have left. You’ll find out the old fashion way.
>Other

>>2932773
>Save what little mental strength you have left. You’ll find out the old fashion way.
Good update Pixel. Its seems Naru's taken pyromania as a response to trauma. On Psionics, we're running low let's not pass out mid mission.

>>2932773
>Save what little mental strength you have left. You’ll find out the old fashion way.

>>2932773
>Save what little mental strength you have left. You’ll find out the old fashion way.

>>2932773
>>Save what little mental strength you have left. You’ll find out the old fashion way.
Not going to attempt this without painkillers.

>>2932773
>Save what little mental strength you have left. You’ll find out the old fashion way.

>>2932773
>Save what little mental strength you have left. You’ll find out the old fashion way.

>>2932773
>Save what little mental strength you have left. You’ll find out the old fashion way.

>>2932777
Imagine how pretty the fires look now with her super eyes.

>>2932921
Implying they aren't just blinding her.

>>2932772
Hah, nice, didnt think Naru was fun like that..

>>2932773
>Save what little mental strength you have left. You’ll find out the old fashion way.

>>2932773
>Save what little mental strength you have left. You’ll find out the old fashion way.

>>2932962
After losing her eye once and getting it back she might like the blinding brightness

>>2932773
>Save what little mental strength you have left. You’ll find out the old fashion way.

Calling the vote here!

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Your headache is just a moment away from being head splitting and possibly debilitating. There’s no way you’re going to risk knocking yourself out of commission just to get a peek at what’s going on over where the Mectoid and Mutons are. You’ll just find out what the aliens are up to the old fashioned way, it’s worked long before you became psionic.

“Alright, we’re regrouping squad.” You answer, shaking head a bit to knock off some of the fuzziness in your head.

It takes a bit of effort from Burnout’s part to snap Naru out of her little flame induced joy, the Rocketeer coming off of the high in a bit of a daze.

Naru insists she's fine to Burnout but you’ll probably want to talk to her about that later At the very least whatever mental quirk Naru had developed could likely be used for good right now. Checking the mental stability of the entire squad lingers as yet another thing to worry about. You can name several members off the top of your head who might…

You put the thought aside for a moment as you move forward to fully link up with the rest of the squad. The brawl instigated by the mentally shattered Muton still rages against the Mectoid. The Muton is putting up one hell of a fight. You can’t help but feel extremely satisfied at the power you exerted on the alien. It was so easy with just enough Focus.

As you move the sky seems to start to glow orange as the forest catches on fire. Ash and smoke lingering and falling all around. You should be able to outrun the fire if you keep a steady pace, but now the mission is essentially on a time limit as the fire spreads and engulfs the forest…

Your comms pick up as you wince and once again hear more ‘Dark Country’ blast from your headset.

“I’m just about to pulling up in the little mess ya’ll have made. We can see the fire from up here! Smokey ain’t gonna like that, no sir!” Rowdy Sky chuckles heartily. “The boys and girls in the back are ready and rearing to deploy, they just need a nice spot to drop ‘em off.”

“Finally. Just a heads up, X-Ray has their own version of an alien MEC in play. LZ’s going to be hot. ” You say.

“Well hell, always something with those aliums, innit?” You hear Rowdy Sky spit, hopefully into a cup or something. “I’ll really need your squad’s help in landing then.”

You survey the area, considering where to have them drop off or if they even should right now. That Mectoid’s plasma cannons could just tear into a Skyranger’s hull like nothing. The fire isn’t going to help either. The reinforcements are going to have to fast rope down into a clearing so the Rowdy Sky can bug off.

But where?

>Deploy in the clearing where your Skyranger is. It will provide immediate support for Blazing Sky.
>Have the cavalry deploy as close to your position as possible. One combined force should make mopping things up easy.
>Get them to deploy as close as they can to the UFO, that will split the alien’s attention on multiple flanks.
>Other

>>2936993
>Have the cavalry deploy as close to your position as possible. One combined force should make mopping things up easy.

>>2936993
>>Have the cavalry deploy as close to your position as possible. One combined force should make mopping things up easy.
How bad is the forest fire?

>>2936993
>Deploy in the clearing where your Skyranger is. It will provide immediate support for Blazing Sky.

>>2936993
>Deploy in the clearing where your Skyranger is. It will provide immediate support for Blazing Sky.

>We can see the fire from up here! Smokey ain’t gonna like that, no sir!
Fuck the Spanish police, they aren't supporting us. ...wait, you're actually talking about the fire-prevention bear. My bad.

>>2936993
>>Have the cavalry deploy as close to your position as possible. One combined force should make mopping things up easy.

>>2936993
>Deploy in the clearing where your Skyranger is. It will provide immediate support for Blazing Sky.

>>2936993
>Have the cavalry deploy as close to your position as possible. One combined force should make mopping things up easy.

>>2937042
Its going to spread relatively quickly but nit instanly engulf the place, so standing around doing nothing is ill advised!

>>2936993
The UFO can't fire it's plasma cannon while it's on the ground, right? Like no way it can get the angle to shoot the skyranger while grounded.

>Have the cavalry deploy as close to your position as possible. One combined force should make mopping things up easy.

But make it just far enough away that Mechtoid can't get a good shot at it.

>>2936993
>Other: Get them to deploy as close as they can to the UFO, that will split the alien’s attention on multiple flanks.
>And tell them to strap any fire extinguisher they have on Rachel. There should be one aboard the Skyranger

>>2936993
>>Deploy in the clearing where your Skyranger is. It will provide immediate support for Blazing Sky.

If anyone's interested, I can make a Wordpress thing with a to-do list and the archive link. Like so: https://wordpress.com/post/xcom864106258.wordpress.com/15

>>2936993
>>2937266
I think UFO cannons are on the bottom half of the UFO, which should make aiming airborne objects difficult while grounded. Mechtoid could still be a problem if it's not too distracted by the Muton. Just how close to the UFO our squad is currently?

>>2937303
And two things:
-isnt the Mectoid still busy with the Muton and thus unable to get a aimed shot at the Skyranger ?
-doesnt the smoke from the forest fire block LOS between the Mectoid and the landing Skyranger ?

>>2936993
>>Deploy in the clearing where your Skyranger is. It will provide immediate support for Blazing Sky.

>>2936993
>>Deploy in the clearing where your Skyranger is. It will provide immediate support for Blazing Sky.

>>2937337
It's not a Kiowa Anon, it's a VTOL troop transport. Doesn't take much aim to hit one of those.

test

test

>>2938200
Test succesful :)

>>2938130
I know what it is, and that was not even my question. I would think that the Mectoid is currently trying to aim his cannons at the Muton, not the Skyranger.

test

>>2938302
I think we're back

>>2938318
I agree.

EXALT hacked us!

Alright, testing to see if I'M able to post now.

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Alright great, I can post finally. I've attempted to make an update post several times now on goings on and now that I finally can I forgot what I was gonna say mostly, joy.

Right so!

First I'm obviously going to call the vote here and try and crank out a respectable update tonight to make up with 4chan shenanigans. Second, I'll answer some questions that some of you have asked.

>>2937303
UFO cannons are at the bottom of the UFO thanks to X2 confirming that's the case when the Avenger is shot down. I'm terrible with distances so I've kept it vague and only focus on distances relative to enemy's, squad members, and other points of interest. The UFO and Skyranger is usually four 'moves' away give or take depending on actions and scenario context. Currently you are one more move away from being close to the UFO, given you guys overextended. Coversely, the Mectoid is one 'move' away from the Skyranger. You guys shouldn't have to worry too much about behind the scenes stuff as I'll handle that as everything is liable to change given the mission!

>>2937337
Both of these will improve chances on XCOM's side with ruining the Mectoid's aim. However, all it would take is bad luck and one or two solid hits from the Mectoid's plasma cannon to seriously damage or put a Skyranger out of commission. The Skyrangers are designed for ludicrous speed and not armor in mind!

>>2937302
This would be really freaking cool and I'd be legit glad if you guys go the extra mile for things like this. I would gladly put that stuff in the metapost if you do go through with it anon.

...And speaking of metaposts, I totally forgot to put a metapost up this entire time! I will promptly address that issue in the next post if 4chan will actually allow me too. Thanks for weathering Same-Chan's hack bs so hopefully we'll be back on track really soon!

At the very least XCOM 2's upcoming Tactical Legacy Pack is shaping up to be really great and I look forward to seeing what I can integrate into the quest!

---

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BurningGray
Archive: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=XCOM%20Trooper%20Quest
Squad Info: https://pastebin.com/4KJN5HKK

---

Rip pixel

noice work hiro

>>2938603
>I would gladly put that stuff in the metapost if you do go through with it anon.
Please do, pastebin is much more...practical than Wordpad,

>>2938603
God damn EXALT hacks, always being nuisance to XCOM.

It's alright Pixel, just post when you're able.

That extra update was weird!

“Blazing Sky is going to need all the support he can get. Deploy on his Skyranger’s position!” You call it in to Rowdy Sky after deliberating over landing there or near your position for what seems like a day. It really only took a few moments.

“Ha ha, you got it! Red light going up!” Rowdy Sky answers, letting out one hell of a whoop as you begin to hear the second Skyranger start to enter into the immediate air space. It’s massive VTOL engines is loud and distinct.

Even with the smoke and forests obscuring most of the view, it’s not hard to miss the large silhouette of the Skyranger come into view above. You also hear the roaring engines of the Raven Interceptor escort wing somewhere evem higher above. It impossible to see the Interceptors, but you can’t help but feel a bit better knowing you have proper air support to blow things up if need be. The Skyranger slows to hover over the LZ.

“Dozer, you crazy bastard! Didn’t know you’d actually need my help! I’m mighty flattered, I am!” Jimmy’s voice cheerily chimes in.

“Hey, we didn’t know we’d be walking into a trap, it happens to the best of us.” You grin.

“And when’s that stopped Strike-1?” Jimmy chuckles, oddly he’s sounding a bit too into it... “Sit tight and we’ll mop the rest up for you!”

“Thanks Jimmy, I owe you one.”

“Bloody right! Alright squad, let’s not have Strike-1 have all of the fun. Go go go! Secure the LZ with extreme prejudice!” Jimmy commands.

The comms come alive as Jimmy’s Strike team chimes in their confirmations as they start to disembark. They all sound just as giddy to get into a scrap as Jimmy. You don’t recognize two of the voices, but you can hear the excitable cackle of a certain Gene Modded Infantrywoman, Loco, and the rather forgettable but distinctly muffled voice of Q-Tip. Loco’s Gene Mods answers the cheeriness. But they’re not the only ones deploying.

[Goliath-1 Disembarking. Stand clear.] Rachel’s robotic voice radios in. Even though she still sounds mostly emotionless given she’s in her MEC suit, you can still hear a tinge of determination in her voice. She’s ready to get down there and help her squad.

Hm. Maybe it’s Loco’s Gene Mods that are helping get through Rachel’s ‘personality drift’ issues?

You also hear Rook jump down, but he’s clearly completely under the effects of Loco’s pheromones, sounding as manically high as a kite and ready to slaughter some aliens. He belts out something in Spanish that sounds like some kinda drinking song as he deploys. Well, at least he’s loosening up a bit thanks to Loco…

(Part 1 / 2)

Rowdy Sky manages to offload the squad without issue and is able to just as quickly get the hell out of there. The Mectoid, whatever it’s doing right now, doesn’t open fire at the second Skyranger the entire time. That’s a huge relief off your shoulders. Now the next order of business is linking up with your squad and then either the rest of the reinforcements.or to attack either the UFO or aliens.
The first part is also completely without issue, and the rest of the squad seems to be alright. Mostly. Loki and Harita seems to have been slashed up a bit by the Chrysalids. You’re alarmed for a moment, but Loki holds her hand up.

“The last of the skittering bastards decided they wanted to go down trying to eat one of us instead of just being burned like a nice bug should be. Unfortunately for them this new armor is quite the piece of hardware and Ranger can handle herself well in a melee.” Loki explains.

“We’ll be fine.” Harita reassures. “Especially with Rachel and the others here.”

“Just gonna be a bit stiff for a while afterwards.” Loki nods.

That’s good. With your squad reunited, you’re in a position to move with some amount of impunity. Some bad luck on two of your own getting cut up by some Chrysalids to not be at peak capacity, but at least they haven’t turned into zombies. At least the bugs seem to have been completely dealt with, give or take one or two.

>Regroup with the reinforcements. Attack as one!
>Move to secure the UFO.
>Intercept the Mectoid pod!
>Other

>>2939539
>Regroup

>>2939539
>>Intercept the Mectoid pod!

>>2939539
>>Other
Have Burnout scout ahead to confirm Mechtoid pod's location and use any scouting tools he still has. Then try to coordinate attack with the other squad. Try to encircle them if possible.

>>2939539
Wait isn't the Mectoid between both squads right now? Pincer it.

>>2939575
Seconding.

>>2939539
>>Move to secure the UFO.
We need to hurry up, the forest fire isn't taking a break. Let's assume someone in the reinforcements has a bodycam and we can view the Mectoid-on-MEC action later.

>>2939539
>Intercept the Mectoid pod!
>>2939575
If the enraged muton and mectoid are entangled we could try to arc thrower them both at once.

>>2939630
While capturing the Mectoid suit mostly intact would be very nice, we are on the clock. if the forest fire reaches the UFO we'll have several problems.

On top of that, can we assume that the Spanish government is keeping firefighters, news helicopters away, and have... how do you say that in English...set up a perimeter around the forest ?

>>2939630
>Try to stun a Mectoid when it's stun-immune
Doesn't matter if it's robotic, that does not make it automatically vulnerable to the Arc Thrower.

>>2939575
supporting

>>2939539
>Coordinate with the other squad to pincer the Mechtoid

>>2939539
Supporting >>2939653
>Coordinate with the other squad to pincer the Mechtoid

>>2939539
>Coordinate with the other squad to pincer the Mectoid.

>>2939575
sounds good

>Strapped in for hours aboard the Skyranger right next to a pheromone generator.

Must be fun.

>>2939832
Meld is one hell of a drug!

I wonder what would happen if we combined it with Dozer's solace? We need to experiment with that at some point, it could be hilarious. Maybe after psionics are announced to everyone, we could drag Loco and some other people to test it.

Let's save our arc thrower charges for the Outsider

>>2939575
This guy has the right idea.

>>2939539
supporting >>2939575
>Have Burnout scout ahead to confirm Mechtoid pod's location and use any scouting tools he still has. Then try to coordinate attack with the other squad. Try to encircle them if possible.

>>2939539
>>2939575
+1

>>2939855
also this

>>2939539
Supporting >>2939575

Calling the vote here!

“Burnout, what do you got left for scouting?” You say, turning to the Scout while flipping your mic onto an intersquad frequency.

The man is, of course, lighting himself another cigarette after having stomping out on a spent one. A mostly pointless endeavor given the forest is already on fire. He lets out a small puff. Naru shakes her head at the sight bemused but doesn’t chastise him just yet. The rest of squad appears to be quickly ditching their nightvision, the spreading wildfire giving enough visibility if you ignore the smoke.

“One last battlescanner and a small number of charges left in the motion tracker.” He replies.

“Alright, use what you can to scout out the alien’s location. We’re going to try and coordinate an attack against them, hopefully encircle them.” You say, explaining the plan not only to Burnout but to the rest of the squad. “Double check your gear while you can, we’re going to be hitting them hard, I’m not going to take any chances even with extra help.”

Burnout nods and moves ahead, disappearing into the forest.

“Jimmy, did you and the others get that?” You ask into the comms.

“Course! But why the hell do we have to sit and wait around we can smash the bastards!” Jimmy counters. “There’s what… two or three of them? There’s twelve of us and we got your MEC with us! For once we have the fookin’ advantage!”

“What’s wrong with him, he does not seem… focused.” Zhang asks, taking a note to mute his mic.

You mouth ‘Loco’ to him. Zhang just frowns.

“There’s at least five.” You correct, continuing the message. “It’s a new contact and we don’t know what it’s capable of.”

“Oh fine, we can wait.” Jimmy grumbles.

“I am glad we are not sharing a dropship with that Infantry.” Loki muses.

“Hey, she ain’t all that bad. Hell, it’s kinda fun whiffing Loco sometimes.” Naru counters. “...Don’t take that shit outta context or I’ll smack you.”

Harita is confused for a moment before she realizes, getting bashful at the thought.

(Part 1 / 2)

Before things can get any more awkward, Burnout finally speaks into comms once again.

“Visual on enemies.” The scout says, shutting up everyone. “The new mechanized contact appears to be trying to execute one of the Mutons with it’s plasma cannons. Said Muton appears to have gone feral, is on the move, and is... missing an arm.”

It looks like the Muton really has been keeping it busy.

“I damn like the sound of that!” Jimmy radios in, pleased.

“Does the Mectoid have psi-shield back up?” You ask.

“Not that I can see.”

No way to find out until you engage, last time the psi-shield is invisible, who knows if the other Sectoids used mind merge once again.

“What about the other Mutons?” You press.

“On overwatch. They are not happy at the goings on with the rogue Muton.”

That’s it? The chip in their skulls must really be putting a damper on a possible small scale uprising. Something to keep in mind. Your Muton likely does not have long for this world with a missing arm, but he can still be used to an advantage. You could wait until the Mectoid has used up most of its ammunition to strike or move to intercept as soon as possible with it’s attention focused elsewhere. The remaining Mutons will be an issue however with them on overwatch and likely in some entrenched position.

[I am awaiting orders. Unlike the others, I am focused.] Rachel suddenly chimes in.

You overhear an annoyed Loco in the background.

“Nngh. It’s your show since you all were here first, Dozer. What say you?” Jimmy asks, a bit more annoyed in tone, likely from Loco reacting to Rachel’s comment.

>Move in and wait until the Mectoid reloads to strike. Your Muton will die and it will take some time. (TN 50)
>Attack as soon as possible, it’s distracted enough and you’re on a wildfire timelimit! (TN 60)
>Fan out and try and look for the other Sectoids to kill first. The Mectoid’s psi-shield needs to go even if it will take a lot of extra time. (TN 70)
>Other (TN ???)

>>2941533
>Attack as soon as possible, it’s distracted enough and you’re on a wildfire timelimit! (TN 60)

>>2941533
>>Fan out and try and look for the other Sectoids to kill first. The Mectoid’s psi-shield needs to go even if it will take a lot of extra time. (TN 70)

>>2941533
>>Attack as soon as possible, it’s distracted enough and you’re on a wildfire timelimit! (TN 60)
The forest is on fire guys, and if that goes too far then even if we secure the UFO we won't be able to bring any of it home. Kill it ASAP so we can call in the firefighters to keep the fire contained or something.

>>2941533
>>Attack as soon as possible, it’s distracted enough and you’re on a wildfire timelimit! (TN 60)

>>2941533
>Attack as soon as possible, it’s distracted enough and you’re on a wildfire timelimit! (TN 60)

>>2941533
>Attack as soon as possible, it’s distracted enough and you’re on a wildfire timelimit! (TN 60)

>>2941533
>>Fan out and try and look for the other Sectoids to kill first. The Mectoid’s psi-shield needs to go even if it will take a lot of extra time. (TN 70)

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>>2941533
>Other (TN ???)
Alright we've got a lot of people now so we can delegate a bit.

Burnout and the other squad's Scout should go searching for the Sectoid while the rest of the squad begins to attack the pod.

>>2941533
>Attack as soon as possible, it’s distracted enough and you’re on a wildfire timelimit! (TN 60)
Harita should go find the sectoids

>>2941533
>>Attack as soon as possible, it’s distracted enough and you’re on a wildfire timelimit! (TN 60)
As soon as everyone is in position and ready to strike.

>>2941533
>Fan out and try and look for the other Sectoids to kill first. The Mectoid’s psi-shield needs to go even if it will take a lot of extra time. (TN 70)

>>2941700
Out of curiosity what is the context of that image?

>>2941533
>Attack as soon as possible, it’s distracted enough and you’re on a wildfire timelimit! (TN 60)

>>2941533
>>Attack as soon as possible, it’s distracted enough and you’re on a wildfire timelimit! (TN 60)

>>2941700
this seems fair

>>2942042Hmm itmight be a while untile he/she replies so...
Its a reference to the SMT:Strange Journey game. The beaten enemy is http://megamitensei.wikia.com/wiki/Mem_Aleph

>Attack as soon as possible, its distracted enough and you're on a wildfire timelimit!

It might be worth suggesting that Jimmy makes like Q-ball and gets a gas mask in order to keep his head in the game.

>>2941533
>>Attack as soon as possible, it’s distracted enough and you’re on a wildfire timelimit! (TN 60)
But send Burnout to scout for the Sectoids in the meantime, so that we can negate the fucking thing's advantage in one fell swoop if needed.

Would be nice if Q-Tip tests positive for Psionics so he can be Xcom's Psycho Mantis.

Calling the vote here!

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Despite the other squad being mostly uh, excitable, they do raise a good point. Times ticking, and getting roasted alive is not on your list of ways you’d like to go out. Eliminating the Mectoid and it’s Muton escort swiftly and in one strike will allow you to end this operation quickly.

“Alright, we’re all going to move in and take down the Mectoid.” You say. “Encircle their position and wait for my signal to fire.”

“Gladly!” Jimmy answers excitedly. “Lock and load boys and girls!”

At the very least, you’ll be able to see first hand the effects of Loco’s Adrenal Neurosympathy mod in action. The best part is, you’ll be far enough away with most of your squad to not be under its effects. Vahlen wouldn’t just give such a… high impact gene mod if there wasn’t merit.

“Let’s get this over with.” Loki says, reloading her grenade launcher. “I have two smokes and a flash left in the pipe.”

“Still got my last shredder loaded and another charge of my gauntlet. Though I totally get if you don’t want me to start burning the area even more, eheh.” Naru also adds sheepishly. She’s mostly apologetic about starting the whole forest fire.

Gear and possible options accounted for, you and the rest of the squad begin to double time towards Burnout’s gemera; position and the alien position. As you get closer you and the rest of the squad begin to catch glimpses of what the aliens had been up to. It’s not difficult to follow the trail of shattered tries and large plasma scorch marks from the Mectoid as it hunts down it’s prey.

(Part 1 / 2)

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You quickly find them. The feral one-armed Muton looks to have been cornered by the Mectoid in a semi-clearing, it’s rapid blood loss starting to catch up to it. Nearby, are the other Mutons. The one-armed Muton grunts are haggard but it’s rage remains as burning as the forest. It’s nearby kin watch and you swear you think you see little ripples of doubt in their body language, suppressed as it may be. It’s not a pretty sight even for you.

[I can almost sympathize.] Rachel comments over the comms, coldly.

The Mectoid steadily stalks up to its prey, and you hear it elicit something hard to believe. A continuous reverberating screech that is very clearly… laughter. It’s alien MEC suit shudders in glee as you can clearly see the mechanized Sectoid is toying with it’s prey. Unlike it’s more cowardly brethren, this one is completely on the opposite it. The power it now has clearing getting into it’s head.

With ease the Mectoid presses the feral Muton against a tree hard using one of it’s plasma cannon arms. The force is enough to actually start to tilt the tree back a bit, uprooting it slightly. The armless Muton struggles and huffs yellow gas as if it’s air tank had leaked. It’s equally yellow blood oozes everywhere as it attempts to claw and scratch at the plasma cannon. Even in it’s futility it doesn’t care.

Meanwhile you and the rest of the squad slow your approach to a creeping advance. Across the ways, you catch glimpses of Jimmy and his team, and the very distinct form of Rachel’s MEC staying back but ready to close in. Hopefully, you can fully encircle the alien force and--

Someone steps onto a branch.

The Mectoid snaps its head at the noise and lets go of the near dead Muton, plasma cannons raised and at the ready as it scans the treeline. The Muton slides down and into a sitting against the tree, it’s breath haggard as it tries to will strength back to it, looking at the Mectoid with indescribably hatred. As the other Mutons start to react, you decide that this is it.

“Open fire!” You roar as the combined might of two XCOM squads unleash everything they have against the aliens.

The forest lights up in hundreds of magnetically supercharged red streaked slugs. Even through the initial barrage, you can hear Loco cackling like the madwoman she is, further invigorating the other squad.

You pull the trigger from your Shard Gun, your body seemingly reverberating from the recoil and power of the weapon.

>Roll 1d100+10 (TN 60)

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>>2943347
Oh h-haha, I used the wrong image of the XCOM logo there, d-don't mind the color scheme! It totally means nothing at all!

Rolled 39 + 10 (1d100 + 10)

>>2943351

Rolled 97 + 10 (1d100 + 10)

>>2943351

Rolled 29 + 10 (1d100 + 10)

>>2943351

>>2943360
Well done! The next update will be the last one for this thread!

>>2943360
nice

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Your combined firepower utterly shreds the clearing into bits. Gauss slugs are flung everywhere, dealing massive damage to anything unfortunate enough to get caught in the crossfire. The second squad, don’t hold back on using explosives either as you see numerous grenades get chucked into the clearing to further increase the havoc.

The non-affected Mutons are cut down from the firepower almost immediately. Sure in most normal circumstances they could endure and shrug off most weapons fire, but a literal wall of slugs? Not so much. Even if they did survive the gauss fire, the explosives from the others does the rest.

Much to your worry however, the Mectoid’s psi-shield has been restored. Each slug that is directed to the hulking mass of alien alloys is stopped completely by the alien’s psionic shield. Fizzling out and only causing a burst of purple to show that the thing is unphased. With the Mutons killed, everyone focuses their fire on the Mectoid. Your ears start to ring from the bassy and punchy blasts from everyone’s Magnetic weaponry. The Mectoid stumbles a bit and is jostled from the weapon fire, not able to get a shot off.

It doesn’t take very long for a cloud of smoke and debris to pick up, obscuring the alien in the middle of the smoke. This doesn’t stop everyone from shooting, blasting away until the ammo decidedly runs… dry. Your squad stops, but not the pheromone enhanced members of Jimmy’s squad plus Rook. They very quickly reload their weapons and keep firing into the smoke.

“Hold your fire!” You shout, trying to regain control of the ruthless pheromone’d troopers.

It takes a few times to get them to remove their fingers from the trigger. While it’s a bit of a challenge to reign them in, their ferocity can't be understated. You catch Loco on the other side of the clearing, giving you a cheeky wink. She’s clearly enjoying playing on the other’s emotional heartstrings for the good of humanity.

Loki shudders.

Weapons still trained on the slowly dissipating smoke cloud you and the other waits and hope to see a mangled wreckage of a dead Mectoid. When the smoke clears… that’s not what you see.

It’s still standing. Heavily damaged by your guess sure, but it’s STILL fucking alive! Two XCOM Squads magdumped into the thing and it’s taken comparably little damage! Your combined fire had only just been able to shatter the things psionic shield more than anything else.

“What the fuck is this bullshit!?” Naru shouts.

Thinking frantically, you try and sense just how powerful it’s psi-shield is with what little Focus you have left. The shield that was initially shattered quickly being regenerated. The Mectoid, while battered, let’s out a deviant battle screech. It cocks it’s arms, a distinct click as it reloads it’s plasma cannon and looks around at the enemies surrounding it. It extends its arms on both sides, the plasma cannons charging up.

“Get down!” Someone shouts.

(Part 1 / 2)

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As you hit the dirt and plasma starts to shred the forest around you, all you can hear is the maddened cackle from the Mectoid, and then another voice speaks up over the confusion. A mechanical female voice.

[Moving to engage.] Rachel says, her voice booming.

It’s then you hear the distinct mechanical thump thump thump of Rachel’s MEC suit. As you hear the sounds of trees being knocked away like bowling pins. You take a peek from the cover of your own tree and see Rachel’s MEC suit burst into the clearing, like a unstoppable train. Her autocannon hosing the Mectoid as she closes the distance. It’s shield cracking under the focused fire from her autocannon.

The Mectoid spins, spotting a new target and attempts to open fire but before it can Rachel collides with the Mectoid and it’s Psi-Shield. It’s not just on any one point whatsoever, but instead on the point her Autocannon was aiming at. The already weakened and cracked shield just shatters from the impact, much to the utter surprise from the Mectoid.

And it’s then the titans clash.

A fierce melee begins as Rachel and the Mectoid try to swing at each other. But Rachel clearly has the advantage in comparison to the Mectoid, it’s heavy damage making it sluggish as it frantically tries to defend itself from Rachel’s relentless assault. Rachel finds an opening grabbing the Mectoid’s chassis by it’s head and yanking it into the dirt with her free hand. The Sectoid operator screeches in terror as it slams into the ground, but Rachel isn’t done yet. She winds back her other hand, the one with the Kinetic Strike Module.

The KSM begins to charge up, smoke and and thrusters building up power as Rachel’s MEC chassis can barely contain the energy. She pulls up the face of the Mectoid just high enough and unleashes her Goliath MEC’s signature ability.

It’s the most over the top uppercut you’ve ever seen in your entire life.

The Mectoid is knocked back and explodes, as parts on it’s chassis just shatter into a million pieces as it. The Sectoid operator’s face is just gone from the impact. It crashes onto the ground, a pile of scrap and wreckage. Rachel looms over the defeated alien for a moment before turning to look at you. Even with her visor obscuring her eyes, you can see the faintest tug of a grin on her lips.

[Target eliminated.] She says.

...

Well shit, that’s a point for the MECs if you ever saw one.

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>...And with that, I'm going to call it here! I'll be honest I was fully expecting the battle with the Mectoid to be a longer one, but RNG said otherwise! I have been writing and favoring the Gene Modded Troopers for a bit now anyways so it was only fair to show why MECs aren't to be fucked around with either. So until next time...

Thanks for playing!

>>2943780
Thanks for running!

>>2943773
still at least one sectoid dicking around nearby no?

>>2943794
Yep!

I wonder what would happen to the rest of the squad if the sectoids managed to put Loco in panic

>>2943357
EXALT soon?

>>2943780
Thanks for running! Did we kill that muton who escaped Juggernaut earlier, or is he still out there?

>>2943814
She isn't transmitting her psychological state to the others, she's just emitting crazy pheromones. It doesn't matter what she personally is feeling.

>>2943878
At one point earlier in the thread she made Jimmy and others feel annoyed rather than her normal crazy so I would assume that she can transmit any other state of mind too.

>>2943893
I dont think Vahlen would burden het squad and her roommate so, if that was the case. I also think Loco is banned from yoga class.

>>2943780
Good run. Glad Loco get some screen time

>>2943936
More like SMELL time.
Huehuehuehue

>>2943946
Lol, even thought of making it 'scream time' myself

>>2943773
The unprotected head triggers me. Its such a obvious weakspot even to mindless enemies

New thread soon!

>>2945033
really? I thought the completely exposed torso would trigger you more. It's literally the only part of her body that NEEDS to be armored. At least she has a helmet on her head.

>>2945067
In the image it was a bit unclear what she is wearing on her torso. bodysuit or actual body armor.

>>2945033
This is always a difficult decision for me in xcom.. do I want the cool looking mech helmet at the cost of the personality of seeing a face, or vice versa..

New thread is up!

>>2945328

>>2945116
For me it was no question. Having that itty bitty head on top of the huge mech body looked WAY too stupid for me. Helmet 100% of the time.