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>>2939616

With the final override commands received, the generator complex, already out of control with power surges and lightning storms, goes into dangerous levels of overdrive. Within minutes the entire tower will explode, cutting off the Scavs' primary power supply in the region. The surviving Freelancers must evacuate the hot zone immediately, or be caught in the blast themselves!

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>>2939627


Gryphon sees the stealthed Raider incoming thanks to a glowing highlight on his HUD from Solaaris's scan, and avoids taking extra damage from a sneak attack through the attack still lands. The combined assault of the Brute and Raider still leaves him reeling, but still alive and standing. Arbiter barely dodges backwards away from a blow that would have been fatal. Einherjar, the android containing a backup mindstate of the fallen Rhino, is not so fortunate -- without a priest or scanner to reveal the oncoming assault, he is defenseless against the stealthed Raider's vicious backstab, the alien's electrically charged blade striking critical components and dealing a fatal wound.

The Freelancer dropship, dodging fire from Scav anti-air defense batteries, swoops over the battlefield, dropping strong cables down to lift the evacuating Freelancers into its waiting hold.

STATUS REPORT

Objective: Override Generators [COMPLETE]
New Objective: Evacuate Hot Zone

Time to Explosion: 3 turns

Raider Zombie: 2/6 HP, 1 Armor

[Wolf 1] Lion: KIA
[Wolf 2] King: HP 6/6, Armor 2/3, Infested 1
[Wolf 3] Flicker: HP 4/6, Armor 1/2
[Wolf 4] Eddie: HP 2/6, Armor 0/1, Infested 1
[Wolf 5] Smokes: HP 5/6, Barrier 0
[Wolf 6] Phaws: HP 3/6, Armor 0, Barrier 0
[Wolf 7] Arbiter: HP 4/6, Armor 0/1, Barrier 0
[Fox 1] Dozer: HP 4/7, Armor 0/3, Infested 1
[Fox 2] Ermez: KIA
[Fox 3] Ein: KIA [Select death action]
[Fox 4] Vacia: Zombified, KIA
[Fox 5] Myrmidon: KIA
[Fox 6] Thoth: 4/5 HP, 0 Images
[Fox 7] Solaaris: HP 4/6
[Hawk 2] Gryphon: HP 2/7, Armor 0/2
[Hawk 3] Corax: HP 3/6, Armor 0/1, Infested 3
[Hawk 4] Zeus: HP 2/6
[Hawk 5] Leopard: HP 1/6, Infested 1
[Hawk 6] Arwan: KIA
[Hawk 7] Dawn: HP 4/5, Armor 1
[Tiger 1] Scorch: HP 7/5
[Tiger 2] Providence: HP 6/6, Armor 2/3

FREELANCER TURN 12 BEGINS NOW

"Focus down that Raider! I can handle the Brute with Gryphon there. We need to hold out for Arbiter and Scorch to make."

>>2939634

"These constant deaths are beginning to become problematic."

>Viking Funeral

>>2939634
>11 south (unstoppable if needed), Evac

Dozer was not hanging around for much longer than required. Objective was done and the Evac was close enough that with enough of a sprint he could make it. It was lucky he had taken the boots as part of his gear selection. Judging from the weight of his armour without them, and the distance, he would have just not been able to reach evac.

Watching the feeds as Ein went down, he could not help but grimace as yet another freelancer falls to these damned xenos. "Everyone can cover our evac, else start moving people!"

As he pulls into the evac shuttle, he gingerly plucks the worm that had been piggy backing off of him to the ship. "Another specimen for the Alchemist."

Name: Dozer (Legacy of Gallows)
Class: Knight
Level: 1
Health: 4/6+1(7 with Charged Vest)
Barrier: 0
Mobility: 5+2 (Phasing boots)
Armour: 0
Disciplines: Unstoppable
Spell: Mirror Image (2 Images)
Weapons: Shotgun (DMG 4, Range 10, Destructive), Shield (Armour +1. On attacks against adjacent enemies, add knockback 1, and after the attack move 1 into their former space)
Gear: Phase Boots (+2 Mobility. Move through enemies.), Charged Vest (+1 Health, +1 Barrier, immune to burn, freeze, shock)

>Good luck everyone

Rolled 6 (1d10)

>>2939634
Name: Thoth
Class: Mage
Level: 4
Spells: Channeler, Arcanery, Mirror Image (No image), Voidcaller, Surge (No Charge)
Weapons: Scout Rifle (Dmg 2, Rng 25, +1 to hit, Break 1), Bonnie (Dmg 4, Rng 10, Break 1, Holding Aces 3 Charges)
Gear: Nothing
Health: 4/5
Mobility: 6
Barrier: 0/1

Move 3 Southeast
Shoot Raider 19 w/ Bonnie

"Nobody do anything risky," Thoth began, weighing up the risks of his next move. "There's already too many dead us, err, too many of us dead now. Get out if you're hurt. Inheritor, Bombshell, Invisibot, Blackbird, Chef, that's all of you."

Dozer pelted past and hooked himself into the cables, soaring up and into the hold.

"Okay, Hangsent, you too."

Meanwhile, Thoth himself was backing up from the sudden invasion of the Brute and the Invisible Raider. Bonnie aligned with the Raider, almost moving of its own accord. Then a CRACK as it fired.

Rolled 10 + 1 (1d10 + 1)

>>2939634
Name: Flicker
Class: Drifter
Level: 3
Tricks:
- Deadeye
- Low Profile
- Steady Hand
Weapons:
- Sniper Rifle (DMG 4, RNG 40, Piercing)
- Shield
Gear:
- Grapple Hook
- Iron Rune (Sniper Rifle)
Health: 6
Mobility: 6
Armour: 2

Fire Piercing Sniper Rifle at Brute 7.

>>2939644
"Sir, I can provide assistance with that."

Rolled 7, 1, 2 = 10 (3d10)

>>2939634
>Move 1NorthEast, 5East
>Blinkstrike 12South. +1Hit, 4dmg, target 3worms. [C0/2]
>[Alacrity] Move 2SouthWest, 1South
>Evac
>-Add Infesting Worm to specimen jar.

Name: Leopard
Class: Hunter
Level 7
>Hp 1/5+1
>Mob 12 (8+2+2)
>Armor 0/1
>Barrier 0/0+1
Exploits: Alacrity (Split Move before/after Attack).
Deflect [R] (1/2dmg from an attack)
Phantom [S, C0/2] (Gain Stealth)
Blink Strike [A, C0/2] (Teleport Mob line, Melee enemies in line)
Agility (+2Mob)
Rogue (+2Backstab)
Blademaster (+1Hit & Dmg with Melee)

Weapons
>Scout Rifle: 2Dmg, 25Rng, +1Hit
>Stinger: 3+1Dmg, Melee Line or Cleave 5, +1Hit
Gear
>Phase Boots: +2Mob, Pass through Enemies
>Charged Vest: +1 Health, +1Barrier, immune-Burn, Freeze, Shock

>>2939675
Got it, Parallel.

>>2939634
COME ON PEOPLE
MOVE
I haven't hit a single thing in twenty bullets and my brain is already itching from the lack of interesting psychopharmaceuticals coursing through it! Let's make this day a day to remember by not suffering more CORPSES!

C'moooon!

I'd miss the lot of you if you went and died on me!

Rolled 5 (1d10)

>>2939644
"No need! I can dispatch these fiends myself! Huzzah!"

>move 2N
>Spear Brute 7 and Raider 19
>Pose triumphantly

>>2939675
"A little late for that, don't you think?"
Gryphon coughs up some blood.

HP: 2/6
Armor: 0/2
Mobility: 5
Disciplines: Phoenix [C1]
Weapons: Spear (D2, R3, Piercing), Shotgun (D4, R10)
Gear: Grapple Hook [C0], Charged Vest (Destroyed)

Rolled 9 (1d10)

>>2939634
Name: Zeus
Class: Drifter
Level: 1
Health: 3/6
Mobility: 6
Armor: 0

Tricks:
-Deadeye (+1 ACC, +1 CRT)

Weapons:
-Sniper Rifle (Piercing)
-SMG

Gear:
-Grapple Hook
-Iron Rune (Sniper Rifle)

>Grapple Hook 9N, 1E
>Fire SMG at Raider 7

"Finish the last of these filth off before let's get out of here"

Rolled 1, 5 = 6 (2d10)

>>2939634
>Dash 1 West, 2 Northwest, 3 North
>Slash Infected Raider with Arcstrider
>Alacrity 3 South, 5 South
>Ready Deflect

Name: Smokes
Class: Hunter
Level: 6
HP: 5/6
Mobility: 10
Barrier: 0
Armor: 0

Exploits:
Blink: [S, C 1/3] Teleport Mob-2
Deflect: [R] Block half damage when hit by an attack
Blademaster: +1 Hit and damage on melee attacks
Alacrity: Break up movement before and after Attack action
Force Shield: [S, C 0/2] You or Ally within 10 gain 2 barrier and heal 1
Blink Strike: [A, C 0/2] Teleport your mobility in a straight line. Melee attack each enemy you pass through.

Weapons:
Hammer: +1 Hit, DMG 8, Destructive, Shock on 10
Arcstrider: +1 Hit, DMG 7, Mobility +2, Fulminous

Gear:
Charged Vest: +1 HP & Barrier, Burn, Shock, Freeze Immunity
Storm Rune: (Hammer) +1 Damage, On a 10 target is Shocked

>>2940019
Nice stab. Almost makes me want to use a spear again.

>>2940275
>Alacrity 5 South, 5 Southeast*

>>2940252
Should be firing at Brute 7, and the word "let's" should be "we".
cough syrup fucks you up more than the cold

>>2939634

>1 E, 7 N
>dash
> 4 NW, 3 N
>Evacuate

"Bioform Infestation detected. retreating to drop ship for treatment. Recommend similar actions for all functional freelancers."

Name: Corax
Class: Drifter
Level: 3
Health: 3/6 (infested 3)
Mobility: 6 +2
Armour: 0

Tricks
-Deadeye
-Richochet
-Low Profile

Wepaons:
-Sniper Rifle (+1 to hit)
-LMG

>>2940492
Infestation has scrambled internal compass
move
>1W, 7N
>4NE, 3N

>Move 4N, 1W
>Throw a flamegrenade 15W, 3S (D2 A2 Burn)
>-Spellvamp, +1 Barrier

>Maybe get out now yeah

"HERE"

== Phaws, Level 7 ==
Health 3
Barrier 1
Armor 0
Mobility 5

[Mage]
>Channeler, Arcanery, Brilliance, Artillery, VoidCaller, Echo(1), Energy Drain, Spellvamp

[Melee]
Shield 1

[Weapon]
The Hard Way
Damage 3, 15r, Break 2, Destructive. [Heavy]

Flame Grenade. 15r / Damage 2 / Break 2 / Autohit / Area 2 / Burn
>Flame Grenade. 15r / Damage 2 / Break 2 / Autohit / Area 2 / Burn
>Flame Grenade. 15r / Damage 2 / Break 2 / Autohit / Area 2 / Burn
Charged Vest. +1H/B/Immunity

>>2939634
>SE 1
>E 3
>NE 2
>Medkit Gryphon

Dawn slaps her grapple to the dropship, flying up over the battlefield and breathing a heavy sigh.
[Operator Status:KIA] flashes over her hud over and over, registering the fallen. Next time she will do better. Next time she has to do better.

>>2941550
Name-Dawn
Class- Priest
Level- 4
Barrier-0/1
Armor-1/1
Health-4/5
Mobility-10
Powers- Medic Protocol: +1 medkit slot, +8 medkit range
Field Medic:+2 Medkit Slots
Biotic Specialist: Medkits heal for +2hp and can overheal up to 1.5X Health
Force ShieldX0: You or an ally within 10 heals 1 and gains 2 barrier
Agility: +2 Mobility
Gear- MedkitX3, Phase Boots
Weapons- SMG, Shield

I dropped this, sorry its been a long day.

>>2939634
Name:Scorch
Class:Mage
Level 1
Hp 7/5
Barrier 0/1
Armor 0/1
Move:6
Powers: Channeler,Echo(0/2)
Weapons:Scout Rifle,shield
Gear:flame grenade(channeler bonus,used up), mana grenade, acid rune (slotted into scout rifle)
>move 6 north
>toss mana grenade 7 south,2 west
Scorch,seeing that Arbiter got backstabbed, threw a mana grenade at his assailant as he fled North
"You can take him from here,I'm getting the hell out of here."

>>2939634
Name Kingangelael
Class Knight
Level 1
Health: 7/7
Barrier: 0/3
Mobility: 5
Armor: 2/3
Disciplines:
Weapons: Shield, Shotgun
Gear:Charged vest

>>2940492
"Yeah, and we might be packing more of those bastards before the end of this. Get ready for'em!"

>Move 2NW, 3N
>Shoot worm 6W, 1N of King

"Let's get going boys, the worms and Scavs aren't taking their time!"

He felt that he should have left then and there, he'd be worm free and safe in the drop ship. But it was his personal philosophy that Knights were the first to hit the ground, and last to leave it. Consequently, he also felt that he was pushing his luck a little too far, but this was something he had to do, no matter the cost.

>>2941720

Rolled 1 (1d10)

>>2939634
>>ow
>>ow
>>ow

>engage protocol_gtfo
>move 2NW
>dash 5N
>evac

Rolled 10 (1d10)

>>2939634
(Just fyi, I used a medkit on myself last thread and It never got put in the HP totals so I should have 6 HP)

Name: Arbiter
Class: Priest
Level: 2 (Legacy)
HP: 6/6
Mobility: 6
Barrier: 0
Armor: 0
Powers:
Medic protocol (+1 Medkit, Medkit range 7)
Field Medic (+2 Medkit)
Purification (Medkits deal 2 damage to enemies within 2 of the heal target)
Aclarity (Break up your movement before and after attacking)
Weapons:
Acid Shotgun (Damage 4, Range 10, Break 1. Destructive.)
Shield (+1 Armor)
Gear
Charged Vest (+1 HP, +1 Barrier. Immune to frost shock or burn effects)
Acid Rune (Add +1 Break to my shotgun)

Medkits: 0

>Move 1 NE
>Fire on Raider 21 with Shotgun
>(ALACRITY) Move 4N 1E

Narrowly dodging certain death, Arbiter felt his heartbeat slamming in his chest. He levelled his gun and hoped his aim was true. This could be his last chance.

>>2939634
>Dash to Evac Zone and Evac

Sorry, been real busy recently.

Rolled 6 (1d10)

>>2941720
I tried to roll earlier but I see now that nothing happened.

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>>2939634


As the surges from the overpowering generator complex increase in intensity, the Freelancers begin their evacuation, reaching up to clasp the waiting cables which are then reeled up, ensconcing the warriors with the relative safety of the heavily plated dropship. Some few, whether from courage or foolhardiness, choose to stand their ground to ensure their comrades make it to safety ...

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>>2943567


It is a choice that leads almost to their deaths, as Gryphon is critically wounded by the stealthed Raider's vicious sneak attack, saved only by Dawn's ability to supercharge the human body beyond its reasonable limits. Smokes, too, almost dies -- or rather, suffers a fate worse than death -- when, exhausted after a long and bloody battle, he stumbles into an electrical coil, then is set upon by parasites. While on their last legs, they each barely dodge the parasite that would have sealed their fate and turned them into disgusting abominations, puppet servants of the Wraith Queen.


STATUS REPORT

Objective: Override Generators [COMPLETE]
New Objective: Evacuate Hot Zone [2 Turns Remaining]

Thrall 17: HP 1/2, Burning
Raider 20: HP 3/5, Armor 0/1
Raider 23: HP 4/5, Armor 1, Burning

[Wolf 1] Lion: KIA
[Wolf 2] King: HP 5/6, Armor 2/3, Infested 2
[Wolf 3] Flicker: HP 4/6, Armor 1/2
[Wolf 4] Eddie: Evacuated
[Wolf 5] Smokes: HP 1/6, Infested 2
[Wolf 6] Phaws: Evacuated
[Wolf 7] Arbiter: HP 5/6, Infested 1
[Fox 1] Dozer: Evacuated
[Fox 2] Ermez: KIA
[Fox 3] Ein: KIA
[Fox 4] Vacia: Zombified, KIA
[Fox 5] Myrmidon: KIA
[Fox 6] Thoth: 4/5 HP, 0 Images
[Fox 7] Solaaris: Evacuated
[Hawk 2] Gryphon: HP 1/7, Armor 0/2, Infested 1
[Hawk 3] Corax: Evacuated
[Hawk 4] Zeus: HP 2/6
[Hawk 5] Leopard: Evacuated
[Hawk 6] Arwan: KIA
[Hawk 7] Dawn: Evacuated
[Tiger 1] Scorch: HP 4/5
[Tiger 2] Providence: Evacuated

FREELANCER TURN 13 BEGINS NOW

>>2943574
Name:Scorch
Class:Mage
Level 1
Hp 4/5
Barrier 0/1
Armor 0/1
Move:6
Powers: Channeler,Echo(0/2)
Weapons:Scout Rifle,shield
Gear:flame grenade(channeler bonus,used up), mana grenade, acid rune (slotted into scout rifle)
>dash 6 northwest, 3 north
>evac
Scorch ran north,ignoring the raider that stabbed him in the back
"Arbiter,come on!You're gonna die!"

>>2943574
Name Kingangelael
Class Knight
Level 1
Health: 6/7
Barrier: 0/3
Mobility: 5
Armor: 2/3
Disciplines:
Weapons: Shield, Shotgun
Gear:Charged vest
"Come on everyone, hurry up and get out of here, if the scavs and worms want this place so much let's let them have it!"

The worms were starting to flood the battlefield in greater numbers than ever before, trying to keep the evac zone clear of worms was no longer a viable option. Besides, it looks like everyone was close enough to evac anyways.

"Arbiter, you might not need it, but let me help you out!"

>Use Shotgun[Destructive] to blast the heavy cover in Arbiter's way.
>Evac

"Time to blow this Popsicle stand."

Rolled 5, 9 = 14 (2d10)

>>2943574
>Blink 2 Northwest, 5 West
>Slash Raider 18 with Arcstrider
>Alacrity 3 South, 4 Southeast
>Evac

Name: Smokes
Class: Hunter
Level: 6
HP: 1/6
Mobility: 10
Barrier: 0
Armor: 0

Exploits:
Blink: [S, C 0/3] Teleport Mob-2
Deflect: [R] Block half damage when hit by an attack
Blademaster: +1 Hit and damage on melee attacks
Alacrity: Break up movement before and after Attack action
Force Shield: [S, C 0/2] You or Ally within 10 gain 2 barrier and heal 1
Blink Strike: [A, C 0/2] Teleport your mobility in a straight line. Melee attack each enemy you pass through.

Weapons:
Hammer: +1 Hit, DMG 8, Destructive, Shock on 10
Arcstrider: +1 Hit, DMG 7, Mobility +2, Fulminous

Gear:
Charged Vest: +1 HP & Barrier, Burn, Shock, Freeze Immunity
Storm Rune: (Hammer) +1 Damage, On a 10 target is Shocked

"I can hardly see with all blood on my helmet. Time to fall back."

>>2943725
*northeast

>>2943574
Name: Flicker
Class: Drifter
Level: 3
Tricks:
- Deadeye
- Low Profile
- Steady Hand
Weapons:
- Sniper Rifle (DMG 4, RNG 40, Piercing)
- Shield
Gear:
- Grapple Hook
- Iron Rune (Sniper Rifle)
Health: 4
Mobility: 6
Armour: 1

Move 2 East, 2 North, 4 East, Evac.

"Objective's complete. Time to fall back, people."

Rolled 9 (1d10)

>>2943574
Gryphon takes a second to study the battlefield. Seeing that he is the last one in the north, he turns and walks toward the evac zone.

"You took quite the beating today little man. Shall we?"

>Move 4S, 1SE
>Shoot the Worm 1N of where I was
>Evacuate

HP: 1/6
Armor: 0/2
Mobility: 5
Disciplines: Phoenix [C1]
Weapons: Spear (D2, R3, Piercing), Shotgun (D4, R10)
Gear: Grapple Hook [C0], Charged Vest (Destroyed)

Rolled 1 (1d10)

>>2943574
Name: Thoth
Class: Mage
Level: 4
Spells: Channeler, Arcanery, Mirror Image (No image), Voidcaller, Surge (No Charge)
Weapons: Scout Rifle (Dmg 2, Rng 25, +1 to hit, Break 1), Bonnie (Dmg 4, Rng 10, Break 1, Holding Aces 4 Charges)
Gear: Nothing
Health: 4/5
Mobility: 6
Barrier: 0/1

Shoot Raider 20 w/ Bonnie
Evac

"Alright, 79, this isn't funny anymore. No more shooting, just run. Please? I'll give you a smoothie."

>>2943574
Name: Zeus
Class: Drifter
Level: 1
Health: 2/6
Mobility: 6
Armor: 0

Tricks:
-Deadeye (+1 ACC, +1 CRT)

Weapons:
-Sniper Rifle (Piercing)
-SMG

Gear:
-Grapple Hook
-Iron Rune (Sniper Rifle)

>Move 2E
>Evac

>>2943574

Name: Arbiter
Class: Priest
Level: 2 (Legacy)
HP: 6/6
Mobility: 6
Barrier: 0
Armor: 0
Powers:
Medic protocol (+1 Medkit, Medkit range 7)
Field Medic (+2 Medkit)
Purification (Medkits deal 2 damage to enemies within 2 of the heal target)
Aclarity (Break up your movement before and after attacking)
Weapons:
Acid Shotgun (Damage 4, Range 10, Break 1. Destructive.)
Shield (+1 Armor)
Gear
Charged Vest (+1 HP, +1 Barrier. Immune to frost shock or burn effects)
Acid Rune (Add +1 Break to my shotgun)

Medkits: 0

As the raider exploded into viscera, Arbiter threw himself against a wall, parasite digging deep.

The sound of the dropship hovering above could barely be heard over the sounds of yelling and war and-

They were all yelling for him, the rest of the squad filing into the evac zone, they had stayed to clear a path to make sure he made it out.

The realization struck him, sending him surging forward. Bounding over acid, debris crumbling and sounds of shots shooting passed were muffled by the intense roar of the generators and the alarms. Hauling himself forward with speed he did not know he had, he almost stumbled to the floor as he grabbed hold of the rope. Being yanked upwards to the safety of the dropship, he muttered "Thank you" to no one in particular.

"It's over, let's go home."

>Dash to evac zone
>Evac

>>2944693
(Should be 2NE, 10 N. I can *just* make it. Cheers, everyone!)

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>>2943574

The last batch of Freelancers makes it to the waiting cables and are hauled up into the waiting dropship. The engines fire up and boost the craft away from the battle. Those who watch the scene below them continue to unfold see the Scavs realizing their situation and starting to run, too late before the entire power complex erupts in a towering bolt of lightning that fires upwards into the storm-wracked sky, following by a crashing boom of thunder. Lightning fires again and again, each with its own defeaning thunderclap that builds on top of the last, until the entire complex begins to disintegrate and the tower collapses in on itself. Observers can just make out, amidst the debris, the now-tiny forms of aliens falling to the ground far, far below.

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>>2946457

The dropship soars through the rain back to Foxhole outpost with its cargo of battered and bloodied but victorious Freelancers. Several are missing limbs or otherwise badly wounded beyond the care of the priest-medics, but it's nothing the cyberware fabricator at base can't fix up quick and functional replacements for. Some are subdued, disheartened, despondant at the loss of their comrades. Others accept that sacrifice is the only path to victory, and are jubilant at a successful mission, in fact the final step before the assault on the citadel, a major blow against their hated enemies. The rest are simply glad to be alive themselves after a brutal mission.

There are, at least, two items of good news, as Graves informs the weary Freelancers during the journey. First, with the amount of data scanned and scrap recovered in this battle, the Alchemist will have plenty of opportunity to synthesize new and exciting tools of murder. Second, the citadel assault will require several days of further preparation, as many things must be set into place by the Mage Council and the other Freelancer teams they have contracted to this mission, meaning the victorious warriors will have an opportunity for R&R, to spend their time on whatever they may choose.

Still, after the mission, the Freelancers must count their fallen, and the cost is high.


Memorial

Sigurd, Knight Lv6: Pushed by Scav witch spellcraft into a pit of worm parasites
Vacia, Hunter Lv5: Infested by worm parasites, zombified.
Myrmidon, Hunter Lv4: Killed by Scav raider.
Gallows, Mage Lv4: Killed by Thane Volzar.
Rhino, Knight Lv3: Last seen standing against the armored worm.
Delphi, Priest Lv3: Killed by Scav witch spellcraft.
Einherjar, Knight Lv1: Killed by Scav raider.
Ermez, Knight Lv1: Killed by Scav raider.
Iskander, Knight Lv1: Last seen imprisoned by Scav witch spellcraft.
Latobius, Knight Lv1: Infested by parasites.
Ljon, Knight Lv1: Killed by Thane Ravix.
Cayde, Hunter Lv1: Suicide
Diplomat, Hunter Lv1: Killed by Thane Elsis
Runner, Hunter Lv1: Killed by forgetting to move.
Arwan, Mage Lv1: Killed by Thane Ravix.

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>>2946466

Queued Research:
>Worm Biotics: Melee

Available Research: Golden Age Relics x2, Scav Salvage x2, Worm Biotics x2
>Guns
>Melee
>Offense
>Defense
>Utility
In the downtime between missions, your character may take one of the following R&R actions:

>Rest and relax
>Explore the Machine City
>Explore the nearby wildlands
>Hunt Scavs
>Investigate worm tunnels
>Discern Lore: Golden Age, Incursion, Scavs, Worms, other
>Spar with a willing partner
>Experiment with xeno tech
>Speak with NPC. Say who: A friend, a family member, a retired mentor, Graves, Snow, Alchemist, The Captain (do not waste the Captain's time or you will regret it)
>Write-in

>>2946473
>Golden Age Relics: Offense x1
>Golden Age Relics: Guns x1
>Scav Salvage: Offense x1
>Scav Salvage: Utility x1
>Worm Biotics: Defense x1
>Worm Biotics: Utility x1

>Investigate worm tunnels

Thoth spent the entire flight babbling in unnerving detail about his hypotheses on the worms, quieting instantly as Graves spoke only to carry on like nothing happened the split second he stopped talking. Everything from reproduction methods to harnessing their ability to seemingly reanimate the dead to speculations on a hive mind. He seemed entirely unaware of the fact that his left arm was missing from just below the elbow down.

He spent only a few hours on that minor issue and a power nap before he was right back up and overflowing with energy, eager to get something done. And he knew just the thing.

Every field member of the Freelancers (minus Snow, of course—he wanted nothing to do with that perfect crystal machine.) receives a HUD message:

"I'm going spelunking in worm territory. For Science! Also for some non-strenuous murder. But mostly for Science! Anyone who wants to come, show up at the Hanger in at most three hours. I'll probably head back every so often, and I'll ding you when I do, just in case anyone missed out or changes their mind. FYI, I doubt Graves or Madame Captain herself will appreciate me commandeering a dropship, so it'll be a hike. Looking forward to hearing from you! And also to not dying alone in a worm tunnel!

With lots of love, Thoth"

Yes, this was the perfect plan.

>>2946473
>Golden Age Relic: Offense x1
>Golden Age Relic: Gun x1
>Scav Salvage: Offense x1
>Scav Salvage: Utility x1
>Worm Biotics: Defense x1
>Worm Biotics: Utility x1

>Investigate worm tunnels

Smokes, with hardly any hunters on base, decided to make sure nothing bad happens to one of the other veterans.

"I'll tag along as security. We lost too many recently."

File: DozerMaybe.jpg (20 KB, 236x455)

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>>2946473
>>2946622
Supporting Research.

>Discern Lore: The Last of the Elder Races

As the dropship lands, Dozer removes his helmet, the skull visage painted on the front scratched and puckered from acid, energy discharges, and worms. As he took in a breath of the air, still barely breathable.

As the funny bird mage began fluttering off to investigate the worm tunnels, memories of the previous battle, alongside some unfamiliarity with these humans cautioned him away, towards the one of the communications terminals.

Those who were still around probably gave funny looks at the large redskinned tusk man wandered through camp, but after being around humans during the last days of the war, he knew all to well that this was just their natural curiousity.

Contacting the Echo base, in order to gain some answers to the last of his kind, where they were and if there were any left, he asked tried to make contact with the human's record keeper, the metal spider thing below him. "I know this is probably going to hurt me a lot, but do you have any records of the Elder Races, particularly the latest ones, after the War."

>>2946473
Checking, do these research counts include the Magitech Scrap rolled for Ermez's death action?

>>2946473
>Golden Age Relics: Guns x1, Defense x1
>Scav Salvage: Utility x1, Offense x1
>Worm Biotics: Offense x2

>Hunt Scavs

"I'll be headed back out into the wastelands to clear out some xenos, you're welcome to join the hunting party if you want"

>>2946473

Golden Age:
>Guns, Defense
Scav:
>Defense, Melee
Worm:
>Offense, Defense

>>2946473
>Golden Age Relics: Offense x1
>Golden Age Relics: Guns x1
>Scav Salvage: Offense x1
>Scav Salvage: Utility x1
>Worm Biotics: Defense x1
>Worm Biotics: Utility x1

>Investigate Worm Tunnels with Thoth and Smokes

After a few frankly scarring hours in the infirmary, Gryphon approaches Dawn, head bowed. Reaching toward his belt, he pulls off an elaborately sealed scroll. Opening it, he begins to read aloud.

"Radiant Lady of the Morning Star,
I can never express the fullest measure
Of my gratitude.

Call upon me in thine hour of dark,
And I shall deliver the crack of Dawn
To all who oppose thee and thy coming.
This is what I swear to you,
Surely as the Sun shall rise."

Gryphon rolls up the scroll and places it on an adjacent table before performing an elaborate military salute. Then, sitting down on a counter, he begins to polish his spear.

"With all that pompous assery out of the way, I was wondering of you would join me on Thoth's worm hunt taking place, er... "
Gryphon checks his watch.
"Later?"

>>2946473
Grenadeeeeeeeeeesssssss

>Offense
>Yes, all of it.

>>2946622
support research

>>2946473
>Explore the Machine City

The machine city promised history, and technology. Assets for to better perform in combat. After the amount of damage he'd taken in the latest battle, Corax needed to get better.

>>2946473
>Golden Age Relics: Offense x2
>Scav Salvage: Guns x1
>Scav Salvage: Utility x1
>Worm Biotics: Defense x1
>Worm Biotics: Utility x1
>experiment with Xeno tech
Scorch decided to investigate the mechanics of the elemental effects of Frost, Shock, Acid and Burn and how they effected the body and equipment during his downtime.

>>2948081
>>2947693
>>2946881
>>2946725
>>2946670
>>2946649
>>2946642

GIVE ME

MORE

GRENADES

>>2946473
>Golden Age Relics: Offense x1
>Golden Age Relics: Guns x1
>Scav Salvage: Offense x1
>Scav Salvage: Utility x1
>Worm Biotics: Defense x1
>Worm Biotics: Utility x1

>Hunt Scavs. By sniping from the roof or summat, idk.

>>2946473
At this point I guess there's no reason trying for anything else, I'll also support.

As for R&R..
>Rest and relax

Find somewhere wide open to kick back. The first mission was a success, King ended up wracking a few scavenger kills, including a thane (even if he had help). So it was time to celebrate that by drinking his fill. Although it might look selfish, this was also how he would honor those killed, both veterans of other missions, and newcomers like himself.

He noticed some of the others going off to the worm tunnels, he wasn't going to stop them, as he was already going to have a hell of a time washing off worm gib off his armor, and he didn't need even more work.

"Happy hunting, boys!"

>>2948643
>>2946622
I'll also support the majority*

File: machine city high up.jpg (77 KB, 744x581)

77 KB JPG

>>2946670
>>2947693
>>2948313


Exploring the high towers, echoing halls, and rusted factories of the abandoned Machinopolis, Corax, Zeus and Flicker wander through the city as the storm-wracked sky thunders overhead. This place was once a vast construction complex and power plant, capable of generating vast amounts of energy and manufacturing anything from food to androids to medium-size spaceships in bulk quantities. Now it's just another crumbling ruin for the Scavs to plunder. Corax focuses on searching for information on the city itself, as well as intelligence on Scav movements and fortifications, while Zeus and Flicker concentrate on bagging themselves some game.

The explorers may roll 1d10:
1-3: You are attacked by Scav packs and forced to flee in a panic. Later you find yourself shaken by the experience. On your next mission, your first attack rolls twice and takes the lower result.
4-6: You pick off a few Thralls and loot a few trinkets, but nothing more.
7-10: You return with a hunting trophy from a Brute or veteran Raider, and a new eagerness for blood. On your next mission, your first attack rolls twice and takes the higher result.

File: greenway tunnels.jpg (454 KB, 1851x977)

454 KB JPG

>>2946622
>>2946642
>>2946881


Calling themselves "The Tunnel Snakes" in some obscure reference to a joke dating back to humanity's ancient homeland, Thoth, Smokes and Gryphon venture below into the Greenway, the labyrinth of tunnels below the surface carved out by weavers and other, larger builder morphs about which little is known other than half-glimpsed shapes in shadowed caverns far below. The Greenway takes its name from the thick carpets and lush growths of wild, uncontrollable verdancy that cover the walls and floors: riotous profusions of grasses, vines, leaves, mosses, fungi, and other twisting growths too alien to name. Parasites, zombies, and other, stranger worm morphs are seen scuttling through the foliage or down side tunnels, following the Freelancers as they descend, and the warriors are forced to remain watchful for ambushes at any time, even this close to the surface.

The Tunnel Snakes may roll 1d10:
1-3: Something horrible drips on you in the tunnels, scarring you with a wound that heals slowly. On your next mission, start with 1 damage.
4-6: You kill a few parasites are unaffected by your time in the Greenway, other than a lingering sense of dread.
7-10: The unholy vital energies of the tunnels infuse your biology with a strange vigor. On your next mission, the first attack that would deal damage to you is blocked.

File: blacksmith.png (176 KB, 900x784)

176 KB PNG

>>2946649

Dozer asks the Archivist about the remnants of his people, the redskin elders. The huge arachnid android helpfully has his spider drones collect and reveal what information he possesses.

The redskins are said to be honest warriors or simple brutes, depending on the opinion of the speaker. Their name for themselves is Krull, which means something like "people who split skulls with axes", although humans often refer to them as "orcs" according to some ancient Earth legend. They are long-lived, and many, like Dozer, remember those days before anyone came from the sky, when this world was a place of wizards and iron, castles and farmlands, where magic had seemingly rendered technology obsolete. It was a simpler time, though not by any means a peaceful one. The redskins' endless wars against the blueskins (now often called "elves" by the humans in reference to the same legend) were long and violent. When humans arrived in their great ships fueled by science, and the First Magitech War erupted, it was the first time in recorded history that the reds and blues had put aside their ancient vendetta to work together.

When the Magitech Wars had ended, the humans had settled peacefully, and the Golden Age began, all the peoples of this system prospered. But neither elder race had ever been especially prolific, relying instead on their robust vitality and near-immortal lifespans. When the Incursion erupted and the system descended into slaughter and chaos, they were reduced to mere thousands, barely enough to maintain their culture and reasonable genetic diversity.

Nobody has a full map of the remaining settlements -- too much risk of the xenos getting hold of one -- but the Archivist shows Dozer an approximation of the scattered remnants of his people throughout the system. Many of them are Knights such as Dozer -- a great number of survivors from the elder races have volunteered to undergo the infusion procedure and become magitech-powered warriors. Their enduring constitution makes them more likely to survive the process and remain free from side effects for longer. Those who live long enough to retire from battle often take professions supporting the war effort, such as the Blacksmith, the taciturn forgemaster who creates and repairs the weapons and armor for the Freelancer company. He is one of the few members of his race that Dozer has regular contact with, and the Knight is one of the few whom the Blacksmith will actually bother to have a conversation with, as they share a drink and reminisce about bygone days.

>>2948081

Scorch investigates the effects of various energies and chemicals used in combat, utilizing the Alchemist's laboratory under her frequently overbearing supervision. He experiments with the sophisticated napalm mixture used for incendiary grenades, and the cunning admixture that allows the flame to stick to alien armor. He examines the components salvaged from a Scav witch's staff, attempting to understand the sophisticated runetech that empowers them with lightning, wondering what mechanism or particular frequency of energy it uses to lock down Freelancer power suits with temporary short-circuits. He comes to no new conclusions, as the Alchemist and others like her are frequently pushing the boundaries of known science in attempts to evolve a new weapon. Nonetheless, Scorch feels like he personally has gained a better understanding of the mechanisms through which known status effects are inflicted, and perhaps when he has more time to devote to his laboratory studies, he may contribute to war technology in some way.

>>2948643
King ignores all this beyond wishing the hunters and explorers good luck, and concerns himself instead with drinking to his heart's content in Foxhole's makeshift bar. The drone tasked with tending bar is uncomplaining as it serves him a variety of exotic chemical cocktails that would instantly kill a regular human, but possess the necessary volatility to intoxicate a Freelancer. Graves drops by to share a drink with the Knight and check on his state of mind, asking about how he feels after his first mission. He seems to be satisfied with what he hears, and after encouraging King to look forward to his next opportunity to spill alien blood, leaves with a hearty clap on the back and a weary sigh regarding his seemingly never-ending duties as section commander.

Rolled 1 (1d10)

>>2948928

Rolled 6 (1d10)

>>2948928

Rolled 9 (1d10)

>>2948918

Rolled 9 (1d10)

>>2948918

>>2949031
(forgot tag)

Rolled 5 (1d10)

>>2948918

Rolled 4 (1d10)

>>2948928