File: Rules_V4.png (1.71 MB, 1020x3027)

1.71 MB PNG

>>3636691
Welcome to Moe Drone Skirmish, a game about war, sacrifice, loyalty and human shaped drones.

This is a tactical turn based collective game where each player takes on the role of a drone commander. Each player controls a squad of drones from the relative safety of one of the command crawlers on the field. While you have lots of units, you cannot control them directly. Actions are limited so you must work together to fight effectively. Drones are disposable and can be replaced freely, however if a command crawler gets destroyed all commanders on board will die and their drones will self-destruct. If all command crawlers are destroyed then the game is lost.

>New and Old players welcome. Just read the rules and stat cards then make a character.

Rules Changes:
>No fundamental changes, mostly re formatting the rule sheet for better readability.
>Simplification of some details, and proper codification of certain vague concepts.
>Protocols are more explicit, special attack mechanic makes it clear which attacks certain drones will use each turn.

>cont

File: Mission1_StatCard.png (776 KB, 1001x2200)

776 KB PNG

>>3636700
The situation is bleak.
In the aftermath of the disastrous operation that saw the loss of 2 command crawlers and a commando droid, humanity’s armies have been sent reeling. Increasingly aggressive vegetable attacks have made harvesting operations too risky for humanity’s crawler fleet. High Command has issued a directive recalling all active crawlers to the region surrounding Sarkaeleus base where they will regroup and hold the line while a new strategy is devised.
This is easier said than done. As with the Fis’kiire and Akolon before them several crawlers have found themselves trapped in the frontier. Unable to return to base via the known routes these crawlers find themselves caught in a prolonged tour of duty. Though designed to operate independently for months, without maintenance and resupply a crawler’s systems will eventually fail leaving it an easy target for the veggies.

Every crawler is a precious asset which represents a huge investment in resources and personnel. To prevent further losses, High Command have launched Operation Cold Front. Its goal: resupply the trapped crawlers and find alternate routes to bring them home. Moving the required equipment over hostile territory is no easy task and large scale field repairs are a big risk.

Far from home, the crew of the crawler Nabaal rendezvous with a team of technicians in the ruins of an old-world airfield and their perilous journey begins…

>Cont

File: Mission1_Perks.png (565 KB, 1000x1537)

565 KB PNG

>>3636709

Name:
Command Perks:
Starting Squad:
Protocol:

Right now you only really need to decide your name and command perks, squad and protocol can wait until after the briefing.

You can pick ONE command perk for this mission.

Command Cap for drones is 12.

Sign ups will be open all day. Mission will start if and when I can get at least 4 players.

>Standby for briefing...

File: Breif.png (2.34 MB, 1863x1740)

2.34 MB PNG

>>3636717
Fleet Intelligence:” Chief Compton, this is Fleet Intelligence what is the status of the Nabaal repair operation? ”

Compton:” Shuttle touched down without complications and my team have set up the temporary repair cranes. The Nabaal is lucky we got here when we did; half of their sub systems were about to go tits up. My lads can perform some temporary repairs, but the crawler will have to go straight home afterwards.”

Fleet Intelligence: “Copy that Chief, be advised; long range scans suggest a horde of vegetables is heading your way. Is the crawler combat ready?”

Compton: “Oh for!... Weapons and fabrication are online, but the team still need to finish up work on the drive systems or she’ll never make it home.”

Fleet Intelligence: ”Understood. You are to complete the repairs at all costs, even if it means abandoning the shuttle. Should this happen you are to embark on the Nabaal and return to Sarkaeleus with them. Fleet Intelligence out.”

Compton: “Shit… Alright! You lot on the Nabaal listen up! I need you to deploy your drone squads to defend the crawler while my crew finish their work. The crawler can’t move until they finish the job so you’ve got to hold the line no matter what!”

“Me and my colleague here will be covering the shuttle with some new-fangled drones that High Command have so generously made available. Unfortunately, they’re all I’ve got. I can’t pop out more drones to replace my losses, so stand ready to lend a hand if needed.”

“I know what Flint said, but I’d really prefer if you didn’t let the shuttle get wrecked. Yeh-see shuttles like this are almost as valuable as crawlers and if my team can get back into orbit they can be can be redeployed to help elsewhere, whereas we won’t do as much good sitting around in the Nabaal all the way back to Sarkaeleus. If you protect my ride, I’ll put in a good word for you with the men upstairs.”

Primary Objective:
>Ensure the crawler Nabaal survives the duration of the mission.
Secondary Objective:
>Ensure the shuttle survives for 6 turns.

Mission Parameters:
>Crawler engines disabled. Boosting the engines or performing move actions is prohibited.
>Repair work will finish at the end of turn 5, after which the repair team will spend a further turn boarding the shuttle and leave at the end of turn 6.

>>3636709
((Arrgh there's always some typos that slip through. Move action description has a typo in it, don't worry about that because you can't move this mission.

Under fire auto-cannon ignore any reference to ammo. For all intents and purposes the crawler auto-cannons have infinite ammo.))

Ohh god was the previous mission that one where we almost got out but a player went full retard and used up the scrap that was JUST enough to repair the engines.

>>3636799
Yes

((Maaaybe. I've decided to run this skirmish intermittently in the form of "mini-campaigns". Muh autism makes me maintain narrative continuity but mechanically speaking each mission is a stand alone game that does not require participation in any previous missions.))

((I designed this particular mission to be more friendly to newer players, hence the reduced drone roster, immobile crawler and simplified crawler weapons.))

Too much green, man. There's too much fuckin' green.

>>3636723
Command, should we be planning for Nabaal's exit when repairs are done, and if so, which way are we leaving? Can the shuttle handle ramming a few veggies, or will it need a clear runway?

>>3636848
The Nabaal need only survive until the end of turn 6, you do not need to move it off the edge of the map.

The Shuttle can run over all small veggies without any issues, but ramming larger veggies (those that take up more than one hex) will damage it on it's way out. If the Shuttle hasn't sustained any damage during the mission then it won't be a problem but if it's already severely damaged by turn 6 you might want to ensure the runway is clear of larger enemies.

>>3636871
Do Upgraded Soldiers have a grenade limit?

>>3636885
No

Decided not to mess around with limited ammo for drone attacks, makes things too complicated. Instead I'll balance them in other ways, in the case of the soldier it's just making the grenade attack weaker to offset the AoE.

>>3636723
o'Leary
Strategic Planner
Squad: Fire Support x2 Signal x2,
Protocol: AD5

Placing permanent waypoint at 1111 2 of shuttle cockpit. I suspect that's about where we'll want to pull our girls if pressure from the south lets up.

Someone hold the broken garage with some tough drones, especially if you have Upgraded Soldiers. It's a chokepoint against attack from the south and east, and we don't yet know how well Nabaal's weapons will fare without that kind of drone support.

I'm going to start out supporting the south of the shuttle. See where things go from there. If anyone wants me to set their waypoint, just ask.

File: Breif_wZulu.png (2.35 MB, 1863x1740)

2.35 MB PNG

>>3637004
Approved

Permanent waypoint set, please let me know if I put it in the wrong place.

File: 1537145428649.jpg (263 KB, 850x832)

263 KB JPG

>>3637004
Please set up my waypoint at the back and south of the shuttle, where the commando droids are.

>>3637027
Name: Wilhelm
Command Perk: Crawler Admin
Starting Squad: Skirmisher Drone MK2 x 4, Skirmisher Drone MK1 x 2.
Protocol: AD3

I ended up dropping out the first time I played, but I'd like to try again! Just skip me if I'm ever not around when everyone else is. Have me just continue boosting the crawler.

>>3637095
Approved.

However you cannot place a waypoint before the game starts as you don't have the right perk. Since you can set your protocol before you start (Which you have), I suggest using your first command action on turn 1 to set a way point.

((Welcome back. The last mission was very convoluted. I'm reworked a few things for this one and I hope it's easier for you to get into.))

>>3637027
That's the spot, Command.

>>3637095
I'll set it for you first thing on my turn. 443 of the southern field commander, shall we say?

>>3637134
Ah, I thought he could place other's waypoints before the match started, as well as his own.

I didn't leave the first time outta complicated controls, though it did make me more hesitant to do anything without approval from my fellow commanders. I just didn't have the time to keep up and kinda fell by the wayside.

>>3636700
I can't believe it, 2A-[HP] is standing there and delivering two verbal attacks per turn! Oooh, she's just asking to be recycled and turned into a light fixture.
That's it, I refuse to pay any attention! lalalalalala~
I'll take a lot of soldiers because they have the most HEARTS and that must mean they have the most love -- for me and for the country!

What is the Mark action for, Command, aside from letting the Skirmisher auto-hit with their missile?

>>3637267
Good to have you playing Holly, but could you please decide on your starting squad, perk and protocol.

Marks are used for a lot of things... that aren't available in this mission. Hmm... I should really make them more useful in and of themselves.

Alright I'm gonna perform a hotfix and add this order:

>New Order: Kill Mark.
>Your squad will prioritize your marked target. If squad damage output is more than enough to kill the mark there may be a risk of wasted attacks and overkill.

>>3637284
Decided! I know all the ins and outs of cutting corners to print equipment that is still good enough! So what if my little darlings have half the maintenance life, they were never going to see their first birthday anyway ~ Okay, I was hoping there would be a to-hit bonus on the target, but I guess you can't have everything.
Go and die for your mother, drones! You'd better look after yourselves now, because I'll be far too busy to micromanage you four.
> Custom drone ID, H!
> Can I have my drones deployed NE of the crawler, E of WP-Z?

Holly
Logistics Officer
Starting Squad:
1H-[HP]: Soldier Drone
2H-[HP]: Soldier Drone
3H-[HP]: Fire Support Drone
4H-[HP]: Signal Drone
Protocol: Hold Position!

>>3637315
A little non-standard but approved.

I'll deploy the squad in that direction but they will still start in the general vicinity of the crawler.

>>3637322
Hmm, okay! Hey Lieutenant o'Leary, set my WP up when you can and I can order my drones to DTW towards it. You're the strategic thinker, so put it wherever you feel best!

The Nabaal statblock says that firing costs one ammo unit per gun. How many of those do we have?

>>3636740
>>3637329

>Under fire auto-cannon ignore any reference to ammo. For all intents and purposes the crawler auto-cannons have infinite ammo.

I got a thing I need to do so I'll be gone for the next 5 hours or so. Hopefully in that time we'll get a fourth guy and we can start.

>>3636723
>>3637027
*Places items on counter and starts interacting with console*
"I have a pistol on my hip to shoot myself, a pill in case I miss for the third time (Mutters: like last "mission") and a plushy to hug and cry into in case both fail. Lets do this"
Name:Elliot
Command Perks: Suppression Drone mark 2
Starting Squad: 3 suppression drones mark 2's, 1 signal drone
Protocol: DERP (AKA wait until further instructions)

>>3637645
Approved.

Sweet, just as I was about to give up on this skirmish and permanently shelve the system we finally get enough people to start.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOvHPQqjyrg&list=PLclgj5uvZRWE7hkIBP02_lxlE-SfmyGX8&index=2

>Standby for mission start...

Leteseee the old manual...

>>3636723
You sure we're too... soft... for this operation? I'm damn near ready to pop open the hatch on this thing and score some kills myself.
Like, I know I cleared for the "Crawler Mechalogistics" license, but those service medals don't grow on trees.

Name: Cositan
Command Perks: Crawler Operator
Starting Squad: 3x Fire Support, 1x Soldier
Protocol: [AD2]

>>3637704
Approved

Compton: "A human kitted out in an exo with a smart rifle can fight slightly better than a light drone. Here's the thing: when a human soldier dies it takes roughly 18 years to replace them, with a drone the fabricators can make a new one in muuuuch less time. Also having your species reduced to a few million souls living mostly in cramped off-world habitats with a limited food supply puts a real dampener on baby making."

"You could come out here and lead from the front if you like, but I really don't recommend it."

>>3636723
"Hey. Let's get this started, lads."

Kay
Suppression Upgrade Package
Starting Squad: Suppressor-GR x4
Protocol: ADV1

>>3637724
"I would slap you if i could from over here, we already have enough of that doomsday cult stuff back on the webs and such. And even before the whole mutant plant thing started, lets not spread it again."

File: CF1_Start.png (2.48 MB, 1863x1740)

2.48 MB PNG

>>3637739
Approved

Deploying Squads...
Command Lines Open...
Bringing Tactical Display Online...
All Systems Nomin- wait the drive is still borked...
Nevermind, mission is still a go...

1: O'Leary
2: Wilhelm
3: Elliot
H: Holly
4: Cositan
5: Kay

Everyone plz add your respective number to your names. (Unless you're Holly)

>Declare actions, first turn will be processed on Tuesday at 9am GMT +7

>>3636717
Name: Rick Kang
Command Perks: [Signaler Upgrade Package]
Starting Squad: [Signal Drones] ×2, [Skirmisher Drone Mk1] ×3
Protocol: [AD3]

My first deployment and the situation is dire. Well, time to prove that I graduated from Officer School properly.

>>3637758
"Alright, lil' lasses. GOT FUCK 'EM UP!"
>Temporary Protocol: DT1
>Boost C3

Kay
Suppression Upgrade Package
Starting Squad: Suppressor-GR x4
Protocol: ADV1

>>3637758
>temporary protocol: [DT1]
>boost crawler subsystem: C3
Signals level three... active! Long-range signal propagation is active. Get out there!

Name: Cositan
Command Perks: Crawler Operator
Starting Squad: 3x Fire Support, 1x Soldier
Protocol: [AD2]

>>3637758
*more tapping on console*
>Boost the Energized armor system.
>Set a way-point on the commander who claimed the world is doomed, plants win, yada yada.

Name:Elliot "Iron jaw"
Command Perks: Suppression Drone mark 2
Starting Squad: 3 suppression drones mark 2's, 1 signal drone
Protocol: DERP
Le drones:
[3A]
[3B]
[3C]
[3D]

File: CF1_Start2.png (2.51 MB, 1863x1740)

2.51 MB PNG

>>3637761
Approved

Compton: "I feel like we've missed somebody, there's another guy right? Who was he?"

Imogen: "He wuz Kang Chief, a guy called Rick Kang."

Compton: "Right...aaand there's his squad now."

6:Rick Kang

((Normally I wouldn't deploy new players until the next turn but since so many have joined right when I thought I couldn't get enough players, I'm feeling generous.))

>>3637757
>>3637801
Compton: "There's nothing doomsday about it. Humanity isn't dying, it's just in a bit of a precarious position and can't afford wars of attrition that involve actual humans being thrown into the meat grinder. That's what the drones are for."

War Drone 1: "War! Huh! Whaaat is it good for!?"

War Drone 2: "It's good for me."

War Drone 3: "And bad for the enemy!"

Wilhelm waypoint set as requested. Next up, Holly.

>>3637758
>Set Squad 2 waypoint at 443 of southern field commander
>Boost weapons

o'Leary
Strategic Planner
Squad: Fire Support x2 Signal x2,
Protocol: AD5

>>3637878
Wherever you think they'll do best, Mr strategist.
> Supervise Squad
> Boost C3 (from level 3 to 4)
=================
Holly [ComCap: 12/12]
Logistics Officer
Current Squad:
1H-[HP]: Soldier Drone
2H-[HP]: Soldier Drone
3H-[HP]: Signal Drone
4H-[HP]: Fire Support Drone
Protocol: Hold Position!

I'll replace everyone's drones as they get destroyed. If you want something different, tell me ~

>>3639207
I didn't pay god knows how much money getting this license for nothing. The dish is already at level 4.
Maybe get on the turret, I got a horrible feeling about what's going on.

Protocol: AD3
Operator Action: Boost Auto Canon, Armor System, and Fabricator by one.

>>3639625
Dang it I keep putting my name in options.

>>3637758
>>3637809
>Maintain Protocol
>Boost Crawler Auto-Cannons

Name: Rick Kang
Command Perks: [Signaler Upgrade Package]
Starting Squad:
[6A]=(6HP)
[6B]=(6HP)
[6C]=(4HP)
[6D]=(4HP)
[6E]=(4HP)
Protocol: [AD3]

>>3637777
>>3637792
>>3637801
>>3637878
>>3639207
>>3639708
>>3639625

Alright, I'm a little late but I need breakfast in me before I start processing.

>Standby...

>>3640028
Updating Crawler Status...

Nabaal Status:
HP: 40/40

C3:Level 4
Signal Range: 12
ESM Active
Sat-Comm Relay Active

Crawler Auto Cannons: Level 3
AC Parameters: 10 RNG, 12 DMG

Fabrication: Level 2
Fabrication Capacity: 24

EAS: Level 3
Armour: 6

Engines: Offline

>Standby for Player Phase...

File: CF1_P1.png (2.66 MB, 1863x1740)

2.66 MB PNG

>>3640177


>standby for enemy phase

File: CF1_E1.png (2.84 MB, 1863x1740)

2.84 MB PNG

>>3640319
((Forgot to move O'Leary's squad in the player phase. I've put them in the correct place now.))

Compton: "Hey mister doom and gloom! You might want to set an actual protocol for your drones!"

>Standby for aftermath...

File: CF1_A1.png (2.89 MB, 1863x1740)

2.89 MB PNG

>>3640505
Compton: "So in the past people had trouble counting hexes on the tactical display and lost track of whether their squad was in signal range. Well my boys installed an update that periodically displays the signal range on all units with comm gear... you're welcome."

>Declare Actions, turn will be processed at on Thursday 9am, GMT+7, roughly 20 hours from now.
((I know I've been late before but tomorrow I have places to be so I'll either process on time or delay it by several hours.))

>>3640564
Is it possible for new players to join mid mission or do we have to wait for a specific time?

>>3640564
>Operate Crawler Auto cannon and fire on some pumpkins to the east.
>Protocol [Hp]
Name:Elliot "Iron jaw"
Command Perks: Suppression Drone mark 2
Starting Squad: 3 suppression drones mark 2's, 1 signal drone
Protocol: HP
Le drones:
[3A]
[3B]
[3C]
[3D]

>>3640595
You can join at any time but generally all players that sign up after the mission has begun will have their squads deployed deployed in the aftermath phase of the next turn. (Meaning you'll have to wait till tomorrow to post actions.)

I'm mostly free right now though, so if you post in the next hour or so I'll deploy your squad early and let you act during this turn.

If you have questions I'll answer them as best as I can just try not to ask about stuff that's already explained in the rules. There's also a discord if you're so inclined.

>>3640617
One quick question then. You can shoot through ally drones, correct?

>>3640662
Yes, besides terrain only large units like crawlers (and the shuttle) block line of sight.

>>3640678
Ok, Cool! Time to summon the conscripts!

Name:"Comrade"Vladimir
Command Perks: Skirmisher MK2 Package
Starting Squad: Skirmisher Drone x6
Protocol: AD2

>>3640703
Sorry, forgot to put the MK2 in there. Its supposed to be 6 mk2s

File: CF1_A1_2.png (2.92 MB, 1863x1740)

2.92 MB PNG

>>3640703
>>3640715
Approved

Those are some very skilled conscripts...

Okay, your squad is deployed, you can post actions to processed in the next turn. Please use your name and number when posting in this thread.

7: Vladimir

>>3640564
>Supervise Squad
>Boost Crawler Auto-Cannons

Name:"Comrade"Vladimir
Command Perks:Skirmisher MK2 Package
Current Drones:
[7A]
[7B]
[7C]
[7D]
[7E]
[7F]
Current Protocol:AD2
Everyone need meat wall! Even better when made of metal!

If you find yourself of needing meatwall somewhere special, feel free to place my waypoint wherever you like comrade o'Leary.

>>3640866
>Advance 2111 and fire on Hostiles direction 1
>Fire Crawler Autocannon on Hostiles In direction 222222
Name: Rick Kang
Command Perks: [Signaler Upgrade Package]
Starting Squad:
[6A]=(6HP)
[6B]=(6HP)
[6C]=(4HP)
[6D]=(4HP)
[6E]=(4HP)
Protocol: [AD3]

>>3640505
What in... Elixa, display drone compass recalibration instructions... All right, girls? Wake up and shake out!
>Drones moved 6-ward this turn, but let's leave them be.

We've got cannons at max and targets in all fields of fire. Call the one you're manning and fire away!

Placing Vladimir's waypoint next, since his drones seem to require a bit of micromanagement. Between Z, C, and W, he should have plenty of ways to realign with targets when drone formation is disrupted. So says tactics school, anyway.

>>3640564
>Place Waypoint 7 at 11 of 3C_DERP
>SW turret fire 1-ward, centered on 22 of 5A_AD1

o'Leary
Strategic Planner
Squad: Fire Support x2 Signal x2,
Protocol: AD5

>>3641272
No problem! Where they are right now they should be able to intercept the NE pumpkin group.
>>3639430
Whoops! Oh well, I think crawler actions are at the start of the turn and the turrets can't overwatch so it wouldn't have mattered.
I'm about to print off drones for you, you want to switch to HP order? I'll print off 2x FS then a Soldier and another FS. That way if you can't support the full team because one ran off into the forest at least you have an escort ~ Unless you want to switch up your unit?
I'll over-queue with replacement drones for Kay and skirmishers for Vladimir unless someone wants to print something else?

>>3640564
HAHAHA, THEY'RE IN RANGE. BEGIN SUPPRESSION. RIP 'EM TO SHREDS !
>Switch protocol to HP
>Place order for one (1) Suppression Drone

Kay
Suppression Upgrade Package
Starting Squad: Suppressor-GR x3
Protocol: HP

>>3641303
Yeah, that's alright.
>>3640866
>order, hold position
>continue boosting C3

Name: Cositan
Command Perks: Crawler Operator
Squad: 1x Fire Support, 1x Soldier
Protocol: [HP]

>>3640866

> Place WP-H right where 2H is standing
> Place Build Order -- 19-1 points:
2x FS drones for 4/Cositan
1x Soldier drone for 4/Cositan
2x Skirmisher mk2's for 7/Vladimir
1x FS drone for 4/Cositan
1x Skirmisher mk2 for 7/Vladimir

More suppressors if your squad goes down, Kay?

>>3642720
KILL! MAIM! BU-huh? Yeah, sure, I could go for more of the little buggers, thanks. Though I somehow doubt they'll go down, at least for now.

>Command Perk: Crawler Admin
>Squad Action: New Protocol: [AD1]
"Get back up here, we're being ambushed from the east!"
>Operator Action: Continue Previous Boosts. (Boost Auto Canon, Armor System, and Fabricator by one.)
"I'll keep things running as smoothly as I can, but I'm not confident when it comes to controlling things directly."

>>3640598
>>3641029
>>3641240
>>3641272
((Sorry it's the skirmish QM curse.))
>>3641307
>>3642607
>>3642720
>>3642953

Annnd I'm late again despite everything I said.
I should just set processing time later.

>Beginning processing, Standby...

>>3643104

Nabaal Status:
HP: 40/40

C3:Level 3
Signal Range: 12
ESM Offline
Sat-Comm Relay Offline

Crawler Auto Cannons: Level 3
AC Parameters: 10 RNG, 12 DMG

Fabricator: Level 2
Fabrication Capacity: 18

EAS: Level 2
Armour: 4

Engines: Offline

Build Queue:
1x Suppressor-GR for (5:Kay)
2x Fire Support for (4:Consitan, discounted)
1x Soldier for (4:Consitan, discounted)
2x Skirmisher-M2 for (7:Vladimir, discounted)
1x Fire Support for (4:Consitan, discounted)
1x Skirmisher-M2 for (7:Vladimir, discounted)

>Standby for Player Phase...

File: Drones_Quest_Title_Card9.jpg (210 KB, 774x771)

210 KB JPG

>>3643104
((I really should have listened to myself when I posted about the deadline during the aftermath phase. I've got a thing I'm going to and I can't finish processing the turn in time, so I'm gonna have to delay processing for another 4-6 hours.

Sorry about that, please wait warmly...))

File: CF1_P2.png (2.81 MB, 1863x1740)

2.81 MB PNG

>>3643208

Kang:[Error: Micro management not possible, protocol: Advance 2 recognized and executed.]

>Standby for enemy phase...

File: CF1_E2.png (2.61 MB, 1863x1740)

2.61 MB PNG

>>3643871
((And I forgot to process O'Leary again. Sorry. I'll move the drones during this phase. Hopefully this time I got the directions right.))

File: CF1_A2.png (2.94 MB, 1863x1740)

2.94 MB PNG

>>3643888
Fulfilling Build Orders:
-Suppressor-GR 5B Deployed
-Fire Support 4C, 4D Deployed
-Soldier Build Order Denied; Command Cap reached.
-Skirmisher M2 7F Deployed
-Fire Support Build Order Denied; Command Cap reached.
-Skirmisher M2 Build Order Denied; Command Cap reached.

Compton: "Oh shit! That's an Ubergine! Take it out or it will keep launching it's vegetable spawn at us from long range!"

>Declare actions, given today's delays I'll process the turn on Thursday at 2pm GMT +7.

>>3643937
>order: [AD2]
Just head towards the ubergine! You'll be fine. Probably? Probably.
>continue boosting C3
Elliot, I need your signallers on the forward advance. The level 4 C3'll cover them.
Everyone, eyes on the plants to the southwest. Don't all go off running to that eggplant, now.

Name: Cositan
Command Perks: Crawler Operator
Squad: 1x Fire Support, 1x Soldier
Protocol: [AD2]

>>3643937
"Wew, that was fun. I'll hold the northern edge, don't think my squad is fit to take on the big veggie."
>Supervise squad
>Fire the second autocannon clockwise at the watermelon

Kay
Suppression Upgrade Package
Squad: Suppressor-GR x4
Protocol: HP

((Turn processing might be delayed again, if only because I'm going out for lunch so this time it should only be for an hour or two. Just so you guys know.))

>>3643937
>Protocol is ADX [3344] fire on hostiles
>Overeatch Auto-Cannon South-East

Name: Rick Kang
Command Perks: [Signaler Upgrade Package]
Starting Squad:
[6A]=(6HP)
[6B]=(6HP)
[6C]=(4HP)
[6D]=(4HP)
[6E]=(4HP)
Protocol: [AD3]

>>3643937
>Temporary Protocol ADW
>Boost Crawler Auto-Cannons

Name:"Comrade"Vladimir
Command Perks:Skirmisher MK2 Package
Current Drones:
[7A]
[7B]
[7C]
[7D]
[7E]
[7F]
Current Protocol:AD2(Temporary Override)
Conscripts are little hard of hearings, we regroup then follow signaler comrades.

>>3643208
> 2x Fire Support for (4:Consitan, discounted)
> 1x Soldier for (4:Consitan, discounted)
> 2x Skirmisher-M2 for (7:Vladimir, discounted)
> 1x Fire Support for (4:Consitan, discounted)
> 1x Skirmisher-M2 for (7:Vladimir, discounted)
I was happy with the -1 to total costs and the ability to build for everyone, wow. Field more skirmishers, men! Drown them in skirmishers! Vladimir is right, red army tactics are the way to go.

>>3645608
I build them half price!

>>3643937
> Give Order ADZ
> Boost Energised Armour System

>>3645608
Can I just repeat my last turn's action?

>>3644554
They don't build the girls so sophisticated as that, Kang. You just give them a direction, and off they go.

>>3645608
Oh! Comrade Holly! You understand greatness of conscripts!
(My little Vladimir can't be that retarded edition)

File: Drones_Quest_Title_Card11.jpg (277 KB, 781x771)

277 KB JPG

((Sorry guys my afternoon plans keep changing so I'm gonna have to delay turn processing for even longer. It looks like the turn will be processed sometime in the evening GMT +7 time. Hopefully this gives those who haven't posted, ample time. In the mean time, here's some delicious lore to tide you over.))

After the loss of the Akolon and Fis’kiire, High Command had to re-evaluate it’s strategies in the face of increasingly aggressive vegetable attacks. While the new suppressor and pyro drone models had proven effective at holding the line against sustained assaults, drone commanders had very limited options for deploying rapid attack squads. The only available model was the skirmisher and it had proven woefully inadequate. It’s primary weapon was too weak to deal with all but the smallest vegetables, even augmented with a bayonet or missile many commanders were unsatisfied, preferring instead to deploy a slower gunline of more powerful drones.

The design bureau went to work trying to create an upgraded skirmisher. Initially they wanted to keep the old design but just make it better. They found that simply giving the skirmisher chassis a bigger gun and bolting on more armour only degraded it’s speed and turned it into a poor man’s soldier; there was still no reason to ever use the design over another and the arsenal still lacked a decent light attack drone.

The design bureau decided to approach the problem from a new angle. All ranged capability was removed, and a new melee focussed AI was developed. The resulting model wasn’t a powerhouse by any means, it was still a light drone after all. But the melee focus allowed it to alternate between high coverage slash attacks and a more powerful stab move for single targets. Upgrade packages were devised for variants that could hold the line through defensive melee or break through one with raw aggression. Satisfied by the initial tests, high command approved the design and designated it the Skirmisher MK2. It’s schematic would be immediately transmitted to all crawler fabrication databases, while the old design was archived.

Oddly enough despite it’s unfavourable review by the powers that be, a few commanders still found the MK1 skirmisher useful. Some crawlers outright ignored the order to retire the MK1 and the design can occasionally be seen serving alongside it’s “younger sister” to this day.

((Some of you might recognize this as something I posted on the discord, but it's been edited and retconned slightly since then. <.<
Please wait warmly and speculate about the sisterly bond between our comrade skirmishers.))

>>3643937
Moving suppression drones to support southern allied field commander.
Maintaing and finshing updates on auto cannon. Should be at max capacity although reading through cpu just in case.

>Set Protocal: [DT2]
>Crawler action: Boost Auto cannons (Should be level 4?
>-Request status update on systems.

Name:Elliot "Iron jaw"
Command Perks: Suppression Drone mark 2
Starting Squad: 3 suppression drones mark 2's, 1 signal drone
Protocol: DT2
Le drones:
[3A]
[3B]
[3C]
[3D]

>>3645686
Yes

>>3647078
Should be at level 4 now with you boosting.

All right girls, dig in.

>>3643937
>Change Protocol, HP
>Ask Command if we know there's gear in the garage that we should grab

o'Leary
Strategic Planner
Squad: Fire Support x2 Signal x2,
Protocol: AD5

>>3644053
If you Order AD2, your Protocol remains HP. Did you mean Change Protocol?

>>3646983
Yeah, worked with those models before. The AI's a real bundle of energy. Takes attention and skill to keep them graceful and at full strength in a stand-up fight, plus a solid support crew in the crawler. I bet they'd see a lot more use if veggies were the type to lie in ambush, but that's not the sort of fight we tend to get in.

>>3647265
Fuuck, forgot about that.
Protocol still seems to be [AD2] though, if the interface is right. Which is good?
Good.
Yeah. Alright.

>>3647397
That was a processing error on my part. I've changed it to HP in my original file.

Alright I'm back. Let's get this done.

>Beginning processing...

Nabaal Status:
HP: 40/40

C3:Level 3
Signal Range: 12
ESM Offline
Sat-Comm Relay Offline

Crawler Auto Cannons: Level 4
AC Parameters: 10 RNG, 12 DMG
Saturation Burst: Online

Fabricator: Level 2
Fabrication Capacity: 18

EAS: Level 3
Armour: 6

Engines: Offline

>Standby for player phase...

File: CF1_P3.png (2.8 MB, 1863x1740)

2.8 MB PNG

>>3647522
Kang: [Error: Mirco Management not possible, Protocol: AD3 recognised and executed.]

>Standby for enemy phase...

File: CF1_E3.png (2.8 MB, 1863x1740)

2.8 MB PNG

>>3647561
Compton: "Imogen! No! Dammit! All hands on deck people, there were more of them in the forest including another Ubergine!"

>Standby for aftermath...

File: CF1_A3.png (2.89 MB, 1863x1740)

2.89 MB PNG

>>3647604
Compton:"It's starting, the Ubergines are blowing their thick white sticky loads all over the place and each one means fewer drones and more veggies to deal with."

>Declare actions, next turn will be processed Friday, 2pm GMT+7

>>3647624
"Tsk, they got us between a rock and a hard place, huh?"
>Temporary protocol: ADV2
>Fire on the two pumpkins east of the crawler with the eastern autocannon

Kay
Suppression Upgrade Package
Starting Squad: Suppressor-GR x3
Protocol: HP

>>3647624
>Command Perk: Crawler Admin
>Squad Action: New Protocol: [ADW]
"I'll send my people over to help the soldiers near the south side of the shuttle, can whoever manages fabrication spawn some units for me? I only have 2 MK1 Skirmishers left."
>Operator Action: Continue Previous Boosts. (Boost Auto Canon, Armor System, and Fabricator by one.)
"I feel I'm being useful boosting these systems, but I also hate not being able to do anything more to help turn things around."

>>3647624
>HR1
>Autocannon fire on hostiles East, Pumpkin priority

Name: Rick Kang
Command Perks: [Signaler Upgrade Package]
Starting Squad:
[6A]=(6HP)
[6B]=(6HP)
Protocol: [AD3]

>>3647624
This should be, uhh... 16 BP worth of fabricator action! With Wilhelm's boost >>3648045 that means every drone here should get printed above the line. Below the line is if the fab gets boosted even more.

> Give Order: DT4
> Place Build Order:
2x FS Drones for 1/o'Leary
4x Skirmisher mk2 Drones for 7/Vladimir
4x Skirmisher mk2 Drones for 2/Wilhelm
2x Soldier Drones for 4/Cositan
4x mk1 Skirmisher Drones for 6/Kang
=======================
2x Signaller Drones for 1/o'Leary
1x Suppressor Drones for 3/Elliot

Holly [ComCap: 12/12]
Logistics Officer
Current Squad:
1H-[HP]: Soldier Drone
2H-[HP]: Soldier Drone
3H-[HP]: Signal Drone
4H-[HP]: Fire Support Drone
Protocol: Hold Position!

>>3647624
>Crawler action boost fabrication
>Maintain formation 1 hex spacing

Name:"Comrade"Vladimir
Command Perks:Skirmisher MK2 Package
Current Drones:
[7A]Fabricating
[7B]Fabricating
[7C]
[7D]
[7E]Fabricating
[7F]Fabricating
Current Protocol:AD2
Spread out comrades! We must minimize the losses!

>>3647624
"Where did i put that battery...AHAHA!!! Okay the command module should be working in tip top shape lets hope it works."
>Protocal: Switch over to HP
>Boost C3 to the last level.

Name:Elliot "Iron jaw"
Command Perks: Suppression Drone mark 2
Starting Squad: 3 suppression drones mark 2's, 1 signal drone
Protocol: HP
Le drones:
[3A]
[3B]
[3C]
[3D]

>>3647624
>change protocol: [HP]
>continue boosting C3
Did that eggplant... just shoot white...
Bleh. Too much thinking.
Just gotta stop thinking... there...
Much better.

Name: Cositan
Command Perks: Crawler Operator
Squad: 3x Fire Support
Protocol: [HP]

This is it, girls. White of their rinds, and all that.

>>3647624
>Overwatch with SW Autocannon
>Supervise Drones

o'Leary
Strategic Planner
Squad: Fire Support x1 Signal x2,
Protocol: HP

((Late for processing again, sorry this keeps happening, it's always one thing after another. Rest assured I remain committed to seeing this mission concluded.))

>Begining processing...

>>3650346
Nabaal Status:
HP: 40/40

C3:Level 4
Signal Range: 12
ESM Online
Sat-Comm Relay Online

Crawler Auto Cannons: Level 2
AC Parameters: 8 RNG, 10 DMG
Saturation Burst: Offline

Fabricator: Level 3
Fabrication Capacity: 24

EAS: Level 2
Armour: 4

Engines: Offline

Build Queue:
2x Fire Support for (1: O'leary, discounted)
4x Skirmisher-M2 for (7: Vladimir, discounted)
4x Skirmisher-M2 for (2: Wilhelm, discounted)
2x Soldier for (4: Cositan, discounted)
4x Skirmisher-M1 for (6: Kang, discounted)
2x Signaller for (1: O'leary, discounted)
1x Suppressor for (3:Elliot, discounted)

>Standby for Player Phase...

File: CF1_P4.png (2.69 MB, 1863x1693)

2.69 MB PNG

>>3650380
>Standby for enemy phase...

File: CF1_E4.png (2.51 MB, 1863x1693)

2.51 MB PNG

>>3650413
>standby for aftermath...

File: CF1_A4.png (2.76 MB, 1863x1693)

2.76 MB PNG

>>3650433
Fulfilling Build Orders:
2x Fire Support for (1: O'leary, discounted) Deployed
4x Skirmisher-M2 for (7: Vladimir, discounted) Deployed
4x Skirmisher-M2 for (2: Wilhelm, discounted) Deployed
2x Soldier for (4: Cositan, discounted) Deployed
4x Skirmisher-M1 for (6: Kang, discounted) Deployed
2x Signaller for (1: O'leary, discounted) Deployed

Remaining Build Orders:
1x Suppressor for (3:Elliot, discounted)

>Declare actions. I've got a bunch of things going on over the weekend and my schedule hasn't quite solidified so I'm going to tentatively say the next turn will be processed around about the later half of Sunday, GMT+7. I'm sure this will provide plenty of time for you guys to decide your next move.

>>3650448
"And now, if you move like so... FIRE!"
>Temp protocol: AD3
>Boost Cannons

Kay
Suppression Upgrade Package
Squad: Suppressor-GR x4
Protocol: HP

>>3650448
Okay, all my drones died I need to build more. That's 6 fab points of skirmishers, I want to see if they can stab the ubergine to death with them.

Place any orders you want, since we have time ~ Counting through everyone and checking losses was hell.

> Mark SW Ubergine
> Place Build Orders but later once everyone has told me what they want

>>3652274
Hey is the crawler calling me mean words now? Don't do that again mister or I'm scooping ice cream onto your main motherboard again.

Cannons back at max! Clear some space for the girls, and mind Squad 5's movement. Keep smart and hold on, folks. Nabaal's engines are nearly online.

>>3648249
With your signalers keeping my fire support standing, we can deal some damage to that Ugergine that actually sticks. Follow me 5-ward, would you?

>>3650448
>Boost Cannons
>Order: AD5

o'Leary
Strategic Planner
Squad: Fire Support x2 Signal x2,
Protocol: AD5

>>3652816>>3651522

OY!!! OUR CANNONS ARE AT OUR MAXIMUM!!

>>3652274
"Thanks for that mind making me the following?"
> Three soldier drones and a fire support one?"
Much appreciated.

>>3650448
>>3650448
"God da-, okay just gonna blow this one up and gonna start a new batch."
>New order: Self destruct RIP drone.
>Crawler order: Fire with the south east turret on the giant ubergine.

Name:Elliot "Iron jaw"
Command Perks: Suppression Drone mark 2
Starting Squad: 3 suppression drones mark 2's, 1 signal drone
Protocol: HP
Le drones: There all dead jim

>>3653827
For a total of 3.

>>3650448
>Temp. Protocol: AD5
>Overwatch Cannon South West on the Ubergine

Name: Rick Kang
Command Perks: [Signaler Upgrade Package]
Starting Squad:
[6A]=(6HP)
[6B]=(6HP)

Protocol: [AD3]

>>3650448
>supervise squad
>continue boosting C3
Hm, drone squad's split.
Well, they all at least have a target in range. Go get 'em, girls!

Name: Cositan
Command Perks: Crawler Operator
Squad: 2x Fire Support | 2x Soldier
Protocol: [HP]

>>3650448
>Temporary Protocol AD1
>Boost fab
>Name:"Comrade"Vladimir
>Command Perks:Skirmisher MK2 Package
>Current Drones:
>[7A]
>[7B]
>[7C]Probably dead
>[7D]Quite likely dead
>[7E]
>[7F]
>Current Protocol:AD2(Temporary Override)
Im not liking the big purple ones. They make things hard for the red tide.
>>3652274
Please start rebuilding some of my drones as they are about to lay down their lives for the motherland.
(Sorry im late sudden work calls suck ass.)

I'm continuing my triple boost and ADW plan.

Despite my short and repetitive messages, I am having fun.

>>3655245
You're being a credit to the team, admin.

((Alright I've been slacking off all weekend. Time to finish this up.))

>Beginning turn processing...

>>3657881
Nabaal Status:
HP: 40/40

C3:Level 3
Signal Range: 12
ESM Offline
Sat-Comm Relay Offline

Crawler Auto Cannons: Level 2
AC Parameters: 10 RNG, 12 DMG
Saturation Burst: Enabled

Fabricator: Level 3
Fabrication Capacity: 24

EAS: Level 2
Armour: 4

Engines: Offline

Build Queue:
1x Suppressor for (3:Elliot, discounted)

>Standby for Player Phase

File: CF1_P5.png (2.98 MB, 1863x1693)

2.98 MB PNG

>>3657918
>Standby for enemy phase...

File: CF1_E5.png (2.66 MB, 1863x1693)

2.66 MB PNG

>>3658031
Compton: "Oh shiiit..."
>Standby for Aftermath...

File: CF1_A5.png (2.58 MB, 1863x1693)

2.58 MB PNG

>>3658085

Compton:"The Nabaal's drive systems are repaired, I just need you guys to cover me while my team transfers to the shuttle. We're so close! Just hold of this wave long enough for us to take off!"

Filling Build Orders:
1x Suppressor for (3:Elliot, discounted) Deployed

>Declare actions everyone. Turn will be processed Monday evening GMT+7 maybe around 8pm, I'm not gonna give a definite time right now because I'm always late and it's the last turn so it's really just about the secondary objective now.

>>3658147
Alright, team, that's the last push. Let's make sure Compton's ride is a smooth one. At full power, our autocannons should shred through those veggies, make sure enough people are boosting them. We can also drive the crawler closer to get a better angle now!
>Temp protocol: DT5
>Boost autocannons

>>3658147
>Temporary Protocol AD6
>Boost Auto-cannon
(Next time im going more dakka)

Cannons humming, crawler in position, targets in all firing arcs. Cover Compton!

>>3658147
>Drive 1, turn 6, move 6
>Order DTZ

o'Leary
Strategic Planner
Squad: Fire Support x2 Signal x2,
Protocol: HP

>>3659883
You might try Interlaced Command Packet if you want to try getting extra mileage out of Mk 2s.

>>3660414
Yeah, red tide tactics really does need that.You get eaten by AOE if you cant space. Its been a really nice starting mission though. Got a good idea on what id need to do next time

>>3660424
Spacing indeed. But also changing direction and ordering special attack in the same turn seems pretty good.

>>3658147
>Fire Autocannon at Enemies near waypoint 3 (DO NOT ARM THE SHUTTLE OR THE FRIENDLY SQUAD)
>AD1
Name: Rick Kang
Command Perks: [Signaler Upgrade Package]
Starting Squad:
[6A]=(6HP)
[6B]=(6HP)

Protocol: [AD3]

That's enough waiting.

>Beginning turn processing.

>>3660678
Nabaal Status:
HP: 40/40

C3:Level 1
Signal Range: 8
ESM Offline
Sat-Comm Relay Offline

Crawler Auto Cannons: Level 3
AC Parameters: 10 RNG, 12 DMG
Saturation Burst: Disabled

Fabricator: Level 1
Fabrication Capacity: 12

EAS: Level 1
Armour: 1

Engines: Level 1
Movement: 6

>Standby for Player Phase

File: CF1_P6.png (2.63 MB, 1863x1693)

2.63 MB PNG

>>3660730
Compton:"I hoped it wouldn't come to this, girls, switch to assault mode and get stuck in."

>Standby for Enemy Phase

Alright, I know I said to drive the crawler closer and all. I did. I implicitly meant "in a way that wouldn't block the shuttle's takeoff.

File: CF1_E6.png (2.58 MB, 1863x1693)

2.58 MB PNG

>>3660760
Compton:"Looks like the hull took a beating but we can still fly! Team's onboard! Launch now!"

Pilot:"The Nabaal is obstructing our take off!"

Compton: "What!? Oi you wankers! I bring your drives online and what did you do!? You made it fucking awkward! Back up right now or we're all dead!"

Pilot: "We can't wait any longer. The veggies will tear through the hull before the Nabaal gets clear. It's now or never maybe I can...."


>Standby for End Game...

File: CF1_EG1.png (932 KB, 961x940)

932 KB PNG

>>3660785
Compton:"Come on! BackupbackupBackUUUUP!"

Pilot:"If we can just get clear..."

>cont

File: CF1_EG2.png (805 KB, 961x940)

805 KB PNG

>>3660864
Pilot:"No good! I've lost control. Brace yourself!"

Compton: "FAAAAACK!"

>cont

File: CF1_EG3.png (949 KB, 961x1033)

949 KB PNG

>>3660867
Pilot:"Oh hell! There's a fault in the fuel injectors! Containment failing we have to-"

>cont

File: CF1_EG4.png (709 KB, 961x900)

709 KB PNG

>>3660875
Crawler Operator: "Well-shit. Nobody could have survived that, and even if they did we don't have time for search and rescue; the veggies are closing in..."

"This is a grade A fuck up. We're talking court marshall levels of fucking up... The data link to Fleet Intelligence wasn't active during the battle. If you guys want they don't need to know exactly what happened. We can say we did our best but the veggies overran the shuttle. Command has been losing so many assets in the past few months they won't bat an eye... "

>Primary Objective Completed

>Secondary Objective... failed.

>MISSION COMPLETE

>>3660891
People in favor of revoking O'Leary driving privileges, say "aye".

>>3660891
>>3660911
"Aye"

>>3660891
>Report everything that happened. However sad but true.

File: F.png (195 KB, 817x817)

195 KB PNG

>>3660924

Crawler Operator: "Doing the right thing? I guess I agree; I can't cover up something like this in good conscience, but I warn all of you: Not all of us are at fault, but High Command will hold us collectively responsible. The fallout of this incident will hurt everyone on this command deck. Even if your name isn’t O’Leary, being part of the crew that got Compton’s team killed will hurt your career prospects, but hey, what’s a career in the face of a war for humanity’s survival?”

---------------------

Welp that happened. After you guys have desalinated yourselves I would like to thank all of you for participating in this mission. I hope you had a good time.

While I said in the beginning that there had been no fundamental changes to the game it appears that all the little tweaks I made when remastering the system have paid off. The core game dynamic is almost where I want it and all the players seem more engaged (until the last turn that is…)

Was there anything you didn’t understand?
Any perks/drone models you thought were OP or sub-optimal?
Any aspects of the rules you feel are unbalanced?
And finally: Who is best drone?

>The Moe Drones and the Nabaal will return in mission 2 of Operation Cold Front!

>>3660911
>>3660916
>>3660414
Just so we're clear, I meant direction 6, not distance 6.

>>3661033
Aww man, I was too late to take a turn. Sorry Cognis, I couldn't do it this morning! And sorry for last night, I uhh, forgot to make the post with all the build orders... >>3661127 It's okay o'Leary, don't listen to those two. We can just build a robot Compton
> Thanks for running, OP!

===========================
Was there anything you didn’t understand?
> I'm not sure if we were supposed to be using the repair crawler action to speed the engine repairs up or if that was something else
Any perks/drone models you thought were OP or sub-optimal?
> Logistics Officer is very strong. I'd valued it highly when I thought it was a discount of 1 fabrication point for the whole order rather than per drone. A fabrication point tax wouldn't be too bad either -- then the logistics officer is only better than individual commanders when building individual drones for different people.
Any aspects of the rules you feel are unbalanced?
> Marks aren't very useful, I think they should be line of sight rather than requiring the target to be in signal range.
> Crawler Admin seems kinda lame. There are only 4 systems and the armour system wasn't ever needed so you just end up boosting the same three things every time.
And finally: Who is best drone?
> tanned blond soldier drone, best all-rounder girl! Durable! Reliable!

>>3661033
>Was there anything you didn't understand?
How do boosts work? How do they persist between turns? i.e. If I were to boost C3 last turn, and then decide to operate cannons this turn, do I still get the signals boost?
>Who is best drone?
Adviser-senpai

>>3661033
Was fun! Thanks for running OP
>Anything you didn't understand?
Nope, takes a bit of getting used to but everything seems to make sense for the most part.
>Any perks/drones you thought were OP or sub optimal?
I only used one type so I cant say much
>Any aspects of the rules you feel are unbalanced?
I wouldn't say its necessarily unbalanced, but I would like to see a way point on defense objectives like we had on the crawler.
>Who is best drone?
Obviously my skirmisher MK2s. Extremely cute, extremely deadly.

Oh wow I'm kind of glad I stayed behind now. This was beautiful to watch and read! Thanks for running!

>>3660891
"Feed coming back in me eyes, what happen- oh well shit happens"
>>3661033
Yeah last turn was...something 'w')/
Forgot to check up on this thread due to the last issues that you have had. Plus sunday night was something to say the least but eh shit happens. Eventually the eternal guilt i have at the moment will fade away when thread ends...just have to not look at it for a few days.

Was there anything you didn’t understand?
Ah yeah upgrades, apparently they turn off every turn? Making that a bit more clear with bolded letters would help a ton.
Any perks/drone models you thought were OP or sub-optimal?
Suppressor was good because it did what it did good. Clear trash mooks.
Fire support is eh, increase the range maybe?
Ah cannons, good if buffed to the max but if the upgrade rotation happens every turn then they turn into a bland mess. As other people have said crawler admin is eh at best, crawler operator is just better. Want to shoot something? Sure you can have a level +1 gun, admin just is eh nothing you can do about that.
Any aspects of the rules you feel are unbalanced?
As another dude said, having defense objectives would have helped with organizing stuff or moving drones.

And finally: Who is best drone?
Skirmisher mk2 is best o3o

>>3661127
Hey, sorry for singling you out there. I was just gonna have the team fail the secondary objective but then I decided I wanted to do something more dramatic.

If I've alienated you I apologize, it really was nothing personal.

>>3661193
>On Marks
Marks were devised to synergize with certain abilities that weren't available this mission.

Though I do agree that they should not be restricted to being placed in signal range. I will be reworking them for the next mission.

>Repair Crawler Action
You use that to regain crawler HP and to restore damaged crawler sub-systems. You didn't really need it this mission because the Nabaal didn't get hit.

>Fabrication point tax.
I'm not sure what you mean, could you explain?

>>3661193
>>3663673
>Crawler Admin is lame
Well Wilhelm seemed to get a lot of mileage out of it. Maybe now that all 5 crawler systems are available it will have more use. The perk was designed for people who might not be sure of exactly which sub-system needs boosting and to alleviate the pressure of everyone needing to boost a specific system all the time.

I'd argue that Crawler Admin is balanced against Crawler Operator because the latter can boost 2 levels on one system, and the former can boost 3 levels but spread across different sub-systems.

>How boosts work
The effects of boosting only last for the next turn. I will make this explicit in the next version of the rules. The idea is to make crawler play more engaging. Players can collectively decide how best to use the crawler by "voting" with their boosts. But at least one other person must capitalize on that by using the system in question. (If it's an active one like the cannons)

>Way-points on defence objectives
You have your own way-points you can place, and there's the strategic planner perk. Lack of precise control and a scarce action economy is part of the challenge of this skirmish. I have given you the tools to over come these challenges, it is up to the players to make use of them (which you generally did).

>>3663673

>Cannons and the Nabaal in general
I wasn't really sure how many people I'd get for this skirmish or whether they'd make heavy use of the crawler and what sub-systems they'd be focused on if they did.

So I designed the Nabaal to have a wide range of simple options. The cannons were one such option: Not sure what to do with your crawler option? Jump on a cannon, there are 4 of them after all. Understand that crawler weapons are meant to supplement the drone squads. If you could fight the entire battle with just the crawler's guns then this would be called crawler skirmish. So it's okay if you need to max them out before they can take out an entire wave by themselves normally you have a drone wall to deal with the horde and you use the cannons to pick off the big boys.

>cont

>>3663896
Also the armour system was basically a safety net. Boosting it to level 3 would make the Nabaal immune to the attacks of the smaller veggies, boosting it to level 4 would insta-kill any of the little green guys gnawing on the hull. That you guys never used it means that you handled the enemy waves well. Other crawler types may not have this type of sub-system and so require care to avoid being swarmed.

>>3663673
>Fire Support is eh...
The FS drones actually did pretty well, but that was mostly the double crit that insta-killed the Ubergine. I do agree that they should get a range buff given that they can only move 3.

>>3663896
I meant if there was a flat cost for using the logistics bonus, it'd still be useful for printing small amounts of drones for lots of people.

> Place Logistics Order 2 Fab Points (FP)
Print Skirmisher Mk2 for Vladimir x2 4FP
Print Suppressor for Kay x1 3FP
Print Fire Support for Cositan x1 3FP
12 FP spent (10FP of drones, 2FP to activate the talent)

then if, say, Vladimir lost all of his skirmishers he could do
> Place Build Order
Print SKirmisher Mk2 x6 12FP
12 FP spent (12FP of drones)
That way, going through the logistics officer isn't always the best way to print drones.

>>3664419
It also solves my personal issue where I was afraid of taking player agency away by forcing them to use the drones I picked even if they didn't want to. Picking your squad is half the game!

>>3661033
I had a lot of fun with this ! At first, I was worried that I wouldn't be able to know what to do with my crawler actions, but the whole system is really airtight. The pacing was great too, never a turn with nothing to do.
For OP stuff. My lovely Suppressor-GR were extremely strong this map, I think I racked up the biggest bodycount this mission, but I did take a perk to take them there. I feel they were just perfect for that specific mission.
No complaints the rules, really. I'm not sure about waypoints and Strategic Planner, but I can think of missions where those would come in handy.
Best drone is Suppressor. Straight, to the point, super cute.

>>3663896
The drama was appropriate for the output on the map. My intended output was a tile 1-ward and a tile 6-ward, out of the shuttle's way. But since this is canon now, I'll find a way to spin it IC.

Any format you prefer for crawler movement to prevent confusion?

Mk2 Skirmishers seem action-intensive if one intends to use their special attack. Without Interlaced Command Packet, the drone needs to be aimed at the enemy as of the previous turn, then given the Special order. A little awkward with drones that can leave signal range in as few as two turns. Would Kill Mark be a workaround? Would it merely modify an existing movement protocol, or override direction or Hold Position to get into melee with the mark? Just something of note, not a balance request. Mk2's basic potential isn't fully explored yet.

>>3664419
>>3664423
That's reasonable I guess. Alternatively I'm thinking of making it so that you need to use a separate crawler action to place each player's build order. So you still get cheaper drones, but you can't just rebuild the entire team's army in one action. Hmm... maybe I'll increase the fabrication tax in proportion with the number of different commanders being supplied by the build order. So the total order gets more expensive if you try to rebuild everyone's stuff in one go. I'll think on this for the next mission.

>>3665321
Given that the crawler either moves forward or turns I'd say use the key words: Drive and Turn. Doesn't need to be those exact words, rotate, move and other synonyms are fine as long as I get the picture.

e.g:
>Turn to face 6
Will turn the crawler to face direction 6, expending the appropriate amount of mobility.
>Drive 3
Will move the crawler forward 3 hexes.

You can reverse the crawler too. So just say: Reverse X number of hexes.

>Skirmisher Management
I'm actually gonna rework marks so that drones prioritize marks by default, making the kill mark order redundant. The problem with making drones automatically use their special attack on a mark is that not all specials are high damage single target attacks.

I'll think about this, but ultimately it is a trade off and you will need something that enhances your command action economy to use multi-attack drones. Besides Interlaced Command Packet, there are other ways to wrangle the skirmishers.

>>3665385
Mmm if it changed to the former then I'd probably quit my job and get transferred to crawler operator school (I hear the current teacher is a real bitch and no one likes her). The main strength I saw when I picked the perk (before I knew it was discounting every drone 1 FP) was freeing up multiple people from wasting their crawler action replacing one or two drones when they could be driving, shooting or boosting instead.
Maybe cap the number of FP that the logistics officer can access at once, to give a reason for multiple officers to exist and also nerf their power level. 6? In addition to building for themselves?

>>3665562
>Maybe cap the number of FP that the logistics officer can access at once, to give a reason for multiple officers to exist...

Not necessary. FP is already hard capped by the crawler itself. Also taking logistics officer (or any perk) is a big opportunity cost. Generally I've never given out more than three perks and on Average it's two.

Right now it looks like perks can be broadly categorized as personal perks and team perks.

Personal perks are stuff like Drone upgrades and Interlaced command packet; They mainly enhance the individual.

Logistics Officer, Strategic Planner and Crawler Admin mostly benefit other players.

I'm guessing most players will want personal perk combos that allow them to make powerful drone squads while others might take crawler operator because they want to jump on the guns.

In this mission 3/8 players took team perks, and one of them took Admin so that they could keep mashing multi-boost and not think too hard about team co-ordination. (Nothing wrong with that. I get that some people are busy and/or have limited posting windows.) So I'd say there doesn't need to be more than one logistics officer.

>>3665385
I personally think that Drive X where X is /distance/ is a bit of a sideways step from the general use of numbers in this game as /direction/. That somewhat underlies my ill-fated action, though I acknowledge that I muddled processing by using two different verbs to describe my two one-tile moves. Humbly suggesting "33turn44" or something similar be made standard, which also gives players more explicit idea at a glance of where the crawler has moved.

No doubt that there's a trade-off to be made regarding Skirmishers. Just pointing out that I currently see Stab as an ICP soft-exclusive, due to drone speed and signal limitations, and myself having limited data. I'll be on the lookout for management tricks.

Also, thanks for running!