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>>3679295
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:
>Marks reworked so that drones prioritize them by default.
>Fire Support drone range buffed by 2... but that drone doesn't appear in this mission.
>Crawler Boost parameters have named special effects so that it's easier to tell which ones are in effect.

>cont

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>>3679300
previous mission: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/3636691/

>cont

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>>3679304
If you wish to sign up please use the following template:

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 TWO command perks 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...

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>>3679305
Fleet Intelligence: “We have taken note of the events surrounding the loss of Compton’s team. While we respect your honesty, your incompetence has resulted in the loss of human life. Rest assured there will be an investigation when you return. Field engineering teams are a rare and precious asset whose loss we can ill afford. This makes it all the more important that you bring the Nabaal safely back to base.”

“Over the past few months roaming vegetable hoards have converged on areas of heavy crawler activity making the standard routes back to base too dangerous to navigate. The commando droid X-11 has been deployed to the region to scout a new route back to base. Unfortunately this new route will not remain viable for long so you must reach the designated way point in the required time frame.”

“After transmitting it’s reconnaissance data unit X-11 shut down. It’s chassis has very high power requirements so it must regularly enter recharge cycles, however for some reason it will not reactivate itself without external stimuli. If possible sweep the area while passing through, find X-11 and reactivate it. We will need every asset we can get in the coming battles.”

“Since this mission requires you to move quickly we will be restricting the deployment of the slower drone models. To compensate, new drone designs and upgrade packages will be made available, including the new advanced sniper model. The standard rail gun fire support drone is too slow for this mission, so use the sniper if you require armour piercing capability.”

Mission Parameters:
>Move the Nabaal into the escape zone by the end of turn 7 (At least more than half of the crawler sprite must be inside.)
>Find and reactivate the X-11. To do so either put a signal source within range or have a friendly unit adjacent to it.

>>3679305
Just a few more things before we start:
Older players may remember that you had to choose one of two variants when picking a drone upgrade package. For now I've decided that you can take the relevant upgrade package twice to gain access to both variants. However when putting together your squad compositions and ordering new drones make sure you clearly state which variant you want otherwise I will make assumptions that may or may not be true.

Crawler Movement Syntax:
After some confusion in the last mission I have decided to recommend the following style for declaring crawler movement:

Given that the crawler either moves forward, backwards or turns use the key words: Drive, Reverse and Turn[.b].

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.
>Reverse 1
Will move the crawler backward 1 hex.

Given that direction codes in this game can cause some measure of confusion, when in doubt just write out a full sentence using the keywords.

e.g.
>Turn the crawler to face direction 6, then drive it forward 4 spaces.

>>3679305
Name: [Aed]
Command Perks: [Advanced Drones - Pyro-TR Upgrade Package] (x2)
Starting Squad:
Protocol:

>>3679305
Don't worry o'Leary, it was their fault for fixing the engine wrong. Compton probably wouldn't have made it back to orbit anyway with all of those ubergines around ~ I hear they can shoot up a lot farther than to the side.

What does the guide drone always being marked help with?

Holly [ComCap: 12/12]
Logistics Officer, Threat Analyst
Current Squad: Guide x6
Protocol: [DTC] Double Time with the Crawler
(I'm sorry soldier drone, you have been replaced in my heart)

>>3679310
>>3679319
I counted the hexes and if we want to make it on time the crawler has to move 5 spaces at least every turn towards the objective or we'll fail! That's so fast the pyros and soldiers won't be able to keep up by the way.

Lock, load and check the third feedback cycler on the secondary unit over by the bay—- hey, hey, anyone got any ducttape? Its all falling apart at this console.

Reporting in, squad polished and set to roll!

Name: Merein
Command Perks: Upgrade (SoldierGR), Squad Tactician
Starting Squad: 4x SoldierGR
Protocol: ADX

>>3679569
So we hang back a step at first and send the drones first, then boost motors and floor it to catch up?

>>3679595
Something like that! My guide drones will hang out with the crawler so I can mark big threats and if we get a gunner then they can take them out.

>>3679305
Well, let's try and do this one by the books.

Name:Kay
Command Perks: Ranger-VG Upgrade Package, Squad Tactician, Interlaced Command Package
Starting Squad: Ranger-VG x5, Rally Drone x1
Protocol: AD1

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>>3679489
>>3679557
>>3679587
Whoops, looks like the Sat-comm uplink was a bit patchy. Looks like the description of the Ranger-VG's vigilance protocol and the Sniper Drone stat card were not posted.

I'm posting them now. Feel free to change your perks. I'll be tarting the mission sometime tomorrow.

>>3679850
For someone who's doing it by the books, you've picked one perk too many and asked for a type of drone that doesn't exist. Rejected.

>>3679877
Woops, shit, sorry, messed up the paperwork. I haven't been sleeping well since... Y'know. Here's the real one.
Name:Kay
Command Perks: Ranger-VG Upgrade Package, Interlaced Command Package
Starting Squad: Ranger-VG x5, Guide Drone x1
Protocol: AD1

>>3679557
>>3679569
The vast majority of fire support abilities in Moe Drones (Artillery strike, Orbital drops, etc...) require marks. Having the guide count as being marked opens up certain... options when using those abilities...

Unfortunately you guys don't have any of those abilities, again. It'll become more relevant with other crawler types.

>Pyros and Soldiers won't be able to keep up.
They don't have to. Granted that completely invalidates the excuse I gave for withholding the suppressor and fire support drone, but humour me here. I'm trying to go for one of those carefully curated "menu of the day" type things.
As well as encourage people to use the new light drone designs

Don't worry, you'll get access to (almost)everything in mission 3.

Just to clarify everybody, since I messed up exporting the stat card, you do not need the advanced drone perk to access the upgrade packages, those are their own perk. Right now the advanced drone perk gives you access to the sniper drone.

>>3679902
That'll work, but I'll leave final approvals till tomorrow.

>>3679489
>>3679557
>>3679587
These are all acceptable, but again I'll leave final approval till tomorrow in case you want to change now that you know what snipers and the vigilance protocol is.

>>3679980
Its okay command, I was just making sure everyone else understood that only the 5 mobility drones can keep pace without double timing at least 1 turn.
Come on guide drones, you might have less love than the soldiers but you're cheaper to manufacture! Get out there and shake those antennas.

>>3679304
Doesn't Beacon Baton make Rally Squad redundant?

>>3680265
No because even with Beacon Baton you have to use your command action to make your drones move to the guide. Rally Squad lets you do this as an auto-action.

Fun fact, if you look closely you can see the beacon embedded in the flag pole.

>>3679877
We need to get somewhere quick?
Right, right. I got this can of special sauce for the engines, it'll hop it RIGHT up.

Name: Cositan
Command Perks: Advanced Drones, Crawler Operator
Starting Squad: 3x Sniper
Protocol: [DTC]

>>3680341
I don't get it, that must mean I am too stupid to use the flag bearer.

>>3679980
Name: [Aed]
Command Perks: [Advanced Drones - Pyro-TR Upgrade Package] (x2)
Starting Squad: [Pyro Drone] (x4)
Protocol: ADX

>>3679305

Name:Vladimir
Command Perks:[Ranger-VG Upgrade Package], [Crawler Helmsman]
Starting Squad:x6 Ranger Drone
Protocol: AD1
No signal drones mean skirmishers get lost in forest. Do not worry comrades, the red tide has many forms! We shall give them a hail of bullets!

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Right. As Holly found >>3679569, we need to move an average of 5 tiles per turn to escape this area. We have the secondary objective of recovering X-11, either by signalling it or meeting it with one of the girls.

Here's my initial plan. We set a course 1-ward, veering toward escape at around turn 4. Cositan sends his snipers in recon mode toward a waypoint of his own at C. In this way, we are on course to scan the majority of the forest by turn 4. Additionally, the pace of this mission is leisurely enough that we do not need to boost engines so long as we keep a constant pace. Thus, we will be able to devote our crawler upkeep to more aggressive measures.

Considerations:
This plan forgoes the offense of our snipers in pursuit of a secondary objective. Our resulting vulnerability to unusual threats is mitigated somewhat by our freedom to operate the crawler and Holly's threat analysis tactic.
>Should overwhelming forces originate from around point C, the waypoint I set at Z will be a rally point to hold them.
Should Cositan's mission prove to be a lost cause, it may be necessary to boost C3 fully in order for him to issue a self-destruct order and re-deploy.
>An alternate crawler route is available through waypoint Z if the engines are maxed to surmount the hill. Less in favor of this since it leaves veggies on both sides, but it's an option.

Thoughts?


>>3680373
If we settle on this plan, would you consider subbing in some skirmishers to act as a buffer for your snipers?

Kudos, by the way, to Holly for keeping us at full force last mission, and Wilhelm for keeping the crawler humming. More of that today, and we're set to stomp this cabbage patch.

>>3681387
I like that plan.
I can keep the crawler moving and keep up general defense to keep any little shitties off of it.
Ill be leaving most of the big targets to you all, but such is the nature of the red tide tactics.

>>3679305
Name: [Jay]
Command Perks: [Advanced Drones - Pyro-IN Upgrade Package] & [Crawler Operator]
Starting Squad: [Pyro Drone] (x2), [Soldier Drone] (×2)
Protocol: ADX

Getting my actions in, but planning's still open. Hit me up for waypoints you forsee being necessary.

o'Leary
Skirmisher Mk1 Upgrade, Strategic Planner
Squad: Upgraded Mk1 x6
Protocol: AD1

>Set Waypoint in top-middle of Z shown here >>3681387

>>3679738
Might be I can do you one better than gunner, hehehe.

>>3681084
Guide drone's not quite a Signaler, but it's close. Free formation action to boot.

>>3680373
>>3680897
>>3681084
Approved

>>3681688
Jay you've got three perks, you can only have two. Pyro-IN and Advanced Drones are completely different things.

>>3682718
No idea why some people still want these now that Rangers are a thing but approved.

>Standby for deployment...

>>3679305
>>3682870
>Deploy (mistakes were fixed)
Name: [Jay]
Command Perks: [Pyro-IN Upgrade Package] & [Crawler Operator]
Starting Squad: [Pyro Drone] (x2), [Soldier Drone] (×2)
Protocol: ADX

>>3683005
Just in time, approved

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>>3683010
Mission Star-Toh!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fd8AOFX2rM&list=PLaf1ohZtLnOW00GA0PK9_3CeTretH4duh&index=5

Drones Squads Deployed
Command Lines Open
Bringing Tactical Display Online...

Players:

1: Holly
2: Merein
3: Kay
4: Cositan
5: Aed
6: Vladimir
7: O'Leary
8: Jay

Everyone please add your assigned number to your trip, it makes it easier for me to figure out who's who.

I'll be nice and say you can change your protocols for free on the first turn only, since many of you held off on defining your starting protocol pending some kind of plan. Don't waste this. Drones without valid protocols will spend the turn doing sweet FA.

>Declare actions. Turn will be processed around 2-3pm Tuesday UTC +8.

>>3682718
Whoops forgot to set Waypoint Z. I've set it in my master file. It should show up in later map posts.

>>3683028
>Boost C3 of Crawler by 2 levels (Crawler Operator)
>Protocol DT2&3 (I basically want to go East)

Name: [Jay]
Command Perks: [Pyro-IN Upgrade Package] & [Crawler Operator]
Starting Squad: [Pyro Drone] (x2), [Soldier Drone] (×2)
Protocol: DTZ

>>3683028
Name: [Aed]
Command Perks: [Advanced Drones - Pyro-TR Upgrade Package] (x2)
Starting Squad: [Pyro Drone] (x4)
Protocol: ADX

> (Crawler) Boost C3 of Crawler by one level.
> (Command) Maintain formation: || 5A maintains position. || 5B moves to the space [3x2] relative to 5A. || 5C moves to the space [3x2] relative to 5B. || 5D moves to the space [3x2] relative to 5C.

C3 is now at max level!

>>3683028

> Set Waypoint at the crest of the hill, northeast of the crawler.
> Man NE autocannon
> Formation! Two guide drones in front of the crawler, two on either side
> Formation! Keep pace with the crawler

Quick PSA.
Remember: Protocol codes and other short hand descriptions are primarily for displaying info on the map itself.

If you are confused about proper syntax, write a full sentence using the words from the rule sheet.

e.g
"Was the code for advance AD or AV? Nvm"
>Set Protocol: Advance in direction 1.

>>3683028
>set waypoint at C as specified in >>3681387
>-change protocol to [ADW]
C3's already boosted?
Oh, excellent.
Hang on, hitting reserve power...
>boost Engines by 2 levels (crawler now has 12 movement)

Name: Cositan
Command Perks: Advanced Drones, Crawler Operator
Starting Squad: 3x Sniper
Protocol: [DTC]

>>3683028
"Ranger unit, full speed ahead. Our mission is to retrieve the prototype."
>Temporary Protocol: DT1
>Boost Crawler Auto-Cannons

Name:Kay
Command Perks: Ranger-VG Upgrade Package, Interlaced Command Package
Squad: Ranger-VG x5, Guide Drone x1
Protocol: AD1

>>3684655
Forgot to update IFF tag.

>>3684339
Hold up, Cositan. Your Snipers' Inconspicuousness won't do them any good without someone louder to take the heat. Girls, reroute.

Gotta detour so the crawler doesn't block them. Can't believe this, after last time... there.

You're - you're not making me touch the wheel again. Whoever drives next turn, course-correct to scan the northwest, and remember the crawler can't sit on three elevation bands at once without the engines maxed.

>>3683028
>Drive 5, turn 1, drive 3
>Temp protocol: DT 3

o'Leary
Skirmisher Mk1 Upgrade, Strategic Planner
Squad: Upgraded Mk1 x6
Protocol: AD1


>>3683103
East? Preposterous! You'll use waypoints and single inputs of the 6-point compass and you'll like it, cadet!

>>3685242
They'll be... fine. They're just looking for something, after all. Survival isn't necessary for their mission, and we can always print more.

And, well, you might've run into a shuttle the last time you drove the Crawler, but that just makes you in the only one in this crew with driving experience.
Surprised they didn't clear you for helmsman after that.

>>3683028
>Boost crawler autocannon
>Temp protocol change AD2
>>3685242
Do not worry. I will be taking care of crawler movements from now on. Just had to shake off my hangover. Once we get over the hill I can fun button it all the way to extraction. (Just be careful with boosts or it might take off)

((Slightly late again. I apologize for my chronically sloppy handling of this skirmish so far. Rest assured I have enough raw free time to run it, it's just RL stuff keeps happening at awkward times... and I also get lazy sometimes.))

>>3683103
>>3683382
>>3683466
>>3684339
>>3684655
>>3685242
>>3685288

>Beginning turn processing...

>>3685362
Nabaal Status:
HP: 40/40

C3:Level 1
Signal Range: 12
ESM: Active
Sat-Comm Relay: Active

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

Fabricator: Level 1
Fabrication Capacity: 12
Self-Repair System: Offline

EAS: Level 1
Armour: 1
Reactive Discharge: Disabled

Engines: Level 3
Movement: 12
High Torque Drive: Disabled

>Standby for player phase...

>>3685242
I don't listen to failures who drive Crawlers into Shuttles

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>>3685404

Jay:[Error: "2&3" is not a valid direction code], Protocol: DT2 recognised and executed.
Aed:[Error: Formation Command Memory Overflow, micromanagement not possible, please describe desired formation in two sentences.]
Aed:[Error: "X" is not a valid direction code]
Holly:[Error: "Man NE Autocannon" is not a recognized command. Are you shooting something? Are you going on overwatch?]
Merein:[Error: "X" is not a valid direction code]

---------

Fleet Intelligence: "Confirmed the presence of potatoes and oni-ons on the battlefield. Both these vegetable types are highly resilient."

"The potatoes take on a second form after death, depending on how they they died."

"Oni-ons are heavily armoured and upon taking damage exude a corrosive aura that reduces the accuracy of all adjacent drones."

>Standby for enemy phase...

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>>3685459
Fleet Intelligence: "Potatoes killed by conventional arms fire become mashed. They're slow, but highly resilient and have powerful single target attacks."

>Standby for aftermath...

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>>3685484
Fleet Intelligence: "Commanders, be advised we're tracking curcubitae type enemies pursuing you from the previous area of operations. Expect more to arrive in your AO as the mission continues."

"If a fellow commander is indisposed remember you can use the battle override transfer (B.O.T) system to issue commands on their behalf."
((Basically bot ppl who are afk for too long.))

>Declare actions. Next turn will be processed on Wednesday 8-9pm UTC+8.

>>3685517
"Potatoes up ahead. Prepare to engage, we're going in !"
>Boost C3
>Supervise squad

Name:Kay
Command Perks: Ranger-VG Upgrade Package, Interlaced Command Package
Squad: Ranger-VG x5, Guide Drone x1
Protocol: AD1

Right, someone else hit the drive-stick and move us a bit towards the waypoint. The drones will need to keep up, so if we can plant ourselves near Waypoint Z the plating and turrets can hold off a wave.

>>3685517
>--Since protocol is currently illegal, set as HR-Z. If this consumes the Command action, set protocol as HR-Z as command action.
>--If protocol can be set properly,Supervise Squad as Squad Tactician (Special Weapons, +1Hit, +1Agi)

>Crawler Action: Boost Engines

Name: Merein
Command Perks: Upgrade (SoldierGR), Squad Tactician
Starting Squad: 4x SoldierGR
Protocol: HR-Z

>>3685517
Name: [Aed]
Command Perks: [Advanced Drones - Pyro-TR Upgrade Package] (x2)
Starting Squad: [Pyro Drone] (x4)
Protocol: [ADX]

> (Crawler) Boost C3.
> (Command) Set Protocol to [HR2]

>>3685451
And drones don't listen to high-falutin' non-standard directions!

Comrades, if we want to get over that hill, we need max engines!
Vodka makes anything strong! Even crawler!
>>3686233
Should we drive around the potatoes or go right through them comrade strategist?
(Ill be driving the crawler since I can turn it cheaper im just making sure we are all on the same page before I commit my turn)

>>3685517
>boost engines
High torque drive coming online.
Wheel us around and gun for the evac.
>set protocol to DTW
>>3686401
Check check, hit the drive.

Name: Cositan
Command Perks: Advanced Drones, Crawler Operator
Starting Squad: 3x Sniper
Protocol: [DTW]

>>3686401
Around the potatoes, I think, and let our rangers mush them. Put us roughly 6-ward of Waypoint 4. I'm sending a continuous wave of distractions to keep the veggies off Cositan, and I don't have time to set a waypoint for myself.

Moving headlong into limited visibility. Better brace up.

>>3683466
Got full squad wipe in my near future, if you'd be so kind.

>>3685517
>Temp protocol DT2
>Boost Armor

o'Leary
Skirmisher Mk1 Upgrade, Strategic Planner
Squad: Upgraded Mk1 x3
Protocol: AD1

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Interesting case, as far as scouting/breakthrough formations go. Not intentional this time, but interesting. This is a somewhat adaptive way of getting around veggies without using a waypoint, albeit action-intensive. There may be times when this helps makes the best of the headache that is staggered reinforcement waves.

>>3686590
>>3683466
Actually, mix in a Guide drone for me, thanks.

>>3686233
"I dont know, seems like they did."

>>3685517
>Drones AD2
>Boost Crawler Autocannons


Name: [Jay]
Command Perks: [Pyro-IN Upgrade Package] & [Crawler Operator]
Starting Squad: [Pyro Drone] (x2), [Soldier Drone] (×2)
Protocol: AD2

>>3687158
I don't see them going 23, do you?

>>3685517
>Temp protocol DT2
>Turn 2, Drive 7
Don't forget to overwatch the front cannon comrades. We are headed into unknown territory.
>>3686559
Im moving us a little further so we crest the hill.
Prepare for bumpy ride!

>>3687399
But they're moving none the less, all that matters.

>>3685639
>>3685646
>>3685693
>>3686480
>>3686590
>>3687158
>>3688273

>Beginning Turn Processing...

>>3688851
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
Saturation Burst: Disabled

Fabricator: Level 1
Fabrication Capacity: 12
Self-Repair System: Offline

EAS: Level 2
Armour: 4
Reactive Discharge: Disabled

Engines: Level 4
Movement: 12
High Torque Drive: Enabled

>Standby for player phase...

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>>3688903
Fleet Intelligence: "The layered skin of an Oni-on grants protection comparable to a suppressor drone's armour. Low damage attacks will not be able to hurt them."
>Standby for enemy phase...

File: OPCF2_E2.png (3.35 MB, 1791x1795)

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>>3688980

>Standby for Aftermath...

File: OPCF2_A2.png (3.39 MB, 1791x1795)

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>>3689020
((I think I forgot to process Jay's drones in the player phase, so I did it in the enemy phase instead.))

Fleet Intelligence:"An Ubergine has just entered the area of operations. If you can keep up this pace you should be able to out run it."

I'm impressed, you guys are actually moving the crawler and keeping everything within signal range.

>Declare Actions. I've fallen behind on some IRL stuff so no turn processing tomorrow. Next turn will be processed on Friday, ~10-11am UTC +8

>>3688472
That's a good thing, but it's not the thing you wanted, which was my entire and only point.

>>3689039
"Textbook so far. Mop up the rest of them and move in. Stay on your toes, we're entering enemy territory soon."
>Supervise squad
>Boost C3

Name:Kay
Command Perks: Ranger-VG Upgrade Package, Interlaced Command Package
Squad: Ranger-VG x5, Guide Drone x1
Protocol: AD1

>>3689039
Oh whoops, my keyboard was unplugged.
>>3686590
You got it, o'Leary. I'll paint some onions for you in a moment too. Oi, Cositan! Give me a boost, your drones are expensive!

> Place a mark for Vladimir on the onion 6 of drone 6F
> Place Build Order:
1x Guide Drone for 7/ o'Leary (1BP)
5x Upgraded Skirmisher Mk1's for 7/ o'Leary (6BP)
2x Sniper Drones for 4/Cositan (14BP)
1x Upgraded Pyro Drone for 5/Aed (18BP)
================
Holly [ComCap: 10/12]
Logistics Officer, Threat Analyst
Current Squad: Guide x5
Protocol: [ADC] Advance with the Crawler

>>3689039
>Boost C3 By 2 Levels [Crawler Operator] (C3 MAX)
>Drones: Protocol HR3
"Signal Range Maxed!"

Name: [Jay]
Command Perks: [Pyro-IN Upgrade Package] & [Crawler Operator]
Starting Squad: [Pyro Drone] (x2), [Soldier Drone] (×2)
Protocol: HR3

SE scouting has been encircled and we're off expected course. Some adjustments are in order!

>>3686480
Cositan, put your guns back in play. I'll finish the SE scout over the next two turns.
>>3686401
Vladimir, I need my drones to arrive near my waypoint next turn. Otherwise, drive free.

>Set waypoint 7 at 2211 111 of waypoint 4
>-Protocol remains AD1, previous protocols have been temporary
>Northmost turret: Fire at onion at 6 of 6F

o'Leary
Skirmisher Mk1 Upgrade, Strategic Planner
Squad: Upgraded Mk1 x1
Protocol: AD1

>>3693494
G-guns back in play?
Uh.
I'm not sure what you mean. I'll... figure something out.
>boost autocannons 2 levels
>-auto: snipers, switch modes
>set protocol: [HP]
Get 'em!

Someone start putting in build orders, I need my girls back.

Name: Cositan
Command Perks: Advanced Drones, Crawler Operator
Starting Squad: 1x Sniper
Protocol: [HP]

can we talk about the fall of t pain

Sorry, rolled out of bed later than I'd like and I needed my coffee first.

Anyhow, seeing as I have important IRL stuff to do and we're still waiting on a few players I'll extend the processing deadline to the same time tomorrow.

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>>3694303
((Have some lore to tide you over.))
Study of recent battles revealed that humanity did well when the commanders could deploy a gunline of armoured drones backed up by support models, however such lines moved slowly and it was hard to safely march on an objective when time was of the essence. After development of the Skirmisher MK2 was finished a second design was conceived. It would be a light ranged platform; fast enough to keep up with the MK2 the new Ranger drone would closely follow it’s melee brethren and provide supporting fire while the skirmishers engaged the enemy directly. Upgrade packages that allowed almost continuous overwatch meant that rangers could provide a more mobile alterative to the standard gunline. High command was excited by the possibilities and approved the ranger schematic for transmission shortly after the Skirmisher MK2 made it’s debut.

A few months after the deployment of the Ranger Drone the design bureau would become a victim of it’s own success. Commanders were deploying Ranger/Skirmisher squads to great effect but often found that their speed carried them out of signal range before recall orders could be given. Thus many fast attack squads would end up charging blindly into the wilderness and go MIA. While these losses were easily replaced, they represented an unnecessary expenditure of fabrication materials. The Bureau was ordered to come up with a solution.

The most obvious idea was to increase the speed of the signal drone, and expand it’s AI to be capable of limited drone management. This turned out to be a significant engineering challenge. The signal drone’s comms gear was heavy and power hungry. Improving the AI and upping the speed would increase the power demands further. All modifications proposed that met the requirements proved too expensive.


>cont

>>3694327
The design bureau decided to develop a new drone from scratch, one that needed to be both fast and sophisticated. Going back to the drawing board the Bureau crafted a stripped down chassis devoid of all unnecessary features. Durability was sacrificed to create a lighter frame and a lack of any offensive capability freed up enough weight, energy and computing power to install a signal relay, beacon and an AI module capable of maintaining squad coherency without commander input. The resulting drone was incredibly fragile and completely incapable of defending itself, but it met all requirements and was cheaper to fabricate than the signal drone. The design bureau worriedly submitted the schematic to high command, who approved preliminary field tests on selected crawlers and dubbed it the guide drone.

The results were surprisingly favourable. While care had to be taken to make sure the guide was not exposed to danger, many commanders liked having a cheaper alternative to the signal drone. They also liked how the guide’s squad management feature freed up their attention so they didn’t constantly have to wrangle their drones. Some also reported that: “She’s really adorable, and all the other drones love her”. Those commanders were reminded that any ‘fondness’ expressed towards the guide was simply a side effect of the squad management system.

With it’s effectiveness confirmed the guide schematic was officially ratified and uploaded to all active crawlers.

((Please wait warmly, and organize parades with your guide drones.))

>>3689039
>drive 3, turn 3, drive 2
>Temp protocol HR2
>>3693494
Do not worry. Your girls will be close.
We are going north soon. Be swift, comrade.

After this round we will need to boost engines to recover time spent on this detour

(Sorry Internet issues prevented me from posting until now)

>>3690238
>>3691841
>>3691911
>>3693494
>>3693632
>>3696186

Okay let's get this done.

>Processing...

>>3697083
((Ugh, was procrastinating so this took longer than it should.))

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
Saturation Burst: Disabled

Fabricator: Level 1
Fabrication Capacity: 12
Self-Repair System: Offline

EAS: Level 1
Armour: 2
Reactive Discharge: Disabled

Engines: Level 1
Movement: 6
High Torque Drive: Disabled

Build Queue:
-LO Surcharge: 4 BP
-1x Guide Drone for (7, O'Leary)(DisC)
-5x Skirmisher M1-B for (7, O'Leary)(DisC)
-2x Sniper Drones for (4, Cositan)(DisC)
-1x Pyro-TR for (5,Aed)(DisC)

>Standby for Player Phase...

File: OPCF2_P3.png (3.36 MB, 1791x1795)

3.36 MB PNG

>>3697339
((I'm processing like broken leg today, finding it hard to stay focused.))

>Standby for Enemy Phase

>>3697583
Hey command are there too many people for an extra operator, or can i join into the fray?

>>3697645
I'd say yes, but Merein is chronically afk and I know why, so by all means: jump in.

File: OPCF2_E3.png (3.36 MB, 1791x1795)

3.36 MB PNG

>>3697583
>Standby for Aftermath

File: OPCF2_A3.png (3.34 MB, 1791x1795)

3.34 MB PNG

>>3697732
Fleet Intelligence: "Using fire based or bladed weapons to kill potatoes turns them into chips. Chips aren't as durable as their previous form, but they are faster, more numerous and their crispy outer skins afford them a measure of armour."

----------
Deploying Drones:
-LO Surcharge: Paid
-1x Guide Drone for (7, O'Leary)(DisC)-Deployed
-4x Skirmisher M1-B for (7, O'Leary)(DisC)-Deployed
Command cap for O'Leary reached
-1x Sniper Drones for (4, Cositan)(DisC)- Deployed
-1x Pyro-TR for (5,Aed)(DisC)-Deployed

Remaining Build Order:
-1x Sniper Drones for (4, Cositan)(DisC)

>Declare Actions, RL is getting just a little busier for me so the next turn will be processed on Monday ~10-11am UTC+8

File: CF2.png (1.78 MB, 1791x1795)

1.78 MB PNG

I see two courses of action. Either max the C3 to accelerate the NW scout, or max the cannons to clear our NE with authority. The SE scout will finish in two turns or not at all.

If SatCom Relay is active, Kay can finesse his squad a bit; protect the guide, halve the remaining area to scout. Vladimir can get in on this too, while still aiding in the fight. A bit more risk to the crawler.

Maxing the cannons sets scouting back, but lets us clear the enemies NE more effectively. But not activating SatCom leaves Kay's guide drone exposed, risking total loss of contact with Kay's squad.


I'm in favor of the first option, letting our two scouting squads seek and activate X-11, while we make do with the firepower we have. Worst to worst, I think we can run over a few potatoes. Thoughts?

>>3697968
One thought actually. *Can* we run over veggies? Do we just take crash damage or do they block our movement? Can we get confirmation on this, command?

>>3699538
I'm going to rule that if you try to run over an enemy that only takes up one hex it counts as attacking them. If the attack hits, they're killed instantly, otherwise they're moved to a space that avoids the crawler's path.

Large enemies that occupy more than one hex will stop crawler movement and both the crawler and the enemy will take 5 damage that cannot be reduced by armour.

Drones that occupy the same space as the crawler sprite after movement has been resolved will be moved out of the way.

>>3697798
Just posting to say that I'll be pushing the processing deadline back to Monday Evening UTC+8. RL is being annoying and it's just one thing after another.

>>3697798
So many onions! Eugh. If the drones don't focus them down, our accuracy will be ruined.
>>3697968
I'll trust you o'Leary. Lets max that signal.

> Mark for Vladimir onion 122 of drone 6D.
> Place Build Order
3x Upgraded Pyro Drones for 5/Aed 6BP
4x Upgraded Soldier Drones for 6/Merein 16BP
2x Sniper Drones for 4/Cositan 24BP
=================
Holly [ComCap: 10/12]
Logistics Officer, Threat Analyst
Current Squad: Guide x5
Protocol: [DTC] Double Time to Crawler

>>3697798
>Turn 1, Drive 5
>supervise squad
Cyкa блять! We will be scooping veggie goop out for days!

Signal strength at 2. Almost on the home stretch, people.

>>3697798
>-Squad CoOrd:
>Temp protocol DT3
>Boost C3

o'Leary
Skirmisher Mk1 Upgrade, Strategic Planner
Squad: Upgraded Mk1 x5, Guide x1
Protocol: AD1

>>3701914
Don't know if it was intentional, but thanks for keeping my Guide drone in minimum signal range.

>>3697798
>Crawler: Boost C3 by 2 levels. Max Level!
>Fabricator: Order 2 Pyro-IN Upgraded Drones

Name: [Jay]
Command Perks: [Pyro-IN Upgrade Package] & [Crawler Operator]
Starting Squad: [Pyro Drone] (x2)
Protocol: HP2

>>3697798
"I'm leaving crawler range. Please keep me connected."
>Supervise squad
>Boost C3

Name:Kay
Command Perks: Ranger-VG Upgrade Package, Interlaced Command Package
Squad: Ranger-VG x5, Guide Drone x1
Protocol: AD1

I dun goofed... again. I'll process the turn first thing after waking up, for reals this time.

>>3701620
>>3701914
>>3702160
>>3702413
>>3703185

Alright, let's get this crawler road trip back on track.

>Processing...

>>3706913

Nabaal Status:
HP: 40/40

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

Crawler Auto Cannons: Level 1
AC Parameters: 6 RNG, 8 DMG
Saturation Burst: Disabled

Fabricator: Level 1
Fabrication Capacity: 12
Self-Repair System: Offline

EAS: Level 1
Armour: 2
Reactive Discharge: Disabled

Engines: Level 1
Movement: 6
High Torque Drive: Disabled

Build Queue:
-1x Sniper Drones for (4, Cositan)(DisC)
-LOMPO Tax: 4
-3x Pyro-TR for (5,Aed)(DisC)
-4x Soldier-GR (6, Merein)(DisC)
-2x Sniper (4, Cositan)(DisC)
-2x Pyro-IN (8, Jay)

>Standby for Player Phase

File: OPCF2_P4.png (3.15 MB, 1791x1795)

3.15 MB PNG

>>3706936
>Standby for enemy phase...

File: OPCF2_E4.png (3.17 MB, 1791x1795)

3.17 MB PNG

>>3707283
Fleet Intelligence:"Commanders, do not linger any longer than necessary. Reactivating X-11 is secondary to getting the Nabaal back to base."

>Standby for aftermath...

File: OPCF2_A4.png (3.21 MB, 1791x1795)

3.21 MB PNG

>>3707319
I've decided to settle on calling it L.O.M.P.O Tax: Logistics Officer, Multiplayer Order tax.

Deploying Drones:
-1x Sniper Drones for (4, Cositan)(DisC)-Deployed
-LOMPO Tax: 4 - Paid
-3x Pyro-TR for (5,Aed)(DisC)-Deployed

Remaining Build Order:
-4x Soldier-GR (6, Merein)(DisC)
-2x Sniper (4, Cositan)(DisC)
-2x Pyro-IN (8, Jay)

>Declare actions. Wednesday is gonna be busy for me and my life is generally chaotic. Let's see if we can get stuff back on track for a processing deadline on Thursday 10-11am UTC+8

Getting hairy, but we expected that. We make a controlled retreat and finish the NW scout. We're almost done with our due diligence regarding X-11.

One engine boost, one drive, the rest are on cannons. No C3 or reinforcements until next turn. If you have a spare command action, mark something or make sure your eventual reinforcements will be aimed at point Z.

We move into C3 range of Kay's squad. Kay, boomerang them with an interlaced DT6, DTC. Next turn, we get the crawler far north, and your drones will finish the NW while returning to the crawler.


>>3707367
>-Noting that under all the temp protocols, standing protocol remains AD1
>Mark Potato at 3 of Waypoint Z
>Boost Engines

o'Leary
Skirmisher Mk1 Upgrade, Strategic Planner
Squad: Upgraded Mk1 x5, Guide x1
Protocol: AD1

>>3707367
Okay, strategist!
> Mark mashed potato
> Activate Autocannons, shoot it.

>>3707367
"Sweep complete. If this doesn't find X-11, it's on Vlad."
>Change protocol to DTC
>Interlaced order: Temp Protocol ADV6
>Free formation order: Adopt a spread out formation with Guide as the centerpiece to cover more ground.
>Boost C3

Name:Kay
Command Perks: Ranger-VG Upgrade Package, Interlaced Command Package
Squad: Ranger-VG x5, Guide Drone x1
Protocol: DTC

>>3707367
>Drive 8,turn 2
>change protocol HR6

>>3707401
>>3710924
>>3712457
>>3712905
Alright, here we go, and this time I'm only half an hour late.

>Processing...

>>3713197
Nabaal Status:
HP: 38/40

C3:Level 2
Signal Range: 10
ESM: Offline
Sat-Comm Relay: Offline

Crawler Auto Cannons: Level 1
AC Parameters: 6 RNG, 8 DMG
Saturation Burst: Disabled

Fabricator: Level 1
Fabrication Capacity: 12
Self-Repair System: Offline

EAS: Level 1
Armour: 2
Reactive Discharge: Disabled

Engines: Level 2
Movement: 8
High Torque Drive: Disabled

Build Queue:
-4x Soldier-GR (6, Merein)(DisC)
-2x Sniper (4, Cositan)(DisC)
-2x Pyro-IN (8, Jay)

>Standby for player phase...

Slim chance that, if Kay doesn't find X-11, I can use a full C3 to get my girls to sweep the last unexplored corner of the map. We're so outnumbered that we'd probably be better off just leaving, though.

>>3713227
Kay got lucky, because the C3 didn't get boosted enough to activate the sat-comm uplink her orders didn't go through, but the guide's auto formation just so happened to put a ranger in contact with X-11, otherwise you would have missed the signal activation by one hex.

>Standby...

File: OPCF2_P5.png (3.25 MB, 1791x1795)

3.25 MB PNG

>>3713287
Silly me, forgot the picture.

>Standby...

File: OPCF2_A5.png (3.19 MB, 1791x1795)

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>>3713289
Fleet Intelligence: “X-11 Respond!”

X-11:” Snrk…Huh? Oh, it’s you Flint, mmm just 5 more minutes please.”

Fleet Intelligence: “Your data-link shows that your capacitors have been fully charged for several hours. You will bring your systems to combat readiness and return to base immediately!”

X-11:” Oh Flint, you are such a slave driver, can’t I nap for a little longer pleeease?”

Fleet Intelligence:” You have been given a direct order X-11! This AO is about be overrun by veggies, the crawler Nabaal has put itself at great risk to find you and re-establish contact!”

X-11:” WAAAAH! I didn’t think the veggies would be here so soon! Oh wait… no they’re on time, it just looks like I over slept eheheh…”

Fleet Intelligence:” This is not the first time you have failed to reactivate after completing your recharge cycle X-11, after you get back to base you will report to the engineering bay for a full diagnostic.”

X-11:” *Blows a rasberry*”


>All Objectives fulfilled!
>MISSION CLEARED!

--------------------------------------
((You guys are one crawler action away from escaping so there's no point in drawing this out. QM fatigue is really setting in on my end, more to do with real life demands than anything else.

I can see I'm starting to hemorrhage players too. Merien has been AFK since forever and Cositan, Aed and Jay are clearly not engaged anymore, probably due to their squads being wiped and having to kind of twiddle their thumbs while waiting on the build queue. It doesn't help that Pyros haven't been very effective in this mission.

Despite all that. I'm still happy. Considering that previous versions of Moe Drones struggled to get even four players, initial sign ups and player retention for this iteration have vastly improved. Despite my sloppy handling of this mission on the back end I've gained a lot of valuable insight for balancing enemies, drones and crawlers alike. I hope everyone had fun. Thank you for enduring my idiosyncrasies and thank you for playing!))

>The Moe Drones will return! ...eventually... for Operation Cold Front: Part 3!

File: X-11.png (111 KB, 736x741)

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>>3713349
I planned out this mini-campaign with three missions in mind, designed to gradually introduce players to the game while at the same time helping slowly rebalance everything from the ground up. In that regard it has been quite successful. However I will admit that I ran this mission a bit half cocked. I wanted to catch the weekend prime time so I posted the thread before I was fully ready and it shows: I forgot to post the Sniper statcard and the explanation for the ranger’s vigilance protocol was missing. There were also minor typos even after I could have sworn I had proof read everything. (Currently reorganising my master content files, so it turns out some older stuff hasn’t been properly archived yet.) In comparison, the first mission went a lot better on my end.
I’ll tell you now that even though I remain committed to seeing this mini-campaign through, stuff I said above combined with stuff I need to do IRL means that the next mission will not happen for at least two weeks. I need time get my life in order, recover from QM fatigue and make sure all the requisite materials are prepped.

As usual feel free to leave feedback.
How did you guys like the crawler aspect of the game now that you had access to its full capabilities?
What did you think of the new drones and enemies?
As always: were there any drones or perks you thought were OP or sub-optimal?
Any aspect of the rules that you felt were not properly explained?
And of course: Who is best drone?

Cripes, we bloody did it.

>>3713450
'w')
Good show everybody!
While I couldent join due to...reasons I did watch and boy oh boy was it something.
Really love X-11 by the way =v=
Glad that you ran it Cogniscommand, hope that you are able to deal with your real life stuff and for more moe drones :D
Love this skirmish by the way o3o
As for balance I can't say anything as i did not participate so i will leave my internet mouth shut.

>>3713450
Nice work, Kay! O'leary!

1. I left driving to the others, had my drones on DTC and built every turn. I didn't notice any difference!
2. The potatoes are cool, I like the revival thing a lot! The FB Guide seems kinda funny I'm not sure how you'd use it best. Use lots and reduce your firepower to be a rally point for other commanders? You could jjust take one but then are you really getting the most value out of that perk point? I don't know...
3. I liked the logistics officer change, though I still think they might be mandatory... We'll see in a few weeks when you run again and I choose different perks if I am around to catch it running. Are you archiving these?
4. I didn't know that the build queue persisted between turns until just today and my role is to know the build order inside and out. Maybe that could have been explained better?
What sorts of formations are legal? I kept wanted to shout out directions for my little guides but I wasn't sure how far I could swing things.

>>3714663
Its ok holly. Ol'Vladimir isn't hurt. Commissar never give praise anyway.

>>3713450
X-11 is very cute, but skirmisher comrades are still number one in my heart