Planning on doing a Let's Play of X-COM: UFO defence. Not asking for volunteers, unlike the earlier version of this thread in the Ballroom. Just asking for people's opinions on first research topic, base location, naming theme, difficulty and saving. Not to mention if I should do this at all.
If either of those last two are above "easy/save often", expect much death, carnage, sarcastic commentary and the end of civilization. AKA: "Fun" stuff.
Updated: Casualty list.
Louis Buchard (Rookie)
Died finding out just how durable Aliens are. Rumored to have been a janitor. We can't remember one way or the other.
Oscar Dodge (Sergeant)
The second piece of evidence for the Cannon Curse. Died due to not killing an alien with autocannon fire, he finally ran out of wisecracks. Notable for being injured in the first case of XCOM friendly fire, his spirit lives on in our hearts. And possiblyProbably his autocannon.
Otto Krause (Squaddie)
Died trying to Set Up an alien navigator the Cattle Prod. He may not have been strong, or fast, or accurate... But he WAS aerodynamic.
Scott Robinson (Squaddie)
His nickname of "Redshirt" finally caught up with him. He had a good run though, killing more aliens than the number of missions he took. Also hurts because he was psi 69.
Leon Buchard (Rookie)
Man, that family has no luck. He got blown up so thoroughly we couldn't even find the body. Fortunately, as he was so new, we never told the UN we actually HAD him, so they didn't notice his death.
Gunter Faerber (Rookie)
Huh. So Aliens can shoot first. Who knew.
Emile Marcelle (Rookie)
Died trying to avenge the tank. His fellow squadmates didn't know him very well, so they only avenged the tank. Apart from one who had drinks with him the previous night. HE avenged Emile.
Leonid Belev (Captain)
Once again, the man with the autocannon dies. Although an advantage of the flying suits is that at least the body isn't too bad. Suit's wrecked, though.
Seriously, XCOM, the only person who dies in a mission where I got absolutely SPAMMED with psionics messages is the one with psi 92? Why!
Yoko Koyama (Captain)
A veteran of the Cleansing of Wellington, died from the first shot fired by Mutons in the entire war. Her elder brother didn't take it well - she died right in front of his eyes.
A skilled soldier, able captain and a good woman. Will be missed.
Armand Gressier (Sergeant)
Backshot by a Muton that hadn't taken the bait of other Mutons to reveal itself. Looks like they finally found what Humans look like.
Hans Zander (Rookie)
Chosen for the Cydonia mission thanks to his 88 Psi strength score, he never really made his mark. He did, however, take a Blaster Bomb to the face and come out the other side with a recoverable corpse. So that's not all that bad.
Gerhard Hafner (Sergeant)
Gave his last measure for the mission, walking into the main Alien command node and the ambush he knew was waiting with a half dozen Blaster Bombs on three second deadman switches. Hard not to be impressed.
Update: The TFTD saga has now begun. Find the start here:
Yes, here. (http://clockworkmansion.com/forum/index.php/topic,7702.msg344407.html#msg344407)
To be honest, a let's play is a *lot* of work, and especially with a game as big as X-Com, I'd really advise against that.
However, if you do want to do this. (And I used to play this game a *lot*) I like to play on Superhuman, but that might not go over great :P I'd suggest level 3, veteran. Give a nice solid playing experience.
For naming theme, I always went with utilitarianism. A base in the US was UsCom, Europe, EuroCom, Etc etc.
I'd start the first base in either north America or central Europe, with plans to expand to the other location ASAP. (Third base should probably be around east asia)
Of the starting three options, Motion scanners are worthless, Medi-kits are nice, but before you get personal Amour, your guys aren't too likely to survive a hit with anything, so I'd start off with a race to get at least to laser pistols ASAP.
EDIT. Once you start recovering Alien Stuff, you have a few decisions to make. Despite what they say, autopsies don't have any practical use, and a lot of the info they give you is just wrong anyway. Captures, on the other hand, can be *very* lucrative, especially if you grab a sectoid leader (psionics) or any sort of navigator (Hyper-wave decoder) early. Of course, to get a live alien, you need a containment facility, and grabbing people with stun rods in the early game is tricky, requiring knowing how to sneak up on the guys.
And of course, you can never go wrong with researching heavy plasma ASAP.
Finally, sometimes you want to go for the spaceship route. Alien Alloys gives access to the first armor as well, but you'll need Alloys, Elerium 115, Navigation, and Power source to be able to get the Firestorm, which is a *huge* step up from your interceptors.
Additional point: Character names. Leave as is or kill off reference the DMFA cast?
Or something else?
Quote from: Corgatha Taldorthar on August 28, 2010, 05:45:21 PM
I'd start the first base in either north America or central Europe, with plans to expand to the other location ASAP. (Third base should probably be around east asia)
If second base is a hand under the shirt, then third base is appropriate for Asia Minor... ;-]
I don't think Turkey is a funding nation, so, well...
Ouch.
I just tried a practice game to test out Veteran difficulty, and, well...
I hope Veteran isn't always like this. I got base attacked by Sectoids before I had even researched Lasers.
So XCOM is now basically three men and the dog. I hope the actual game goes a little smoother.
Still, it wasn't as bad as it could have been - I think the psionic enemies all bit it to rifle fire before my first turn was over.
DO you have a date for the attack? Aliens look for bases near where you shoot down their UFOs, so if possible, if your interceptor made contact, try to let them float away from your base before knocking them out of the sky.
Also, those ten scientists that you start with? Ain't gonna cut it. I'd try to expand to a hundred or so, as soon as reasonable. Tech is life, and getting those things out fast is necessary.
This was around 5th jan or earlier - I had expanded to 20 scientists, but the new ones had arrived only recently.
I also recall that I'd done only ground assaults up to that point, and not replaced the stingrays and cannons with avalanches yet. It really was ridiculously early. Only that the tank HAD arrived really saved me.
So I get told that there are really aliens. Big surprise to me, I mean, why tell us? We're the scientists at CERN (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Image2.jpg), for crying out loud, why try to get US to stop the invasion of Earth itself?
Oh. Right. Ready access to high technology ahead of everyone else in the world. Now, put like that, I can see why we jumped at the chance. I'll go and see if the Swiss scientists remember any of their military service. And get some more kit in... (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Image4.jpg)
Okay. Turns out quite a lot of the remaining scientists (most of them legged it when we started talking about little grey men) have experience in the military
Even if their physicals leave something to be desired...
Some (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Image8.jpg)
people (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Image9.jpg)
need (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Image10.jpg)
to (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Image11.jpg)
stay (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Image12.jpg)
fit (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Image13.jpg)
in (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Image14.jpg)
between (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Image15.jpg)
doing (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Image17.jpg)
research. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Image18.jpg)
and the rest have been tasked to renovate the old base we're using (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Image3.jpg) and get to work on weaponizing bits of the LEP collider. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Image5.jpg)
Three days later...
Well, things are going alright, (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Image19.jpg) I don't think we'll be unprepared for the alien menace when they finally show... Actually, where are they?
Survey results show mutilated cattle is common across much of the Eurasian continent, with abductions expected later. Cold front moving towards Berne. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Image20.jpg)
Well, that can't be good. Apparently, they've been all over the place, but especially Siberia and, worryingly, Europe. As in, this one. Have we missed something?
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Image21.jpg)
At least we found some. Now, since we want to handle this like civilized individuals we should really try and communicate... with...
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Image22.jpg)
I don't know why I bother.
Wait, that was a small one? And we "shot it down" with two Avalanches. Fantastic, the best and only weapon we have that works against their ships is a nuclear warhead.
At least we can go and have a look now, right? (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Image23.jpg) No aliens left alive, I hope? Nothing Could Survive That?
...please?
Recorded in the field.
"Okay, so we just go in, pick up what looks salvageable and get out, right? This place creeps me out."
"Calm down, we landed right next to the damn thing, so it shouldn't take long. Just keep your rifles ready and watch the friendly fire."
"So much for empty, I found one. Creepy looking bugger, I suppose that UN bloke was right."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Image24.jpg)
*sound of gunfire. A short burst.*
"Haha, got 'im!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Image25.jpg)
"I'll check the farmhouse. I've seen the films, it's always farmhouses."
"Got it Leo, I'll cover you-"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Image26.jpg)
"Damn, I was right. There is one, and he's looking the other way!"
"Okay, hold still. I'll line up a shot through the window."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Image27.jpg)
"Crap, there's a second one. Firing!"
*Heavy cannon fire and impact heard, followed by energy weapon (presumably plasma based)*
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Image28.jpg)
"Louis!"
"Goddamn freak!"
*Single shot heard*
"Jackie, you OK?"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Image29.jpg)
"Yeah, got the bastard. You?"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Image30.jpg)
"Same."
Recording ends.
I received the report later. The Russian and German governments were pleased with us. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Image31.jpg) Not that that's any consolation. Louis was one of the best we had.
Jackie got promoted to sergeant after the mission, and both of the others who'd blooded themselves were considered Squad members now.
At least this is some consolation. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Image33.jpg) Once these are set up, nobody will have to use the piddly little guns we have now, the best we can get as an undercover operation.
Louis would still be alive if we had these - the alien absorbed a bullet bigger than a fist and still got him. Forget doors and windows, with these we could go through the WALL.
We also sold off a lot of what we got to the funding nations. Plasma based weaponry commands an amazing price, even if nobody can work out how to use it yet. And we sold the alien corpses to the Parisian restaurant scene. You'd be amazed at what you can do with a little salt...
New guy arrived today. I hope his comrades don't look down on him as Louis' replacement...
With stats like these? He's carrying a cattle prod. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Image34.jpg)
(OOC: How's the image density? I can put more as URLs instead if need be.)
Autoroute Blanche, just outside Archamps, 13:10 local time, 5th Jan 1999
Jacques Nom de Plume cursed inventively as the roadblock appeared ahead, rising out of the Autoroute to the accompaniment of flashing lights and sirens.
His cynical wonderings about when the French transport system would become as efficient as the nearby Swiss one were abruptly cut off as a large fighter jet emerged on a giant lift that was apparently sunk into the roadway, kicked in the JATO units and rocketed off down the road to the west, rising into the air and then kicking the afterburners, soaring to a good kilometer of height in under a minute.
As the barrier descended and the traffic flow resumed, Jacques idly pondered if this meant that the congestion problems in this part of France could be solved by using VTOL aircraft instead - though he looked up upon hearing the sharp crack of the unknown fighter breaking the sound barrier and blazing off to the east.
(Well, how do YOU think they launch the fighters from an underground base?)
New day, new radar reports across Europe. I'm surprised just how many times we get alerts that turn out to be lost Lear jets or migrating swan.
That's probably not good. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Mission2Image1.jpg)
Okay, that one looks a bit big for my tastes, but what the hell. Perhaps it'd be easier after shooting it down-
Come back, you yellow bellied b!"$%^£s! I'll bite your legs off! (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Mission2Image2.jpg)
Of course. They're totally running away. :shifty
Heading where? While on the ground? (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Mission2Image3.jpg)
Ooh, one that landed. Now maybe we'll find out what blew up so violently in the earlier one.
Pity that it's still a few hours before the alien containment facility is finished, or I'd order cattle prod duty all round.
For the good of the soldiers, of course...
Recorded in the field
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Mission2Image4.jpg)
PREPARED TO EX-TER-MIN-ATE ALL ALIENS.
"Where did we get this thing, again?"
"Some organization in the UK, they had a few tank AIs going spare."
HOSTILE IDENTIFIED.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Mission2Image7.jpg)
INSUFFICIENT TIME FOR CERTAIN EX-TER-MIN-ATION.
"Don't worry! I've got it!"
*laser fire*
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Mission2Image8.jpg)
"Man, these things must be great if even the newb can kill aliens with them."
"Come on, man! I'm doing the best I can."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Mission2Image10.jpg)
"Jacqueline-san, we have found the UFO."
"Please, just call me Jackie, no need for honorifics. We've worked together for years, and just because I'm a sergeant now doesn't mean-"
*plasma fire*
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Mission2Image11.jpg)
"Damn, that was close! Where is this guy? Oscar?"
"Yeah, I think I found 'im..."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Mission2Image12.jpg)
*Short burst of gunfire*
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Mission2Image13.jpg)
ADDITIONAL XENOS DETECTED.
"Okay, everyone, open fire!"
*laser fire starts*
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Mission2Image14.jpg)
"I think that was too fast for them to spot me through the window, come on."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Mission2Image15.jpg)
"Damn it, shoot the ENEMY, Jacks!"
"Oh god, sorry! You okay?"
"Bit of blood, but I think it cauterised the wound. Nothing major. But try to hit the alien instead of me next time."
*time passes, plasma fire, more laser fire*
INEFFICIENT EXTERMINATION TECHNIQUE. YOUR AIM PROVIDES SUCTION.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Mission2Image16.jpg)
"Боже мой, how rubbish are we?"
"Shut up and keep firing!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Mission2Image17.jpg)
"Making entrance now."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Mission2Image18.jpg)
"Well?"
"Only one in there – got the tango, I'm gonna stay out here in case more turn up from inside."
"Finally!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Mission2Image19.jpg)
"Jesus wept, that took a while. Hope we don't have to pay for the repairs."
"Hey, guys, I'm taking fire. From back in the direction of that house."
"You mean there's one upstairs. The upstairs that is now inaccessible because we melted the stairs."
"No, I- There!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Mission2Image23.jpg)
"How the hell are we getting up there?"
"Don't worry, guys, I'll handle this."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Mission2Image24.jpg)
"Hold still."
*single shot*
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Mission2Image25.jpg)
"Hasta la-"
"Oscar, I am officially banning all one liners coming from you for the rest of the mission."
"Aww, c'mon, Jacks..."
"They have to come out eventually..."
*laser and rifle fire*
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Mission2Image28.jpg)
"What did I tell you."
"Okay, move in and cover the inner doors."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Mission2Image30.jpg)
"And that's the last one. Congratulations, everyone, we have an intact UFO."
Recording ends.
After the mission, Oscar got promoted to the other sergeant slot (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Mission2Image31.jpg) and immediately tried to restore his one liner privileges. He's invalided out, though, so maybe he'll come up with better ones.
And we now have the CERN Xenos Hilton constructed.
Complete with flashing lights, constant loud music and interrogation booths. Apparently it was once a nightclub... (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Mission2Image32.jpg)
Oh, I Want One Of Those. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Mission2Image33.jpg)
Now we can solve our little inaccuracy problem, one hopes.
Or I'll rename the crew of Skyranger One the "A team." At least we don't run out of ammo like they really should have.
And since we have reasonable weapons, let's see if we can work out why those bloody UFOs take multiple nuke blasts just to shoot down. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Mission2Image34.jpg)
Well, that went better than the last mission, and we actually captured their power source intact! The stuff they use is weird as hell - it seems to be made of orange metallic crystals and it's dense as all get out. I wonder if Glenn Seaborg was right after all. If he was, that really messes with our chances in this little war, as we'll need to capture every last gram of the stuff we need from alien ships - none of it here, or the LEP would have been much less necessary.
Let's hope that capturing a live one will help. Bulk order of cattleprods, please!
Hmm, just a comment that I've noticed, and I don't mean to be negative, but I've noticed a distinct preference for ballistic weapons, heavy cannons, autocannons, a tank with a cannon. Is there a reason you're shying away from the rocket launchers and the rocket tank? I've always liked them myself, especially when you want to blow away a section of a building.
The use of the tank cannon is because the tank doesn't gain EXP. So it's better if the tank spots the alien (with its' high TUs and starting position as only thing that can take a hit) and the troops make the kill. Cannon rounds are less damaging as well, so no accidental reaction fire that blows up half the team.
The rocket launcher, I actually have one as well. It's just not done anything notable yet. I usually prefer the autocannon as it can be a good supplement to electroflares at night with an incendiary clip.
The first mission, I just had mostly starting kit, including the heavy cannon. As per the stats, I dumped everything non laser apart from the AC and rocket launcher as soon as enough laspistols were produced.
Also, the lack of update yesterday was thanks to repeated horrible deaths of entire team with skyranger. Including one from an alien grenade from invisible source on turn 1. Ouch...
It looks like there's a terror mission already in the pipeline at my current save point, and I'm not going to savescum mid mission... Unless permitted, psionics GET chance, or base attack.
"So, Dr. Gregor Zelinsky, you say that you are in fact from the future?"
"Yes, terrible, terrible future! XCOM defeated, aliens rule inewitable, terrible!"
"So, how far in the future is that?"
"Next week. Seweral times. I travel back each time things go wrong. New aliens, commander! They float, they have dinosaurs, and they show unhealthy penchant for grenade in door of the Skyranger while everyone is disembarking."
"Right. So, how did you come back in time?"
"Particle accelerator can be modified to become time machine with ease! I show you!"
Regardless of disturbing meetings with ex Soviet time travellers with bad English, life in XCOM continued as normal. The radar was finished. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/M3M4image01.png)
The new recruits arrived:
Bet (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/M3M4image02.png)
They (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/M3M4image03.png)
All (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/M3M4image04.png)
Have (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/M3M4image05.png)
Psi (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/M3M4image06.png)
Score (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/M3M4image07.png)
12 (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/M3M4image08.png)
Aaand it looks like we might need them soon.
Это плохо, да? (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/M3M4image09.png)
"So, Sergeant, feel free to explain what happened."
"Well, the tank disembarked first, and it spotted something we hadn't seen from the window.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/M3M4image10.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/M3M4image11.png)
Oscar went after it - he was closest to the hatch - and the thing absorbed a direct hit from a HE round, then replied with plasma fire and took him out before being put down by laser fire. I'm beginning to think our cannons are cursed. The only people we lost have been carrying them at the time.
Anyway, we blew open the side of the nearby warehouse and noticed a huge creature inside.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/M3M4image12.png)
It turned out to have friends... lots of them, about four in that warehouse, but they didn't fire on us. I think they might be melee effect combatants, but in all honesty the civilians were almost as dangerous. Anyway, we cut them and the Floater that was controlling them down with laser fire.
Team two went to the western side of the area, and they dealt with several floaters by advancing slowly and having Scott give them sniper support, so the scouts didn't reveal their positions. Excellent work there, by the way.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/M3M4image13.png)
Team two close in on an alien in a petrol station.
Eventually the remaining aliens were confirmed to be in the south quarter of the incident zone. Uta gave us rooftop sniper support, and team two gave a brilliant example of how to deal with an ambush.
Detect...
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/M3M4image14.png)
Neutralize cover...
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/M3M4image15.png)
And call in fire from outside the enemy's range.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/M3M4image16.png)
"So apart from the death of Oscar, things went fairly well on this op. We saved almost half the civvies in the area, and got lots of goodies when we cleaned up the place before heading back."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/M3M4image17.png)
"And I see you didn't even get blown up. Good work, Captain."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/M3M4image18.png)
"Sorry, sir? Captain?"
"Yes, of course. And a few sergeant promotions as well, though not for Scott. He seems to do better when trying to prove himself...
Oh, and we're saving money by not buying any food for the next week. The Floaters are going to become executive toys, but as for the Reapers... Well, I hear the canteen are doing burgers tonight."
There's a use for everything. Even alien dinosaurs. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/M3M4image19.png)
Just as I left the interview room, confident in a job well done, sirens went off again and the newly minted captain dashed past, already preparing her laser rifle for combat.
I've got to say, I enjoy watching this going past.
If things go horribly wrong again, I think I'll get Doctor Zelinsky to take some photos before he does the time warp again. I may mangle history enough that the gold standard is replaced by the plastic standard and there never was a 12th president of the US, but XCOM will not fall!
Fortunately for my heart, the troops' skin and XCOM life insurance premiums, the next UFO was not another of the "Terror" type ships, but something more manageable.
Small is beautiful. For assault targets, anyway. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/M3M4image20.png)
"Based on the view from the windows, it looked like we were back to stereotypical aliens, so-"
"Hang on, Captain. Stereotypical aliens? That could mean anything from Sectoids to Gort to horrible fanged xenomorphs that eat people's insides first because the bones are torn to tissue by the -"
"Calm down, sir. I meant stereotypical aliens from the Roswell leak."
"I'm a bit unsettled by that answer, as it means you have better clearance than I do, but continue."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/M3M4image21.png)
"Right. Anyway, after the Tank spotted them, we bagged 'em, and began moving out. Later on we spotted another
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/M3M4image22.png)
and Leo spun up the autocannon.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/M3M4image24.png)
It seems that HE shells work well on Sectoids, at least. Though the muttering was disturbing given what happened later.
Meanwhile, Uta spotted another on the roof, and took it out,
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/M3M4image25.png)
And the Tank began a war of attrition with an alien at the back of the UFO. He recorded a description, here."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/M3M4image26.png)
TARGET REPEATEDLY ATTEMPTED TO EX-TER-MIN-ATE UNIT! THIS COULD NOT BE TOLERATED!
INTOLERABLE! INTOLERABLE!
AFTER MANY ATTACKS, THIS UNIT LINED UP A SHOT, AND FIRED. THEN IT DID IT ABOUT SIX OR SEVEN MORE TIMES UNTIL ONE HIT AND THE XENOS WAS EX-TER-MIN-ATED!
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/M3M4image27.png)
EXTERMINATE ALL ALIENS! EXTERMINATE ALL FOES OF X-COM! EXTERMIN-"
"Then he did that for about another five minutes."
"Was it around then the cameras failed?"
"Yes, that was when it happened. We moved in on the UFO, and then Leo accidentally shot Grigory with a HE round while giving covering fire. We concluded that we'd have to call in the emergency crews waiting nearby and that we could only do that if the aliens were all dead. So we rushed the UFO.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/M3M4image28.png)
Grigory was in a bad way by the time we finished, but no other injuries, and he survived. He'll be off active for a good month, though."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/M3M4image29.png)
"Right. Good work. And maybe get either an exorcist or a text messenger for that Autocannon. If he's still around, then Oscar can bloody well explain himself."
OOC for a bit, I think I should be vaguely scared. I usually play until a mission, but I have enough for an update (tomorrow) with no mission showing up at all right through Feburary. Thing is, I still got a +ve score (88), but a -ve pay rise and there was UFO activity, so what does that mean? They liked our drinks? They didn't?
Okay. Looks like I got 80 points for research, and the aliens... -8 for alien activity? Did they crash or something?
There's probably a base hanging around somewhere. Bases, as long as they're in existence, start sucking out your points, although tbh, I thought it was at a rate of 3 a day, so 8 doesn't quite look right. But I wouldn't worry too much. Score is only indirectly relevant. It affects how much those dweebs fund you, but by mid-march, you ought to be getting most of your money from UFO recovery anyway.
EDIT, here's a link (http://www.ufopaedia.org/index.php?title=Score) to how score is calculated, but if you still only have one base, it can be hard to determine how much the aliens are up to out of your sight.
That's just it, I have MORE points than I can trace. Absolutely nothing happened the whole month apart from research. And I did check alien scores, and they're pretty high (compared to my +ve from the month) and in the Aus region.
Yep, he's gonna be out of it for a while. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Housekeeping01.png)
As January drew to a close, our research on alien metals completed and I ordered the labs to find a way of strapping the stuff to our soldiers for defensive purposes.
We might NOT die horribly? This feels wrong somehow... (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Housekeeping02.png)
And the funding committee of vagueness met to determine how well we'd done. It wasn't bad. Though you have to wonder how they knew... Are we working for SEELE or something?
Yay money! (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Housekeeping03.png)
A few days later, the next job appeared on our radar east of Novosibirsk.
Aliens Love Snow. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Housekeeping04.png)
Aaand once again disappeared without trace.
Also they love screwing around with us. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Housekeeping05.png)
A quick check of local news networks showed that only in Australasia were aliens present in large numbers. As in, on the other side of the world, further than the Interceptors can actually fly.
What did I tell you. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Housekeeping06.png)
Apart from that slight problem, things went well. Scientists arrived... (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Housekeeping07.png)
Armour was researched...
It protects against some plasma fire! offer not necessarily valid in actual combat. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Housekeeping08.png)
And we started shoving some of the alien power source into the LEP. Preliminary results were not encouraging.
115 protons? That's not right. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Housekeeping09.png)
At least less troops will now die. So less paperwork. But what does it mean "Side effects include making hair red? (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Housekeeping10.png)
XCOM, realizing that with no UFOs there were no quick cash supplies (AKA 'unidentified flying Pinatas'), began investigation into alternate funding sources.
Roll up! Roll up! Lasers galore! (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Housekeeping11.png)
More research finished...
And the men weeping in the corner are the theoretical physicists. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Housekeeping12.png)
The engineers completed their job of panel beating the hardest material known to man into useful shapes...
Now available for purchase. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Housekeeping13.png)
The kids love it! Or soldiers. Either or, really. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Housekeeping14.png)
And the medi kit project completed.
Now we have the ability to prevent people bleeding out from friendly fire! (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Housekeeping15.png)
Wait, what? The month ended already?
So... we did nothing, aliens did something, but we did better. But we get less money? I'm confused... (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Housekeeping16.png)
Now I'm worried. A whole month with no aliens showing up in any way, shape or form. Apart from that scout on the 2nd. But what did it do? The only Alien activity the whole month was in Australasia, and they can't have done much...
Maybe we're winning. Nah, they're just biding their time. Waiting until they can turn our worst nightmares against us... Like Xenomorphs from Alien, or Angels from NGE, or Daleks... No, wait, we have that one covered.
Maybe I'm just paranoid... I mean, their idea of a terror weapon is the Reapers, for crying out loud. Those things appear to be herbivores.
Oh crap. I tempted fate, didn't I.
I suspect you losing the alien ships is because they're zipping out of your range. Putting up another base (if possible) somewhere a third around the earth (India region?) might assist...
Money issues. Going to set up in China and USA once the Laser Cannon Expo of Happy Fun Money is set up.
Also: having had everyone die to grenade again, I reloaded at the start of March. But info from before the reload included a supply ship, a large scout and a battleship moseying around Australia all at once (using the 'ranger as a scout), so there's an alien base set up there early March. This is of course a bit out of range where I am currently based... :cry
As March began and another Zelinsky iteration materialized in the lobby, this one telling me that Aliens were about to put a base in Australia, the scientists assigned to research came up to me with news on the ongoing "Make our own UFOs" project.
And now antimatter. Also antigravity. We need some antialien soon - can we do that? (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Wellington01.png)
I ordered the lab workers to come up with more powerful lasers to sell. And maybe use. We weren't going to be able to rely on government money, clearly.
Or we could research these...naaah. Copyright issues from Metroid that haven't been resolved yet. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Wellington02.png)
Oh brilliant. Wait, which Perth? There's loads. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Wellington03.png)
Sadly, it wasn't the nearby, half hour flight English Perth, but the one in Australia. On the other side of the world.
Recorded in the Field.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Wellington04.png)
"What the hell happened to my hair, Captain?"
"Well, the label did say it did that to hair... Maybe it only affects men or something, because mine's fine."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Wellington05.png)
XENOS SIGHTED! EX-TER-MIN-ATE!
"Thank god I found the mute button - though the subtitles are creepy in and of themselves..."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Wellington06.png)
"Okay, I think I can get the nearer one, then whoever is next really better get the further one, or we're toast!"
*laser fire*
"Yep, that's done. Clear the buildings to the south and north before continuing the sweep - what is that (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Wellington08.png)?
"Probably some bizarre Australian thing. Maybe a city disaster planner was drunk?"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Wellington09.png)
"There's at least two here! Someone remind the 'ranger pilot to put us away from danger!"
"Hey, we want to get there before the things get away, right?"
"Guys! Cut the chatter, please!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Wellington10.png)
"I got one, but the other's headed right for you, Uta!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Wellington11.png)
"It... missed. Thank god for that."
"Hey, team one, how you doing over there?"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Wellington12.png)
ADDITIONAL FLOATERS DETECTED! EXTERMINATE!
"You know, the usual..."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Wellington13.png)
"People refuse to acknowledge my killcount..."
"Quit griping, Scott, at least we stopped calling you Rookie, right?"
"You still call me a redshirt!"
"Uta? Situation?"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Wellington14.png)
"There were three floaters in the building. Now, there are none."
"All clear on the northern angle too... and we seem done. Who wants Reaperburgers tonight?"
Recording ends.
I'm proud of them. They did well (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Wellington15.png)... apart from the unfortunate friendly fire incident, and we have no way to tell what happened, though personally I think it was the bit where we blew up the petrol station again.
And it looks like the good doctor's info was right. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Wellington16.png) Lots of reported activity in Oceania, but Brazilian sources also mentioned "big fly thing with no wings that go much fast." Why they mention this on national Brazilian TV for toddlers I have NO idea...
Okay, looks like my camera suffered a flat battery or something, because we have NO pictures for me to work from. I suppose I'll have to use my amazing descriptive ability to substitute.
First thing that happened was that we finished the line of research into laser weapons - heavy lasers and the laser cannon. Not bad, really, as our research goes, though the heavy laser weighs a ton and the cannon is too big to actually carry. The Dalek was enthusiastic, though, and a lot of governments want to have laser cannons. So we now make much of our money through sales of laser cannons. Apparently, if fully staffed, our two workshops could be making over 4 million a month profit!
That's on hold for a bit, though, as the Dalek barricaded himself in the workshops and started shouting "BUILD-ME-ONE-MATE" all the time. We assume he refers to a laser tank chassis.
Next thing that happened was that we got two small scouts buzzing the base a week or so apart. The first one, we swatted with a pair of nukes - and blew it up. That sucked.
So the second one we followed, and tried to assault it when it landed in the massif central. The entire opposition was blown up when Uta shot off a rocket at the nearby farmhouse and killed the alien.
Easiest. Mission. Ever.
We netted a cool half million from that.
Shortly after that, the labs let us know they'd designed us some power armour. I would order them in massive quantities, but... well, we're out of Alien alloys. So I just told the scientists to get working on the plasma weapons.
Good news is that the Beijing base is set up, under the name of XCOM BEPC.
Shut up. It works for us, and at least we can post a Zelinsky there as well to come back and warn us if things go wrong there.
So, not much happened apart from finding a way to at least reach the supposed Alien base in Australia. Methinks a second Skyranger there to raid their supplies could be very good for our bottom line...
Oh, I asked Jackie, and she managed to get the old Area 51 data on Sectoids for me.
Ugly little beggars, aren't they. (http://www.ufopaedia.org/images/c/c5/Sectoidautopsy.png)
They look to be either underdeveloped or aquatic, their heads are too large for the rest of the body, and the entire crew of the ship were genetically identical.
That doesn't scream "master race" to me, really - they're quick but inaccurate, and they also don't have any highly developed language organs like humans do, they may have been taught to speak late in their development.
Maybe next time we bounce a UFO we should go for the stunners - their constitutions aren't exactly brilliant (hell, they drink nutrient soup), so we should get a prisoner or two from it.
Thing is, no way are the Floaters the race behind it all either. No master race would agree to horrible mutilation for a slight combat advantage (they'd just send in more cannon fodder. Or make Reapers aggressive), so what are the alien leaders?
"So, er, as you can see, Monsieur Cotti, this is where we keep the parts of the, ah, UFOs we have shot down or assaulted on the ground. It's quite a collection, don't you think?"
"Yes, quite. And what is that?"
"That is the Elerium container. We have almost 1.25 kilos of the stuff, it's very good - efficient, too, almost 99% mass to energy."
I watched with a sudden sense of fear as one of his aides whispered in his ear.
He was bristling when he turned back to me.
"You mean to tell me that you have a twenty five megaton nuclear warhead under my COUNTRY?"
I gave a sickly grin.
"Technically, we can't even use it yet, but it's not quite as dangerous as that..."
Something tells me we'll need to check if Fraulein Dreifuss is more amenable when she rotates in... Until then, we'll put it in the French tunnel. They can't object, right?
"And that'll fix it?"
"Should do, just replace the battery every third roll of film and you'll be fine."
Okay. Now that that little problem is sorted out, we can provide the multimedia quality you're used to.
Worth the wait? (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Navig01.png)
Here's the view showing the position of the Chinese XCOM base, with a staff currently consisting of a janitor. But soon they'll be thrumming with activity!
And the Dalek has his new chassis. Looking at the specs, I imagine I'd want it if I were an ill defined combination of computer program and small thing in jar.
That's about double the old damage. Also faster firing and more accurate. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Navig02.png)
Once again, a UFO makes atmospheric entry over Novosibirsk.
Maybe they like the beautiful promenades. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Navig03.png)
And disappears again before the interceptors are even nearby. We need a better system.
At least with the tank built, the new money stream is fully operational.
Roll up. Roll up. Laser death available to all comers. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Navig04.png)
And we have secured our place in the future with small lockouts in all laser cannons. So we can turn them off to prevent wars. Of course.
Our radar really does suck. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Navig05.png)
UFO detected coming down towards the UK. We'll get the 'ranger and an interceptor to shadow it, hopefully we can catch it on the ground, find out from the aliens how they work.
What did I tell you. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Navig06.png)
This... This was a rude wakeup call. After the last few missions, we began to get overconfident, and then this.
It started well.
The Dalek was first down the ramp, and noticed the alien taking a breath of fresh air right away.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Navig07.png)
As we couldn't afford to kill it in case it was the crucial navigator we needed, squad one fixed bayonets (well, took out the high voltage cattle prod attachments) and moved in quick bursts so as not to be seen by the aliens in the ship.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Navig08.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Navig09.png)
Meanwhile over to the west another alien was spotted, this one in the farmhouse. The rest of the team were deployed to storm the house, but only when the UFO was breached.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Navig10.png)
Sergeant Belev and Otto with him were detailed to storm the UFO, with the captain scouting to the northeast of the UFO to ensure that we had all the aliens accounted for - at one in the house there were four left from the standard scout crew.
The first two aliens, soldiers we think, went down without a hitch, but the remaining charge in the prod wasn't enough to get the third. It fired back, barely missing Leo as he dove back out the door.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Navig12.png)
Otto was not so fortunate.
Leo does not remember the next few seconds, but knows they ended with him tasering the final alien in the UFO with enough power that it ran out his armour batteries totally.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Navig13.png)
It looked from the different insignia like we had what we came for.
With that news, lethal force was authorized for the farmhouse team.
The one upstairs was taken care of easily by way of a spotter back on the skyranger, but the final alien from the crew was also in the farmhouse.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Navig14.png)
Scott was nearest the door, having been in last. He wasn't close to cover, and the new armour wasn't able to save him from a headshot.
He was almost ready to be counted as no longer a redshirt.
The rest of the second squad melted the wall down and avenged him.
Cold Comfort. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Navig15.png)
That was terrible - the first men lost since January. I wish I could say it wasn't in vain, but - well. Maybe that's true.
Regardless, we started the interrogation process. Soldier first, let the navigator see what's coming to him.
Interrogation commenced. Don't mind the flickering lights. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Navig16.png)
The Dalek was willing to help, which really shouldn't surprise me.
It may have been the insane tank, but the alien cracked quickly.
I really hope that "psi" word doesn't mean what I think it means (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Navig17.png)
Work was promptly started on the navigator.
INTERROGATE! INTERROGATE! (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Navig18.png)
Oh, and we did well again apparently.
That is good. You get extra lasers. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Navig19.png)
A quick check with the delegates revealed interesting results about the alien presence in their countries.
I smell alien base. Smells like digeridoo and sunshine. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Navig20.png)
...ouch.
Now I understand why multiple copies of Zelinsky are all over the place.
The latest one, from a bare few days in the future, shared with me an illustrated tale of woe.
It began when the radar at the main base spotted a large scout, and the Interceptors blew it out of the sky over Spain.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Horrible4.png)
Well, things started OK.
Alien detected just outside the ramp, but looking the other way.
The Dalek finished scouting the area near the ramp to prevent surprises, and was fired upon.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Horrible3.png)
So there were two aliens in the LZ. Still not too much of a problem, really...
Grigory dropped down by the left side of the ramp and opened fire. However, the two hits he landed on the Sectoid only alerted it to his presence, and it returned fire.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Horrible2.png)
He did not survive.
After this, one of the troops still on the skyranger decided to try sniping, and knelt to get a better shot.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Horrible1.png)
He also did not survive this, being cut down before even opening fire.
The rest of the mission involved discovering that every single alien in the entire UFO was waiting in ambush just near the 'ranger landing site, some at windows, and that none of them died to less than two shots of laserfire. Add to that we ran out of rockets, and you can see why Zelinsky spun up his time machine.
(This is some of what I have been reloading to avoid. Seriously, a reaction ~60 trooper on full TUs being killed by reaction fire from an alien that already autoshot while inside the skyranger from KNEELING? Also the only one hit kill from laser rifle troops against sectoids was a Large Rocket on an alien already hit twice by laserfire. Well, apart from the deadly plasma that always killed my operatives. I mean, jeez. Still not savescumming missions, but reloading from prev save point if lots of the team die. Casualty count on that one was 4 or 5, I stopped taking pictures after a bit.)
Oh, UN regulations, why do you frustrate me so. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/I%20want%20one.png)
We could have had these, and then I would feel so much better. Actually, why can't we have air support? (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/I%20still%20want%20one.png)
Anyway, More UFO madness. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/SecTerror01.png)
Shot that one down over northern Italy, and it once again crashed into generic farmland. Just like when they land on their own.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/SecTerror03.png)
Fairly good start there, despite someone forgetting to refill the Skyranger after the UK casualties.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/SecTerror05.png)
Akira spotted a tango in one of the barns. Remembering the lessons from so many missions, he dove to the side as the rest of XCOM blew the wall down.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/SecTerror07.png)
They eventually got their Alien. (Picture shown is just before the Sectoid slumped.)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/SecTerror09.png)
The troops then moved in on the quiescent large scout -class UFO, though Akira found himself stuck in a building.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/SecTerror10.png)
He took a creative solution. And nearly broke his ankle.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/SecTerror11.png)
Eventually things were ready for entry. To minimize the chances of the Sectoids returning fire, the most agile member of the team, Leo, opened the door and ran for it as covering fire blazed in.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/SecTerror12.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/SecTerror13.png)
It seemed to work.
Fairly basic mission, really. Too bad about the Elerium blowing up. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/SecTerror14.png)
Also the Navigator finally spilled on how to pick up alien transmissions. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/SecTerror15.png)
Very Small. Not worth the bother. Blast it. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/SecTerror16.png)
Also (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/SecTerror17.png)
More (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/SecTerror18.png)
Recruits (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/SecTerror19.png)
Arrived. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/SecTerror20.png)
Oh no, not good. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/SecTerror21.png)
Field recording:
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/SecTerror22.png)
"So, this is what a typical mission is like for you guys, huh?"
"No, rookie. This is a terror mission. We have two possibilities. Either it's the kind of terror mission where we all eat hearty on Reaperburgers, or we will all most likely die."
"So, uh, how do we find out which?"
"We ask the Dalek. Hey, Dalek, what's the lowdown?"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/SecTerror23.png)
DEATH!
"Crap."
"Holy... Did she just - "
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/SecTerror24.png)
"Yes, the Cap just jumped out of the 'ranger and killed an alien at point blank range. Be very thankful that you are not at that level yet."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/SecTerror25.png)
"Now hurry up and get out there, the LZ's clear for squishy people without armour."
"Hey, it's not my fault I got hired late! Why couldn't I have one of the others' unused suits?"
"Because they are specially fitted to reduce encumbrance. Nobody else looks the same as you."
"Hey, guys, I feel kinda funny."
"Cap? You okay?"
"Voice in my head... Trying to make me give up."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/SecTerror26.png)
SOURCE DETECTED! EXTER-
"No, don't! We might need it for research. Cap, how you doing?"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/SecTerror27.png)
"I can suddenly concentrate a lot better."
"What the hell is that thing? Captain, I don't think it's seen you yet. Get into the building."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/SecTerror28.png)
"GET OUT OF THE WAY!"
"Crap! Grenade!"
*explosion*
"Rookie, you OK?"
"Rookie? Uta, check on him!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/SecTerror29.png)
"Not even ashes... He is gone."
EXTERMINATING FOR VENGEANCE!
"OK, guys, I'm going to try and cattle prod that bastard alien. Give me cover."
"Godspeed, Grigory."
"Ha HAH! Take that, you bastard!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/SecTerror30.png)
"Everyone feeling better?"
"Much. Thanks."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/SecTerror31.png)
"Night night, guys, see you later."
*explosion*
"You know, guys, if Akira's helmet cam didn't show a stun launcher just before that blast I'd be a lot more worried..."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/SecTerror32.png)
"Confirmed. It's one of their leaders. Hope he enjoyed the cattle prod, because he's going to get it until he can't think back at base."
*repeated plasma fire. Around 7 or 8 shots, all hitting the same substance.*
"I think that was the tank front armour plate. Hey, Dalek! You OK?"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/SecTerror33.png)
RETALIATE!
"Good to know."
"Captain? Those disk things."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/SecTerror34.png)
"They have suicide charges. Stay the hell away from them."
*at this point the video feed cuts out. Testimony from soldiers indicates that the other aliens and the remaining cyberdisk were taken out with sniper fire, but not before recruit Likhachev took a heavy plasma bolt to the head, necessitating a dash across much of the battlefield by Uta to stem the bleeding as he had passed out. He is in traction for the forseeable future.*
Looks like they didn't notice poor Leon. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/SecTerror37.png)
At least we now have proof positive of para-psychic powers in aliens. Plan is to electrocute the beezjus out of it until we find out what part of it makes the psychic effects, and then try and replicate that in humans. Perhaps we can use this to our advantage...
Note: After a quick test, I have found there's no way I can fit in all the psionic research in time to have the lab ready to test before the next month end (Psi lab is 24 days construction, so ideally needs to be started before the 6th of the month) , so that takes a back seat for a bit. Rest assured, beatings (of aliens):smack WILL continue until morale improves. In the mean time, hyperwaves, plasma weapons, and navigation equipment.
If anyone knows how the research time formula works (and how many lab hours each tech is), I would be grateful to find out.
It's not set in stone. Basically, each item of research has a number of man-days assigned as a baseline. When you actually start to research it, the game rolls up somewhere between 50-150% of that number of man-days for the actual research time. You can find the baselines here (http://www.ufopaedia.org/index.php?title=Research_Technical_Details)
The base at Beijing has finally become a true XCOM base in more than name - they've got actual fighting capability.
Because everyone knows Tanks do the real work. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Kaled01.png)
In addition to that, we can now listen in to Hyperwave transmissions... well, once these (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Kaled02.png) are built. One is ordered for CERN, and another for Beijing.
And more troops arrive for both bases.
Don't (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Kaled03.png)Get (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Kaled04.png)Attached (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Kaled05.png)To (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Kaled06.png)Them. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Kaled07.png)
And the batch for Beijing.
Looks a lot better than last month, when it was basically a lift. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Kaled08.png)
The (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Kaled09.png) crew (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Kaled10.png) of (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Kaled11.png) the (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Kaled12.png) Sky (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Kaled13.png) Ranger (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Kaled18.png) "Yo (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Kaled14.png) ho, (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Kaled15.png) me (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Kaled16.png) hearties!" (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Kaled17.png)
Yes. Well. They're going to try raiding the supply ships when they come into the Australia alien base once the Decoder's up. In the meantime, we're researching how to fly an Alien ship.
Back to the daily frag. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Kaled19.png)
For this one, the Captain didn't go. She was commanding the mission from the big screen in mission control - not only was the UFO barely fifty miles away, but she'd been on active since the start and much of the first team were enjoying a well deserved respite from being on call.
"OK, how's things?"
"Alright, really. Our Dalek is on scouting as usual, everyone else is ready to go."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Kaled21.png)
CONTACT!
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Kaled22.png)
"First Grey neutralized. Moving out."
"Sergeant, the power source seems to be intact, so the interior of that ship is a deathtrap. Recommend ambush techniques - start pumping in CO monoxide, and they'll have to come out eventually."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Kaled23.png)
COMING UNDER FIRE! ENEMY UNDETECTABLE!
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Kaled24.png)
"Sergeant, what was that clunk noise?"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Kaled25.png)
"...We lost signal from the Dalek chassis. The jar is still reading, but faint."
"You complete Batard!"
"The same one got Emille as well! Frag it, quick!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Kaled26.png)
"Found the Grey. Eat this, alien scum!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Kaled28.png)
"Drakh, but that was satisfying."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Kaled29.png)
"Captain, the Greys have started vacating the ship. We should be okay as long as -"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Kaled32.png)
"Gunter? Damnit, we lost three. Everyone ready to get the last one, because that DAMN well better not happen again!"
"Stun bomb!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Kaled33.png)
"I think that's the last of them. Clottin' hell, way to mess up by the numbers."
"At least we got the Elerium."
After that mission, many of the troops, both in and out of rotation, thought that they didn't deserve promotions - planned due to the increased size of the soldier corps.
The UN disagreed. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Kaled34.png)
We're rebuilding the Dalek's casing for him (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Kaled36.png), but he's not happy with what happened. Nor are we. We need better armour.
Both tank and human.
Oh good. A bigger one. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Kaled37.png)
Interesting, you're not segregating your hangars from the rest of your base? I always thought the caution was probably unnecessary, but it didn't hurt all *that* much.
As the Beijing base is, there is one place that acts as a choke point - the lift - and the living quarters internal to that prevent the enemy from the west hanger from linking up easily. They also identify any terror weapons while on high TUs and reactions.
Then the troops from the rest of the base can sort it out.
As was becoming usual, the UFO we'd seen vanished off the radar coverage before a fighter could reach it.
By this time next month, however, we would be the ones laughing...
Better late than never. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Base%20found01.png)
The crew were soon loaded into the new ranger, along with an awful lot of ammunition and some laser rifles from CERN
Light up the Night. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Base%20found02.png)
and were sent to patrol around Australia until they noticed something.
The choice of Australia for the first alien base on terran soil was inspired, I had to admit. It meant that the potential for discovery was massively lower than anywhere else on Earth, and that it would take a great deal of searching, round the clock, before-
Oh, there it is.
The land of Abel. No, Abel Tasman, not an as yet unwritten character from a barely started webcomic. That has no relevance anyway. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Base%20found03.png)
While the skyranger hovered over the Nullarbor in hopes of spotting an alien supply ship, back in Europe things were happening.
Not much, mind, just another medium scout UFO being splashed over the Austrian Alps.
Wonder what they were looking for. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Base%20found04.png)
Well, this means that the crew will have to be extra careful because we have no-
REINCARNATE!
Oh good, the Dalek's back. why are people interrupting me so much today.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Base%20found05.png)
EXTERMINATE ALL ALIENS! EXTERMINATE!
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Base%20found06.png)
ANNIHILATE!
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Base%20found07.png)
YOU CANNOT BE SERIOUS.
...I FEEL INADEQUATE.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Base%20found08.png)
ADDITIONAL XENOS DETECTED. EMPLOY EXPLOSIVE AMMUNITION!
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Base%20found09.png)
ENGAGE RELAX-O-VISION!
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Base%20found10.png)
NICE WORK MATE.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Base%20found11.png)
ALL ALIENS EXTERMINATED.
"So, why did you let the Dalek write the report on this one?"
"Well, we thought that as it was his big comeback..."
"Fair enough. Here, the UN promoted people again. You're on the list."
Jacks is a commander? What does that make me? (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Base%20found12.png)
"So if I am still in charge, and you're a commander, then that means..."
"Just no. Please no."
"I am the very model-"
*bzzzrp*
"Sorry sir, it was for your own good. The others wouldn't have only used the cattle prod."
Additional: Alien Ships.
Small scout.
Crew of 1. Tiny. Essentially impossible to merely shoot down, at least in our experience.
Medium Scout.
Crew of up to 6, mainly grunts and navigators. If the UFO has been shot down and the power source breached, crew will be less.
Plasma Beams can destroy Medium scouts straight from flight capable.
Large Scout.
Tricky to assault due to having a series of doors, we found the best thing to do is clear out the outside and then have everyone rush through the door at once. Move slowly inside. Crew of up to ten - depends on individual UFO.
Terror Ship
The ships that drop the terrorist units and their handlers. We've never seen one, but they're big in order to carry the terror mission crew.
DANGER! If a Sectoid Terror ship is shot down it WILL have a psionic aboard, unless the crash killed it! Snakeman ones are worse - Chryssalids.
*note from chief scientist: don't the aliens realize that their power sources are megaton scale warheads? Why drop off a dozen or so troops and a few mad science creations - or walking burgers - when they could instead just set a medium scout as an RKV and flatten a major metropolitan area before anyone could react?
*note from XCOM Actual: Luckily aliens are idiots.
Update: Terror ships are essentially a flying cargo bay containing the terror units in separate areas on the top floor, from where they are dropped through the hole in the floor to facilitate the attack. They are possessed of an entertainment deck - certainly a useful diversion when transporting gigantic, terrifying monsters. Their top floors are also made of external bulkhead, presumably another safety measure. Their doors admit HWPs.
Battleship.
We only know of this thing from one of the Zelinsky time jumps. Apparently it shredded the interceptor that spotted it from outside even Avalanche range, in one shot.
Presumed to be VERY large and VERY deadly. As of yet, avoid!
Update: Battleships are huge, carry a complement of Terror weapons in addition to the regular loadout and have at least one Alien Commander on board. They are, in the case of Sectoids at least, directly linked to their entire retinues and use them as psi amplifiers. They also know the Alien purpose on Earth and presumably the location of the main Alien base.
Harvester.
Sectoid Harvesters carry psykers. The ship is much easier to navigate with flying suits and, preferably, the bottom floor being blown up.
Presumably designed for Floaters.
Abductor.
Eight pointed star in form. Suggested tactics involve melting the internal walls down to access the command deck. Beware: Psykers confirmed to exist on Sectoid harvesters.
Supply Ship
Hypothesis only. Likely to carry both alien foodstuffs, if such exist, and Elerium fuel. Elerium does not exist on Earth (though the Yucatan peninsula and Sudbury impact crater are being surveyed) and as such it seems clear that alien bases would be supplied.
A better question is, since the explosions of the power source can totally wreck the ships, which are impervious to pretty much anything you've got short of a blaster launcher, and resistant even to that, if the core goes, how come there are *any* aliens left?
(Also, you can shoot down without slagging a small scout with a cannon, but it's not really worth the bother, unless you *really* want a mind probe. Small scout guys always seem to have one.) It's worth more points to just fry them than it is to shoot down and recover.
I wasn't interested at first, but I actually sat and read everything, and I must say, I am interested and amused :D
Oh good god.
I'm currently playing the next update, and, well...
Terror mission.
With the new crew at Beijing base.
Also, it turns out that Snakemen have turned up.
Yes, I'm doing a frigging snakemen (and hence CHRYSSALID) terror mission with newbies, only seven of them even armoured.
(For those unfamiliar with chryssalids, they are Xenomorphs with the added bonus of carrying the zombie plague. And if you kill the zombie, a new chryssalid pops out. For those of you unfamiliar with Terror missions, there are civilians running around. This is not a good combination.)
:gun1 :zombiekun :zombiekun :zombiekun :zombiekun :zombiekun :zombiekun
Edit after mission:
...I can hardly believe it.
I didn't know I was this good.
ZERO. CASUALTIES.
There were a total of SEVEN chryssalids, and I got them all with no casualties.
Update to follow. Probably in several bits - I took a lot of pictures.
At last, the boffins down in the lab have worked out how to avoid Metroid copyright issues, with this new spiffy type of armour.
I've Got My Jetpack. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Chryssalids01.png)
Work was begun on hitting the Sectoid leader in lots of different ways.
It's both kinds of brute force attack at once! (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Chryssalids02.png)
And the engineers started making enough flight suits for the active team.
Wow, that was quick. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Chryssalids04.png)
With the secrets of the mind itself open to us, we began research into how to test for the talent in our own soldiers. Presumably some were better than others.
Large contact over Siberia. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Chryssalids05.png)
The skyrangers from both bases were launched to intercept, but unfortunately contact was lost over Indonesia. Based on the suspicion that the UFO was vectoring towards Australia and the base there, the 'rangers diverted to patrol.
It was a good decision.
Terror in New Zealand. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Chryssalids06.png)
As the night began to draw in, the Commander on board the European skyranger called off her own aircraft and gave the go ahead to the Beijing garrison, citing that they had more chance of reaching the target while it was light enough to see.
Nobody likes to fight at night. Even with spiffy new armour. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Chryssalids07.png)
Based off field recordings.
"Okay, we're down. Now, what kind of aliens is it? Sectoids? Floaters?"
"Worse. Much worse."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Chryssalids08.png)
"Oh dear lord, is that a Xenomorph?"
"Looks like. Everyone stay the heck away from it."
"I've got a bead on its' snaky friend, firing!"
*Rocket explosion*
"You couldn't have used that on the insect? It's absorbed at least three las hits already."
"Damn it, there's only one thing that'll work. Hey, Yoko, pass me a primed HE!"
"Got it."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Chryssalids09.png)
"Boom."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Chryssalids11.png)
"Well, they aren't quite invulnerable. That ups our chances."
"What, from zero?"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Chryssalids12.png)
"Goddamn but there are a lot of snakes around."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Chryssalids13.png)
"Er, guys?"
"Holy christ that was close. Blast it!"
*massed laser fire*
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Chryssalids14.png)
"Man, we got a civilian as well. I feel rotten."
"Third one over to the northeast!"
"Everyone fire! Fire! Fire!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Chryssalids15.png)
"That's what, four or five laser blasts each on average?"
"At least. What are they made of?"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Chryssalids16.png)
"I heard a roar over to the south. I think one got a civilian or two."
"Damn. Okay, people, keep moving."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Chryssalids17.png)
Two hostiles identified.
"Thanks, Leela, we can - what the hell is that thing?"
"Oh god, I think it's a zombie. What the hell."
"Blast the Xenomorph first, we can handle that thing later."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Chryssalids18.png)
"Right, now we can put fire on the Zed. Yoko?"
"On it- Oh, god."
"What is that!"
"Oh man, I don't feel well..."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Chryssalids19.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Chryssalids20.png)
"Seriously. What. The. Drakh."
"I think that civvie we killed got off lightly."
"Oh crap, that looks like the worst-"
"Lost tracking on the Xeno that... burst out. Another zombie!"
"No, wait! Don't-"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Chryssalids22.png)
"It's OK, we got the thing itself as well that time."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Chryssalids23.png)
I believe I have identified the missing Xenomorph.
Firing. Request support fire.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Chryssalids24.png)
"Got them both for you, Leela. Nice spotter work."
My pleasure.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Chryssalids25.png)
Now I have achieved a kill myself.
"Pretty sure this is the last building, there can't be many more-"
"Jungo?"
"Jungo, you OK?"
"Yeah, I'm OK. It passed by without seeing me."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Chryssalids26.png)
"Must have been the smokescreen. But I'm dead if it doesn't die right sharpish."
"OK, I have a plan. You throw me the rocket, Louis, then I'll pass Jungo the loaded launcher."
"Got it. Fire in the hole!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Chryssalids27.png)
*Huge explosion*
"Jungo, you still there?"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Chryssalids28.png)
*cough*"Yeah. But so is the bugstard. It absorbed the rocket, but it's injured. I think that's a hole in the carapace."
"That it is. Drawing a bead."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Chryssalids29.png)
"Nothing like a good old laspistol for tight situations."
Final enemy located. Neutralizing.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Chryssalids30.png)
"And we're done."
"Let's see what the big brass made of that." (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Chryssalids31.png)
Recording ends.
"Commander Dagallie?"
"Yes, sir?"
"...That was the coolest thing I've ever seen."
Your last link is to 01 instead of 31. Just to let you know...
Ok, thanks.
Fixed.
Now, the main problem left is what to do about Mutons...
I haven't had the time to get plasma weapons done.
Edit: OH CRAP again.
Sectoid base attack.
Worse, the Skyranger was out trying to intercept that same battleship.
Eight men with seven lasers versus sectoids and cyberdisks.
I don't know what to say. I used up all the jokes. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BaseFail01.png)
The entire first team at CERN has flying suits now, which means that we can now manage Death From Above. Sadly no chainswords yet, or we'd be Assault Marines. Which would be nice.
The secrets of the mind are ours to command. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BaseFail02.png)
We ARE working on Librarians, though.
Looks like a battleship. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BaseFail03.png)
The plan was quickly hatched to shadow the assumed BB from beyond firing range, and get our new team of super humans with power armour to ambush the ship on the ground.
And so the pieces moved. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BaseFail05.png)
CENSORED. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BaseFail06.png)
CERN Actual private audio log.
So the base I'm in is under attack. The Aliens found us. I mean, oh god, I'm probably going to die.
I could have evacuated, but I won't leave the remaining defense troops. It's my mistake that leads to them facing down the horrors of alien battleship crew in a last ditch defense with fewer usable weapons than troops and most of the body armour over in Beijing.
If I'd put plasma research first rather than Psionics we MIGHT have been able to use these Heavy Plasma guns. As it is... We have two lasrifles, five laspistols, one heavy las, twelve grenades, three medkits and a veritable alien arsenal. And ten people.
So long, and thanks for all the fish.
Security camera footage.
"Right, lads, let's make a good go of it, who's with me?"
"We'll do the best we can, but that probably isn't going to be much."
"Contact-"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BaseFail07.png)
"Where was that? I didn't see!"
"North hangers! They smashed their BB through the north hanger route!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BaseFail08.png)
"There's a hell of a lot of them!"
"One of them's got a giant ****-off cannon!"
"I think I have a vantage point on the NE hanger!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BaseFail10.png)
"Well, I hit something. Lost sight of the suspected heavy weapon."
"Good work, keep it up!"
"Will d-!"
"Damn, we lost the heavy laser. Anyone in the eastern section of the base, grab that ASAP, cyberdisks are suspected."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BaseFail12.png)
"East of the lift secure for now, sound off!"
...
"Damn, we lost, what, four already? Okay, move to try to secure central northern hanger."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BaseFail13.png)
"More tangos on approach from North Eastern hanger area! I can't stop them all!"
"I've seen one of the big cannon things, the operator's aiming-!"
*Cameras blank for several seconds, base shakes, collateral data from LIGO indicates weak pulse of implosion gravity, conjectured to be CTD imploder.*
*cough* "What the HELL was that?"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BaseFail15.png)
"Guys?"
"...Damnit, we lost the north hanger team. Lucky the Grey that used the thing seems to have caught themselves in the fringe of the blast. That's what they get for firing on a charging target."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BaseFail17.png)
"Crap! I've got more trouble over here!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BaseFail18.png)
"Okay, we're alright for now, looks like his plas rifle overheated. But there's more of them... everywhere... they'll get us eventually!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BaseFail19.png)
"Get a hold of yourself, Dwight! Damnit, it's another psionic."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BaseFail22.png)
"Okay, connecting corridors clear. They can't have many left after that blast."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BaseFail23.png)
"Hey ugly, lightning strikes twice!"
IT WILL NOT AGAIN.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BaseFail24.png)
"The hell was that? Was that the Grey BB commander? Arg, inside my head..."
YOU WILL FALL. NONE OF THE OTHERS REMAIN ABLE TO FIGHT. WE HAVE FREED YOUR CAPTIVE.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BaseFail25.png)
ENTER INTO THE LIGHT OF THE JJARO AND PERISH. WE HAVE ALL THE SAMPLES WE NEED.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BaseFail26.png)
YOUR WORLD IS NOT THE FIRST TO RESIST. IT WILL FALL. LIKE ALL THE REST. EVEN IF WE MUST TURN IT INTO A BREEDING GROUND FOR CHRYSSALIDS. WE WILL RECOVER WHAT WE LOST IN THE W'RKNCACNTER. T'LETH AND THE SLEEPING ONE WILL BE OURS.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BaseFail27.png)
Cameras destroyed.
Telemetry lost.
Engaging experimental PSI shielding.
CERN Actual bunker.
"Well, that was interesting before the base autocommand pulled the plug on the Sectoid commander's link to me.
So they're after something. W'rkncacnter... Ancient city with Leth in it... Sleeping one...
Oh, you have got to be kidding me.
Yucatan Peninsula. R'yleh. Cthulhu. They're after the dinosaur killer meteorite, which is also the container of H.P. Lovecraft's source of inspiration. Hence all the psionics, the fact that they even USE things like Chryssalids - they're terror weapons, sure, but also doomsday ones. Drop them and the civilization dies, but leaves the world still there.
Also explains why they don't just flatten the place with bolides - they don't know where the thing they want is! It could have been under Berne for all they knew. And so long as they don't mention the W'rkncacnter or T'leth, none of the random people they grab are going to make the connection for them.
Well, they've made a BIG mistake. I'm fairly sure that for all their advanced technology, they never had anyone quite like Gregor Zelinsky."
Temporal jump activation initiation start.
Transport when ready.
"...Damn, I should have used a DeLorean-!"
Whoo time travel. Now that is a rush.
I can see why Zelinsky was so out of it all the time... and why the Doctor is weird...
Where was I? Ah, yes.
Three days back in time, so there's more than enough to make some changes.
Best to contact the base AI first.
Greetings Brigadier. Shall We Play-
No, Erwin, no. Several reasons. One, you're Canadian, the film AI was American. Two, you told me that joke two days from now. Three, there's more serious business afoot. Uploading gestalt designated 25041999.
Well, isn't that interesting. It appears the future me was quite inventive.
I have some plans all made up...
Well, the last few days were bizarre. I met the future version of myself, whose only message was "don't send out the Sky ranger when the BB comes".
The base AI ordered three more tanks from the workshops and recalled all the lasrifles and armour from the Beijing base, and sent our excess Plasguns there, along with future me.
Oh, and there's a giant spiky anvil with salt on the spikes suspended above the Sectoid leader in custody.
And now, as if that and the Chryssalids weren't enough weird stuff for one week, now the retaliation mission battleship is overhead and dropping fast.
Defensive mode established.
Alien commander detected.
Engaging countermeasures code named "Wile E. Coyote.".
*whang* AAAAAAARRGH!
Anvil dropped.
Pain feedback conjectured to disable psionics... now in effect.
Tanks online. Power armour online. Laser capacitors online. Cameras online.
Weapons free and good hunting.
"Time for some broken causality PAYBACK!"
CABAL here. Multiple contacts, NE hanger.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BaseSuccess01.png)
"Got it, time for some countersniping."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BaseSuccess02.png)
"You countersnipe with a rocket launcher?"
"Hey, don't knock it."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BaseSuccess03.png)
"It works."
Impressive use of overkill.
"I'll do the mopping up."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BaseSuccess04.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BaseSuccess06.png)
"Cyberdisks, central hanger!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BaseSuccess07.png)
"Trouble over here as well, looks like one of those CTD imploder things from the briefing!"
Take that alien out FIRST! No antimatter in MY base.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BaseSuccess08.png)
Bloop dip Ping.
"Is that what one of those is?"
Correct. As R2 said, Contra Terrene Device is a shorthand for antimatter bomb.
"Not like we can understand the ex Star Wars bot."
Hello, Alien robot in the central hanger? Are you still there? Come out or you get no cake.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BaseSuccess09.png)
Congratulations... was it worth it?
"Damn, we lost GLaDOS. Get fire on that thing sharpish!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BaseSuccess10.png)
"Okay, everyone, hit the deck!"
*Fwackoom*
This was a triumph, I'm making...Damn it, get out of my speaker system!...Huge success! Hard to...Sorry, everyone, I'm abandoning the speakers to GLaDOS for a bit...Not even angry! I'm being so sincere right now.
"That's going to get old fast."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BaseSuccess11.png)
Even though you-
*zap*
-heart, and killed me. And tore me-
"Did... did one of the aliens just shoot itself?"
"Damn my power armour for not giving me the same option!"
"I dunno, she's got a good singing voice."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BaseSuccess13.png)
As they burned, it hurt because, I was so happy for you!
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BaseSuccess14.png)
Now these points of data make a beautiful line, and we're out of beta, we're releasing on time.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BaseSuccess15.png)
The Path is clear, but the Way is obscured.
"Not any more."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BaseSuccess16.png)
Victory in the name of Kane!
But look at me, still talking, when there's science to do!
Dwah Dwah bzzrt bleep!
"Is it me, or is the Dalek the sane one?"
DON'T SOUND SO INCREDULOUS.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BaseSuccess18.png)
Unbeliever!
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BaseSuccess19.png)
"And that's the last of them."
Still Alive. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BaseSuccess20.png)
In addition to the vast haul of alien kit from the invaders, we also managed to loot the Battleship before removing it, to the tune of 200 Elerium units, 100 units of alloy, 4 power sources, 4 nav units and the best home entertainment system in history. We also shifted the entire CERN base halfway round the LEP ring. Now we're under Lake Geneva. That'll show them.
(note: the last bit about looting the battleship is based on the Elerium duplication bug. I got a net profit of 294 elerium from it, and decided that looting the crashed BB made more sense. So I reduced the Elerium windfall to 200 and added some standard BB loot.)
There were only 9 aliens on a base defense mission? That seems a little light, doesn't it? :erk
EDIT, do you have any idea for that alien you mention "shooting himself", as to how many of his buddies he got? It occurred to me that a misfired blaster launcher has enough power to vaporize the bodies, meaning that it might appear as if there were fewer aliens than there actually were.
Not sure on that count, but I think that one Cyberdisk and one Large Rocket between them provide adequate potential for gigantic alien destroying explosions. That and rather than clear out the top of the lift normally, I just chucked two HEs up there and called it cleared.
(And being honest, the plasma blast was ACTUALLY Alien autoshot killing another of their number. It was just too good to pass up.)
Okay, I checked and it really WAS only 9 aliens and a cyberdisk, from the mid battle save. I'm not complaining.
I assume that the dreaded DOS XCOM bug has made it so I'm ACTUALLY playing on beginner (only one Leader, four soldiers and one of everything else is the Beginner column on a BB alright. I thought that the Steam version fixed that...). Be honest, you couldn't tell from the results, right? XCOM is not the world's most forgiving game.
Oh well, the NEXT mission was every bit as painful as most BB assaults are.
(Sectoid Harvester with neither power source blowing - so full complement. They're like giant flying boxes of troops with a nonsensical internal layout. 14 Sectiods!)
As the three day party at Beijing base finally began to wind down, the Brigadier dropped into the general storeroom to catch his breath. Man, but the second base crew could party well!
He assumed it was a side effect of their first mission involving mass alien death for no casualties in return - and of killing the nastiest things XCOM had yet encountered - but the celebrations had continued from when he turned up in the transport Skyranger right up until the big screen set up in the North hanger had shown the successful base defense of CERN.
A few minutes after sitting down, he became aware of heavy breathing.
Looking to the right slowly and carefully, he saw a chryssalid standing in the door to the second part of the storeroom, looking askance at him.
Okay, they only sense movement, we worked that one out. So it can't see me. And it's badly injured from the laser burns on the carapace. How do I get out of this one?
There was a box of alien stun grenades on the floor. It was part of the bulk evacuation from the CERN base.
Well, after they're fired it's just a hard thwack that triggers them, right?
"EVA", he called the base AI quietly, trying not to move his lips, "Get the garrison in here as soon as you hear the bang."
And jumped for the box on the floor, hurling them at the chryssalid as it screamed and charged.
He came to six hours later in the infirmary, more glad than ever that he had moved to the quiet base.
Meanwhile, the chryssalid in the Alien containment unit was devouring its' third cow.
My usual method for dealing with the insanity of Harvester assaults was to use Heavy plasmas to punch new holes in the interior walls; but I've noticed you've ignored that line of research, focusing instead on armor and the laser line. Any particular reason you didn't jump straight to heavy plas? (Personal challenge praps?)
I'm enjoying this LP so far. I've never seen tanks given various AI personalities. I dare say they're more entertaining than the meatbags that make up the majority of the force.
One thing of note: Did you just not have any incendiary ammo for this mission to take out the zombies? Everyone knows you kill :zombiekun2 with fire, to conserve both resources and the sanity of all involved.
Current state of research: HPs about two or three days from completion, next after that on the list is Plasma cannons and then UFO construction. With Psi Amps afterwards.
I went for the armour line first for the reasons seen in the next update, where two Sectoid leaders nearly wipe out my force with MC. And that is: Laser weapons on a MC-ed unit can rarely penetrate Flying Suits. The armour is just too high.
Laser Rifles are fairly good weapons right up until Snakes and Muties appear, when they have too many shots needed per dead Muton - but they're still OK against snakes and even Chryssies, because Chryssies can't RF back at you.
And in a couple of months, Psi will make things a lot easier as I can use Mutons against Mutons and Las against everything else.
The lack of incendiary fire on zombies... well, the only zombies I saw were the other half of the map to my incendiary equipped troops (who were currently on HE mode anyway), and you DON'T want to leave Zombies around to charge your troops. Because then they move forward, your troops Reaction Fire the zombie to bits and a brand new Chryssie with FULL Time Units comes out, sprints towards your no reaction fire left troops and eats your face. And a chryssie attacking troops in coveralls can zombify on a single hit, while they often keep going on a suited trooper until their TUs run out. Sure, anybody even attacked once by a chryssie is a zombie, but the suits keep the collateral damage down.
Oh yeah, and the chryssies can't fly.
Also, I have a slight aversion to Incendiaries because they give no EXP. At all. Though they DO kill the chryssalid inside as well.
That said, they may see a resurgence with flying suits, as the only starting weapons that can harm flying suits in the anything are explosive rockets, so I may Funky Fire things like Mutons to death.
Oh. My. word.
Heavy plasma does HOW MUCH damage a shot? (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Harvest01.png)
While we were working out how to use the weapons themselves, a call came in from the Beijing base.
Apparently my future self had been stunned in an altercation with a chryssalid thought dead on the initial mission. Further searching revealed that a Snakeman grunt had also been awake in its' body bag for the last two days.
Oops. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Harvest02.png)
They were dumped in the Alien Containment facility and the Snakemen and Chryssalid corpses sold on to restaurants. Apparently they went down really well with enough butter.
Contact over Iwo Jima. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Harvest03.png)
Clearly taking the VERY long route to Germany. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Harvest04.png)
Anyway, we shot the thing down (It looks like a space pickup. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Harvest05.png)) and sent in the team.
Field recording composite.
"Finally, a chance to use these things outside!"
"Careful, these are the Greys. And the suits are nothing against the CTD imploders code named "Blaster bombs".
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Harvest07.png)
"Calm down, Commander, enjoy yourself! We're flying! That is awesome!"
I FEEL LEFT OUT.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Harvest08.png)
"Man, it's easier to see the bastards when you're in mid air."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Harvest09.png)
"Agreed. And it is even harder to miss the ground with a rocket launcher than it is to miss a wall."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Harvest10.png)
"I'm getting something on the HUD to the north, it looks like-!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Harvest11.png)
"Leo? LEO!"
"Damn, but HP packs a punch. That was the front Glacis as well."
"Astra, take out that sniper! Everyone else, secure a perimeter!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Harvest12.png)
"Hello. I'm a bitch. So is payback."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Harvest13.png)
"GRENADE!"
"Don't worry, the Alien explosives are powerful, but they're planar."
A minor oversight.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Harvest14.png)
PSIONICS DETECTED! RECOMMEND IMMEDIATE EXTERMINATION OF LOCAL PSIONIC LEADERS! THEY ARE ON THE TOP FLOOR OF THE SHIP!
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Harvest15.png)
"die"
*zap. Zap. Zap. Zapzapzapzapzapzap-"
"Damn, but this armour is good. Six hits and no penetration. Oh, and Isao? I know you're in there. Drop the gun as soon as you can."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Harvest16.png)
DOOR LOCATED!
"Flanking troops, be ready to fire on that Grey if it didn't make it into the ship. On the bounce, people."
"You've waited months to say that, right?"
"...yes."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Harvest17.png)
"AAAH! Get out of my HEAD!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Harvest18.png)
"Okay, should we use the Thirty Second bombs next?"
"Sorry, okay? We're not Starship Troopers."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Harvest19.png)
"Run and hide!"
"Rob, you're in a suit of powered armour, you're actually safer than the tank - wait, did he just-"
"Yes. He dropped the rocket launcher and now it is hovering there."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Harvest20.png)
"That he dropped it, I am now very grateful of."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Harvest21.png)
"Whose idea was this? This ship makes no sense."
"Wherever the psionic individuals are (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Harvest22.png), they're not letting up (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Harvest23.png)."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Harvest24.png)
"I have found the second entrance. Now we know where all the cattle go."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Harvest25.png)
"Second floor, entered! Up here, guys."
"AAAAGH! (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Harvest26.png)"
"AAAAGH! (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Harvest27.png)"
"AAAAGH! (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Harvest28.png)"
"Uta here, I'm under attack too. They're trying to make me panic. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Harvest29.png)"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Harvest30.png)
"Too bad killing Aliens is a mood stabilizer."
Damn it, die!
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Harvest31.png)
"Hey, look, an Alien."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Harvest33.png)
"Correction: TWO ex-Aliens."
This is really pissing me off. How do the Commanders make it look so easy?
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Harvest34.png)
"Nice try."
Aaargh! How can this be!
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Harvest35.png)
I'm going to die on this miserable rock!
"Now that's a sweet sound. Hey, Ugly, you dropped your gun!"
"We needed another ranking Alien anyway... Where's that Cattle Prod?"
*bzzrp!*
That was worse than the base attack. At least we know who's vulnerable to psionics now. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Harvest36.png)
Caution: Captain Stewart should NOT be used around Sectoids. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Harvest37.png)
Christ. At least the flying suits proved their worth. And that mission also proved that M.C. Esher took design commissions from aliens, and that we REALLY need psionics. As soon as the labs are built, I'm screening everyone. Just for an hour each, but enough to tell who not to take on Sectoid missions.
Figures. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Combine04.png) Hyperwave decoders on May Day!
I should damn well think so. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Combine05.png)
Medium... on the ground... In Europe... (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Combine06.png)
Erwin, get the interceptor to shoot the damn thing down when it takes off. No way we're fighting inside ANOTHER undamaged Harvester.
This is called "Camping". (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Combine07.png)
Much better. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Combine08.png)
Recorded in the field.
"Hey, Dalek, check the lay of the land for us."
I OBEY.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Combine09.png)
YAY SECTOIDS AGAIN. ER, I MEAN, EXTERMINATE!
"Wow, things ARE getting stale. The robot's bored."
I WILL HAVE YOU KNOW I AM A BRITISH CITIZEN OF KALED EXTRACTION IN VERY ODD POWER ARMOUR.
"Hey, who forgot to get reloads for the Rocket Launcher?"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Combine10.png)
"One use left. I had better make it count."
*Thoom*
"I believe that counted. Now I will use rechargable weapons."
"Hey, look, the UFO!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Combine11.png)
"I thought they said this one had been shot down! It looks in perfect nick!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Combine12.png)
"Commander, not meaning to be rude, but why did you give Rob the autocannon? I mean, we know he's psionically vulnerable."
"We're in flying suits. Autocannon ammo actually can't hurt these - the ballistic tests were conclusive. We also have laspistols along for the other psi vulnerable members."
"And did you remember to hand them out?"
"...no. We better do that soon."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Combine13.png)
"There is incoming fire. Also, it looks like the Grey that Robert hit last time was only stunned. It is making a break for it."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Combine15.png)
"Problem solved. Hey, did you know these suits have an altitude lock setting? It takes a while to disengage, but it steadies the weapon for you in the air!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Combine16.png)
"Well remembered, Rob. Autocannon or Laspistol for the psi vulnerable, chaps."
It also allows us to feel important.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Combine17.png)
Up a bit... there!
"Wow, that's freaky. I just got possessed by Leo and Oscar at once. And man, are they opinionated."
"...I really shouldn't be surprised. So the Autocannon really is posessed."
"Apparently so, it's just that only Leo was psionically strong enough to actually let them communicate."
"I would like to remind the good officers and troopers of XCOM that we are in the middle of a firefight!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Combine18.png)
"Calm down, we're just interested."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Combine21.png)
"Not like there's much else to take our minds off the inevitable psionic attacks."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Combine26.png)
"Crap, door guard. I have one burst before he notices me, so it had better count."
"Can't miss."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Combine27.png)
"Colonel Keller here, I will take the western door. Follow me in, Akira - Stun launcher!"
*thoom*
Tough. As. Nails. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Combine28.png)
"I do not bow to such simplistic tricks!"
"Colonel!"
"Stand back, he is reloading!"
*thoom*
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Combine29.png)
"Walk it off."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Combine30.png)
"The enemy does not have the same chance."
"Reinforcements have arrived!"
"Hello, private Stoddard. Please revive Akira for me, I believe his medpak is on his belt."
"Yeah, here it is.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Combine31.png)
Recommended dosage... Eh, I'll just use as much as I can find."
"Gah! Feels like an overdose on coffee and red bull! I feel like I can fly!"
"Jetpack."
"Oh, yeah..."
"I believe the design of the ship can be used to our advantage."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Combine33.png)
*zap. zap. zap. zap. zap. zap.*
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Combine34.png)
"Told you! Follow me if you can."
"Are the drugs messing with me, Carl?"
"No, Akira. You just saw Colonel Keller ignore six plasma shots to the face."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Combine35.png)
"Hey, look.
Targets."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Combine36.png)
At last! Now I can destroy these devils - Oh no. They're wise to us. Can that weapon even HURT them?
"Commander Dagaille here, gentlemen. It's confirmed. The power sources didn't blow. If things had gone less smoothly I'd be annoyed."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Combine37.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Combine38.png)
"Everyone ready? CHA-"
"Hang on, there's still one out here!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Combine39.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Combine40.png)
"Okay, go ahead."
"Bridge cleared. Nice work on the autocannon... er... guys."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Combine41.png)
"How the hell did we miss THAT one?"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Combine42.png)
I COULD NOT POSSIBLY COMMENT ON THE INABILITY OF PEOPLE.
LIKE CARL.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Combine45.png)
"Hey, don't get smart with me!"
Looks like one of the corpses blew up again. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Combine46.png)
Two days to hyperwave decoder, and the psi labs are under construction.
So we can hear them. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/HyperWave!01.png)
Problem: We don't know the Alien language.
Ah well, Erwin probably learned it from the combat chatter of the Aliens or something.
Yep. I rock.
We do what we must because-
For the love of Pete, SHUT UP GLaDOS!
A yellow substance that forms the solvent in mammalian blood. Oh hang on, wrong science. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/HyperWave!02.png)
I feel more like we're Sci Fi every day. Now we actually have plasma weapons.
I like the sound of this. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/HyperWave!03.png)
Next couple days, things were quiet. The Beijing Decoder worked out that the Tasmania base was a Floater base, thus making the idea of piracy much more viable. And both occasionally released gibberish or strange messages in an alien tongue. Or just disturbing English messages, some not possible in our reality. Example:
I have walked the edge of the Abyss.
I have governed the unwilling.
I have witnessed countless empires break before me.
I have seen the most courageous soldiers fall away in fear.
[I was there with the Angel at the tomb]
I have seen your future.
And I have learned.
There will be no more Sadness. No more Anger. No more Envy.
I HAVE WON.
Oh, and your poet Eliot had it all wrong:
THIS is the way the world ends.
So yeah.
First actual useful intercept we got. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/HyperWave!04.png)
This month's special: Abductions! (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/HyperWave!05.png)
We splashed the first UFO over the Middle East, and sent in the team. No need for psi countermeasures as it's Floaters, so we decided to trial the new Heavy Plasmas from our vast stolen stockpile.
And we replaced R2's AI unit with GLaDOS to get her out of the base.
I feel sorry for the people in the field.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/HyperWave!06.png)
Oh, what's that?
"Hey, she found the UFO already. Nice work."
I'm so grateful.
"Goodbye, Floater."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/HyperWave!07.png)
The rocket really is the way to go.
"Another target over here!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/HyperWave!08.png)
Open fire. Don't spare the explosions.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/HyperWave!09.png)
Unbelievable. You, [subject name here], must be the pride of [subject hometown here]!
"Look, when we get back to base, can we please, at the very least, get her dialogue protocol working?"
"This is the most accurate gun I have ever seen."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/HyperWave!10.png)
"I mean, I practically can't miss! It's like it has a laser dot, but in UV so only you can see it!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/HyperWave!11.png)
"Ooh, testing target."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/HyperWave!12.png)
Cake and grief counseling will be available at the conclusion of the test.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/HyperWave!13.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/HyperWave!14.png)
Thank you for helping us help you help us all.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/HyperWave!16.png)
Ooh, you're that lady from the test. Hi!
"Hey, Alien over the edge of the roof. Uta?"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/HyperWave!18.png)
I stand by what I said earlier. Rockets rock.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/HyperWave!22.png)
"And that's a wrap. Nice work, everyone."
I'm useful.
Apparently Heavy Plasmas don't count as artifacts any more because we can make them. Ah well, burny death to aliens is a nice substitute. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/HyperWave!23.png)
*snerk*
***Caution: archive corruption detected. Countermeasures failed. Be advised, this combat report has been partially corrupted by a later one.***
And he cried in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come forth!" And Lazarus did arise from the grave...I have always believed that faith was measured in deeds, not words. And while many of my children worshipped my name, their deeds betrayed them.
No...
ph'nglui mglw'nafh Cthulhu R'lyeh wgah'nagl fhtagn!
Not at the moment, but keep it for later.
Good morning, and welcome to the Black Mesa Transit System. This automated train is provided for the security and convenience of the Black Mesa Research Facility personnel. The time is 8:47 A.M... Current topside temperature is 93 degrees with an estimated high of one hundred and five. The Black Mesa Compound is maintained at a pleasant 68 degrees at all times.
This train is inbound from Level 3 Dormitories to Sector C Test Labs and Control Facilities. If your intended destination is a high security area beyond Sector C...
Nope.
-High command ordered another terror mission. I say we check the southern middle continent this time.
-Didn't the Snakemen get tasked with that?
-After the demons contained a Chryssalid drop, they're holding off for now.
-And we're supposed to do better with the Reapers? High command hates us.
-Shut up or the BB coming in atmosphere next will hear you and report us!
Bingo!
Do we bother with this one? (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BB01.png)
Floater terror missions. Yet more evidence there's another Alien race out there. Which hates Floaters.
That's a bit more of a credible threat. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BB02.png)
So it's on the same type of mission as the Harvest class ships from earlier. Perhaps they REALLY want to flip off the farmers. At any rate, we're NOT sending an interceptor into that nightmare's gun range.
Troops, on the other hand, are an entirely different story. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BB04.png)
Mission record. Tank is CABAL this time.
Kane Lives!
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BB05.png)
"Commander, I want the Dalek back."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BB06.png)
Their deeds betray them!
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BB07.png)
Though my Steel is wounded, I will carry on in Spirit! For Kane! Peace Through-
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BB08.png)
"Calm down, Robot. It is but a flesh wound."
I have no impure flesh.
"Then it is a steel wound."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BB10.png)
"Man, but this flaw with the rockets is bad. An alien survived this time. Why do we have planar effect explosives again?"
"Ease of use. We fly above them."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BB11.png)
"Gah!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BB17.png)
"Handle THAT."
Release the glory?
"I think the camera took a knock there..."
"We have reached the lift. Now, tell me, what do we do next?"
"Er..."
"We clear the way. With rocket launcher."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BB18.png)
"And heavy plasma gun."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BB19.png)
"And then we send the one with the laspistol and no psi resistance."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BB20.png)
"Commander, I'm not so sure this is a good idea..."
"Just poke your head up and tell us what's there."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BB21.png)
"Well?"
"Not good."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BB22.png)
"Pah! Pah I say! This is what scared you?"
"Colonel!"
"This is the answer."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BB23.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BB24.png)
"You see! Did not even scar the paintwork."
"Damien here, Tango sighted."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BB25.png)
"I got your back, buddy."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BB26.png)
"Thanks. Good to have someone on the high road... Though I'll be to Scotland first."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BB27.png)
"This is the backdoor to the top floor, right?"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BB29.png)
"Pretty well guarded, considering."
"Considering what?"
"Considering that Uta blew half the garrison up."
*Ground shakes*
"What was that? Is everyone okay?"
"..."
"Damien! Speak to me! Are you OK, man?"
"...my god."
"What?"
"I hope NEVER to see or feel ANYTHING like that ever again! I actually felt the grav pulse try to pull me in!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BB30.png)
"Looks like the user took himself out instead of me."
"From up here it looks like he killed physics as well..."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BB31.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BB32.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BB33.png)
"Okay, Grigory, you're our rearguard. Keep a com line open to CABAL, and stop any Greys that might be left on the main deck. We're going psionic hunting."
I shall alert you of any weakness he may suffer due to his imperfect biological nature.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BB34.png)
"CTD spotted! Only got one shot at this..."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BB35.png)
"YES!"
"One thousand years for the Emperor!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BB36.png)
"BANZAI!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BB37.png)
"He got an enemy leader with the cattle prod. There is hope for him yet."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BB39.png)
All points, be on look out for a navigator - I just heard one panicking.
"Got it, Erwin."
"Uta! Pay attention!"
"Sorry, Sir, just confused."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BB40.png)
"Ammo does NOT go there."
"There!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BB41.png)
"That's a nice gun. I have one too."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BB42.png)
All hail KANE!
"I think we've had too many Sectoids lately. Can we have something less psychic for once?"
"We'll see what shows up next."
We now have far more Elerium than we can use. Unless we find a new use for it. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BB43.png)
If you have too much elerium, you aren't building enough firestorms :P
Firestorms? What are they?
If they're some kind of new fighter jet or something, then we're upgrading fighter weapons first, then getting these Psi Amp thingies researched and then we'll have the time for crazy ideas like new fighter jets. Which comes under the New Use clause.
(Seriously, though, 574 Elerium. That's going to keep me going for a bit.)
Almost as soon as the Sky Ranger had landed back at base, the injured Uta was pried out of her flying suit and sent to the infirmary, with one of the sergeants taking her place for the Floater scout taken down in Angola.
While the 'Ranger was in flight, morning broke over the crash site... and the third XCOM base was opened in the US of A.
Harvard refused us. Not that we wanted to go there anyway. So there. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Amp01.png)
All we need is... Radio XCOM.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Amp02.png)
Biddle sproing.
"He says he's glad he gets a chance to do something.
"Good to know."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Amp04.png)
"Correct me if I'm wrong, but I literally can't miss."
"Possible hostile in the orchard. Flatten it."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Amp05.png)
"No, the rocket goes on the OTHER side of the fence."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Amp06.png)
"Hoowee, but the Avalanches really did a number on this one."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Amp09.png)
Bleep!
"What was that?"
"Erm, I think 'sucker!' is closest."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Amp11.png)
"You know I'm good."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Amp16.png)
"Sorry, Commander, what was that? I seem to remember you said something about unable to miss."
"Shut up, I'll get him this time."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Amp17.png)
"I'm not hearing anything else, I think the rest were killed by the crash."
We didn't get much at all from that UFO, it was just too torn up by the crash. Still, any mission you walk away from...
And the labs delivered... something beautiful.
Cue the choir. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Amp18.png)
It's perfect. 40% more punch than an Avalanche tactical nuclear missile, fully integrable with Interceptor systems, 100 shots per charge... and it recharges from the MAINS.
The prototype melted the top fifty feet off the Matterhorn in under a second when we tested it, it can hit things with pinpoint accuracy from space... Apparently against a supersonic moving target it's only 50% accurate, so standing orders are to fire with space as the backstop - that or ocean - but... Well, just wow.
We are NEVER selling any of these. X-Com will likely rule the planet after the Aliens are defeated, just because of this.
Only known downside is that the Battleship weapons outrange even the Plasma Beam, but then they outranged the Avalanches as well. We're just not going anywhere near the things.
Oh, a supply mission... crap. It's heading away, meaning its' job is done. Ah well. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Amp19.png)
And as expected, it left atmosphere above Mongolia. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Amp20.png)
At least if we HAD caught it it would be doomed. All X-Com craft now have Plasma Beams fitted.
Uri Geller, eat your heart out. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Amp21.png)
Apparently us puny humans need special equipment to make Psionic control a possibility. So we're making these Psi Amps to facilitate that. One per person on 80 Psi and above - apparently, the way the scale works, that's well above any Alien we know about and 90 is getting into the realm of theoretical for Jjaro science. But the lab boys think that those troops who shrugged off psi attack sans training, in the Harvester mission, might be that high. Wishful thinking? We'll find out.
The W'rkncacnter entity, for comparison, is ninety-seven according to the files in the captured battleship. Naturally. And the whole of the city it lives in is one big amplifier.
Here's hoping we never need to deal with it.
Looks like the final type of Alien ship to me. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Amp22.png)
The pilots love 'em. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Amp23.png)
Right, Erwin?
All on duty X-Com troops please proceed to the hanger bay.
Mission recording. Ship class Abductor.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Abduct02.png)
We hide in shadows.
"Yeah, that isn't going to work. We have lights. Because Aliens can see in the dark and we can't."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Abduct03.png)
The failings of the as of yet unconverted are no interest to me.
"This is the commander. Sniper support is now set up."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Abduct04.png)
"At least these aren't more damn Sectoids. Ship this big, there would be a Leader on board.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Abduct06.png)
"As it is... Turkey shoot."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Abduct09.png)
"Well, looks like that's an examination table."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Abduct10.png)
"And - CRAP!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Abduct11.png)
"Shoot it, shoot it, shoot it quick!"
"Someone wanted fire support?"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Abduct13.png)
"Thanks, Commander."
"Hey, some of them are moving around inside."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Abduct14.png)
"One down."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Abduct16.png)
"Eep."
"Rocket away!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Abduct17.png)
"Damn, looks like some of the loot got blown up. Ah well."
"Everyone ready to enter the upper deck?"
"Sure."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Abduct18.png)
"Just popping a party favour up there first."
"So, what now? Do we go around and look for an entrance?"
"Doors are for rookies."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Abduct19.png)
"Walls are much nicer."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Abduct20.png)
"Stop showing off, Commander, Isao and I are still preparing for our entrance over by the actual lift -"
*Plasma fire*
"What happened? Report!"
"Isao and I got jumped by a Floater. It came down the lift and shot him. I got the bastard before he got me, but Isao's in critical shape. Get the crash team here now!"
End recording. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Abduct21.png)
Isao was actually clinically dead for a couple minutes there, but the crash team managed to save him. The techs even saved the suit.
Though he joins the large number of our troops currently in the medbay. For months.
50 days in his case, 33 for Uta, Dimitry and Tatsuo are back in shape tomorrow.
Still, no actual deaths.
(OOC: The floater was shot by reaction fire in the Alien turn, Isao actually died at the turn end wound calculation... but then no casualties on the mission report, and he is indeed still alive.
Though it looks like he had to be POURED out of the suit. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Abduct22.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Short01.png)
Neat. Now, get on how we do it.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Short02.png)
More abductions. Sectoid this time. Could be more of a problem.
The European interceptor was sent over to handle it.
We lost the contact, but picked up another.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Short03.png)
And shot it down.
But I didn't. Care.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Short04.png)
Psi screening results as follows, sir.
Alpha Class: Psionically superb assets.
Beta class: High capacity offensive psykers.
Gamma class: Useful second string Psykers.
Delta class: Adequate Psi defence.
Inadequate Psi Defence.
Psi vacuums. Influenced by any attack nearby. Potentially useful as decoys.
Trooper Psi Strength
Robert Steward 39
Uta Keller 75
Jacqueline Dagaille 96
Dmitriy Likhachev 97
Akinori Akira 100
Grigoriy Kolotov 66
Astra Gorokhova 34
Tatsuo Koyama 56
Damien Bailey 85
Isao Yamanaka 32
Carl Stoddard 94
Dwight Crossett 30
Dwight Bryant 39
Leon Revenu 44
Neil Wright 56
James White 80
Samuel McNeil 44
Werner Vogel 65
Gerhard Hafner 75
Base 2
Louis Guerin 9
Kevin McNeil 28
Evelyn Crossett 86
Gaston Dreyfus 54
Jungo Koyama 35
Henri Marcelle 63
Yoko Koyama 81
Tatsuo Noguchi 9
Shigeru Fujimoto 5
(OOC: HOLY CRAP!)
Psi Labs, I remember getting a lot of them...
Anyways, one thing to keep in mind, the guys with low PSI strength scores might still be worth training, as it will help them resist being panicked/berserked and/or taken over. It really sucks to have a tough soldier get taken over and then blast half your squad.
Also, an interesting tactical tip: The computer is too dump to pick up weapons off the ground, so if you have your (or their taken over guys) throw their weapons, the AI won't pick them back up again and they'll be effectively neutralized.
Quote
Apparently us puny humans need special equipment to make Psionic control a possibility. So we're making these Psi Amps to facilitate that. One per person on 80 Psi and above - apparently, the way the scale works, that's well above any Alien we know about and 90 is getting into the realm of theoretical for Jjaro science. But the lab boys think that those troops who shrugged off psi attack sans training, in the Harvester mission, might be that high. Wishful thinking? We'll find out.
The W'rkncacnter entity, for comparison, is ninety-seven according to the files in the captured battleship. Naturally. And the whole of the city it lives in is one big amplifier.
Quote
Jacqueline Dagaille 96
Dmitriy Likhachev 97
Akinori Akira 100
:eek
You've got yourself a couple of demigods on your hands, don't you?
Yes. Yes I do.
That's why I threw in the bit about T'Leth being an amplifier. Otherwise Akira, Dmitriy and Jackie could all MC the planet.
Think of it this way. Humans have Psi Amps the size of a fist.
The W'rkncacnter has a Psi Amp the size of a city.
Scared yet?
Of course, in the GitP Lets' Play of X-Com, there were a lot of jokes about ALL HAIL THE TENGU-TEMP when one of theirs had a perfect score.
He also turned out to be the ruler of Mega Primus (former as of Apocalypse), and most notably to be stoppable only by Alex Knight. The man who thwacked Chryssalids.
They had their share of superhumans over there too.
http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=6488269&postcount=589
Example joke.
With scores like that, you might want to consider starting a third team and splitting your psis up. I never really felt I needed more than 2 for any particular mission. (Except Cydonia, which is a bit special)
Given my "Injury that results in Traction" rates, I'll probably rotate people in and out of the active team.
That said, the LBL base in California will need troops, perhaps once the Psi Corps have got a bit of practice I'll send someone over there to shepherd the Newbs.
I just hope that the Far East base doesn't get the Sectoids for a Terror Mission or something.
Though all psi attacks could be dealt with by giving the problem three Cattle Prods and nothing else...
And yes, Cydonia is pretty nasty. High Psi helps a lot (and in that game I had a 86/104 Psyker, named Keaton - coincidence, I swear - and at least two Psi 95+), but I've only done it once.
By Blaster Bomb cheese.
Expect much death and explosions.
At least it's not T'Leth...
A character named Akira with unrivaled psionic potential. ....This will NOT end well. (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/Akira) Just be glad Tatsuo has such a low score.
So you're telling me we don't have the commander for a few days?"
"Yeah. Apparently the psi test messed up the top scorers a bit. They'll be back in under a week."
"Pity who turned out to be the ranking officer this mission. *sigh* Orders, sir?"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Intercept01.png)
Engage and neutralize target. For the brotherhood!
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Intercept02.png)
My systems are compromised. Reverting to command and control mode only. Defend me with your last breaths!
"Little zlodniks! So many of them around the skyranger."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Intercept03.png)
Good work. Now, achieve revenge in my name!
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Intercept06.png)
"For goodness' sake, is there ANY alien left in that ship?"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Intercept09.png)
"I am beginning to think not."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Intercept11.png)
On my mark... Charge! Kane requires it!
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Intercept12.png)
"UFO clear. Heh, they're a lot less tough when they're not psionic, am I right?"
Record ends.
Good field officer, that CABAL, even if he is now having plasma removed from his primary camera units.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Intercept13.png)
Oh, that looks like the Floater Terrorists we were expecting. Hmmm... The Floater scout we bounced a week or so back was buzzing around the Congo...
Erwin, order the interceptor pilot at the base to Kinshasha. I have a hunch.
In flight radio.
"Man, I'm bored. It's been five hours, command, can't I RTB soon?"
"Not until the UFO either shows up on radar or we get the call for action on the ground."
"Yeah, I hear you. I just get tired of seeing the same old green, that's all."
"Whoah! I just picked up a big bastard! Heading straight for Kinshasha! Closing to Plasma range."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Intercept14.png)
"HECK yeah! That made a hole. And there go the power supplies."
"Nice work, hot shot. You get your RTB now, by the way."
"Thanks, command. Out."
Transcript ends.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Intercept15.png)
Now to find out what they look like on the inside. Or what's left of it.
While the skyranger waited for the launch order, one of the scientists still doing science (as opposed to engineering, soldiering or selling on high tech equipment and alien corpses to what we all hoped to be different sources) contacted me with his latest work.
Project FIRESTORM. You'd never believe it took only a week. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Terror01.png)
This was the sort of fighter that could at the very least survive a Battleship return salvo, perhaps even do some damage. Five times as tough, twice as fast and three times as agile as the old Interceptor, the only problem was that the craft was incapable of long patrols - such as were so successful that very evening.
But enough of that. Next morning the 'Ranger touched down in the Congo. No Umbongo was aboard.
You know the drill.
"Terror ship, bad. No civilians to get killed, good. Blown power source on the UFO, better. Floaters, better still."
Ooh! Look over there!
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Terror03.png)
"Astra?"
"I'm all over it."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Terror04.png)
"Heeey, two for one. Not bad, As."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Terror08.png)
"More over here."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Terror11.png)
"Reaper. Why are they called that?"
"Because they primarily attack humanity by eating their wheat. We think the Alien leaders hate Floaters."
Hey, look! A door. And it's big enough for me!
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Terror14.png)
"What's in there, man?"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Terror16.png)
"Floater, and a meatshield."
"Not a problem."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Terror18.png)
"Man, but heavy plas rocks."
Hey, that's cheating!
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Terror19.png)
Meet mister Laser! Peyow!
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Terror20.png)
"That's our entry route sorted. Up we go, everyone."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Terror21.png)
"WHO MISSED THIS?"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Terror22.png)
"There's the leader. Fire at will."
I am beginning to suspect that Floater terror missions are intended to terrorize the Floaters. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Terror23.png)
Though we did get a live Reaper out of it. It is apparently now known as Bessie.
They're back for more. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Terror25.png)
Whoa. Deja vu. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Terror27.png)
The interceptors were vectored in to catch the enemy ships, and the Sky Ranger reloaded with more rockets (after a brief dispute in stores)
There are UFO navigation units all over the place! In my bed! In the shower! Get some of them out of here! (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Terror26.png)
With both Abductors shot down, a dilemma presented itself. We couldn't hit both sites in one go, because the equipment recovered in two crashes would overload the Sky Ranger. But we also could not hit them on successive days - chances were the Aliens would have left the area and demo charged the UFO.
So we ordered simultaneous strikes.
Oh yeah, we have a second platoon, right. Forgot. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Terror29.png)
The first Ranger to touch down was the Beijing base one.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BeiAbd01.png)
As it was to turn out, the Floaters had picketed the crash site.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BeiAbd02.png)
Just not very well.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BeiAbd05.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BeiAbd06.png)
Leela managed to stop another Floater which appeared to be attempting to flank the main body of the squad.
But once the UFO itself was reached, it was once again a game of toss the rocket launcher. Two Floaters in the same room was too much to pass up, and one of the troops was in a perfect position to put in heavy fire.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BeiAbd08.png)
As it was to turn out, the same blast also got a third Floater that was out of sight.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BeiAbd09.png)
Gaston used the recently acquired knowledge of the high power of the Heavy Plasma to blast a path through the interior walls, and the former rocket man (now on his backup weapon) killed the presumed Floater leader.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BeiAbd10.png)
The last few seconds of the mission were a confused firefight in the corridors of the ship,
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BeiAbd12.png)
with the humble Laspistol proving superior at close range due to the incredibly short cycle time of the capacitor.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BeiAbd13.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BeiAbd14.png)
All of which was ample evidence that team China hadn't lost their touch. Though they did ask for some flying suits if it wasn't too much trouble.
... Killed 9, recovered 10 corpses.
Erm. Are they committing suicide on sight or something?
Usually, it indicates that one or more died in the crash. However, aliens accidentally shooting each other does happen, especially when they bring explosives into the mix. Explosives can cause the factor to go the other way, leaving kills but no corpses.
Believe you me, when aliens start committing suicide on sight, either the war is all but won or the Psi training is complete.
Same thing, really.
Recorded material.
"Just got the message from Beijing base command. They have done with their mission. We're next."
"Got it. Okay, everyone ready?"
I am more than ready. I am eager.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/EurAbd01.png)
E-LE-VATE!
*plasma fire*
I BARELY EVEN GOT THIS BODY! REVENGE ON ALL FLOATERS!
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/EurAbd04.png)
*Lots of plasma fire*
"Cripes, don't go too far. Those things are worth €15K."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/EurAbd07.png)
"Okay, we've located the ship."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/EurAbd08.png)
NO ENTRANCE THIS SIDE.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/EurAbd09.png)
ENGAGE RED LEVEL PROTOCOL!
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/EurAbd11.png)
FLOATERS MUST ALL DIE.
I FEAR I MAY NO LONGER PARTICIPATE. TAKE MY VENGEANCE TO THE UPPER FLOORS!
"Well, at least he likes the new tank model."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/EurAbd13.png)
"Hello there."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/EurAbd14.png)
"Someone melt the wall for me, and I volunteer to go first."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/EurAbd15.png)
"Heh, eat this!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/EurAbd17.png)
"...well, I'm not complaining."
End recording. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/EurAbd18.png)
So yes, the field test of the hovertank class HWP went down well.
At the month end, the psi labs started their full training regimen, the money and results of the funding nations' opinions of us went out,
I think the double mission impressed them, though it may have annoyed the Floaters. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/EurAbd21.png)
and the statistical summary of the war so far went out.
Graphs. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/EurAbd25.png)
Graphs. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/EurAbd26.png)
Graphs. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/EurAbd27.png)
Graphs. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/EurAbd28.png)
Graphs. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/EurAbd29.png)
Graphs. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/EurAbd30.png)
A UFO we were unable to catch while in hyperwave range boded ill.
Sectoid terror mission? Ouch. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/EurAbd24.png)
And a small scout was blasted into the ground in the Sahara. The melt glass from the missed shots of the interceptor is already on sale in tourist shops.
Good to have a small ship for once. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/EurAbd31.png)
"Okay, everything's ready for the final test. Capacitors fully charged, containment holding, target in position."
"Ah, here's the Brigadier."
I walked into the secret demonstration chamber for the new Plasma Beam weapon. The far wall was studded with impact craters from laser cannon fire and the odd tiny dent from the regular cannon by way of comparison.
"Everything ready, then?"
"Yes, sir. We have it set for a single pulse downrange, and the Alien Alloy defensive wall is up, if you'd like to get over behind it."
I watched through the polarized window as the two hundred foot proof of concept Plasma Beam was aligned with the target, the side of one of the UFOs recently recovered fairly nearby. A scout, I think.
"Three, two, one..."
The world went green.
One of the scientists was mumbling about better shielding the emitter to prevent flare, but I was too busy blinking frantically to listen.
When the massive flash of light's effects on my eyes had died down, I looked through the window again to see how effective it had been.
The target was no longer there. There was a gaping hole in the side of the test area. And what could be recognized only by the outline of the lower slopes and our location as the famed Matterhorn was slowly slumping, the mass amount of heat having apparently rendered the mountain's upper slopes into lava.
"Right, gentlemen, I think that's a successful test. Just... next time, find somewhere else to point that thing. Maybe part of the Empty Quarter of Arabia or something..."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Craft01.png)
"Hey, we're pretty close to this thing."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Craft04.png)
THE INTERIOR OF THE CRAFT IS RUINS. AND I THINK THE PLASMA BEAM WENT THROUGH THE ROOF. WHY IS THERE ANYTHING STILL ALIVE?
"That's a question we've all asked at one time or another."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Craft05.png)
"Of course, the best way to handle it is to solve the inconsistencies."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Craft11.png)
"I love these half exploded ships. There are far fewer aliens."
That mission was as close to routine as things get.
As time passed, the research division came up with something new.
Sorry? Project LIGHTNING is this? Feh. Deathtrap. Not as if UFOs are going anywhere... (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Craft12.png)
Mutons? Not heard of them before. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Craft13.png)
Sadly we lost track of the scout over the Indian ocean.
Now the US is covered too. That ought to help. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Craft16.png)
Now THIS is more like it. Look at that thing. It's beautiful. Arm it with twin plasmas and it could down a battleship. Granted, the repairs would take a month and a half... (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Craft17.png)
Oh, and after that we started wondering how to stop the UFOs. We had the craft, presumably (the Avenger was conjectured to be able to reach Jupiter) but we didn't have the location or the necessary advantages.
So we started on that first one.
Hee hee. "Losing battle." We have troops that survived a Blaster Bomb. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Craft18.png)
And you'd think they'd remember that we already HAVE a leader.
The sole defender of the US base is here. She exists to turn on tanks. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Craft19.png)
This is about halfway to the opening of the US base as fully fledged. The Interceptor and plasmas were delivered this morning.
Not shown: Psi in the 20s. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Craft20.png)
Sectoids. Again. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Craft21.png)
Hmmm... Perhaps a test. Those Psi Amps we made, let's see if they work with the training you have.
If not, just shoot the Sectoids.
Actually, the Lightning isn't too shabby. Yeah, it's not the Avenger (what is), and it can't carry as much as a skyranger, but it won't take up 5-6 hundred grand a month in rent fees, and perhaps most importantly, it's the only craft in the game which allows for multiple debarkation points. I *hate* getting pinned down in the skyranger, and it seems to happen a lot when the Ethereals come to town. A lightning is fast enough to catch a lot of their ships, and when you down them and bring a squad in (cuz, lets face it, a lightning with a single plasma beam can stop anything short of a battleship. Plasma beams stomp ALL), you have a flexible attack platform.
My main problems with it are:
There is no room for HWPs. And those are really useful scouts, as by now I have half a dozen people I do NOT want to die.
The multi exit thing is a clipping problem.
It expends Elerium. Yes, I know I'm swimming in the stuff after the battleships and harvesters, but there you go.
And finally, you get the Avenger so soon after it that you won't have more than a couple weeks use from the thing before its' infinitely better replacement rolls out. In fact, you'll still be building the Lightning when the Avenger becomes available.
To avoid a monthly fee of 500K by spending 600K, 18K shop hours and one each Power source and Navigation (330K if sold) seems a bit excessive to me, as it tallies to two months rent plus all the laser cannons you could have built.
Not much to say about the scout mission.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Mut01.png)
James somehow saw something that was around a corner.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Mut03.png)
Akira got in some long range sniping practice.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Mut04.png)
And tried out his new Psi Amp. Without having finished the training course. He claimed he was attempting "trial and error." Well, he got error.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Mut05.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Mut07.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Mut08.png)
Thank goodness our other troops are more reasonable. Maybe we shouldn't have told them their scores.
Well, anyway, the captured Leader from earlier was most helpful.
Single points of failure are nice. We have a panacea target to hit. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Mut09.png)
Mars. Okay, we know the right planet, and the Avenger can certainly make it. We also know where to get a Commander if we really need one for the Base coordinates. But we still need a fully trained Psi Corps.
Oh, these will help, though. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Mut10.png)
200. And the HE packs the size of a man's arm are 110. Not to mention that the Blaster is deliberately contained to avoid too much collateral.
These things could punch through a UFO outer wall.
New guests. Mutons, apparently. What does that even mean? (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Mut11.png)
Well, the scout was downed. And the Sky Ranger just barely made it in navigable light.
Next on the XCom show: First Contact with Plasma!
First Contact with Mutons.
"He is coming like the glory of the morning on the wave,
He is Wisdom to the mighty-"
"Oh thank god, we've finally landed."
Music program on hold. For Kane!
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Mut12.png)
Target identified. Barely.
"What is that? Some kind of camouflaged gorilla?"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Mut13.png)
Death to Gorillas!
"Should I ask?"
"Nope."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Mut14.png)
"If these things are like gorillas, I should be able to get in there more easily!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Mut15.png)
"No luck?"
"None."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Mut16.png)
"These things are damn hard to spot."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Mut19.png)
"Ready, guys? You show me where the guy is, and I get him with the Amp."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Mut21.png)
"It did not work, I take it?"
"Nope. I had to shoot it out of fear for my life."
First contact report over.
Well, that was easy. Another 50 Elerium in stores.
And that pending Sectoid Terror mission is still on the cards.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Mut23.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Blast02.png)
Not much significant happened when we took the scout that was buzzing Casablanca. Mostly, Jacks cleaned out the outside from the top of the Ranger, and a fire team handled the inside by dumping a HE through the roof.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Blast03.png)
Though a long running battle took place inside the remaining separate room, wherein the Sectiod took about four HP bolts before finally dropping. We have no idea why.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Blast06.png)
The next morning, news came in that the Blaster Launcher was available for issue. And what a weapon. The most user friendly I have ever seen.
It practically fires itself. And yet over half the aliens that have used these have killed themselves with them. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Blast07.png)
The next step was clear. We needed to test the launcher.
That'll do. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Blast08.png)
Aperture Sc. XCom Device Testing Report.
"These things are really, really heavy."
"Calm down Grigoriy. I am doing fine."
"You're three times as strong as I am, Colonel."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Blast09.png)
"Looks like we have a target in the open. Request fire!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Blast11.png)
"Not bad, not bad at all."
Ooh! There's a hole in the ceiling! You should make the top floor go boom.
"On it."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Blast10.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Blast12.png)
And now there's a party in the lower down room! Anyone got a Happy Fun Bomb left?
"Akira and I are reloading. Grigoriy?"
"arms... failing..."
"We'll get back to him later."
"Carl here. That extra bomb downstairs took out all three in the examination room
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Blast15.png)
but the bridge of the ship is untouched. Looks like the wall blocked it."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Blast13.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Blast14.png)
"That's three. What is it about that house?"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Blast16.png)
Test subjects should not fire upon anything involved in administering the test. Especially when in a maddened rage. Are you in a maddened rage or do you know someone who is?
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Blast18.png)
"Bit foolish if you ask me. Ah, well."
Test completed.
Well, I think that the only problem with THAT weapon is lack of ammunition.
Got the cash. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Blast20.png)
And Psi Training month 1 is complete. Results: good. Now to find some Aliens to test that on...
Okay, I've got trouble. The Ethereals just showed up. Hard.
Scouts for both a Terror Mission and a Retaliation are buzzing Europe. And it's barely five hours into July. I thought the race you were beating up on was the one to do retaliations...
Anyway, as I have no Mind Shields yet they will almost certainly find CERN, and then it's a Base Defence with ten newb Psi troopers and a stack of puppets against Ethereals with all their toys. Like Sectopods.
Fun. And that's not even counting the Terror mission, which is, surprise, also Ethereals.
Great for storyline, but not so much for survival. Though if I don't stop the scouts I am almost guaranteed to have an Alien Commander in my base within the next month. Whether he's in charge by then is the question.
That definitely does not sound good :eek
EDIT: Wait a sec. What about those three "demigods" you got? Don't they count for anything?
Demigods, yes.
But psi skill barely in the twenties, after only one month of training. And XCOM calculations on attack strength are Skill*Strength.
After lots of attacking Aliens, they will do well. But... Put it this way. At the moment, Akira (My Psi 100 god, skill 20, Defense about 104) can still be mind controlled by an Ethereal Commander.
Granted, it takes point blank range (within about 7 tiles, 2% chance per tile closer than 7) and for the Ethereal to target him (not happening), but he can.
Okay, that can not be good. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Ether01.png)
Ethereals, the transmissions said they were. And out for terrorizing some city in Europe.
If our intel from computers, interrogations and guessing is correct, Ethereals are a sort of psionic super race. All of them have at least Delta class offensive abilities, and can use them with great skill, while their commanders may be able to deliver orders telepathically across interplanetary distances.
Still, I suppose that they've stepped in themselves is good news. It means that we're really hurting them.
Worse! (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Ether02.png)
Okay, that is bad news. They're after CERN.
We can only hope that we're good enough to psionically counterattack if they find us.
The Terror scout was downed successfully, at any rate. Let's see what the governing power behind the invasion looks like.
First Contact with Ethereals.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Ether04.png)
"The hell is that, a walking cloak?"
"It's an inch or so off the ground. I think it's a flying cloak - or whatever's inside it can fly, anyway."
Plasma Cannon ineffective.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Ether05.png)
"That thing just took two tank plasmas to the back and it returned fire? What are these things?"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Ether06.png)
"Mortal."
"All the same, I'm opening the Scout door. Akira, do your thing, I don't fancy a close in firefight."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Ether08.png)
"Got it. Waypoints in."
End first contact report.
The Blaster flew in the front of the UFO, and most of the UFO came out the back. Including a carbonized remnant of a cape. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Ether10.png)
Just after the smaller scout was violently evaporated over the Iberian peninsula, the new countermeasure to Alien retaliation came in.
Huge and costly... but worth it. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Ether11.png)
We knew it was coming. Try to head them off. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Ether12.png)
All three interceptors and the CERN ranger were deployed to try and stop the Terror ship before it hit its' projected target - Casablanca.
However, it appeared the scouts that we swatted earlier prevented the Terror ship from identifying its' target correctly. It wandered aimlessly for a bit, before shooting back into space.
But I watched the film three times! What a let down. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Ether14.png)
We conjecture that the Scout UFOs often leave beacons for other ships to home in on, and that the destruction of the scouts before they complete this task means that the other craft expect a beacon to materialize that does not.
They hide among the Silverbacks. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Ether15.png)
Also, apparently Mutons are infiltrating the southern part of Africa. Are they pretending to be Gorillas or something? or just using their suits?
Then, two Abductors were detected in the US.
This, but twice. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Ether16.png)
Both landed, and Interceptors were set to patrol them. We could reach one on the ground - the other would have to be swatted on takeoff.
Oh god, that means they're abducting right now! (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Ether18.png)
Operation report from Michigan.
"God, I hate night missions. It's been five minutes already, and nothing from the tank. Colonel, you got the Incendiaries loaded?"
"I have, yes. I will provide the fire when it is time."
"Hey, look! Out the window - one of the Grays wandered close enough!"
"Good, we drew in their sentry. Everyone, have a go with the Psi Amps. See if you can panic it."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Ether21.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Ether22.png)
"That did it. Okay, everyone, go!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Ether23.png)
"Bit of an easy target. Hey, CABAL, you okay?"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Ether24.png)
Have both our weapons been exchanged with paintball guns? This is worse than that Firestorm shield.
"Er, CABAL, a Firestorm's a fighter."
"Akira, what are you doing?"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Ether25.png)
"I figure if we punch a hole in the roof and drop a Blaster in, we can take out the Alien leader before we get in enemy Psi range. Well, before everyone else does."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Ether26.png)
"Gah! Enemy on the roof!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Ether27.png)
"I got one of them, but it looks like you took some fire first. You okay?"
"Not really, chestplate's a bit damaged. And I think that's blood."
"Get over to Uta, she's got a medkit and we don't need incendiaries at the moment."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Ether28.png)
"Damn it, missed the hole."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Ether29.png)
FINALLY!
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Ether30.png)
"Damn it, missed again. Well screw it. Someone drop a HE through the hole, that'll work."
"I'll do it."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Ether31.png)
"Wow, nice secondaries. We're clear."
"Uta, hurry up."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Ether32.png)
"I am setting up for close quarters combat."
"Gotta love Flying Suits. HE round at point blank does nothing."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Ether34.png)
"Do not get smart with me, Gray."
"Okay, Akira, I'm going in. If I spot anything, try the Psi amp on it. You'll be a better choice."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Ether35.png)
"Got one. Wow, that's a weird feeling. Okay, commander, follow the puppet through the door."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Ether36.png)
"Not so nice now you're on the receiving end, is it?"
"Nice work, Akira. Let's hope we can use this again."
And... done!
Pity about all the wasted Blaster Bombs. Those things cost... well, Elerium. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Ether37.png)
Two for one deal on Abductors, second one slightly damaged. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Ether38.png)
Aww, I liked when you actually wrote the thoughts of the aliens xD Would've been interesting to "hear" a mental battle between the humans and aliens...
I'll probably do that when the psionic aliens aren't just killed unceremoniously by a bomb lofted through the roof.
And when it's not ten minutes before bed.
To be honest, I was shocked as hell when that mind control actually worked. It took being at actual zero range to do it (vertical range doesn't count), but at least I know it can be done to the grunts.
And that Mutons are now easy. The big gorillas have the worst Psi stat in the game that isn't civvies (bad targets, they actually become Alien if you MC them) and some of the Xcom troops.
The ship was not badly damaged in the crash, but the engines at least were unfixable. I ordered the crew out to form a perimeter and defend the ship until an escape shuttle could be arranged.
The Human captives were released, with no memory of what had happened. I didn't want to handle them waking up in the middle of a firefight.
The navigator told me some of the news today.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Leader01.png)
Muton forces were familiarizing themselves with Humans. I understand the value of the hulking brutes, and what the Ethereals say goes, but a race that needs practice to tell what to shoot is not a useful trait.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Leader02.png)
And a sweep was being made to check the viability of the continent for a harvest mission. I tried to warn the pilot off, but he didn't heed the warning before a Human craft armed with the same Plasma weapons that shot down my craft smashed his ship into tiny pieces over the southwest peninsula.
They have arrived. The armoured nightmare. The guardians of this world. The ones that stormed our sister ship two days ago. I sent the pickets forward, but our masters have joined the fight too late.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Leader03.png)
The Humans have at least one individual capable of mind-war. This presence is clumsy, but holds enormous power, more than I have ever felt, disrupting my command over my troops despite their natural allegiance and my defense of them combined.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Leader04.png)
It is worse than I had thought. A second presence has joined the first. The forms of their troops float menacingly forward, their command leaders compelling my underlings forward as their scouts, killing any they deem useless.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Leader05.png)
Ordering my soldiers to kill one another to spare themselves the trouble.
I have tried to attack the minds of their commanders, but they are well trained and resist mental intrusion near effortlessly. I cannot even instill panic, and they strike in my distraction.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Leader06.png)
The entire lower floor is lost. They have made all my retinue throw down their weapons and give one another up. They are avoiding the traps placed on the lift by sending up one of mine first. The guard at the lift kills the traitor, but is then lost himself.
I no longer know what is happening to any other than my navigator and me. I will go to the door and stand guard outside, in the hope that the navigation officer can guide in a rescue party.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Leader07.png)
Foolish. They melted down the wall of the room with the lift guard, then killed him. Now I have lost the navigator as well.
And I feel them, over half a dozen, unskilled but vastly powerful, hammering at the edge of my skull.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Leader08.png)
The feeling is... strange. There is a... word for it, in our language, but it... escapes me.
The sense that... everything is far away... That the best thing to do... is Drop the gun and walk forwards
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Leader09.png)
It seems like the best... thing to do. To go down... the lift. To walk... out the door. Every time the feeling recedes... a little it pushes back... in, making everything so easy. Just follow the suggestions. Stand here while one of... no... this is NOT what I want to-
"Looks like he's coming out of it. And the Commander and the rest are getting sick of putting him back under."
"No problem. Zap 'im."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Leader10.png)
That was very, very cool. It's interesting that the aliens now view X-Com as monsters. Bravo, sir.
That is largely due to Colonel Keller.
After the last panicked seconds of a Harvester defence included footage of her bouncing plasma rifle fire off her armour and not slowing down, the Sectoids, at least, began rediscovering that their racial memories do in fact have predators in there.
And none of the Alien command seem to know what happened to the Terror mission to New Zealand, intended as a demonstration to the governments of Earth that entire landmasses can die...
The days of the noble Cattleprod are over. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/2Psi01.png)
Only problem is that it'll take another day or two to work out how to load it. It looks like there's some sort of slots game to get the correct ball in the barrel of the launcher. Who designed this?
Ethereals want to find our base, do they? Well, there'll be a welcome in the hills if they do find us. Blaster Bombs behind every corner... (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/2Psi02.png)
The UFO was splashed to the south of Budapest, but the Sky Ranger was still refuelling, so the decision was made to wait for first light.
Oh, lovely. Hang on, North East heading? We can still stop it if it's headed for Cairo! (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/2Psi04.png)
Turned out it wasn't. Whether it was looking for a beacon call that hadn't been placed or was after a target near Iran, the Interceptor smashed it into the sands of the Empty Quarter.
But not before the reckless pilot got his plane damaged. That's a few days in the repair shop... (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/2Psi07.png)
Oh, we can try these out! Apparently the ball goes in the front, and the game on the back is for entertainment. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/2Psi05.png)
The assault was another example of psi and standard hybrid tactics.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/2Psi09.png)
As the team moved in, the psi troopers floated behind the rest, controlling the Sectoids that were close enough.
One of the ship guards proved to have a stun launcher.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/2Psi12.png)
Neatly solving the problem of what to do with those two Aliens.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/2Psi13.png)
On the north side, one of the team was unpleasantly reminded of the Sectoid Terror unit.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/2Psi14.png)
And the Cyberdisk was similarly made aware of the fact that XCOM now have plasma weaponry.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/2Psi15.png)
Similarly on the west flank.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/2Psi16.png)
And the next in the long line of expendable Sectoid scouts was killed in the upper half of the ship.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/2Psi18.png)
It was around now that Colonel Keller met the last remaining Terror unit that had been intended to be dropped... somewhere.
Audio clip.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/2Psi19.png)
"Hah, another of the Cyberdisks? Not a problem. You are weak to explosives."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/2Psi20.png)
"...SOMEONE forgot to get more HE rounds while I was invalided. If I find who that was, they will not be happy."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/2Psi21.png)
"At least you have fire support, right, Colonel?"
"I am not happy with this turn of events. Someone get me something to shoot."
"Hey, Colonel, Akira here. Mind controlled Sectoid do for you?"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/2Psi22.png)
"Thank you."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/2Psi24.png)
"...is that Alien hiding behind a door that wasn't there a second ago and that has no wall?"
"I don't even know."
Snippet ends.
After this, the final minutes of the mission went mostly fine.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/2Psi25.png)
Gerhard took a bit of plasma to the arm when entering the control room, but survived. And then the entire remaining crew of the ship were lined up and stunned.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/2Psi26.png)
Owing to a recent hiring surge that requires more officers, long overdue promotions took effect. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/2Psi27.png)
After the mission, it was discovered that we had too much stuff.
Don't drop it. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/2Psi28.png)
We transferred several kilos of Elerium in their containment units to the US base as a stopgap, ordered more HE clips for the autocannon and, as soon as the Sky Ranger was fuelled up and the half dozen prisoners tossed into Alien Containment with the rest, it was off to Hungary.
BattleLog.
"Hey, we're pretty damn close here."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/2Psi30.png)
THERE IS A GUARD ON THE DOOR. REQUEST PERMISSION TO EXTERMINATE!
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/2Psi31.png)
"Akira?"
"Ergh... This thing's mental defences are stronger than anything I've ever felt. The Sectoid leader was easier than this... this... common soldier. Go ahead, blast him. I've got no chance except at really close range."
COMPLIANCE!
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/2Psi32.png)
Damnation! We were not warned of this!
Hold to your faith in the Overmind. We will prevail.
Take up position by the door - I want anyone coming through to have to get through you before they can aim at me.
What! So I am to be a sacrifice?
OBEDIENCE, THRALL!
...I obey.
Good. Do not forget that to me, you are as a mere Floater is to you. Chattel.
"Akira?"
"Getting a good read off them, but nothing more. I need pinpoint location to try. Grigoriy, you still have that stun launcher?"
"Yeah, but I forgot to reload it..."
"Doesn't matter. Open the door for me, dive for cover and I'll use your helmet cam feed to target. Then head back in to clean up. And don't forget to load this time!"
"Got it, oh Captain my Captain."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/2Psi33.png)
"I HOPE THIS WOOORKS!"
"Calm down."
feel the world around you distort feel it shift change your assumptions are wrong your allies are really your enemies follow my lead and i will help you you lie i am the only one who speaks truth you are alone on alien soil you can trust no one why not trust me you are merely human but we are superior clearly to you we have fought you to a standstill we will win but you personally will not so why not just let go it'll be easier stop this i will if you will just let me in let me in and all will be easier all will be simpler you can rest.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/2Psi34.png)
"Captain, you OK?"
"Ergh... yeah, it's different when they're trained to fight back."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/2Psi35.png)
"There's the last one, right at the back of the craft. Sneaky bugger."
kill him yes
die die die why won't you die if you die all my problems are over just hurry up and die
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/2Psi37.png)
"Damn, lost the puppet. Locked and loaded, Grigoriy?"
"You got it. Going in."
"Okay, there he is. Captain, any orders?"
"Give me a minute, then stun him."
i am tired of asking i will blast your mind open like an eggshell you do not have the skill maybe but i do have the power even your precious w'rkncacnter lacks how do you know of this i will not tarry words with you
tell
me
all
you
know
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/2Psi38.png)
"GOD that was hard. That rank isn't for show."
"Captain?"
"Stun him. NOW, before he fights back again."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/2Psi39.png)
"Got him."
*panting*"Good. Now, let's break up the UFO for transit and strap a cattle prod to this bastard's thigh. I want him dancing the electric boogaloo all the way back to base."
Record ends.
Nice. Love the stuggles in the battles for these super-psi dudes. Also can't wait for the interrogations and XCOM's reactions to it... ;)
Psionics can be divided into two subsections: Strength (representing the relative susceptibility of a mind to outside influence - and hence the relative ease with which an enemy mind can be made to move to the command of an attacker) and Skill (representing the ability to externally manifest psionics by amplification of natural brain waves, or with natural brain waves alone in the case of the Alien psi warriors). Both are on a hundred-point scale, though it is conjectured that exceptional cases may induce a ranking above 100 in either area.
Defensive capability is determined mainly by Strength, though Skill may help at a 5 to 1 conversion to divert pressure from weak spots.
Offensive capability is determined by the product of strength and skill, making a psi 100 individual become effective twice as quickly as a psi 50 with identical training.
Psi attack chance drops with distance.
Psi attack is impossible on an unlocated target, though Aliens seem to be able to detect targets with psionics as well, especially once there are few Alien mind patterns left (two or less).
Instilling panic is much easier than full out control, but less effective - Aliens must be successfully attacked many times to panic, while a single successful control attempt allows for much more.
Tests on prisoners indicate that the easiest targets in containment are Reapers, followed by Snakemen, Sectoids, Chryssalids (though their mental processes are apparently a little traumatizing), ranking Sectoids and the Ethereal Leader, who is currently watched over by HWP R2 and a shock prod.
Conjectured defence strength of mechanical units is not infinite, as the quantum wave altering nature of Psionics can induce electrical impulses, but is around the defence afforded by natural Strength of 100.
The main area in which XCOM recruits are superior to civilians, apart from the minimal military training necessary, is that their Psi Strength scores are randomly spread across the entire spectrum, 0-100. Civilians are likely to have far lower psi strength.
Experiments have shown that almost all aliens of a given rank and race possess the same psionic capability, in terms of both training and natural strength. This supports the idea that they are cloned to fulfill roles in the Alien invasion of Earth, and perhaps in their entire as yet unknown polity.
This means that the Ethereal Commanders will be massively dangerous.
I haven't sliced into the code to confirm, but it *looks* like the rule is that if any alien sees anyone in your squad on their turn, they instantly know where everyone in the squad is, and can start throwing Psi attacks at anyone.
From what I've read, that's an illusion caused by the combination of "the UFO and Skyranger have windows(the Ranger ones being two way)", "If there are only two Aliens left they can see you", "Turn twenty everyone's a target" and "They remember your soldiers for several turns" (" Int: Intelligence of the alien ranked from 2-8. This number corresponds to the number of turns the alien will remember the location of your troops. ") . That last is the crucial one - it's what the Intelligence score is for. Mutons have a low Int score and STILL manage four turns.
http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=8444387&postcount=300
In the spoiler tag.
Alright, Colonel, we have your explodingness supplement. So please, please, stop glaring at us. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Yoko01.png)
Sheesh. Not like we had anywhere we could put anything until the new stores were finished.
Anyway, science marches on and all that. We now know how the Alien explosives work.
Less powerful than a good old HE. But perhaps still useful, as they're a LOT lighter. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Yoko02.png)
Mutons still need to know how we look. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Yoko03.png)
And the South African infiltration continues. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Yoko04.png)
The research vessel was shadowed from just off Port Moresby, but since the UFOs would be unrecoverable if shot down over water (not to mention the possible effects if Alien matter contaminated the oceans) it was decided to wait until the UFO made landfall... before making it fall on the land.
We don't want a Terror From The Deep, after all. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Yoko05.png)
Eventually patience paid off.
Watch out it doesn't hit Peter Jackson. I hear good things about him. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Yoko06.png)
Meanwhile, in South Africa the infiltration ship was blasted similarly.
Mutons in jungle terrain. Break out the machetes. When we get round to it. If we get round to it. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Yoko07.png)
Anyway, as the NZ crash was near the Ranger patrol point for the Beijing base, it was diverted there.
Mission Report.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Yoko08.png)
Aliens detected. Classification: Muton. Exercise caution, combat abilities unknown.
"Understood. Man, it's been a while since we had a combat mission. Remember the Chryssalids?"
"I do, I do. You never tired of telling us about the rocket trick."
"Heh... Can you blame me, sis?"
"It's technically Captain in the field."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Yoko09.png)
"Enemy neutralized. Someone check the UFO. Leela, come with me, flank the house."
Not a problem.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Yoko10.png)
Enemy sighted. Looks like a plasma weapon to me. No blaster bomb or stun launcher.
"Eve, report on the UFO?"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Yoko11.png)
"At least one Alien confirmed to have been knocked out by the crash. I'll keep watch over it unless you need me, this is a ready made prisoner."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Yoko12.png)
"Another one over here - looks like the same one Leela saw before."
"Got it. Full fire on that target."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Yoko13.png)
"How many hits?"
"...one. At most."
"Damn. Well, keep on it, there's not much else left to sh-*"
"YOKO!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Yoko14.png)
"AAAAAAARGH!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Yoko15.png)
"Die! Die, you evil bastard!"
Squad member Jungo, your plasma clip is depleted. I did not know that could happen.
"Sorry, Leela. It's just... She was my sister, you know? And, well, I always thought she'd outlive me. She was always the sensible one..."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Yoko16.png)
"There's... no hope. Sorry."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Yoko17.png)
"At least she's got a good honour guard going with her to Yomi.
I'll bury her at the old shrine. She'd... she'd have liked that."
End.
It is quite clear that Mutons are ridiculously durable. Not one, but two survived the crash. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Yoko18.png)
For the moment, Beijing is without a Captain. Damien was more worthy of the rank vacancy. Regardless, more hires are on their way, and a new recruit will fill out the Sky Ranger at Beijing. Leela is given field command for now.
Alien insertion over the Arctic. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Yoko21.png)
But that's not the current issue. Oh, no. That can wait. Even if it's an Ethereal scout trying to find us. Because there's paperwork in them thar hills. Not many trees anymore, either, the size of this pile.
Put (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Yoko22.png)
Simply (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Yoko23.png)
This (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Yoko24.png)
Took (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Yoko25.png)
Three (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Yoko26.png)
Hours (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Yoko27.png)
Per (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Yoko28.png)
Person. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Yoko29.png)
Psi (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Yoko30.png)
Tests (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Yoko31.png)
Took (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Yoko32.png)
Up (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Yoko33.png)
Another (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Yoko34.png)
Hour (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Yoko35.png)
Each. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Yoko36.png)
Damnit. We forgot the Muton ship in Africa. Well, too late now, they've either starved or been nibbled to death by cobras. Plasma ammo is finite.
Interesting that we have a Psi Vacuum, though. He may be useful in the future, with his defensive score of zero point two.
He might actually intercept psi attacks aimed at other people. Give him a las pistol and flying suit, let him carry the blaster and stun bombs, and we're fine.
Unless we need blaster or stun bombs. Might need to rethink that.
Get a good look on the way down. Though blasting your ship into tiny pieces might interfere with that... (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Yoko38.png)
And Yoko's replacement arrived. His Psi is about 84 - not bad at all. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Yoko41.png)
Xcom's scientific grasp expands. Now we know what Battleship guns are.
Big and powerful. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Yoko42.png)
Once again, the accuracy count is for GROUND targets only. Air targets have an actual chance of dodging. That said, it's quite clear this thing could shred most Earth craft in a single shot - it seems to be a ship scale Blaster Launcher, so that explains that. Though the scientists think that, with enough research, the Elerium component might be able to be substituted with really densely condensed energy storage medium that can be charged from the mains, so this might have a future as base defences.
No good in flight, though. Plasma Beams outrange everything except the BB, and they're cheaper to run.
Another small scout entered atmo over Quebec - and was promptly sharded - while an Ethereal retaliation scout was shot down over Switzerland. Actually, it happened to fly over the former Matterhorn, and was introduced to the plasma weapon test beam, nicknamed the "Energyhorn".
Then the Interceptor stopped it getting away with only the inflicted damage. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Yoko46.png)
More work for the CERN base, then.
You've never emptied a heavy plasma clip before? Also, interesting that you got grenades so late, I like to research them really early, before armors even.
Now, I've never seen a laser or plasma tank empty its ammo banks.......... that would be something to see.
I tend to focus more on getting to Lasers, then going down the entire armour chain as fast as possible. The reason is that Alien Grenades are weaker than HEs, and if your troops have lasted a few missions they have the strength to USE the HEs.
That and Laser Rifles are useful even against Mutons.
And of course, the armour has let people like Colonel Keller survive. She's a monster. 77TU, 54 Health, 80 Stamina, 47 Reactions, 66 Strength, 77 Firing Accuracy.
(For the record, the commander has 81-55-100-52-65-94. Wow.)
Besides, my score for Alien Artefacts must be a good couple hundred points higher from all those Alien Grenades. It's the same reason I never bother researching the other plasma weapons, as you only get points from the Artefacts not the things you can use.
And the HP clip wasn't actually emptied, that was poetic license. I actually feel that if you've emptied a HP clip on a mission, unless it's an Alien Base or something silly, you are doing something wrong - those clips are enormous!
That and ammo conservation early on is good training for the Avenger missions, where HP, one clip, a few heavy weapons or flares and Psi Amps can make up the entire equipment loadout you're allowed. Perhaps the only area in which TFTD improved matters was the Base Defence item limit being larger... But then, in that game the HP equivalent was relatively weaker, had a tiny clip of ten rounds and no autofire, not to mention weighing a ton and a half.
That said, if this were TFTD I'd already be using Sonic Pulsers in place of Magna Packs, as they're stronger than Magna Packs rather than weaker as Alien Grenades are to HEs.
Hoooly crap, all those recruits have ONE psi? :boggle
Just wait till you try a reasonably large mission against Mutons on Superhuman :mwaha An abductor will probably have about 15 or so Mutons, and I've seen a harvester with 21. They get even *more* hp and armor (Because that's just what they need), and it's enough that it will actually rework your tactics. (Battleships actually take less, there will be more guys, but the craft is so damn huge it winds up dominating the Battlespace, and there just isn't a lot of cover, so more shots back and forth will hit)
First time I played on Superhuman, and went up against the mutons, I had one of my boys sneak up to the square right behind a muton soldier, unleash autofire, and get three hits, right in the back. The muton casually spun around, and shot him twice with opportunity fire, killing my guy. Closing with them is death, so you spend a lot of time under cover, at long range, shooting when you can. It empties the ammo bins.
And while yes, researching everything lowers your score, most artifacts give somewhere between 1 and 3 points. On a mission with say, 10 aliens, if each has a grenade, you're out 10 points from that. But just grounding a large scout nets you 125, and more for the bigger craft. I've yet to see myself actually go down the money tube because I researched too many things, and the flexibility it offers on Base Defense is really helpful when you have multiple weapon types researched.
Researching alien grenades also lets you use theirs, on mission, which reduces your equipment needs dramatically. But usually, I didn't have a whole lot of trouble on equipment loadout, even on Avenger missions, while I have run low on clips, most aliens will have heavy plasmas in the late game (when you're using avengers) and a guy with a heavy plasma is going to have 2 clips you can recover on site. An Avenger has 26 space, but to be honest, unless you're hitting a base, cydonia, or a battleship, that's probably superfluous, and will be too densely packed to fight effectively. I rarely bring more than 15 people and a tank or two anyway.
Random strategy blahs!
But seriously, one thing I do love about this thread; I tend to play pretty much the same strategy every game, it's neat to see someone play a game method that is significantly different from my own. Keep it up.
The one psi is the skill. I edited it in to mimic XCOMUtil automatic Psi testing, as the game only reveals Psi Strength if you have a non zero score. And I don't want to install the util in the middle of a campaign.
If I were to face Mutons on superhuman, assuming a lack of psi, I would probably NOT bring HPs at all unless I had someone with insane accuracy (like Jacks with her 110% acc while kneeling). Instead, I would use the fact that Aliens only react to those that they can see. Hence, as I do in the day missions, upon spotting an Alien, I would move the scout back one tile. I now know where the Muton is, and he cannot possibly RF me.
Then I laser the crap out of him with my kneeling troops. 9 shots on Autofire from full TUs guaranteed (or 6 auto and 1 snap for 1/3 of TU values), say 3 hits (not unreasonable with starting troops kneeling with one hand free). Average damage per shot to a Muton is 42, and they have 125 HP, so that's, on average, just enough to kill one. Laser Rifles are all you need.
And that does mean that a three round burst from the Laser Rifle at point blank can kill a Muton on average. But I'm not taking that chance.
And as far as ammo conservation goes, the Heavy Laser needs more love. It's got infinite ammo, can fire three shots a turn snap (at 58% soldier acc if kneeling) and can off a Muton in one good hit or two average ones.
That and it REALLY helps vs. Sectopods.
Basically, I love the entire Laser line. Laspistols are great sidearms and can potentially shoot twelve times for better damage than any starting non heavy weapon, the Laser Rifle is the second best all around weapon in the game, the Heavy Laser has massive punch for its' ammo cost (none at all), and Cannons fund your base.
That and they're entirely native tech.
Quote from: Saphroneth on October 18, 2010, 02:10:14 PM
The one psi is the skill.
ooohh...geeze, I'm blind. I missed that >_<
And now that I see the difference between strength and skill...ooh, nice, you got another batch of over-90s.
...And a couple really low ones, including a 0. :eek so
that's the "psi vaccuum"...wonder the future log of him in a mission is going to be like.
Yeah, Psi Vacuums are handy.
I was going to update today, but then TFTD's AI files invaded my XCOM game and I lost most of the team hunting down Ethereals in cupboards.
The aliens shoot first. At point blank range. With plasma. While mind controlling everyone without stellar Defence scores.
And there were only two of them, so they could psi at will. NOT FUN.
(And what's more, the rules for Reaction Fire say if they can see you and you can't see them, they get a free burst of autofire. Whee...)
Xcom is a harsh mistress.
Okay, I'm now essentially certain of the LOS requirement for mind control. Everybody's psi Str 70+ apart from the psi sponge (Who I brought along), against Ethereals, and eventually I get psi attacked.
But not on the sponge (who was actually only about five squares away from the Ethereals, close enough that there would be a theoretical chance of mind control working with a no-psi attacker!)
So that seems conclusive.
Being a test on theoretical maxima of psionic abilities and their utility.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/PV01.png)
"So, er, guess I'm the new guy. So why me specifically?"
"Most of the others need training to become useful. Your specialty is in an entirely different area to them."
"Oh, OK. Is that why I can hear weird voices at the moment?"
"...probably. What do they say?"
"Mostly stuff about hatred of this planet, though there's some stuff in there directed at the Commander specifically."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/PV03.png)
"I can't say I'm at all surprised."
"Hey, there's the tip of a cowl visible here! There's at least one still in the UFO!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/PV04.png)
"I will fix that."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/PV05.png)
"Well?"
"Scan shows no casualties."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/PV06.png)
"The voices are pissed, though."
"Okay. Right, Akira, you're up."
obey YES
"Damnit, got to AVOID the rookie. Cripes, it's like aiming past the Goodyear blimp..."
vive la revolution what why are mindwarriors here on this mere primitive i see you like video games hail kojima
"Well, that worked. It gets easier every time."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/PV07.png)
"Though I have to wonder why all of them survived the frelling crash uninjured. I mean, come on! This thing makes a mockery of the outer wall, why does it not kill any of them?"
Crap, they noticed the puppet."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/PV09.png)
For the light of the Jjaro, all traitors must be destroyed!
"My sentiments exactly."
means you are next
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/PV10.png)
"Someone grab the BB launcher, I want to take advantage of this bunched a target."
Stun fire incoming.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/PV13.png)
The enemy have no conception of ineffectual weapons!
"So, er, there are less voices now, by the way. Most of them went quiet at once when the blaster bomb went in."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/PV14.png)
"And why do I have to face the plasma fire with only a stun rod and a laser pistol?"
"Builds character."
take to the skies the skies are safe
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/PV15.png)
"Thanks for the skeet to shoot, Akira."
"Pleasure, Commander."
stun the wall next to you it'll be fun
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/PV16.png)
Do not presume to try to trick me!
"Fine then. Stun me. I'll even stand right in front of you to make it easier."
Justice!
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/PV19.png)
"Damn it, CABAL, I was about to convince it to self stun."
"Hey, new guy. Anything?"
"Nope, they all went quiet."
"Good enough for me. Load up the Ranger."
It's goodbye from me.
For reasons I cannot fathom, promotions are contingent on having killed something. At least he finally got the nod. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/PV20.png)
I must admit to some curiosity about what kind of Terror unit the Ethereals might have. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/PV21.png) And for that matter the Mutons. Perhaps something intelligent?
The scout was downed over the Norwegian Fjords. Luckily in the mountains rather than in the water.
Pining for the-Ow! Stop it! I'll be good...
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/PV24.png)
"Another one bites the dust."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/PV25.png)
"I prefer ashes to ashes, myself, Commander."
"I don't get it."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/PV26.png)
"Why not?"
"I mean, there's already basically no Aliens left. The other scout had a crew over twice the size of this one."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/PV27.png)
"Well, there's one of them. Psi, please?"
"Happy to oblige."
"Damn, I didn't get a grip. Neil!"
"all hail the jjaro..."
"Code three-delta-X!"
*Bzzzrp!*
"...what just happened?"
"Neil's psi potential is absolutely nil. So he's really easy to mind control. Too easy, in fact. There's feedback when someone that psionically blank is controlled. So his stunrod has a phrase locked function that stuns him. Hard. Knocked out both the remaining Ethereals too, by synchronization."
"Nice."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/PV29.png)
Record ends.
"Okay, look. This is a human. Hu-Man. Say it. Now, they are shaped like this - oh, for goodness' sake, do I have to go over it all again?" (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/PV30.png)
The Manus Celer Dei is ready for use. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/PV32.png) Now you know why all the techs were locked in the workshops for a month.
Now, we still need weapons, but that's relatively easy. Back in the workshop! What? Okay, fine, you can use the toilets first.
And the pilot of the Avenger is set up. Alpha-Synth Ai/Human fusion. Imagine the potential.
Flight Commander DeVries and Megaira are ready for flight combat, sir.
Target locked on. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/PV33.png)
Let's see, the UFO entered atmosphere over the Pacific, and Manus Celer Dei is based out of Europe. Any guesses where they meet?
Eastern Kazakhstan. That ship is faster than UFOs. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/PV33.png)
I am sure there is no need for me to record the battle outcome.
Quote from: Saphroneth on October 20, 2010, 05:38:40 PM
Flight Commander DeVries and Megaria are ready for flight combat, sir.
"That's what you think, buddy-boy. Like I'd let her drive me anywhere!"
Just to clarify, Alicia DeVries and Megaira are a human/AI Alpha-synth pair from the book In Fury Born.
That was easily the most obscure reference in that last update. So Megaira, effectively, is the ship, and Alicia DeVries is the pilot. But they act on a gestalt level in actual flight combat - think of it as symbiosis.
You want every edge you can get, when the ship you're using can fly faster than sound within seconds of takeoff and has a Quantum Tunneler warp drive installed. And is still facing weapons more powerful than its' own.
Personally, I preferred The Path Of The Fury, the original novella that was expanded into the full story. Although Mr Weber is one of my more popular authors...
BTW, the AI is Megaira, not Megaria.
... Does that mean there'll be a Tisiphone showing up?
Weber is indeed a great man for Military Sci Fi. Sorry about the error.
I actually think Megaira is the first AI he ever wrote...
And who knows. Perhaps if I manage to splash an Ethereal BB solo with the Manus Celer Dei...
No worries. Typos are de rigeur for this particular forum, but I do my best to correct them politely without causing offence,
... and hey, I could always invoke other stories. Bolos, or some of Ringo's stuff - the Paladin of Shadows series leaps into mind, albeit simply because I've been meaning to read it again - or trot out David Drake's Hammer's Slammers - a bit appropriate for your tanks, there, if Keith Laumer's Bolos don't do it better... ;-]
Paladin of Shadows? Isn't that the one that was the inspiration for "OH JOHN RINGO NO!"
http://hradzka.livejournal.com/194753.html http://hradzka.livejournal.com/199220.html
And I will try to think more along those lines, though I think Bolos - even Bolo mk I - are a bit powerful to tolerate being a minitank.
Though there are other possibilities, the Slammers especially... Save that one for the Apoc LP if I ever do it.
(Got to get through TFTD first. I may just say "screw it" and assume Xcom is properly funded in that one.)
To be honest, it's a pity no Alex Knight style character has emerged properly in this LP. Could be because of the severe dearth of Terror missions lately, as Knight won his spurs in the GitP LP by bayoneting a Chryssalid in the face. Fatally.
Why, yes, as a matter of fact.
... I didn't say it was any good... ;-]
(Note: X-Com has a very very annoying little glitch. If you have a soldier mind controlled at the end of battle, then he's "missing in action" and you lose them. Fair enough... unless the mission ends because you killed all the aliens.
After I lost the psi vacuum that way, I reloaded and took him off the team. That explains his lack in future - he's to be used only for Cydonia and possibly Alien Base attacks, now.)
"Right, listen up. You all are the best troops we have in the field of Psionics. Your job is to become good soldiers in other areas as well. So, training.
You have to fight as normal, with full Psi support from those we already have trained up. So, as the tank just found the objective-"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Stun02.png)
This was a triumph.
"-Let's get going."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Stun03.png)
Hello! That looks like a stun gun to me. Are you going to use it?
that's a good idea
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Stun04.png)
"Is it me, or is it getting easier to catch these things every time?"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Stun05.png)
"Okay, there's one. Psi away."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Stun06.png)
And we stuffed yet another Alien into the containment unit. I'm starting to wonder what the max capacity of that thing is...
Wow, we saw it on the way TO Australia this time. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Stun07.png)
"I don't remember fighting Mutons recently, how's their Psi defence?"
"Well, their ship welds are rubbish. I can see a hole."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Stun08.png)
obey me YES JAHWOL OUI AYE
"Okaay, that was weird. Four for the price of one? They have minds like warm butter."
"Get the big gorillas to dump their weapons."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Stun10.png)
"Woah! Looks like we missed one."
and you SORRY
"Okay, got them all. Hey, a Stun Launcher."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Stun11.png)
hey, guys, watch this!
You thought containment was crowded before? (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Stun12.png)
Mutons are monumental idiots. I mean, jeez. Half of those ones at the end of the mission weren't even mind controlled anymore, they just wanted to watch the shiny. Though one of them DID die to jittery nerves on the Plasma from the guy who went in the door to check they were all out.
Antimatter defence sites. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Stun13.png) The main base may still be open to attack - no better way to capture another load of prisoners - but the secondary sites are going to be able to just shoot down anything in the sky.
Okay, so what's next?
According to the head of the science team, we have researched and improved on anything of significance the Aliens have. Our armour is better, we have their best weapons, the Manus Celer Dei outperforms their best battleships and our psionics team stalk the mental landscape like killer mongoose.
Mongoose don't stalk.
Close enough.
So... There's nothing left?
We could study how Alien physiology works. Perhaps find out how Cyberdisks operate or something.
We already know that.
Chryssalids?
...yeah, go ahead. But do the Ethereal first, I want to find out as much as they know, and how to make them stop working.
Understood. Also, I would remind you that we really need an Alien Commander as soon as possible.
Under the orange cloak. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Stun14.png)
You already know DeVries and Megaira will swat it before it crosses the Urals. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Stun15.png)
So, we have another new objective. And it means once more splatting some Ethereals.
Not much of a Master Race, really...
If you're confident in your psicorp, and you really want to train up their physical skills fast, be cheap, use laser pistols instead of heavy plasmas when they go out. Training and improvement is calculated by kills and how many shots you fire connect. (And you only seem to get boosts to reactions when it's done in reaction fire), but the important one is number of hits scored. Take some mutons, strip them of their weapons, and then open up with the laspistols. You can get a whole bunch of hits, and thus, improvement, per muton slain.
(Oh yes, this method requires you not caring about being a cheapass :P)
This summary of the EXP mechanics is indeed entirely correct, though all that's necessary for gaining Reactions exp is to FIRE a reaction shot, not to hit with it. And kills do absolutely nothing - apart from proving that Uta and Jackie are MASSIVE badasses. 30 and 40 kills, respectively.
I may well go for Basic Training with live targets soon - as soon as the CERN crew work out it's a good idea, anyways.
Note: the erratic update schedule just ran into Civ V with the force of a Terror Ship hitting Brussels, so sorry for any lack of content in the next... long time.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Train01.png)
"Gotta admit, this run of Ethereal missions lately has left me a lot more optimistic about this little war."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Train03.png)
"Even their leaders can't shoot straight, after all."
"Okay, I got one of the grunts. Let's see how many survived the crash."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Train04.png)
"That is a lot of orange cloaked idiots."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Train05.png)
"Especially considering all the ones outside as well. I mean, that one in Norway only had about four crew."
"Right, that's half of them stunned, now-"
"Grenade! In the UFO!"
*BLAM*
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Train06.png)
So much for half the Ethereals. That one at the end blew up his own unconscious allies rather than let them be captured. Fortunately, we already have quite the zoo.
We won't miss THIS one. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Train07.png)
The
Manus Celer Dei caught up with it over the Red Sea (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Train08.png) and forced it down into the NE Ethiopian lowlands, nearly up to Somalia.
Wow, need a tune up, Megaira? That was more misses than I expected. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Train09.png)
Calm down, these things are pretty heavily armoured for supply vessels. Not a touch on me, though.And the misses?
...I blame it all on the wetware. No offense, Ally.Well, there's another target for you already coming in.
Not seen Floaters in a while. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Train10.png)
Shall I call them and ask for them to slow down in case you run out of ammo otherwise?
I'll pretend I didn't hear that.Sarawit, assemble!
What do you mean, too obscure?"Okay, plan is as follows. Mutons are:
- Tough.
- Dumber than bricks.
- As easy to mind control as an actual Gorilla.
Hence, if we get them to drop their weapons, they will, and then not think of picking them up again. So the newbies can get live fire training in."
"...how did you do that with the bullet points?"
"MS Powerpoint, XCOM edition. Don't worry, we recoded it so it's no longer technically a computer virus."
"Okay, if you say so. And is that why you all have the plasmas and we're packing laspistols?"
"Yep. More chance to practice. Don't worry, Mutons are incapable of punching."
"Right, no more questions? Let's get started."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Train11.png)
drop your weapons
sounds fun"Man, but the power cores exploding really did a number on the interior of this thing."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Train12.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Train14.png)
"Damnit, stop moving!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Train15.png)
"Hey, look, someone we missed. Akira!"
on it
"Please use the radio in future!"
"Sorry."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Train16.png)
"Wow."
"What is it?"
"This one can use a satnav. That's about triple the average intellectual abilities of the other Mutons."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Train17.png)
"Ship's empty. Finish off the remaining targets and let's go."
Yes, I know a lot of them survived. But they are very useful for serving drinks in the Psi Officer's canteen. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Train18.png)
"Infiltration". Yeah, riiiight. Probably more like just roughing up South African officials. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Train19.png)
Actually, I wonder if the Muton Leaders can read and write. That would be a remarkable feat, for Mutons. Could help.
Or they just turn a government official into a Chryssalid (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/District_9) or something. I dunno.
Yet Another Stupid Mission."More Floaters. Well, at least the HPs are overkill on these guys. How's their Psi resistance?"
"Pa-thetic. And they can't hide very well either."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Train20.png)
"I see what you mean."
"UFO clear. Now, where's that last-AAAGH! My ARM!"
"COMMANDER!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Train21.png)
"Oh god, oh my GOD this hurts."
"Got the bastard. Blaster Bomb - nothing else seemed appropriate. How's the wound?"
"Painful!""Just calm down, Commander. Here's the wound sealant."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Train22.png)
"That's looking a bit better... though I think we'll have to get the base hospital opinion."
"Careless. I was
too damned careless. Stupid of me - even Floaters carry Plasma weapons..."
"Let's get you home."
...
"I'm out of it for
how long?"
I estimate that you will be once more combat ready in the middle of September."That's far too long!"
On the contrary, it is barely long enough. You've run yourself ragged, Commander, been on nearly every mission we've sent out. Nobody can function at full efficiency for that long - you've more than earned the rest."I don't have to like it, that's all I'm saying."
If it helps, even in Flying Armour you would not have survived that at the start of the year. In fact, only nine soldiers in our entire organization would have been able to tolerate the immediate shock, and few of them the next minute or so - apparently your regular Psi use has buffered your system.
As it does in the Ethereals, in fact.
Ethereal (http://www.ufopaedia.org/images/e/e1/Etherealautopsy.png)
This being is physically retarded and seems incapable of sustaining any life functions.
The muscles are severely atrophied and the internal organs appear to be under-developed. The sensory organs, including the eyes, do not appear to function at all.
The brain, however, is well developed and draws on a high proportion of the body's blood supply. It is a mystery as to how this creature can sustain itself without external support. "Woo. Go me."
Yes, Sarawit is indeed FAR too obscure, being the term used for the regiments of the Kingdom of Aksum/Axum (ruled by the same dynasty and in the same location as the Ethiopia of the 20th century - one of the longest dynasties ever recorded, at circa 4th century BC to 1974 as royal family by line of descent) at the height of their power as a trading nation in the Red Sea.
In the 5th century AD.
Clearly Erwin is following the Belisarius series with rapt interest.
Well, who wouldn't? The Axum are well regarded, as they bloody well should be.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BB01.png)
Not the best of ways to look - or be - intimidating, all things considered.
Now, it's been a while since the last of those Ethereal scouts was blasted, so we have to wonder what comes next.
Brigadier, sir! Alien tracking beacon just flared up in Lake Geneva!
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BB02.png)
Well damnit.
Immediate launch order for the Manus, and I want everyone who can with at least a laser rifle, heavy laser, heavy plasma if we can manage it! Psi amps to the troops who can use them!
Oh, and someone upload R2 into Jacks' armour. If she has to fight, it better be in a moving suit while she concentrates on aiming.
"Actual, this is Allecto, I've spotted the bogey on internals. That speed is insane - good couple thousand knots, arrow straight along a reciprocal of my current course, and I don't think it's stopping."
"Allecto, Actual. Confirm your track. We have a course for you to give you a stern chase, should let you get longer fire time than a closing engagement."
"Got it. Meg?"
Downloading.
Wow, not much into subtlety, are they?
"Not like there's much point in it at the moment."
The Manus Celer Dei blasted off the hedge-hopping course it had been on, curving in a great, seventy-kilometer-radius arc over the northeast of Spain, a vast wingover that led to the tiny (by Alien standards) fighter/transporter dropping neatly back to nap-of-the-Earth flight near the city of Barcelona, sensors locked and in full battle rattle as it shot after the Battleship headed for Switzerland.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BB03.png)
"Closing in. Engaging Synth-link."
Confirmed.
"It's been too long since we did this."
Barely a day. And yet, I agree with you.
Heads up, Ally! They've got US on tracking as well!
"Three seconds to Fusion Ball range."
"Ugh!"
One got through the countermeasures. You okay?
"Yeah... Antigrav really helps with the compensation. Time until we range with the Plasmas?"
Another second or so. But their launcher's cycle time is longer than that.
"Payback time, then."
"Yes! Another hit!"
Secondary explosion!
That was one of the fuel pods. They're not ignoring that one!
Indeed not.
"Ngh... Meg?"
Ally! Are you okay?
"Thnk... Th're attacking me. My mind..."
Please be okay, Ally. I don't want to lose you.
That is not your choice, but ours. None may resist the might of the Jjaro - none may resist the power of a true Commander!
Στη συνέχεια, θα πολεμήσουμε υπό σκιάν!
*gasp* "Phew..."
Ally! You're okay!
How is this possible? Nothing can stand against us!
Well, almost nothing. But then, very few people have a gestalt with a Jjaro cybernetic junction. So, put simply, kindly LEAVE AND NEVER COME BACK!
"What the hell is going on?"
Later. For now, blast that perfidious battleship and its' smug Commander from the sky.
I see a hull breach. Eat this!
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BB04.png)
"Okay. Now, what was that, and who are you?"
I would have thought it obvious. I am Tisiphone.
Tisiphone? One of the Greek furies?
Correct, though of course the name is no more indicative of my origins than yours... Megaira. Put in simple terms, the Avenger is a terrifically potent weapons platform. But the Synth Link required to operate it makes the pilot - and hence the AI - uniquely in danger of Psionic influence at many times the normal range. So, the base built a third, defensive, component. A psionic component, one held within the Jjaro cybernetic junction recovered barely two months ago from a temple in the Yucatan. Myself.
"So we are the Furies, then? But then which am I?"
Simply recall your call-sign, little one, and it will all become clear.
And how do you call Ally "little one"? You're the youngest here, after all!
Not entirely, as my body is the cybernetic junction, and I can access much of its' data. Making me at least a good seventy million-
"Oh, come on! I thought that call sign was a reference to my name!"
Few things are simple. We are so fortunate to have one of those rare beasts... in the pilot's seat.
"Hey!"
I take back all my concerns about her. She's great!
"Et tu, Megaira?"
That's Latin, not Greek. Stick to what fits best.
Well, the only change would be that we'd be the Erinyes instead...
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BB05.png)
And someone tell the lab techs to be ready for me! I lost a lot of armour in that mess.
"I'll do it."
Err... Alicia? Your headset fell off a minute or two ago. How did you hear that?
"Oh, don't tell me psionics is contagious!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BB06.png)
Avenger vs. Battleship: Clear victory.
"And we're down."
"Plasmas at the ready people, things could get hot quick. Apparently there was a Commander in this ship, so it's our job to try and find it. And then blast everything else in sight."
"Lord almighty! That thing's huge!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BB09.png)
"Looks like the Manus blew hell out of it, though. I count two blown power sources and at least one more that might be - I think there's cracks in that armour. Okay, people, move out!"
"What."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BB10.png)
"Is that a giant robot?"
"Yes, Sir, it apparently is."
It is not well shielded, whatever else it is
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BB11.png)
"Okay, I propose everyone apart from Akira buys the beer for the rest of the year, because he just mind controlled a robot. On the first try."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BB12.png)
"Right, based on the memory banks this thing's a horrible opponent. It has a thick Aerogel secondary layer under the outer stuff - which, by the way, is almost as thick as ours - and hence it's nearly immune to plasma fire. It is, luckily for us, not good at all at blocking laser fire - the Aerogel actually lenses it. And I think I can rewire it to get it to fire its' own laser at itself - and the laser's nearly as powerful as our minitank ones."
"Akira scares me..."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BB13.png)
"That was fun."
"Armand, grab the Blaster Launcher. We want the Commander alive, if possible, and he's likely to be on the top floor."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BB15.png)
"The ultimate door opener."
"Uta to Akira. Check my camera feed - I see one."
Got him. And the next one, and-
I will not fall so easily!
Yes, you will. Maybe not normally, but I spoke to Tisiphone. She kicked your mind back into your body so hard your head's still ringing. So I can do THIS!
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BB16.png)
No! What have you done?
I only got your body. I pushed your mind into an unused part of your brain and took control. Now walk outside so the nice Humans can stun you.
I will have the last laugh, pathetic Human.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BB17.png)
Enjoy getting that to answer questions...
"Blast it! Everyone, we lost the Commander - suicide by bodyguard. Fire at will."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BB18.png)
"Damn."
I got it, no worry.
"Do you have any idea how scary it is to open the door and see a Blaster muzzle aimed at you!?"
Sorry.
"And stop using the telepathy already, it makes my teeth itch."
"..."
"Damien?"
"someone help me"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BB20.png)
"this closet is full of giant robot"
"Akira here. I mostly blinded the main sensors, but that won't last long, so RUN LIKE HELL!"
"So, did it work?"
"OW."
"Oh, I see."
"OW."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BB21.png)
"At least it's not as bad as the Old Lady's. You'll be back to normal in a few days."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BB22.png)
"And the Mech's been mission killed. Apparently it couldn't tell the difference between a running man and a moving laser cannon, so it shot its' own arms off."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BB26.png)
"It is moments like this that remind me that we're apparently now more feared by the Alien invaders - that want to kill us all, feed us to Chryssalids and then use the results on another planet - than we fear them. And on that note, BOO!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BB27.png)
So close to catching a Commander... (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BB31.png)
Ah well. Onwards and upwards, and all that.
First job: Find out if that stuff Akira got was accurate.
Can you call it a corpse, really? Eh, whatever. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BB32.png)
Hmmm... Mutons on a Battleship. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BB33.png)
And the Manus is still in for repairs. But technically... in order to infiltrate, you need to land. Right?
Everyone to the Sky Ranger!
The 'ranger bumbled around the southern half of Africa until it caught the BB on the radar.
Close encounter of the third kind? (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BB34.png)
When it landed in Kinshasa, the team were outside the door bare minutes later.
Fun time. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BB35.png)
"Okay, everyone, try to get the Mutons to do the work for you. Just spot them, tell the five of us with Amps, and then follow them into the ship."
Ooh! A happy fun bomb launcher!
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BB36.png)
"Send them in. And keep a lookout for another Blaster Launcher, I have a feeling one's nearby."
"Got it. And there's one up the tube, as well. Let's use 'em!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BB37.png)
...time passed...
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BB38.png)
Eventually the entire BB superstructure just sort of collapsed in on itself and the team took the Elerium and left.
Not bad - wait, WHAT! (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/BB39.png)
X-COM agents in South Africa told us what happened. Apparently, after the government there was approached about turning their coats and refused, the entire legislature vanished overnight apart from an Internal Affairs bureaucrat, who succeeded to the Presidential position on account of the devastation. He was apparently sincerely sorry about his own weakness, and from his comments about "not bein' turned into a fookin' prawn as well" we can assume that the infiltration forces released Chryssalids in the parliament chamber, then destroyed it with plasma fire before the effect spread. Such an event would scar anyone... Well, perhaps not Ms. Keller.
In this light, it is evident that the Mutons we stopped in Kinshasa were not the infiltration team per se, but instead were involved in constructing an Alien base in the south of the continent. Since Mutons do not recognize the concept of leadership among their own race, this means that a Commander will not be forthcoming from this assumed base.
In any rate, we made a net financial improvement despite the withdrawal of the ~$850,000 monthly that South Africa represented.
And now, a message from GLaDOS:
The broken image links were a lie. Cake, however, is truth. Just don't ask about cardboard boxes.
Quote from: Saphroneth on October 29, 2010, 05:07:37 PM
The broken image links were a lie. Cake, however, is truth. Just don't ask about cardboard boxes.
Can I just ask about cardbo... oh.
I swear Erwin's report titles get worse every time...
Anyway,
Hang on. the earlier ones were in Europe. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Tank01.png)
Is a second Ethereal terror mission cycle starting before the first is over? I hope not...
And now Ethereal BBs are hunting Beijing. It might be prudent to get another Avenger set up. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Tank02.png)
At least they're unlikely to find us when that's completed. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Tank03.png)
The small scout was vaped about thirty miles east of Ulan Bator. We're getting less covert every month.
The larger scout in Africa wasn't intercepted in time by the available Interceptors - they ran out of fuel, and the Avenger is still damaged - so the Ranger jumped it when it set down
Going to Ground? (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Tank07.png)
Welcome to El Alamein.
"Standard scout, right?"
"Yep. CABAL, find us a patsy."
Compliance.
Got one.
Earth duty is getting more and more of a reputation...
Shush you.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Tank08.png)
"That's the interior cleared. Anything else?"
"Not that I can see."
*P-chow!*
Taking fire. Glacis plate penetrated, some damage to internals. Responding with extreme prejudice.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Tank09.png)
*P-chow!*
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Tank10.png)
Internals compromised. Crash backup-
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Tank12.png)
"You. Complete. BASTARDS!"
(The remainder of this report has been censored for profanity and violence excessive even for XCOM. Suffice to say, the remaining Ethereal ate a Blaster bomb. Literally.)
Ooh dear. It seems Erwin is getting upset.
Look here, you need to show proper respect for the chain of command!
Ahem. Sorry.
Oh, good. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Tank13.png)
Now we have a secondary interceptor here at CERN.
Sectopod! (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Tank14.png)
So that's what we're calling them. Okay.
Right, and it looks like the laser weakness thing's correct as well. So the Sky Ranger is now carrying two Heavy Lasers until further notice.
Our science team seem to really love this whole detailed analysis thing.
Ew. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Tank15.png)
Though the variety MIGHT be getting to their heads a bit.
I mean, come on. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Tank16.png)
We fitted saddles to them and use them for children's rides! They are just not dangerous. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Tank17.png)
Erwin, did you put them up to this?
I'm sure I don't know what you're talking about.
Not good. Well, in a way it is. The big bosses reduced to Terror attacks? (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Tank18.png)
Wow. We scared them off. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Tank19.png)
Either that or they had no beacon.
First test of the Borealis, the first Firestorm we built. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Tank21.png)
There is only one problem. It ran out of fuel doing the Atlantic cross and back.
Really short range interceptor, this. We might want to start preparing the tripartite crew of another Avenger.
We have a potential called Amber. From Indiana, I think. Want to go with the Mikoto deities this time?
Yeah, that'll be fine. Assign that Avenger to Beijing for the laugh.
Insert explosion. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Tank23.png)
Mission in Quebec.
"Okay, here we go. CABAL, check for Floaters please."
Confirmed. Taking mind-state backup... done. For Kane!
*Sound of a spring twanging, followed by a crash, tinkle, and the sound of a single gear rolling off into the distance*
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Tank24.png)
"Oh, you are kidding me. Where did THAT come from?"
"Found the shooter."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Tank25.png)
"Got his friends, too - and some in the ship."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Tank27.png)
Grenades are fun to play with.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Tank28.png)
"Right. Forced entry, I think."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Tank29.png)
Stun Gun = Fun
whee
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Tank31.png)
"Huh. Anaphylactic shock in a Floater. Strange..."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Tank32.png)
Damn. Looks like that grenade destabilized the Elerium. Ah well, we have over 1000 units of it - incidentally making California and Switzerland major nuclear powers just from our presence - and we grab more all the time.
And Erwin, can the next title be serious?
Okay, look. This is going nowhere.
I'm sorry for whatever I did that raised your ire, okay? Can we just let it go?
Fine. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Tank34.png)
Ooh, nice. So the Cyberdisk has explosion resistance? Oh well, Akira can mind control them now.
Oh for - I thought we got rid of that one! (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Tank35.png)
Afraid not, Brigadier. The beacon appears to only go dormant in close proximity to the Alien ship in this case.
Well, we may as well see how the new combined battle tactics work. Manus Celer Dei and Borealis to intercept!
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Tank36.png)
"We have range."
Wait until our ally comes alongside, little one. Do not fire yet.
Megaira to Borealis. Your speed?
"Don't think I'm going to be able to catch up. You're overhauling us."
Damnit. Base?
CERN Actual here. You have authority to engage.
"Confirmed. Tis? Take out their navigator as soon as we range."
Certainly.
Only one Human craft against this ship? You are fools.
"Tis! Taking fire here!"
Hello, pitiful little Ethereal navigator. Welcome... to the inverted world.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Tank37.png)
It was the damnedest thing. The battleship flew straight into the Tatra mountains. No idea where it bounced, but it's presumably out there somewhere.
hehehehe.
I do find the firestorm amusing.
Wow. Quite the bounce from the East European highlands. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Com01.png)
Yep. That's a Muton base. Might be fun to raid. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Com02.png)
And they're serious about this. Good thing the Mind Shields are up. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Com03.png)
Anyway, time to handle that Battleship.
Get me a commander!
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Com04.png)
Here we go again.
"No such bad luck today. Got him. And his little robot too."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Com05.png)
"Now, where's that self destruct command?"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Com06.png)
"Theeere we go."
"Blast the wall."
"Fire in the hole!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Com07.png)
"Right, everyone. Clear a path for the Commander when we find it."
Impudent humans! I will-
Shut up.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Com08.png)
"Hey, most of the other rankers have Blaster Launchers! Clearing a path."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Com09.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Com10.png)
"That's most of the top floor done."
"Good. Stun rods out!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Com11.png)
OW
"Good work. Move in on the main lift."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Com13.png)
"Hoo-lee crap. That one missed all of us... somehow. CABAL. Blast him."
Gladly.
*Some minutes pass. Fighting dies down. Ethereal commander periodically wakes, tries to mind control, fails and gets tasered. More minutes pass.*
"Where the ruddy hell is that last Ethereal?"
"I have a plan... Get the Spice Girls Greatest Hits CD."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Com14.png)
must...achieve...release...from...music!
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Com15.png)
"Is that a grenade?"
BOOM
"Yep."
Let their Commander see what we do to the Ethereals. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Com16.png)
I am told it mainly involves Telekinesis blockers and exercise. Mind control based exercise.
It's technically good for them.
Oh also we dealt with a downed enemy scout with like two crew. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Com18.png)
It's a good thing the Aliens that are crap are the ones building bases. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Com19.png)
Nice to hear it from the Alien's mouth. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Com23.png)
Er... crap? (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Com24.png)
Budapest, capital of the Huns. Well, Hungary now. Let's show the Xenos bastards what that means. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Com25.png)
Ten seconds. Ready for touchdown. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Com26.png)
"Well, we're down. Anything abnormal?"
"Well, apart from the fact that we feel like we missed two weeks, nothing much."
Battle Reflex Alert!
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Obj01.png)
"Crap, robots over by the shop. Psi support!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Obj02.png)
Someone put Puppetmaster on the speaker, because I feel like a Ghost in the-
"Combat chatter is bad enough. Non combat chatter is worse. But non combat psionics? Shut. Up."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Obj04.png)
"They really got all the Sectopods they could, didn't they."
"They're scared of us. That seems to be the only explanation. We rock."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Obj03.png)
"Gentlemen? I suggest we follow the lead of the Finn irregulars from the Thirty Years' War in this endeavor."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Obj05.png)
"Hakka Paale."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Obj06.png)
"So. Weak to lasers, are we?"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Obj07.png)
"Someone fire the tech crew. Damnit, first mission out of hospital..."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Obj09.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Obj10.png)
"All robots taken care of."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Obj11.png)
"West seems clear!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Obj12.png)
"East clear!"
"What's that noise? Sounds like... screaming."
"West! Go!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Obj13.png)
"That sick bastard. Well, time to show him the flipside of the Golden Rule."
GRENADE BUTTONS ARE FUN
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Obj14.png)
BEEPING GRENADES ARE LESS FUN DROP IT
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Obj15.png)
Excellent, they say. But we couldn't save them all. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Obj16.png)
Well, Colonel Keller is back in Keller bed at the hospital. Perhaps the reason she's so tough is because she is hardened by all the plasma bolts?
Flimsy. Now they seem... flimsy. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Obj17.png)
Meanwhile, in the Beijing base,
Things were happening.
A recent recruit by the name of Amber was being briefed on the nature of combat in and out of atmosphere.
A Jjaro cybernetic junction recovered from the Deccan Traps was being reconfigured to act as a merge partner.
And a second Avenger class ship was being built, complete with a clean shard of the original AI.
As was tradition, the project name was after the similarity in the codenames.
Project MIKOTO. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Obj18.png)
"...confirmed! We have multiple hostiles still moving!"
"One shot, CAM*, danger close!"
"Firing in six, get out of there!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Obj19.png)
"Damnit! How many survived the crash!"
"Not sure, but less now."
"More on the blast area! Covering fire, CABAL!"
Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.
"They're overrunning us! Someone give Psi support!"
"Lob a live CTG*, where doesn't matter. I'll handle the rest."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Obj20.png)
"Looks like this flank is secure. What was that?"
"I walked them all right over the grenade before it went off. Not subtle, but effective."
Taking Fire.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Obj21.png)
Glacis plate thickness reduced. Enemy cover dismantled.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Obj22.png)
Warning! Incoming fire!
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Obj23.png)
Video feed failing. Did... Did I get him?
"Of course you did. Now, go out of Battle Reflex and switch to repulsor one only. And make sure your Survival Center is up to date, a pistol could take your reactor out at this point."
I still function. That is enough.
We have our objective. The Mars base will burn. Even if we have to import oxygen for it! (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Obj24.png)
*Condensed Anti Matter. One of the terms for the Blaster Bomb among the troops.
*Contra Terrene Grenade - the Alien Grenade.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Aveng03.png)
Wow, that one was quick.
Alien TV! Dibs! (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Aveng04.png)
These things rock.
More terror missions from the Alien elite. Who do they think they're terrorizing. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Aveng06.png)
I mean, it's North. Africa. We're not even funded from there apart from Egypt, and they haven't had trouble since turning the Sphinx into a laser battery with some of those Laser Cannons they buy from us.
Good question, actually. Well, nobody this time. Vector in the Borealis for intercept.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Aveng08.png)
"Danger close!"
"We have to get a better pilot."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Aveng09.png)
"Externals clear, get the tin opener."
"You got it."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Aveng10.png)
"Send in another through the hole, we don't need any of them alive."
"Locked and ready."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Aveng11.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Aveng12.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Aveng13.png)
"Whoo! Good secondaries on that one!"
"Akira? You are up."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Aveng15.png)
do the funky chicken and then shoot something i obey now the moonwalk don't push it
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Aveng17.png)
"What just happened?"
"Did... did a robot just bleed to death?"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Aveng18.png)
"Hey, look. One of them survived the crash. And the blaster bombs. And the rampaging mind controlled Ethereals."
"Yeah, now it's really in trouble."
I think that should be enough of those. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Aveng20.png)
Now, at this point we have an important question. The Avenger has 80 equipment slots with the grav dampers needed to prevent the power cores running down, imploding or something equally nasty. So do we take a HP for everyone, which would damn near max the equip list when you consider the medkits and Psi Amps, to say nothing of the Blasters, or do we just Laser up?
Okay, we are officially on a time limit. We need the Izanami and her Fusion launchers to punch out the Cydonia base dome. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Aveng21.png)
And that base can't defend itself against a mob of Ethereals. Damnit.
Well, may as well do a combat drop test of the Manus Celer Dei.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Aveng25.png)
"This ship is brilliant! It even has grav stabilized cup holders!"
I will be the first to admit that I am perhaps a little overengineered. However, it's all good.
What followed was a few minutes of a desperate Plasma gunfight in the darkened village, somewhere in the former Mengkukuo.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Aveng26.png)
Yes, I know it has a proper name, I just like the word Mengkukuo
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Aveng27.png)
Anyway, that was a mere matter of routine.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Aveng28.png)
Promotions! (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Aveng29.png)
Also, the only reason that Akira has not become a psilord and taken over the world - apart from his demeanor, is that he does not outrank Uta Keller. She scares him, like she does everyone else.
Not long before the Commander's up. And then, Cydonia.
Heh. I wondered where you'd gone to...
Ooh, Cydonia's looming over us. ...Hopefully you have more than three days before it destroys the world though. ...Wait. If you did have just three days you have a time machine. I hope that doctor of yours looks good in green. (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/Ptitle6ibfdbcv?from=Main.MajorasMask)
I'm not sure what your question is, regarding Avenger loadout. What would you cram on to the Avenger with the free space giving a few folks laser rifles would grant? Is it the difference between bringing HAL with you and not?
The difference is more that I need Psi amps for the Psi active soldiers (over half the crew), Medikits for nearly everyone (they've saved as many people as my entire casualty list by now, if not more) and blaster ammo for the heavy weapons.
And since loading up everyone with a HP and NO extra ammo is 2 per person and 4 is about the outer limit, I need to downgrade to las for some if I'm to carry blasters for the others.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Raid01.png)
This is the first time we actually saw one on approach. Let's try and catch it on the ground... maybe that'll give us the base coordinates as well as yet more Elerium.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Raid03.png)
Enemy ship has landed in the Kalahari.
Ready Go
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Raid06.png)
Landing area secured.
"Got it. Now, someone make us a keyhole."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Raid08.png)
"Alien commanders usually lay an ambush around the command area of the ships... and intel says that's there."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Raid09.png)
"I think we got him."
"Don't be cocky. They're Mutons, it takes more than you think for them to realize they're dead."
"Okay, everyone, standard search and clear. Send the gorillas on ahead when you spot 'em."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Raid12.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Raid13.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Raid14.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Raid15.png)
"That went pretty well, man."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Raid16.png)
"Armand! Look out!"
"Wha-!"
*Freeem*
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Raid17.png)
"NO!"
DIE
"Is he okay?"
"Not with a hole this big in his throat. Sorry, he's gone."
Another of the old guard, lost. For glowing rocks. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Raid19.png)
Well, this will not stand.
Gather the men. We have our target, we have our objective.
The Muton base will not even burn, because that would imply that there was something left.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Raid20.png)
"Orders, sir?"
"Only one. Burn them all."
"Tanks are advancing, little resistance. Strange floating entities spotted, classified Celatid. They'd be a threat if they didn't have the most potent acid in the world and no sense of ballistics."
Mutons with Blaster Bombs. I have one of you already. Fire the weapons at your own feet.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Raid21.png)
"All of you, burn."
Watch out, Leo! I didn't get that one!
"Gaah! Flash burns... someone be ready for me in the staging area, major wounds here."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Raid22.png)
"We got you, we're not losing another. Though you might have to sit out Cydonia at that."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Raid23.png)
Target identified.
Full cluster there... got them. And a Blaster Launcher there, too? Fun time.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Raid24.png)
"It's better. There's two."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Raid25.png)
"Okay, that seems like we're done. Set the Elerium charge and let's go."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Raid28.png)
The blast scoured the entire desert clean of life for thirty kilometers in every direction. There weren't many civilians left to evacuate.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Raid29.png)
New policy: Lockdown. We respond to terror attacks only. Shoot down the flyers we see, but no ground missions, as we're about up to combat strength for the Manus Celer Dei, and the Izanami-no-Mikoto is nearly at assault readiness, but any loss of psi troops will jeopardize the ultimate objective.
Quote from: Saphroneth on December 07, 2010, 04:31:28 PM
The difference is more that I need Psi amps for the Psi active soldiers (over half the crew), Medikits for nearly everyone (they've saved as many people as my entire casualty list by now, if not more) and blaster ammo for the heavy weapons.
And since loading up everyone with a HP and NO extra ammo is 2 per person and 4 is about the outer limit, I need to downgrade to las for some if I'm to carry blasters for the others.
If you're really trying to save on inventory space, you can probably cut down to one medkit for every 3 or four soldiers, and move it around by throwing it, and slashing secondary weapons off the psis. I don't remember how it works for items over 80 that you move from phase one to phase two, but at the very least, you'll be able to replenish with whatever the baddies have in the Cydonia base, so it's not essential that everyone have heavy plasmas, or even secondary weapons.
We didn't assault any more crashed UFOs. No more desperate fighting in the incongruous corridors of a landed alien vessel in the middle of a field, no more of that.
Instead the troops picked for the Cydonia mission trained, and we all waited for two things.
The Izanami-no-Mikoto to be finished, shaken down, transferred to the US base, and armed with the atomic Fusion Ball launchers, designed specifically to crack the alien base shield.
And for the Commander to be ready.
She'd been in at the start, only seemed right she'd be in at the end.
Okay, now the scientists are just bored. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Call01.png)
They were the only ones. The soldiers were getting tense, worked up, keyed up for the last mission.
And, of course, the pilots were still having a field day.
Borealis downs a Terror Ship. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Call05.png)
Not, of course, that the Firestorm stopped firing until the target was a pile of slag in a lake of glass twenty feet deep. Plasma weapons allow for quite remarkable devastation, if recovery is not an issue.
Mutons. Teh. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Call07.png)
The Izanami-no-Mikoto is complete. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Call08.png)
Amber, Susan and Tsu (Or Amaterasu, Susanoo and Tsukuyomi, as they are known on mission) were transferred to the US base post haste, as the base had finished their shieldbreaker weapons.
Nine days remain. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Call09.png)
And meanwhile Uta Keller was pleased to note that her kill count finally exceeded that of the commander, at 41.
No one else came close.
These things are disgusting. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Call10.png)
And apparently, despite their "venom" being acid that can eat through anything on earth and even UFO hull - natural production of Chlorine Trifluoride (http://pipeline.corante.com/archives/2008/02/26/sand_wont_save_you_this_time.php), Alien biologists are insane - essentially harmless in combat.
They can't calculate ballistic trajectories.
They cannot tell where that blob of anti everything goop will go. So they don't use it.
Dunno about you, but I'm relieved.
Interesting... (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Call16.png)
Lies. All lies. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Call12.png)
Mutons... smart? What are the lab people smoking these days? I know that, thanks to various quirks, the CERN tunnel does have places that are outside any jurisdiction, but come on.
Weapons loaded. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Call13.png)
Chryssalids. Dangerous in close quarters. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Call14.png)
Guess what an underground base on Mars is? Yep, close quarters. Everyone bring a Psi Amp.
Security camera feed, medical bay.
"Well?"
"Physio therapy is complete, no further problems."
"Right. Time for a little payback."
Announcement to all hands.
"Attention, all crew of the Manus Celer Dei.
This is your Commander speaking.
We're about to go on a mission that is perhaps the most noble one any man or woman has ever taken on. This is not about the promotion of one nation above another, not one idea, not one faith.
This is for the survival of all humanity.
I would wish that I knew some of you a little better. I know that all of you have your own reasons for fighting, whether it's for a loved one, or a country, or an idea, or a faith. Maybe you're even just out for yourself.
All of that is fine.
Whatever your reason, it's what makes you human. It's to be treasured. It's what you have that's different from the extraterrestrial bastards that want to blast us back into the stone age for existing.
Nothing more needs to be said, but this.
We came in peace, for all mankind.
We will not make that mistake again.
...
Everyone draw your favoured loadout.
Cabal and GLaDOS to their chassis.
We lift in ten.
Dagaille out.
The Izanami-no-Mikoto and the Manus Celer Dei were both tougher ships than the Ethereal Empire had built or even conceived of, in their thousands of years of existence. The ships rivalled the durability of a Jjaro Super Dreadnought, and were so small and fast as to be nigh impossible to catch.
That said, Cydonia was extremely well defended.
It had to be, to have the chance of fending off the machinations of the mad AI from the future, Durandal, and his S'Pht'Kr. The entirety of reality, of time, was in flux after the cataclysmic battle of Lh'owon and the Humbling of Battle Group Seven, to say nothing of the Trih Xeem and the great gravity station, Aye Mak Sicur.
That attempt to release one of the Sleepers had mostly failed.
Mostly.
It had allowed this one, an attempt to at one stroke obliterate the meddlesome human race and free the W'rkncacnter buried in a deathless state somewhere on their globe.
But things had not gone well thus far, for their very interference had spawned X-Com.
"We're ready for jump back here, everything secured. You?"
"Yeah, green across the board. We just need the Mikoto's ready signal."
You have it. Estimated height needed for Tunnel Drive operation is 32,000 Km.
The Tunnel Drive was a truly remarkable piece of kit. It allowed instantaneous travel across any distance, by transporting the ship using the drive to the next place along a projected line where the gravitational potential energy was exactly equal to the starting point.
It conserved energy, linear momentum, angular momentum and definitely NOT Einstein's Relativity.
"Okay, we are at the required height. Plotting states we'll come in over the Noctis Labyrinthus. From there, we got a flight down the Coprates Chasma before we hit the former ocean basin, and we're in LOS of Cydonia for the last dozen miles."
Transporting in three... two... one...
A soundless flicker, and a new place.
"Crap!"
Battle Reflex Alert!
"They were expecting us! Mikoto, on my left flank. We've got the plasmas, we'll burn you the path."
Psi defences up.
You can count on us.
Each plasma weapon the Manus Celer Dei carried had one hundred shots in the capacitors. Once the two thousand mile running battle had crested the dunes and the objective was in sight, each gun held barely ten.
"Right, we're in position. Remember the plan?"
"Yep! I've trained for nothing else, remember?"
"Good. Okay, firing!"
The plasma fire scattered harmlessly off the Cydonia Main Base shields in a multicoloured firework display. The return fire was a Fusion Ball that detonated barely five hundred metres off the formation's flank.
"Aah!"
"Sunova... Tsu, you get anything?"
Pole One located, firing.
The Izamani-no-Mikoto slammed a Fusion Ball of her own downrange, through the point in the current shield configuration where there was no defence, and the cleansing fire of antimatter wiped one of the Cydonia shield generators off the face of reality.
"We got it!"
"Great, only three to go."
The shields had shifted in their patterns with the loss of that generator, and so the shields had to be probed again.
A total of three more times, the two tiny, deadly craft ran the gauntlet of fire from the base to punch a beyond-nuclear fireball through the shields and weaken that same defence.
Until, finally, they failed. And at almost the same moment, the Mikoto was bracketed by the base turrets.
"Amber!"
Nothing left... I think they're-
"Nothing? At all? Any wreckage?"
No... how strange.
"Strange nothing, that was the Tunnel drive! Clever girl, she went back to Earth in time!"
Her duty is done. Now is ours.
"Yeah, I gotcha. Hey in the back, we're setting down in thirty seconds. Looks like the turrets have shot their magazines dry."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Cyd01.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Cyd02.png)
"Okay, everyone got it? Green pyramid is the teleporter."
"Right. Tanks, give us a perimeter."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Cyd03.png)
You'll be... still alive.
Understood.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Cyd05.png)
Under fire! Sectoid class Aliens detected.
"Well, so much for doing this easily... Psi corps, engage!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Cyd06.png)
"Oh man, we are so lucky. Objective located and marked, Commander! It's barely twenty meters away!"
"Damn, a guard we didn't spot!
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Cyd08.png)
"Neutralize him, quick!"
Too late. He's called in the coordinates, brace for artillery.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Cyd09.png)
"Get moving, people! And someone crack that teleporter open so we can fit the tanks in there!"
"On it, Captain."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Cyd12.png)
"Okay, that's one blaster round, how many are left?"
"Eleven total, but we might want to redistribute the blaster launchers to people with more upper body strength."
Okay, everyone ready? The pyramid won't hold out much longer.
"Use the damn radio, Akira!"
"Yeah, we're fine. You're clear to jump back, Manus. We'll call you when we need you."
Good luck, Commander.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Cyd14.png)
Jump Pad Activation Initiation Start.
*****Transport when ready*****
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Cyd15.png)
"Sunova..."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Cyd16.png)
"That damn thing split us up! Good thing it didn't do anything worse."
"Should be OK, we're within comms range. Okay, everyone, remember there's likely a major psi presence here. Only highly skilled operatives to open their minds for combat."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Cyd19.png)
"Good luck, guys. And keep in touch."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Cyd20.png)
Happy Fun Time Launcher!
"Right, let's see..."
That Chryssalid behind you is scary. You should blow it up.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Cyd24.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Cyd25.png)
"Man, that's satisfying. Follow me, everyone!"
"Zander, wait!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Cyd26.png)
*Thu-kooooom*
"...the alien bastard responsible for that dies. NOW."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Cyd28.png)
Additional xenos battle creatures identified! Some form of silica based entity is also present.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Cyd29.png)
"Commander, I've found the Ethereal responsible."
"Thank you, sergeant."
DIE
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Cyd30.png)
"Uplink... successful! I've accessed all the Sectopods on the floor, transmitting kill command."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Cyd32.png)
"Gaah!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Cyd33.png)
"Thank the lord, it was a Celatid. That gunk's eating the floor, but it's not got on the suit."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Cyd35.png)
"Hey, goopy. Eat this!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Cyd36.png)
"More on the flank. Covering fire."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Cyd38.png)
"This looks promising, it wasn't a part of any of the bases we hacked into."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Cyd39.png)
"Sir, wait. I'll go first."
"You sure, Hans?"
"Sure as anything. Besides, you're the one with the pure psi potential that's shielding us all, right? Compared to you, we're all expendable."
"Okay. Just... be careful."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Cyd40.png)
"Aaaagh..."
"Damn, plasma fire! That was some kind of ambush. I shouldn't have..."
"Calm down, Akira. Besides, didn't you see him messing with the Blaster Bombs? He knew he wasn't coming back."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Cyd41.png)
***momentary interrupt, seismometers measure a major marsquake, seems half dozen blaster bombs detonated at the same time***
"...wow."
"Okay, I'm going up. Don't try to stop me this time."
"Wouldn't dream of it."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Cyd42.png)
"Cripes, this place is a mess. And looks like there's a fully charged heavy plasma..."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Cyd43.png)
Welcome, champion of the younger race.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Cyd44.png)
Welcome... to the true origin of your species.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Cyd45.png)
"So, you are the leader of this alien base. Give me one good reason why I should not just blast you right now."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Cyd46.png)
You know it is true... your very mind reveals unto you the truth.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Cyd47.png)
Come, join us in worship of the great ones that were, and that may still be, aid us, free the Sleeper.
"No."
No? Why? How?
"Because I am Akinori Akira. Colonel of X-Com, and Perfect class Psyker. And you're just not as good as me. Did you think I would miss the mental attack? The tendrils of thought, searching for the command override that your almighty Sleeper put there? It's not there anymore, I found it and removed it. Face it, you've only crystallized my resolve."
No! I can show you-
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Cyd48.png)
"Feh. Never trust a creature that's all brain."
krrskkrrk-* Commander? Anyone down there?
"Hi, Meg. Yeah, we're mostly here. Two down, unrecoverable, sadly. But we've won."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/Cyd49.png)
"...what was that about command override?"
"Hope you never find out. Now, I need to see someone about setting up contingencies, I think I got most of that brain's vital info before I zapped it."
Huzzah!
See, Cydonia isn't that tough.
Lucky me that those Celatids have Throwing Accuracy 0, though, or they might have torn me up. 140 AVERAGE damage on that damn acid...
And yeah, there was a deal of luck lined up there. First the exit pyramid on the surface so close, then the fact that I had my troops spread out when the Blaster came in (which had only happened that turn)...
Could have gone very differently. Luckily, it didn't.
Now, time to get the antacids for TFTD. T'Leth is horrible...
For a challenge, you could try re-doing it with only Akira, one champion of humanity against the toughest base the aliens have :P
EDIT-
Are the celatids really that inaccurate? Although tbh, I don't remember losing people to them all that often. And come to think of it, on the rare times I've grabbed them, I tend to miss when I fire their acid blobs, so maybe they are. But I'm sure I've nailed a few mutons at terror sites with them.
I have the suspicion that their (grenade trajectory) weapon is in fact modelled AS a grenade, meaning that their Throwing Acc zero (on easy) cripples them.
It's possible to hit with them as the player, sure, but that trooper took two shots, both in his square, neither hit.
Oh - think I should do TFTD in the same thread or start a new one?
Keep the same thread. Might as well - but change the topic of the first post, I think.
... also, include a link to the new sequence in the first post. That'd be nice and friendly and stuff...
And here's the start of part II of the XCOM saga. Terror From The Deep, infamously so hard that for several years there was a rumour that the game was locked on Superhuman. It's not, Easiest really feels like that.
Casualty list:
Sylvie Dreyfus (Seaman)
The enemy classified Gill Men, on a terror mission in Tonga. Her sacrifice let us prevent a possible grenading of the entire mission team.
Danni Carlos (Able Seaman)
Unfortunately, everyone mistook him for a girl thanks to the name. Worse was that after... his? Yeah, his death, there wasn't really enough for people to tell easily.
Galina Chipov (Able Seaman)
Damn Gill Men. This one apparently disguised itself as a stanchion or something, and ambushed her in the engine room. Wouldn't have been a problem if we could get some actual flying suits...
Victor Bakeovich (Seaman)
Fate worse than death. Presumably. Molecularly controlled on the first Alien Colony raid and left behind in the emergency dustoff.
"Asteroids... Pandora... Polis Massa... Submarine recovery..."
"What? Submarine recovery? Does that even exist?"
"Hehe, yeah. It's where they send the... difficult personalities. Gets them out of the way and three klicks below sea level."
"There must be some mistake."
No mistake, Cadet Johnston. You are assigned to the Grand Banks base of the sub-aqua division of XCOM, effective immediately.
"Figures. Top score in the unit, and what do I get? Scut work."
The base transport was roomy, to a degree. Smaller than the training Skyranger, perhaps, but still quite adequate. Though when Uma Johnston discovered that her new assignment was as one of the combat ready troops using a harpoon gun in case of trouble in UFO salvage operations, she nearly blew a lid.
Until she met the base commander.
Akinori Akira was a well known figure on Earth, perhaps the most well known short of the Terrible Two who'd commanded XCOM on the ground and in space, but his prominence had lessened somewhat after his death in a crash in 2037.
Clearly this had been subterfuge.
"Rest assured, miss Johnston, this is no make work assignment. I can personally reassure you that not one UFO in the first war was shot down over water or even on the beach. The recovery operation is merely a cover.
No, we have more pressing matters to deal with, matters which you may or may not learn of. I hope that this is merely a vigil that will not be tested, but such luck is unlikely.
And we can't request the big guns, I'm afraid. We have an official position with the American Alliance military as an underwater weapons testing unit, hence we get good kit for underwater action, but plasmas, lasers, even Elerium fuel would indicate our presence. And I hope we are not noticed.
The thing we may have to fight would be drawn by belief, and our very power structure may be infiltrated."
The grizzled old veteran smiled warmly. It was easy to forget that this was the man who had forced a Gou'ald to self destruct on contact, who had led the invasion of Minerva.
The man who had thrown an assassin's bullets back through the sniper's own scope.
"But enough of doom and gloom! Get yourself stowed away and we'll see what you prefer from our admittedly meager selection of shooty things."
That is not dead which can eternal lie/And with strange eons, even death may die (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD101.png)
This is the location of the X-Com deep base. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD102.png)
It's kinda small, I suppose, but then we are trying to be covert at the moment. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD103.png)
Though the whole idea of covert ops seems to sit ill with the idea of fighting off an Alien invasion. And we've got only a short team.
Only (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD104.png) eight (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD105.png) troops (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD106.png) as (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD107.png) of (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD108.png) yet. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD109.png) Reinforcements, (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD110.png) please. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD111.png)
Still, that's a better showing than the guns.
Covert operations plus underwater action gear equals not fun.
Crap. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD112.png)
Better. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD113.png)
Usable. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD114.png)
Underwater. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD115.png)
Underwater also. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD116.png)
Handy! (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD117.png)
Taser? (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD118.png)
Welcome to the Grand Banks. You'll be here a while.
Well, looks like the base command's suspicions bore fruit.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD119.png)
At least they go down easy.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD120.png)
Though we'd better switch in the DUP heads on both attack subs, in case this isn't an isolated incident. There may well be escalation, and bigger subs could eat AJAX torps and keep coming.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD121.png)
"Okay, people, look sharp. We're trying to get hold of a submersible variant of the minitanks from war one, but no dice so far. So we're the scouts."
"Open order, move/overwatch in groups, report any sightings."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD122.png)
"There!"
"Fall back, let everyone else have a pop at it."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD123.png)
"God, the accuracy on these things is pathetic, and the muzzle velocity's not much better."
"This has a little more oomph to it..."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD124.png)
"Anything else on acoustics?"
"Negative. Nice work, everyone."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD125.png)
"So we have a tiny little scout USO, one crewman, and he's carrying an assortment of sound based weaponry. Brilliant."
Promotions:
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD126.png)
I fixed your links.
Damn, I forgot to check. What was wrong with them?
img url=http://... doesn't work too well.
I'll be following this one a bit better this time. Good luck!
They could not live. But although They no longer lived, They would never really die. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0201.png)
Good news at least, more weapons have arrived. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0202.png)
Since the capture of Alien life forms was eventually important in the first war, then in this one it may be so again. Tasers are to be issued to the entire crew, in the hopes of achieving a capture once the containment unit is available.
This brings us up to ten troops, and - (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0203.png)
WOW! (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0204.png)
Seaman Danni Carlos is apparently ex-SAS, one of the Thousand-yard-stare jobs. Well, XCom has always been open to recruits from all walks of life, more so for this lot. And we'll need that skill soon.
Priority is getting the Alien weapons working and duplicable. As in the first war, we suspect the Alien's knowledge of their environment exceeds ours, and to be honest anything would be better than a flippin' harpoon gun. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0205.png)
New target. Good thing the Coelacanth arrived... (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0206.png)
Oh, the Coelacanth. Turned out that in the thirties some wackjob had an underwater tank series built. We took the harpoon cannon option, in case we ever have to work above water. I consider it all too likely.
"Okay, everyone, stay sharp and let the SWS go first. We're entering hostile domain here."
"Got'cha. And everyone got their spare clips? Sound off."
*Series of acknowledgments.*
"Good. Imrahil?"
Ready to serve.
Target seen!
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0207.png)
"Another one of the Stingray rejects. Now-"
"Sorry, ma'am? Stingray?"
"No appreciating the classics today, I swear. It's a Gerry Anderson sci fi series, you should see it. Very relevant to our current situation."
"I'll take your word for it."
"Suit yourself. Eat harpoon!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0209.png)
"Nice shot, ma'am."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0210.png)
How did this thing move at supersonic speeds underwater without tidal waves?
"Advanced technology?"
Clearly. Moving in.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0211.png)
One has exited. For Dol Amroth - Alert. Taking Fire.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0212.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0213.png)
Conclusion: Multiple hostiles. Glacis plate thinned ~50%. Weapon analysis suggests sonics.
Also, OW.
"Fall back, Imrahil! We can provide cover as soon as we arrive, just hold on."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0216.png)
Revenge!
"Okay, on three."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0217.png)
"GO!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0218.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0219.png)
"Mission success, and this one's a bigger ship too!"
"We have a power source, more weapons - and I think this one's still alive!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0220.png)
"Too bad, no containment facility yet. Deliver the coup de grace... able seaman."
*Thoonk*
I wonder where I can source apocalyptic style poetry... could be a hard find even with the Lovecraft stuff all being online.
How do you define apocalyptic style, though?
I mean, I can write death haiku, if you want. That's probably not the same thing...
The first chapter start quote is from the Necronomicon, the second from I think the Mountains of Madness. Good old Lovecraftian stuff, it fits the game.
And that's what I need a little more of.
Just the source of most of the common quotes would be nice, really... that or I try and find an RPG sourcebook of the right pedigree...
... Paranoia?
Crud Terror Mission Gillmen Everywhere Oh God Oh God...
Permission to savescum this one?
If I do, that makes me a shoo-in for the advanced armour that is mandatory for T'Leth.
But it will also mean time itself fractures into a million pieces...
You mean you hadn't already been doing the wibbly-wobbly effect?
What happens if you don't?
Horrible, horrible death, lots of.
And this mission is the first save/reload I've done since... ooh... probably about the arrival of the Mutons.
They were first made once more aware by the great psionic pulse of the death of the local Ethereal command node. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0301.png)
And They began seeking the awakening of their master.
More scientists have arrived. Apparently they're working on the Alien sonic weapons. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0302.png)
Anything's better than the damn Jet harpoons.
Well, the Gauss tech's only marginally better, one of the scientists slapped another when he heard that plan. Lasers with tiny ammo capacity and less punch? No thanks.
No rest for the wicked. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0303.png)
Hang on, it's started moving. Interception please!
It's strange as hell watching a submarine take off and fly cloaked over Quebec and Acadia.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0304.png)
"Huh. Crashed aircraft. Who knew?"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0305.png)
Interesting. I'll clear some of the terrain, give better line of sight.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0306.png)
"What the hell?"
"My ears hurt..."
"I can't help feeling that we should carry around hunks of aircraft part, seems they're better explosives than our magna blast tech."
"Over there! The fuselage!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0309.png)
"I see it."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0310.png)
"Another one bites the dust. Looks like that's the only hostile still moving."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0311.png)
"And more of this green gold crud. What the hell is it?"
Wasn't much time to relax after that mission.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0312.png)
Those links don't appear to work. Looking at the dir, there's no images actually loaded that match those names...
"Everyone look sharp. There are civilians present, though apparently the Commander's going to mindwipe anyone who's left after the mission to prevent a panic."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0313.png)
What.
"Heh, looks like Stingray was right!"
"Another one, near the left wing! We're surrounded!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0315.png)
"Not on my watch."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0316.png)
"Okay, time for action - crap, missed. This won't be fun..."
"What the hell? It's like some sort of...ergh, I don't even know."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0317.png)
"That Gillman's powering up a shot!"
"Bye, guys, see you on the other side..."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0318.png)
"Damnit NO! Sylvie!"
"You'll pay for that..."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0319.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0320.png)
"Guys, I'm getting this back to the sub. We could be in deep trouble here, this is at least something."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0321.png)
"Request fire support, I'm pinned here!"
"You've got it, give me a sec..."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0322.png)
"Thanks, man."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0324.png)
"No problem."
"Moving north, this building clear - ogod."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0325.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0326.png)
"That was not a happy sight, Sonics leave a terrible mess..."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0328.png)
Avengeance!
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0330.png)
"Okay, everyone, check your ammo reserves. No point going in with one shot left, after all."
"So we're sure?"
"Yeah, the rest of the island's clear. They're all in that building there."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0331.png)
"Hey, Marc? Pop a grenade in the place, would you? I feel it'd be a bad idea not to."
"Sure, whatever."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0332.png)
"Ensign Cook here, I'm preparing to bring the entire facade of the building down."
"Go for it."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0333.png)
"Jackpot. Hold still..."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0334.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0335.png)
"Can we have an entry path, please ma'am?"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0336.png)
"Thank you."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0338.png)
"Commander! Hostile count?"
Krug's just reached the last Gillman, two Deep Ones left also.
"Praise the myopia of a deep sea race!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0341.png)
"Not many bolts left in this thing..."
Ensign Ramirez! Position?
"Just peachy, sir."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0342.png)
"Live Deep One obtained."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0343.png)
Area secure.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0344.png)
Good work, everyone. And let's see if we can rework those plastics in the Deep One for our own use.
Yeah, sorry about that. The pics have been sent but they're not up yet, and I decided to post now - as it's a stonker of an update - rather than wait.
Skype's being annoying, essentially.
I know what the pic addresses WILL be, since they're always in the same pattern, so I wrote it with my copy of the saved pics. Now waiting on VAE to receive the last pic of the batch and upload them.
Indeed it was - a stonker, I mean. It made much more sense after the images were finished uploading. ;-]
Working on the next update, probably it'll be up later today.
In the meantime, I found this which I think can go here - it certainly fits the general theme of TFTD.
English fandub of Cruel Angel's Thesis. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5cz0V18_7s)
It fits so very well - everyone dies due to attack by "supernatural" beasties, and all that.
Ooh, the Evangelion theme song.. Yeah, that anime had soooo much supernatural beastie stuff. Makes sense the theme song would have it as well.
Sorry, may be no update for some time. VAE is possibly incommunicado in Slovakia. Either that or he's just not got his internet set up there yet.
If first, then there won't be one until the new year. If second... it'll be perhaps a day or so.
It's okay. We're not under any particular time pressure.
... Well, other than "post more frequently than once every two months", that is. ;-]
In case nobody's mentioned yet, Terror From the Deep really is the worst thing, and I'd argue it's worse than Enforcer ("Hurry, Enforther! Purge my lab of these inthidiouth invaderth! :B") and Interceptor. At least those were doing something different, albeit crappy; TFTD is literally a palette swap of X-Com, and even if the game hadn't shipped with crippling research tree bugs and difficulty issues, it still would've sucked since the designers got the genius idea of making two-part terror missions on cruise ships. You have to search every little nook and cranny for each alien, some of them spawning in rooms without doors so you have to blow up every wall, and when you head to the second part there's a chance that your soldiers will magically lose random equipment from their inventory.
If you thought searching for the last alien in bases or supply/battleships was annoying, you haven't seen anything yet.
Literally the only thing it did better than UFO Defense was make it so you could open doors without walking through them, but the UFO Extender mod adds that and more anyway.
I'd say that it's nice in that it's a guaranteed hard mode (Even Steam XCOM apparently defaults to easy, my playthrough certainly did.) and the weapon choice, while worse in almost every way except for the lovely, lovely drills, at least is different.
Essentially, there's enough change in layouts and the difficulty is much greater - remember that I stomped Cydonia and that was my first go - so that it can be considered more than a mere pallette swap.
Could have done with more work, but it's by no means something entirely to miss.
(Besides, for some terror missions I will be following Guava Moment's guide to Terror Missions, which is essentially:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WziO005uM3g
"Captain of the MV Freedom of the Seas, welcome aboard X-COM, good to see you could make it"
"This is X-COM leader Zander, what sort of infestation do you have"
"Well, they look kind of like lobsters, and--"
"Yeah, fuck this, we'll file the insurance claim for you, lifting off now, Zander out"
Or, in other words, DON'T.)
Stun weapons can knock the lobstermen out, and once they're on the floor, grenades can usually kill them. You lose the corpse this way though.
And of course late game, there are the drills :mwaha
Quote from: Saphroneth on December 20, 2010, 11:23:46 AM
(Besides, for some terror missions I will be following Guava Moment's guide to Terror Missions, which is essentially:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WziO005uM3g
*rotfl*
One can only hope They do not find us. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0401.png)
At last, a worthwhile weapon. Things are looking up. Now, how do you reload it? (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0402.png)
Pity it takes a few days to decipher Alien safety instructions... ah well.
At least the council of vagueness think we're doing OK. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0403.png)
And the sonar picked up a new contact. Wow, that was quick. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0404.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0405.png)
Looks like a larger crew this time. Forward, men!
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0406.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0407.png)
"How the hell are you that good with a harpoon gun?"
"Practice, try it sometime."
"Thanks for the advice."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0409.png)
"Wow, it does work!"
"USO spotted."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0410.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0411.png)
"I think I see where the hull was breached, possible entry point marked."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0412.png)
Our foe await in ambush by the conventional entrance.
I will prevent his-
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0413.png)
Shots missed.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0414.png)
Hull damage! Falling back.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0415.png)
"Imrahil, what are you doing! Get away from the main door before something happens to you!"
I still function, that is all.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0416.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0417.png)
"Damnit, no!"
"You will be avenged."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0419.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0422.png)
"Got the little monster, clear here."
That could have gone better. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0423.png)
Sonic Blastas now available. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0426.png)
Well, these look pretty neat, at least.
And apparently we might be getting armour sometime soon. The boffins think the Deep Ones we retrieved from Tonga might hold the key to the workings of the mysterious Aqua Plastics.
To work, gentlemen. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0427.png)
Oh, done already? (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0428.png)
Save the tortoises! (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0429.png)
We don't have the armour yet... everyone deploy with the Sonic Blastas, it's a good opportunity for a field test.
Well, we've arrived. Hang on... (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0430.png)
"What NITWIT ordered the underwater-only tank?"
Lancelot reporting... is everything alright?
"Ergh... Lancelot du lac, that makes sense. Well, no sense complaining now."
Ah, welcome back Saph! And dang, poor tank :<
Cydonia Actual knew it was doomed. But it could at least revenge kill the planet of the infernal Humans... (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0501.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0503.png)
Forsooth, our foe!
"Someone take a note. Next tank AI is from a modern fantasy series, I want a lot less forsooth, and a little more plain English."
"Duly noted, sir."
"Everyone got their blastas charged up?"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0504.png)
"These. Things. Are. Awesome!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0505.png)
"Stay sharp, people."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0506.png)
"Tango on the southwest perimeter! Someone get a shot off before-"
thoonk
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0507.png)
"Well, I suppose the humble harpoon gun isn't totally useless."
Alert!
"We lost the newbie! And at least one other, sniper on the roof!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0508.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0509.png)
"Looks like they've been cryogenically flash frozen. This is a reverse engineered thermal taser effect... these aliens are learning from us, that's not fair!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0510.png)
"Hey, at least they're still alive."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0511.png)
"Please tell me I get a blasta next time, I'm running through far too many harpoons here."
"Eastern map half clear, three more down and out."
"Got it, checking south perimeter."
"The hell?"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0515.png)
"Are we on Easter Island or something?"
"Huh. That's weird."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0517.png)
"Another down, looks like the rest are holed up in the mansion."
"Understood - ah!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0518.png)
"Danni!"
"Claire here, that one... got me too. I'm... badly hurt, but the suit sealed the wound. Danni... she wasn't so lucky."
"Understood, we'll be back for you. Everyone?
"Take them."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0519.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0520.png)
"Area secure. Get the paramedics in, now!"
Activate PR machine! (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0521.png)
That went well...
Turns out that the sonic blastas are quite power intensive, but we can manufacture more clips for them with our Zrbite stocks. That's not the issue, really. The issue is the relentless soldier turnover. We need two more troopers for the base, now. One for the injured Claire King's spot... one for Danni's.
So both our subs and the aliens' can fly. Why are they "subs" again? (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0522.png)
Calling skydiver... oh, wait, wrong series based off alien invasions being fought off with a high casualty rate. And that one was another Gerry Anderson! Was the man psychic? (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0523.png)
Seriously. I am starting to wonder if Gerry Anderson was a T3 or better clairvoyant.(cf. civilian classification; T3 refers to Psi 90-95 in specified field. For comparison, the current commander is T1 telepathy and telempathy, T1 mind war, T2 small scale kinetics and T7 large scale kinetics, with T10 or worse in other fields.).
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0602.png)
"Where the hell are we? I don't remember there being anywhere on Earth you can have molten lava in contact with ocean water, let alone off the coast of County Donegal."
Avaunt! A Knight Does Not Die With Empty Hands!
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0603.png)
"You missed."
A Knight Does Not necessarily have very good vision.
"Tango, south! Take 'em!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0605.png)
"Nothing like a one gauge bullet to handle aliens."
"Another target, further west, one of the sonic gunners handle it."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0606.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0608.png)
"Johnston here, I think an Aquatoid popped a pulser to avoid being taken alive. Bit of a twit, really..."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0609.png)
"This is one hell of a sniper position I found."
"Enemy taking potshots at me, request assistance!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0610.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0611.png)
"You have it."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0612.png)
"We found the sub, everyone converge on location."
Ah. Er, I may have a problem there.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0613.png)
"Oh, for... how did you even do that?"
I am not entirely sure. It may have involved an octopus.
"Whatever. Hey, sweet shot!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0614.png)
"There's only one left, nail 'im as he comes out."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0615.png)
"And that's a wrap. Nice work, everyone, no casualties there."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0616.png)
Base command agreed. That's Lt. Cook now.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0617.png)
I say again. Who the hell are we funded by? (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0618.png)
Ah well... at least we are funded.
New recruits! (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0619.png). Deborah (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0620.png) and Rodriguez (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0621.png).
Oh, neat.
Aqua Plastics! (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0622.png)
Apparently we can make it into things as well. It involves singing. Basically, the stuff is Wraithbone. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0623.png)
And we know how their engines work as well.
That description makes very little sense. I'm sure that's not enough power to explain transsonic speed underwater. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0624.png)
Why are you doing live alien studies? (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0628.png)
I told you to work on armour, and... what? We actually need to study the least armoured alien we have found so far to manage making power armour? HOW?
Oh.
Eheurgh... they're altered humans? And we need to know how the neural links work?
Disgusting, but I suppose it's lucky we stunned one on that Terror mission then.
M.C? What's M.C? (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0629.png)
It's not that ridiculous command override thing in all terran life, is it? Christ, and I thought they weren't stupid enough to...
They made humans - all humans - connected to their own mental command and control link.
Right, as soon as possible get to work on back hacking that. But handle the armour first.
Good, a distraction. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0633.png)
Let's test the new armour. To the sub!
MC Lab
where they peform research on Time Stop, Hammer Space, and deflective shielding.
I had forgotten the "Dense, yet light" line for the Aqua Plastics. Sounds a lot better than "thin", that's for sure.
And Pshhh. Most of your funding should be coming from flogging alien stuff. Who needs the council? :D (Although I never was brave enough to try the game where you eventually let the entire funding council go under and try to survive solely off of alien scavenging)
In this game, as I rushed Sonics and skipped Gauss, I have no super-quick money scheme like Gauss Cannons. I may rectify that later, but for now the monthly stipend is more than enough.
But it does mean I have people with double digit kills.
I may get Particle Disturbance Sensors in there somewhere in my frantic rush to Mag Ion Armour, as that's highly profitable.
Usually I've found that my engineers are busy making stuff for usage, not sale. I was really talking about directly selling the stuff you recover from UFOs. (But I'm a dweeb who likes to tail the UFOs so I can assault them on the ground intact, thus ensuring you'll have more power sources than you'll ever need and the navigation is worth a lot too.)
"Stay sharp."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0701.png)
"We don't know how many of them are out there."
For the Round Table!
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0702.png)
"Nice work. That's what, two?"
I believe so.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0703.png)
"USO identified. It's a small one."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0704.png)
"Another hostile guarding the approach to the USO. Get a flanking position and - Pulser!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0705.png)
"Okay, definitely take that one out from long range."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0706.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0707.png)
"Heh, the harpoon gun is not so bad, yes?"
Not much to recover, there... ah well. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0708.png)
USO buzzing the Faroes. Send one of the attack subs. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0709.png)
Buzzing? Whatever.
Anyway, the USO was downed, but another one appeared shortly afterwards. Since the second attack sub didn't have the endurance to intercept it after being sent out shortly beforehand, the transport sub handled the mission by intercepting USO-09 on the sea floor.
Ambush in the waters of the Arctic. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0711.png)
"Watch out, there's tumbled terrain close to the touchdown site."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0712.png)
Enemy in the hills. Exercise caution.
And another on the starboard flank of the sub. Firing.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0713.png)
"There's the would be ambusher!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0714.png)
"Okay. This is King, I'll move ahead and scout."
"You see anything?"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0715.png)
"Yeah."
"Everyone fire! Fire! Fire! Fire! Fire!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0716.png)
"Phew. That's a lot of ammo downrange but... we hit them."
"Guys? You're not going to believe this."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0717.png)
"We missed one?"
"No."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0718.png)
"We didn't."
Contact! Sub found.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0719.png)
It's... quite big.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0720.png)
"Holy hell, is the one we sunk like that as well?"
"Good news is that the door's big enough for the SWS."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0721.png)
"Oh. Well, damn."
"Everyone exercise caution. We know there's high ranking aquatoids in there, so take it nice and slow."
Alert! This is Akira. Be advised, there are aliens on board the USO with Molecular control ability.
"Thanks. Okay. Plan P, don't give them time to get settled. On the bounce, people!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0722.png)
"Engine room clear."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0723.png)
"Starboard gantry clear."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0724.png)
"Port main chamber clear - hang on, another by the door..."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0725.png)
"That's better."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0726.png)
"Starboard main chamber clear."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0727.png)
"What the hell?"
That's one of the high ranking Aliens! Stun it while you can!
"Thermal tasers, people!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0728.png)
"Yep, that's a navigator."
"Ship is now in our hands. Nice work, everyone."
This was a good haul. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0729.png)
So we have an Alien with navigational training, and a complete Hunter class ship to be broken up for parts. Not bad.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0801.png)
"Where are we now?"
"Looks like that Hunter we shot down sank near the oil fields in the North Sea. Watch your fire, people."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0802.png)
"Contact! Twelve o'clock high."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0804.png)
"...what did we just say about watching your fire?"
"Hey, it worked."
Another here.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0805.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0806.png)
"Damnit, careful people! Our mission is to clear out the Xenos, not to wipe an entire oil field off the map."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0809.png)
"That's another, makes what, five?"
"Yeah, nice work..."
"Scott? You okay?"
"help."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0810.png)
*crackle-fzzzt!*
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0811.png)
"You sure this is what he meant?"
"Hey, whatever works."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0812.png)
"Another one bites the dust."
"Nice work, now we need to curl around the flank and clear the door to the ship-"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0813.png)
"Debs!"
She has fallen, I am afraid.
"I got a sniper position here through the hole the DUPs made. And I think I see an Alien engineer."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0815.png)
"Claire? You okay?"
Damn, they accessed her override level one. They triggered her fight/flight response.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0817.png)
"Everyone stay clear of her until she recovers, then."
"Okay, assault team in position. Go!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0820.png)
"Ship clear, only a couple aliens left."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0821.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0823.png)
"There's the last one, and - hang on, what-"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0826.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0827.png)
Warning. Error. Salt water detected in survival center. Armour compromised. Magazines compromised.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0828.png)
I must flee, my apologies.
"I'll handle it... damn..."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0829.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0830.png)
In addition to the loss of rookie Deborah Bonal, we also lost Ensign Spanburg. He had recovered from the stun hits a few minutes after they were administered, and tried to help in the cleansing.
He was caught in the titanic blast from the weapon classified P.W.T, which annihilated an entire drilling rig in a colossal waterspout, and came within inches of destroying Lancelot's backup survival center.
His tank is being rebuilt.
We need some kind of progress on how to at least screen people for MC resistance.
(Sorry about the lag in posts, this last bit made me feel awful. There was no sense of achievement in it.)
Shiny. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0901.png)
X-COM armour: thicker on the back. We're experienced with mind control here.
Damn hardpoint limits. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0902.png)
What possessed us to build a flying submarine and then forget to stick a gun on it that works in atmo?
Probably the same people who built an underwater minigun, come to think of it.
Replacements. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0904.png)
Accurate. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0905.png)
Twitchy. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0906.png)
Brave? (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0907.png)
Sniper. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0908.png)
Marathon runner. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0909.png)
Finally! (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0911.png)
Right, everyone in the sub. And those with the nice new power suits, do remember to put them on.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0912.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0913.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0914.png)
Well, that was easy.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0915.png)
Survival brings promotions. As does being here first and having people to boss around.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0916.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0918.png)
Call Nimitz and Spruance, somebody.
...hang on, attack on Midway? Not only is the place is one big military base, but it's a PDC. Those things are abandoned. They're only activated if there's an Ethereal fleet coming in over the hyper limit, and this one isn't even important - it's more to prevent a small area of open air from being out of LOS of any PDC batteries, rather than any actual protective need.
But, we're told to go and go we shall.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0919.png)
At least NERV... I'll call them that for now... think we're doing well. Presumably we're not going to have to build an EVA yet.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0920.png)
...crap.
We are not going to be able to make it there - the transporter's already at Midway, and there's not the time to make it back for refuel beforehand.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0921.png)
I'm making the executive decision to abandon the Midway op on the grounds it could cause unnecessary casualties - the dropship was hit on the way in, and we nearly lost Lance - and that means both Alien attacks go off. We lose one civilian ship, Midway PDC, and a lot of credibility with NERV.
On a related note, we need some equivalent of the old Hyperwave Decoder, and perhaps a new base or two.
Some days it's not worth getting out of bed. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0922.png)
Take a look at the current scan.
There are at least FOUR USOs buzzing around the Arctic. Based off first War alien conduct, that's practically diagnostic of a base. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0924.png)
I sort of meant we needed a new base of our own, not an Alien one...
Forward, to glory!
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0925.png)
"...I feel rotten now."
"Eyeballed the bustard!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0926.png)
"Anything else?"
"Negative."
"Damn it... we lost Lancelot through the only survivor of the crash. This has not been a good month."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0927.png)
At least we're making progress on something to do with all the Zrbite.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD0928.png)
PDC: Planetary Defense Centre. These structures range in size from underground bunkers the size of a block of flats through partially hollowed mountains like Mt. Dagger all the way up to the spectacular Geofront beneath the hills near Todai university. They are, broadly speaking, the modern equivalent of the Maginot Line, and intended to render the Earth all but unassailable.
Every PDC contains a Hyper wave decoder and point defensive weaponry capable of swatting the entire Fusion Ball loadout of the Cydonia fleet of the first war, from archaic water cooled chainguns all the way up to pulsed fire grasers. Every single station also has a minimum of one offensive direct fire weapon, usually a plasma cannon in the PDC-1 centres. The PDC-8, the Geofront, is the first location in the known universe to carry a gravity cannon, which it was once estimated could not only track but hit and pulverize Nereid.
PDC-2 and above also carry missile weaponry. The PDC-2 and 3 have silos with ready launch bomb pumped lasers, able to inflict a graser hit on a target from a 40,000 km standoff range. PDC-4 to 6 use Fusion Balls, and the PDC-7 and 8 use the most potent weapon in the entire arsenal. The Hyper Missile.
Hyper Missiles employ energy state matching by manipulated gravity to Tunnel Drive inside their targets, incidentally inverting their matter nature as they do so. An Ethereal Battleship targeted by a Hyper Missile would be instantly destroyed as a lump of antimatter the size of a car appeared within the main ship.
PDC-3 and above have passive defences, usually ECM that fuzzes their energy signature to make them hard to localize. Most missiles launched at a PDC with ECM will miss, some will self destruct and one in twenty will reverse course.
It is to the PDC-5 and above to carry the shield generators, capable in normal operation of generating a shield that encloses the stratosphere and bends incoming light paths to the planet, rendering them impossible. The shield, in operation, glows a faint azure blue - like the sky on a summer's day. This shield is also capable of taking repeated non energy weapon blows, and fusion balls in ten shot salvos force the shield down only a kilometer.
Finally, in PDC-6 to 8 is the true pride of the system. The Hyper Limiters. These devices render the operation of any form of FTL unable to return to realspace within the field - subspace is partitioned off, hyperspace ships return to 3+1 dimensions and tunnel drives do not see potentials within the field. This field is coordinated with the Hyper Launchers, allowing for picosecond pulses of the field rendering enemy ships vulnerable. The field normally covers the atmosphere out to the thermosphere, but on full blast covers the entire orbit of Jupiter.
X-COM is very very serious about the defense of Earth.
Midway is a PDC-1 covering itself, lending extra weight to beam salvos, and making it even more impossible to drop a tusnami trigger in the oceans of the Pacific. It is essentially a good example of redundancy.
Additional note: Most of the time, the power grid of Earth supplies 20% of it's power to the PDC network. This is adequate to keep the Ai gestalts on normal processing, the Hyper Limit at standard and the detectors ticking over. In full operation (not yet ever actually performed, though over half the network goes active every new year for systems check) the net would consume over five times the total power generation of the planet. When the weapons were not firing.
This is the reason for the Core Tap.
The Core Tap is an example of pure insanity at work. It is a stable wormhole with one end emplaced in a base in Antarctica, facing skywards, and the other end (the toroidal end, with no need for generation mechanism) held (as a Stapledon point when inactive) inside hyperspace.
The Core Tap is so horrifyingly powerful that it is prohibited by law from running for more than three hours at a stretch without the solar system being under active attack, for justified fear of major damage to the global climate system. By the time it is turned off after a full three hour system check, the average temperature of the Central Antarctic plain has gone up one degree.
Any suggestions of a modified Core Tap being used as an offensive weapon are met with sheer horror. Not only would the result be a barely directed flamethrower of Gridfire, but catastrophic battle damage to the generation mechanism, without the safeguards built into the ground station, would potentially destroy an entire solar system.
(In other words, find the Ethereal capital world and we'll do more than just consider it, but build the damn thing. The only thing more destructive would be shunting something planet-scale through an enormous wormhole at c-fractional velocities.)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1003.png)
Work time.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1004.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1005.png)
"You know, these blastas are pretty sweet. Lot better than that trial Gauss weapon was, anyway..."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1006.png)
"Sometimes, the old reliable is the better option."
"You just forgot to get one."
"...yes."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1007.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1008.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1009.png)
"You missed, alien!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1010.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1011.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1012.png)
"Big gun over here!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1013.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1014.png)
"Nice work, everyone."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1018.png)
Nifty. Very, very nifty.
Ooh, this could be useful.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1019.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1022.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1023.png)
Our sub pilots are essentially insane. But no matter.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1024.png)
We're going in. With better kit than ever.
Woo! Back in action! I was wondering where this went. xD
It went term-shaped. That and I'm doing fanfic writing.
But never mind that, time for the kind of wholesale death and destruction it's surprisingly hard to justify in a fanfic of a G-PG anime.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1101.png)
"Okay, people, this is a hot zone. Rifles to the front and heavies on call."
"You got it, ma'am."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1102.png)
"Aquatoid behind the sub!"
"Got it, activating countergrav. I'll take 'em by an up-and-over."
"Two more to the east, rifles ready!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1103.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1104.png)
"Damn, that one didn't quite finish the alien off."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1105.png)
"Sub perimeter clear."
"Gaston, charge up your tazer. This one seems tougher, I want 'im alive."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1106.png)
"Got it, coming online now."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1107.png)
"Eat ice!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1108.png)
"Well, you were right, sir. This one seems to be a squad leader."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1110.png)
"Last target downed."
Nice work. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1111.png)
A few days went by, nothing much happened. The new suits were tested out of water - turned out their Zrbite counter grav units couldn't quite allow flight in the air, but they did just about negate the entire weight of the suit, meaning that they could be used indoors with no fear of breaking the floors.
That's another sub downed, just off the Grand Banks. Looks like there was an old aircraft or two at the crash site. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1114.png)
Meanwhile, in the Pacific, a new base was established by moonlighting construction crew from the Hawaii PDC-7 station, the master for the entire Pacific central region. They'll never miss the beds we... acquired.
Or the enormous plasma screen TV installed in the rec room. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1115.png) Though for some reason the construction crew like watching appalling movies on it...
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1116.png)
"Stay sharp. Move in short bursts, and keep watch."
"Anyone feel (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1117.png) odd there?"
"Nope, not at all. Just keep that scanner suite hot, we don't want to lose anyone."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1119.png)
"I got it."
"Word of advice, do not stand right next to where your friend was killed by a sniper."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1120.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1121.png)
"Case in point."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1122.png)
"Last enemy left!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1123.png)
"Mine."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1124.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1125.png)
That description is kind of... icky. We're mind reading them? Mind reading things made of Sectoid and Fish?
Ah well. At least we can see where they came from.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1126.png)
Another day, another mission.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1201.png)
"Riflemen ready, go go go!"
"Spread out, don't wait to fire."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1202.png)
"Good work, keep it up! Althalus?"
Oh, you wanted some murdering done? Why didn't you say so?
"That AI concerns me..."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1203.png)
"Well, it's accurate. In both senses."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1204.png)
"Forcing entry. Weapons free."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1205.png)
I feel sort of disappointed.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1206.png)
Apparently, we got black marks for letting the Aliens steal all the biscuits from the wardroom of the Midway PDC. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1207.png) But we got money anyway because we basically have Gendo Ikari securing our funding.
This is concerning. Molecular Control networks? (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1208.png)
We need someone to plant an explosive at the bottom of a pyramid in the Yucatan peninsula to destabilize the Sleeper, to give the Jjaro time to arrive.
Or that could be the popular game someone in X-Com wrote that technically violated secrecy statutes.
Oh, flip. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1209.png)
So now we get a close quarters battle through the middle of a cargo ship. Everyone load for bear. Better, load for water bear, those things are nearly indestructible.
Because the words "bug hunt" will really calm the troops down. These people have seen the Alien films. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1210.png)
"Game over man, game over!"
"No more Aliens quotes out of you. Now open fire, everyone."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1211.png)
Gill men sort of things.
"Lining up a shot."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1212.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1213.png)
"Damn, the Officer of the Watch is dead. Looks like the command structure, such as it is, has collapsed. If any hysterical crewmen get in the way, stun them. Actually, everyone take your Thermal Tazers out and just one hand the Blastas. Dump the tazer if you need to make a shot, then grab it again."
"Why?"
"It's our only CQC weapon."
"Ambush!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1214.png)
"Who piles up fuel cans to block the door?"
Impolite people. Stand back.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1215.png)
"Thanks."
Any time, old boy.
"Alien in the wardroom!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1216.png)
"I've got you covered."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1217.png)
"Stun launcher. Nice. Pity I have no clue how to use it..."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1218.png)
"Storeroom 81, clear."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1219.png)
"Conn tower's a complete mess."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1220.png)
"Do Aliens watch Gurren Lagann or something? This is just silly, this is the fifth one of these."
"Main deck..."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1221.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1222.png)
"...clear."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1223.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1224.png)
"Conn tower clear. Able Seaman Gunkel's badly hurt though."
"I read you, administer what first aid you can. We really need a comprehensive medical pack."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1226.png)
"Last enemy up here. Everyone make for the big cargo lift."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1227.png)
"Move out. Helga, stay back here and cover our escape route."
"I can-"
"You can't, and that's the truth. You're too badly hurt."
"Deep one, six o'clock high!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1228.png)
"Another, behind that one!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1229.png)
"Wow, you're on form today."
Thanks for the compliment.
"Another target, middle level!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1230.png)
"Closing in on the centre of the lower deck. "
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1231.png)
"Althalus, you first."
Dheu.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1232.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1233.png)
"Engine room looks clear to me, continue sweep."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1234.png)
"Front-upper deck seems clear - arg!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1235.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1236.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1237.png)
Are you okay?
"Erf... yeah. The mag pack took much of the blast, I've got a little injury but nothing serious."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1238.png)
"Galina! Damnit, where was that one hiding?"
"Entering overflow cargo hold."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1239.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1240.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1241.png)
"Good thing is we tend to catch them by surprise."
"Huh... huh... true."
"You said you were barely injured! My diagnostic says you're in need of urgent medical attention, don't try to be some kind of superwoman!"
"Can't... let... them win."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1242.png)
"Engine control room secured. We have motive power."
"Rest, Ensign Johnston. We won."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1243.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1244.png)
We saved nearly two thirds of the crew, even if a wayward XCOM shot touched off a barrel and took the life of a civilian.
But there was something of a price.
Ouch. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1245.png)
We don't even have a full crew at the moment.
Impressive (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1246.png)hospital (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1247.png)stay (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1249.png)times. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1250.png)
Heh. I was wondering if "Anthalus" was a typo from the Redemption of Althalus, when I saw you mention Dheu.
Although Dhreu is probably more correct, for what's happening here. Either that or Bhlag. *grin*
... I forgot to mention it, mind, since the posts are so lengthy that it slipped my mind. Not that I'm complaining, mind...
Well, I was thinking of the "going up in the lift" thing for the Dheu. I'm probably going to keep Althalus when I get Displacer/Sonic - he's actually got words relevant to the magnetic levitation.
And sorry for the massive length of the posts, I come by it honestly - Terror Missions in cargo ships are interminable. Please give me a land terror mission with Aquatoids, I want drills!
As a point of interest, I made it so that the fatal wounds of the ensign hurt in the first part were negated going into part two. The other injuries went unmodified, and two people were at serious risk of bleeding out by the end of the mission.
Frankly, I'm astonished that TFTD is being so lenient, that's not at all like it usually - OH GOD LOBSTERMEN
We ordered in a large number of reinforcements at the end of the month, and they've started to arrive.
Reinforce. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1301.png)
Reinorce Zwei. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1302.png)
Okay, let's check out our new troops. Gunny?
Give me an attitude check! (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1303.png)
Frack this! (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1304.png)
Give me a positive attitude check! (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1305.png)
Positively frack this! (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1306.png)
Give me a negative attitude check! (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1307.png)
I am not! (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1308.png)
Joining! (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1309.png)
The fracking! (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1310.png)
Marines! (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1311.png)
Oo-rah. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1312.png)
They're not USMC, such as that organization is now - it only provides the marine companies on US starships - but they fight underwater, which counts, right?
Sonic heavy weapon. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1313.png)
As expected from our look over, it has two major disadvantages compared to the first war HP gun - it has less than a third the ammo, and no autofire. We'll probably stick with the blasters.
Time you earned your princely salaries. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1314.png)
Good news is that we now have enough mag ion armour to outfit a complete drop(?) team. It really is amazingly tough stuff.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1316.png)
"Ambush fail."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1317.png)
"I think that's the end of the external forces, not sure though."
"Got it. Team, go over the top."
"Woah!"
(http://url=http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1318.png)
*blhaaaagggghhh...*
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1320.png)
That's my line.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1321.png)
"Ow! My overengineered chestplate!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1323.png)
"Weren't ready for that, were you? Oh, er...ow. Medic?"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1324.png)
"Area secure."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1325.png)
More promotions. We sure have a lot of ensigns. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1326.png)
This won't be like Alien War One, will it? Too many sergeants and not enough privates?"
This should deal with the unfortunate tendency to get internal injuries. Though how it works through the armour is anybody's guess. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1328.png)
Well, that can't be good. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1329.png)
I recommend waiting until we have a full understanding of the Molecular Control phenomenon before the attack.
Small one. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1331.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1332.png)
"Woo!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1333.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1334.png)
"Is it me, or are they not fighting as well as normal today?"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1336.png)
It's not just you.
Concerning, perhaps, but for now a windfall. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1337.png)
We're seeing if we can find a common thread in the Sonic weapons line to scale it up, perhaps on the Plasma Cannon hardpoint model. It would give us a lot more punch.
Almost there. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1338.png)
Tracking reports an Alien DN-class off Norway. Those things are terrifying, no way we're taking it on directly.
Keep it plotted and we'll see what happens.
Now Hear This! All hands, General Quarters! Man the airlocks, we are being boarded!
Well, crap. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1339.png)
Looks like the inventory only has a load of sonic weapons, nothing stun or explosive. Could be worse, but could be much better as well. At least we know how to use all of them.
Quote from: Saphroneth on March 12, 2011, 09:02:19 PM
Okay, let's check out our new troops. Gunny?
Give me an attitude check! (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1303.png)
Frack this! (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1304.png)
Give me a positive attitude check! (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1305.png)
Positively frack this! (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1306.png)
Give me a negative attitude check! (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1307.png)
I am not! (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1308.png)
Joining! (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1309.png)
The fracking! (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1310.png)
Marines! (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1311.png)
Oo-rah. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1312.png)
"Let's have an attitude check."
"I hate this fracking place."
"Let's have a
positive attitude check."
"I
positively hate this fracking place."
"Let's have a
negative attitude check."
"I
don't like this fracking place."
"Let's have a short attitude check."
"Frack it."
If you're gonna quote, quote correctly. ;-] Even if you bowdlerize it.
Grabbed it from John Ringo's Looking Glass/Vorpal Blade series, actually. (http://baencd.thefifthimperium.com/16-ClawsThatCatchCD/ClawsThatCatchCD/Vorpal%20Blade/Vorpal_Blade.htm) About a page up from the bottom. So it was him who both screwed around with it AND bowlderized it (he had set up grapp as a fictional swearword and used that).
Still OOC, something in this update made me a very happy person. You can probably tell what.
The enemy has entered the base. The enemy has entered the base.
"Right, everyone load up. Command, is the TSDS online?"
TSDS is indeed online.
"Good. Sub active crew, concentrate near the door to the hanger, you're our reserve. Everyone else, move in pairs if you can, we need the enemy mapped. Althalus, head for the nearest hanger."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1401.png)
Aquatoids.
"...huh. You know, I feel a lot better now. Not sure what I expected..."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1402.png)
Easy.
"Okay, good. Hold that corridor and move forward slow as you like. North hanger?"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1403.png)
"There's a couple in here too, but I see a lot more movement over by the lift. I think they're going to try to regroup in here."
"Got it. Cut them down as they do so - hang on a sec."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1404.png)
"Yeah, Grand Banks Actual secure, I think that was the extent of the decapitation strike - such as it was. Severn?"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1405.png)
"My entrance to the north hanger clear."
"Good, I can mark that on. Garnier, you're too far from the rest of the team, get closer."
"Aye, aye, ma'am. Er, do we have any old diving suits in inventory?"
"What, the standard ones?"
"No, I mean more along the lines of those ones with the tube going up to the surface."
"What? No, none of those. "
"Oh, good. I was wondering. Because I just saw one."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1406.png)
"Hang on... okay, I patched your feed. Yeah, wow. I recommend shooting it. And get Stuart to give you some support on the flanks."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1407.png)
"On it - and I found it's handler."
"Active squad... take them!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1408.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1409.png)
"Nice work, everyone. Now keep it up."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1410.png)
"Wow, so that's what an Aquatoid screaming in terror sounds like."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1411.png)
"Severn here, the enemy terror unit and handler have been neutralized."
"There's still more of them in the killing zone, people!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1412.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1413.png)
"Good, keep up the pressure!"
"Ma'am, I think we hit their entire command team in the initial ambush. I read no reports of MC attacks."
"Good. Now, keep it up, we're breaking them!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1414.png)
"The hell IS this?"
"One of them escaped the cauldron, but I'm only reading a stun launcher - that thermal shock thing. No major risk."
"Good to know."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1415.png)
"Hah! Too slow on the draw, bastard!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1416.png)
"Keep pushing! Don't let them reorganize! Ensign, take a fireteam around the back of the sub and try to smoke out the remaining forces. Everyone else ready for crossfire on anything that makes it."
"Grenade!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1417.png)
"Phew, it didn't make it in damage range of the suits."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1418.png)
"Pity we can't return the favour with one of these."
"Okay, Hernandez, be ready to fire when the smoke clears."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1419.png)
"I have a bead on the last one."
"Actual confirms all other aliens accounted for. Take the shot."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1420.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1421.png)
"Phew. Looks like a load of corpses got blasted when the grenade went off - hey, one of these Aquatoids is alive!"
"Alive or dead, they're harmless now."
"Yeah, nice work... Commander."
"What? Me? But I... there are other Lieutenants, and..."
"You took command instinctively and directed the battle well. You deserve it."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1422.png)
"..course, Commander in a naval setting isn't as good as Captain, so there's that..."
"Shut up you."
In the not too distant future, (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1423.png)
Way down in Deep 13, (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1424.png)
Dr. Forrester and TV's Frank, (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1425.png)
Were hatching an evil scheme. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1426.png)
They hired a temp by the name of Mike, (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1427.png)
Just a regular joe they didn't like, (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1428.png)
Their experiment needed a good test case, (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1429.png)
So they conked him on the noggin and shot him into space! (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1430.png)
"We'll send him cheesy movies, (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1431.png)
The worst we can find! (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1432.png) (la la la)
He'll have to sit and watch them all, (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1433.png)
And we'll monitor his mind!" (la la la)
Now keep in mind Mike can't control
Where the movies begin or end (la la la)
He'll try to keep his sanity
With the help of his robot friends!
Robot Roll Call
Cambot! (Show yourself!)
Gypsy! (I'm not ready!)
Tom Servo! (Hello there!)
Crooooow! (That's one "o!")
If you're wondering how he eats and breathes
And other science facts (la la la)
Then repeat to yourself "It's just a show
I should really just relax
For Mystery Science Theater 3000!"
Man, they really like watching that program in the second base. Good thing it finally came out on DVD last year.
What, again? Already? (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1434.png)
At least it would be Aquatoids again.
Quick question: what should I research next?
Calcinite Corpse, and hence Drills,
the Sonic Oscillator (basically the First War plasma cannon, also gives me flying tanks with the sub techs),
the MC tech line (not completable at this point but I can get to screening troops),
the Thermal Shok line (stun bombs),
the Disruptor Pulse Launcher (Underwater Blaster Bombs) or
the sub techs to give me better interceptors?
if it were me, who's never played these games before, I'd go for stun bombs, -if- they are automatic takedowns. Mass-produce em, equip every soldier with at bunch, then live-capture every blasted aqualien you see. xD
...but if that were really as good as I think, then it stands to reason I would see it more often. So, I'm wondering what the crippling drawback is here :x
in lieu of that, flying tanks sounds quite awesomely powerful. :>
I admit, I haven't been playing very close attention to this let's play, but how are you council-wise? Are you generally taking down the USOs? If you're having trouble actually making contact, I'd suggest the sub research. Otherwise, I'd suggest getting the MC chain started.
Okay, good and bad points.
MC tech: takes months to get setup, and until Tasoths turn up I can't get the Disruptor to use offensively anyway.
Stun launcher: does (lots of) stun damage, which is less resisted than other damage types and hence has proportionately more effect. Problem is, it's still random damage (witness my first war soldier who tanked a stunblast to the face) and especially with aliens with high HP and natural weapons there's no way to tell HOW stunned they are. And the damage gradually wears off.
Final problem with it is that it's annoyingly ammo hungry, the shots are singletons rather than clip based.
Drills: I'll need either this or the Stun Launcher pretty sharpish after the Lobstermen become a serious threat, but for now it's not as necessary. Drills do great damage to everything including a whopping double (!) to the Lobstermen. Oh, and they take tiny amounts of the turn to use and never miss.
Sub techs including Oscillator: At the moment I'm doing pretty well with the council - even that month where I missed two Terror Missions and got a negative score, I still got more money.
And a side option is the Sonic Pulser (the Alien Grenade of TFTD, massively powerful) of which I have about a hundred in storage.
You didn't get the grenade yet? :erk
Of course, I seem to recall being stunned about how late you got it in the first game, I think it's just a playing style thing, I tend to like it to give everyone in the squad the ability to toss some explosive damage. But I'd change my vote to the pulser. (And then still get the MC game started, so you can at least screen people for psi-wimpiness)
Quote from: Saphroneth on March 13, 2011, 04:19:13 PM
Grabbed it from John Ringo's Looking Glass/Vorpal Blade series, actually. (http://baencd.thefifthimperium.com/16-ClawsThatCatchCD/ClawsThatCatchCD/Vorpal%20Blade/Vorpal_Blade.htm) About a page up from the bottom. So it was him who both screwed around with it AND bowlderized it (he had set up grapp as a fictional swearword and used that).
Given you picked it up from Mr Ringo, and I picked it up from Mr Clancy, I suspect it's a widely-used military meme.
In which case, I withdraw my objection.
... and replace it with one to your link, which leads me to the first chapter of the book, not the page you meant, and I'm now hooked into reading it again. >.<
As for your query, I'd vote for drills: there is no kill like overkill. ;-]
I think the DUP heads are actually bigger than the ship. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1504.png)
That thing we found in the base, in the armour suit, had a very strange way of moving.
Let's see what we can see about it. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1506.png)
Uggh. I'm glad it was in the suit now. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1507.png)
Still, it inspired our scientists into finding ways to emulate Simon the Digger.
Sweet. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1508.png)
These things attack just insanely fast. As in, they take less time to spin up and attack with than it takes to pick one off the floor.
Not that it'll be needed for Aquatoids again. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1509.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1512.png)
My aim isn't as good as, perhaps, it could be.
"Mine is."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1513.png)
"I see one isolated in the room here. I'll give the new 'blade a try."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1514.png)
"Ew. That is a mess."
OW.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1515.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1518.png)
"Last one down."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1519.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1520.png)
"You may now call me Skipper."
Why did we even research this? (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1521.png)
Answer: it sells massively well. For triple the price of making it. It's no Laser Cannon, but it IS an economic miracle. That's the new job for the techs when we don't need something made desperately.
Oh, the month ended, and we got more money. And a notice of an alien colony in the Egypt area.
Well, we may as well go have a look at it, see if there's anything there of interest. The new drills should handle almost anything.
"Okay, stay sharp. This is Alien home ground, not ours, and the Med's really deep here."
"You got it, skip. Er, what are those?"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1523.png)
"Oh, ICK. And that looks uncomfortably like a heavy weapon in the dinosaur's hands."
"Skip? I think the best name for it is a Grell."
"What."
"D&D nerd, I'm afraid. Gotta love third edition."
"I'm only familiar with eighth."
"I... I can't control... AAAHH!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1524.png)
"Crap! Whatever else those aliens are, they're MC capable!"
"Skip? The boffins heard that last bit. They want a sample."
"Oh, brilliant. Well, if you want a job doing properly, I suppose..."
"Skip? Where are you going?"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1525.png)
"I have a sample. Open season, everyone."
"Aah! There's one... gah, he missed! Eat drill!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1526.png)
"Wake the sleeper. Wakethesleeper. wakethesleeperwakethesleeper-"
"Giant mutant jellyfish!"
"Captain to all crew! We are pulling out NOW!"
"Jellyfish down! Yeah, didn't like that did you!"
"When the W'rkncacnter came, Pthia was
killed, and Yrro in anger, flung the
W'rkncacnter into the sun. The sun burned
them, but they swam on its surface.
The Sleeper cannot die. You will fail.
You are but chattel placed here by Him
to sustain Him when He awakes."
"Damn, I can't get a bead on him. Nobody deserves to be captured by an Alien like this."
"Captain, coxswain here. I can't pull out while that heavy gunner is covering us."
"Not a problem. XO, hold this."
"The alien?"
"Yeah. Problem solving time."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1530.png)
"Skip, that was the most beautiful shot I've seen in my life."
"Go! Now now now!"
"Dusting off, rolling ship and punching us up a vector to use the buildings as a shield."
"Crap! Underwater blaster bombs coming at us!"
"We're almost there. Just a little further... now, break west!"
*Thooooom*
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1533.png)
The sub escaped by using an underwater volcano as a shield against the potent torpedoes. Analysis of the explosion has revealed something unusual - the weapon was an ardune warhead, until now merely conjecture. A collection of identical-colour quarks, the resultant explosion has three times the potency of antimatter of the same mass.
We lost someone on the trip, sadly. But there was nothing we could do.
Research into Molecular Control is beginning immediately.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1534.png)
Lobster men? What? This is just getting silly.
Trapped.
That was the one thought at the front of Seaman Bakeovich' mind. The mind he was now, as the thought indicated, trapped in.
He'd managed to dump his Blasta when the attack had come in, before the icy feeling had crept into his muscles and veins, moving them without consulting his CNS. He was no longer in control of his own actions.
But he was a trained Psi-resist, like everyone in Xcom. And he knew what to do.
Moving under puppet strings, dancing to the whim of a cold, cold reptilian mind older and vaster and hungrier than anything born of the Earth, he lurched into the Alien colony. Passing reptiles, their purple crests wafting in the sluggish currents. Seeing strange monsters with tentacles and beaks, or like a great jellyfish, or a vast nautilus with a cannon nestled in its' tentacles.
And every last moment logged away in his mind as data.
His lurching movement came to a stop in a lift, which transported him down onto the bowels of the colony.
A strange pair of rings, shimmering and dancing. Drawing all the heat out of the air hungrily, absorbing light, even sound - such as it was.
It began to rise into another configuration, and the Seaman felt the stirrings of a powerful presence at the edge of his mind. So this was their psionic, the way they would pick his brain.
Well, too late.
Bakeovich spared a moment to remember his beloved steppes, which he would never see again.
And triggered the programme in his Neural Lace.
His armour flashed into emergency power mode, expending Zrbite almost ten thousand times faster than the best ships the Aliens had did, for two purposes.
One: transmit. A stutter of gravitic distortion blasted out of the grav/pulse com in the suit, the communication device that was the only one certain to work anywhere, even underwater... encoding the complete sensor take of the interior of the Alien Colony.
The second thing his armour did was to overwhelm his resisting, treacherous limbs and take his spare Blasta clip in one hand, his Vibroblade in the other, and crack the Blasta casing.
With a muffled thump of overpressure followed by a terrible rending, Victor Bakeovich' suit cracked and imploded, denying the mind of the torpid W'rkncacnter the chance to learn what faced it.
Captain Cook, her officers, and the enlisted men of Grand Banks stood in silence as the playback ended.
Nobody spoke for almost a minute. Then Akira raised his head.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the tradition lives."
We're off to see the lobster... (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1603.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1604.png)
"Now there's a strange sight. Are we suddenly in some kind of Japanese monster movie?"
"We've been somewhere like it for decades, seaman. Now, open fire!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1605.png)
"The hell is with this? This thing's bouncing far too many blasta rounds."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1606.png)
"Finally. How many was that?"
Four hits or so.
Skipper, I see another - alert!
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1607.png)
"Giving support fire here."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1608.png)
"Argh!"
"Damn, they can shoot straight. Medic, over there ASAP!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1609.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1610.png)
"How are you still conscious?"
"Drugs. Lovely, lovely combat stims."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1611.png)
Might be a good idea if you fellows got over here right about now.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1613.png)
"Hang tight, gentlemen. This is a drill."
"Worst pun ever, if the Captain will allow."
"Privilege of rank, Ensign. Get used to it."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1615.png)
Crash backup successful. I hope that was spectacular enough.
"Good work, Althie. Rest now."
Don't... call me... that...
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1616.png)
"Hah! We have one of them captured live."
"Good. See if there are any high rankers."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1618.png)
"Another technician, I think."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1619.png)
"Yeah."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1620.png)
Not bad. But the loss of the SWS is a pity, even if we do have the Gestalt.
Good to know we can get testing people soon. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1622.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1623.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1624.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1625.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1626.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1627.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1628.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1629.png)
Thoroughly routine, apart from the bayonet charge at the end.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1631.png)
Good news is now we can tell which aliens are the best ones to capture.
Now it's time to actually find out what that stuff we're fueling the suits, guns and MC Readers with... well, is. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1632.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1634.png)
The ship's grounded. Go take it.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1636.png)
"Move out. Secure the perimeter."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1629.png)
"Immediate area is secure. Field Actual to all squad Sixes. Gather them up and move out."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1701.png)
"Targets?"
"On it."
"There!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1702.png)
"Another as well, over on the west side! Take them!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1703.png)
"Let me test this MC reader... oh, that's interesting."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1704.png)
"The lab boys reconfigured it to read out like our own reports."
"Wait, are those numbers right? My gran's a better shot than that."
"Wasn't your gran at the siege of Boston?"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1705.png)
"Your point being?"
"Oh, this one looks conscious. Bag'im."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1706.png)
Not too shabby.
Couldn't we have called it something pronounceable? (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1707.png)
And with that the research into how submarines work progressed.
Apparently the hydrodynamicist started crying when the full extent of the Aliens' blatant warping of fluid physics became apparent. Ah well, he'll get over it. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1710.png)
Oh, great. Lobster terror mission? Not fun sounding at all. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1711.png)
At least we can intercept the scout ship on the seabed.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1714.png)
"Okay, everyone, CQC if you can manage it. Pistol drill, people, and I don't mean practicing with pistols."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1715.png)
"Technician. Looks like the highest rank in the area. We already have one of those, drill'em."
"Also holy hell that is a fit crustacean. Too bad for them that they can't aim."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1716.png)
"Biomaterials should not give way that easily."
"Crap! Welcoming party!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1717.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1718.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1719.png)
"GRENADE!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1720.png)
"...medic!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1721.png)
"I need medical attention over here, too, I have a couple of bad arm hits that aren't stopping bleeding."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1722.png)
"Right, we've made it to the ship. Blades on, no mercy."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1724.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1725.png)
Nice haul again.
Now all we need to do is-
Damnit. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1726.png)
At least we finished the Big, powerful shipboard rechargeable weapon. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1727.png) Maybe we can try to shoot down the next terror mission Battleship.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1728.png)
Port attack on Aberdeen? I hate to say this, but why bother?
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1730.png)
"Lobsters everywhere. At least we don't have to worry about any of those Ardune torps on land..."
Quote from: Saphroneth on March 29, 2011, 04:42:11 PM
Port attack on Aberdeen? I hate to say this, but why bother?
North Sea Oil?
This is the future. We use eco friendly Elerium power now.
caution: may not be eco friendly on the lifeless ball of strip mined rock that used to be Pandora. But those blue xenophobes had it coming.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1801.png)
"Sniper on the top floor!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1802.png)
"Everyone into cover! Medic to the front of the sub, what's in that building on the starboard side?"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1803.png)
"Some kind of drone, I'd say it was a mini Cyberdisc but it... mutters to itself..."
"Anything else?"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1804.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1805.png)
"One of their Squad Leaders and... looks like another drone."
"Fire at will."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1806.png)
"The Drones have suicide charges, everyone look out!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1807.png)
"Rubbish design, these suicide charges. They have to be triggered by ranged fire. Not melee, range. Idiots."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1810.png)
(Boris Mannski)
"NO!"
"Damn, another death..."
"Keep it up people, we can mourn later."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1811.png)
"Bio Drone down."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1812.png)
"Lobstermen... this one blew down the door keeping me from him."
"Looks like the blast wasn't kind to ya though."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1813.png)
"Found one!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1814.png)
"Good work. Move in to capture."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1815.png)
(Rodreigo Hernandez)
"Stay SHARP, people! I don't want to lose any MORE."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1816.png)
"Tagged and bagged. We got one."
"That's the last Drone."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1817.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1818.png)
"And we're done."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1819.png)
Tactically, it's a phyrric victory by XCOM standards. Strategically... it's a bit better.
First test of the new Sonic Oscillators later in the day.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1820.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1821.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1822.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1823.png)
The vengeful Seamen ripped the Aquatoid crew to pieces.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1826.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1827.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1828.png)
We got more fuel out of it, and yet another set of Alien ship parts. As well as ammo for our reverse engineered guns.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1829.png)
The new recruits arrived on the turn of the month, and thus we didn't have time to quickly test them before we had to assign MC schedules.
The rest of the MC potential test results show a good set, though.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1830.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1831.png)
Ivan and Smillie seem to be... slightly short on MC, there.
I'd rather take a set with a 7, an 0 and this many 90+ than one where everyone was 30-70.
Besides, you can always sack psi-wimps.
And comon! 2 soldiers dead at a terror site. That's not too shabby. Annoying, this late in the game, but you can muscle your way through *much* higher losses.
As I found when I made everyone PsiSkill 1 to check their Strengths, one of the dead was another high psi.
Annoying...
But yeah. I think it's because I'm playing for LP, so I rushed the armour techs first and now I get injured a lot more than I get fatalities. But TFTD hasn't gone evil on me yet.
I only need one more Alien for T'Leth. Just one more Lobsterman Navigator...
Oh, brilliant. Hang on, where? (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1901.png)
Looks like the backup crew are handling this one.
To victory! (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1902.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1903.png)
"Gill men!"
"Brilliant, we might live."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1904.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1905.png)
"Landing area clear, move out."
"Ugh, these things are horrible."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1906.png)
"And I don't like that strange screaming, either."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1907.png)
"Woo, long shot!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1908.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1910.png)
"How many enemies are there on this ship?"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1911.png)
"Gah!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1912.png)
"...huh. I haven't been shot."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1913.png)
"Unarmed? Wow, they're getting desperate."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1915.png)
"Lot of Deep ones in this raid."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1916.png)
"Who packs so many statues on a liner, anyway?"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1917.png)
"That brings the count up to five Deep Ones. This is getting annoying."
"Upper deck clear, everyone to the big cargo lift."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1919.png)
"How did we get the SWS down here? It won't fit anyway..."
I am remarkably cramped.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1922.png)
"Room clear?"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1923.png)
"Not yet."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1924.png)
"Now it's clear."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1925.png)
"Ack fire! Give me some cover, Leon!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1926.png)
"That do you?"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1927.png)
"Deep one. Deep one. Deep Six, I get the picture!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1928.png)
"Break through the dream!"
"Okay, general order. No more Gurren Lagann references unless it's something more impressive you're fighting."
"Aww..."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1929.png)
"Not. Another. Word."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1930.png)
"At least they're easy targets."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1931.png)
"Argh... I'm hit! Gill man, the suit's not quite sealed it."
"It's OK, I've got a medpak."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1934.png)
"Job done."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1935.png)
This is getting concerning. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1936.png)
At least we have another good weapon now. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD1937.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2001.png)
Well, here we are again.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2002.png)
It's always such a pleasure.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2003.png)
Remember when you tried to kill me twice?
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2004.png)
Oh, how we laughed and laughed.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2005.png)
Except I wasn't laughing.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2006.png)
Under the circumstances, I've been shockingly nice.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2007.png)
You want your-
"I swear, every few years she gets into the speakers... okay, science report?"
"Tasoth.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2008.png)
Nasty things. Designed to be the perfect soldiers, not certain they succeeded but they did make an enemy capable of acting as a router node for an MC hack from the... entity."
"Did you get anything from that study?"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2011.png)
"Yeah. We reverse engineered the bionode, and we got this. It's entirely mechanical, interfaces with implants in the soldier to allow for a back-hack on the enemy connection."
Invaders off the port bow! Man the cutlasses!
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2012.png)
Erwin...
Sorry.
Engage lockdown.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2014.png)
"Main enemy are likely to be in the North hanger. Again. Move by teams and neutralize."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2015.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2016.png)
"Report."
"Few minor altercations, nothing serious."
"Good."
"Go!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2018.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2019.png)
"Damn, someone's been hacked."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2021.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2022.png)
"Sorry to lose her for the mission. Right, everyone, keep moving! Stay wary!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2025.png)
"Gah! Medic!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2029.png)
"Someone make sure she's not bleeding out! Everyone else, stop the shooter!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2030.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2033.png)
"Got him!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2034.png)
"Casualties?"
"Nothing permanent."
"Good. Now, we can at least get a respite before-"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2035.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2036.png)
*snerk*
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2101.png)
"Flamin' nora. And whose idea was it not to load all the guns? I can understand storing a Sonic Cannon without a charged clip, but a stun weapon?"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2103.png)
"At least we have a full loadout of sonics available."
"Argh!"
"Damn! Man down!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2104.png)
"How the hell did they get past the doors?"
"They're behind us! We're all going to die!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2105.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2106.png)
"No, we are NOT. Someone grab Otto's body. Poor guy, looks like his arm came o-"
"Clear this channel, that's not helping!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2109.png)
"WHY do we even still have torpedoes in this room? We sold off all the launchers! Come to that, we sold off all the torpedoes."
"You're injured, ma'am. Please, fall back and-"
"I'm not making my troops take any risks I won't."
"Ma'am, you're taking risks none of the rest of us are! You're all but unarmoured!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2110.png)
"Shut up and hand me a stun launcher that works."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2111.png)
"Snap out of it, soldier!"
*Crish-fwoom*
"Wow, the Thermal Shok launchers really do work. Nice bag, that's what, four?"
"Please, ma'am, there's no point to all this."
"No point?"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2112.png)
"I'm still the commander, still one of the best markswomen on the base, still-"
"Still doped up on so much morphine that you can barely move? Your legs will need reconstructive surgery after this and you'll probably be off active for a month."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2113.png)
"Seems quiet... Damn! Another poxy ambusher! My neck, MEDIC!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2114.png)
"Why is everything moving so slowly? Something seems to be creeping up my spine, into my hind brain... NO! Get out!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2115.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2116.png)
"Won't ambush anyone else, now will you?"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2117.png)
"Enemy diving suit of death is neutralized."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2119.png)
"No hiding in our base."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2120.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2121.png)
"Area secure. Again."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2122.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2123.png)
Now that is one nice piece of kit.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2124.png)
...ew. Alien probe mission? Don't want to know, really.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2125.png)
My Own Private Vimana.
These things are amazing. They're basically the First War plasma hovertank, but even more powerful. And since the Sonic weapons take longer than Plasma did to build up a shot and this doesn't (thanks to a nifty internal resonance capacitor), I'm sold on it.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2127.png)
That ought to solve the problem of the Aliens knowing where we live. Pity we can't make them crash their USOs with it.
Actually, there's something that's been bothering me. Alien USOs are used to resupply their underwater colonies, but not only do we not have them tracking towards the Yucatan Peninsula like expected - sometimes their supply run return routes terminate in mid air, and they just vanish from the radar abruptly at full speed.
What kind of technology is there in that sunken lair? The only way I can think of that sort of thing could work is a Hyper Missile style Tunnel Drive. And being able to exactly equal the gravity field on a flying object in the destination location, well, it's scary, especially as it means that the... Thing... could just end us all if it has Hyper Missile technology and Ardune warheads.
Priority one: do not let the Enemy know we have the capacity to attack until we actually do. They'll crack the planet before letting us keep it.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2128.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2129.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2130.png)
Bit disappointing, really. All that armour and it's so easily drilled through.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2131.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2132.png)
In 2040, a satellite detects a mysterious heat bloom beneath Bouvetøya, an island about one thousand miles north of Antarctica...
Oh, brilliant. The Chryssalids weren't bad enough, now we get to re-enact Alien VERSUS Predator?
Someone call me when we have that Ardune warhead figured out.
"Poor chap, looks like his arm came off..."
*giggle*
Not to give anything away, but the next mission is one where the enemy invited me to a meeting. Positively a Symposium, in fact.
And unfortunately, many of my highly psionic/MC troops were unable to attend for medical reasons.
(Crap damnit argh artefact site help)
So, as it turned out, we had a few minor budget problems. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2201.png)
Until we sold the one hundred and twenty scanners that were piling up and put ourselves firmly back in black.
This can't be good. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2202.png)
And it's not. An old Hyper Wave Decoder picked up the signature of a Dominator class Psychic Amplifier on the sea bed north of Alexandria. A quick check on the MC decoder reveals that it's an MC device, too, and could bypass the shields of every Psi except strong 'paths and those with special law enforcement training.
We have maybe eight hours to stop it.
And I don't feel all that confident in - hello...
Extreme case. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2203.png)
Everyone else with neither MC vulnerability below 50 or time left in traction was taken. As well as the first of the new Sonic SWS tanks, Boson.
Right you are... *sigh* sir.
To battle. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2204.png)
We have maybe an hour left. The trip took some time. There is a contingency plan in place, though - the first poor attempts at Ardune warheads. The problem is miniaturization, currently, so the smallest warhead we have would probably destroy the entire Nile Delta, cause a massive tsunami chain across much of the Mediterranean and kill tens or hundreds of millions.
We're going for the covert option first.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2206.png)
Simple, safe. Best way of things, if of course you want to ask me.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2207.png)
Another one. Brilliant.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2208.png)
"Blast! Missed."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2209.png)
"Sniper!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2210.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2211.png)
That work?
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2212.png)
Oh, big thing here, looks like a brain with tentacles.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2213.png)
"Revolting thing."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2214.png)
And now a right large jellyfish.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2215.png)
Problem solved, sir
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2216.png)
Rather a lot of these, seems like-
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2217.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2218.png)
Ow.
"You okay, Boson?"
Is just minor damage. I vos not going to let that slow me down.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2219.png)
See?
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2220.png)
"Target located, enemy in the room. Wait a second and I'll-"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2221.png)
"Stunnn-ed!"
"Right. Everyone in!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2222.png)
"Can't you make it one more step?"
"Too... heavy... can't... breathe..."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2224.png)
"Oh, Synomium. Well, I preferred the first version. It made sense."
"Spread out and stay sharp. We don't know how well defended this place is."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2225.png)
Well, time to do my duty.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2226.png)
"What was that?"
"I think we just nearly got jammed!"
"Right. Everyone set to analogue cyclic on the Grav com. Frequency switch pattern zulu-6."
"Zulu-6, aye."
"Those pillars are disguised lifts! Everyone alert, danger close! Firing one stun!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2227.png)
"Still here. These launchers are really something."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2228.png)
I will not be stopped.
"Boson! Report in, enemies neutralized?"
Four above, three so far down here.
"We'll just leave you to it, then."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2229.png)
"Big gold pipes. Staircase. Central position. Massive tower. I think we've found the device."
"I hear you. All hands, converge on the marked point on the map."
"Woah! Smillie here, looks like we missed one."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2230.png)
"Damn... that's our interior position. Detachment, clear that area of hostiles!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2231.png)
"One down, but I think there's more."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2232.png)
"Ew. Looks like the spire's properly guarded."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2233.png)
"Not really."
"Chaaaarge!"
"Able seaman, what are you-"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2234.png)
"I'll be damned. It worked."
South flank, his nearly clear.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2235.png)
"Okay, storm team ready?"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2236.png)
"Yes, sir."
"BRAIN!"
*splutch*
"And that is how we handle alien brains. With drills. Now, someone hand me a primed pulser."
"You think the main room might be guarded?"
"Of course I do. I'm not stupid."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2237.png)
"Well, there it is. Fire in the hole!"
"Get down!"
`Twas brillig, and the slithy toves Did gyre and gimble in the wabe:All mimsy were the borogoves, And the mome raths outgrabe. All shall know the glory of the Sleeper. So it is written, So it shall be. A small intrusion on the perfect readiness. It is of us. It is ours. It is-*
It is, in fact, a high power sonic explosive.
*BLAM*
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2238.png)
"Target confirmed destroyed. The Hyper net reports the emissions have ceased."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2239.png)
"Right. Everyone fall back to the closest exit, we're getting out of here!"
"Boson, fall back!"
They have come. Not one, but many. They died. Not one, but many. I am victorious.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2240.png)
Bosun Axel Higgs reporting southern flank clear.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2241.png)
Higgs got a good nine or ten of the kills on that mission. We had to leave the stunned aliens behind, partly because someone set an antimatter demo charge on too short a fuse.
The base wasn't destroyed, but it's sunk at least fifty meters into the delta foreslope. About all we could ask for.
We stopped them. This time.
You know that horrible yawning sensation you get when every one of your worst fears falls slightly short? (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2301.png)
They actually built a ship around a W'rkncacnter. And they crashed it into Earth.
They gave a creature made of pure hunger, malice and energy... a spaceship. This wasn't some sort of strange corruption of life by the energies of the sleeping monster. This was planned.
Well, looks like we have our objective, anyway. The scientists tell me that we need an Alien Commander to get the precise coordinates of the portal in the T'Leth Physical Cloak, and also to know how deep the ocean really is off the Yucatan Peninsula.
Only Alien Commander rank known? Lobstermen.
Too far away. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2302.png)
That's better, now- (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2303.png)
Oops. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2304.png)
Right, second time lucky? (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2305.png)
...at least the guns work. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2306.png)
This looks large enough to not blow up. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2307.png)
Finally! (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2308.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2309.png)
One over there, sir. Shall I?
"No, we have something to test."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2310.png)
"Wow, this feels strange. It's like... there's almost no mind in here at all. Just a barrier. This thing's operating on programming."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2312.png)
Enemies, but I don't recognize the weapons.
"I do. Ardune warhead!"
"I have attained control. Firing one."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2313.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2314.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2315.png)
"Not even blaster bombs can crack that stuff."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2316.png)
"We are done here."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2317.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2318.png)
This is sufficient gun. The thing's ridiculous! Quarkium is three times as destructive as pure antimatter, by weight, and they make a handheld launcher out of it.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2319.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2320.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2321.png)
We may now have the necessary equipment to attempt to capture a Lobsterman Commander.
Also, because the scientists have been getting uppity, we set them researching better money makers.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2322.png)
Ooh, Lobster Men. Unlikely to be a commander, but we'll use it as a test run. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2401.png)
"Spread out. Any contact, report it to the MC corps."
"Got one!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2402.png)
"Woo, that was easy. Looks like their exoskeletal armour is powered, and controlled by a Molly link - in other words, a backdoor."
"Molly?"
"-cular control."
"Fair enough."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2403.png)
"Right... now just a stunbomb and..."
*krrsh*
Easy. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2404.png)
"Oh, that reminds me. We're getting a new draft. Diverted from the Belt, whole ship, faked it's destruction, they won't know the truth until they're inside the shields. Means you lot are cadre."
Lots of Mustangs there. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2405.png)
"Actually... did any of us even take OCS?"
"Nope. Well, a few are taking command track on our spare time, but apart from that we're just muddling through. Except the Boss, of course."
And I promote ONLY the ones who are qualified.
Looks like skipping this thing was a good idea. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2406.png)
Firing tests show that it's rubbish against Aqua materials. So Aliens. It's an anti-human weapon safe to use by alien troops. Fan-TAS-tic.
What's a technician? At least, doing on a ship. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2407.png)
Out of range. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2408.png)
We will elide the shooting down scene. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2409.png)
Fully 20 new recruits. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2410.png) Get them MC tested, then reassign the poor scorers to the decoy base in Manila and give them false intel. Best bit is, that way we don't have to pay them. They get paid by the Manila local council - it's complicated.
Oh, OK. They use nautical terms too. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2412.png)
Boom again. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2413.png)
All hands order: We are attacking the Alien Colony in the Mediterranean. Our objectives are to neutralize the synomium device for the base, hence disabling the perimeter guns; to capture alive the base commander, probably a Lobsterman; to generally obtain intel on enemy movements and equipment.
The return. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2414.png)
Got it? Glowy lift, ring thing, boom, commandy bloke, awaaaay! (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2416.png)
The sub made it under the scans by a risky move of a massive MC-based attack on one of the turrets, suppressing it for long enough to dart under the engagement envelope. No use for attack craft, anything able to crack the base proper would have to do it from far enough away that the guns would have clear LOS, but perfect for an action group.
"Ready? Go!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2417.png)
Our foe is on high.
"Gotcha, Merlin. Someone try an em-cee."
"Got'em."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2418.png)
"Woo, that's strange. Sort of a jellyfish. Okay, spread out and keep moving, slowly!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2419.png)
"Guard taken over here. Tasoth, sonic cannon. I think this place has big, heavy weapons for defence."
"Jellyfish no longer needed. Blast it."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2420.png)
"Damn, missed."
Avaunt!
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2421.png)
"Well, that worked."
...
"...coming around into the east quadrant, I - hang on."
"Yeah, there we go. Aquatoid, right behind the door. I managed to get the drill out in time. Oh, hel-lo."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2422.png)
"I want."
The central structure is occupied!
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2423.png)
"Krug here, patching into enemy MC net... Okay, scared now. The enemy have many, many DPLs in here."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2424.png)
"Ah well. I'll use them for a noble purpose. Ooh, one of those brain things Many of those brain things, widely separate. At least I can get one. Target locked."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2425.png)
"And another."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2426.png)
"Damn! Targeting pattern rejected, it hit the roof. The Aliens survived."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2427.png)
"Wait, the tentacle brain thing's moving, it-ogod"
"Aw, that's not right."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2428.png)
"Did it just... infect the Aquatoid?"
"It's like a Chryssalid. An underwater chryssalid that can swim. Synaptic shock engaged."
"Did it work?"
"I think so, the shock the Aquatoid gave it seems to have terminated the growing new tenta- Tentaculat"
"Right. Everyone watch the hell out for those things, they're now Threat Alpha."
"I've got another DPL user, I'm going to blast that room off the face of the seabed."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2429.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2431.png)
"Upper floor clear. Lower floor - there's still some Tasoth, and it's the lift room. Everyone get on the Disruptors and make them disarm."
"Tasoth scout reveals that there's still some in the north east annexe. Including another DPL."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2432.png)
"All remaining Aliens no longer a threat. Neutralize them."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2433.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2434.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2435.png)
"Damn! Just like the artifact site, we're separated again."
"Everyone stay calm, spread out - slowly - and keep in touch. Report any sightings."
"Johnston here. I see a Lobsterman, skip."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2501.png)
"Got it for you."
"Thanks, Krug, I-"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2502.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2503.png)
"Well?"
"Omega report from her armour. She got infected right through the armour, it began a zombie stage, then she dumped the suit reactor."
"At this depth, that would just mean she'd be crushed instantly when the pressure disequilib field shorted, or fried by the power flare. Whichever came first."
"Yes. I think - I think she decided that if the pressure didn't kill the infection the flare would."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2504.png)
"Another lobster. Right, just got to-"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2505.png)
"Man stunned! Someone get over there and revive him, or we'll have to leave him when we get out!"
"We're not leaving him. I'll go. Either he gets up or I carry him."
"Okay, I found the control room! Synomium device, two unarmed Lobstermen and one with a gun, it fits the bill perfectly! Krug, MC please."
"I have them."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2506.png)
"Right. Everyone bring them back to the lift, kill the device and we are OUT of here!"
"Good thing I got Carl back up then."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2507.png)
"My hand... isn't green. And neither is my other hand! Wow!"
"He's... able to move. Not much more positive to say there."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2508.png)
"And there goes the device."
"Surface command confirms that active emissions from the enemy net have stopped. They are bringing in the container ship with the miniaturized Ardune IV warhead."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2510.png)
"Enemy stunned. We have two Commander rank Lobstermen ready for evac."
"Surface copies. Your ride is ready and waiting."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2512.png)
It's a pity - a dreadful, terrible pity - about Uma. 25 missions, 14 killed, second in command of the fighting units. She will be mourned, and honoured.
Dead woman's shoes. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2513.png)
Distasteful business - but we needed the slots filled.
And our hard won gains are already being put to good use.
Ve haff ways of making you talk. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2514.png) Mainly involving butter, boiling water, and other sea food accoutrements.
(Unfortunately the screenshots were lost in the most recent session. Here follows a quick summary.)
The interrogation on the enemy Commander went off without a hitch (as did the Commander's carapace in the process) and we found the truth. A series of arcane equations to solve to pierce the illusion (sort of like a tunnel, but only apparent if it's being driven through), and that the final generation submarine will need to be capable of descending to nearly twenty miles deep in the ocean.
This impossibility adds to the others we've encountered, and suggests there may be no actual crust below T'Leth itself, instead the mantle being directly below the colony ship.
Regardless, the design of the final sub has begun.
In the meantime, a couple of alien craft were hit, gaining us more Blasta ammunition from the unused Alien rifles as well as a precious load of Zrbite - fuel for the Leviathan.
Our funding report for the month was universally positive from all members, the back channels allowing more money than usual. It's nice that saving the world is appreciated.
In addition, the troop segregation occurred. The Deep 13 base were assigned to work on plans to attack a conjectured Alien base on Europa. It's actually fairly sensical from what we knew before the colony raid and what's not classified. Hopefully that will throw the enemy off the scent, especially as Grand Banks is now staffed exclusively by MC Strength 50 troops or above. (Apart from Smillie who's new job is to watch anime. We think the Aliens will just come away with the idea we use giant robots and music in combat.)
September began with an alert: An Alien Artefact site had activated. This time the device was located off Cuba, and the on-alert surface ships raced there to drop an Ardune bomb past the PD. Disabling which was the primary team's job.
The Captain insisted on going herself, and her report indicates that the Aliens are stepping up their use of Ardune weapons of their own in the perimeter defence role. This is worrying, and may indicate T'Leth is awakening more fully.
Regardless, the team made it in and out without a hitch, Broomski even managing to Molecularly Control several of the Tentaculat creatures, one of the ensigns risking her life to retrieve a live, stunned, sample.
Investigation is pending more urgent research.
The device was destroyed by Sonic fire from Merlin, accompanying the assault, and the base subsequently scoured by Ardune IV.
Remaining missions in he next two days were short and mainly mopping up affairs against Lobsterman submarines, but on the 3rd a Dreadnaught with Aquatoid crew once more broke through the perimeter minefield and attacked the base.
"Action stations! Mark'em for the psis and keep moving."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2601.png)
Got one, sire!
"Ooh, the one in the bottom of the lift has a stun launcher!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2602.png)
"More enemies! Stun away!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2603.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2604.png)
"Trying to hide, eh?"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2605.png)
"No chance!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2606.png)
"Woo, stunbomb close. Woozy..."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2607.png)
No.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2608.png)
"That's a full bag, guys! We got nine of them alive!"
Not bad. Of course, we got all their weapons too. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2609.png)
More lobsters. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2610.png)
Ah, finally. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2611.png)
No more needs to be said. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2613.png)
Now that, that is a submarine indeed. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2614.png)
If we had a path for it to take, it could probably travel a magma chamber to a good hundred miles depth. As it is, we must merely delve the deepest place in the oceans, by a factor of three.
The work of deciphering the waypoint sequence is underway. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2615.png)
And construction begins on the Gandalfr. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2616.png)
You know, the drill. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2617.png)
That works best on Aliens. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2618.png)
See? (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2619.png)
Ooh, handy. More precious Zrbite. Fuel for the Left Hand of God. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2620.png)
Oh, crap. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2621.png)
The entire colony ship is a gigantic animation failsafe now? We're in serious trouble. Only one thing to do, then - stop the Sleeper. Anything that can prevent a creature that close to death from actually dying is probably rather delicate. Break it, and the first opening in the prison will be entropy and death.
Also, strangely a man in a tweed jacket and a bow tie ran past when the information came up, stared at the screen for a moment, and left shouting about waterways. He was not found on a later search of the base.
Ewwwww. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2627.png)
I begin to suspect we know where Lovecraft's dreams came from, actually.The Sleeper may have influenced us more than we know. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2622.png)
What. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2623.png)
That's the Grand Banks, you twit! Continental Shelf. Not too deep for you at all.
Better. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2624.png)
Routine. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2626.png)
So, to sum up. We are almost certainly all going to die or worse. Some madman is running around and can't be found anywhere. And we're sending our best and brightest down to do the bloody deed in only a few weeks.
Someone get a really, really good drink.
*snerk* Loved the Doctor running through it.
Ah, good, someone noticed. And this won't be the first the Doctor sees of XCOM, either.
...ah, I love Moffat's ideas even as I consider that the man is a Kish'ta incubus. Who else would muck about with the implications of Time Travel so much?
These keep showing up - but usually at night, which makes them a pain to assault. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2701.png)
Right now, keeping our forces intact is more important.
That thing is just a little ridiculous. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2702.png)
Why bother with a titanium skeleton? It already has an EXOskeleton - they actually made a chordate hybrid out of an arthropod.
Not much of a threat. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2703.png)
Big jellyfish, not even a triploblast.
So far, the alien creatures seem to be some kind of mix and match between Cambrian explosion era life, and human concepts. I swear the Tentaculat is based off a Grell...
The Left Hand of God. The Gandalfr. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2704.png)
Why yes, our construction team were watching Familiar of Zero when we built it. Why?
Ooh, could be tricky- (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2705.png)
Ah well. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2706.png)
What. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2707.png)
What. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2709.png)
Alien lizard people infiltrating the government with psychic powers! (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2708.png)
So, that's what Troodon evolved into. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2710.png)
Total mind screw, this alien threat.
And for some completely unknown reason, the research on the origins of this strangely terrestrial species turned up something else.
I don't see the logic either. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2711.png)
Flash Learning? Brilliant, now we're fighting the Clone War. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2713.png)
At least the Clones are a bit naff. I mean, these things make little sense. They seem to be poorly adapted for both surface and underwater life. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2714.png)
The Afrika Korps have surrendered? I never trusted Future Rommel. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2715.png)
Oh, Africa corp. I forgot about them. Well, we're clearly doing OK if we get that much money increase despite losing a source.
And there goes Beacon Three. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2716.png)
Wow. Not counting rearmament time and loading time, the Leviathan just made it to Sao Tome in an hour. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2717.png)
"Right, spread the MC network. I want the surface guard wiped out."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2718.png)
"Good, keep it up."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2719.png)
"Stun bomb!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2720.png)
"Crap, grenades!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2721.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2722.png)
"I got them, but I'm wounded. Someone get over here with a med kit!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2723.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2724.png)
This area is clear.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2725.png)
"Okay, SWS forward and take out the device. Everyone else, MC support."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2727.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2728.png)
"And if I do that, then - yes! Tentaculats are turning on one another!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2729.png)
Synomium device disabled, I will fall back.
Device disabled, no casualties except for a bad case of freezer burn on the stunned Aquanaut and a week in hospital for Carl. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2732.png)
...ew. That makes even less sense than the Lobster Man. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2733.png)
These things are more like golems than actual organisms.
Probably explains these, too. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2734.png)
Always with the airborne. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2735.png)
Carl is still in traction. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2737.png)
The essence of a routine mission. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2738.png)
Okay, enough is enough. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2739.png)
You Fail Biology Forever. Genetic modification does not work that way! Lobsters can't have internal skeletons without messing up their structure, they can't get that BIG without being unable to breathe; there is no such thing as a pure amphibian amniote species because gills evolved into the jaw in tetrapods and colloquial amphibians solve the underwater breathing with their skin - not possible above a certain size - so the Gill Men make no sense; it is not possible to cross breed members of different species by definition let alone creatures from entirely different biospheres, not unless you transpose a lot of genetic traits by cross referencing that takes more effort than just inventing what you want; and you can't, you REALLY can't, have a creature that's been in stasis since before the Iridium Horizon be a descendant of the SECTOIDS!
Phew, that's been coming for a while.
So, we have a choice. Either the Aliens are so insane, so...well, alien - that they do things in this manner because it makes most sense to them, or the Sleeper is warping reality to an extent that these things DO make sense.
I really, really hope it's the first option.
Most of the positive stuff here is a lie. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2801.png)
After the scientists proudly delivered the finished prototype, the Captain took it without a word, beckoned them down to the basement, plugged it into the wall, and fired it at a Lobsterman front armour plate.
Twenty shots later, the Gauss rifle was too hot to touch and the armour plate had a small dent in it.
The scientists were told to do something useful, like study Gillmen or something.
Meanwhile... (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2802.png)
The routine continued. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2803.png)
One enemy ship was downed north of Crete, among the islands of the Aegean sea. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2805.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2806.png)
Routine, by now.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2807.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2808.png)
The hardest part is finding the enemy, at least here, where the lines of sight are too long for them to ambush us.
Wow, one survived being shot. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2809.png)
More lies. The thing's okay, but not against aliens - most of the powerful ones only take about 50% of the projected damage. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2810.png)
Seriously. No. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2811.png)
Hmmm... you have to wonder why it took so long for Japan to get involved. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2813.png)
WHAT! (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2814.png)
This makes un-sense. Didn't we establish that the Gill Men were underwater for over fifty million years? There is literally... gah, pick a mammal. Any mammal. We are more closely related to that mammal than to this.
Scientists! Stop getting high on the Alien TV.
We have gone over this. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2815.png)
The centre of the Atlantic is the shallowest bit, not the deepest.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2816.png)
"Ah!"
"Medic, we need a medic out here!"
"You're okay, calm down, you're safe. But you're off the final mission, with that big a hole in your knee."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2817.png)
I vos starting to like her.
Another mission complete. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2818.png)
Don't worry, you'll walk again. Surprisingly fast, in fact. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2819.png)
But for now-
Alert! The emissions signature from T'Leth has changed. The colony's main power network appears to be in the process of coming online.
Oh, hell. Everyone to the Leviathan!
Any idea how they found out?
Difficult to say. They may not have at all, and simply planned to act now all along.
Like hell. After sixty five million, what's another year or three? They found out, I'm telling you.
It is possible that you are correct. There have been no reports from the Back Channel in the US for longer than average.
Right. Well, it's all in the hands of those fourteen men and women, and three SWS units.
Never in the field of Human Conflict...
Yeah, yeah.
Mirage field is down! (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2820.png)
T'Leth has just decloaked and begun to rise towards the surface. We do not know their intentions, but the entire globe's defence systems are coming alive.
The antimissile nets of the minor alien colonies at the poles overwhelmed by sheer firepower - an Ardune warhead slips through each network and scours them from existence. Normally, this would trigger major weather disruption with all the fire and fury expended on making it in close - and, indeed it does.
But nobody notices.
The Core Tap is live and on full burn, and anyone concerned about the climate need only look to Antarctica, where a bolt of seething fire ascends into the sky a full thousand kilometres.
Earth's power lines drink deep, and slumbering AIs are woken. The entire globe is becoming an impregnable fortress as the Hyper Limiter spins up - and not a moment too soon.
T'Leth's gravity compensation bays too have awoken, but under the Limiter's lash the Colony cannot flicker-launch an instant invasion force and, chafing all the while, must rise to the surface and release the swarm directly.
Thus opens the window of opportunity.
The Greatest Raid of All. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2821.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2822.png)
"Okay, it's go time. Everyone separate into two designations - MC for the guys with the skill and power to operate the Disruptors, and everyone else on blade and gun work."
"Hey, Skip... this is bad. Every alien we pick up has an Ardune hand launcher."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2823.png)
"Well, so long as we see them first. Get them on the task of blasting holes in their own ranks, and then grab the launchers if you have the spare space - a couple of them could come in handy, all we have is a grenade each for demo work."
"This place is a maze."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2824.png)
"And there are so many rooms, it's impossible to tell which way we should be-"
"Look out!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2825.png)
"That was close. If that had been fired..."
"Another!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2826.png)
"They're in the little anterooms! Clear them as you pass, MC troops forward behind the front line."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2827.png)
"About time something went our way."
"These weapons are just ridiculously powerful, I'm glad of the suits. Speaking of, actually..?"
"Eighteen miles at least. But we are rising, so we are not going to have a breach."
"Ha! Locked, loaded and likely to annoy the other Aquatoids!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2828.png)
"Ever try 'subtle'?"
"Nope, and I don't need to. The kind of overpressure these things create is knocking out other Aquatoids at a pretty sizable range."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2829.png)
"Clearly not all of them."
"Woo! Score!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2830.png)
"I am keeping this, and a spare round as well."
"What are these rooms?"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2831.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2832.png)
Sisters four with poisoned breath
bring to the land a long, slow death
But death comes swiftly if you dare
to find each sister's hidden lair
Their songs like poisoned rivers flow
to bind the terror deep below
And if at last their voices cease
the Earth will know a final peace.
"Well, that was weird."
"Marcel? What happened?"
"Nothing... I think... some kind of singing, but nothing that seems important. Almost inspiring, actually."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2833.png)
Lift located. You should all come here now.
"Got it. Merlin, Higgs, keep the route open until we're all in."
Deep dive. (http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2834.png)
How close are they?
They have reached the second layer. I am losing the connection.
"Hello, what are you lot doing, then, eh?"
Link disengaged. "Who the hell are you?"
"Me? Oh, I'm the Doctor."
"Well, Doctor, how did you get in here? This is a restricted location. To be frank, I know all the people cleared to be here personally - and you're not one of them."
"Nah, you must be mistaken. See? All there on the paper."
"This says you have a reference from... Queen Elizabeth the Tenth? let me see that! This is a fake!"
"Ooh, impressive, nobody's ever beaten the Psychic Paper before. Well, I say nobody, really that was just to make it sound good. It's sometimes a bit rubbish really. But the important thing right now is... what are you doing?"
"We are involved in fighting a war against a hideous alien menace, Doctor. Kindly go away and leave us to it."
"A war? Now, see, that's a mistake. Because I don't like wars. Especially against so-called Alien Menaces, because most of the time, it's the ones calling the other ones menacing that are the ones I should be worried about."
"Not this one."
"Really? Cause I've heard that one even more often than the alien menace bit. Got any proof?"
"It's all classified, and we don't have time to show you anyway."
"I'll have a look myself then. Ponds! River! Mind getting back in the TARDIS, we've got a little trip to take."
"Technically we're Williamses, you know."
"Nah, you're not."
"No, we're not, you're right."
Do you think that was...
What, the person that showed up last month? Can't be, can it?
The faux-science is most amusing. Dunno why, I never really paid attention to it until you pointed it out. Many, many likes ^^
I just came out of a massive Palaeontology course, both invertebrate and vertebrate, so I notice these things.
"Okay, spread out. Look for anything out of the ordinary, any clue at all as to where the exit is."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2901.png)
"The room's a dead end - request MC support."
"You got it, it's about to come over. Just carve it up with the drill."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2902.png)
"It's collapsed, I think that means it's dead?"
"Probably. Oh, Ramirez found a more likely route."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2903.png)
"Right, I-"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2904.png)
SPLUTCH
"Hey... hey! You okay there?"
"big... thing... exploded... goo everywhere..."
"Oh, ICK. Well, at least we know what to look out for."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2905.png)
"The door's too small for the SWS. Any ideas?"
"Yeah. Fire on the wall, make a new one. Pick any wall."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2906.png)
"Wow, that Heavy Cannon really goes right through the walls."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2907.png)
Hark, a foe!
"MC the Lobsterman and let's go."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2908.png)
"What the hell ARE these things?"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2909.png)
"Cripes, this place is a right labyrinth. I'd recommend we go through the walls more often, but we'd have no clue which way was forward."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2910.png)
"Another one, tag 'im."
"Hallucinoid, I have control, fire away."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2911.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2912.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2913.png)
"Too small for the SWS again. I think we'd better split up. One group goes forward, the other starts making holes in walls."
"Right!"
"Hey, isn't that a-"
"GET DOWN!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2915.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2916.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2914.png)
"See? Hole."
"You nearly blew us up, maniac!"
T'Leth shook again with the thunder of an Ardune blast. This one was closer than the rest had been, but the Sleeper did not change plans more than increasing the power fed to the Point Defense network.
The escalating battle around the ascending mass, however, did effectively mask the blasts of Ardune fire inside it, smaller weapons but far closer to the heart - far more of a risk.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2917.png)
Another Staff of Destruction!
"Looks like we picked a good place. One SWS that way, two the other."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2918.png)
Could be useful.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2919.png)
"The Lobsterman's found another - and an Aquatoid as well."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2920.png)
"Aha! Another DPL launcher. Time to make holes in walls."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2921.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2922.png)
I have found a lift.
"Second way into the lift complex over here."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2923.png)
"Right, everyone move in - carefully. Nobody up the lift except for MCed aliens until I say so."
"Aye, aye, skip."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2924.png)
"What! Where did that come from?"
"Damn, there's a hole in the roof!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2925.png)
"Must have been Lisa's round that did it."
"I don't know... there's two."
"Good thing it went for the SWS, or we'd be in real trouble."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2926.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2927.png)
"The Alien MC net just hashed for a second, they're losing coherency in this section. Must be all the holes we blew in the network. And, come to that, the walls."
"Hey, that second signal tracks to somewhere I checked right at the start! I'll go have a look. Boson, make a hole for me?"
Sure.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2928.png)
"Strange... a cross shape, built into the corridors here. Who knows why..."
"GAH!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2929.png)
"I checked this area, damnit!"
ScrEEEEEEEkRRR
"At least I had my blade out - hello, another DPL. Better take it."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2930.png)
"Seaman Collington! Please refrain from profligately spending ammunition!"
"Aye, skip. Sorry, I was nervous - and besides, now the SWSes can reach the door."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2931.png)
Well, that's... unusual.
"Sir! MCed Lobsterman has revealed the location of the lift!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2932.png)
"Always the last place we look. Right, everyone move in!"
"Aaargh! I thought that thing was DEAD!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2933.png)
"Looks like it was only stunned, we must have missed it getting up again."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2934.png)
"You okay?"
"Think so."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2935.png)
"And that's the last of them!"
Not quite.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2936.png)
That is.
Chaos is complexity is information is FOOD. So long. So much waiting, in the cold and the dark. But now, yesyesyes NOW this one can emerge, feed, drink the sun dry and feast on the intricate patterning of flicker-lives and individuality and ESCAPE the prison it is so close I will crack the walls of this FEEble containerand live for the first time once more.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2937.png)
"Okay, everyone, this is it. Last hurdle. We've come this far."
"More true than you know, Skip. We're actually too far to make contact with HQ."
"Is that possible? The grav/pulse coms can reach anywhere on Earth."
"Yep, we're not in Kansas anymore. A lot of the suit's telltales are going slightly strange - I think the laws of physics are subtly different this far in. And if the physical constants are different, there's no real match between the units here and the ones at base. We're on our own from here on in."
"Right. SWS, move out. Everyone else follow at a discreet distance."
KRISH
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2938.png)
Robots do not stun, fool.
"Hey, there's some kind of airlock door here. Too small for the SWSes. I'll send a Lobsterman through under control."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2939.png)
"Damn, the stun bombs missed that Hallucinoid. Well, it's there, Broomski! Take it!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2940.png)
"Looks like the missed stuns caught a few ambushing Aliens. Good for them."
"Oh, there's no way we can make a proper attack on this place if the damn gate's in the way. Stand back, everyone!"
"Ramirez!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2941.png)
"Oh, brilliant. It opened the lock, but on the other hand it probably alerted every single Alien in the entire area."
"I doubt it, these walls are really thick. Look, the blast only removed the cladding."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2942.png)
"A Hallucinoid just ate the Tentaculat I was MC-ing. That was strange."
"Lobstermen! Three of them, someone MC them!"
"Hey, two of them have DPLs. And there's a set of gates here.."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2943.png)
"I don't trust all these bodies from the stun blasts."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2944.png)
BLAM
"Oh, ew. At least we know it worked."
"Skip? Look at the map?"
"What the hell? Is that a Sierpinski square? No, it's become - Ow, headache. Now it's gone blank."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2946.png)
"Bit of a mercy, really."
"More doors? Usual treatment."
"Fire in the hole!"
"You know, our stocks of Ardune warheads are getting a little low. And this long hallway suggests to me we're getting closer."
"Actually, the bounded space of the altered reality is such that we're walking along the edge of it here. But we're walking the spiral, right enough - I make it that we've explored about half of the area."
"Another door!"
"Right!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2947.png)
"Bleedin' hell, more doors? I'm almost out, can we get a count?"
"We've got about five shots left, and that Lobster we were using as a scout will have say three more."
"Right, good to know."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2948.png)
"Right, couple more doors and then we're into a more open bit."
"Hey, this one has unusual markings. Meh, let's see what happens."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2949.png)
The hammer of pressure bent doors slightly, damaged locking mechanisms, scoured stone cladding and was felt all the way to the Sephulcre.
The Sleeper reacted. With a still dim mind, the creature began to strain more frantically at the bound of its' prison. The Humans had made it all the way here?
The defense subroutine in the T'Leth mainframe, a mere splinter of the Sleeper's mind and almost none of the eldritch power, considered the data and transmitted orders to continue present configuration.
There was nothing else it could do. The regime was perfect. Nothing better could be found throughout the pattern-lists.
Pity for it that the Humans had become inventive.
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2950.png)
"Woo!"
"That was a good one!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2951.png)
"Right, everyone form up again. We were getting some stragglers there - mostly the guys who are less experienced with the suits, I think."
"They were chosen for their MC resistance, not their strength."
"I suppose."
"Oh, come on! More bloody doors? Right, I assume this will be a mirror of the one on the other side, so fire away."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2952.png)
"Good, keep it up! We need that path open for the SWSes - I don't think being within meters of the thing is going to be safe for anything biological."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2953.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2954.png)
This cannot be This one is an unmortal and these mortal puppets should bow to this one but something is affecting controlAHA! This One can perceive the other one now!
Yes, you can. And I can keep messing with your control for as long as I like.
Contradiction none may affect Thisone's power
I'm doing plenty well now.
DiediediediediediediediediediedieKILL
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2955.png)
One cannot simply walk into one More Door...
"That is a horrible pun."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2956.png)
"Nearly there."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2957.png)
"Okay, big corridor and another door ahead. I'll go through first."
"Why?"
"Because that way we can tell if there are guards in the next room. Besides, we only have two rounds left."
"Hey, idea. What if you got half our stock of Pulsers and overloaded them in the same spot?"
"What, the next door?"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2958.png)
"Could work."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2959.png)
TH-T-T THOOOOM!
"No luck. I have an MCed Lobsterman, though, with a DPL. I'll get it to crack the door."
"Right, I'm sending in an Alien as a scout."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2960.png)
"Hmm. Monolithic tomb that's surrounded by high tech machinery. Eight glass pedestals. I'm going to say aim for the pedestals."
"Fire away!"
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2961.png)
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2963.png)
The heat! The precious heat, it comes, it makes thought happen, it... it... where what is going on why are things fading
Ah, see, I know the answer to that one. You're impossible, and that machine blowing up means that you can't hide in a little bubble of possible any more. Goodbye, Terror from the Deep.
"Wait, that was it? That was remarkably easy. We're all in one piece... more or less... and we're all-wait. Crap. It never is that easy. Hello, suicide charges."
(http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~dm510/xcom/TFTD2964.png)
"Back again, Doctor?"
"You were right, I'm sorry. I went back and had a look at the files. That thing needs to be destroyed."
Time machine?
Explains a lot. Presumably he wanted a look back when we were on lower alert.
"You're late to the party there, we already killed it."
But, hang on, if it's a creature that wants to kill the planet, and it dies, isn't it going to want to kill it anyway?"
"I am reading many explosions in the heart of T'Leth. The team has gone silent. The colony is starting to break up into component materials... Akira! They're contaminants! Looks like only airborne, but it managed to surface as the breakup began. It'll poison the atmosphere."
"No it won't. Because if there's one thing I do well, it's mess about. Forget that bit. I work well under pressure, that's it! I need full access to the computer network and specifications on everything."
"Sir?"
"Do it."
"Ahh, there we go! Bring the planetary shield offline, and then re-generate it as low as you possibly can - try and bend it so that T'Leth's site is outside the shield - and then just raise it into the sky and push all the pollutants to the edge where they can be dealt with!"
"What about the air?"
"Nah, not a problem, import it from somewhere. Yes! Three minutes, one computer terminal and I've done it again!"
"WILL YOU STOP CAPERING ABOUT LIKE A LOON!"
"Alright, steady on. What's the problem?"
"I just lost fourteen of my best men and women, who had faced down the greatest alien entity on the planet! Do you think I appreciate this attitude?"
"Whoops, forgot about that. Back in a tic."
VWORT-VWORT-VWORT
"I'm picking up far too much Ardune in the nearby reactor to be healthy, and the containment fields are powering down. Say two minutes, and we're Quarks."
"Well. Synthetics, ladies and gentlemen, it has been an honour and a pleasure to serve with you."
"Do you hear something..?"
"Over there, in the corner!"
"Hello, everyone. Phew, it's a bit high pressure down here - good thing I have the shields up. And I needed a new swimming pool anyway. Fancy a lift?"
*applauds* Good work, man. I have been thoroughly enjoying this Let's Play. Your format, style, and creativity with characters an interpretation of the game was masterful, managing to create a new story within the story of the game, and with loads of nonstop humor to boot. All good things must come to and end, but this definitely had a good run.
Thank you. :)
Indeed. Muchly appreciated.
Not sure if I should have a go at Apocalypse, if I do it'll be rather failure prone (not only is Apocalypse unstable on DOSBox, and in windows, thanks to being written during the transition - but I haven't played it before). In any case, that's probably a couple months away if I do.
Thematically, I think I might delve into David Drake books and go for the formation of the Slammers - who says the city's on Earth?
Hammer, the White Mice, Joachim Steuben (I think) ?
Other than that, you'd find all sorts of interesting folks. Although it's not my usual cup of tea...
Quote from: Saphroneth on May 28, 2011, 12:24:07 PM
Not sure if I should have a go at Apocalypse, if I do it'll be rather failure prone (not only is Apocalypse unstable on DOSBox, and in windows, thanks to being written during the transition - but I haven't played it before). In any case, that's probably a couple months away if I do.
Thematically, I think I might delve into David Drake books and go for the formation of the Slammers - who says the city's on Earth?
Apoc, eh? I'm tempted to run it, personally. I've had no issues with it on DOSBox and I know the game itself like the back of my hand. I usually play the combat in realtime... this makes it pretty hard to take screenshots. Videos are doable but a little confusing. I'd probably do the usual forumites-as-soldiers routine.
Also, I would argue that Apoc is in fact the easiest of the three "original"/non-spinoff X-COM games. Casualty rates are generally lower, recovery times are faster, you always know what type of UFO you're dealing with (but never the mission or the crew, the latter generally being mixed) and you have the early-game boon of androids: psi-proof, brainsucker-proof, highly accurate, very strong, very tough, pretty much impossible to panic/demoralize in any way, shape or form, and essentially tireless to boot. You don't have the insanely imbalanced psi-abuse (at least until you meet psimorphs) or the exceptionally dangerous chrysallids/tentaculats (brainsuckers are "one use" only) and the real-time helps avoid a lot of bullshit "OH
COME ON!" moments that the first two games can cause.
Plus real-time has dual-wielding that works. Hilarity Ensues (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/HilarityEnsues) with Stuff Blowing Up (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/StuffBlowingUp).
Sounds good. I'm still beating myself up about the terrible mistake from earlier in the thread where I saved over an older set of pictures. I'll probably edit that to explain it later.
We're live! (http://clockworkmansion.com/forum/index.php/topic,8349.0.html) If my previous playthrough is any indication, Mega-Primus will be a smoking crater wracked by civil/corporate/gang warfare whilst X-COM flips off the Senate and saves the human race despite having had their funding cut off and threatened with closure.