File: Drone_Quest_Rules2.jpg (1.47 MB, 1379x2771)

1.47 MB JPG

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

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

I will attempt to make all relevant information available in this thread. Feel free to ask questions.

Skirmish discord: https://discord.gg/U8TUPH

What's that? You HATE discord... well I guess I'll loiter on IRC as well:
Rizon #Skirmish

QM twitter: https://twitter.com/CognisQM

File: Stat_Cards.jpg (701 KB, 1189x2472)

701 KB JPG

>>2894760
After reading the rules, if you’re ready to sign up please post with the following format:

Name:
Command Perks:
Starting Squad:
Protocol:

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

You can pick TWO command perks for this mission.

>cont

File: Command_Perks.jpg (874 KB, 1189x2091)

874 KB JPG

>>2894793

Aaand here are said command perks.

>Standby for Briefing

File: Mission_Map2.jpg (1.97 MB, 1560x1318)

1.97 MB JPG

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOvHPQqjyrg&list=PLclgj5uvZRWE7hkIBP02_lxlE-SfmyGX8&index=3&t=0s

Briefing:
Three months ago, command crawlers Fis’kiire and Akolon were ordered to return to the desert base for a maintenance cycle, however they came under intense vegetable attack and were forced to seek an alternate route. Since then they have been unable to break out of enemy territory, what’s worse is that the crawlers began to suffer increasingly severe system failures because of battle damage and prolonged operations. Last month we lost contact with both crawlers entirely.

We throw drones into the meat grinder constantly, but a command crawler is an expensive asset, losing even one is a massive blow to our war effort. To this end we have deployed the heavy command crawler Amida to penetrate veggie territory, ascertain the status of the Fis’Kiire and Akolon, and if possible escort them back to the desert base.

This will likely be a long and dangerous operation. We have sent an elite reconnaissance unit ahead of the Amida to scout for the missing crawlers. To remain light and mobile the recon unit does not have the means to establish a long range comms uplink. Your first mission is to rendezvous with the recon unit and receive the intel it has gathered, we currently have no way of contacting it so you will have to sweep the area to find it, alternatively if you could somehow make your presence known it might come to you. Once the recon unit has been recovered, secure a corridor of retreat by purging the area of any major vegetable presence.

Good Luck Commanders

>>2894802
Name: Arkul
Command Perks:[Signal drone upgrade package (Signal 2-Re)], [Interlaced command packet]
Starting Squad:
Protocol:

>>2894802
This looks intimidatingly complicated, but I'm really interested, so here goes!

Name: Seigfried
Command Perks: [Skirmisher 2-CQC] and [Orbital Response Teams]
Starting Squad:
Protocol:

>>2894997
Always forget how tripcodes work.

>>2894885
>>2894997

Approved.

>>2894997
Don't worry. This will likely take a while to start up so you have plenty of time to read the rules.

The bare minimum you need to know is how to set protocols/give orders. Understanding the nuances of the combat system is not strictly necessary but it helps.

Oh BTW I forgot to mention:

Drone command cap is 8 for this mission, if you wanted to plan out squad composition.

>>2895010
Thanks! I've been reading in random spots of all the images you posted. Since I chose to upgrade them, and finding our targets is a priority, I'm thinking of just doing a group of 8 Skirmishers to start.

Doesn't look like I can have them all branch out though, any command goes to all drones, so I can't each have them march in a different direction...

I guess I'll just have them all go in one direction?
Protocol: _^5
Move southwest and attack any enemies they see while doing so.

File: Intel_Card2.jpg (680 KB, 1189x1756)

680 KB JPG

Oh you guys might wanna look at this thing while you wait. Knowing is half the battle and all that.

Hmm I was hoping to get 4 players before we started but it looks like I posted at the wrong time. It might be a few more hours before people trickle in.

I suspect the two of you might not be around by then so please think about your squad composition and starting protocol. One great thing about this skirmish is that it doesn't require as much input from it's players as others.

I also arrange starting squads around the crawler based on my own judgement, so if you have any special requests now's the time.

>>2895600
>Update
Starting Squad: 4 Skirmisher Drones, 2 Soldier Drones
Protocol: _^5 (move to the southwest, attack any enemies you find)

>>2894844
Name: Wendigo
Command Perks: [FSDUP] FS 2-RL. [SDUP] Signal 2-ST
Starting Squad: 8/8
Skirmisher (4/4hp)
Skirmisher (4/4hp)
Signal 2-ST (6/6hp)
Signal 2-ST (6/6hp)
FS 2-RL (6/6hp)
Protocol: _^4
#Scouting line: Skirmishers, signal, support, signal

>>2895918
Approved. If we can just get one more I can resolve the first turn today, else I'll leave the thread over night.

>>2895961
Lieutenant Hovis reporting, fielding the crawler defence force. Now go my little darlings, protect your papa!

Name: Hovis
Command Perks: Crawler Operator, Strategic Planning
Starting Squad: Three Soldier Drones, Two Skirmisher Drones
Protocol: _@C

>>2895985
Approved, but the _@ protocol does not require a direction or waypoint. If you want the drones to follow the crawler I recommend ^, & or =.

Also please take a moment to place your strategic planning waypoint on the map, the perk also allows you to place your personal waypoint before the mission starts if you so choose.

I'm heading off for dinner now. Game will commence when I get back.

>>2895990
I see, I see. So turn this dial and flip this switch aaaaand done. How are you reading me now, girls?
> Modify Protocol: _^C
If I were a Automato, where would I be...
I'd be on top of that hill in the northwest!
> Place Planning Waypoint
And as for my personal one:
> Place Personal Waypoint 4 tiles away from the SE forest, on the northeast face
We'll be going that a-away

File: Strategic_Plan.jpg (1.86 MB, 1560x1318)

1.86 MB JPG

>>2895995
Protocol Checks out.

Please confirm that your waypoints have been set in the desired location.

>>2896000
Perfect!

>>2896000
Back, let's finally get this skirmish started.

Beginning game setup

File: Mission2_Start.jpg (1.91 MB, 1560x1318)

1.91 MB JPG

Running Crawler System Check...
Command Lines Open...
Deploying Drones Squads...
Assigning Commander IDs...

1: Arkul
2: Siegfried
3: Wendigo
4: Hovis

All commanders be advised. Hovis has designated strategic point Zulu for use with all waypoint navigation systems; command code: "Z"

We've got some veggies in the treelines, all units fire at will.

>Crawler Amida Status:
>HP : 50/50
>C3: Lvl 1
>PDG: Lvl 1
>Fabrication: Lvl 1
>Engines: Lvl 1
>Artillery FCS: Lvl 1
>Artillery Ammo: 2

>All players declare actions. It's already late for me so I'll process the turn when I wake up in about... 8-10 hours.

(Arkul you forgot to submit your starting squad and protocol, if you declare before I process I'll put them in play for the first turn otherwise you'll have to wait till the second.)

>>2896193
Name: Arkul
Command Perks:[Signal drone upgrade package (Signal 2-Re)], [Interlaced command packet]
Starting Squad:
-Signal 2-Re
-Supressor drone
-Supressor drone
-Soldier drone
Protocol:^z# (Suppressors first, then soldier and signal)

>>2896279
"SURVIVE AND YOU GET A NAME....MAYBE!"

File: Mission2_Start2.jpg (1.71 MB, 1560x1318)

1.71 MB JPG

>>2896279
Since I'm still awake I might as well deploy these.

Alright goodnight for reals.

>>2896193
Someone set us on course south, I'll boost the fabs so someone else can print us some ammo for the big guns. Little Alison, Sunbeam, Wanda, Rubschlager and Nimble, good luck out there!
> !# 4A-E : loose formation fore and starboard of the crawler
> Boost Fabricators (lvl 1 => lvl 3) : enough for 4 artillery shells

Name: Hovis
Command Perks: Crawler Operator, Strategic Planning
Starting Squad: Three Soldier Drones, Two Skirmisher Drones
Protocol: _^C

>>2896290

"Siegfried Scouting Squad, move out!"

Command Action: !# "Don't group up!" (I assume they'll still go southwest?)

Crawler Action: Build 4 Artillery Shells.

Name: Siegfried
Command Perks: [Skirmisher 2-CQC] and [Orbital Response Teams]

>>2896193
Command: # Scoutline
Crawler: Turn 5.
>Extra FS Drone, 3F?

Name: Wendigo
Command Perks: [FSDUP] FS 2-RL. [SDUP] Signal 2-ST
Starting Squad: 8/8
3A: Skirmisher (4/4hp)
3D: Skirmisher (4/4hp)
3E: Signal 2-ST (6/6hp)
3B: Signal 2-ST (6/6hp)
3C: FS 2-RL (6/6hp)
Protocol: _^4

>>2896193

(Room for one more?)

"Yes I want the drones loaded with *live* ammo guns, what are they gonna do with those peashooters?"

"Ahem. Operator Cryptic here. I'll try and keep out of your way."

Name: Cryptic
Command Perks: [Crawler Operator][Soldier 2-AC]
Starting Squad: Soldier 2-AC x4
Protocol: _^4

>>2896310
>>2896422
>>2897501
>>2897954
Right I'm awake, processing.

File: Mission2_P1.jpg (1.73 MB, 1560x1318)

1.73 MB JPG

Wendigo: Crawler is already facing in direction 5.
Whoops looks like I did give you an extra drone.

>4 artillery ammo built.

>Standby for enemy phase

File: Mission2_E1.jpg (1.76 MB, 1560x1318)

1.76 MB JPG

>>2898267
"Veggie assault! There were more of them hiding in the treeline!"

>Standby for Aftermath

File: Mission2_A1.jpg (1.76 MB, 1560x1318)

1.76 MB JPG

>>2898267

Good timing cryptic, we need all hands on deck and all boots on the ground.
5: Cryptic

>Crawler Amida Status:
>HP : 50/50
>C3: Lvl 1
>PDG: Lvl 1
>Fabrication: Lvl 3
>Engines: Lvl 1
>Artillery FCS: Lvl 1
>Artillery Ammo: 2

>All players declare actions. If I receive all actions promptly I'll process another turn today, else the next turn gets processed sometime tomorrow.

>>2898374
(Shouldn't Artillery Ammo be at six now?)

Command Action: _% "Go all out to eliminate the enemy! I believe in you!"

Crawler Action: Boost Point Defense Grid!

>>2898374

"Warming up the Crawler's combat systems now. Connect some ESM up for the drones to give you guys a hand, then I'll get to calibrating the big guns."

>Boost Crawler C3 to level 3 (+4 signal range, +1 accuracy to all drones in range)
>Boost Crawler Artillery FCS to level 3 (+3 max range, -1 scatter)

Name: Cryptic
Command Perks: [Crawler Operator][Soldier 2-AC]
Starting Squad: Soldier 2-AC x4
Protocol: _^4

>>2898462
Yeah Ammo is at 6, I was a in a rush to post. Wow, first turn resolved and we've already got 2 processing errors. FML

>>2898546
Cryptic you can only take ONE crawler action per turn.

Your two actions are one command and one crawler, you can't double up.

Also everyone please incorporate your ID number into your trip now that I've assigned one.

1: Arkul
2: Siegfried
3: Wendigo
4: Hovis
5:Cryptic

>>2898374
>Threat Recognition: Mark Pump-Kin 4 of 3B
>Command: !%
>-ESM, Smart Pistols, Rail Gun
>Crawler: Auto Point Defense
"Git some!"
Do you want us to roll, or do you prefer it on your end?

Name: Wendigo
-Command Perks: [FSDUP] FS 2-RL. [SDUP] Signal 2-ST
-Squad: 8/8
3A: Skirmisher (4/4hp)
3D: Skirmisher (4/4hp)
3E: Signal 2-ST (6/6hp)
3B: Signal 2-ST (6/6hp)
3C: FS 2-RL (6/6hp)
-Protocol: _^4

>>2898267
Oh, I am dumb. I meant 4. Eh, too late now.

Nice, it's back. Reacquainting with the rules...

Axe corn give it to ya
Corn give it to ya

>>2898888
For this skirmish, it's better that I roll everything.

"Hope Akalon's all right. I liked that vessel."

"All right, girls, you're dropping into the thinnest thick of it. Take the hill with authority and see then we'll see about keeping a strong signal line Zulu-ward."

>>2898374
>Orbital drop of 1 Signal Drone, 3 Fire Support Drones, 3SW of 4A

Name: Yacherii
Command Perks: [Orbital Response Teams][Interlaced Command Packet]
Starting Squad: None
Protocol: %

>>2898962
>>2898374
>If invalid, just join the mission

>>2898963
>>2898374
Hm, not being deployed yet, I wouldn't be able to set down the mark required for a drop anyway. Plain ol' Join it is.

>>2898374
>>2898546
Signal! Great idea. All of our drones should be in range to benefit, every last one. Arkul, good man, boost the main gun while I work the firing solution!

Look alive now, girls. The ones that bag a big pump-kin or corn gets a special prize afterwards!

Command Action: Mark Hex 2SE, 2S of Drone 3E
Crawler Action: FIRE ARTILLERY ON MARKED HEX, DANGER CLOSE!

Name: Hovis
Command Perks: Crawler Operator, Strategic Planning
Protocol: _^C
Boosting: Fabrication

>>2898851
Woops, my mistake, sorry about that.

Lets make the second action:

>Mark the Cornzerker 2s, 4sw of 3A

then.

Minor clarification: You can't use each other's waypoints but you can use each other's marks.

So don't be afraid to ask each other to spot for arty strikes and orbital drops.

>>2898374
>Interlaced command packet: _%!# (Maintain previous formation, keep signal drone in the back)
>Use a action to boost the Artillery FCS


Name: Arkul
Command Perks:[Signal drone upgrade package (Signal 2-Re)], [Interlaced command packet]
Starting Squad:
-Signal 2-Re
-Supressor drone
-Supressor drone
-Soldier drone
Protocol_%!# (Maintain previous formation, keep signal drone in the back)

Alright finally rolled out of bed.

Processing turn...

File: Mission2_P2.jpg (1.78 MB, 1560x1318)

1.78 MB JPG

Good shooting everyone

>Standby for enemy phase

File: Mission2_E2.jpg (1.76 MB, 1560x1318)

1.76 MB JPG

>>2900972
"You're drones didn't put down those Oni-ons properly, now the wounded beasts are among your lines and debilitating your drones!"

>Standby for aftermath

File: Mission2_A2.jpg (1.76 MB, 1560x1318)

1.76 MB JPG

>>2900972
((Ah sorry I for got to factor in cryptic's mark.))

Glad you could join us Yacherri, now that we've got some marks down we should be able to call in those response teams you're holding in reserve, just self destruct your existing squad and we'll get it sorted.

6B: !!!!?
6A: If the Commander wills it -.-;

6:Yacherri

>Crawler Amida Status:
>HP : 50/50
>C3: Lvl 3
>PDG: Lvl 2
>Fabrication: Lvl 3
>Engines: Lvl 1
>Artillery FCS: Lvl 2
>Artillery Ammo: 5

>All players declare actions.

File: Mission2_A2.jpg (1.76 MB, 1560x1318)

1.76 MB JPG

>>2901040
((Annd I still misplaced Cryptic's mark, ok this is where it should be now.))

>>2901040

"Continue fighting, do not give up!"

Protocol: same as before (_%)

Crawler Action: Build Drones (two Skirmishers, replacing what was lost)

>>2901051
Fudge, must have put the name in options. Sorry!

File: M_Unknown.jpg (66 KB, 332x332)

66 KB JPG

???"..mida...that explosion you?...coming...path through... veggies everywhere."

>>2901050>>2901040
>>2901050

"Repeating same command, signal drone please move back five paces
>Interlaced command packet: _%!# (Maintain previous formation, signal drone please move back five paces (one hex))
>Use a action to boost the Artillery FCS


Name: Arkul
Command Perks:[Signal drone upgrade package (Signal 2-Re)], [Interlaced command packet]
Starting Squad:
-Signal 2-Re
-Supressor drone
-Supressor drone
-Soldier drone
Protocol_%!# (Maintain previous formation, keep signal drone in the back)

"Won't be necessary, girls, the action's right here. Put them down."

>>2901040
>Mark Onion S of 5C

Name: Yacherii
Command Perks: [Orbital Response Teams][Interlaced Command Packet]
Squad: 6A Sig 6B-D FS
Protocol: _%

File: Spoiler Image (244 KB, 2048x1152)

244 KB JPG

WARNING

POSSIBLE UNKNOWN DISCOVERED

WARNING

*end transmission*

>>2901069
They don't equip you ladies with flares these days?

Enemies on the ridgeline, all units fire at will! Arkul, looks like they haven't learned their lesson yet! Let's keep it up!
Command Action: Set Order !%
Crawler Action: Fire at MARK 4, DANGER CLOSE!

If we see another wave coming out of the foest south of us, there's probably a pumpkin patch there. We'll want to get in and shoot it up -- a few soldiers would be able to do it.

Name: Hovis
Command Perks: Crawler Operator, Strategic Planning
Starting Squad: Three Soldier Drones, Two Skirmisher Drones
Protocol: _^C

>>2901040

"Ah, I see someone else is getting on the artillery. I'll warm the engine up then; we can't sit up here all day like a sitting duck. And drones, spread out a bit will you. Don't want to all get swiped down at once."

>Issue Order: !# (Don't bunch up)
>Boost Crawler Engines 2 levels

Name: Cryptic
Command Perks: [Crawler Operator][Soldier 2-AC]
Starting Squad: Soldier 2-AC x4
Protocol: _^4 (order !# don't bunch up)

Gonna be a bit busy today so turn processing will happen later than usual.

>>2901050
>Threat Recog: Mark Oni-On 4 of 3A
>Command: !%
>Crawler: Turn to 6, Move 666, turn to Z

Name: Wendigo
-Command Perks: [FSDUP] FS 2-RL. [SDUP] Signal 2-ST
-Squad: 8/8
3A: Skirmisher (2/4hp)
3D: Skirmisher (1/4hp)
3E: Signal 2-ST (3/6hp)
3B: Signal 2-ST (4/6hp)
3C: FS 2-RL (6/6hp)
-Protocol: _^4

File: Drones_Quest_Title_Card3.jpg (271 KB, 850x832)

271 KB JPG

>>2901051
>>2901226
>>2901299
>>2901470
>>2902148
>>2902928

Alright. Let's get this done.

Processing Turn...

File: Mission2_P3.jpg (1.78 MB, 1560x1318)

1.78 MB JPG

The immediate threat has been neutralized.
Let's move our forces up.

>standby for enemy phase

File: Mission2_E3.jpg (1.74 MB, 1560x1318)

1.74 MB JPG

>>2903483
Be careful, they know not to rush into our killzone anymore.

...Is that what I think it is?

((Oops forgot to move Cryptics drones, changing that for this phase.))

>Standby for Aftermath

>>2903517
Siegfried: Command Cap maxed, 1 skirmisher not built.

>Crawler Amida Status:
>HP : 50/50
>C3: Lvl 1
>PDG: Lvl 1
>Fabrication: Lvl 1
>Engines: Lvl 2
>Artillery FCS: Lvl 2
>Artillery Ammo: 4

>All players declare actions. If everyone posts before 10am GMT+8 on the 21st I'll process then, else it'll be 4pm GMT+8 same day.

File: Mission2_A3.jpg (1.74 MB, 1560x1318)

1.74 MB JPG

>>2903525
Oops, forgot the pic

>>2903525
(Engines should be level 3 this turn due my boosting them with Crawler Operator, shouldn't they?)

"If somebody else wants to drive this thing forward full bolt while the engine's still running hot, feel welcome to.I think I'd better focus on refresh the ESM. Can never go wrong with that."

>Crawler action: Boost C3 2 levels (+4 signal range, +1 accuracy to all drones in range)
>Command Action: Set Protocol _^6

Name: Cryptic
Command Perks: [Crawler Operator][Soldier 2-AC]
Squad: Soldier 2-AC x4
Protocol: _^6

>>2904897
Oh yes, my mistake. Engines were supposed to be lvl 3 last turn.

Crawler boosts apply only for the turn they were made. I think posting the crawler status at the end of the turn might have given the wrong impression.

>>2903527
"Yach, clear yer drones outta the way, yeah?"
>Command: _^Z
>Crawler: Build Munitions

Name: Wendigo
-Command Perks: [FSDUP] FS 2-RL. [SDUP] Signal 2-ST
-Squad: 8/8
3A: Skirmisher (2/4hp)
3D: Skirmisher (1/4hp)
3E: Signal 2-ST (3/6hp)
3B: Signal 2-ST (4/6hp)
3C: FS 2-RL (6/6hp)
-Protocol: _^Z

>>2905494

"Move out and prepare to engage!"

>Protocol: _^Z

>Crawler: Boost PDF

"If anyone's willing to drive us towards the enemies, the automated turrets should help our drones clear them out."

Sorry guys, something came up, turn processing will be postponed, hopefully by only an hour, but I might have to delay it for a whole day.

We're facing Zulu? I'll send the girls south, then.

>>2903527
>ICP: _^4 !=S

Name: Yacherii
Command Perks: [Orbital Response Teams][Interlaced Command Packet]
Squad: 6A Sig 6B-D FS
Protocol: _^4

File: Drones_Quest_Title_Card4.jpg (254 KB, 628x622)

254 KB JPG

Alright, finally getting to processing...

File: Mission2_P4.jpg (1.75 MB, 1560x1318)

1.75 MB JPG

>>2906023
It's too quiet...

>Standby for Enemy Phase

File: Mission2_E4.jpg (1.76 MB, 1560x1318)

1.76 MB JPG

>>2906066
AMBUSH!

...I think that's our recon unit. It's coming towards us, we need to get it within signal range so we can receive it's intel.

>standby for Aftermath...

File: Mission2_A4.jpg (1.76 MB, 1560x1318)

1.76 MB JPG

>>2906093

Looks like High Command sent in a Commando Droid; each one has a bespoke high performance chassis, with advanced AI capable of independent decision making.

I've never actually seen one before. They're quite rare, supposedly less than 100 in service and all their records are classified.

>Crawler Amida Status:
>HP : 50/50
>C3: Lvl 3
>PDG: Lvl 2
>Fabrication: Lvl 1
>Engines: Lvl 1
>Artillery FCS: Lvl 1
>Artillery Ammo: 5

>All players declare actions. Gonna be really busy tomorrow so the turn may not get processed till Sunday. Time for all you afk players to catch up.

>>2906023
Oh and shout out to Fenster for the fan art. I didn't draw that myself... nooo... I'm not that good.yet

>>2906113
*sounds of popcorn eating from the microphone*
"Oh my thats a lot of them, just went to the kitchen for some popcorn and i come to this. Alright girls, move up although you signal drone make sure you keep a health fifteen paces away from everyone else. We need you alive alright?"

>Interlaced command packet: Protocol: _^z!# (Maintain previous formation, keep signal drone in the back, preferably fifteen paces/three hexes away from everyone else.)
>Use 1 act to

Name: Arkul
Command Perks:[Signal drone upgrade package (Signal 2-Re)], [Interlaced command packet]
Starting Squad:
-Signal 2-Re
-Supressor drone
-Supressor drone
-Soldier drone
Protocol_^z!# (Maintain previous formation, keep signal drone in the back, perferbly fifteen paces/three hexes away from everyone else.)

>>2906164
oh yes crawler action.
>Give head pats to the service drone onboard the crawler while boosting the artillery system.

"Don't just stand there looking adorable, FIRE!"

Name: Seigfried
Id: 2
Drone Action: _%
Crawler Action: Boost PDF
Commander Perks: [Skirmisher 2-CQC] and [Orbital Drop Command]

>>2906113

"What? Oh. Nobody felt like moving the crawler themselves while the engine was hot? Well, alright. Guess I'll scooch us over a bit then, the coms net should survive a few seconds without my attention."

>Move Crawler 5555 (should be in signal range of the commando drone if the C3 boost is still in effect).
>Set Protocol _%

>>2906113
No problem, OP. Enjoy your weekend.
Now stop slacking off, girls, and get moving! You're on crawler guard, not overwatch!
... Firing main cannon, Someone get on boosting that signal!

> Mark Hex 5445 of Signal Drone 3B
> BLAM BLAM BLAM! Fire on mark!

Name: Hovis
Command Perks: Crawler Operator, Strategic Planning
Starting Squad: Three Soldier Drones, Two Skirmisher Drones
Protocol: _^C

>>2906113
>_^4!# Bunch up
>Boost Point Defense

Name: Yacherii
Command Perks: [Orbital Response Teams][Interlaced Command Packet]
Squad: 6A Sig 6B-D FS
Protocol: _^4

>>2906113
>Threat Recog: Mark Oni-On 5554 of 3E
>Command: !%
>Crawler: Boost C3

Name: Wendigo
-Command Perks: [FSDUP] FS 2-RL. [SDUP] Signal 2-ST
-Squad: 6/8
3E: Signal 2-ST (3/6hp)
3B: Signal 2-ST (4/6hp)
3C: FS 2-RL (6/6hp)
-Protocol: _^Z

Finally got round to updating.

Processing turn...

File: Mission2_P5.jpg (1.79 MB, 1560x1318)

1.79 MB JPG

Boosting the point defence is all well and good but someone has to actually turn the guns on.

>Standby for enemy phase

File: Mission2_E5.jpg (1.76 MB, 1560x1318)

1.76 MB JPG

>>2912348
Droid's in range. Initiating handshake protocols.
Just hold on a little longer...

>standby for aftermath...

File: Mission2_A5.jpg (1.77 MB, 1560x1318)

1.77 MB JPG

>>2912375
I've received the droid's intel. There's a detailed report on their mission to find the missing crawlers, but a more pressing concern is the location of three pumpkin patches in the area. We'll need to eliminate those if we are to secure an avenue of retreat once we find the Fis'kiire and Akolon.

>Crawler Amida Status:
>HP : 50/50
>C3: Lvl 2
>PDG: Lvl 2
>Fabrication: Lvl 1
>Engines: Lvl 1
>Artillery FCS: Lvl 2
>Artillery Ammo: 4

>All players declare actions. I'll be traveling over the next two days so next update might be on Tuesday if you're lucky else Wednesday.

>Please wait warmly.

File: M_Normal.jpg (113 KB, 332x332)

113 KB JPG

>>2912385
33X "Marsh": "Glad to see you Amida, commando droid: 33X reporting in. You can call me Marsh if you prefer something a little less formal. No doubt your intel officer has received my data packet and informed you of the three pumpkin patches in the vicinity. I'll tag along with you for the rest of the operation and help you mop up."

Fleet Intelligence: "If I recall correctly commando droids have a fully independent AI. No need to mess around with protocols, you can just tell them what you want... which they'll do if they feel like it. They're very expensive pieces of hardware and answer only to the highest echelons of command."

33X "Marsh": "Hey I'm willing to play nice if you are. Just don't expect me to blindly march into the jaws of death like your pet drones. I can mark targets for ya within 5 hexes. Won't do you much good if I'm out of signal range though."

>>2912385

"Alright, well we're not getting anywhere fast until we clear out all these little guys. Lemme just fire up the CIWS real quick..."

>Crawler action: Auto Point Defence (level increased by Crawler Operator, reaching boost L3)
>Command action: Set Protocol _^4

>>2912348
I'm confused, I thought the auto point defense system was always on and would fire at enemies automatically, unless we wanted to manually fire one of the four defense turrets. If another action needs to be taken to actually turn them on, then I'll do that since Pilot Cryptic is boosting them now.

Name: Seigfried
Id: 2
Drone Action: _%
Crawler Action: Turn On PDG?
Commander Perks: [Skirmisher 2-CQC] and [Orbital Drop Command]

>>2912411
"Glad to have you with us, Marsh."

Okay guys, intel says the pumpkin patches will continuously spawn enemies, but will stop doing that and try to transform into a ridiculously strong enemy when they're in danger of being destroyed. It's probably a good idea to focus our forces on killing one at a time then, as opposed to splitting up, to ensure we can kill them before the transformation occurs.

My personal vote is for the one to the west to be taken out first, so we'll only have one general direction for the other two to attack us from afterwards.

>>2914987
Not quite. Point defences are normally inactive. As a crawler action you can EITHER fire all of them at enemies within 4 hexes, OR fire a single one at a specific target within 6 hexes (which overrides an auto-PDF order if someone already made one).

What I did was perform an auto point defence action, so it will now fire all the guns at targets in range. However, because I have the Crawler Operator perk all systems I use get boosted by one level, but only while I'm using them. The PDF was already at level 2 at the start of this turn, so when I use it it will function as if it were level 3.

Since I've used the PDF this turn you probably want to use your crawler action for something else.

"All right, my daring darlings. You might not hear from me for a while, so settle in and take a bite out of anything from the east."

Yacherii fumbled a bit as he switched back to internal comms. Two button presses was all it took to order droids to their likely ends. Affection for such things, even the false kind for morale, would always leave him a little uneasy.

"Crew, I'm tracking a standard Pump-Gourd cluster, far NW. Someone take the shot, eh?"

>>2912385
>_%
>Boost Artillery to Lv3

Name: Yacherii
Command Perks: [Orbital Response Teams][Interlaced Command Packet]
Squad: 6A Sig 6B-D FS
Protocol: _%

File: more missles.gif (839 KB, 500x360)

839 KB GIF

>>2912385
>>2917951
"On it sir, one minute while I fire up the onboard cpu and flip switches.

>Mark hex 6,6,5 of drone 2E.
>FIRE ARTILLERY

Name: Arkul
Command Perks:[Signal drone upgrade package (Signal 2-Re)], [Interlaced command packet]
Starting Squad:
-Signal 2-Re
-Supressor drone
-Supressor drone
-Soldier drone
Protoco _^z!# (Maintain previous formation, keep signal drone in the back, preferably fifteen paces/three hexes away from everyone else.)

Alright, done travelling.

Processing Turn...

File: Mission2_P6.jpg (1.79 MB, 1560x1318)

1.79 MB JPG

[Arkul]: Error: Marked location is not in signal range. Unable to follow through with artillery strike.

[Arkul]Error: Command action has already been declared this turn, formation order ignored.

Marsh: I'm gonna help you out for a bit here commanders...

>Standby for enemy phase

File: Mission2_E6.jpg (1.76 MB, 1560x1318)

1.76 MB JPG

>>2921310

Marsh: "Looks like one of the patches has already transformed. Don't worry, powerful as it is I doubt it can breach our gun line alone. Provided it's not moving to group up with curcubitae hidden in the forest and attack as part of a larger group we should be able to bring it down pretty easily."

>Standby for aftermath

File: Mission2_A6.jpg (1.74 MB, 1560x1318)

1.74 MB JPG

>>2921352

>Crawler Amida Status:
>HP : 50/50
>C3: Lvl 1
>PDG: Lvl 3
>Fabrication: Lvl 1
>Engines: Lvl 1
>Artillery FCS: Lvl 2
>Artillery Ammo: 4

>All players declare actions. Next turn will be processed tomorrow at 7pm GMT+1. Hopefully this timezone is more conducive to everyone.

>>2921366

"Out of range huh? Well, lemme just mark that Pumpking for later."

>Mark Pumpking
>Boost C3 (Lv3)

"Orch. Shows you what I know about artillery. Pardon, Arkul."

"Not sure I'm noting much activity from the east. Perhaps they're mustering in the east forest, or using the hill to conceal movement to the center."

>>2921366
>ICP _%!^5
>Drive Crawler 5555

Name: Yacherii
Command Perks: [Orbital Response Teams][Interlaced Command Packet]
Squad: 6A Sig 6B-D FS
Protocol: _%

>>2923148>>2921366

"It's my fault I didn't judge the signal strength of the walker. Let's get going and move the drones. Everyone move out!"
>Interlaced command packet: Protocol: _^4!# (Maintain previous formation, keep signal drone in the back, preferably fifteen paces/three hexes away from everyone else.)
>Crawler action: Buff the signal strength.

Name: Arkul
Command Perks:[Signal drone upgrade package (Signal 2-Re)], [Interlaced command packet]
Starting Squad:
-Signal 2-Re
-Supressor drone
-Supressor drone
-Soldier drone
Protocol_^z!# (Maintain previous formation, keep signal drone in the back, perferbly fifteen paces/three hexes away from everyone else.)

Have half of you gotten bored or something?

Also due to some confusion in previous turns I will now post the crawler status before I process the turn as well as after.

>Crawler Amida Status:
>HP : 50/50
>C3: Lvl 3
>PDG: Lvl 1
>Fabrication: Lvl 1
>Engines: Lvl 1
>Artillery FCS: Lvl 1
>Artillery Ammo: 4

Processing...

File: Mission2_P7.jpg (1.74 MB, 1560x1318)

1.74 MB JPG

[Cryptic] Error: Marked location is not in signal range.

[Arkul] Error: Crawler C3 at maximum level.

>standby for enemy phase

File: Mission2_E7.jpg (1.73 MB, 1560x1318)

1.73 MB JPG

>>2923656
We've lost visual on the incoming Pump-King. Move through the forest with caution.
...
Alert! Another Pump King has been sighted in the south and it's being supported by lesser curcubitae! They've spread themselves out, it's like they're slowly adapting to our tactics...

>Standby for aftermath...

File: Mission2_A7.jpg (1.73 MB, 1560x1318)

1.73 MB JPG

>>2923674

>Crawler Amida Status:
>HP : 50/50
>C3: Lvl 3
>PDG: Lvl 1
>Fabrication: Lvl 1
>Engines: Lvl 1
>Artillery FCS: Lvl 1
>Artillery Ammo: 4

>All players declare actions. Next turn will be processed either tomorrow at 5pm GMT+1 if all players have posted or Saturday 10am GMT +1 if not.

"Squads 5 and 6 can take out the east 'King easily enough, just keep their west clear. Central 'King is somewhere in the quadrant SW of my mark."

>>2923687
>Mark 3S of Marsh
>Turn on Point Defense

Name: Yacherii
Command Perks: [Orbital Response Teams][Interlaced Command Packet]
Squad: 6A Sig 6B-D FS
Protocol: _%

>>2923687

"Blech, I was out of range too huh? Woops. Well, nevermind. Yacherii: I'm boosting the CIWS to max for you, I think we're about to need it."

"Also, would somebody else mind taking an artillery shot at that mark Yacherii just placed? It's as good a place as any to put a few rounds and smoke 'em out."

>Boost Point Defence to max (L3)
>Change protocol: _@


Name: Cryptic
Command Perks: [Crawler Operator][Soldier 2-AC]
Squad: Soldier 2-AC x4
Protocol: _@

>>2923687
>Command: +
>Crawler: Build Drones- 2×Signal 2-ST, 1×FS 2-RL

Name: Wendigo
-Command Perks: [FSDUP] FS 2-RL. [SDUP] Signal 2-ST
-Squad: 8/8
3C: FS 2-RL (6/6hp)
#C: Signal 2-ST (6/6hp)
#C: Signal 2-ST (6/6hp)
#C: FS 2-RL (6/6 hp)
-Protocol: _^Z

>>2923687

>Interlaced command packet: Protocol: _^4!# (Maintain previous formation, keep signal drone in the back, preferably fifteen paces/three hexes away from everyone else.)
>Crawler action: Buff point defence grid.

Name: Arkul
Command Perks:[Signal drone upgrade package (Signal 2-Re)], [Interlaced command packet]
Starting Squad:
-Signal 2-Re
-Supressor drone
-Supressor drone
-Soldier drone
Protocol_^z!# (Maintain previous formation, keep signal drone in the back, perferbly fifteen paces/three hexes away from everyone else.)

>>2927682
FYI, Arkul, I've already buffed the point defences to max using Crawler Operator, so you may want to do something else with your crawler action.

>>2924486
>>2924824
>>2925670
>>2927682

Running a bit late but here we go...

>Crawler Amida Status:
>HP : 50/50
>C3: Lvl 3
>PDG: Lvl 1
>Fabrication: Lvl 1
>Engines: Lvl 1
>Artillery FCS: Lvl 1
>Artillery Ammo: 4

processing...

>>2928967
Sorry meant to say PDG is at lvl 3 not C3.

>Crawler Amida Status:
>HP : 50/50
>C3: Lvl 1
>PDG: Lvl 3
>Fabrication: Lvl 1
>Engines: Lvl 1
>Artillery FCS: Lvl 1
>Artillery Ammo: 4

File: Mission2_P8.jpg (1.78 MB, 1560x1318)

1.78 MB JPG

[Arkul] Error: Crawler PDG at maximum level.

[Cryptic] Warning: Drones 5C,5D, and 5B are out of signal range, unable to update protocol.

Marsh: "Okay shit just got real. I'm putting a mark on the Pumpking, make it rain Commanders!"

>Standby for enemy phase

File: Mission2_E8.jpg (1.77 MB, 1560x1318)

1.77 MB JPG

>>2929020

Marsh:"Not bad, and here I was thinking we'd have to call it in danger close."

>Standby for aftermath...

File: Mission2_A8.jpg (1.74 MB, 1560x1318)

1.74 MB JPG

>>2929037

Drones 3A,3B, and 3D deployed, just in time.

>Crawler Amida Status:
>HP : 50/50
>C3: Lvl 1
>PDG: Lvl 3
>Fabrication: Lvl 1
>Engines: Lvl 1
>Artillery FCS: Lvl 1
>Artillery Ammo: 4

>All players declare actions. Next turn will be processed either tomorrow at 10am GMT+1

>>2929051

"Ah, dangit. You look away for a minute to tweak the point defence firing protocols and your drones wander off to their deaths because you were an idiot and forgot to adjust their protocols while you had the chance. Well, better wrangle them back in while they're still on the edge of maximum range. Hopefully they''ll at least bog it down a bit. Do your part, 5B and C! Die heroically!"

>Boost C3 (lv3)
>Change protocol: _% (should just be in boosted signal range)

Sorry for the absence. Real life kinda kicked my ass for a bit.


Name: Siegfried
Id: 2
Commander Perks: [Orbital Response Team] and [Skirmisher 2-CQC]
Commander Action: _^5
Crawler Action: Build 2 Artillery Ammo

"Get ready to engage the enemy!"

>>2929020
"Lov'ly shot, 3C, don't let that naysayer getcha downl"
>>2929051
>Command: Mark Pump-King 222 2 of Z
>Crawler: Fire Artilery at PumpKing

Name: Wendigo
-Command Perks: [FSDUP] FS 2-RL. [SDUP] Signal 2-ST
-Squad: 8/8
3C: FS 2-RL (6/6hp)
3A: Signal 2-ST (6/6hp)
3B: Signal 2-ST (6/6hp)
3D: FS 2-RL (6/6 hp)
-Protocol: _^Z

>>2929091
>>2929178
>>2930356

Lost Track of time a bit.

>Crawler Amida Status:
>HP : 50/50
>C3: Lvl 3
>PDG: Lvl 1
>Fabrication: Lvl 1
>Engines: Lvl 1
>Artillery FCS: Lvl 1
>Artillery Ammo: 4

Processing...

File: Mission2_P9.jpg (1.77 MB, 1560x1318)

1.77 MB JPG

>>2932640
Fleet Intelligence:"All Pump-Kings confirmed destroyed. Area threat level reduced to acceptable level. Deploying scavengers, the habitats will eat well tonight."

Marsh:"It'll all grow back in a week or two, should be enough time to bring Fis'kiire and Akolon back through here. I managed to track them down before meeting up with you guys. They're not in good shape, we need to hurry."

>MISSION COMPLETE

Thanks for playing guys. I hope to turn this into a mini-campaign. Look forward to further missions in the future.

So what did you guys think of the skirmish, if any of you are still around?

Personally I was trying build on Londry’s remix, but loosen up the action economy a bit, just enough that there was always something useful you could be doing without letting you do everything that you want. I also wanted to give people more tools to wrangle the drones without giving them too fine a level of control over them. The Londry-remix made me realise that this was the core of Moe Drones: only having partial control. You set a protocol hope your drones prevail against the veggies and hope your fellow players make use of the crawler systems you just boosted. Although I felt Londry’s version was too restrictive. The single action meant that sometimes you had to do something mundane but necessary like move a crane or turn the crawler and that was it for turn, which felt unsatisfying. I hope the new command/crawler action system went some way to alleviating that while still maintaining the core dynamic of the game.

Personally I saw one major flaw with this build: The enemies are a bit anaemic. The two action system means that the veggies have to move twice to close the distance but end up with no actions left to attack and so just stand there and get gunned down the next turn. I plan to fix that by giving them a charge attack but I don’t mind hearing your suggestions. I also plan to adjust/make enemies that have a higher chance of surviving the initial attack by a drone gunline. It was supposed to be that the drones would die a lot and be replaced but that didn’t really happen that much.

Anyhow what did you guys think? Did you have fun? Where there any drone types/ command perks that you felt were not worth picking?

Who is best drone?

>>2932856
Something I definitely noticed was that this build of the game has a lot more focus on the crawler and by extension a greater requirement for coordination between players. Having everyone be able to do something with or for the crawler is good because drone control is otherwise often fairly passive and you might even just want to do nothing with them in a turn because their existing protocol is still what you want. This does, however, come with the requirement for players to work with each other much more closely than before: there were multiple turns where systems were boosted that nobody used, or redundant orders were issued for systems that were fully boosted or already in use, or marks were placed but never fired on. The system definitely achieves your stated goal of letting players always do something, but not everything, with most actions often needing a follow-up to really capitilise on them. But we didn't really make great use of that and just kind of muddled our way through with the doomstack approach to tactics.

I got the impression the mission was meant to entail creeping through the map looking for stuff (and potentially stumbling into ambush), but instead the crawler pretty much just sat there the whole game and let all the enemies come toward it into the killing zone. Granted, the Amida is more powerful than previous cralwers, but perhaps an objective with more urgency would motivate players not to play it safe?

Soldier AC is clearly the best, I picked them because the new scratch damage mechanic made me fear they wouldn't be able to put up a fight otherwise and I wasn't dissapointed. They might not be flashy, but they're tough and pack a reall wallop. Just super reliable. Or maybe that's just my autocannon bias showing again.

Thanks for running as always!

>>2932856
DUDE, that was quite the blast for a skirmish I would say the big thing that I loved is that players couldn't directly influence the battle only indirectly through the use of their drones.
Overall it was a fun experiance, I would say a big thing also that helped many drones survive was mighty 1D who saved everybody with her repair kit.
> (As arkul promised she will be named Bethany and will most likely be 'conscripted' to serve as a service drone on board the next crawler Arkul is on)
As for the new system it felt good, a lot more responsive than previously as everything required micromanagement normally seen for DF or rimworld.
I had fun!
As for drone upgrades, I would say skirmish CQC didn't feel good honestly it was mediocre at best and suicidal at worst.
Another would be the suppressor 2 ZC, it felt situational at best and a waste of a upgrade slot at worst. Perhaps make it have more DR or more toughness or if your going for the charge thing make it have that option also!
Overall I had fun, hope for more moe drones!

>>2932856
Thanks for running, I look forward to the next episode.

>re-remix
I think you found a very nice balance between capability and restricted fine-control. Well done.

>enemy weakness
I think part of the issue here was that the whole lot just came running at us, rather than making us come to them. A charge ability would help with this some, but also consider having the veggies stay in their patches. Even with ^, we'll still find our drones overun by an abush in the middle of a forest. Like Cryptic said, I was expecting this to be more of a hunt than a defensive line.

>Thoughts
I'm constantly amused by the drones' comments, and I appreciated the tie-in with the previous incarnation (via Fiis-kire and Akolon).

>Fun
Despite my vanishing acts, yes, very fun.

>Drones/Perks
[Strategic Planning] feels a little weak. Zulu was very useful, but it's a single-use ability that the pilot selects before play even begins. During the op, a strategic planner has nothing 'special' to do.

>Best Drone
Obviously 3C. Camel Pride.