Golden Anvil

8/10/2756 - Andrew Batishko, having retired early from the military, and having acquired a decent block of cash through... various means, decides to start a mercenary group specializing in the use of Titans. He invites two of his friends to join him in the endeavor, and they eagerly accept. Together, they form the group Kheldar's Raiders.

Having started the group, Andrew (callsign Kheldar) nominates himself leader. He is a male Replicant, class I (for increased intelligence), born 2/4/2736. He decides to give himself a reasonable salary of $3,650 per month. With his skills, he is able to recruit new squad members with a 46% modifier.

Attributes:
Intelligence: 13
Neural Sense: 10
Reaction: 12
Instinct: 9
Dexterity: 8
Constitution: 13
Charisma: 13

Skills of Note:
Recon/Light Piloting: 46 (His default value, amazingly enough)
Jump: 46
Scouting: 51
Close Combat: 50
Unguided Missile: 28 (default)
Cannon: 39
Energy Weapon: 53
Scanner: 35
Leadership: 65
Survival: 27 (default)

Andrew is piloting the Mugger, a custom titan design by AStott. It has a list price of $84,506 and has a maintenance cost of $2,560 per month. It has a walking speed of 70 kph. It carries a Pulse Laser in the left torso, and a Power Axe in the right hand. It makes use of the advanced CyberSys L, class 3 scanner combined with a Triton TC, class 4 battle computer for superior electronic flexibilty. It has jump jets which can propel it at a speed of 80 kph for 93 seconds. The armor is fairly heavy in all locations, except for a single weak spot. The center torso armor (covering the engine) is a little thin. This design flaw is a result of the lack of space available in the selected chassis. The trade off is that this titan is much more maneuverable and easy to pilot.

Kent Snyder (callsign Jannot) will move into the position of business manager. In this role, he will be tasked with acquiring new titans for the group as cheaply as possible. Kent is a male human, born 7/9/2736. His salary will be $2,425 per month. With his skills, he can purchase titans at only a 17% cost markup.

Attributes:
Intelligence: 11
Neural Sense: 11
Reaction: 12
Instinct: 12
Dexterity: 10
Constitution: 11
Charisma: 10

Skills of Note:
Recon/Light Piloting: 53
Scouting: 40
Close Combat: 33
Unguided Missile: 22 (default)
Cannon: 23 (default)
Energy Weapon: 56
Scanner: 45
Business: 53
Survival: 23 (default)

Kent is piloting a modified Quantum titan designed by AStott. It has a list price of $84,776 and has a maintenance cost of $2,568 per month. It has a walking speed of 80 kph. It carries a Cold Light Gun in the center torso, and a Small Laser in the right arm. The legs are somewhat more lightly armored than the original design, but they have been covered with Millenia armor plating rather than Vicenium, providing better heat dissipation for the heat sinks which are located in the legs. The defensive flares in the original design have also been removed to make room for an improved battle computer (Triton TC, class 4).

Jon Coose (callsign Aldernon) will move into the position of mechanic. He will be responsible for repairing the titans as cheaply as possible. Jon is a male Replicant, class D (for increased dexterity), born 8/13/2733. His salary will be $3,150 per month. With his skills, he can make repairs with only a 19% cost markup.

Attributes:
Intelligence: 10
Neural Sense: 9
Reaction: 12
Instinct: 12
Dexterity: 11
Constitution: 9
Charisma: 8

Skills of Note:
Recon/Light Piloting: 56
Assault Piloting: 24 (default)
Scouting: 39
Close Combat: 35
Cannon: 58
Energy Weapon: 22 (default)
Electronic Warfare: 44
Scanner: 48
Damage Control: 51
Leadership: 26 (default)
Business: 24 (default)
Survival: 29 (default)

Jon is piloting a standard titan with a design name of Fang. It has a list price of $70,246 and has a maintenance cost of $2,128 per month. It has a walking speed of 80 kph. It carries a pair of Auto Cannon, class 7 weapons, one in the left torso, and one in the right. Of particular note, it carries a Triton TC, class 4 battle computer. This should be of great benefit in obtaining frequent hits.

8/10/2756 - Andrew gives a briefing on the upcoming mission.

"Ok, men, here's the situation. You probably remember Master Suthira under whom we trained a few years ago. Having heard of the team we put together, he's sent us an invitation for an "arena" match with another group of students who've trained under Master Gersen. The match will be televised on a global network, and a reward of $100,000 will be offered to the winner. In addition, Master Suthira has offered us each 50 hours of adanced personal training if we win the match. He wants us to remember that Master Gersen has a reputation for training his students in... unconventional tactics, so we must be on our guard."

***

As shown on HoloVid Station 3:
"Good evening ladies and gentlemen. The Savannah Coliseum salutes you."

"Two old rival Dojo Masters bring their teams to the arena to compete in what looks to be a grudge match. Master Suthira's group looks to be a promising new group, but keep an eye out for Master Gersen's reckless charges!"

"I'm hoping to see a great match here today, so get those credits rolling. And now, it's time for some action."

"Gladiators, lock and load!"

***

As the systems in everyone's titans start up, we take a quick look around the designated fighting area. We'll be starting in the north east corner of the "arena". The terrain appears to be mostly flat plains, with some occasional low patches filled with soft sand. There are a couple small lakes in sight, the largest of which lies to the south, potentially between us and our opponents. Just off to the west is a large hill, perhaps 60 meters high at the top of its wooded peak. I believe there may be another decent sized lake behind the hill. A small stand of trees is in front of us, north of the large lake, and the rest of the terrian shows a scattering of low scrub. It appears that other than the lone hill, and the occasional patches of trees, there shouldn't be much to impede line of sight.

http://166.70.20.60/images/tos/001-start.jpg

"Listen up. This is my plan. We're going to run along the north side of that big hill. We'll take it nice and easy. That should allow us to come out somewhat behind the other team if they make their way up through the middle. Stay close together, and establish a scanner link network to enhance our targeting capabilities if we need to separate somewhat."

We begin moving off that direction, and find that unfortunately, the northern route will force us to move either through water or some of the soft sand. Either could mean dangerous falls. We'll continue and hope for the best.

0:51 - We begin to comearound the edge of the hill, and find that it may not be possible to come in behind our opponents, as we will have to come a good ways out into the plains beforewe can get around the edge of the large lake that was immediately behind the hill. Time for a slight change of plans. Kheldar, being the only one with jump jets, will jump up and see the the enemy location can be spotted.

0:53 - An enemy is spotted. He's coming out from a grove of trees that are beyond the lake and west southwest of our position (currently just north of the hill). No need for jumping now. "Move in close to the hill, team. We'll try to stay out of their direct line of fire. We'll make them cross the water and sand instead of us having to do it. Try to obtain scanner locks while we have the chance."

1:18 - A second titan follows the first out from the grove of trees. Both appear to be heading towards the sandy area between the two lakes.

1:24 - A third titan joins the first two. All appear to be recon titans, like ours, but without a scan, we won't know for sure.

1:33 - Kheldar completes his scan first, but it reveals little information. The titan is a Porcupine, but exact details about the capabilities are unknown.

1:36 - Aldernon finishes his scan and reveals the existance of sixe small missile launchers on the porcupine. This jogs Kheldar's memory as he warns that they are all most like short range, type 4 launchers (firing 4 missiles in each volley).

1:59 - After having fired a couple volleys of missiles (only a few hit each of our titans), the Porcupine heads into the water, where it is unbalanced, and promptly falls. All of us are currently backing up into some cover, and attempting to refine our scans, so we are unable to take advantage of the opportunity this makes for easier hits.

2:05 - Having crouched for additional stability in firing, Aldernon leads off with a volley of auto cannon fire against the Porcupine who has managed to regain his footing. One round hits in the left torso. Kheldar follows suit, hitting the opposite side of the torso with his pulse laser.

2:13 - The Porcupine's return volley is wildly ineffective, most likely due to the reduced profile of our crouching titans, and the slight ground cover we are in.

2:20 - Jannot had obtained a detailed scan, confirming prior suspicions about the Porcupine's weapon load, and revealing armor thicknesses. His fire is unfortunately off target. At about this time, the second titan, after firing a neutron blaster, also enters the lake and falls. We don't want to waste time switching targets, so we continue firing at the Porcupine.

2:27 - The third enemy titan also enters the water and falls. Perhaps it's a good thing our team didn't try crossing. We continue to pour fire at the Porcupine. No apparent significant damage yet.

2:39 - Jannot connects with the Porcupine's left torso, completely disabling all systems in the area. The titan falls down into the water, hopefully providing an easier target. A quick check reveals that the left torso area contained two of the six missile launchers. A third was contained in the left arm, and should now also no longer be functional. Kheldar speaks up, "Keep concentrating fire on that one. With luck we can cause the engine to overload and explode, damaging the other two."

2:53 - Unfortunately, it's too difficult to target the titan when it is laying in the water, and we are forced to wait until it stands. By this time, the Porcupine and a second titan are now about to exit the lake.

2:59 - The other titan hits Kheldar's titan with the neutron blaster. This leaves Kheldar stunned.

3:04 - The other titan exits the water before the Porcupine, and is now within 2/3 km of our position. I thinks it's time to have Kheldar switch targets and move in with his power axe... expecially considering that Jannot gets off another shot, this time disabling the Porcupine's right torso area, along with the remaining three missile launchers. Jannot calls out, "Got him! Focus on the nearer one!"

3:13 - As the new titan pulls within 1/3 km, Kheldar has reached his feet and seeing that he appears to be the target of most of the enemies has begun to turn away to try and lead them off and give the others time to acheive decent scans on the new target. Meachwhile, the others get to their feet, firing at the new target as it comes in.

3:18 - Nervous that the new titan will charge before he can get out of the way, Kheldar ignites his jump jets, only to realize moments later that the enemy had come to a stop to make targeting easier. Our other tow titans charge at him, ready for some hand to hand action.

3:25 - As Jannot reaches his target, he interrupts his scan and lets loose with everything. Both fists, and both laser weapons hit. Unfortunately, it's difficult without having made a scan what the effects might be.

3:26 - Coming right behind him, Aldernon attempts to slam his titan into the enemy, but is thrown off balance and stumbles, going to the ground.

3:32 - He quickly gets to his feet, but is unable to hit with his weapons. By now, both of the other two enemy titans have caught up, so there are five titans all within the same small area. This proves to be unfortunate, as the new arrival (who hadn't fired yet) hits Aldernon with some kind of weapon in the left leg, doing massive amounts of damage. Somehow he stays damaged, but the knee actuator has taken heeavy damage and is limiting his mobility.

3:35 - Jannot fires off a couple last weapons and then begins running towards the lake. It's just too dangerous this close to that one titan. he takes the opportunity to begin trying to scan his current target.

3:38 - A follow up shot with a machine gun by one of the enemies takes Aldernon's left leg off. He falls to the ground. It appears unfortunately that he is unable to bring any of his weapons to bear on the titans standing over him.

3:51 - Aldernon is hit by something, presumably a neutron gun, wounding him and leaving him stunned. The third titan misses with his weapon revealing that it is a tesla bolt. Ouch... Perhaps it's time for Aldernon to eject before he is killed.

4:07 - Having serious mangled Aldernon, the enemies turn their attention to Kheldar. A beam from the tesla bolt narrowly misses. Perhaps it's time to get some distance for now. Need to stay away from that one titan.

4:55 - Kheldar and Jannot split up, trying to keep their distance from the tesla bolt titan, now revealed to be a Guru. It focuses on Kheldar for a while but is unable to do much damage, so it turns its attention to Jannot. During this time, the third enemy titan, a Wrathchild, is prettt much just standing near Aldernon's titan, apparently unsure who to target. At last, it heads for nearby Jannot.

5:16 - Having ignored the Porcupine for quite some time as apparently no threat, it at last crashes its titan into Kheldar's, bringing both to the ground. Dang it! At least both of the other enemies are concentrated on Jannot.

5:24 - Ouch, as Kheldar attempts to stand up, he discoveres that the collision with the enemey caused damage to the underarmored center torso, damaging a gyro. Despite all expectations to the contrary (only a 2% chance) he successfully stands up. "Ok, everyone, pull out!" Kheldar yells.

5:27 - Unfortunately, as Kheldar turns to run, his unstable titan stumbles and falls to the ground. He's going to have to eject. No way he'll be able to get standing again. Cursing, he initiates the ejection sequence.

5:30 - Aldernon also begins the ejection countdown.

5:31 - Jannot being right near the north edge of the arena easily makes his way to safety.

5:36 - Kheldar ejects, taking damage, but surviving.

At this point, the match is declared over.

***

Mission Stats:
Kheldar - Status: Ejected - Health: 83/117 - Kills: 0 - Hits: 30% - Titan: Ready
Jannot - Status: Deserted - Health: 99/99 - Kills: 0 - Hits: 29% - Titan: Ready
Aldernon - Status: Alive - Health: 26/81 - Kills: 0 - Hits: 50% - Titan: Disabled

***

Master Suthira contacts us after the battle. "Your loss is a disappointment. However, if you have enough courage to go on, their challenge remains open. It seems Master Gersen's team is enjoying its success."

***

A rather humiliating defeat for our first time out. Fortunately, the HoloVid network pays for all the repairs, so we are pretty much back where we started. (Oddly enough, the results weren't saved at all. That means no experience, and normally we'd have to pay for repairs ourselves. Perhaps because we lost our very first game it didn't bother recording it. Strange. Guess I'll report it as a bug and I'll just continue playing.) Better luck next time.

What do you think, should we challenge them again immediately, or take on some other missions to allow us to gain some experience?

***

So? What do you think? Too much detail in the battle report? It's actually not a atrouble to do it detailed like that, but if you find it boring, I can summarize more... Let me know.

I did some searching on the official message boards. Looks like that first mission is intentionaally setup to not save on the first mission if you lose. I guess the idea is that for someone new it might save the trouble and grief of feeling like you have to create a new group from scratch (although there are some other options depending on the severity of the loss). So, there's a safety net for us on this very first mission. Good enough. I'll give it another shot (perhaps tomorrow) and hopefully have better results. I'll be curious to see if the map is the same.

Oh, what about screen shots. Do you want them or not? More screenshots? Fewer? You can't always tell from the initial screenshot what the layout is, so I'm not so sure howuseful it'll be...

Actually, one titan is outlined by a red hex, and the rest are arranged to the northwest.

As for the rest of the interface, none of it is really of any particular interest for purposes of these writeups. The rows of icons in the lower left are for controlling the current titan. The LED's along the right provide info about the weapons and system on the titan. Current armor status and scanner info in the lower right. Eh... that's mostly it.

Enjoyable!

Didn't read everything....lot to take in. Sounds like we did rather poorly though.

I've not been much of a fan of the cannon weapons...tend to overheat and blow my own ammo to hell Strangely, they don't seem to hit as often w/ the same %'s as energy weapons. Still, we'll work with it.

As for screen shots, can ya just post a link instead of a in-line screenshot? The in-line shot is so huge it forces me to scroll --> and back <-- to read text, rather annoying.

Can you use titan designs from the most recent free version? I may have a few customs that Ald would prefer! Also, I tend to focus on attributes over skills early on, to increase my max potentials in skills.

Staying w/ arena combat is fine with me...or trying missions sounds kinda cool too.

8/17/2756 - Andrew gives a briefing on the upcoming mission.

"Let's do it right this time. Be alert for those obvious signs, like enemy titans not firing at long ranges. You know the setup, so there's no need for lengthy discussions. Let's get to it."

***

As shown on HoloVid Station 3:
"Good evening ladies and gentlemen. The Savannah Coliseum salutes you."

"You might recall a certain grudge match last week. A five and a half minute fight between students of Masters Suthira and Gersen. Well, those teams are back for a rematch. Who will come out on top this time? Let's watch and see."

"Gladiators, lock and load!"

***

It appears that the same site has been chosen for this match. We find ourselves starting in the same place in the arena. The only unknown is whether Gersen's students will have chosen to pilot a different selection of titans. We'll have to wait and see. With the benefit of having fought in this arena before, we can select some different tactics. With their somewhat longer ranged weapons, Jannot and Aldernon will take positions in the trees at the top of the large hill. This will give them plenty of opportunities to fire on the enemies as they cross open ground (assuming of course that they have the same starting position). Kheldar will stay at the base of the mountain, as before, so that he can make use of his titan's power axe when it comes to hand-to-hand combat. We'll go from there.

***

0:30 - As we begin to move into position, Jannot, being the first to head up the mountain, sights one of the enemy titans. It is located to the southwest, more or less where we expected them to be the first time. This might require a slight change of plans... Jannot and Aldernon will continue as before, taking advantage of an even larger area of open ground. Kheldar will take advantage of his jumpjets to cross the water (which caused much trouble for the enemy last battle), and come in from the side.

http://166.70.20.60/images/tos/002-enemy.jpg

0:38 - Jannot locks on to the enemy revealing that it is a Fireball. This doesn't yet sound familiar. We will have to wait for a more detailed scan. Unfortunately, there are no other titans near this one. Just lots of open space, so it isn't clear where the others might be.

0:58 - Ah ha! Kheldar spots a second enemy titan, this one comes out of the woods like they did last battle. Hmm... back to the original battle plan.

1:05 - And as Aldernon reaches the peak of the hill, he spots the other titan in the woods right behind the other. We'll concentrate on the first one.

1:12 - Aldernon locks on first, revealing that the target is a Stingray another unknown type.

1:40 - It turns out that the Stingray carries a plasma gun. This is a rather nasty long range weapon. Fortunately, it gerates significant heat, which may pose a problem for this small a titan. Unfortunately, the titan will soon be in the water which will help it cool off. We've also caught sight of the Fireball again (we had lost sight while moving up the hill). It has moved north to meet its two fellows.

1:43 - The third titan fires missiles of some kind at Kheldar. It's not clear what kind of missiles these are.

1:45 - Kheldar obtains a mid level scan on the Stingray revealing that in addition to the plasma gun (in the center torso), it also carries a small energy weapon of some kind in the right arm. Most likely a small laser.

1:54 - Oh joy, oh bliss. The Stingray enters the water and falls. Always nice to see that.

2:05 - The Fireball has apparently targeted one of our guys on the hill. It fires and misses with a napalm missile launcher, class 7. These can be rather nasty for popping heat levels way up. Oh, and for setting woods on fire. We may not be able to use our cover at the top of the hill for too long.

2:18 - The Fireball enters the water and also falls. We continue to pour fire into the Stingray.

2:16 - Kheldar connects with his pulse laser and tears the right arm off the Stingray. That takes care of one of its weapons. Not going to make the same mistake as last time though. This one's going down.

2:45 - The Stingray, apparently chickening out over being the target of so much firepower decides to eject from his titan. Good enough. Now it's three on two and we've hardly taken any damage. Time to focus on that Fireball.

3:16 - The third titan moves up onto the hill beside Jannot and Aldernon. Most likely the Fireball will be doing the same. Time to prepare for some hand-to-hand. Maybe need to get Kheldar up there too.

3:45 - The two enemy titans have finally moved into close range with our guys up on the hill. Immediately, some furious fighting breaks out as weapons discharge and fists fly. Kheldar is close behind and coming up the hill to join in.

3:48 - Jannot lands a shot with his cold light gun, tearing off the right arm of the Fireball. We haven't had a chance to scan this titan, so we aren't clear if this takes out any of his weapons. At least he can no longer punch with that arm.

3:49 - Kheldar missing with his pulse laser, manages to set the woods on fire. Whoops! Time to clear out of there and find someplace else to fight.

4:03 - It appears that one of the titans has flamethrowers, which it has been using with some success on Jannot as he tries to escape the burning woods. This is causing Jannot's heat to reach some rather critical levels. Need to get him out of there quick! A burning woods is no place to have your titan overheat and shutdown.

4:08 - Jannot is finally able to move out of the woods. His heat is at a frightening 115 degrees (celsius). Good thing he doesn't carry any explosive ammo on his titan. That can cook off after too long over 100 degrees... I think it's best if he heads off the hill and tries to get into the water. Even if it means some falls.

4:25 - At last the Fireball comes backing out of the woods. Right into close reach of Kheldar and Jannot. Of course Jannot's about to head off down the hill towards the water, but Kheldar has his axe at the ready. Aldernon meanwhile has backed off towards the east, and is finishing a scan on the Fireball and preparing to fire again.

4:41 - Jannot reaches the water and unfortunately falls. Meanwhile, Kheldar is holding his own against the two enemy titans at close range while Aldernon prepares to close to close range and help.

4:44 - Apparently in an effort to escape the ferocious pounding it's receiving from Kheldar, the Fireball heads back into the burning trees... heh. Perhaps we'll switch targets to the other enemy, an Enigma class titan.

4:58 - It appears that the Enigma has a pair of sort range missile launcher, class 8 weapons. That's an awful lot of missiles. Fortunately, that must be all he's got, because that's the only thing he's been using (somewhat unsuccessfully) against Kheldar.

5:00 - Kheldar gets in a good shot with his pulse laser and disables the Enigma's left torso. With any luck that took one of the launchers with it.

5:02 - Aldernon arrives at close range to help out in Kheldar, who has taken some light gyro damage, and decides (perhaps somewhat recklessly) to attempt to charge into the enemy titan. Unfortunately, the titan dodges to the side, but at least Aldernon keeps his feet. Since the charge didn't work, he swings his fists, connecting with one and knocking off the Enigma's left arm and knocking him to the ground. Heh... if I'd known it be that easy to knock him down...

5:05 - Finally after many attempts, Jannot gets to his feet. On the plus side, he's now completely cooled off. Laying face down in water will certainly help do that...

5:09 - The Fireball comes back out of the woods into close combat. We'll let Jannot, who is now carefully backing out of the water, deal with him. Of course Kheldar is now taking flamethrower hits.

5:13 - Ok, Kheldar is getting way too hot. He's going to use his jumpjets to get out of there.

5:16 - Yikes! Now the flamethrower misses have set this area on fire too. Aldernon had better move too.

5:34 - Both Kheldar and Aldernon are safely out of the burning area. Kheldar's heat is just under the critical red level where ammo can start cooking off. Phew! He managed to move off to the east, while Aldernon is now down off the hill next to Jannot, who has resumed firing at the Fireball.

5:39 - As the Fireball comes down off the north side of the hill, Jannot greets it with a burst of energy from his cold light gun, which promptly removes the left arm. I hope that took a flamethrower with it.

5:50 - Hoping to knock the Fireball off its feet and keep it from using its flamethrowers, Jannot charges, hitting successfully, but unfortunately falling himself and not taking his opponent with him. Eep!

5:59 - Aldernon gets a successful scan against the Enigma, revealing that indeed, the prior destruction of the left torso had taken out one missile launcher. Meanwhile, Kheldar curves around north (with the Enigma on his tail), and retargets on the Fireball to try and give Jannot a hand.

6:00 - Of course it looks like Jannot doesn't need any help. As he gets to his feet, he nails the Fireball in the left torso with his cold light gun, disabling the area, and hopefully removing the other flamethrower from use.

6:10 - Another his from Jannot with his small laser disables the Fireball's lower torso. That's good news. That'll probably cause him to eject. The enemy falls to the ground, and Jannot begins backing up just in case the engine blows.

6:23 - The Fireball's pilot ejects from his titan. Good job, Jannot! Now there's just one left, and he's damaged. Shouldn't be a problem.

6:38 - Now all three of us are pounding away at the last enemy as he comes down off the hill next to the fallen Fireball. Shouldn't take long now. Especially not if Jannot keeps getting off hits with his cold light gun to the head...

6:56 - The Enigma turns it's focus on Jannot, and so Jannot gets to his feet from his crouch which he'd assume to stabilize his titan for easier targetting. Or rather.. tries. He awkwardly falls to the ground as the Enigma comes running in his direction. Fortunately, he is able to get to his feet before the enemy arrives.

7:02 - Even better, a shot from one of Aldernon's auto cannons takes out the Enigma right torso. Yes!!! That should be another missile launcher! Almost got him. As a bonus, the enemy falls to the ground. To seal the deal, Jannot takes off its leg with a well placed shot from his cold light gun.

And that's it. We've been given the victory. Great job team!

***

Mission Stats:
Kheldar - Status: Alive - Health: 117/117 - Kills: 0 - Hits: 42% - Titan: Ready
Jannot - Status: Alive - Health: 99/99 - Kills: 0 - Hits: 41% - Titan: Ready
Aldernon - Status: Alive - Health: 81/81 - Kills: 0 - Hits: 57% - Titan: Ready

***

Master Suthira greets us gleefully after the match. "You have succeeded in defeating Master Gersen's best students. It is a glorious day for you and my dojo. I have several holozines inquiring of interview sessions. You are on your way to glory. I am proud of you.

We are given the reward money and the special training from Master Suthira. In addition, we are able to salvage $33,428 worth of gear from our defeated opponents. Excellent job!

Andrew awards Kent Snyder with a battle star in recognition of his numerous well placed and well time shots, which definitely made a difference in the battle. He also gives Jon a hard time about an earlier comment that cannons just don't seem to hit as often as energy weapons.

With Jon's help, the repair bill comes to $49,431, which is expensive, but easily covered by our winnings. After other bills, this leaves us with $211,532 in the bank. Perhaps it's time for a fourth recruit...

I'll spend our experience points tommorrow and post the updated stats. Definitely a better fought battle this time!

Yes, I type things up as I play. I've found that it doesn't actually slow me down by a huge amount. In fact, it forces me to stop and think a little more about tactics, which probably helps me play better.

Yeah, it only actually occured to me last night that Kheldar is using an axe. See, he's got a decent close combat skill, so it made sense to give him something. That just happened to be the best fit for the titan. Funny how that worked out.

Yeah, there are a lot of piloting problems. That's pretty much because everyone is pretty low on skills right now. As skills improve, you'll see fewer problems. Yes, falling causes damage, although less if you fall down in water.

Well, I think I'll hold off on recruiting a new member, as that and the new titan would use up well over half of my available cash. I think I'll hang onto it for now in the event of a disaster.

I should be able to play at least part of the next mission tonight. We'll see.

Hey, over half way there! (to the next level)

Jon, you really should watch your damage levels... [tsk, tsk] knocking your own arm off...

:twisted:

Looks pretty cool. haven't had the chance to try it out for myself yet...

I'm liking that cold light gun... what are the details on some of the common weapons?

9/23/2756 - Andrew calls the team together a couple weeks later.

"I've just received another message from Master Suthira. He's been thinking about this attack on Rolling Haven. He says, 'It will take too much time for me to return to exact revenge. However, you seem able to do what I cannot and that is to attack this rogue squad immediately. Try to find out where their base is located. If you do find their base, it is more important to capture it so we can retrieve any data before it is destroyed. I will offer you each 50 hours of private training if you suceed in destroying any fleeing Rogue Titans. I'll keep funding your squad as long as you fight for my Dojo.'"

"Master Suthira has been a good and reliable source of income for our group, and particularly in light of our attachments to him, I beleive we will be setting out immediately to track down this base."

***

9/30/2756 - Having tracked the Rogue Squad back to their base, the attack commences.

We come in at the base from the southwest. The ground there is fairly flat and open. There is a rather large band of softer sand that separates us from the base. There are only limited means for us to cross safely. We are able to spot our opponents, discovering that we are up against a Fang (the titan that Aldernon pilots), a Stingray, a titan we've encountered before which carries a plasma gun, and a Pike, which we are not familiar with.

http://166.70.20.60/images/tos/004-start.jpg

I think the plan for this battle will be to keep on our side of the sand and let them come to us. If things get tough, we'll make a run for their base and hold it hostage against their surrender.

0:10 - It appears that the Pike has a pair of long range missile racks (class 6). This shouldn't be a significant concern for us.

1:56 - All three enemy titans have moved in on us and have crossed the sand. We've done some damage to the Stingray, but not enough. It's time to get moving though, these enemies are too close. Oops! Spoke too soon! Jannot just managed to take off the Stingray's right leg with a well placed shot from his cold light gun. Time for everyone to switch to a new target.

2:11 - Aldernon enters into close range of the enemy Fang he decides not to charge as it's too risky, but he does open up with an alpha strike.

2:17 - Jannot enters close combat with the Fang, and he decides to charge. Unfortunately, the charge fails, and Jannot falls to the ground. Kheldar also enters close combat and also decides to charge. He is successful, and takes the enemy titan to the ground with him.

2:19 - Aldernon misses a kick at the fallen Fang, and misses, unfortunately tripping and falling to the ground. Now all four titans are down or in the process of standing. Heh...

2:21 - Having just stood up, Jannot unleashes everything he's got on the still down Fang. He manages to take off its right leg. Man, Jannot's on a roll! He retargets on the Pike, which hasn't been doing much lately.

2:32 - Being soemwhat late getting up, Aldernon choses not to go after the Pike like Kheldar has. Instead, he continues to fire at the Fang, taking off its other leg. Boy, bet that guy will be ejecting soon... Meanwhile, Kheldar, manages to set on fire the woods that Pike was using for cover.

2:54 - Leaving Jannot to focus on the rather ineffective Pike, Kheldar switches targets to the downed Stingray, who has started firing at him from its prone position not far away.

3:13 - Seeing Kheldar coming towards him, the Stingray apparently chickens out and ejects. Heh. Back to work on that Pike. Meanwhile, Aldernon has started targeting the Fang's head in an effort to pick up a kill.

4:24 - At last the Pike gets tired of standing in the fire getting pounded by two titans and backs off. Kheldar and Jannot, having lost sight of him, move into the fire to chase him down.

5:04 - Aldernon manages to finish off the center torso (he was only one shot away from taking out the head) of the Fang. That takes it out of the fight, and counts as an official kill. That's the first one yet for our group. Aldernon retargets on the lone Pike, who is now being pounded by the others.

5:28 - After much pounding for everyone, Kheldar disables the Pike's right torso with a kick... shouldn't be long now...

5:34 - Sure enough, the enemy pilot ejects. That was it.

***

Mission Stats:
Kheldar - Status: Alive - Health: 117/117 - Kills: 0 - Hits: 47% - Titan: Ready
Jannot - Status: Alive - Health: 99/99 - Kills: 0 - Hits: 41% - Titan: Ready
Aldernon - Status: Alive - Health: 81/81 - Kills: 1 - Hits: 58% - Titan: Ready

***

After reporting our victory to Master Suthira, we receive the following response from him: "You have proved better than expected at this early stage of your career. Repair your titans and remember to pick up your 50 hours of training at the RNA lab. As promised, I will pay the bill. I have finished my business dealings in the North Continent and will try to meet you for the next battle."

We are able to pick up $44,538 in salvage, plus Master Suthira pays us an even $30,000 for our efforts. To make things even better, Rolling Haven pays us a $12,000 bounty on the ejected jocks we picked up. The repair bill comes to $30,885. That combined with our usual ongoing expenses leaves us with $269,466. That's a profit of $36,832. Pretty nice! We're also 3-0 on winning our battles. Excellent!

***

Here are the updated characters.

Andrew "Kheldar" Batishko
Rank: Rookie
Experience: 2194 of 3400 (+800)
Hit Points: 117
Upkeep: $4,526 (+292)
Battles: 3 (3W/0L)
Hit Ratio: 54% (-2)
Kills: 0

Attributes:
Intelligence: 13
Neural Sense: 10
Reaction: 13 (+1)
Instinct: 10
Dexterity: 10
Constitution: 13
Charisma: 13

Skills of Note:
Recon/Light Piloting: 55 (+3)
Jump: 52 (+2)
Scouting: 51
Close Combat: 53
Unguided Missile: 28
Cannon: 44
Energy Weapon: 59 (+3)
Electronic Warfare: 10 (+4)
Scanner: 44 (+4)
Leadership: 65
Survival: 27

Kent "Jannot" Snyder
Rank: Rookie
Experience: 3206 of 3800 (+1032)
Hit Points: 99
Upkeep: $2,945 (+132)
Battles: 3 (3W/0L)
Hit Ratio: 42% (-1)
Kills: 0

Attributes:
Intelligence: 11
Neural Sense: 11
Reaction: 13 (+1)
Instinct: 12
Dexterity: 11
Constitution: 11
Charisma: 11 (+1)

Skills of Note:
Recon/Light Piloting: 58 (+2)
Scouting: 53
Close Combat: 47 (+1)
Unguided Missile: 22
Cannon: 23
Energy Weapon: 60 (+2)
Electronic Warfare: 18 (+6)
Scanner: 50
Business: 55 (+2)
Survival: 23

Jon "Aldernon" Coose
Rank: Rookie
Experience: 3536 of 4000 (+1279)
Hit Points: 90 (+9)
Upkeep: $4,032 (+378)
Battles: 3 (3W/0L)
Hit Ratio: 57% (+1)
Kills: 1 (+1)

Attributes:
Intelligence: 11
Neural Sense: 9
Reaction: 12
Instinct: 12
Dexterity: 13 (+1)
Constitution: 10 (+1)
Charisma: 10 (+2)

Skills of Note:
Recon/Light Piloting: 60
Assault Piloting: 24
Scouting: 49 (+2)
Close Combat: 40 (+2)
Cannon: 59 (+1)
Energy Weapon: 32
Electronic Warfare: 44
Scanner: 49
Damage Control: 58 (+3)
Leadership: 26
Business: 24
Survival: 30 (+1)

Sounds like we're doing well!

I notice much more kills when I'm carrying a Tesla Bolt Don't *give* them a chance to eject when ya bolt their head

As for damaging my own titan, I'll do as I please, I'm fixing em anyway! If i wanna make more work for myself that's my decision! harumph! :twisted:

What... did ... you... do?

Yowsa. I want one of those big hummers next time.... [grumble, grumble...]

The Hall of Heroes

Andrew "Kheldar" Batishko
Rank: Rookie
Battles: 4 (3W/1L)
Hit Ratio: 54%
Kills: 0
Highest Skill: Leadership: 65

Kent "Jannot" Snyder
Rank: Rookie
Battles: 4 (3W/1L)
Hit Ratio: 43%
Kills: 0
Highest Skill: Energy Weapon: 60

***

A warm welcome to our new recruits...

Brent "Kheldar" Batishko
Race: Male Human
Rank: Rookie
Experience: 0 of 3600
Hit Points: 99
Upkeep: $3,175
Battles: 0 (0W/0L)
Hit Ratio: 0%
Kills: 0

Attributes:
Intelligence: 9
Neural Sense: 8
Reaction: 10
Instinct: 11
Dexterity: 10
Constitution: 11
Charisma: 12

Skills of Note:
Recon/Light Piloting: 50
Medium/Heavy Piloting: 20 (default)
Jump: 39
Scouting: 39
Close Combat: 53
Cannon: 50
Energy Weapon: 25
Electronic Warfare: 40
Scanner: 43
Leadership: 55
Business: 23 (default)
Survival: 30 (default)
Medical: 22 (default)

Brent is piloting a standard titan with a design name of Swift Death. Hopefully this is talking about our ooponents, not the pilot. It has a list price of $74,134 and has a maintenance cost of $2,246 per month. It has a walking speed of 80 kph, and can use its jump jets to travel at a speed of 80 kph for 93 seconds. It carries four machine guns (two each in the left and right torsos), and one power axe in each arm. Definitely a close range titan.

Kent "Jannot" Snyder II
Race: Male Replicant I
Rank: Rookie
Experience: 0 of 4000
Hit Points: 90
Upkeep: $2,250
Battles: 0 (0W/0L)
Hit Ratio: 0%
Kills: 0

Attributes:
Intelligence: 13
Neural Sense: 10
Reaction: 11
Instinct: 10
Dexterity: 11
Constitution: 10
Charisma: 10

Skills of Note:
Recon/Light Piloting: 55
Assault Piloting: 27 (default)
Jump: 29 (default)
Scouting: 43
Close Combat: 40
Cannon: 26 (default)
Energy Weapon: 55
Electronic Warfare: 35 (default)
Scanner: 34
Damage Control: 38 (default)
Business: 60
Survival: 24 (default)

Kent II is piloting a Mugger, which is the same titan as was piloted by Andrew Batishko.

***

Boy, kids these days just have no talent... Actually, that's because Brent was recruited by Jon, who has no leadership skills, and Brent wasn't able to get his leadership skill up too high before recruiting Kent II. Ah well... guess some battles will toughen them up. I suppose I should run the team through an arena fight first to work out any kinks. Things should go better now that I've figured out how to select a fight against three recon titans instead of a single medium titan.