Some thoughts:
- Missing one or more grenadiers, someone with an underslung or carried 40mm grenade launcher. Might just be rolled in with the Riflemen.
- Should really have one SAW/Minimi/5.56mm bullet hose per fire-team (~4 people), in this case probably two if you don't want the command element to have one. If the MG is shooting anything bigger than NATO 5.56mm (next size up is 7.62mm), they should really have an assistant gunner or ammo bearer. Standard load for an MG is 800+ rounds, and that much 7.62mm is farking heavy.
- While an attached engineer is somewhat useful, there is very little reason to make them the designated AT/AA bearer. Stinger MANPADS (MAN Portable Aerial Denial System) are practically point and shoot, albeit highly unlikely to work against flying biologicals that aren't running absurdly hot, so they can be distributed to pretty much anyone and used as reliably as possible. The same is true of one-shot AT rockets like the LAW or British equivalent. Those aside, there are no AA or AT systems that are single-operator, man-portable that I can think of, short of satchel charges or AT grenades which are either ad-hoc weapons or no longer in regular service. Maybe Javelins, if they were in service by then, but even those pretty much need a two person team to carry the control unit and ammunition. An engineer attached to an infantry unit is more likely to serve in a demolitions or ordnance disposal role.
- Two medics is a bit heavy on medical expertise for such a small unit, as the more common breakdown is one medic per platoon (~30-50 people), although that is in addition to all soldiers being trained in field first aid and possibly as Combat Lifesavers or equivalent. Given this is quasi-special forces, having two medics attached to the command element may be more reasonable.
- A Sniper/Spotter pair is likely a poor decision and overkill, unless the sniper is toting a heavy anti-material rifle or expected to separate from the unit and make long-distance shots. Most small-units that aren't full-on Sniper/Scout elements will have a Squad Designated Marksman or equivalent, with a modified standard loadout to add sights and improved accuracy to a standard rifle, or an actual battle rifle and scope, since they will be engaging with the rest of their unit and thus generally at 300m or less. Having the spotter is redundant unless the Sniper/Spotter team are going to be on their own and the sniper is going to be tunnel-visioned down his scope.
- You're missing a Radioman or Commo specialist, which is more important if the squad is expected to be deployed for detached operations or otherwise outside easy signal range of supporting elements. If they aren't going to be outside of short-ranged headset comms range, it's a moot issue, but I can't think of any handhelds that have a range of more than a few kilometers.
Common force breakdown for a twelve-man element might be something like this:
Team One: Team Leader (Rifleman), SAW, Grenadier, Rifleman
Team Two: Team Leader (Rifleman), SAW, Grenadier, Rifleman
Team Three (Command): Squad Leader (Rifleman), Medic, Radioman, Rifleman
Keep in mind these are largely from a US Armed Forces perspective, there may be differences in the way the UK organizes things, and it is technically possible that they are discarding accepted doctrine to try some kind of experimental organization or the like.
1&2 - I didn't specify the actual loadout of the soldiers in question because it is very fluid at the moment. This is a much larger than normal squad created for the specific reason of working alongside Cerys and Daiyu, so they aren't really sure what the best kit would be.
3 - The Engineer is mostly there for emergency demolitions that Cerys cant demolish herself for one reason or another. They don't know how Demons or whatever lies beyond the barrier fight, so it is perfectly valid to carry at least a single AT/AA launcher.
4 - Two medics are because this is a very important squad and Cerys/Daiyu are both very important people to keep alive.
5 - Spotter/Sniper is supposed to be a semi-detachable part of the team that can break off and perform independently whilst still supporting the squad. It's likely that they will either be replaced with a less dedicated role or their job changed to work as forward scouts of some kind.
6 - This is something that I thought about when I was writing the chapter, do you remember those expensive Rune long-range radio's that exist? When one is made available, someone is going to get it and be assigned as radioman. Quite possibly one of the riflemen.
The common force has been thrown completely out the window for this group. They have been created almost entirely around supporting Cerys and Daiyu wherever they go, whatever they might have to fight. Flexibility and firepower are key here.
All of this said, I am not well educated on the infantry side of modern warfare. My interest lies more on vehicles than infantry, so any advice you have to give would be much appreciated.
In that case this seems like an odd way to do it. Cery could have dealt with this scenario more quickly and easily by herself and would likely not even be called in for it.
Original - Magical Girl Quest - The Fire That Burns | Page 190
here is a link to our enemy profile.
last time we went in, they always attacked the first in line (us).
using alpha and omega will render their only spell useless against us. let's keep a shell of that active around us, so the 15% auto kill does not screw us over.
Daiyu is immune to their spell, because of Heart of Steel.
Daiyu also takes almost no damage from them. Likely only in the single digits, which she'll easily heal.
If Daiyu can keep her protective spell on us, we can also reduce the Skull Wraiths damage a lot.
still, not risking the 15% instakill spell is likely worth it.
Also, they must sense living things somehow.
They got rid of ALL living things in the area, not only some - ALL.
let's check if we can lure them with localized heat sources?
1. They do have 3 attacks per turn meaning if they can survive long enough to get a second hit in we won't have knight's shield for that hit. Probably won't 1 v 2 because Daiyu and Cerys should be able to deal enough damage to down their 230 (effectively 460 with intangibility) health before a second attack in a turn goes off.
2. This is assuming that they don't get a drop on us at a time Knights shield isn't up, they are ambush specialists after all.
3. This is assuming that there won't be more than one enemy coming at a time. Two both getting their first hit in even with Knights shield would end very much differently for Cerys or Daiyu .
4. You aren't taking into account magic modifier at all they could be doing anywhere between 1-100 more damage than your calculations give.
5. Also not taking into account any situational bonuses that might change the damage outcomes. Such as being ambushed and unprepared.
Also you seem to be misunderstanding Heart of Steel.
There is as far as I am aware, no point where Daiyu takes "almost no damage".
She takes either "no damage" or "75% or above damage".
Heart of Steel
-Negate 75% of all incoming physical damage and 60% of spell damage. If Final End Damage is less than 75% of this characters total health, block it completely. Gives immunity to Instant-Kill attacks and reduces the effectiveness of armour piercing abilities by 50%
Note that it says that if final end damage is below 75% block it completely.
Final end damage only occurs after everything else, including flat damage reduction, such as here in Radiance Drive:
radiance drive said:
(Searing Light: 18,250 Base Damage, +75,000 Dice, +100 Burn In The Light = 93,350 Total Damage
Solid Core: 1,700 Base Resilience, dice negated, -425 Core Exposed, -850 To the Face = 425 Damage Reduction
Hence, a single hit from one of these guys does nothing, assuming no situational modifiers putting things into their favour.
If physcial 2 attacks at once does nothing. If magical (and their attacks probably are) they do nothing at theoretical minimum or wrecks her at worse (396 damage total at absolute worse). Assuming of course that there is no situational modifiers, which is not guarrenteed
Minimum with 2 of them attacking at once:
450 base damage + 1 dice
450 base damage + 1 dice
902 total damage
108 base resilience + 80 dice= 188 total resilience
714 Total end damage
60% Heart of steel
286 Final End Damage
Negated due to Heart of Steel (less then 75% of total HP)
Maximum
450 base damage + 100 dice
450 base damage + 100 dice
1100 total damage
108 base resilience + 1 dice= 109 total resilience
991 total End damage
60% Heart of steel
396 Final End Damage
Which means that Daiyu can be screwed from 2 of these things working together. Three will result in definite death.
Daiyu is very much a character that is either invincible or on the edge of death
Relying on Daiyu to take hits here could get her killed the moment that there is two or more of them at once, and trying to lure them one at a time isn't necessarily a guarantee that we'd actually lure only one.
Especially since we have no idea how good their ability to learn is.
They have already been lured one by one once by us, they might not be so willing a second time.
Melee range is still not very viable imo for this.
Also the localized heat sources is interesting, and we can try it but I think that it is unlikely to work.
Much more likely that they have some kind "sense life" ability much more fitting for Wraiths thematically.
Just a reminder, we can not keep up Ignition Aura and Alpha and Omega at the same time; either spell-negation or damage-reduction, not both.
Hm... I would probably prefer to not go inside again, but Halting them did work out pretty well.
(Speaking of which, why did we not do that while training with the military?)
So how about we ask Daiyu which she prefers?
[] Talk strategy with Daiyu
-[] Explain in detail what you learned last time; stress that these things are dangerous
-[] There are two different ways you can do this
--[] Plan 1 is to just level the whole place from above and destroy any stragglers
--[] Plan 2 is to lure them out, Halt them and then kill them with spells
---[] They are immune to physical attacks, though... and you can barely take one hit from them at best
---[] Basically, Daiyu would have to lure them out for you to freeze and destroy; you can try baiting them by moving a few bouts of fire around the buildings (without burning them down), but that is probably not going to work
-[] Whichever Plan you go for, see if some of the available enforcers have healing magic
--[] Tell those to carry on with what they are doing; you might call them in, but only if someone gets injured
-[] Have her decide if she wants to take the risk; it would preserve the site, but be more dangerous
--[] Does she have a better idea? If it is viable, do that
--[] If she goes with Plan 1, practice Juggernaut Wave on the place and destroy it methodically from outside to inside; maybe Daiyu can come up with a long-range spell of her own while you are there?
---[] Keep a dozen Thermal Spears ready just in case something comes up to attack you; refresh them if you need to use some before continuing
--[] If she goes with Plan 2, keep half a dozen Thermal Spears Ice ready at all times and stay away from the walls (and ground, if you can); have Alpha and Omega as your active aura (unless it disrupts the spears, then use Ignition Aura). Halt the enemies that show themselves, then blast them with the prepared spears and prepare more before continuing
I think... this should be pretty safe still, unless the worst happens. But Cerys is fast and Daiyu is pretty good.
Either way, we would get some exercise in... and I have the feeling our partner would not be happy if we just did all the work.
However... I am really insecure about this one, especially after what happened last time. If you see any problems with this, please tell me immediately. This is also the reason I am not X-ing this plan just yet.
Just a reminder, we can not keep up Ignition Aura and Alpha and Omega at the same time; either spell-negation or damage-reduction, not both.
Hm... I would probably prefer to not go inside again, but Halting them did work out pretty well.
(Speaking of which, why did we not do that while training with the military?)
So how about we ask Daiyu which she prefers?
[] Talk strategy with Daiyu
-[] Explain in detail what you learned last time; stress that these things are dangerous
-[] There are two different ways you can do this
--[] Plan 1 is to just level the whole place from above and destroy any stragglers
--[] Plan 2 is to lure them out, Halt them and then kill them with spells
---[] They are immune to physical attacks, though... and you can barely take one hit from them at best
---[] Basically, Daiyu would have to lure them out for you to freeze and destroy
-[] Have her decide if she wants to take the risk; it would preserve the site, but be more dangerous
--[] Does she have a better idea? If it is viable, do that
--[] If she goes with Plan 1, practice Juggernaut Wave on the place and destroy it methodically from outside to inside; maybe Daiyu can come up with a long-range spell of her own while you are there?
--[] If she goes with Plan 2, keep half a dozen Thermal Spears Ice ready at all times and stay away from the walls; have Alpha and Omega as your active aura (unless it disrupts the spears, then use Ignition Aura). Halt the enemies that show themselves, then blast them with the prepared spears and prepare more before continuing
I think... this should be pretty safe still, unless the worst happens. But Cerys is fast and Daiyu is pretty good.
Either way, we would get some exercise in... and I have the feeling our partner would not be happy if we just did all the work.
However... I am really insecure about this one, especially after what happened last time. If you see any problems with this, please tell me immediately. This is also the reason I am not X-ing this plan just yet.
Let's not do Plan 2. We did it last time, and we were hopelessly screwed.
Sure, we have Daiyu now, but as Sinarblood described above me, 2 or 3 of them at the same time can straight up kill Daiyu. We can only halt 1 ghost at a time, and we can't see through walls, so the ghosts can surpise us like that one ghost did at the end of the last mission. So, if we're unlucky or they're coordinated, there is a good chance we'll end up dead.
If we ask Daiyu's opinion, I'm pretty sure she'll suggest conserving the site or something. I don't want that.
Let's not take any risks and just destroy the place. These ghosts are far more dangerous than the importance of this concentration camp as a historical site.
In regards to tactics, if there are any survivors from the bombardment, then place Alpha and Omega in an area high up in the air with the both of us inside it and summon 40 Thermal Spears. release clusters of them at any approaching ghost. I don't want to be surprised by any ghosts hiding in the ground.
Actually, I have confirmation from Rukia that it would have worked... if not for the failed experimentation.
Additionally, being partners means to talk to each other and decide together. If we just ignore Daiyu's opinions because we (think we) know better, she will be really unhappy with us.
Which might become a bad thing later on.
Plus... I kind of have this suspicion that nuking the place from above bears the risk of startling all the ghosts into coming up to where we are to shank us.
We are in potential danger either way.
Actually, I have confirmation from Rukia that it would have worked... if not for the failed experimentation.
Additionally, being partners means to talk to each other and decide together. If we just ignore Daiyu's opinions because we (think we) know better, she will be really unhappy with us.
Which might become a bad thing later on.
Plus... I kind of have this suspicion that nuking the place from above bears the risk of startling all the ghosts into coming up to where we are to shank us.
We are in potential danger either way.
Which is why I said to place Alpha and Omega high up in the air and wait for them to appear. If these ghosts can fly (which they haven't shown they can do, although I suspect they might be able to). We should have about 40 spears ready to snipe any remaining ghosts. That is even assuming they survive being nuked.
Getting her opinion is good and all (assuming she has any more experience fighting undead incorporeal ghosts than us), but I doubt she's experienced being split in half by these fuckers. I'm sure she'll understand our wariness.
In regards to tactics, if there are any survivors from the bombardment, then place Alpha and Omega in an area high up in the air with the both of us inside it and summon 40 Thermal Spears. release clusters of them at any approaching ghost. I don't want to be surprised by any ghosts hiding in the ground.
Summoning 40 Spears takes (40/2 * 10 = 200 seconds = 3.3 minutes); we can not properly coordinate the destruction if we have those up permanently, so we would be sitting ducks for a long time while those things come up at us.
Plus, even Plasma Sphere does not destroy them in one hit even without defense bonusses they might get from being behind/inside of walls.
On top of that, if we have A&O active... that kind of eats our spears, unless we rotate them thirty metres around us, which would make aiming a little more difficult. We do not even know if we can keep that many spears active while the aura is between us and them, or if it messes with Thermal Control in some way.
Additionally, for me to react to something you say, I have to actually see it first.
Edit: Besides... you really just want to walk all over her, do you?
People are not happy when their input is ignored or not even asked for, no matter how well informed they are.
Summoning 40 Spears takes (40/2 * 10 = 200 seconds = 3.3 minutes); we can not properly coordinate the destruction if we have those up permanently, so we would be sitting ducks for a long time while those things come up at us.
Plus, even Plasma Sphere does not destroy them in one hit even without defense bonusses they might get from being behind/inside of walls.
On top of that, if we have A&O active... that kind of eats our spears, unless we rotate them thirty metres around us, which would make aiming a little more difficult. We do not even know if we can keep that many spears active while the aura is between us and them, or if it messes with Thermal Control in some way.
Additionally, for me to react to something you say, I have to actually see it first.
Edit: Besides... you really just want to walk all over her, do you?
People are not happy when their input is ignored or not even asked for, no matter how well informed they are.
I want to get this shit done and over with. After the last shitty run we did in this place, I'm just anxious to get this done. I really don't want any chances of things going wrong.
You asked for opinions, I gave them. I'm no longer willing to do so.
Notice how they ignore my other arguments. This is kind of how votecrafting works, by discussing things out... but oh well.
(Aside from the fact that Daiyu might actually agree nuking the place is the better idea; which would still bring what they want without making our partner unhappy)
Waiting for other opinions before deciding what to do...
Notice how they ignore my other arguments. This is kind of how votecrafting works, by discussing things out... but oh well.
(Aside from the fact that Daiyu might actually agree nuking the place is the better idea; which would still bring what they want without making our partner unhappy)
Waiting for other opinions before deciding what to do...
I said I was done with giving my opinion, which is why I didn't discuss your other arguments. You were getting on my nerves with your way of assuming what I wanted to do was "walk all over" Daiyu. I didn't want to discuss it, and I was fine with letting it be.
I have no idea why you're saying "Notice how they ignore my other arguments.". You're really irritating me right now with your patronizing tone.
As nice as it would be to just nuke it... do people really think this is going to be the only time Cerys and Daiyu have to go somewhere dangerous? It's only going to be a matter of time before we're in another situation like this again and maybe nuking won't can't be an option.
Not that I blame anyone, that whole thing was a mess and it's likely going to influence the quest in a negative way whenever something like this pops up again...
If that was patronizing, I have to apologise; did not notice that at all. I was just noting the fact for others following our discussion.
Seeing that said discussion is over, I will not get back to the rest of your post.
Not that I blame anyone, that whole thing was a mess and it's likely going to influence the quest in a negative way whenever something like this pops up again...
Yes, it probably will influence everything that follows.
Still, I am white knight enough (never thought I would ever say that) to not call for going nuclear as our first option. Going nuclear is on the table, though.
Also just gonna say, I actually think we have pretty solid evidence for the ghosts not working together, otherwise I can't understand why they wouldn't have tried to coordinate against us the first time.
Also just gonna say, I actually think we have pretty solid evidence for the ghosts not working together, otherwise I can't understand why they wouldn't have tried to coordinate against us the first time.
Hrm. Yes, you are right. Some of them were fighting together before, but that was probably because we startled all of those... and none of them joined their attacks. Maybe they are not even capable of doing so, who knows.
Still, startling them is something we have to be careful about...
Oh quite, I'm just saying that we can probably be okay if we move slowly drawing the ghosts in ones and twos. Creating a giant flare of magic in preparation to nuke the site from above will probably draw all of them at once.
I will admit while the experimentation during a mission thing was a bit iffy. The rest of the plan seemed okay. This plan also seems okay from my point of view.
Oh quite, I'm just saying that we can probably be okay if we move slowly drawing the ghosts in ones and twos. Creating a giant flare of magic in preparation to nuke the site from above will probably draw all of them at once.
That is a good point. In case Daiyu goes along with the nuclear option instead, I added a note to have a few Thermal Spears ready if something tries to shank us up in the sky.
Just a reminder, we can not keep up Ignition Aura and Alpha and Omega at the same time; either spell-negation or damage-reduction, not both.
Hm... I would probably prefer to not go inside again, but Halting them did work out pretty well.
(Speaking of which, why did we not do that while training with the military?)
So how about we ask Daiyu which she prefers?
[X] Talk strategy with Daiyu
-[X] Explain in detail what you learned last time; stress that these things are dangerous
-[X] There are two different ways you can do this
--[X] Plan 1 is to just level the whole place from above and destroy any stragglers
--[X] Plan 2 is to lure them out, Halt them and then kill them with spells
---[X] They are immune to physical attacks, though... and you can barely take one hit from them at best
---[X] Basically, Daiyu would have to lure them out for you to freeze and destroy
-[X] Have her decide if she wants to take the risk; it would preserve the site, but be more dangerous
--[X] Does she have a better idea? If it is viable, do that
--[X] If she goes with Plan 1, practice Juggernaut Wave on the place and destroy it methodically from outside to inside; maybe Daiyu can come up with a long-range spell of her own while you are there?
---[X] Keep a dozen Thermal Spears ready just in case something comes up to attack you; refresh them if you need to use some before continuing
--[X] If she goes with Plan 2, keep half a dozen Thermal Spears Ice ready at all times and stay away from the walls (and ground, if you can); have Alpha and Omega as your active aura (unless it disrupts the spears, then use Ignition Aura). Halt the enemies that show themselves, then blast them with the prepared spears and prepare more before continuing
I think... this should be pretty safe still, unless the worst happens. But Cerys is fast and Daiyu is pretty good.
Either way, we would get some exercise in... and I have the feeling our partner would not be happy if we just did all the work.
However... I am really insecure about this one, especially after what happened last time. If you see any problems with this, please tell me immediately. This is also the reason I am not X-ing this plan just yet.
.
