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Super Robot Quest

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[X] Kausen Engineering
[X] Keen Shot

The "mother" figure gets to be the spotter, the "daughter" figure gets to pull the trigger.
 
Post to come sometime today.
Adhoc vote count started by Basarin on Aug 19, 2018 at 9:24 AM, finished with 30 posts and 28 votes.
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Off the Record
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    • I'm not 100% on this particular update, but I wanted to get at least something out before this week's brand of crazy takes hold. Such as it is.

    Hope everyone's had a good weekend so far.

    1149, 2 May A.D. 2072
    Unity Station

    Three years of working for the same superior officer (a rarity, even in the Defense Force) has by now given you a little insight into Brigadier General Peters' various moods. Some days she...just was. Most of the time her facial expressions had a very limited range, always starting at neutral, and varying slightly from a scowl, to a smirk, and to any snarky middle ground.

    Today? She had the look of someone who had served her a microwave meal and had previously promised it would be a classy steak dinner.

    I.E., irritated.

    "The other project," she starts without preamble as you sit down. "I'm assuming you've heard already?"

    "Through the I.S., yes," you confirm. "I'm not surprised it's happening, but I am surprised it bypassed us."

    "This is one of those times I miss being in His Majesty's Army," she outright growls. "For all its faults things were at least centralized rather than some bloody numpty abusing a loophole clause to chase glory on his own!" You raise an eyebrow at the outburst, but she schools her expressions back to something approaching normal in a heartbeat. "Lieutenant Colonel Mark Howell," she continues, as if the outburst hadn't happened. "Ground Defense Force. His forces were the ones that were stuck in during the attack at New York before the First Response Corps arrived, and were the ones who recovered all the Walker salvage the Separatists left behind. Normally this would have passed on to one of my departments, but he was able to secure enough backing here in Unity to examine the wreckage on his own."

    You blink. "How?" you ask.

    "I'm suspecting someone next door has hands in Defense Force contracting and is 'seeing the potential,'" she responds dryly. You note she is pointedly refusing to say who, and quite honestly you're half expecting Anna to just drop the name in your lap later anyway, so you don't press the issue. "That, and they're abusing the distinction between 'Super Robot' and 'weapon development' with 'reverse engineering' along with 'tactical analysis.'" She sighs, rubbing her head as if trying to ward away a headache that won't go away. "He's also managed to secure the efforts of some of his own specialists. They are likely trying to create some mass production model."

    "...jealousy from them?" you snort.

    "An understatement," she replies. "I don't plan on making an issue of this just yet. After all, from what I'm seeing, they're trying to overcome all the hurdles you and your team did." She smiles wryly. "With a little less success, I might add." Your thoughts flash back to some of the more...memorable failures from your first year when everything seemed utterly insurmountable. You can't imagine what this particular version must look like.

    "So what do you want us to do about it, Ma'am?" you ask. "I'd be happy to send some of my people over, but I think I'd just end up raising their blood pressure instead."

    "That's exactly what I want you to do," Peters says. "I want you and a few of your experts to visit them and make some observations for me. You've a better eye for these details, after all. Then report back to me everything you can think of."

    "...end goal?" you ask warily.

    "By all means, I want to see another weapons project succeed," she says airily. Flippantly, even, as if she were expecting someone was listening in. Knowing your luck, someone probably was. "So do what you can to speed them on their way. Not to the point of sharing our technology, mind you."

    "Technical and overall pointers, got it," you mutter as you jot down some notes. Another thought crops up. "...isn't this just asking for someone to try and hijack their project, though?"

    "See what you can find out in that regard as well," Peters adds. "Personally, I don't think you're too far off the mark in that thought. And were this the only mecha project in town, I would be much more worried about the thought of someone hijacking it." She shrugs nonchalantly. "We have the actual Super Robots, however."

    You try not to grimace too much. You already dabble too much in inter-service politicking (just ask the Navy), but it's not exactly comfortable to hear about it on Peters' level. "What makes you think they'll even listen to me?" you ask.

    "They likely won't. But they cannot outright ignore you," she points out. "You and the DFRI have years of seniority ahead of them, and with actual successes under your belt. Unofficially they'll likely try to snub you, but officially, that would draw unwelcome attention their way." None of that makes any sense to you, but considering that you have to ration your lines of logical thought in the face of your job, you let it slide for now.

    For now, you have your marching orders, such as they are. Visit the Ground Defense Force's Mecha Project, see what they're doing, offer some pointers. Unofficially, annoy them by your very presence.

    Special Action Unlocked: Investigate/'Visit' EUGDF Mecha Project.
     
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    • *Everyone at the DFRI* "A spying we shall go, a spying we shall go. HI HO THE DERIO A SPYING WE WILL GO!"


    *Major Devin* "We're all looking at you Anna. So get to work. And make them cry"
     
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    Worst case, we fuck up a sleeper/"glory hog" organization's plans.

    Best case, we get a "friendly" neighbor up to speed on how to kick skyscraper-sized butt.
     
    meganeshounen said:
    Worst case, we fuck up a sleeper/"glory hog" organization's plans.

    Best case, we get a "friendly" neighbor up to speed on how to kick skyscraper-sized butt.
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    All the while Anna lurks around in the background sniffing out the other groups secrets for us. and gauging their security as a cover in case she is discovered.
     
    Basarin said:
    Hope everyone's had a good weekend so far.
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    I had a good Monday, and it was partly because of you.

    Speaking of the story. You know what might be super annoying? Someone with the personality of Gai Daigouji declaring the Ground Defence Force's Mecha Project (can I call it the Ground Pound for short?) as his Worthy Rivals.
     
    Just got Super Robot Wars X today for PS Vita. Can't wait to play it.

    Sucks that it had to be on the day classes start, but at least I don't have any class tomorrow.
     
    LinkOnScepter said:
    Just got Super Robot Wars X today for PS Vita. Can't wait to play it.

    Sucks that it had to be on the day classes start, but at least I don't have any class tomorrow.
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    I have my own copy, but I've yet to play through it fully. I'm noticing the English text gets a little weird whenever punctuation is involved. Which is strange, because SRW V didn't have that problem. Do let me know your thoughts on the game later, though!

    Apologies for the delay, but the job's been a bit "OH GOD WHY" with the scheduling. I'll try to have the next bit out by tomorrow or Friday. Appreciate your patience!
     
    Basarin said:
    I have my own copy, but I've yet to play through it fully. I'm noticing the English text gets a little weird whenever punctuation is involved. Which is strange, because SRW V didn't have that problem. Do let me know your thoughts on the game later, though!

    Apologies for the delay, but the job's been a bit "OH GOD WHY" with the scheduling. I'll try to have the next bit out by tomorrow or Friday. Appreciate your patience!
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    So far I'm loving it. Certainly like the OC Protag well enough (I went with the Male).

    Though I do find it weird that a game focusing on Magic and Outlandish concepts doesn't give you an actual Super Robot until 10 Missions in. It's mostly Real Robot shows up until that point.
     
    LinkOnScepter said:
    So far I'm loving it. Certainly like the OC Protag well enough (I went with the Male).

    Though I do find it weird that a game focusing on Magic and Outlandish concepts doesn't give you an actual Super Robot until 10 Missions in. It's mostly Real Robot shows up until that point.
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    Technically Mashin Hero Wataru is a Super Robot, but that doesn't exactly reflect until midway through his series.

    Still, I'll have to catch up on that.

    Whenever the next post comes out, it will be another vote regarding Tellison's co-pilot candidate.
     
    Pilot Audition: Choose One
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    • Pushing this out, and then treating meself to some pizza. It's been that kind of week.

    I'll leave this open for now, and I'll try to get the next post out this weekend. Next post will introduce the pilot, and then the meeting with Jiro.

    28 April A.D. 2071
    Pilot Exchange Annex

    When it comes to identifying pilot candidates, you try to keep in mind a few things.

    "This is Bravo-Two, this is ridiculous! This whole city has guns firing at me! The guns have guns on them!"

    Rational, logical things. Things such as:
    - Are the pilots operating as according to doctrinal practices? I.E., as per exactly as they were trained to do?
    - When piloting, are they experimenting? Or do they stick to what little they are familiar with in this new specialty?
    - Do they approach the enemies with reserve, a clinical eye?
    - Are they reacting with cries of incredulity and frustration at the unrealistic simulations Captain Sasaki and Diana are throwing at them?

    "I'm sorry, Victor-Seven!"     Katarina's voice rings out in one of the simulation pods. "But I'm afraid you were just eaten by that kaiju!"

    "There were SEVEN of them!"

    "And only one ate you! Congratulations!"

    Okay, granted, the last point is kind of superfluous when you think about it.

    "There is no way that they could turn a battleship into a Walker hybrid! Who would ever even try building this!?"

    But damn if it isn't funny.

    Callaghan is actually kind of wistful about the first few simulations Sasaki ran him through. His memory is probably quite hazy, though, as he remembers it as "the simple stuff." The pilot candidates are currently undergoing simulations of a similar caliber, as this batch is just about to approach their graduation. Up until now, you'd been running them through sane, if still challenging, simulations. Evacuation protocols for the First Response Corps candidates, engaging Separatist Walkers in urban conditions for the Ground Defense Force, and so on. Situations that they would be reasonably expected to come across. Because if nothing else, that was going to satisfy the agreements you struck with the other EUDF commands: send us your pilots, and they will come back with better skills to pass on.

    No, these last few weeks were something else entirely. The point of the exercise was not to actually pass the damned thing, it was to test for how the pilots themselves reacted. Especially if they were facing a situation that called for at least the Beowulf and maybe Ichiro and the Perseus if they were available. It was like...oh, what was it that Henry had called it?

    Oh, right. A Kobayashi Maru.

    You weren't doing this entirely out of amusement, however. The pilots' reactions to frankly ridiculous situations were also incredibly vital for them to process. Even if the scenarios they would face in the real world would never escalate to these levels, seeing how they reacted in incredibly dire and stressful circumstances told quite a bit about their character. Most came out of the simulator pods from this incredibly confused. Many came out angry, frustrated. And a rare few actually came out somewhat enlightened from the experience, seeing their critical flaws for what they were and swore to do better in the future. Until now, none of them had shown to have the capabilities that you were looking for.

    Perhaps you were spoiled with how quickly you'd found both Callaghan and Tellison. Satsuma too, depending on how her training pans out. But effectively, most pilots opted to fall back to ingrained habits - usually picked up from training - and tried to solve the situations in, disappointingly, a rational and doctrinal fashion. While perfectly fine in a line unit, the Super Robots would not operate very effectively under that kind of pilot.

    So imagine your surprise today when you finally, finally found a pilot that was producing the kinds of reactions you were looking for.

    This pilot did no such thing as fall back onto trained methods. No, this pilot actually took the limited time available to leverage an advantage other pilots had not seen. Granted, this pilot doesn't seem to have the solo pilot potential that the 'founding members' of your pilot roster have, but you can definitely make use of this one.

    Diana agrees. Here's why.

    [] "This pilot used the terrain to her advantage like nobody else. She still got smashed the first few times, but after she started recognizing what we were throwing at her, she started drawing the enemies into unfavorable terrain. She still was defeated, but she made the use of the enemies' weapons really uncomfortable in the spaces they were fighting in."

    Actions: 1
    Terrain Mastery: You may sacrifice this pilot's Action this turn to hinder enemy action. For the cost of 1 Action, delay an enemy's cooldown by 1 turn. This can only be used once every three turns. NOTE: pilot must be aware of what the actions are prior to using this.

    [] "This pilot did something really unique. At least within the rules of the game, he started ripping into the cockpit's electronic wiring to try and force defensive measures to reboot faster. Granted, if he does this normally Lana's going to have words with him, but credit where it's due. It works."

    Actions: 1
    Electrical Bypass: You may sacrifice this pilot's Action this turn to reduce a mecha's defensive ability cooldown by 1 turn. This can only be used once every three turns. NOTE: pilot can only use this ability on the mecha he is co-piloting.
     
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    • [X] "This pilot used the terrain to her advantage like nobody else. She still got smashed the first few times, but after she started recognizing what we were throwing at her, she started drawing the enemies into unfavorable terrain. She still was defeated, but she made the use of the enemies' weapons really uncomfortable in the spaces they were fighting in."
     
    [x] "This pilot used the terrain to her advantage like nobody else. She still got smashed the first few times, but after she started recognizing what we were throwing at her, she started drawing the enemies into unfavorable terrain. She still was defeated, but she made the use of the enemies' weapons really uncomfortable in the spaces they were fighting in."
     
    [X] "This pilot used the terrain to her advantage like nobody else. She still got smashed the first few times, but after she started recognizing what we were throwing at her, she started drawing the enemies into unfavorable terrain. She still was defeated, but she made the use of the enemies' weapons really uncomfortable in the spaces they were fighting in."
     
    [X] "This pilot used the terrain to her advantage like nobody else. She still got smashed the first few times, but after she started recognizing what we were throwing at her, she started drawing the enemies into unfavorable terrain. She still was defeated, but she made the use of the enemies' weapons really uncomfortable in the spaces they were fighting in."

    Those water levels are a bitch when your pilots don't have the right gear...
     
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    [X] "This pilot used the terrain to her advantage like nobody else. She still got smashed the first few times, but after she started recognizing what we were throwing at her, she started drawing the enemies into unfavorable terrain. She still was defeated, but she made the use of the enemies' weapons really uncomfortable in the spaces they were fighting in."
     
    [X] "This pilot did something really unique. At least within the rules of the game, he started ripping into the cockpit's electronic wiring to try and force defensive measures to reboot faster. Granted, if he does this normally Lana's going to have words with him, but credit where it's due. It works."
     
    [X] "This pilot used the terrain to her advantage like nobody else. She still got smashed the first few times, but after she started recognizing what we were throwing at her, she started drawing the enemies into unfavorable terrain. She still was defeated, but she made the use of the enemies' weapons really uncomfortable in the spaces they were fighting in."

    I love the idea of a pilot tinkering on the go but mechanically the debuffs are just too juicy not to take.
     
    [X] "This pilot used the terrain to her advantage like nobody else. She still got smashed the first few times, but after she started recognizing what we were throwing at her, she started drawing the enemies into unfavorable terrain. She still was defeated, but she made the use of the enemies' weapons really uncomfortable in the spaces they were fighting in."

    Terrain mastery sounds neat and interesting, and useful against all sorts of foes.
     
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