[X]The mystery surrounding your gender amuses you.
[X]Because they know you never lie about your finds.
[X]You discovered the tools and equipmentthat allowed for the creation of the first new filters in 15 years after the nukes first fell.
[X] Stealth, you needed to operate in silence to deal with any opposition without alerting more. (Start with a Tihar Pneumatic Rifle, a Silenced Revolver, Throwing Knifes and your knife.)
[X]You wave casually. (Why bother speaking now?)
[X]The mystery surrounding your gender amuses you.
[X]Because you brought back proof.
[X]You were the only survivor of the anomaly known as 'The Knocker', and remain so. [X]You wave casually. (Why bother speaking now?) [X]A balanced kit for ranged and close-up work would be more than sufficient for Moscow. (Start with a Kalash, a Duplet, a Knife and Revolver.)
A Metro quest and the bastard isn't an option? Lame. Oh well, this is good.
[X]The mystery surrounding your gender amuses you.
[X]Because they know you never lie about your finds.
[X]After all, you were the who brought Moscow University, the Emerald City, back into contact the wider Metro.
[X]You wave casually. (Why bother speaking now?)
[X]A balanced kit for ranged and close-up work would be more than sufficient for Moscow. (Start with a Kalash, a Duplet, a Knife and Revolver.)
We're flexible in skill and load out and that makes us the perfect addition to any team. Whether to act as glue or shore up a weakness. A group of only specialists is high risk high reward, but adding an experienced Jack or two can assure more stability than just grabbing another specialist for the road.
[X]The mystery surrounding your gender amuses you.
[X]Because they know you never lie about your finds.
[X]After all, you were the who brought Moscow University, the Emerald City, back into contact the wider Metro.
[X]You wave casually. (Why bother speaking now?)
[X]A balanced kit for ranged and close-up work would be more than sufficient for Moscow. (Start with a Kalash, a Duplet, a Knife and Revolver.)
[X]The mystery surrounding your gender amuses you.
[X]Because they know you never lie about your finds.
[X]After all, you were the who brought Moscow University, the Emerald City, back into contact the wider Metro.
[X]You wave casually. (Why bother speaking now?)
[X]A balanced kit for ranged and close-up work would be more than sufficient for Moscow. (Start with a Kalash, a Duplet, a Knife and Revolver.)
I wanted to give my reasons, but @Darik29 already did.
[X]The mystery surrounding your gender amuses you.
[X]Because they know you never lie about your finds.
[X]You discovered the tools and equipmentthat allowed for the creation of the first new filters in 15 years after the nukes first fell.
[X] Stealth, you needed to operate in silence to deal with any opposition without alerting more. (Start with a Tihar Pneumatic Rifle, a Silenced Revolver, Throwing Knifes and your knife.)
[X]You wave casually. (Why bother speaking now
Adhoc vote count started by Gideon020 on Apr 15, 2017 at 5:19 AM, finished with 33 posts and 10 votes.
[X]The mystery surrounding your gender amuses you. [X]Because they know you never lie about your finds. [X]After all, you were the who brought Moscow University, the Emerald City, back into contact the wider Metro. [X]You wave casually. (Why bother speaking now?) [X]A balanced kit for ranged and close-up work would be more than sufficient for Moscow. (Start with a Kalash, a Duplet, a Knife and Revolver.)
[X]The mystery surrounding your gender amuses you.
[X]Because they know you never lie about your finds.
[X]You discovered the tools and equipmentthat allowed for the creation of the first new filters in 15 years after the nukes first fell.
[X] Stealth, you needed to operate in silence to deal with any opposition without alerting more. (Start with a Tihar Pneumatic Rifle, a Silenced Revolver, Throwing Knifes and your knife.)
[X]You wave casually. (Why bother speaking now?)
[X]Long-range sniper rifle would be necessary for this, to keep away the more dangerous mutants and Machines. (Start with a Valve sniper rifle, a Kalash, knife and LoLife.) We could provide overwatch from a building as their guardian angel also put a silencer on that sniper......also more knifes you always need more knifes
[X] multi voice (Hey with the speaking part can we sound like we have multiple voices speaking at once)
[X] You were the only survivor of the anomaly known as 'The Knocker', and remain so
[X]Because the Reich scum you dragged back was more than willing to talk.
[X]It is a shield made from preying on mankind's superstitions.
[X]The mystery surrounding your gender amuses you. [X]Because they know you never lie about your finds. [X]You were the only survivor of the anomaly known as 'The Knocker', and remain so. [X]You wave casually. (Why bother speaking now?) [X]A balanced kit for ranged and close-up work would be more than sufficient for Moscow. (Start with a Kalash, a Duplet, a Knife and Revolver.)
[X]It is a shield made from preying on mankind's superstitions. [X]Because you brought back proof. [X]After all, you were the who brought Moscow University, the Emerald City, back into contact the wider Metro. [X]You wave casually. (Why bother speaking now?) [X]A balanced kit for ranged and close-up work would be more than sufficient for Moscow. (Start with a Kalash, a Duplet, a Knife and Revolver.)
[X]The mystery surrounding your gender amuses you. [X]Because you brought back proof. [X]You were the only survivor of the anomaly known as 'The Knocker', and remain so. [X]You wave casually. (Why bother speaking now?) [X]A balanced kit for ranged and close-up work would be more than sufficient for Moscow. (Start with a Kalash, a Duplet, a Knife and Revolver.)
[X] Stealth, you needed to operate in silence to deal with any opposition without alerting more. (Start with a Tihar Pneumatic Rifle, a Silenced Revolver, Throwing Knifes and your knife.)
[X]Long-range sniper rifle would be necessary for this, to keep away the more dangerous mutants and Machines. (Start with a Valve sniper rifle, a Kalash, knife and LoLife.) We could provide overwatch from a building as their guardian angel also put a silencer on that sniper......also more knifes you always need more knifes
Adhoc vote count started by Gideon020 on Apr 15, 2017 at 5:21 AM, finished with 33 posts and 10 votes.
[X]The mystery surrounding your gender amuses you. [X]Because they know you never lie about your finds. [X]After all, you were the who brought Moscow University, the Emerald City, back into contact the wider Metro. [X]You wave casually. (Why bother speaking now?) [X]A balanced kit for ranged and close-up work would be more than sufficient for Moscow. (Start with a Kalash, a Duplet, a Knife and Revolver.)
[X]The mystery surrounding your gender amuses you.
[X]Because they know you never lie about your finds.
[X]You discovered the tools and equipmentthat allowed for the creation of the first new filters in 15 years after the nukes first fell.
[X] Stealth, you needed to operate in silence to deal with any opposition without alerting more. (Start with a Tihar Pneumatic Rifle, a Silenced Revolver, Throwing Knifes and your knife.)
[X]You wave casually. (Why bother speaking now?)
[X]Long-range sniper rifle would be necessary for this, to keep away the more dangerous mutants and Machines. (Start with a Valve sniper rifle, a Kalash, knife and LoLife.) We could provide overwatch from a building as their guardian angel also put a silencer on that sniper......also more knifes you always need more knifes
[X] multi voice (Hey with the speaking part can we sound like we have multiple voices speaking at once)
[X] You were the only survivor of the anomaly known as 'The Knocker', and remain so
[X]Because the Reich scum you dragged back was more than willing to talk.
[X]It is a shield made from preying on mankind's superstitions.
[X]The mystery surrounding your gender amuses you. [X]Because they know you never lie about your finds. [X]You were the only survivor of the anomaly known as 'The Knocker', and remain so. [X]You wave casually. (Why bother speaking now?) [X]A balanced kit for ranged and close-up work would be more than sufficient for Moscow. (Start with a Kalash, a Duplet, a Knife and Revolver.)
[X]It is a shield made from preying on mankind's superstitions. [X]Because you brought back proof. [X]After all, you were the who brought Moscow University, the Emerald City, back into contact the wider Metro. [X]You wave casually. (Why bother speaking now?) [X]A balanced kit for ranged and close-up work would be more than sufficient for Moscow. (Start with a Kalash, a Duplet, a Knife and Revolver.)
[X]The mystery surrounding your gender amuses you. [X]Because you brought back proof. [X]You were the only survivor of the anomaly known as 'The Knocker', and remain so. [X]You wave casually. (Why bother speaking now?) [X]A balanced kit for ranged and close-up work would be more than sufficient for Moscow. (Start with a Kalash, a Duplet, a Knife and Revolver.)
Adhoc vote count started by Gideon020 on Apr 15, 2017 at 5:21 AM, finished with 33 posts and 10 votes.
[X]The mystery surrounding your gender amuses you. [X]Because they know you never lie about your finds. [X]After all, you were the who brought Moscow University, the Emerald City, back into contact the wider Metro. [X]You wave casually. (Why bother speaking now?) [X]A balanced kit for ranged and close-up work would be more than sufficient for Moscow. (Start with a Kalash, a Duplet, a Knife and Revolver.)
[X] Stealth, you needed to operate in silence to deal with any opposition without alerting more. (Start with a Tihar Pneumatic Rifle, a Silenced Revolver, Throwing Knifes and your knife.)
[X]Long-range sniper rifle would be necessary for this, to keep away the more dangerous mutants and Machines. (Start with a Valve sniper rifle, a Kalash, knife and LoLife.) We could provide overwatch from a building as their guardian angel also put a silencer on that sniper......also more knifes you always need more knifes
[X] multi voice (Hey with the speaking part can we sound like we have multiple voices speaking at once)
[X]The mystery surrounding your gender amuses you. [X]Because they know you never lie about your finds. [X]You were the only survivor of the anomaly known as 'The Knocker', and remain so. [X]You wave casually. (Why bother speaking now?) [X]A balanced kit for ranged and close-up work would be more than sufficient for Moscow. (Start with a Kalash, a Duplet, a Knife and Revolver.)
[X]It is a shield made from preying on mankind's superstitions. [X]Because you brought back proof. [X]After all, you were the who brought Moscow University, the Emerald City, back into contact the wider Metro. [X]You wave casually. (Why bother speaking now?) [X]A balanced kit for ranged and close-up work would be more than sufficient for Moscow. (Start with a Kalash, a Duplet, a Knife and Revolver.)
[X]The mystery surrounding your gender amuses you. [X]Because you brought back proof. [X]You were the only survivor of the anomaly known as 'The Knocker', and remain so. [X]You wave casually. (Why bother speaking now?) [X]A balanced kit for ranged and close-up work would be more than sufficient for Moscow. (Start with a Kalash, a Duplet, a Knife and Revolver.)
You are not a liar, for the years you've been alive you've gained a reputation for being utterly trustworthy, a person who will be honest in any circumstance.
Title Gained: The Truthful Voice (Bonus to Empathy-based tests. Others will take you at your word so long as you do not lie.)
Some titles give bonuses, but will almost certainly have requirements to maintain them. If you lie and others realize it, your reputation will suffer and your title may be lost.
And your reputation precedes you across much of the Metro; you were the one who discovered the survivors of the Moscow University Metro line, and through your efforts reconnected them with the rest of the Metro, spreading knowledge and learning to everyone who accepted them, even the Reich and Red Line were leery of having the rest of the Metro come down on them like a crazed swarm of rats if they did anything to the scholars, scientists and engineers of Emerald City.
Perk Gained: Learning Is Power (Can choose to convert Loot in additional EXP after a fight. Only works with Humans and Machines.)
Perks are straight bonuses, but they don't come easy, as only significant deeds can unlock them.
Grabbing your kit, you give it a final check on what you have packed.
New Items added to Inventory:
-Kalash with Extended Magazine, Reflex Sight and Laser
-Duplet with Quad Barrel, Laser, and Stock
-Trench Knife
-Revolver with Stock, 2x Scope, Silencer and Laser
-200 Pistol Rounds
-400 Rifle Rounds
-150 Shotgun Shells
-Gas Mask
-20 Filters (Each filter is good for 15 Turns in combat or 15 updates.)
-12 Medkits (Completely heals Physical Damage.)
-30 Rations (1 is consumed per in-game day.)
-40 Doses of Water (1-3 consumed per in-game day depending on combat encounters.)
-5 Pipe Bombs
-Lighter
-Journal (Use this to remind yourself of Objectives.)
Satisfied that you are ready for the journey ahead, you sling your pack and head over to the large map laid on a table where the expedition leaders were discussing the route, the Veteran turning to you, "Ah, good. We were just discussing how best to tackle the approach to the factory based on your information. So far, we've developed three possible routes, but they're going to be difficult no matter which one is chosen."
He points to a red line, going through the ruined streets which had collapsed to form a radioactive, toxic river from the snowmelts and the efforts of the Machines in other parts of the Dead City, "Route One is a plan to follow the Black River, using the buildings for cover against the Demons that nest in the higher towers. The main risk is the Black River itself since the Machines have been busy in trying to flush out radioactive water without realizing that the radiation cannot be cleansed, even if the air starts to clear."
He points at a green line, "Route Two is a run through the Skull Road. This time of year there'll be Watcher packs everywhere which would be bad enough but Machines have been seen here and they're in open warfare against the Watchers."
Finally, he marks out a Yellow Line, "And Route Three...goes along the Devil's Highway." No more words have to be said; on the surface the utterly desolate highway overpass running through much of Moscow would seem like the perfect route if one noticed that the Mutants avoided the place like the plague. But that was because of the fact that the Devil's Highway was a hotspot of Anomalies and with the Star Change, the Anomalies had become much deadlier.
But there might be another way as you look at the map.
[]You choose Route 1 (Enemy Encounters: Machines, Demons. Anomaly Chance: Low)
[]You choose Route 2 (Encounters: Watcher, Machines. Anomaly Chance: Low)
[]You choose Route 3 (Encounters: Machines. Anomaly Chance: Severe)
[]You decide to call in a favor owed by the Rangers. (The Rangers Of The Order send Artyom to help blaze a safe route alongside you, making one of the routes safe. Must Choose a Route to modify if you vote for this.)
[]You put out a telepathic call. (You call in a favor owed by a small community of Dark Ones. They will show you a secret route but they will demand a favor in return.)
Your decision made, you turn your attention to what other assets you have at your disposal
[]You decide to call in your followers, the Drifter Cult, to help the expedition. (Grants the Unique Skill 'Command' which gives you a gang of Drifter Cultists who are loyal to you. As long as you treat them with respect.)
[]You grab your tools, in case you need to build something from whatever salvage you can find. (Grants the Unique Skill 'Jury-Rig' which is used to basically build stuff and if need be improve it.)
[]No, you should be fine.
You turn away from the table and begin walking to the staging area, where apart from the mob of rookies, Hansa Stalkers of varying experience are waiting for the departure order while more still are heading out into the ruins to find artifacts and resources. Many of them boast about being the next one to find a legendary location as they spot you arrive while others seated around fires raise their metal vodka cups and toast a living legend.
Still, it's time to bring in the newest addition to your legend as you proceed to whistle loudly, the sound echoing in the staging area before the sound of metallic feet striking the ground draw everyone's eyes to what you returned to the Metro with the first month after the Star Change.
A Machine, now loping it's way towards you eagerly. To date, the secret of how you reprogrammed this Machine is something known only to the Rangers and to Polis, who are still debating on whether it is knowledge that is safe to share, but you made history in doing this.
[]Your machine is a large, dog-like beast with razor-sharp grinding disks that are made for chewing through metal and are ruinous to flesh. (Start with a tamed Scrapper.)
[]Your Machine waddles across the floor with ungainly, clumsy steps, but you know that once in the air it can strike as hard as a Demon and launch ice so cold it can shatter metal. (Start with a tamed Glinthawk.)
[]Lithe and sinuous, the midnight-black Machine approaching is like the old tales of jungle cats, and can vanish as easily. (Start with a tamed Stalker.)
[]Trotting towards you, the Machine reminds those who see it of Pre-War Animals such as Horses, and is just as fast when you ride it. (Start with a tamed Strider.)
[]It stomps towards you on four legs as it's long tail whips menacingly with cracking snaps of the gripping claw at the end. You found it badly damaged and it tried to attack you, but this monster of a Machine was just as easy to tame once you humbled it a little. (Start with a tamed but badly-damaged Corruptor.)
Demons? No thank you. Anomaly heavy? Unless we have a detector, also a no-no. Not really a time to cash in or start owing favors either. A few nasty mutants and mean machines fighting mostly each other sounds my speed.
[X]No, you should be fine.
I'd like it to be just us for now, and call me crazy but I don't trust free stuff in a setting like this. Might be convinced to go for the Jury-Rig skill, but for now I'm happy to let it lie.
This last one... tricky. A Corruptor would be all kinds of sweet, with a few long ranged attacks and the ability to hack more machines for us... but only if that part still works, and if we can keep it supplied. But it's not going to earn us favors with anyone who knows what it is. Plus it's huge by metro standers, not good for any underground stuff. Not fond of the condition it's in right now either. The other really good choice is the Stalker. Optical camo, long range dart gun, proximity mines, smart, tough and a team player. It's more of a work horse then the horse knock off would be. Scrapper might be good if we take the Jury-Rig skill, but otherwise it's completely inferior to all of them. Glinthawk is okay with it's flying ability, but the cramped underground areas we could be visiting at anytime render that useless. The Strider is only good for running away, maybe hauling supplies.
[X]Lithe and sinuous, the midnight-black Machine approaching is like the old tales of jungle cats, and can vanish as easily. (Start with a tamed Stalker.)
[X] You choose Route 2 (Encounters: Watcher, Machines. Anomaly Chance: Low)
[X]You decide to call in a favor owed by the Rangers. (The Rangers Of The Order send Artyom to help blaze a safe route alongside you, making one of the routes safe. Must Choose a Route to modify if you vote for this.)
This is still the tutorial. We might be calling in a favor, but I don't actually mind owing the Rangers a favor as well. Having Artyom along to help clear Skull Road will be a life saver here. Artyom is likely one of the few who knows about how Watchers aren't universally hostile. He might be able to lead us through without having to slaughter them all.
Also, teaming up with him to fight the Machines seems like it would be fun.
[X]You grab your tools, in case you need to build something from whatever salvage you can find. (Grants the Unique Skill 'Jury-Rig' which is used to basically build stuff and if need be improve it.)
I honestly like the idea of being able to Jury-Rig things. It's a wonderful skill.
As for robot... Scrapper isn't actually that bad of a choice. It can process metal for use, and what's more it has a long range energy attack that can hurt a Lot if it hits.
Glinthawks might seem bad, but this is because Aloy is a fucking monster slayer. These things may be scavengers, but they're Incredibly lethal with there cryo bombs able to fuck up All kinds of things. Also, It's an eye in the sky, something none of the other choices have.
The Stalker is honestly a personal favorite of mine. It's fast, sneaky, can turn invisible. It's got the biggest arsenal of all the bots here. But it's stealth can be taken away with one good hit, alongside most of its weapons. It's literally the perfect ambush weapon, given its mines, trip flares, bombs, and even railgun sniper rifle, but it dies pretty fast to direct attacks that's hit.
Strider may seem like least useful option here, but recall, it's a Robot Horse. It never gets tired, it can carry plenty of loot, hell, it's the only option that gives us a Mount. Always an incredibly useful ability. Don't discount it.
Lastly, the Corrupter...
They are the nastiest Machines to face early on. Hell, even late game, Corrupters were a Menace, given there jumping attacks, fast movement, and willingness to beat you senseless with there tail. Not even including there weapons systems.
Our Corrupter would start Heavily damaged though. Likely means it's missing it's two weapon systems, and possibly limping around. If we take Jury-Rigger, it means we might have a shot at fully or at least partially repairing the beast over time, but still.
.....
Honestly, i can't decide. The choices are all amazing. Hmmm.....
Well, that's all on the Surface at least. Underground, the choices collapse back down a bunch. Stalker would be my favorite Machine to bring into the underground. It's stealth tactics combined with its ability to cling to walls and presumably ceilings that can support its weight make it the ultimate ambusher. Combined with the fact that if it gets caught in the open, it immediately breaks away from the fight to try and hit the enemy again from stealth? Stalker would be one of my first choices solely for its application in the metro.
Corrupter is still on the table though. They are Hilariously strong. And even if it's missing it's weapons, if our beastie still has its Override module it would be Well worth having it.
Actually, the more I think on it the less I like the Corrupter. It's a monster if it's in fully working condition mind, but even then I don't fancy it's mobility underground. If there's even one Anomaly in the way, that's it, we'd need to find another route. It can't jump around to avoid attacks or pounce, I'd worry about the claw ripping out something important and collapsing the shaft on top of us, and I imagine the Override ability to be redundant with us around. That's if it's all working. We probably couldn't take it with us down under really, and frankly, bad as the surface is, underground can be so much worse. My basic complaint is we just can't take it where we'd need it most.
I'll admit I was hasty in dismissing the others as well, but I still think the Stalker is much better then the others. Still, they do have their good points. The Scrappers two big advantages are it's size and it's scanner. It's small enough to go anywhere we can, while still powerful enough to be dangerous. it's energy bursts and beams are good ranged support. Add in that scanner and we never be caught by surprise. But I think it's far to squishy to last long in the metro, and the metal processing function just isn't that appealing in a world at the metros level of industry. It's useful, but not that useful, and Glinthawks can do it to.
Speaking of, yes, having a flyer is good. An eye in the sky is great. But only if it can tell us what it sees, which given it's lack of speaking ability, or indeed even a video or audio uplink leave it very limited. And again, flying isn't worth much underground. It can take more hits then a Scrapper, but not that many. I'm not sold on the freeze blasts either, no matter how much of a pain in the ass they were in the game. It can dish out some damage but not take it, which it very much a problem when fighting any kind of mutant.
I'm still not sold on the Strider, at all. It can carry stuff, including us, but getting around the surface is a matter of staying hidden as moving quickly, and a mount only does the latter. We don't need to carry that much around, and if we are we really need to lose a lot of junk. In combat the only thing it can do is kick before it gets mualed by a pack of Watchers.
But the Stalker? That's got everything. The stealth abilities are prefect for setting up ambushes, it can do plenty of scout work, it's hella tough, the dart gun is powerful enough to be worrying, and the proximity mines are perfect for covering an escape or dealing extra pain where needed. But again, it's best tools are it's smarts and it's team work. These guys know how to set an ambush on their own, lead targets with their gun, and even drive them into there mines. They can they can do this in groups, so you never know where the next attack will be coming from. Even even better the fit in the Metro tunnels! A bit cramped mind, but nothing that would slow them down to much. Add in the camo, and we'd never need to be separated from our bestest robot buddy.
[X] You choose Route 2 (Encounters: Watcher, Machines. Anomaly Chance: Low)
[X]You decide to call in a favor owed by the Rangers. (The Rangers Of The Order send Artyom to help blaze a safe route alongside you, making one of the routes safe. Must Choose a Route to modify if you vote for this.)
Because bringing in player characters is always fun. It'll also be a nice opportunity for further interactions with the Order, and I think it'll be a good idea to be on their side for the upcoming misadventures.
X]You grab your tools, in case you need to build something from whatever salvage you can find. (Grants the Unique Skill 'Jury-Rig' which is used to basically build stuff and if need be improve it.)
Skills are always good to have! This could work in our favor with keeping our machine buddy happy and healthy, though that's a secondary thing.
[X]Lithe and sinuous, the midnight-black Machine approaching is like the old tales of jungle cats, and can vanish as easily. (Start with a tamed Stalker.)
No real commentary here past what's already been said. A good diverse armory—including cloaking—with the tactical acumen to best use it? Yes please!
[X] You decide to call in a favor owed by the Rangers. (The Rangers Of The Order send Artyom to help blaze a safe route alongside you, making one of the routes safe. Must Choose a Route to modify if you vote for this.)
[X] You grab your tools, in case you need to build something from whatever salvage you can find. (Grants the Unique Skill 'Jury-Rig' which is used to basically build stuff and if need be improve it.)
[X] Lithe and sinuous, the midnight-black Machine approaching is like the old tales of jungle cats, and can vanish as easily. (Start with a tamed Stalker.)
[X] You decide to call in a favor owed by the Rangers. (The Rangers Of The Order send Artyom to help blaze a safe route alongside you, making one of the routes safe. Must Choose a Route to modify if you vote for this.)
[X] You grab your tools, in case you need to build something from whatever salvage you can find. (Grants the Unique Skill 'Jury-Rig' which is used to basically build stuff and if need be improve it.)
[X]It stomps towards you on four legs as it's long tail whips menacingly with cracking snaps of the gripping claw at the end. You found it badly damaged and it tried to attack you, but this monster of a Machine was just as easy to tame once you humbled it a little. (Start with a tamed but badly-damaged Corruptor.)
I'm going to go against the grain here and vote for the Corruptor. What I've been told of them is that they help you control other machines or something, which is pretty fucking baller. Even if Corry is a cripple at the moment. We can fix him. Make him better. Faster and stronger.
[X] You decide to call in a favor owed by the Rangers. (The Rangers Of The Order send Artyom to help blaze a safe route alongside you, making one of the routes safe. Must Choose a Route to modify if you vote for this.)
[X] You grab your tools, in case you need to build something from whatever salvage you can find. (Grants the Unique Skill 'Jury-Rig' which is used to basically build stuff and if need be improve it.)
[X]It stomps towards you on four legs as it's long tail whips menacingly with cracking snaps of the gripping claw at the end. You found it badly damaged and it tried to attack you, but this monster of a Machine was just as easy to tame once you humbled it a little. (Start with a tamed but badly-damaged Corruptor.)
[X]You decide to call in a favor owed by the Rangers. (The Rangers Of The Order send Artyom to help blaze a safe route alongside you, making one of the routes safe. Must Choose a Route to modify if you vote for this.)
[X]You grab your tools, in case you need to build something from whatever salvage you can find. (Grants the Unique Skill 'Jury-Rig' which is used to basically build stuff and if need be improve it.)
[X]Lithe and sinuous, the midnight-black Machine approaching is like the old tales of jungle cats, and can vanish as easily. (Start with a tamed Stalker.)
[X]It stomps towards you on four legs as it's long tail whips menacingly with cracking snaps of the gripping claw at the end. You found it badly damaged and it tried to attack you, but this monster of a Machine was just as easy to tame once you humbled it a little. (Start with a tamed but badly-damaged Corruptor.)
Stroking the sleek black Machine's head as it falls in line beside you, a flickering shadow as you approach the radio operator who blinks and then straightens in her seat, "What can I do for you Wanderer?" Her eyes are alight with the sparkle of meeting a living legend, and you feel faint amusement at the usual peering to see if they can spot a hint of your true gender.
Still, you have work to do. The Order will likely call this a favor owed in return but that's fine. The Order usually pays well in MGR and other useful materials for their work, "I need you to tune your radio to this frequency," You hand over a slip of paper with the Order's surface radio frequency, "You are to request a Ranger Of The Order for assistance in blazing a safe trail through Skull Road, and inform them that it is a favor being called in by the Wanderer."
The woman's eyes are wide, "Y-yes, at once!" She immediately sets to work tuning the radio, built in a Hansa-owned factory station, to the frequency provided which would put the Hansa base in contact with an Order outpost on the surface. With luck, they could dispatch a Ranger quickly so that the expedition could continue without any further delays as you knelt next to your pet and began inspecting the coat.
With a bit of work, perhaps by visiting Polis or Emerald City, maybe you could decorate this Machine to your liking? A nice paint job would go a long way to marking it as yours, and as the only person with a Tamed Machine, you would be setting the trend on how to treat them. Yes, you nod to yourself, some decorative paint would help mark this Machine as yours.
Tamed Machine Acquired: Stalker
A stealthy, all-terrain killer, the Stalker is made for both direct assault, ambushes and scouting.
Armour Rating: 8
Resilience: 10
Weaponry:
-Electromagnetic Dart Rifle (5 Damage)
-Multipurpose Mines (8 Damage)
-Physical Strikes (4 Damage)
-Tail Blade (6 Damage)
Strength: 9
Agility: 12
Wits: 7
Paint Job: Standard Stealth (No Bonuses/Penalties)
"Wanderer!" The radiowoman calls you over and you straighten, casually walking over as the woman finishes her communication, "The Order has agreed to send a Ranger to help with the Expedition to the Arms Factory. I have a message from them to tell you that you owe them a favor now."
You nod, that was to be expected, "How long before they arrive?"
"Not long, they have a Ranger nearby that is being contacted and sent our way now. They should be here in another couple of hours."
At that answer you nod and turn away to inform the expedition leaders. The presence of a Ranger would be a great help to morale and their skills would mean that you would be under less strain to keep an eye on any wayward rookies while simultaneously helping you find the safest paths through Skull Road towards the factory.
Now all you had to do was wait.
***
The Ranger arrives right on time and introduces himself to the expedition leaders, "Ranger Artyom of the Order, here to help the expedition."
"Good to have you here, Ranger," The Veteran greets the man warmly, "This is something that will benefit The Order as much as it will benefit the rest of the Metro." He turns to the assembled Stalkers, from nervous rookies to calm veterans like him, "Now then Comrades, just because we have a Ranger and a Legend with us, is no excuse to slack off! Skull Road has only gotten more dangerous since we now have new mechanical inhabitants as well as more dangerous anomalies."
He glared at the rookies, "And that means if you see a ghost you will refrain from pissing your pants! The dead will do nothing to you, if anything they are just depressing window-dressing, so ignore them and any visions they show you. Ghosts are nothing more than a depressing reminder that we nuked Heaven and Hell during the war."
Nods all around, and you think they should be fine, so long as they keep an eye on the Watchers and any Machines that might be wandering through the pack-hunter's territory.
"Right! Let's get this journey on the road!" A cheer went up at the Veteran's proclamation and soon the group left the base, pulling on their gasmasks as they left the safety of the Hansa base, and into the poisoned hellscape of that is the Dead World.
******
(1 Day Has Passed: -1 Ration, -1 Water)
The Expedition has stopped at the first checkpoint of eight that have been planned for the route. You consider what options to take.
[]Go with Artyom to blaze a trail. (Possible Encounter: Machines, Watchers. Success here will reduce the number of required checkpoints by 1.)
[]Scout ahead with a group of veterans. (Possible Encounter: Anomalies. Success here will reduce any casualties taken by Anomalies.)
[]Hunt down some Watchers. (Combat against 1 or more Watcher Packs. Success here will scare off the Watchers for 3 Updates.)
[]Teach the rookies some tricks. (Success here will help the Rookies fight more effectively.)
[X] Scout ahead with a group of veterans. (Possible Encounter: Anomalies. Success here will reduce any casualties taken by Anomalies.)
Anomalies are one of the greatest dangers of this brave new world, and Artyom should be fine schwacking any uppity mutants or machines. Training rookies is a good idea but keeping them alive is better, I think.
