X-COM: Aliens
Moderator:Lazybones
((Ack, sorry. I knew I'd forgotten something! Post edited with proper skill.))
Re: X-COM: Aliens
Week 14
Project: Weapons/Gear Domain Tier 4: EMP Launcher (50RP)
Research Points (RP) Needed: 19
Project Leader: The Fast One: Craft Mechanical 11, ROLL 12, Result 23
Project Support (all roll vs. DC20 to add +2, DC25 to add +3,non-core skills subtract 1 from the bonus):
The Strong One: Research 5, ROLL 15, Result 20 (+2 RP)
The Nimble One: Craft Mechanical 11, ROLL 7, Result 18
The Quiet One: Craft Mechanical 9, ROLL 3, Result 12
Side Project: Strange Talking Crystal: The Pale One Knowledge Physical Sciences 13, ROLL 13, Result 26 (see below)
Support: The Scowling One, Knowledge Physical Sciences 10, ROLL 8, Result 18
Research Earned: 10 (base) + 23 (project leader) + 2 (support) = 35 points
EMP Launcher achieved. Fires a focused EMP that is highly effective against mechanized units (Crumble spell, CL11). Can fire five shots when fully charged. +400xp for completing a Level 4 research project.
16RP applied to Improved Vibroblade (60RP). Improves the Vibroblade to a +3 weapon, with a +2d6 damage bonus (improved from 1d6). Once the upgrade is researched, one weapon is upgraded per session.
Alternatively, you can apply 8RP to a project in another domain.
Research Project Unlocked: Crystal Dampening Field (RP unknown)
Research Project Unlocked: Crystal Two-Way Communication (RP unknown)
* * *
The primary project goes well enough, due in part to all the preparatory work that had gone into it in past weeks. It is the Fast One that takes the lead for once, and the results are promising. The clones soon have a working EMP launcher.
But the weapons project is also a cover for the other work that goes on in the lab. Pale and Scowling dedicate their efforts to deciphering the secrets of the strange crystal.
It doesn't go quickly at first. The crystal is clearly based on neither human or Masters tech, though it seems closer to the latter than the former. The crystal seemed able to communicate with you via telepathy, which is a trait that you have not encountered among the humans thus far.
However, Pale is eventually able to take the information the crystal's mysterious voice had passed on to Scowling and work out a theory. The crystal's very complex matrix is sort of like the biogenic computers you use, though its power source remains a mystery. However, Pale reports that its study has lead to two promising avenues of future research. The first is that it believes that the crystal can be used to develop a dampening field that can protect you from both the punishment device used by the Elder and from location detection based on your implants. This would essentially sever you from the Masters' control, once and for all.
The other option would be to probe deeper into how the crystal communicates. After studying the crystal Pale is convinced that the voice that reached out to Scowling came from an external source, rather than from the crystal itself. The voice hasn't spoken since that last communication, but Pale believes that it can rig up a machine that will allow you to initiate communication with that mysterious "other". And maybe, just possibly, track the signal to its source.
Project: Weapons/Gear Domain Tier 4: EMP Launcher (50RP)
Research Points (RP) Needed: 19
Project Leader: The Fast One: Craft Mechanical 11, ROLL 12, Result 23
Project Support (all roll vs. DC20 to add +2, DC25 to add +3,non-core skills subtract 1 from the bonus):
The Strong One: Research 5, ROLL 15, Result 20 (+2 RP)
The Nimble One: Craft Mechanical 11, ROLL 7, Result 18
The Quiet One: Craft Mechanical 9, ROLL 3, Result 12
Side Project: Strange Talking Crystal: The Pale One Knowledge Physical Sciences 13, ROLL 13, Result 26 (see below)
Support: The Scowling One, Knowledge Physical Sciences 10, ROLL 8, Result 18
Research Earned: 10 (base) + 23 (project leader) + 2 (support) = 35 points
EMP Launcher achieved. Fires a focused EMP that is highly effective against mechanized units (Crumble spell, CL11). Can fire five shots when fully charged. +400xp for completing a Level 4 research project.
16RP applied to Improved Vibroblade (60RP). Improves the Vibroblade to a +3 weapon, with a +2d6 damage bonus (improved from 1d6). Once the upgrade is researched, one weapon is upgraded per session.
Alternatively, you can apply 8RP to a project in another domain.
Research Project Unlocked: Crystal Dampening Field (RP unknown)
Research Project Unlocked: Crystal Two-Way Communication (RP unknown)
* * *
The primary project goes well enough, due in part to all the preparatory work that had gone into it in past weeks. It is the Fast One that takes the lead for once, and the results are promising. The clones soon have a working EMP launcher.
But the weapons project is also a cover for the other work that goes on in the lab. Pale and Scowling dedicate their efforts to deciphering the secrets of the strange crystal.
It doesn't go quickly at first. The crystal is clearly based on neither human or Masters tech, though it seems closer to the latter than the former. The crystal seemed able to communicate with you via telepathy, which is a trait that you have not encountered among the humans thus far.
However, Pale is eventually able to take the information the crystal's mysterious voice had passed on to Scowling and work out a theory. The crystal's very complex matrix is sort of like the biogenic computers you use, though its power source remains a mystery. However, Pale reports that its study has lead to two promising avenues of future research. The first is that it believes that the crystal can be used to develop a dampening field that can protect you from both the punishment device used by the Elder and from location detection based on your implants. This would essentially sever you from the Masters' control, once and for all.
The other option would be to probe deeper into how the crystal communicates. After studying the crystal Pale is convinced that the voice that reached out to Scowling came from an external source, rather than from the crystal itself. The voice hasn't spoken since that last communication, but Pale believes that it can rig up a machine that will allow you to initiate communication with that mysterious "other". And maybe, just possibly, track the signal to its source.
Re: X-COM: Aliens
+400 for everyone for research success.
+500 for those who posted IC this week.
+500 for those who posted IC this week.
Re: X-COM: Aliens
The last mission was a success. The clones managed to recover a damaged ship and send it back to space. Before going back they faced a number of humans and managed to defeat them. Back at the base it was now time to think about the lab and the next research project.
"I guess you would like to work on one of the serums. I can try to help. May be testing various prototypes or something."
//
Helping with the next project.
Craft Mech 11
"I guess you would like to work on one of the serums. I can try to help. May be testing various prototypes or something."
//
Helping with the next project.
Craft Mech 11
Re: X-COM: Aliens
The strange crystal both fascinated and frightened the Pale One. It suggested the existence of a realm that was outside of the Masters' domain, yet did not belong to the fragile but cunning creatures on the planet far below. A realm, perhaps, where it and its siblings might find the means to free themselves from servitude and war.
Yet whatever beings called this realm home had been cautious in their communications. It had to assume there had been good reason for this. That there were risks involved, perhaps in the very act of speaking. Furthermore, it could not even begin to guess at the motives of whatever beings might be responsible for the artifact. Nor their nature.
Bu they had ventured too far down the path to turn back now. They needed to learn more, and it seemed that the best way to accomplish this involved some means of speaking to their mysterious benefactors - if indeed that was what they were.
((Physical Sciences: 14))
Yet whatever beings called this realm home had been cautious in their communications. It had to assume there had been good reason for this. That there were risks involved, perhaps in the very act of speaking. Furthermore, it could not even begin to guess at the motives of whatever beings might be responsible for the artifact. Nor their nature.
Bu they had ventured too far down the path to turn back now. They needed to learn more, and it seemed that the best way to accomplish this involved some means of speaking to their mysterious benefactors - if indeed that was what they were.
((Physical Sciences: 14))
Re: X-COM: Aliens
The Scowling One assists the Pale, at first. It seems more enthusiastic, less cautious than the Pale One - excited at the proespect of new knowledge, to know something even outside the Masters' reach seemed an intoxicating possibility.
But it soon became clear that without Pale's familiar guidance, the rest of the clones' labwork was distracted and uncertain. It croaked in frustration. The Masters would note if progress slowed, and if the labwork was cut short or investigated now...
It padded over, and snatched a tool from the confused Nimble, still working on the microdinger, turning away from the crystal work unwillingly. "No. We focus. Begin the biological scans. We will commence work on the Intensity Serum, for this is a simple task and the Masters desire results..."
***
((Leading with Earth/Life Sciences 10!))
But it soon became clear that without Pale's familiar guidance, the rest of the clones' labwork was distracted and uncertain. It croaked in frustration. The Masters would note if progress slowed, and if the labwork was cut short or investigated now...
It padded over, and snatched a tool from the confused Nimble, still working on the microdinger, turning away from the crystal work unwillingly. "No. We focus. Begin the biological scans. We will commence work on the Intensity Serum, for this is a simple task and the Masters desire results..."
***
((Leading with Earth/Life Sciences 10!))
Re: X-COM: Aliens
Nimble, despite now being twice Scowling's size, flinched visibly as Scowling took the tool and it's thoughts veered to anxiety. Gingerly it picked up another tool and looked at what the other clone was doing.
"You see how make serum work better, I work on how make production system on container better?" Nimble suggested tentatively. "This tool work okay for that," its thoughts clearly showing that no, Scowling had the better tool, but there was no way in hell the clone was asking for it back, "I make work."
With many a sideways look and occasional nervous twitch, Nimble set to working with Scowling.
((Craft Mech 13!))
"You see how make serum work better, I work on how make production system on container better?" Nimble suggested tentatively. "This tool work okay for that," its thoughts clearly showing that no, Scowling had the better tool, but there was no way in hell the clone was asking for it back, "I make work."
With many a sideways look and occasional nervous twitch, Nimble set to working with Scowling.
((Craft Mech 13!))
Re: X-COM: Aliens
Week 15
Project: Intensity Serum (40RP)
Research Points (RP) Needed: 32
Project Leader: The Scowling One, Knowledge Earth and Life Sciences 10, ROLL 9, Result 19
Project Support (all roll vs. DC20 to add +2, DC25 to add +3,non-core skills subtract 1 from the bonus):
The Fast One: Craft Mechanical 11 (Non-Core Skill), ROLL 2, Result 3
The Nimble One: Craft Mechanical 13 (Non-Core Skill), ROLL 5, Result 18
Side Project: Crystal Two-Way Communication: The Pale One Knowledge Physical Sciences 14, ROLL 12, Result 26 (see below)
Research Earned: 10 (base) + 19 (project leader) + 0 (support) = 29 points
3RP needed to complete Intensity Serum.
Next project revealed: Improved Armor 2 (50RP). +2 Natural Armor for all clones. Replaces Improved Armor 1.
* * *
The research team moves back into the clone enhancements domain. Scowling's leadership hardly inspires the other clones, most of whom don't know what they're doing. Several of the clones don't even show up to the lab this week, perhaps offering a protest to the irascible clone's leadership.
Pale continues its work on the crystal, focusing on establishing communication with the entity behind its creation. There are no major breakthroughs, but as the week comes to an end, the clone reports quietly, "The reason we have not received any new communications is that there is a dampening field in place around The Ship. It is interfering with all communications in and out. I do not believe that it was there before. However, I think we can penetrate it without alerting the Masters. The first attempt must be brief. We must decide what message to send, no more than a few words."
But at that moment the mission alert chimes in your head, suggesting that this decision will have to be placed on hold for the moment.
Project: Intensity Serum (40RP)
Research Points (RP) Needed: 32
Project Leader: The Scowling One, Knowledge Earth and Life Sciences 10, ROLL 9, Result 19
Project Support (all roll vs. DC20 to add +2, DC25 to add +3,non-core skills subtract 1 from the bonus):
The Fast One: Craft Mechanical 11 (Non-Core Skill), ROLL 2, Result 3
The Nimble One: Craft Mechanical 13 (Non-Core Skill), ROLL 5, Result 18
Side Project: Crystal Two-Way Communication: The Pale One Knowledge Physical Sciences 14, ROLL 12, Result 26 (see below)
Research Earned: 10 (base) + 19 (project leader) + 0 (support) = 29 points
3RP needed to complete Intensity Serum.
Next project revealed: Improved Armor 2 (50RP). +2 Natural Armor for all clones. Replaces Improved Armor 1.
* * *
The research team moves back into the clone enhancements domain. Scowling's leadership hardly inspires the other clones, most of whom don't know what they're doing. Several of the clones don't even show up to the lab this week, perhaps offering a protest to the irascible clone's leadership.
Pale continues its work on the crystal, focusing on establishing communication with the entity behind its creation. There are no major breakthroughs, but as the week comes to an end, the clone reports quietly, "The reason we have not received any new communications is that there is a dampening field in place around The Ship. It is interfering with all communications in and out. I do not believe that it was there before. However, I think we can penetrate it without alerting the Masters. The first attempt must be brief. We must decide what message to send, no more than a few words."
But at that moment the mission alert chimes in your head, suggesting that this decision will have to be placed on hold for the moment.
Re: X-COM: Aliens
+500xp for Pale, Scowling, Fast, and Nimble for IC posting this week.