Blackout Raider Base-Ship

[blackout]

((Can't find the other threads.))

The Phantom flies into space, and heads for a very large ship, the BR Base-ship.

[Artemis97]

Raril rides along in the Phantom, staring wide eyed out at the vastness of space.

[blackout]

There's a big universe out there, Raril. It's massive. Creatures not thought imaginable, weapons that rival magic but are not magic, massive ships that travel the stars...It's glorious and terrifying all at once.

[Artemis97]

Raril shakes his head, awestruck. "I could have never imagined anything like this when I left the Underdark. A whole world beyond the Surface, no entire planets, massive empires. I.. I'm beyond words."

Raril continues to gaze into space, but sadly a speck of deadtime hits him in the eye, and he simply spaces out.

((It's 1am where I'm at. I need some sleep. Goodnight))

[blackout]

The ship docks and Nukular falls into deadtime as well.

[Emperor Ing]

You see some shimmering purple particles, than it forms together, forming Sereyentheous

Hey? How did I get here?

[Nightwing]

*A damaged ship (Not one of yours) flies by. Parts are on fire and an engine is blown out.*


This is the Jericho. We are heavily damaged. we are requesting permission to land.

[Emperor Ing]

Ser hears this transmission

That was wierd

You hear a voice in your head

General Nukular is deadtimed, and I dont think im in any position to help you.

[metakirb]

Metakirb, who is flying by at the time ((yes i know it's space, he doesn't need to breath and can survive)) See's the damaged craft fly past

need a hand?

He attempts to fly infront of the ship to stop it

[Nightwing]

OK, we will wait here until he comes out of deadtime.


*He turns of the last engine*


My controls are damaged, I'm wounded, most of my crew is dead, most of are weapons are destroyed, we have no food, and we lost one of are engines.

[metakirb]

It doesn't look like you'll be moving for a while, i can find you some supllies to survive until you can get out, and a few medical supplies for the injured

He begins to spiral down to the town

[Emperor Ing]

Ok i can help, i happen to be a mage, so I can come aboard, and heal ya guys

((yes, ser has heal and rez spells))

Can you open your docking bay?

[metakirb]

Metakirb flies back up, a few burn marks on his wings

hope i'm not too late

[Nightwing]

all right.

*He opens the docking bay*

((It is fairly small, manly just used for the captain's (who you are talking to) fighter to go in and out.))

[metakirb]

Meta flies in slowly, and places a metal box down

it's got food and med supplies in

He begins to fly back

[Emperor Ing]

I dont need a big docking bay, im just coming in myself.

You see the BR's ship docking bay open, and you expect a fighter, but all you see is Ser flying into the docking bay
((yes, ser can survive in space))

Hello.

[Nightwing]

*The captain, who had run to get the supply's head is bleeding, probably from falling ruble, and he has limp. In side ruble is every were, the ceilings are collapsed, and there is fire in different places. The ground is litter with dead crewmen, either shot or crushed by the ruble.*

[metakirb]

Upon noticing this metakirb stops

this place is pretty badly hit, what happened?

He asks while shifting some rubble around

[Emperor Ing]

All right, lets get started

Ser heals the captain 1st thing, then he starts healing the wounded crewmen, and is casting minor frost spells on the fires.

[Nightwing]

*The captain is very fit and in shape. He looks lie he works out a bit. He appears to be in his later 20s-early 30s. He has short blond hair. it is so light it almost looks wight. he has a sword and a pistol.*

Thanks. Most surviving crewman are in the medical bay. Not that we have any thing to heal them with.

*he picks up the supply's and heads to the medical bay.*

[metakirb]

so, what happened here?

He shifts some rubble off various crew members so Ser can heal them

[Emperor Ing]

All right

Ser holds his head for a second, then starts hovering in the direction of the medical bay, rezzing some crewmen as he goes along.

[Nightwing]

We are pirate hunters. we protect people from them. well we got one particularly dangerous group mad at us. we had just come out of a Battle and we were week. that is when they attacked. They came out of no were and started blasting us. We had are Shields down. Then they boarded. we fought them of but they killed some good men. they are still out there some wear.

[metakirb]

space pirates eh... i wonder if thier from the same band that sentra despises... what race would you say they are? do they look like...

Something appears infront of metakirb

this? http://www.conceptart.org/artist/andrew-jones/images/MP2_BONUS/space_pirate.jpg

[Emperor Ing]

Got em. Pirates arent too bright, just cripple their weapons from a distance and ur good.

Ser walks up to the captain, with rubble orbiting him

Need help with the rubble?

[metakirb]

nah, i can handle it, it's nothing really, especially when you're the prince of a race trained to fight from childhood

[Nightwing]

I need you to clean out the ruble. and put out any fires you see.

*He turns to meta curb*

yes, that looks about right.

[Emperor Ing]

Odd, where did the rubble come from? Ships are supposed to be made of metal, where did these rocks come from?

Points to one of the rubbles circling him.

Those arent regular pirates, theyre organized, disiplined, and well equipped.

Random pieces of rubble start flying towards ser, and disintegrate in a field around him.

[metakirb]

those guys... sentra would be happy to trak 'em down and make 'em pay, if we can convince him to stop moping about...

He moves on to putting out some fires after clearing most of the rubble

[Nightwing]

This part of the ship is made out of a very hard kid of space rock. It is almost unbreakable, but some how there weapons damaged it.

[Draken]

(Zebezians? Metroid Prime ftgw)

[Emperor Ing]

Fragmentator Cannons, of course!!!

[metakirb]

they're good with technology, but i thought we destroyed all thier research labs...

((zebezians? the inhabitants of Zebes were the chozo, space pirates invaded))

[Nightwing]

fragmentator canons should be able to destroy it.

((Deadtime for about ten minuets.))

[Emperor Ing]

No, fragmentator cannons turn objects into frag grenades. For example, if YOU take a direct hit, you wont be hurt, but your armor will shoot in all directions.

[metakirb]

they must have made alot more research labs then, which means that they could be a very big threat

[Emperor Ing]

Their phazon is a goldmine for mages who can summon elementals or golems. Phazon elementals and phazon golems are just pure win! Besides, Iv wiped out a lot of bases myself. Their technology is formidable, but their units themselves suck.

[Nightwing]

((Sorry took a bit longer then I thought.))

Yes but if one piece of the ceiling were hit it would bring down the ceiling around it.

[Emperor Ing]

They learned that the hard way :smallwink:

[Nightwing]

So, how can we stop them? I only have ten crewmen that are capable of fighting. The rest are dead or injured.

[Emperor Ing]

((OMG new End of the World plotline, SPACE PIRATE INVASION!!! :smallbiggrin: ))

Ally with people with big fleets, like the BR here or the IG. Problem Solved! Or put a price on space pirate heads, offer 500GP for every space pirate head delivered to you.

[Nightwing]

there was also another species that attacked. They were red and had tentacles coming from the back of there head.

[Emperor Ing]

Sith Twi-leks?

[Nightwing]

no, but legacy was a very good comic book.

[Emperor Ing]

My mistake, sith twileks are purple.

[metakirb]

((mwahaha, it's too late for the invasion, hidden somewhere on the planet is a space pirate named Skrall who is testing new weaponry, side note, i've just attempted to make a kirby/space pirate sprite for my webcomic, it didn't work -.-))

Space pirates aren't to bright, besides sentra could take an army on his own

[Emperor Ing]

Actually, ya they are. You wouldn't believe were i found ALL of the bases I found. In the upper city of Coruscant! THE LAST PLACE EVERYBODY WOULD LOOK!!! BRILLIANT!!!

((Deadtime! :smallfrown: ))

[Nightwing]

No! sith twileks are red! we have a corpse of one of the aliens that attacked us.

*he drags the dead body into the room. It is just as he descried. It is red and has five tentacles coming out of the back of its head.*

I'm guessing by the number of tentacles that it is not a twileks.

[metakirb]

((i like my description of the space pirate research facility, it has a use of the typical confusion between space PIRATES and space pirates))

Metakirb finishes off some more flames

i wonder where the nearest pirate facility around here is, if we can get sentra on it maybe we can get him to stop moping about

[Nightwing]

we should try that planet down there. Whats it called? Earth?

[metakirb]

i have no idea, though the only inhabited place appears to be called "the town"

[Nightwing]

We better look there.

[metakirb]

do you have a way of getting down then? i think your ships still stuck and you don't look like you could breathe in space

[Nightwing]

I have a space suit.

[metakirb]

you'd burn in entry to the atmosphere, it's pretty hot for me and i'm half dragon... though if your willing to climb inside my mouth, i can turn full dragon, you climb inside my mouth and be shielded from the heat

[Nightwing]

All right thats fine with me.

[metakirb]

Okay

Metakirbs form shifts and warps into a full dragon, he lowers his head and opens his mouth

[Nightwing]

*the man crawls inside.*

[metakirb]

Metakirb closes his mouth and begins to spiral down to the planet

[Artemis97]

Raril wakes from deadtime and moves into the main ship. He examines the controls of what appears to be a communication station and wonders what all the blinking red lights mean.
"For some reason I don't feel good about those."
"Neither do I"

He looks to Nukular for some sort of explanation, but sees that he's still deadtimed. The drow shrugs and assumes the flashing lights must be normal, as no one else has done anything about them. He digs in his pocket and pulls out two pieces of parchment. Taking the feathered quill from his hat he writes a note and leaves it on the console.


Nukular,

I woke up and you were still deadtimed, so I'm going to Trog's. I'm taking one of these ray-dee-oh things, so you can get in touch with me when you come back. Lillith says to tell you about the 'distress signal' this blinking thing has picked up, she seems to think it's important.

-Raril Xar'Cha


With that, Raril picks up a radio, he had seen the troops use them to communicate before, puts the feather back in his hat, then activates the second piece of parchment, a teleportation scroll that would take him to the Tavern.

[blackout]

Nukular comes out of deadtime and sees the note Raril left. Ok, then. Nukular gets on the radio.

[Nightwing]

*a surviving crew member send a distress signal.*


"this is the Jericho, are ship was attacked by space pirates. the captain left to go fight them. We are requesting permission to land."

[blackout]

Permission granted. You are cleared to land.

[Nightwing]

*they land*

"We need you to send a ship to go get are captain. He went out to fight the space pirates. He is the town. can you send help?"

[Artemis97]

The radio crackles and Raril's voice is heard. I hear ya, and I'll be right up. A few moments later there's a slight popping noise and the drow appears next to the communication's console.

[blackout]

Sorry, but we don't desire to get involved.

[Nightwing]

"you wont need to. He sent a transmission. He is in the streets and the enemy has been defeated. we only need you to send a rescue ship. You will be paid if that is your desire."

[blackout]

No need. My army makes enough every day as it is. Mostly through very wise investments in Tiberium and Germanium mines, as well as security details and invasion deals throughout the galaxy. SO, no need for the payment. The rescue ship lands in the streets.

Raril, your training begins now.

The Phantom lands in the docking bay.

[Artemis97]

"Cash is good. What do you think Boss?" Raril concentrates for a moment and establishes a temporary telepathic link with Nukular. I don't think they can be trusted. Take the gold and get them off your ship as quickly as possible, Restrict their movements, we know nothing about them.

[blackout]

Nukular nods and heads towards the pirate-hunter ship.

[Nightwing]

*Jercho, the captain, gets on the ship and flies back.*

Thanks.

[Artemis97]

"Training, right. You said I should take notes?" He pulls the quill out of his hat and a small notebook from his pocket.

[blackout]

No problem. Now, your activity will be restricted to the docking bay. I have too much to worry about right now; Training a Sub-General, making sure the negotiations go off without a hitch, and making sure that the Fourth Empire don't pull something behind my back.

Nukular nods at Raril, and heads for the armory.

[Artemis97]

Raril follows, quill and notebook in hand.

[Nightwing]

*Jericho starts repairing the ship*

[blackout]

The one thing your going to need to know is the various classes of vehicles we have here. For example, He turns to a large boxy vehicle without wheels. , this is our Mantis Hover-APC. APC is short for Armored Personnel Carrier. Can you guess what it does?

[Artemis97]

"Shoots things?
"Idiot!"
Raril chuckles. "I'm joking, it carries people." He starts writing in his notebook, well, more of an extremely detailed drawing of the vehicle.

[blackout]

Very good. Now, the next vehicle in this little line-up, He walks over to a large vehicle with a big gun on top, on treads. This is the IT-57 Imp Light Tank. It's firepower and armor aren't much compared to the Titan Main Battle Tank, but it's faster and more maneuverable.

[Artemis97]

He continues sketching. "Light Tank, got it"
"Fast but easy to hurt. It's just like you Raril"

[blackout]

Not as easy to damage as the Defender FAV. FAV is short for Fast-Attack Vehicle, or a hoverbike. Less armored than an Imp tank, but faster, and very effective against infantry.

[Artemis97]

(Hoverbike, like a flying motorcycle? cool:smallbiggrin: )

"Oh I like this one" He turns a page in his notebook and keeps sketching.

[blackout]

((A hoverbike with rapid-fire laser-cannons.))

Meanwhile, the Titan Main Battle Tank is the heaviest non-walker vehicle in the Blackout Raiders. Heavily armored, capable of ripping apart just about anything. He points at a tank that has two very large guns on top, with what look to be a dozen missle launchers, six on each side of the tank. The armor looks very, very durable. The downside is that it's large, and a moving target.

[Artemis97]

((Sweet!))

"With careful strategy the risk to the tank can be minimized." Raril flips to another page, turns the notebook sideways, and draws the massive vehicle, making notes about it's strengths and weaknesses.

((deadtime for maybe 20mins sorry))

[blackout]

Correct. It's all about how, where, and when you deploy your equipment and personnel. Nukular walks over to a large vehicle with legs. This is one of our Walkers. This particular vehicle is the Collossus Artillery-Walker. It's capable of traversing most terrain, and is heavily armored.

[LordVader]

Nukular, this is Raneus. Are you really contemplating having the Fourth Empire as part of a Town Defense Force?
((it's fine with me, but Raneus...not so much.:smallwink:))

[blackout]

Yes. And it's Town Defense Initiative. I'm doing this to help ensure that cooperation is widespread throughout the TDI.

[LordVader]

Just doesn't seem like a good idea to arm and ally with a group that attempted a hostile takeover of Town, and have them defend it!

[blackout]

It is if everyone else in the TDI threatens them with complete annihilation if they don't.

[Artemis97]

Raril comes out of deadtime and takes more notes on the Walker.

[blackout]

Excellent. He turns to another walker, this one covered in missle and flak turrets. This is the Spider Anti-Air Walker. Very powerful against fighters.

[Artemis97]

Raril hesitates for a moment "Sp...Spider?"

[blackout]

It's just a name. It's based on the fact that fighters and bombers fly, like flies. And spiders eat flies. It makes sense.

[Emperor Ing]

Ser awakens from deadtime, and talks to a crew member

Hey, couldya open the docking bay so I may leave?

He nods, the docking bay opens, and Ser does something youve never seen before. He starts channeling energy towards him, and starts glowing bright orange. He then lauches himself towards the surface of the planet, going at a great speed, appears unstopped. He looks like a glowing meteor.

[Artemis97]

"Yeah, perfect sense." Raril still sounds unsure about it and doesn't take as much care on his rendering of this particular vehicle.

[blackout]

And, well, that's it for ground vehicles. Next up, aircraft. He heads for the hangars.

[Artemis97]

"Oh, flying! I like flying!"
"Give me a good levitation effect anyday, but flight does have its uses."

[blackout]

Yep. I enjoy flying myself. He looks at an aircraft with armor that looks relatively pathetic, in terms of armor and weapons, but appears swift and maneuverable. This is the Firefalcon, a recon-fighter that is faster than aircraft that is fielded by other armies.

[Artemis97]

"Reconaissance, very good. I like to know what I'm getting into." Raril goes back to making more detailed sketches, along with notes and ideas on how the Firefalcon could be used.

[blackout]

He turns to a larger fighter, one with more armor and weapons. This is the Predator All-Purpose Attack Fighter. It's the mainstay of the aerospace forces at our disposal.

[Artemis97]

Raril nods, flips to a new page, and continues taking notes.

[blackout]

And, finally, we have the Grendal Bomber. This thing is capable of carrying any bomb, any time. Need to drop a nuke? This is what you'll need.

[Artemis97]

"Wonderful!...What's a nuke?"
"I'm going to go with a very large bomb"

[blackout]

A bomb capable of wiping out a whole city, and beyond.

[Artemis97]

Raril starts twitching again as he tries to wrap his mind around the possible destruction. Unfortuabtely the attempt throws him into deadtime.

((Dinner time for me, I'll be back later))

[blackout]

((Ok.))

Nukular waves a hand in front of Raril's face, wondering what the hell happened to him.

[LordVader]

Blackout Raiders, the station is under attack by some unidentified PC. Requesting assistance.

[blackout]

*sigh* Copy. Reinforcements en route, we're sending down a pair of Titans.

[Artemis97]

Raril comes out of deadtime, and feels like he's missed something important.

[blackout]

Now that your up to speed on vehicles, time for firearms. He heads for the armory.

[Artemis97]

Raril seems slightly confused by the term. "Firearms?"
"No he's not going to light your arm on fire. Guns! Bullets! Lasers! Your crossbow gone crazy."
"Ah, fun" The drow's red eyes gleam and he smiles wickedly.

[blackout]

No touchy. He grabs a gun from a rack nearby. This is a standard-issue BR-12 Assault Rifle. It has 120 rounds per clip, and fires explosive ammo. It has an attached grenade-launcher and is the primary firearm for infantry.

[Artemis97]

Raril seems dissapointed that he can't touch the weapons, and continues to take notes. "Explosive ammunition...Grenades...sounds pretty effective for mass destruction."

[blackout]

Nah, not mass-destruction. You want nukes for that. Explosive ammo makes pretty small explosions, and grenades just cause enough of an explosion to give light tanks something to think about.

[Artemis97]

"Ah, alright. Do you have anything more...precise?" He scribbles down more notes.

[blackout]

Ah. Yes. He pulls a long, very large rifle with a scope off another nearby rack. BR-79 Sniper Rifle. Capable of completely removing the head of an enemy soldier.

[Vhaidara]

Artemis appears next to Raril.
Raril, it's Shadowbow!
Artemis is crying openly.

[blackout]

...Aw, great. Fan-freaking-tastic. What is it this time? He blew up the Chuckle Bucket? Destroyed the Docks? Polluted the ocean? Raising an army in the Slums?

[Vhaidara]

Artemis hauls off and attempts to punch Nukular in the face, tears still streaming form his eyes.

[blackout]

Buddy, I've got armor capable of stopping a tank round on. If you punch me, you'll just hurt your hand.

[Artemis97]

Raril tears his eyes away from the sniper rifle and looks at Artemis with a confused look. The Drow just doesn't know what to do when people cry. Luckily Lillith does. Under her control Raril puts an arm around Artemis' shoulders and asks. "It's alright, Tell us what happened"

[Vhaidara]

He's dead.

[blackout]

...And this is bad how? He was possessed by a dragon-demon-spirit thing, and while you may have been close friends with Shadowbow, I think it's for everyone's own good that he's dead. That may sound heartless, but I think it's the truth.

[Artemis97]

Raril takes a step back, removes his hat, and bows his head. "I'm sorry"
"What do you mean he's dead? Can't we just ressurect him? There must be something left, a strand of hair would work"

[Vhaidara]

This time, Artemis attempts to stab Nukular in the chest.
SHUT UP! HE WAS BACK TO NORMAL!

(Note, this kukri goes through ANY DR.)

[Artemis97]

Raril tries to grab at the crazed guildleader.

[blackout]

Nukular side-steps the attack, and grabs him by the collar. Well, I didn't know that, did I!? Take it from a veteran professional soldier, you need to learn to cut your losses. I've seen alot of good men and women fight and die alongside me over my career, all of which I've considered friends, comrades, or at least fellow warriors whom I respected. I didn't know Shadowbow, now I never will. Fact is, you'll need to get over this like I got over the deaths of my own fellows.

[Vhaidara]

(He's not crazed, he's just mourning, and Nukular just said Shadowbow's death was a good thing. He has every right to do this!)

You don't know anything about what he was to me. He was more than a friend. He rescued me from slavers, taught me to fight, and became my father. He died defending your troops at the police station.

[blackout]

He may have been a good person, and he meant alot to you, I see that. But, when I met him, he was possessed. I apologize for what I said, but that's all I knew of him. Fact is, he's dead. Nothing you can do. Move on. That's what I do.

[Artemis97]

(mourning, angry *shrugs* I just picked an adjective. From Raril's perspective he's crazy, Raril doesn't get friendship)

Raril does his best to stay between Artemis and Nukular. "We can do something, if there's anything left of him. Artemis, pull it together and think, is there still a body?!"

[Vhaidara]

No. There's nothing left. I'm sorry for my outburst. Drow tend to be rather emotional when a true friend dies.

[blackout]

It's ok. Nukular sets him down. Now, you got get something from the ship's mess hall to calm ya down. Me and Raril need to finish up here.

[Vhaidara]

No, not now. I need to tell Raneus and Jarus. And arrange a funeral.

Artemis departs.

[blackout]

Oh. Ok, so...where were we? Oh, yeah, sniper rifle.

[Artemis97]

A confused expression crosses Raril's face. "No we aren't. Drow don't have true friends" Lillith berates him.
"Oh shut up you idiot! You wouldn't know true friendship if someone beat you over the head with it." He looks to Artemis. "Are you going to be alright while Nukular and us finish this training?"

((You guys post fast))
*sigh* "Right, Sniper rifles." Raril continues to take notes but with less enthusiasm than before.

[Vhaidara]

(Artemis left...)

[blackout]

Ok, good. Simple, you look down the scope, aim for someone's head, and pull the trigger. Then, you move to another location. A good sniper never shoots twice from the same location.

He puts down the rifle and suddenly goes into deadtime.

((Brb, dinner. Go nowhere! :) ))

[Artemis97]

(ok I'll just amuse myself until then)

Noticing the Nukular has deadtimed, Raril carefully removes the sniper rifle from his hands. He sits a few feet away and dismantles the entire thing. After examining all the parts he puts it all back together and walks over to the firing range. ((I assume there is one)) After asking a random soldier what ammunition he needs to use, he starts to practice with the gun. The first shot misses it's target completely and Raril shouts in pain.

"Ow! That's really loud!"
"Idiot, they have ear protection for a reason"

He puts on a pair of earmuffs and tries another shot, it too goes wide, but after three or four shots he gets used to the weapon and puts every round through the dead center of the target. The Drow grins with satifaction.

"So you can do something properly"
"I like ranged weapons, but the recoil on this thing takes some getting used to"
"It's definately a keeper."
"Oh, definately"

[blackout]

Nukular is undeadtimed. -And now we go to the rocket launcher-Huh? Nukular looks around. Ooh, boy.

[Artemis97]

Raril continues to fire off rounds, precisely and efficiently. His grin growing wider with every shot.

[blackout]

Nukular walks over to Raril, and grabs the rifle out of his hand. Remember what I said about not touching the gear?

[Artemis97]

Raril jumps and takes off the earmuffs. "I'm sorry. I was just trying to get used to these weapons. I've never used anything like them before. But you have to admit, I'm getting good." He grins and gestures to the target, rather proud of himself. He obviously didn't hear Nukular's reminder, and apparently doesn't remember the original order.

[blackout]

...Nice, Sub-General. VERY nice. You reduced the target to swiss cheese. Now, moving on. Rocket launchers.

[Artemis97]

"Right!" Raril takes up his notebook and quill again and follows Nukular. "More explosives? I read about rockets once, they're similar to fireworks, aren't they?"
"You actually read something and retained it? I'm shocked."

[blackout]

Heh. Once he gets the bionic-neural implants, he's going to retain everything he wants to. Part of the procedure, soldiers are given multiple neural implants to assist them in their work. Among them are Selective Memory Units. Once you get them, you can selectively delete and remember memories from your brain.

[Artemis97]

Raril seems rather disturbed by that. "Delete memories? I know all too well why someone would want to delete a memory, but is it really wise to do so? Memories are what make us who we are, with out them we have no past. Memories are what drives a person, what makes them who they are. I could never imagine deleting my memories, I would be deleting a part of myself."
"What he's trying to say is, don't sign us up for that one."

[blackout]

As you wish. Psionic-Defense Units will be installed however. They protect you from hostile psions and psykers.

[Artemis97]

"Psionics? E won't like that"
"Too bad, I can use all the protection I can get."

[blackout]

Can't risk having you unwittingly divulge military secrets, right? Anyways, back to rocket launchers. These things are good for dealing with vehicles and entrenched enemy positions. Especially if your pinned down. For example, an enemy infantry squad has your squad pinned down and they are in cover, so you can't hit them through other means. One of your teammates has a rocket launcher. What do you do?

[Artemis97]

Raril thinks for a moment. "Have the guy with the rocket launcher blow up the enemy's position, hopefully giving the rest of us an oppurtunity to escape. Depending on how many people I have, leave some of them entrenched and laying cover fire, while the rest of us move in, flanking the enemy and taking them out."
"I don't believe this. You're competent at something?"
Raril continues planning. "Of course the rocket launcher would probably take care of them, or at least keep them busy long enough to call in something more precise."

[blackout]

Ding. We have a winner. Now that your up to speed on vehicles and firearms, time for a simulation run.

[Artemis97]

"Simulation? That sounds...dangerous."
"Oh we'll be fine. You've done well so far."
"True, alright. What do I need to do?"

[blackout]

Simple. A simulation is sort of like a mock battle. Completely fake, but good for training. You will be given command of a small force of infantry and light vehicles. You will then have to defeat a trained Commander with a similar force at his disposal in a simulation through tactics, strategy, and your own smarts.

[Artemis97]

Raril sighs with relief. "Oh, it's fake. The 'simulations,' where I come from, were done with real weapons. I shouldn't have a problem with this."

[thehothead]

Shiv, tiben and walter pop into existance.

[Artemis97]

With a small yelp of surprise, Raril jumps at their appearence. "What are you guys doing up here?"

[Tiben]

HI Raril!
Tiben waves at Raril ((Walter is the Dragon from last night))
Shiv and I are looking for your Scabbord, and Walter
Tiben jesters at the Frightened Dragon
Needs to Smell the sword I sold you so he can lead us to the Scabbord

[blackout]

Exactly. Each of you will start the battle with a certain number of 'resource points' and will 'purchase' equipment and vehicles for the simulation. The soldiers are all simulated as well. You and your opponent will be the only ones who will actually be real. Each vehicle and weapon will cost points. Different vehicles and weapons will cost different amounts. Still with me?

Nukular turns to everyone else. This is a bad time, can you come back later?

[Artemis97]

Raril nods. "Basically I'm going shopping. Speaking of which, you remember that salesman from the Tavern, he's here to find me my scabbard." Raril unties the rapier from his belt and unwraps the cloth around it, revealing the think black-coated blade. He holds it horizontally in front of Walter, the dragon. "Don't touch it now, or you'll be asleep for hours."

[Tiben]

Walter snifs the blade nods slightly then wispers in Tibens ear
Okay Thats all we need, we'll be back in a while
Tiben pulls out a scroll of Revrse Teleportation
ready to go Shiv?

[blackout]

Well, I wish them good luck with that.

[Artemis97]

Raril rewraps the blade and replaces it on his belt. "So do I. I can't carry the thing properly without risking poisoning everyone I walk past, and I can't weild it properly if I have to keep wrapping and unwrapping it like this."

[blackout]

Makes sense.

He turns back to Raril. Now, following the preparation phase in which you purchase weapons and vehicles for your soldiers, the actual simulation will begin. The following things will be important; environment, knowing the best way to use the equipment you have, and knowing what your enemy has and how he'll use it. I will personally choose what kind of environment you will be fighting in.

[Artemis97]

Raril nods. "Alright. So who is my opponent?"

[blackout]

Another potential Sub-General. You both currently hold the rank of Commander, but the Sub-General is the second-in-command. Beat this guy and your in the position of my right-hand man.

[Artemis97]

Raril grins wickedly and his red eyes flash. "You've got it, boss."

[blackout]

Alright, now get in there. Nukular nods to a door labled 'Commander's Simulator.' Best of luck.

[Artemis97]

Raril puts away his notebook and quill, adjusts his feathered hat, and strides through the door. "Here we go"

[blackout]

Computer Voice: Preparation Phase: Begin.

A large number of vehicles and racks of firearms appear out of nowhere, with price tags on them.

Computer Voice: Number of Resource Points available: 1500. Commence with preparation, Commanders.

[Tiben]

((Shiv? you there?))

[Artemis97]

"Alright, let's start with some reconaissance vehicles."
"Ground troops would be a good idea as well"

[blackout]

Computer: Please state quantity.

[Artemis97]

"2 recon vehicles"
"and 30 infantrymen."
"How much is that going to cost us?"

[blackout]

Computer: 160 RPs. Please continue with your preparation.

[Artemis97]

"1500-160=1340 Should be plenty. Let's see the men need guns. 30 rifles next. And let's up the troop count, add 6 more men, all armed with Rocket launchers."
"Also order 4 more men with sniper rifles. and we should have rifles for all of them. so to sum it up, 10 more men, 40 rifles, 6 rocket launchers, and 4 sniper rifles."

[blackout]

Computer: Equipment comes standard with personnel. Men come in teams of five. Four sniper squads. Six rocketeer squads. Six rifle squads. Two Defender Hoverbikes. Total cost comes to 400 RPs, counting previous purchases.

((I sent a PM.))

[Artemis97]

Raril studies the display, "Alright let's start over. I'll take:

6 rifle squads =60pts
3 rocketeer squads =60pts
1 sniper squad =30pts
2 hoverbikes =100pts
1 imp tank =150pts
1 spider walker =300pts
1 flight of firefalcons =400pts
1 predator fighter =300pts
1 phantom troop carrier =100pts
Total =1500pts

((And I did check my math, twice.:smallsmile: ))

[blackout]

((Ok, and Predators come in flights of five. Grendals come in flights of three. Sorry for not including that.))

Computer: Understood. Other commander is completing as we speak...other commander is done. Beginning simulation....

The simulation begins, and Raril and his new troops are currently standing in a snowy, mountainous region.

[Vhaidara]

E appears next to Nukular.
You do realize your implants wont protect Raril from my control? They are unneeded, as I have shielded him from all attacks on his mind. However, nothing can stop me from entering, as his ring enables me to control his actions.

[blackout]

I despise you, you know. You think you can just capture people and use them however you want. I assure you, I'm well aware of what you can do. I am simply installing them into Raril as a precaution. If something were to happen to you, your 'defenses' would no longer be available to Raril. Mine, on the other hand, would.

[Artemis97]

"Fantastic! I just love the cold."
"You should have dressed for it."
"Bah, more incentive to get this over quickly."
He starts giving orders.

"Ok I need 2 squads of riflemen to establish a perimeter around this area, scout for defensable positions. I want 2 sets of 2 firefalcons to look for the resource points and the remaining three to scout out our opponents. I want 1 predator fighter with each set of 2, and 2 with the group of 3, keeping 1 in reserve. That should do for now. I'll need more infor mation before I make anymore decisions. Move out!" Raril grins and tries to look inspiring and military and all that.

[thehothead]

((Sorry for not mentioning the deadtime, I had to go somewhere and didn't have time.))


Ready to go.

[blackout]

All of the men immediately go about doing their jobs, wearing some sort of full-body armor. Raril is also wearing the same armor, an effect of the simulation, and now has a rifle slung across his back.

[Vhaidara]

I have already prepared for my death, and Raril will still be well protected should that occur. In fact, the experiment shall still continue. Lilith will have her own body, as will the other sucurine. Also, meet Ehlana.
E's voice becomes feminen
You must be Nukular. Don't get me wrong, I am a sucurine, but while Lilith was most like her succubus parent, I am most like an eyrines. I have a good understanding of military matters, and wouldn't mind a tour.

[Nightwing]

((Oh, shadow bow died. Who killed him? I think I will go resurrect Tereal now, just for some irony.))

[LordVader]

((He's not dead, Bookboy thinks he can escape the Warp.:smalltongue:))

[blackout]

Well, I have to oversee the simulation here. If Raril succeeds, he will become my Sub-General. That's a rather high position when you are in my employ. I would be glad to offer you a guide. Smithers! A man wearing a tech uniform runs over, his name tag reading 'Smithers.'

What do you need, sir?

The Mindflayer. He needs a tour. See to it.

Yes sir.

[Vhaidara]

(He's effectively dead until such time as I say otherwise. And he can. It's The Town. Things don't have to make sense.)

E becomes a warrior in armor.
Much better. E is going to let me control the body for the tour. Lead on.
She follows "Smithers".

[blackout]

((Thank you. See, Vader? Orks CAN be in the employ of a renegade Tau!))

Smithers heads down a hallway, away from the simulator, headed for the armory. This is the armory. It contains all of the vehicles and firearms in use by the Blackout Raiders positioned here, and it serves as a storage facility to contain them.

[Artemis97]

(ok now I won't be able to picture Nukular without hearing Mr. Burns voice haha)

Raril looks down at the suit of armor. "Interesting, but not really my style."
"It's not supposed to be stylish, it's supposed to protect you."
"Yes but I have a hard time fighting in bulky armor"

(How heavy is this stuff? I know it's tough, but how heavy is it, will it hinder his movements at all? thanks)

[Vhaidara]

What weaponry have you got?

[Nightwing]

((I just brought Tereal back! I just brought Tereal back!:smalltongue: ))

[blackout]

((Doesn't hinder movement at all, but it's very durable. Capable of withstanding a several shots from an assault rifle. It's not invincible, though. Tank rounds? :smalltongue: Dead.))

The rifle squads that were sent out to look for defendable positions come back.

Rifleman 1: Sir, we've found a few buildings to the north, looks like they could contain all of our infantry. They'll make good points for sneak attacks.

Back with Smithers:

Well, I'm not supposed to tell you that. Not authorized.

[LordVader]

((I didn't say it had to make sense, but just don't claim he "cut a swathe through the Chaos Gods" or anything like that. When you want to bring him back, I can think of a logical explanation for you. So you won't be accused of godmodding.:smallsmile:
This seems cool, I'm going to watch.:smallsmile: ))

[Artemis97]

"Great! Be certain to scout them out and make sure they're empty, We'll join you shortly. Everyone! We've found a base of operations, Let's go!"

[Vhaidara]

(A little magic wont hurt. And remember, those chips only work against psionics.)

Ehlana does a little Quickened, Silenced, Stilled, Extended, Heightened to level 9, etc. Charm Monster.
Come on. No one would know.

[blackout]

Rifleman 1: Way ahead of you sir. Let's move, people!

The soldiers and vehicles move out, heading north.



Smithers sweats for a moment. I dunno...why do you want to know?

[Vhaidara]

Just what they are, what is good for what, how to use them. Basically the way to fight with such andvanced weapons, and I'm sure no one could teach me more.

For insurance, she does a Dominate Monster with all the effects of the above Charm Monster.

[LordVader]

((Man, you're toast when Nukular finds out... You see, Nukular, this is why you need psykers like I have. Perhaps I could loan you some.:smalltongue: ))

[blackout]

Well...I would...but you don't want to see what happened to the last guy that disobeyed a direct order from the general-

Nukular walks over, noticing that Smithers seems a little jittery.

Is there a problem?

N-n-no, sir.

Alright. He goes back to the simulator.

[Artemis97]

Raril moves north with his troops, catching a lift on a Hoverbike. "Have we heard anything back from the firefalcons?"

[blackout]

Hoverbike Driver: No sir! The weather's messing with our radios!

[Vhaidara]

(I'm surprised he's cooperated, seeing as how E ate the brains of three of his soldiers:smalltongue: !)

Come on, what could I do with that knowledge? I haven't got any of these weapons.

[blackout]

((He'll kill E at the first sign of any real trouble, remember that.))

[Vhaidara]

(He'll try, but have you got any idea how good E is at teleporting?)

[LordVader]

((Of course, since my base camp is a no-teleport zone, this is no longer a problem for me.:smallamused:))

[Vhaidara]

(I'm not going to point out how E would handle it then, because if I did, you'd guard against it.)

[blackout]

Alright, I guess it won't hurt. Smithers looks around, trying to see if anyone's watching. He then opens the door to the vehicle bay, and goes inside.

[Vhaidara]

Ehlana follows, smiling inwardly.

[blackout]

((Why does E want to get in?))

Smithers points at a vehicle with eight legs, covered in anti-air batteries. Spider Anti-Air Walker.

[Artemis97]

(good luck with that)

Raril sighs. "Wait, you have all this advanced technology and a snowstorm has taken out my communications? I don't believe that!"
"You think something has happened to them?
"So early? and with the fighters I sent to acompany them? I doubt it, but nothing surprises me anymore. Keep trying to contact them."

[Vhaidara]

(Let's just say E has a pretty good memory on how things work, and remember that ring.)

Interesting. What is it used for?

(Remember the Domination effect. He'll do just about anything she asks. Technically, I could take manual control of him, but I haven't got a clue what this stuff does.)

[blackout]

Hoverbike Radio: *static*-Six-*static*-atta-*static*-peat-*static*

It acts as a sort of mobile defense platform against aircraft. All those missle launchers are meant to deal with aircraft. The downside is that it needs other vehicles and soldiers to protect against ground attacks.

[Artemis97]

"Send up the last Predator and use him to relay the radio messages to us. Maybe if he's closer he'll have a stronger signal."

[blackout]

The Predator immediately does so. His radio acts as a relay, and the message becomes more clear.

Hoverbike Radio: -peat, this is Blue Six! We're under attack-AGH-*static*

[Vhaidara]

(Do you play Starcraft? Because this sounds like one of the new Protoss units...)

What else?

[Ms_Elaneous]

In a display of paled sparks, the kitten is there at Raril's, tilting her head in sweet confusion. She wonders what's been going on in her sleepy absence.

[blackout]

((Yes, I play Starcraft all the time. :smallbiggrin: ))

Well, we also have Collossi Artillery Walkers. Meant to fire bolts of super-heated plasma and bombard enemy positions from a distance.

[Artemis97]

"Well that was fast. Spread out the sniper squad around our new base of operations, recall the other aircraft, keep them closer to our position. Have the original 2 squads of riflemen remain in and around the buildings keeping them secure, have 3 more squads patrol the area around it. keep a team of rocketeers inside the base, and split the others amongst the patrols. Set up the Sp..spider walker to expect enemy aircraft. Keep the imp tank and these hoverbikes ready to provide back up if any of the infantrymen run into trouble. and finally Tell me where those firefalcons were so I know which direction to strike in." The drow grins wickedly.

raril looks down at the kitten in his hands. "Muska! you shouldn't be here! we're going into battle it's not safe for you."

((When do the troops start wondering why their commander seems to have a split personality?))

[blackout]

Hoverbike Driver: Um, sir...I'm not picking up transponders from any of the aircraft except our last Predator.

Predator Pilot: *over radio*Affirmative, they've all been wiped out. Let's get into hiding.

((Their computer-generated, their not supposed to CARE.))

[Artemis97]

((I was just curious at how real the programming was))

"Well that's not good... call him back, and you still haven't told me which direction they were in.

[blackout]

Driver: ...Every direction, sir. That Predator's all we have left.

Back with Smithers.

So, anything else you might need, ma'am?

[Artemis97]

"oookay that's not promising. As much as I hate to do it, We're going to have to wait and let him come to us."
"Fortunately if our opponent has focused on the air, we might have him beat on the ground."
"True, but I wish this were underground, they'd all be afraid then."

[Ms_Elaneous]

The kitten just looks very crafty and sly at this point, before rubbing her horns against whatever part of Raril she can reach, hand or chest or armpit. Want to see? I am safe.

[blackout]

Driver: Alright! We're here!

The Predator lands inside a small garage, where the hoverbikes park. The tank drives into another garage nearby, and the men all hole up in a large buildings around the area.

[Artemis97]

Raril pets the kitten. "Well, technically it's all a simulation, you'll be just fine."

Raril jumps out of the bike. "Alright, any word from our patrols? Have the snipers spotted enything?"

[blackout]

Driver: No, sir. Also, you might want to see this. Looks like this base is some kind of outpost, it has everything: Radar station, communication relay, everything. It's automated defense turrets are down, though.

[Artemis97]

"Get everything up and running, I want to know what's going on out there and I want to be able to defend against it. Quickly, go."

[blackout]

The soldiers go about their jobs, getting everything up and running. After about an hour, the soldiers have the place secured, with the turrets and radar online, and the comm. relay active.

[Ms_Elaneous]

Simulation? Can I help? Muska's tail curls and uncurls sweetly.

[Artemis97]

Raril smiles at the kitten. "Aside from giving us someting to fight for, I don't think so."
He turns to a nearby soldier, probably the same driver he's been talking to. "What can we see on the radar systems? and has anyone reported in?"

[blackout]

Driver: The Snipers reported back, apparently the enemy is on the move. They have two Spider walkers, and a Collosus Artillery walker. Two wings of Predator fighters are in the air, and we've got to deal with a sizeable force of infantry, mostly Rifle Squads and Rocketeers.

[Artemis97]

((I'm bad at war games, and is it just me or does that seem like a lot?))

"Ok, why don't we give them something to think about? Recall two of the patrolling rifle squads and take them, one of the rifle squads here, and a rocketeer squad and put thwem on the troop carrier, send it out with the imp tank and one of the hoverbikes to meet them head on. Move the anti air walker out with them. Give the snipers orders to start picking off enemy rocketeers. and keep me updated on any changes."

[Ms_Elaneous]

Muska purrs and waits, watching with those bright gold eyes. Bright in more than one way.

[blackout]

Driver: Yes sir. LET'S MOVE OUT!

The driver gets onto the hoverbike and drives out, and the Phantom loads three rifle squads and a rocketeer squad onto it, loading the tank into it's underside. The Phantom lifts off.

The snipers, meanwhile, begin picking off Rocketeers.

[Artemis97]

Raril continues to pet Muska and smiles. "You know, this is really a nice change. It used to be no one listened to what I had to say, and now look at all this!"
"You have come a long way, I must admit I'm impressed. You aren't such an idiot after all.

[blackout]

The Phantom moves out, and lands not too far from the enemy convoy. As it lifts off, it returns to the base, unnoticed by the enemy. The snipers resume shooting rocketeers.

((Yes, it is alot. He's got a pair of Spiders and a Collosus, along with two Predator wings. The rest of his force is all infantry. Should be easy enough, right? :smallamused: ))

[Ms_Elaneous]

Muska makes a giggling motion, but it is merely expressed in purrs.

[Artemis97]

((Unfortunately for him, I only have one more airplane, so the spiders are practically useless.))

"Have the rocketeers go for the Colossus, the imp tank should start taking out the footsoldiers, have the hoverbike support the tank focusing on enemy rocketeers, and finally bring me one sniper."

[blackout]

The rocketeers do so, taking out the Collosus by aiming for it's ammo bay. The result is a spectacular explosion that destroys most of the enemy infantry, and one of the spiders, which sets off the ammo inside the spider, and the secondary explosions kill alot more infantry. Only one or two squads are left.

A sniper marches over to Raril.

Sniper: You wanted to see me, sir?

[Artemis97]

Raril turns to the sniper, grinning wickedly."Yep, I have a special assignment for you. Let's see how well magic works in here." He casts an invisibility spell on the man. If it works he continues. "I want you to move in, silent and unseen, and take out their commander. You only get one shot and then the spell wears off. Don't waste it. Do you understand?"

(I'm assuming magic will work in here, 40k has magic right?)

[Ms_Elaneous]

((Going to deadtime for the evening. G'night.))

Muska just continues to purr and watch, two things she is very good at doing.

[blackout]

Sniper: *grins, but not seen*Yes, sir, I do.

The sniper moves out.

Riflemen begin picking off the remaining infantry along with the snipers.

((No, it doesn't have magic. None of this stuff is in 40K, except the simulators, either. Except the simulators.))

[Artemis97]

"Ok, lets take another squad off patrol and another rocketeer squad and send them to the front, have all rocketeers focus on that remaining spider and have my own spider take out their fighters."

((ah, ok then *shrugs* I was thinking it's all 40k, oh well.))

[blackout]

The Spider moves out, and shoots down all but one fighter. The last fighter retreats. The rocketeers take out the last enemy Spider, and the remaining enemy infantry are killed.

The sniper, meanwhile, finds the enemy commander, far behind the lines. The sniper aims...and fires. The enemy commander is removed from the simulation, but not dead.

[Vhaidara]

Ehlana awakens from deadtime and E takes over.
That's good enough for now.
E heads over to Nukular
Tell Raril I dropped by.
E teleports out.

[blackout]

Nukular shakes his head. Why do I feel like I've done something that will result in it coming back to bite me in the ass?

[Artemis97]

"Send my predator after that last fighter. Mop up the rest, once that's done, regroup here and we'll start looking for those 'resource points' I also want a damage report, how many did we lose?"
"Raril I think you've won."
"Maybe, maybe not."

[blackout]

The predator chases, engages, and is shot down. The enemy Predator is severely damaged, and quickly shot down by a squad of Rocketeers.

Computer: Simulation complete.

[Artemis97]

"Really? Hah! And my weapon's master told me I was a complete failure. I won! Whoohoo!" Raril starts doing a celebration dance.
"You are really too happy about this. Haven't you ever won anything before?" Raril continues dancing as Lillith looks through his memories. "No, I guess you haven't."

[blackout]

Congratulations, Sub-General. Now, head for your quarters. Ask any old crewman where the Sub-General's quarters are, I need some soup.

((Night.))