Drunkard's Walk Forums

Listen up, troops, because I'm only going over this once!
The Grand Army of the Republic of Yujutha, Expeditionary Force Alpha, is now active and accepting volunteers ((Triumph redside)).
In order to strike a blow at the Yrmaw, we need a secure military base on Earth. And we need to acquire it without pulling too much aggro from the local nation-states. Fortunately there's a ready-made solution.
The Rogue Isles are geographically isolated, a major arcane hotspot, and -- bonus! -- they come pre-fortified. All we have to do is take them away from the army that's already there. That army, and the islands' current government, are considered a major threat by the rest of the planet, so there's a good chance that no one else will care if we overthrow them. Sheol, they might even give us medals.
But! We can't just drop in and storm the place. This world is still reeling from a massive extradimensional invasion, and imitating that would not be good press. We don't want two entire planets howling for our blood! No, we've got to keep this subtle.
Fortunately, the local grand poobah has, in his infinite wisdom, provided a ready-made path to his own overthrow. So this is how it's going to be:
You will infiltrate the society of the Rogue Isles, posing as costumed "supervillains" of the sort that Recluse constantly tries to attract. Work singly, in small groups, or in coalition with the local talent -- yes, they're sewer rats, but they can be of use to us. Do favors for the local powerbrokers, making sure that they are the ones who end up indebted to you and not the other way around!
The law-enforcement and private security forces on these islands are totally corrupt. They, and the various road-gangs and cults that prowl the landscape, are the enemy: engage and destroy them at your discretion. This applies even to the Arachnos armed forces, as they are expected to combat and test Recluse's powered playthings; massacring a patrol or two won't be considered out of line. Force is the only thing these vermin respect, so we should be able to beat a healthy respect for Yujutha into them. Before too long they'll be working for us, or they will be ground into the dirt.
Do not, in the course of these operations, incur the hostility of the civilian population unless absolutely necessary! These people hate their rulers, and if we can prove ourselves more powerful and more moral than their oppressors we should be able to earn their support.
Inevitably, we will be asked to undertake operations against Recluse's enemies -- primarily in Paragon City on the secondary landmass mainland. This may be necessary to advance further in the trust of his subordinates. If so, accept such missions, but try to keep the damage to a minimum.
Our informants suggest that Recluse's four lojtnants are, one way or another, less than completely loyal to him. Breaking them away from his control is key to undermining his power -- and if we can get them on our side, his end will be certain.
Be warned that the Yrmaw has already "recruited" a substantial defensive force from the native population. These girls have been deluded into believing they're defenders of justice, facing an army of darkness. We know they're wrong, but in the heat of battle, there will most likely be no time to debate them. When engaging the Facets, avoid lethal force if possible but do not be stupid. Your life and continued service is more valuable to the Republic than a turned opponent. And do not let personal issues get in the way of the mission! *glares at H. the V.*
Any questions? Good.
Dismissed!

-Magic origin, any archetype and powerset (except zombies -- that one just doesn't seem to work with this concept, for me at least)
-Either gender (this is an all-volunteer army, unlike the drafted Facets)
-Name: "X the Y," where X is (usually) a vaguely old-fashioned or Biblical name and Y is (usually) a noun or adjective related to the powerset
-Costume: see above. Armored medieval torso, banded medieval gloves, any pattern and color scheme. Jewel chest symbol, jeweled belt (matching or near-matching colored jewels), any shoulders. Camo pants (any color,) work boots. No real restrictions on the head, other than probably human (and probably not a full mask; wrong paradigm). In SG mode, don't wear your emblem -- keep the jewel.
Costume Slots: same progression as the Facets. First slot, regular uniform. Second slot, civvies. Third, high-tech full armor (details to be discussed later); fourth, near-featureless aura-intensive power avatar form; five... we'll work on that if anyone ever gets that far.
Movement: Teleportation is standard for magical-girl villains, but not necessary. Go with your heart.
Rank: pretty much whatever you feel your character should be, request and be promoted/demoted. Current rank structure is General, Major, Lojtnant, Serjeant, PFC. This may change.
Mission Statement: The following paragraph should constitute the first block of text in your ID card. Further personal details are up to you. (Still working on this. Details may change.)
The Republic of Yujutha views Earth as nothing more than a staging ground for their war against the Yrmaw. To that end, (name) and his/her fellow armored warriors have been dispatched to "pacify" the Rogue Isles, putting down the local law enforcement, military, and criminal organizations.

--Sam
"Oh, there's crime here. I can smell it."

General (for now, I may well demote myself later): Jonas the Meltdown, rad/rad corruptor. Extremely focused on EFA's mission, has little time for anything else. Unclear if he even has a personality.
Serjeant: Silas the Gadget, merc/traps mastermind. Gunnery Serjeant Silas is the team's technician and mechanic, keeping their magitech armor and weapons in battle-ready condition; he is supported by a squad of Yujuthan Regular Army soldiers. Stiff and extra-formal when in presence of the officers, displays more of a sense of humor around fellow enlisted men. Constantly scribbling notes and tinkering with equipment.

Innnnteresting... Nice flavor to that. Pity I have all my slots on Virtue filled up.

-- Bob
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The Internet Is For Norns.

Um, Bob? The Facets and GARYEF are on Triumph.
''We don't just borrow words; on occasion, English has pursued other languages down alleyways to beat
them unconscious and rifle their pockets for new vocabulary.''

-- James Nicoll

Lawlessness. Decadence.
I see strife. I see weakness. I see opportunity.
Ezekiel the Whisper. Specialist. Reconnaissance.
For the Grand Army. For the Republic. For Yujutha.
...
Ezekiel the Whisper was a corruptor before I deleted and rerolled him. And changed the concept. The only thing the new Ezekiel has in common is the name. Obviously, it's a good name for a Claws/Nin Stalker as well. His costume probably breaks the lineup somewhat. It uses all the mandatory pieces (save for large gloves instead of banded), but the general aesthetic is different - he's got a masked ninja look, with glowing green eyes. I might change the skin from black to a dark flesh-tone, however.
He's supposed to be a recon specialist. A soldier who operates ahead of the main force, an observer, a scout. And, of course, he's also strong enough on his own to make it a reconnaissance in force.
-- Acyl

Quote:

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Um, Bob? The Facets and GARYEF are on Triumph.

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Damn. And just when I had a good excuse to not get caught up in another collection of alts...

-- Bob
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The Internet Is For Norns.

Fall to the Altside, Bob. We have cookies and donuts, which are much better then both the lightside, and the darkside.

Quote:

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Fall to the Altside, Bob. We have cookies and donuts, which are much better then both the lightside, and the darkside.

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If you really want to get recruits to the Altside, offer coffee to go with the cookies and donuts. __________________
I bet that if you cooked an elephant, you'd have a lot of leftovers.
___________________________
"I've always wanted to be somebody, but I should have been more specific." - George Carlin

Well, isn't THIS a fine mess you've gotten yerself into, eh Syanna?
If it ain't one thing it's another. You'd think the Lojtnant would've liked me keeping the boys entertained. Help with morale, that sort of thing. But no. Gambling and booze is too disruptive for his little soldiers. Bah.
Back down the ranks I go. Again.
Then this 'expeditionary force' opened up. I know better than to volunteer, but with the Lojnant busting my chops, what's a girl to do? If I'd'a stayed, I'd never see stripes again. He's got a mean streak, that one.
Oh well. Can't be too bad, right? Backward little piss-ant place, full of corruption and waste. Least the Lojtnant's got that going for him, I guess. May be a prick, but he's an honest one, more's the pity.
Hey, it's lookin' better already. Coffee, donuts, and cookies right there next to the roster. And the good old mark-one bunk. I'll need to find some extra pillows, for sure.
Oops. This must be the guy in charge -- a General, wow. Best foot forward, Syanna-me-girl.
"Syanna the Sniper reporting for duty, sir. Just tell me who to take out, yeah?"
Mm. I can smell the coffee. Wonder if the General likes his with some extra kick? Five to one says I could line up a supplier by this time tomorrow...
(Syanna's a assault rifle/traps corruptor, very fond of things that go bang, and harbors the conviction that it is her duty to provide the little things for her fellow soldiers that the regs don't allow... at a slight markup, of course. Fair's fair, yeah? Funny, her superiors don't always seem to agree....
She's locked, loaded, and ready to rock on Triumph. For profi-- I mean, for Yujutha!)

--sofaspud
--"Listening to your kid is the audio equivalent of a Salvador Dali painting, Spud." --OpMegs

Alpha Base is up and running. Minimal facilities at the moment, but we will be expanding as fast as we can.
Salvage depot and a personal-upgrade workbench were the first priorities. Tech and arcane forges will be next.
First approach

Barracks area
Command central
Assembly, infoscreen, crystech communications array

Initial Report from the Personnel file of Serjeant Mauren the Blaze
On my first day in action with Alpha Group, I was enlisted to aid one 'Burke' in dealing with an infestation of grossly mutated reptiles known colloquialy as 'Snakes'. During several operations in vermin elimination I found two facts of import; One: The Snakes themselves worship a higher deity stemming from the mythology of the eastern continent, and Two: The charred remains of Snake eggs make very good omelets. Good to know if we ever find ourselves in with short supplies.
After dealing with a Snake hatchery, 'Burke' forwarded two other taskings to me: To infiltrate a 'Longbow' base to intercept and remove cypher codes, and to infiltrate an 'Arachnos' base and instigate a feud between two of 'Lord Recluse's' Lojtnants. Since neither of these taskings interfered with stated directives, and indeed, the latter was in line with proposed plans, I completed both objectives. I do not believe either infiltration will be traced back to me at this current time.
Following this, 'Burke' gave me the local of another taskmaster for me to talk to. However, I do not believe I will be able to complete any of the taskings of this 'Doctor Creed' without breaking several of the stated directives. I request further direction before I continue any contact with him.
End Report: Serjeant Mauren the Blaze

Note to gaining OIC:
Mauren the Blaze is an extremely determined woman, very devoted to the cause. However there have been several unfortunate 'incidents' involving her obsession with her hereditary pyromancy. One of these incidents busted her down to her current rank of Serjeant. Please be advised in your dealings with her.

Home base has authorized shipment of a Homunculus generator at my request. We'll swap in soulless genetic duplicates for Creed's targets and release the originals after a suitable interval with their memories fogged. This should fool most of the locals, consider it standard procedure in similar situations.

EFA Personal Log, Entry 1, Lojtnant Jada the Ninety Eyes
My insertion went as planned; no indication was given by any member of the 'Destined One Pipeline' that they were aware of me as anything other than another mere potential. Actual security or identity checks were absent; likely future agents could be inserted at any point short of Mercy Island without attracting notice. Arachnos operatives observed to date have been roughly of militia grade; better trained than equivalent level units on Yujutha but less diligent and disciplined. In the event that higher authorities within the organization can be displaced, the absorbing and directing the existing rank-and-file should present no difficulty worth speaking of.
My initial contact on reaching the operational area was one Kalinda Terossa, a Fortunata, or recognized precognitive asset of Arachnos. She suggested a trade of sexual favors for operating information within the Arachnos structure. The posture and expressions of observing security personnel suggest that neither the offer nor my acceptance of it were at all out of the ordinary. Results in tomorrow's entry.
Note to self: Renew vaccinations and anti-infection spells soonest. Contraceptives also.

===============================================
"I'm terribly sorry, but I have to kill you quite horribly now."

Mission report, General Jonas
Have confirmed presence of Rikti mutates on the islands. Apparently the stranded troops have been kidnapping disadvantaged locals and forcibly applying their genetic enhancements along with some degree of brainwashing.
Appropriated a shipment of Rikti mutagen, berserker strain codenamed Outbreak. Subjected samples to heavy radiation bombardment, conveyed to Paragon City at Rikti-pawns' planned drop points. Aerial insertion successfully avoided contact with Longbow and superheroic forces. Bragged about operation in local bars, omitting to note that mutagen had been sterilized. Should increase street-cred.
Must investigate this "Radio Free Opportunity" further. Appears to involve low-powered psionic carrier waves.
Entered alliance of convenience with "Mal Carne," a native mercenary organization. We now have access to their comprehensive teleporter network and vault storage. Be advised that Mal Carne members have access to our base as well; maintain maximum security on all internal documents and computer systems. I don't want to see anything written down in any non-Yujuthan languages, either. If asked, tell them it's an obscure Eastern European script, and do not offer to teach them. As far as these people are concerned, we're just another up-and-coming merc company; keep it that way.

I've been working with Serjant Blaze in dealing with the man known as Doctor Creed on Mercy Island. How such a man can come to be a doctor is beyond comprehension. He is investigating a group of diseased citizens of the Island known as the infected, but so he can reproduce the effects not help them.
He has promised to introduce us to a 'broker' in the city of Port Oakes. This man can apparently help us make further contacts with the low-lives in the Isles, for a fee of course.
Creed had better come through soon. Associating with the man is horrifying at best, and I am fast loosing the desire to make his punishment appear to be an accident. Although, given the nature of his work, I doubt anyone would remark on either fate.
Excerpt from the personal correspondence of Prijat First Class Japheth the Silent, EFA.

I don't think Creed's existence will be required much longer.
Added new assembly room, tech forge. Will switch forge types every day or two until we can afford to maintain both. All personnel are authorized to convert salvage to base materiel as you see fit. Next priority: medbay. The local hospitals are appalling, and I doubt their motivation if we get into a major brawl with Arachnos.

General Aaron the Blizzard reporting
Local manasphere appears to be slightly twisted and malformed, greatly reducing the power of my manatech gear. Due to my more intense training in marksmanship rather than technical aspects, adaptation is a slow process. Burke does appear to be somewhat helpful, but I am leery he may be a plant from the local powerbase.
''We don't just borrow words; on occasion, English has pursued other languages down alleyways to beat
them unconscious and rifle their pockets for new vocabulary.''

-- James Nicoll

PFC Syanna the Sniper reporting:
I recommend that Arachnos forces be classified at a higher threat level than some of the other groups rampaging throughout the area. Their armor is, on the whole, much stronger than what the other gangs wear; their weaponry is comparable to our own, and in fact may be superior in some respects. They also tend to travel in larger groups and display a higher level of situational awareness and sense of teamwork.
I will continue my efforts in Mercy Island and will report any further observations. For Yujutha!
Addendum: Yujuthan currency does not work in this locale's vending machines. Nor can you retrieve Yujuthan coinage once inserted -- at least, not without substantial damage to what I assume to be civilian property. Request that either (a) an operation is staged to acquire local currency from any of a variety of sources, or (b) R&D sends a forging machine capable of reproducing local monies. Either option would provide us with the operating capital we may need (for bribes, supplies, etc.), as well as destabilizing the local powerbroker's economic base.

--sofaspud
--"Listening to your kid is the audio equivalent of a Salvador Dali painting, Spud." --OpMegs

Report, General Hurule the Verdant:
I have noticed the local crime group, called the Family, having several shake downs of citizens. May be able to gain favor if we find a way to dispatch them.
Also, talked my sister in civilian garb. Have gained their trust. This is will make capturing her easier.
Also, need Ezekiel to investigate what Longbow has on us. They've been very suspicious of us lately. Would be troublesome if cover is blown by them, and they reported us to Paragon. Facets will know we are here, which will put them at constant alert.
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Continued Report:
Rikti have invaded. They're absolute -idiots-. They strike at places where they know they'll be detected, -and- have heavy resistance.
Have also noticed increase in demon and supernatural enemies as the holiday called "Halloween" apporaches.

Gunnery Serjeant Silas, reporting.
Able Squad raided Snake nest on Port Oakes and retrieved a tooth formerly belonging to the slain hero Enigmatic. Arranged to have tooth conveyed to Captain Mako as a trophy.
Even if Mako discovers the mechanical bug, I'm betting he'll miss the nanocraft enchantment backup.

Gunnery Serjeant Silas, further report.
Able Squad rescued local reporter Nellie Fine from paramilitary group known as The Council. Convinced Ms. Fine that story would go better if sensationalized as a "double kidnapping."
Council troops worry me. Their equipment is less technologically advanced than Arachnos, but they are considerably more disciplined. Initial research suggests a broader global power base as well, with an ideology comparable to Yrmaw anti-Republic propaganda.
I believe we must consider the Council to be a greater potential threat, in the long term, than Arachnos itself. Will follow up on lead provided by Ms. Fine indicating their involvement in a local drug ring.

Report from the Personnel file of Serjeant Mauren the Blaze
Please note: to enjoy further contact with the broker named Drea the Hook, I was sent to burglarize a bank in Paragon. While I attempted to cause the least amount of damage and notice, per Gunnery Serjeant Silas's recommendation, I was accosted by one registered hero, several Longbow units, and a handful of Paragon Police. In my escape, I was forced to hospitalize all of the former. Also, I picked up a 'raptor pack' that us usable for personal flight in the submarine transportation there and back.
When I returned to my contact, he introduced me to Angelo Vendetti (Note: naming conventions standardized at birth, correct?) He is said to have enemies in the 'Council' that Serjeant Silas noted beforehand.
End Report: Serjeant Mauren the BlazeWithout a word...

Addendum to daily report
Vendetti required that I kidnap a Council base leader and return him to him. 'Archon Winters' was quite informative about the current state and interests of the Council as it stands. Vendetti either did not notice, or did not care about the added burns on Winters when I turned him over.
Vendetti has now set me on a tasking to discover what it is the Council has most recently brought into Port Oaks. Currently studying guard movements around the cargo vessel in question before infiltrating.
End AddendumWithout a word...

GS Silas, addendum.
Painful yet informative day. Able Squad hit Council drug lab, confiscated refining equipment that allegedly creates advanced form of "Superadine" power-enhancement formula. Devoid of usual side-effects, or so they claim. Sent setup back home for the big boys to analyze.
Loaded with rubber bullets, we set out to hit Atlas Park bank. Repulsed by large gathering of Longbow and police, failed to grab the goods before our extraction deadline. To my surprise, it seems that the attempt is all that is necessary to earn the respect of the broker community. I've been introduced to one Billie Heck.
Advise making a show of force and light vandalism in future, that should be all that's needed.
(OOC, I don't care enough to not actually rob the banks, but this is a convenient and real way around it. ^.^ )