DMZ

Forgotten Realms: Tales of the Dead

Kaylee's anger dissipated when Keystone stopped looking at the remains of his foe, and the spirit focused its energies inwards, at Keystone. She grew in his mind, barely leaving any space for him, as he felt his limbs go light once again and his wounds jerk shut on their own. It was not enough to stop the bleeding, but it was enough to reduce it down to a trickle here and there. Kaylee's presence shrunk in his mind, but was still present, painfully so, as she controlled parts of the monk's body to keep his wounds shut and his muscles spasming. Mere minutes later, the blood had nearly stopped as the wounds started to mend and crust over. Kaylee subsided from the monk's mind to a fraction of her former self, retaining only the lightness in the monk's limbs.

The wounds that had just been held together by her efforts now relaxed, reminding the monk that they were still not fully healed.

"Try to move, Keystone," echoed the familiar girlish voice in his mind. "I have done what I can, but I am not a healer." As if trying to entice the monk into moving, he felt his right leg trying to get a hold on the pavement to get him up.
"It's all right now. You have won. You saved me. Thank you." she almost purred in his mind, flooding his head with images of a happy Keystone standing next to a happy Kaylee as she was before, holding hands.

The fight in the streets of Telflamm was now over, with no more magical blasts or metal ringing audible from Keystone's alley. The familiar murmur of the city soon returned, but it took another hour for a living soul to enter the alley. A building inspector, obvious from his carried hammer and a set of tools, jogged into the battleground to inspect the wall. He wasn't aware of the monk, as a solid heap of wall was covering the sitting figure on the other side of it, but Keystone could clearly hear his instructions to a few of his helpers.

Falling Skies: 7th Mobile Armor Suit Team

Err....

Maki climbed out of the cockpit and waited to be picked up

You were out of the machine when they loaded you in, so yes, I used that explicit exit from it.

The winching out of the water was working on the assumption you didn't extract Trapp's machine completely out of the lake, but left it at a safe 'depth' so that he was above water. They removed the mechs from the lake completely.

The hellcat power down I noted, but didn't mention. Distress beacons on stealth mode are all fine by me, and I wasn't using that in my post. I did use the following two assumptions, logical from the perspective of an enemy pilot:

There is no such thing as an untraceable signal. I may not know what it is, but I can pick up a scrambled, jutted or fractured signal by catching everything in the area. Given that I can filter the traffic from the Coalition team, I will still have some odd nonsensical traffic left (your stealthed radio signal). I can't read it, but I know it's there. Hence, the logical thing would to be to shut it down to prevent any communication, no?

An enemy pilot will do whatever they can to make escape or rescue easier, right? So it's trivial to assume that they may have something that will enable them to turn their mech into a beacon, broadcast an SOS, send out scrambling signals and so on. Wouldn't a smart opponent take measures to prevent such a thing?

I'd have EMPd your machines regardless of any outgoing traffic, simply to prevent you from using it against me at any point. The fact that it most likely shuts down any help broadcasts is a plus.

The EMP doesn't kill your mech, especially since it is shut down. Plot armour dictates that your machine is simply out of commission for a while before the circuits return to normal and bleed the excess charge. It has no permanent effect on the mech and should wear off in a few hours. An EMP of that size wouldn't be able to completely kill anything big anyway.

Was I not explicit enough, or am I playing too smart/stupid?

Falling Skies: 7th Mobile Armor Suit Team

Next! Time's running out for you folks.

Falling Skies: 7th Mobile Armor Suit Team

Jackals (redacted in places to conceal some special technology). Listed is everything Maki can spot, list will be updated with new info as you find it out.

Guardian

AAT-003D Ferir MKII 'Guardian'
Role: Defensive Operations
Chassis: Medium
Engine: ?
Operating Time: ?
Description:
An earlier model of the mass produced Ferir MkII MAS, the MkII 'D' lacks many of the improvements made later to increase maneuvrability and speed of the newer models. Unlike the Ferir MkIIM, the MkIIB is a bit larger, has five sensors on its larger but flatter head and is more bulky in its appearance. In all other aspects, this unit is identical to the Ferir MkII 004C.
The Guardian configuration prototype of the Ferir was used to field test various defensive systems, before being integrated into the modern MkII variant. By default, it has virtually no offensive capabilities, but a large suite of defensive measures, relying on its large shield to protect both itself and allies from enemy fire.

Systems

Alloy Shield(Tombstone): (6 WT) A large, angled solid slab of alloy molded for your MAS to hold. These plates provide protection in a singular direction- that is, whichever direction you are pointing the shield, and are often coated with special solutions to help it resist energy and plasma. The tombstone is a special design of the shield, as it's V shaped with the handle on the inside. This provided a much greater chance of diverting beam and plasma weapons away from the shield, but the bulky, heavy design was ultimately dropped in favour of more standard shields, with some stockpiles of it remaining at old testing sites.

Energy Shields(Class 5): (10 WT, 15 PWR)
A large scale shield generator, Class 5 shields are most often mounted on Heavy and Ultra class MAS's. The protection it provides is much higher than that of normal shields, and is able to protect against small amounts of sustained plasma fire before failing.

Stealth Drive(5 PWR): - Stealth Drives allow a MAS to remain hidden from most scanning and targeting modules, and removes most of the MAS's emissions at the cost of a small amount of maximum thrust. It does not however protect the MAS from visual recognition.

Medium Dagger(3 WT): Suited for close combat, the Guardian model was equipped with a single dagger, intended to be used as a last resort only.

Heavy Machine Gun (14.7mm)(1 WT): A heavy machinegun is mounted in the Guardian's head, used as an effective anti infantry and anti missile measure. The machinegun is fed via an external magazine with 2500 rounds, located on the Ferir's lower back.

Countermeasure System: - Countermeasure systems are often used by lighter MAS's to avoid missiles instead of using body mounted machine guns to intercept them. Using chaff and flares, countermeasure systems are negligible in terms of weight and power, but only has 3 chaff uses, and 6 sets of flares before needing to rearm.

External Camonetting: A simple set of camouflage nets carried by the MAS on its back, its sole purpose is to conceal the machine from visual identification. The Guardian carries several sets of these nets, each suited for a different environment. The camonetting can be augmented by using local resources from the combat area to make it more effective.

Ghost

AAT-003RJ Ferir MKII 'Ghost'
Role: ?
Chassis: ?
Engine: ?
Operating Time: ?
Description: ?

Systems

?

Breacher

AAT-007AJ Hardballer 'Breacher'
Role: Support, Heavy Offensive Operations
Chassis: Heavy
Engine: ?
Operating ?
Description:
The AAT-007A Hardballer is an early model of the mass produced MkI M, boasting the same heavy armour and capable of being fitted for various tasks. The Hardballer is used by the Coalition to provide heavy firepower and devastation to an assault force, and this test unit was used to test heavy weaponry and other technology too heavy for smaller MASs.
The Breacher model was used to test various siege weaponry by the Coalition, with the 007P model, equipped with dual plasma cannons, later going into mass production as the MkI M. The Jackals removed most of the heavy weapons on this model in order to improve its defensive capabilities, creating the new designation and significantly extending its operational time.

Due to the various modifications done to the chassis, the 007A is incapable of flight.

Systems

?

Heavy Alloy Plating (7 WT) a more complex layer of thick armor covering the MAS's extremities, as well as folding over the cockpit when in use. Heavy Alloy plates provide considerably more protection, and are much more durable than light plates. Able to survive a single hit from a plasma weapon, but only provides little protection from explosives.

Directional Class 5 Energy Shields(10 WT/15 PWR):
Typically the prime method of defending a MAS, a MAS energy shield is a thin barrier of energy that coats the exterior of the MAS. Easily dissipating laser weapons, shields offer varying levels or protection against the more common ballistic and plasma weapons. All generators come with quick-recharge capacity. The shields fitted by the Jackals on the Breacher have an uncommon feature: the pilot may redirect the shield generator to create a powerful shield in six areas around the mech (front, rear, left, right, top, bottom), capable of taking much more damage than usual, but disabling protection on all other sectors on the MAS. By default the shields function as any other generator.

Countermeasure System: - Countermeasure systems are often used by lighter MAS's to avoid missiles instead of using body mounted machine guns to intercept them. Using chaff and flares, countermeasure systems are negligible in terms of weight and power, but only has 3 chaff uses, and 6 sets of flares before needing to rearm.

Lockheed Streaker Missile System (3 WT/2 PWR): This specialized missile system drops the heavy and slow missiles for a larger amount of medium missiles, easily capable of blanking an area when fired with the Breacher configuration. Two shoulder mounted launchers each carry 24 missiles, each capable of destroying a light mech and damage a medium mech, but being almost ineffective against Heavy and Ultra classes.

Twin P170 Type-11 Plasma Cannons (14 WT/18 PWR): - A heavy plasma cannon utilized by the Hardballer, the P170 is primarily designed to take on and destroy naval vessels, though can be extremely devastating when used against a MAS. Unlike the P110, which launches highly concentrated, high speed bolts, the P170 launches a relatively slow but devastating blast that deals incredible damage over a large area. - The bolts from the P170 are more easily dodged by Light MAS's and are generally used against ships and the largest of MAS's. These were retrofitted onto the MAS by the Jackals as part of the rebuild.

Heavy Machine Gun (14.7mm)(1 WT): A heavy machinegun is mounted in the Guardian's head, used as an effective anti infantry and anti missile measure. The machinegun is fed via an external magazine with 2500 rounds, located on the 007As lower back.

Kolibri

?
Role: ?
Chassis: ?
Engine: ?
Operating Time: ?
Description: ?

Systems

?

Falling Skies: 7th Mobile Armor Suit Team

Ackerman sighed at the standard response from this so called elite squad. The two Ferirs winched a couple of mechs out of the water, one of them empty. Ackerman wondered if they were just that stupid, or feigning ignorance about the rather obvious launch a few seconds ago. Even so, it was not Ackerman's problem. Whatever that flying chunk of metal was, the rest of the Coalition could deal with it in due time.

The radio signal going out from the mech of the only active pilot was a bigger problem. Ackerman grabbed the safety rail in the ceiling of his cockpit and leaned out to meet Ghost's knowing stare. Of course she noticed it. He gave a curt nod to the woman and watched her vanish into her machine. Ackerman took a deep breath and popped back into his machine. His machine roared to life, screens flashing as the cockpit door closed. His thoughts collected, he pushed the radio button and broadcast on an encrypted frequency:

"Bould, target the empty suit with EMP. We don't need radio comms to their command." Moments later, the sound and heat signature of Bould's Breacher machine come to life. One heavy shot later, a metal canister impacted Maki's machine, followed by a surge of electrical energy in the mech's circuits, overloading and shutting them down, but leaving the machine and its pilot otherwise unharmed. When the two Ferirs pulled out the other two machines from the lake and extracted the pilot, two more such canisters struck those machines, taking them out of commission.

The massive, modified Hardballer lumbered into view of the UEE pilots, its shields set to protect the rear end of the mech, visible to the trained eye by a slight flicker at the back of the mech. Its plasma cannons were trained on the sole pilot outside of her or his mech. It speakers roared to life, broadcasting in a computerized voice:
"Do not attempt anything stupid. We are transferring you to a safe location." The two Ferir's struggled with hoisting and mounting two of the mechs onto an improvised 'sled', an old tracked trailer meant for transport of large goods. The pilots of the UEE were escorted or carried into an open truck, taking care to not stand close to any of the pilots and making sure they had no weapons of any sort in their possession.

Two more standard issue Ferir's approached, having had the foresight to stay concealed before, to lift the last empty mech and carry it between them.

The procession started off, to be joined by yet another curious machine. carrying an unusual large shield, its image distorted by powerful shielding. Ackerman snickered as he watched the camouflaged Guardian join the convoy, its massive shield and generators covering the truck to protect its passengers from harm, but its machinegun was still trained on the truck it was protecting, in case any of their new captives tried to escape. Sharp crackling alerted Maki to a Stealh Drive system being employed to conceal the truck and its guardian.

A minute later, four more mechs moved in the nearby forests, shadowing the convoy at a respectable distance to go unnoticed. One of them vanished a moment later.
The Coalition base was an hour away, and the Jackals were ready for combat.

Forgotten Realms: Tales of the Dead

The elder monk passed Keystone, stopping at the temple doors. "Your road is your own, Keystone. I can offer you no help in choosing it. I can only share my observations. The enemy you seek is closer to you than you think." Shein-Fang offered a bow to Keystone.

Despite the disguise, the moment Keystone left the temple, a pair of magical eyes watched his departure from the temple. Taking advantage of the mounting war between the wizards and whatever pitiful assassin group frequented Telflamm, Glith made his way through the alleys next to the temple, focusing on Kaylee's energy to find the monk. Glith didn't waste any time after the magical trace came flowing out of the temple, walking out into full view of the monk as soon as Keystone was beyond the sight of temple guards.
The undead knight's armour was full of cracks and missing a fair few pieces, equally damaged white bones prominently showing through the holes.

Glith took on a bright smile and broadcast his thoughts to the passing monk:

"So, shall we do this again the right way or will you give her back to someone who can handle her? How many more of these people do you want to kill?"

Forgotten Realms: Tales of the Dead

New players are still wanted. Don't worry about jumping into an active RP; we don't bite.

Forgotten Realms: Tales of the Dead

New players still wanted. Don't worry, jumping in isn't as hard as you think it is.

Forgotten Realms: Tales of the Dead

The soldiers carrying Raa drews sword the moment they spotted the monk approaching them, greeting Keystone at a swordlength. The eldest and most tired looking of them, a large man with a patchy beard and several scars on his face, took in the monk with a weary gaze before replying:

"Raa of Telflamm fought bravely today and saved several of the men before you. His sacrifice allowed others to live, and according to Telflamm law, he shall be buried with a hero's honours. Civilians can come visit his grave three days hence." he explained, looking around as he did. "I suggest you find a good place to hide, sellsword. The city is fighting itself." Without a word, the soldiers pushed past Keystone, parting the crowd with words or where needed, swords, quickly moving from sight. In Keystone's head, he saw Glith swinging that big sword, and Raa lying dead on the ground, the same position and wounds as the body the monk just saw. The images repeated several times before Kaylee once again retreated to the still invisible sword on his back.

Telflamm's greatest battle seemed to be done by all accounts, but Keystone could hear and sometimes see spells being cast and swords being crossed as he made his way back to the temple. Occasionally, dark hooded figures crossed his path, chased by some wizard's incantation far away. His trip to the temple was without any major interruptions.

At the Xiang temple, monks were streaming back into the building, some wounded from the fights, some carrying the bodies of their dead brethren. When Shein-Fang found Keystone, a young monk approached the Grandmaster and whispered something in his ear, something Keystone could clearly hear:
"Master, the city's assassins are at war with the Red Wizards. No civilians have died so far, but the danger grows with every passing hour. We do not know who is winning." Shein-Fang bowed in recognition and dismissed the apprentice, before turning to Keystone:

"Young Keystone, it is time for you to leave our presence. The danger you will bring to this temple, whether from the inside or outside, may cost many of my young apprentices their lives, and that I cannot allow. You make take any travel supplies from the supply rooms you see fit. Be gone within the hour, before the evils you battle come to us."

Shein-Fang turned on his heels and walked out of the room, pacing to some nearby monks carrying the body of a young monk. He bade them to put down the body on the floor and uncover the young man's chest. Shein-Fang took a few deep breaths, placed his hands on the monk's chest, concentrating on the young monk's life energy. Moments later, the young monk sat up gasping and nodding his thanks. Shein-Fang rose to his impassive state, discussing something with the rest of the monks.

Falling Skies: 7th Mobile Armor Suit Team

@Kimiyosis@Reaper Given that I can't even track lifesigns with my equipment, that wouldn't be something that concerns me. Something flying out of the mech and achieving controlled flight? TAKE IT DOWN.

Might be a transmitter or some bullshit. Which in ALICE's case is not untrue.