Rhona W

GEARS - Mecha Sci-fi with Anthro characters. RP in a detailed, story-driven world.

Hey look, the South have energy weapons! Wonder what else they have.

Have fun posting. I'm going to be away for a few days, as I'm off to my yearly airshow.

GEARS - Mecha Sci-fi with Anthro characters. RP in a detailed, story-driven world.

so....I suppose it would be too much to hope that these were the amazing future tech gears we were talking about?

Silverwind looked grimly at the smouldering hulk of the Imperial GEAR, and felt an unsettled feeling in the pit of his stomach. The squad of Imp Special Forces hadn't been a complete pushover; they'd moved with due care and caution, and even with the surprise of the Roughriders deploying, had put up a good fight before being shattered. Had they been ready and prepared for the team, Silverwind doubted that the LDF GEAR unit would've come through as relatively unscathed as they did; losing one GEAR was a small price. Especially as the Roughriders were so understrength compared to their initial numbers.
But whatever the newcomers were, the garbled and panicky reports coming back now hinted at something much more powerful and deadly than the Imperials.

Aihara's outburst shook him from his reverie and contemplation, before Adrian's voice spoke over the network next. Drawing his wits back together, he spoke up once more in reply to his team.
"I ain't got a clue what they're armed with, Aihara," he replied to the younger pilots' comment. "But whatever it is, it ain't gonna be anythin' good. If they're from the South, then expect anythin'; and a lot more advanced than the Imps were packin', an' us too. Keel's right: Buddy up as much as we can. There's three of 'em and five of us. Stumpy is down, so we ain't even numbers - but got friendlies in the area an' the tangoes are already headed outta the town. Keep 'em movin, strike and fade away, an' use yer skills and weapons to the fullest ya can."
He swivelled the GEAR on the spot, turning to face the direction of the nearby combat, the GEAR's head tracking the explosions and the GEARs as they were visible between obstacles, or as they leapt into the skies on jumpjets, far more manoeuvrable than anything he'd seen before.
"Keel, you and Aihara team up an' hit one of 'em. Nawlin, Jacquo, you two are wi' me. The third one, we leave to the locals to harass, an' then tag-team 'im. Only way we can do this. Move out, let's show these Southern fuckers how Landren rolls".

The team needed confidence in their leader right now, and to see him not hesitating, to see him leading firmly and with a strong, confident hand. As such, he leant the Harlock forward, slaloming with ease around wreckage and debris in the street, and spinning with flair and cocky ease around a street corner, before cutting through an alley into the next street over, and out into a four-lane avenue. Wheeled armour, utility vehicles and infantry were putting up a valiant effort, as the enemy GEAR virtually danced through their ranks. Silverwinds' eye widened in alarm as he saw some kind of blue, lightning-like beam from its' left palm turn one of the ATV's into a ball of flame. It danced aside from a blast from one of the vehicles' cannons, and followed up with a volley of RPG-sized, arrowhead-shaped missiles that turned the vehicle into a ball of flaming scrap. A squad of infantry were turned to bloody rags as a volely of flechettes jetted out from the machines knuckles, before it glided back on the foot-and-calf mounted thrusters, like a skater over ice.
Blade had seen enough, and barked out orders to Irry and Mike. "We got some room, spread out and flank 'im. I'll drive up the middle and pin him with the mortar an' missiles!"
He gamely blanketed the area around the hostile with hi-ex and AP rounds from the shoulder mounted morter, the rounds erupted in explosive clouds down the length of the street, even as he sprinted and skidded along the boulevard, crushing a park bench in his run. The tone for a lock-on sounded, and he blitzed the machine with a follow-up pair of anti-armour missiles as he spied Irry moving to his right, hugging the faces of the buildings and covering the advance with a barrage of grenades from the auto-launcher on her machines' shoulder.

* * *

The second of the three GEARs had taken a parallel course, moving down the other wide throughfare of the town, heading for the outskirts. Parked and abandoned traffic littered the byway, causing obstructions to the locals' attempts to fight back against the Southern GEAR as it caused havoc throughout the town. Their vehicles were forced to manoeuver awkwardly around the parked or abandoned machines, leading to more of them being torn to pieces by the enemies' horrendously accurate and powerful weapons.
All the same, the enemy were not omnipotent, nor invincible; as the Roughriders arrived on the scene, the enemy GEAR stumbled as it moved around a pair of tractor-trailer trucks, the load of sewer pipes on one having broke their restraints and littered the pavement. The momentary distraction was enough for one of the mobile guns to wheel into place and pull off a snap-shot against the machine, its' 90mm cannon scoring a definitive hit on the rear wedge-like apparatus on its' back. The machine toppled forward onto its' knees; but was not yet out for the count. It pressed one hand against the asphalt, and began to rise again, the back armour smouldering, breached, but not destroyed. Eyes glowing, the machine targeted the armoured vehicle, which was already reversing back into the alley, slicing through its' forward hull with a high-intensity laser, before its' head swivelled to regard the new arrivals.

GEARS - Mecha Sci-fi with Anthro characters. RP in a detailed, story-driven world.

Sorry, been doing other stuff and trying to get that squared away as a priority. I'll get a post up this evening, albeit a short one; it'll be mainly replying to Shadowman, Ramzam and Incubus as Cart and Machine have their PM's going with scenes to include. I'll also pilot the fireteam again too, since Es seems to be AWOL still.

GEARS - Mecha Sci-fi with Anthro characters. RP in a detailed, story-driven world.

Bugger me I can't figure out a safe and sane way to do this without tactically being a fool and being butchered. Blade can we work out a collab here or nah?

You could always, you know, work together rather than charging in separately. You do all have functional radio equipment, and have supposedly also all trained together as a unit as well to use tactics and the strengths and weaknesses of your GEARs and other combined arms elements to work on scenarios like this.
Everyone also has access to the character and GEAR sheets and all of the IC info they represent to devise tactical plans and use that information. It's what I use IC when I give orders...

Honestly, I don't see why everyone is having such trouble and getting cold feet about doing anything - it's like the first time you're presented with an enemy that's openly more of a challenge than GEARs of inferior quality and troops the same, it's like 'nope, no equals, no dice'. And that everyone's suddenly turned into being afraid of taking damage or getting hurt - which is weird, as it's not like we haven't taken damage, injuries, or casualties in any of the other combats to date either; in fact, we haven't actually had a qualified success in a single operation as a unit so far. And we've only had one operational mission anyway.

Honestly speaking, I don't really have the time to write any more collab posts, or spend that much more time on the game at the moment. This month is very busy for me as I have a heck of a lot going on, and in all honesty, I'm really finding doing other things much more enjoyable at the moment anyway. And that's with the limited free time I have. I honestly find myself putting off posting at the moment anyway, and delays in the game being kind of a relief for me.

As I've said before, I do have a long-term story arc planned out, but if this is where we're going to stumble, at the first real challenge before we get a glimpse of the bigger picture, then I don't see it going far in future. I kind of expected a lot more enthusiasm and taking the bull by the horns with excitement at what the new twist was, what could happen, and the thrill of facing something new and different. At least OOC anyway. Instead it's all a bit... tentative.

Sometimes it honestly seems like all people want from the plot is just a series of straight-forward missions in LDF territory with no bigger story behind it, despite all the hints of something bigger literally littered through the background info.

I actually don't really know what to do any more, as I'm kind of getting tired of having to rouse myself into coming up with what I think are exciting, detailed and involving posts, and then having to hand-hold things into going anywhere after I've made them, and seeing things slow down to a crawl each time after trying to make each of my posts straight-forward enough to get things moving and keep up some kind of action-oriented quick pace.

Do what you want guys, and let me know.

GEARS - Mecha Sci-fi with Anthro characters. RP in a detailed, story-driven world.

I can't speak for anybody else, but I've been wondering how the squad would engage these guys without being instagibbed.

I don't kill player characters unless they ask me to job them, and I wouldn't leave all of your GEARs wrecked either. Damaged, certainly, but not scrap.
And you know - as I keep pointing out, this game is supposed to not be a horrible, grinding, gritty slog through mechanised warfare. It's supposed to have a bit of fire, spirit, drive and excitement to it... taking risks and going for it in the best traditions of anime mecha-pilots (like Incubus did earlier in the battle) is what I was aiming for in the first place.

GEARS - Mecha Sci-fi with Anthro characters. RP in a detailed, story-driven world.

Weelll.... here we are again, a week since the last post and only one reply.

Cart, still waiting for that PM, old chap.

Machine and I are working on a collab currently.

I won't be getting a post up this evening, as I'm out for a work party. And I understand there's some kind of holiday in the US tomorrow ;p

I'll wait until you've all posted before moving on...

GEARS - Mecha Sci-fi with Anthro characters. RP in a detailed, story-driven world.

Sure, that sounds like a plan!

GEARS - Mecha Sci-fi with Anthro characters. RP in a detailed, story-driven world.

Post is up! Imperials are done, now it's time we met the South...

Cart - I was thinking it might be best to handle your post as a collab between you and I, as I have some ideas regarding the aerial target that are going to involve the plot.

Machine, similar with you too. And if Es comes back, we might have to make it a three-way one (brown-chicken, brown-cow ;P ) so that it all works.
Everyone else, have fun with the Southerners... they're going to be a lot tougher, and have a lot more surprises up their mechanical sleeves xD

GEARS - Mecha Sci-fi with Anthro characters. RP in a detailed, story-driven world.

The GEAR engaged by Adrian was the same one that had jump-jetted over the rooftops to land in the street adjacent to its' fellows. The hares' flanking manoeuver had been well-time, and the collision jarred the unwary pilot and his machine. As he turned to try and face the sleek form of Keel's machine, the rounds fired impacted and the Imperial GEAR jerked backward, convulsing with the shots and firing off a wild burst from its' own short carbine in reply, before it toppled backward, faltering and barely mobile. Aihara's charge as he emerged onto the scene finished off the stricken machine, even as it made an attempt to half-heartedly fight back. Sparks and lubricant erupted from the holes in the hostile machines frame as it collapsed against the front of a building, running lights dying out with a sudden snap, and its' form going limp.

The one-armed GEAR that the IFV had hit was doing a good job of holding its' own while the still intact one backed it up. As soon as the smoke had cleared from the hits, it retaliated by blasting the wheeled vehicle apart with a barrage of unguided rockets. A sweep of minigun fire from its' head-mounts cleared the rooftop of the infantry as well. Before it could do much else, Mike took care of the GEAR providing it with cover fire in a brutally efficient display of hand-to-hand GEAR combat. The last Imperial GEAR in their section of street was fenced in; Mike, Silver and Adrian surrounded it on three sides, with more friendly troops closing in, and Ken and Dane overhead. And the only other remaining friendly was engaged in combat with Aihara. Their plan had failed, spectacularly, despite the damage inflicted on the local forces, and on the Roughriders; though they had come through relatively unscathed.
The Imperial machine popped its' own smoke and decoys, skidding back along a side-street and loosing off cover fire as it attempted to break contact, seeing discretion as the better part of valour.

Blade continued to dig at the rubble, only to stop as he uncovered the medical GEARs' hatch, seeing it pop outward, and Aidan following, his message reaching a few moments later.

"I'm out and I'm on my feet. I'm fine." He uttered again, taking a quick look around the room he was in. "The GEAR's dead, don't bother with it. I'll try to find my way to the warehouse."

"Roger. Good you're on your feet," he replied. "Warehouse is that way," he pointed with the GEARs hand, "Two streets over. Kellia should be waitin' fire team is en route. We'll be relocatin' ta give ya cover as soon as we pin down that last Imp".

<I'm Good, another imperial down, just need to fall back and get a better attack angle!>

"Roger, form up on me, Nawlin. Let's go huntin'. Aihara, that GEAR that just zipped outta here was the commander; good thought on the antennae an' gear. You an' Keel stick together and sweep round. We'll try an' outflank 'im. Irry, drive down the same alley he took an' keep the jammin' up".

"Skyhawk to Silver, sir we can engage and stall that unidentified air if you want us to. Uhm I got a couple reserve missiles and all rockets accounted for that can do the job. IF not we'll hang back where we are now then quickly move forward for the killshots when you guys hold you your end of the plan."

Blade hesitated at the message; Ken was the most capable asset they had to fend off any aerial attack, even if it was something in the order of a fighter or bomber, he stood more chance than the GEARs as they were currently equipped (even with anti-air armaments, an enemy aircraft could hit them from miles away). But his overwatch and ability to strike with near-impunity was valuable to the operation. Redirecting him might make them vulnerable when whatever was hiding in the warehouse made its' appearance. But if it was their support that was coming, or an exfil, hitting it now could make all the difference.
"Check out that air target," he said at length, making up his mind. "Yer the best thing we got ta take care of it right now. But watch yerself - we got no idea what we're up against yet!"
That said, he wheeled the Harlock to Mike's side, and scooted around the end street of the block, intending to cut off the fleeing Imperial GEARs' escape.

Meanwhile, the ATV skidded through the streets recently vacated by the fighting, the smell of smoke heavy in the air. Ed slalomed the light vehicle around potholes and craters, it leaning heavily on its' bouncy suspension with each slew of the wheel. He virtually drifted the machine around the corner, keeping the speed up as he moved. They flashed past the shapes of the teams' GEARs, Silverwinds' machine giving them a V-sign as they passed, and Ed honking the horn in reply, before he weaved through an alley, passing Aidan in the process and slowing down, before he skidded to a stop at Kellias' position.
The young mink gave a start as the vehicle and its' heavily armed and armoured passengers came to a stop alongside her. She looked alarmed, before seeing the LDF insignia on the side of the vehicle, along with the Roughriders own unit patch on their shoulders. "Over here," she called as she stood up from behind the car Silverwind had appropriated earlier. "I'm Kellia, the fox with one eye, he said you'd be coming." She pointed to the warehouse. "I've found several entrances; but the best way to approach might be through the sewer. The sensor net down there is disabled, and it leads into a basement, according to the plans. Might be where they're keeping the princess!"

***

"The Imperial GEAR unit has been wiped out, or rendered ineffective. Local forces will undoubtedly be turning on us next. Orders?"
The white tiger kept his expression neutral as the darkness of his cockpit surrounded him. He closed his eyes, and there was a brief moment of discomfort and disorientation before his senses expanded into the enhanced reality of his GEAR coming online.
"Impressive," he remarked simply. "Almost a shame that they'll have to be destroyed if they get in our way. Move out, head to the edge of the settlement and rendezvous with the Quetzl. We have what we need for now."
The other GEARs of the Cell moved out, much more fluid and smooth than the almost clunky and toy-like machines of the LDF and especially the Imperials. He felt the feedback as he clenched the GEARs left fist, and smoothly set into motion, jogging across the floor and breaking through the wall of the warehouse with barely a hesitation to his movement.
The remainder of their unit would stay behind; their personal armour and weapons on foot would be more than enough to counter any troops the enemy sent in. Not to mention, there was still data here that was valuable they needed to dispose of. After that, they could exfiltrate easily, seeping away into the Badlands.
His unit of six GEARs had the info that was essential - and as soon as he was in range of the Quetzl - moments, at least - it would be send back to the Core with ease. Their sleek, graceful shapes moved out of the warehouse and into the dwindling light of the evening. They looked alien among the architecture of the Landren town; he was much more used to seeing their graceful, long-limbed and angular shapes among the aesthetically similar surroundings of the cities of the South.
"Spread out," he ordered through the commnet link, his commands send in the flash of an instant, the jamming provided by the LDF GEAR barely of consequence to their systems. "Be wary of the LDF force; they may be more primitive, and our machines superior, but we are not invicible. Deal with them only if necessary".
A chorus of affirmatives came back as the sextet spread out, foot thrusters sending them skating over the terrain as they headed away from the combat zone. A vehicle of some kind took a shot at him; he speared it with a dismissive beam from his left arms' laser, shearing the turret off as he moved through the buildings. This was going to be easy.

***

Back at the street, Silverwind slammed the Harlock into a skidding, weaving turn around the last corner, covering Mike as he moved. The vulpine growled as he found his sights on the enemy GEAR... and thumped the side of the cockpit with one fist as he noted the command GEAR was in a kneeling, 'disembark' posture. The hatch was open, and smoke curling from the insides showed that the canny Imperial commander had torched his own machine with Thermite charges and elected to escape on foot.
He was about to comment when the radio blurted into life.
"-ostile GEARs, not like any we've seen. They're fast, and their armour is-shit!" the radio cut off with a squeal, and the rumble of an explosion reached their ears a moment later. Whoever had been hiding in the warehouse, they were making their move.

GEARS - Mecha Sci-fi with Anthro characters. RP in a detailed, story-driven world.

I believe Esailia is currently without internet, or so she informed me. As such, I'll make a post this evening to keep things moving, and add into it what the fireteam are doing.
Going to try and bring the combat to a swift end in the next couple of rounds, so that it doesn't get bogged down and become too drawn out - it'll lose its' momentum otherwise.

Hope everyone is doing well!