Mass Effect Gaiden: Planet Stronghold

[Clockwork Knight]

Aaaaw, Bioware'd. And it was going so well.

 

[RK47]

No. There were ample warnings. I already encountered one that is willing to die against insurmountable odds.
Bellamy even warned me about them being enslavers. Perhaps ambushing these would've given me better advantage.
Still, I guess it counts as a lesson: Don't trust Dredans.
And hell, I gained 1 point on Charisma and some EXP from all the rebel hunting, it wasn't a complete loss.
This isn't Bioware: red choice, blue choice. It comes down to: are you willing to trust the word of an enslaving aliens in a wastelands?
We all know the answer today.

 

[RK47]

Purge the Mutant. The Heretic.

There's no reasoning with savages is there?

ROUND ONE!

Joshua unleashes a highly concentrated Harm on Dredan Soldier A for 54 damage! The alien howls in agony.
Rumi attacks Dredan Soldier A for 6 damage!
Rumi attacks Dredan Soldier A for 7 damage!
Rumi attacks Dredan Soldier A for 7 damage!
Rumi attacks Dredan Soldier A for 6 damage!
Philipp burst-attacks Dredan Soldier A for 14 damage!
Philipp burst-attacks Dredan Soldier A for 11 damage!
Bellamy attacks Dredan Soldier A for 6 damage!
Bellamy attacks Dredan Soldier A for 7 damage!
Dredan Soldier A HP: 32/150

Dredan Soldier A uses Holy Sword. Joshua is hit for 14 damage!

Hngh!
Dredan Soldier B uses Holy Sword. Joshua is hit for 7 damage!

Argh!
Dredan Soldier C uses Holy Sword. Philipp is hit for 20 damage!

Bastards! That hurt!
Joshua HP: 07/42
Philipp HP: 21/54

ROUND TWO!

I'm deploying a med kit!

Joshua regains 27 HP.
Joshua HP: 34/42

I'll heal you Philipp.

Rumi uses Medium Heal on Philipp, healing him 26 HP!
Philipp HP: 47/54

MUCH better!

Phil burst-attacks Dredan Soldier A for 12 damage!
Phil burst-attacks Dredan Soldier A for 13 damage!
Bellamy takes aim and hits Dredan Soldier A for 5 damage!
Bellamy takes aim and hits Dredan Soldier A for 2 damage!
Bellamy takes aim and critically hits Dredan Soldier A for 15 damage!
Bellamy's energy blast hits Dredan Soldier on the kidney really hard, killing its owner in the process.
Dredan Soldier A is killed!

And stay down, you alien scum!

Dredan Soldier B attacks Philipp for 5 damage!
Dredan Soldier B attacks Philipp for 7 damage!
Dredan Soldier C critically hits Philipp for 11 damage!
Dredan Soldier C attacks Philipp for 8 damage!
Philipp HP: 16/54

I'm gonna make you pay for that...Seven times.

ROUND THREE!

Hang on, Phil! I've got you!

Joshua heals Philipp for 22 HP.
Philipp HP: 38/54
Rumi attacks Dredan Soldier B for 6 damage!
Rumi attacks Dredan Soldier B for 6 damage!
Rumi attacks Dredan Soldier B for 7 damage!
Rumi attacks Dredan Soldier B for 7 damage!
Phil burst attacks Dredan Soldier B for 12 damage!
Phil burst attacks Dredan Soldier B for 14 damage!
Bellamy attacks Dredan Soldier B for 6 damage!
Bellamy attacks Dredan Soldier B for 10 damage!
Dredan Soldier B HP: 82/150

Dredan Soldier B uses Holy Sword! Joshua is hit for 17 damage!
Dredan Soldier C uses Holy Sword! Joshua is hit for 8 damage!
Joshua HP: 09/42

ROUND FOUR!

Hang on, Joshua! I'll heal you!

No! Focus on killing them! I'll use a med-kit!

Joshua uses medkit to regain 18 HP!
Joshua HP: 27/42
Rumi attacks Dredan Soldier B for 7 damage!
Rumi critically hits Dredan Soldier B for 11 damage!
Rumi attacks Dredan Soldier B for 6 damage!
Rumi attacks Dredan Soldier B but misses!
Philipp burst-attacks Dredan Soldier B for 14 damage!
Philipp burst-attacks Dredan Soldier B for 13 damage!
Bellamy attacks Dredan Soldier B but misses!
Bellamy attacks Dredan Soldier B for 9 damage!
Dredan Soldier B HP: 24/150

Dredan Soldier B attacks Philipp for 7 damage!
Dredan Soldier B attacks Philipp for 5 damage!
Dredan Soldier C attacks Philipp for 5 damage!
Dredan Soldier C attacks Philipp for 5 damage!
Philipp HP: 16/54

ROUND FIVE!

Joshua takes cover and regains 5 PP and 4 HP
Joshua HP 31/42 PP 10/53

Rumi heals Philipp for 15 HP.
Philipp HP: 31/54

Philipp burst-attacks Dredan Soldier B for 12 damage!
Philipp burst-attacks Dredan Soldier B for 14 damage!
Dredan Soldier B's screen turned red momentarily, he ducked for cover, hoping to regen. But Skyway is too old school for that.
Dredan Soldier B is killed!
Dredan Soldier C is forever alone.

On another time...perhaps yesterday, I would've given you a chance to surrender. But I see what your race stands for now. In the name of the EMPRAH, I sentence you to death!

Humansssss...

FIRE!

A barrage of psionic attacks, armor piercing slugs and explosive tipped shells rained on the last Dredan Soldier. Philipp made doubly sure it was dead by unloading his side arm on its head, seven times.

Target: fucked.

We made it!

Here, I took a fruit from the plant. We should head back immediately and extract its juices for Lt. Shatz.

Wait a moment.. why don't we take more?

It is not needed. One fruit is enough. We may harm the plant by taking more.

Not for the Lt. but for us. What if one of us gets poisoned too?

If we take more fruits, that plant will wither and die! That's why they're so rare: they're incredibly fragile. We should leave it be.

I see your concerns, Jacob. But Michelle's right. What if the rebels employ the same tactic? We'd look like fools if the Dredans harvested the last fruit and we left this one alone. I say we take it.

I reached out to the fruit gently, and plucked it away before gently setting it into my knapsack's pouches.

(Jeez. What a way to dampen the atmosphere.)

Fags gonna fag. Let's move.

 

[lightbane]

It tells you a lot when this game is a better rpg than recent Bioware shit. MOAR!!!

 

[Clockwork Knight]

I wonder if starting a fight by wtfpwning an opponent with High Concentration Harm burning through all the PP at once is always a good idea. Not to mention, if it misses you pretty much need to use an aqua pura and try again. Does Josh have enough PP for two medium harms?

 

[Hirato]

He has over 50 PP now, so he can do both a medium and a high concentration harm.

Higher concentration levels have no drawbacks. In the case of harm it increases the cost and damage on an equal linear scale (2x cost == 2x damage), in addition it also raises the chance you have of hitting your target.
Of course, if you hit, especially with the higher concentrations, you're pretty much going to get all the "aggro" directed at you, more so still if you end up killing one of them.


If the enemies are strong, it's in your best interests to eliminate some of them quickly, but it's also advisable to keep some PP in reserve, especially if you're likely to need healing soon due to their onslaught.
if they're weak it's fine if you take your time and spend several rounds recovering since it basically means you're fresh for combat without having had to use any of your medicinal items or resting.


There's a fair bit of tactical consideration to make before using such abilities.

 

[RK47]

It also makes Josh the early round Psi tanker, since you're literally not going to attack normally with the low damage psi-weapons. Although Josh can still do decent damage against enemies weak against Psi damage, it's still far better for him to go Defend after drying his PP pool, therefore increasing his % to evade incoming attacks while recovering his PP plus reducing aggro at the same time.

Skyway burst-attacking every round is bound to be repeated attack pattern Alpha. I feel it's the most effective way to use him. Aside from switching damage types, he's nothing more than a burst-shot spammer, since Aimed & Normal shots reduce his attack per round to 1. I rather attack twice at 67-70% chance than rolling for 20% crit chance per round at 99% hit accuracy.
I just find Rumi kinda effective with the Swallow AP Pistol she's wielding, that 4 shots per round at normal can crit. And man, she's so versatile. Decent pool of PP for heals and great normal attack damage. Almost no weaknesses.
Bellamy is just filler, I suppose.

 

[RK47]

Nelson gets the job done

Stronghold Hospital

Sir, it's me.

We've got the cure, sir!

Wh-what?

Please drink this.

Tom is a bit reluctant to drink the mysterious liquid presented to him.

Have no fear, Lieutenant. I analyzed the sample. It is safe to drink.

Will this really cure me?

Most definitely so. Your condition will improve very quickly.

All right then.

Tom took a sip of the liquid, pausing a moment as it goes down his throat, gradually finishing the remedy. He looks healthier when the glass is emptied.

Hey, wow. I feel better already!

So..you can take the lead again?

What? No.. I still can't fight in the wastelands, but I can guard the colony. I'll stay here, but Rebecca can join your party now.

Everyone gains 200 EXP!
Michelle and Bellamy gains a level!

I gave Bellamy more Energy Weapons and Explosives. I don't know what to do with Michelle.

That's very good news. We'll go visit her now then.

When I visit Rebecca at the training center, she gave me a cold look.

What do you want, Nelson?

I've found a cure for Lt. Shatz!

Uh..? Ehm, impressive, congratulations.

He said you can now join my team.

Haha... 'your' team. I like how you say that. It's almost as if you think yourself a leader now.

(Ouch, wrong choice of words. But she's kinda angry now. I shouldn't retaliate.)

You can take the lead if you want, no problems.

What? You'll let me lead the team?

Relationship Change: +5 Rebecca Fox.

If that is enough to convince you to come with me, yes.

Thanks but... no. I will join you, but the Queen is right. It's better if you lead this mission. I'd be more comfortable storming an enemy base, but a delicate mission like this... I'll let you handle it.

Glad to have you aboard!

Fox is our second sniper. She's being out-leveled by Philipp at the moment. But having two heavy hitters in the team can really help quicken the kills and stop making battles a drawn-out affair.

We head back to the wastelands, eager to find the last missing parts.

Look, an undergroud cave!

Yes, there are many on the planet. They're full of precious metals and make up the main source of wealth for the colony.

Could we find something useful there?

I doubt it, besides- wait. What is that?

Wait- I've studied that race! It's a Vause. They're extremely powerful, but usually peaceful. Joshua, please let me talk to him. I think I can convince him to leave us peacefully.

(What is this...thing? It's all...liquid?) Ah..Yes, my name is-

Have you come to cause us more pain?

(I don't know enough about this alien. But Rumi does. I should leave it to her.) Um, Rumi?

Yes, let me speak with him.

Rumi steps forward and stands close to the creature.

What we did in the past was dishonorable. We are truly for the harm that our kind has caused to your race, and to the others. But we are different now.

(What is she talking about?)

Different? How?

This man that stands by my side...

(Ehhh?)

He is a good person. I am blind but I trust every decision he makes. He has a good aura, and a good heart. I can feel it.

(Wha-?)

Your faith in him is admirable. You are different from the other humans. Very well. I shall let you leave. Perhaps humans will finally do something good for this troubled planet.

Thank you, and stay safe.

(Thanks, Rumi.) All right, let's return to the hovercraft!

Everyone gains 50 EXP!

Still no parts...this has gotta be it...

Scanner shows positive. Follow me!

An abandoned outpost..

Yes, one of the many we built during the first conflicts with the aliens.

Wh-what? Our scanners report that there are strange lifeforms ahead!

Then we should proceed with caution. There may be some unknown alien lifeform here.

Okay, let's go. But be careful.

Unfortunately, as I venture deeper into the building, I realize the area where the piece lies has collapsed, and the entrance is very small.

I don't think I can fit in there.

We could blow up the entrance!

Absolutely not! Can you not see how unstable it is? The whole building would collapse, with us and the parts inside!

There's no other choice. The only ones who can get inside and retrieve the parts are...Sgt. Fox, Michelle, Rumi and Philipp...

Shut up, you!

Wait. Only one person should enter; the floor inside that room could collapse with too much weight. We shouldn't take the chance.

Hmm... this is a tough decision. Only one person can go inside, who should it be...?

Later...

God. Fucking. Dammit.

Hey Phil! Talk to me, bro! Did you get the part?

Yeah, but I want to get the fuck out NOW! One moment, wait-

What's up?

There's a strange armor here! I never seen that before...looks powerful. I'm going to get- Aaah!

Phil! Are you all right?

Oh god! What the fuck is this? Half robot, half alien?!

Phil! Hang on! We're sending someone to-

No. I can take this bastard.

Let's see...weak against explosives, eh? Uncle Phil got the right stuff, just for you.

Say hello to 'The Punisher.'

Philipp exchanged fire with the alien. On the second attack, he noticed the alien used an image distortion device to make it harder to hit, but he doesn't give a fuck and scored two direct hits anyway, sending the alien down in a crash, splattering the content of its fish-bowl onto the floor.

Philllll! You okay down there?

Target: Fucked.

Good job! Now grab that armor and get out of there!

Welcome back bro.. Let's get going, folks.

Oh no, look! There's more of them! They're blocking the exit!

Looks like we'll have to fight!

We've faced these guys before. We should hit the Corrosive Battle Bot first! I'll start with a high focus harm!

Joshua did so, Rumi followed up with four shots from her armor piercing pistol, causing the whole robot circuity to overload and explode in a shower of sparks and tangled wires.

These brains are weak, let's blast them first, Fox!

The two scouts fired four rapid shots in succession, shattering the glass casing holding the brain. The RoboBrain collapses, its central processing unit suffering from a major trauma worthy of sgc_meltdown's NSFW posts.

The remaining two robots didn't stand a chance. Nelson's team moved in for the kill.

It is good to be back in action.

All hail the Koenig, baby!

The desert ninja improves his stealthy footwork and deadly accuracy.

I'm glad we're out of that hell hole...and we got all the parts!

Everyone gained 250 EXP!
Joshua, Rebecca and Jacob levels up!

I should more on inspiring my men with my Psi-Harm and Charisma.

Sgt. Fox should try to catch up to Phil's marksmanship. I can't believe she's getting overshadowed within days by a recruit.

I guess I'll toss energy weapons to Michelle..I worry for that girl..

Jacob's a reliable Psionic. I should give him more Psi-training.

With that done, we hop on board the hovercraft and return the missing parts back to Lucille, who told us to give her some time to do the necessary repairs. Thinking that the King deserve a progress report, I decide to report to the Royal Chambers.

Your Majesty, I am pleased to report that we've recovered all the missing parts...

Yes, Lucille is already repairing the supercomputers as we speak.

Good! Please keep us updated!

I will.

Deciding that enough time has passed, I return to the Science Labs.

At last, some good news. Go ahead, Lucille!

Lucille gets to work immediately: pushing several buttons as well as adjusting several parameters on the console. An impressive amount of coordinates appears on the giant display.

That is very odd.

What? Don't tell me you still cannot locate the Prince after all we did?

No, the location is quite clear. I've marked it on your map, but there's something strange. The exact location appears to be underground, and our scanners cannot locate something that is that deep below the surface.

But didn't you say you've located him just now?

Because... there's a transmitter in this specific sector, as if someone wanted us to find the place.

Wow. Now, that is strange.

Hmm... It might be a trap.

Well, even if it is, what else can we do?

You are correct. We have little choice. But we need to be very careful.

All right, come on, team! Let's go-

You're not going anywhere.

Huh? Why?

There's a severe sandstorm outside. No vehicle can fly at this weather.

Dammit...

Relax, Joshua. It should be over by morning.

Easy for you to say. You're not the one who has to tell this to the King.

I'll tell him. I feel better now, and, by the way, Lafleur is right - you need to relax. You've done a great job so far, but you need to take a break now.

Understood, sir.

Meet me tomorrow at the Royal Chamber's entrance.

And so that brings my second day on Stronghold to an end.
Sgt. Tom is back in action. And we've repaired the scanners.
Tomorrow, we'll rescue the Prince back from the Xeno scums...or die trying.
For this is Stronghold, where the strong rule over the weak.

EMPRAH be with us.

End of Chapter Three.

 

[RK47]

 

[LundB]

Hmmm, unfortunately it looks like Rumi is the type to want to negotiate with xenos filth and apologize for humanity's actions. Her initials might be R.K., but despite that, don't you dare go Avatarded on me, allying with xenos scum in order to score.

 

[Jaedar]

That dream scene is quite superior to the mass effects. IS THERE ANYTHING THIS GAME CANNOT DO?!?!

 

[RK47]

Once more, to the wastelands

What a dream...It's time for the meeting at the Royal Chamber, and damn Phil left earlier without me.

As I approach the Royal Chamber, I see everyone has already gathered out front.

The EMPRAH demands everyone to treat this mission with extreme care - think before you act. The Prince's safety must come first!

Yes, sir!

This is not going to be easy; in the target area there are several underground tunnels. We don't know which entrance will lead to the Prince, so we must explore them as we find them. And Nelson, I feel better now, but... it's the King's wish that we share command and make decisions together.

Thank you, sir! I'll repay His Majesty's trust in me!

Let's go, and keep your eyes open!

The team boards the hovercraft and speeds off into the wastelands once more.

There, a series of caves. Let's investigate.

Stop whining, Phil-

SHUT UP!

What? No. YOU-

Quiet, Nelson! Someone's up ahead! Lower your voice!

You sure?

Yeah! We need to be careful. Should send someone to scout ahead before we go forward!

Sgt. Fox should be able to handle this.

An excellent choice.

Success! Rebecca gains +1 to survival skill!

I scouted the area! There is a group of Dredans nearby.

What are they doing here?

Not sure. However, the gallery ends here. We can either ambush them, or get out of here.

Let's get back. It would be a waste of time and resources to fight them.

Have you forgotten what they've done to us?! There can be no mercy to these dishonorable savages! If we leave them alive today, they might ambush us tomorrow. Attack, in the name of the EMPRAH!

Relationship Change +5: Tom Shatz

I agree. Let's show them what we're capable of!

Rumi, with me! Phil, Fox, take up sniping positions!

Fuck, yeah.

A dredan shaman is supported by two Dredan Soldiers. Although the shaman is capable of draining PP in half, it poses no threat, since Joshua dumps all his PP into a high focused Harm at the start of the fight. The soldiers are still the highest priority.

The battle was furious, but in the end, Stronghold's finest emerge victorious. Dredan blood soaked the cavern floors. No fucks were given.

No one met the requirement for that unique armor. We need to get Rumi up to 55 Armor skill to wear it.

Let's get back to the hovercraft and hit northwards!

Sir, Dredans ahead? Shall I hit the boosters?

No. Guns at the ready. Rumi, Phil, Jacob! Prepare to engage!

This planet is OURS!

Jacob performed poorly in this battle, missing most of his psi-attacks. But in the end, Phil and Rumi carried the day with their marksmanship.

I think it's those robots again we saw the other day...

No problem. We've dealt with them before. Rumi will take point, Phil and Fox ready the sniper.

Tangled of wires and smashed metals are all that remains of the synthetic scums. The team pushed eastwards into the center of the sector, and found another cave.

A strange melody echoes through the cavern, catching the whole team off guard.

I thought i heard something...

Yes! This... sound...

What the hell is happening? Everyone has fallen asleep! Lt. Tom!

I'm... havig... a hard time... staying awake....

What is...

 

[RK47]

Interview by RPS

RPS: You talk about being disappointed in the mainstream direction of games. What sort of games inspired you?
Celso: I grew up playing the wonderful SSI rpg/wargames (Panzer General, Wake of the Ravager, AD&D series, etc) and the early Sid Meier games. One of my favourite games ever is Darklands for example. Games that didn’t had 15h of FMV inside, but could create more atmosphere with a few well-written paragraphs of texts…

 

[Brother None]

Hah, going back to Baldur's Gates for dreams. So good!

Keep em comin'

 

[RK47]

The Horus Heresy

Ah...that dream...what...

Where...am I...? Who are you..?

My name is Shiler, the Queen of the Maradas. You must have many questions. Ask them, and I shall answer. When you are satisfied, listen to my words.

(I can't attack her...I'm alone. And who knows what she has done to the others..) Did you kidnap the prince?

Absolutely not. His decision was his own.

What?! But why?

You will come to understand his actions. We will discuss it once the Lieutenant awakens.

What are your intentions?

I mean no harm, but it is urgent I speak with you and Lt. Shatz.

About what?

Let us wait for your comrade to awaken and we can discuss this fully.

What was that sound we heard before?

Oh, that. It was my voice. I was singing.

(Gotcha. Next time, aim for the vocal cords.) Singing?

Yes. No alien creature can withstand it without falling asleep. It is one of my many talents.

I see... I don't have any more questions.

Very well. I do not believe you have met. This is Prince Cliff.

Prince Cliff, finally!

Calm down. You must be Nelson?

Yes, I am.

Prince Cliff! What the hell is going on here?

Ah, good. Tom is awake as well. We can start.

Start what!? You caught me by surprise before, but-

Lieutenant, please save your breath. Queen Shiler could kill us all in an instant if that were her intention.

I don't understand. You weren't kidnapped? You lead us here on purpose?

Exactly. There is something we must discuss. My father must be stopped.

What!?

Nelson, you're too young, but Lt. Shatz has witnessed the horrible crimes of my father.

Tom, what is he talking about?

I suppose he's talking about...the purge...

(The Exterminatus... so it's true.)

He has committed genocide! So many alien races lost... many completely harmless!

This...this is terrible.

But think a moment! The Aliens provoked the Empire! They attacked us first!

You have been misled! The King paid Dredans to attack one of the smaller colonies to use as an excuse to eradicate the indigenous races.

It is your word against His. I cannot take your word without some proof.

You will see in time the true colors of your King. In any case, Nelson, we need your help.

Mine? Why?

Because you may be the nephew of John Nelson.

(No way!) What!?

You were astonishingly resistant to my chant. Upon your arrival, I could sense an incredible force within you. I am confident that you can help us.

No...how? What do I have to do?

You must become a true leader.

A true leader?

John Nelson was a great hero, but also an extraordinary leader. You must unify all races to establish peace on this planet. A daunting task, but if you are able to do it then you truly are of the heroic Nelson lineage.

(This is loco!) I...I will try to do my best, but... what would be the point? What would you gain from it?

The chaos we live in brings only pain to its inhabitants, including us Marada. With peace, this planet will return to its orderly state.

No! What you seek is our Empire's wealth and power! I know good and well what you Marada have done in the past!

Well, that might be true, but we only use peaceful means, not war ,fear, and tyranny like your beloved King.

Enough! The Prince is coming back with us! NOW!

I will go, but only if escorted by Marada soldiers. I am sure my father won't be very happy with me once I tell him my plans.

What? Your own father wouldn't harm you!

You don't know him as well as I do.

You can forget about it! We're not letting armed aliens inside the colony!

Then tell my father I won't be returning. I'd love to hear how that turns out!

Prince Cliff, try to understand. We cannot allow alien soldiers to stroll into the Royal Chambers!

I promise you, there will be no trouble.

I don't know...how can we trust you?

As the Prince said, I could kill you all in an instant. Then with the military's best out of my way and the current chaotic situation, it would be rather easy to infiltrate the colony and kill the Emperor. But I have no interest in doing this. Our intentions are not to start war, but to make peace.

(Yeah, and I'd like to buy a bucket of sand in this planet.) Tom... I think we should trust them for now. We have no other choice.

I... ah, dammit! Fine.

Every hero gained 250 EXP!

Michelle hits 55 Energy Weapons.

Very well. Once your other friends have recovered, Prince Cliff and his escorts will return with you. I've marked my headquarters on your map in case you need to speak with me again.

We gathered our team and explained the situation. They are hesitant, yet we pressed on. I suggested we scout the rest of this sector and Lt. Tom agreed.

Watch out!

What is it?

It's a Matrick Soldier! Those creatures are incredible adversaries. I doubt we can defeat it.

They're weak to acid and psionics. with some good acid weapons and psionic skills, we might have a chance.

What's the point of killing him?

What's the point of letting him live?

He's a threat to anyone in this sector. Think of it as an act of good will.

Well, actually, there's a real good reason. He's guarding some sort of armor. It might be worth the risk.

Do we attack, Nelson?

Tom, I think we can do it. Kai, Miles, Koenig! With me!

Nothing's gonna pierce that monster. You better hope your psi-amps are at max level...

Let's go!

The combined power of the trio tore the creature's massive armor to pieces.

As Rumi drained her psionic reserves, she drew her acid pistol to finish the job. The continued psi-onslaught and acid barrage finally took their toll on the monster, another hazard neutralized in the wastelands.

That thing was tough, but it was no match for us!

It was a worthwhile opponent, yes.

This is a really great armor! Look!

The team finishes scouting the sector and decides to hit up one last point of interest.

Careful! There's a group of rebels here!

Looks like they're fighting over something.. I'm going to see if I can eavesdrop in on their conversation.

All right, but be careful.

Yo! What about my ninja skills?!

Relax, Phil. Enjoy her ass wiggle in the sand.

Fuck, yeah.

After a few minutes, Fox is back, rather excited. Phil looks excited, too.

They found a Dredan corpse. It had an impressive piece of equipment, some sort of acid rifle. It looks like an amazing weapon!

We could take advantage of the situation and make a surprise attack...

We need to proceed with caution. I counted at least three groups of rebels there. Even with a surprise attack, this isn't going to be easy.

Whoa. Three groups.

We could use a grenade to cause some heavy damage, but it's a hit or miss.

Or someone well trained in stealth could take advantage of those hills and snipe them from a distance.

That works as well. Nelson? What do you think? Are you ready for this?

OK. Skip the grenades, we need precision. Thin out their numbers.

My thoughts exactly.

Who's going to be our sniper?

Yo, Phil! Time to wiggle your ass! It's show time!

They call me...the Desert F-

Shut up and move it.

A little while later...

Pant...pant...huff...ok. In fucking position.

Just be ready to run back if things get too hot. are you even in cover?

Cover is for pussies. I'm ready. Shut the fuck up.

Phil took a deep breath and centred his sights on the first rebel trooper. He lifted the barrel slightly higher, to compensate for the bullet drop. This is an Ukrainian-taught special technique passed down from his forefathers which he will never share to anyone else, unless Fox gets into bed with him. He chuckled as he squeezed hard, imagining that dark obsidian nipple he's playing with his trigger finger...

Poppin' moles.

Pock! The rebel caught it clean on his visor. He stumbled a bit, but went down like a sack of potatoes. His two friends immediately rushed to his aid, only to be greeted by two consecutive shots. One to each back of the neck.

Philipp Koenig gains +1 to his Sneak Skill

Koenig to Newfag, three tangos down!

Good! Keep hitting them!

I wasn't talking to you, weaboo! I'm falling back! They're on to me! I'm coming back down, get ready to fight!

Roger that, Desert Fucks.

The rebels gave chase, panting as they climbed up the hill, their second team rained suppression fire, to little effect. The first rebel team stared down four barrels of gun when they reached top side.

Sup, moles.

They never stood a chance. Nelson and Jacob's Harm incapacitated the first rebel. Rumi shot another, and Phil finished the second. It's four on two after the first onslaught ended.

Reload your weapons and get ready for another!

Phil, switch up with Fox!

The second group fared no better, succumbing to multiple holes to the head and chest, as well as severe psi-assaults on the brain.

Good work eveyrone! We've scored an excellent piece of equipment.

Let me see it. Hmm, yes, very nice. This weapon is going to be useful against enemies with low acid resistance.

Good job, Nelson. Let's head back to the Emperor. He must be waiting.

Yes, Sir.

The team boards the hovercraft, the upbeat atmosphere dampened by the upcoming confrontation between the Prince and the Emperor. Phil didn't give a single fuck at the Prince's convoy tailing us on the way back.

So yeah, there I was...camped on the hill overlooking a camp of ten rebels. Y'know...there's just no middle ground there, man. If even three of them shot me at once, I'd have died right there. Alone. And guess what? As I looked down the scope...I realized a tiny, chittering sound just near my right arm...a fucking radscorpion. One sting and I'm a goner! But I'm fully committed, so I zeroed my sights and-

He was interrupted by the sudden braking of the hovercraft thrusters.

We're here. Let's go.

Fuck you, Josh.

Milord, I...

Oh! But that.. that is Cliff!

Wh-who are those aliens?! Theyr'e armed! Nelson, you betrayed me!

No, wait, the Prince said he would come only if-

Father, I've come here to talk, but I had to take some precautions... in case you turned against me.

Wh-what!? Are you mad? Why would I do that?

Because of what I am about to ask you: I want you to abdicate the throne and let me guide the Human Empire.

(Madness! He truly intends to usurp the throne?)

My son, what have they done to you? Nelson! Attack these Marada soldiers immediately!

Father! I left by my own will, I am here by my own will. No one is forcing me.

Then why are you turning against your own father?

Spare me your lies! I know what a ruthless man you are!

I... I did only what was necessary!

I don't believe you, but it doesn't matter. What have you been doing? What are all those patrols that you've sent out these past months for?

I needed to scout the planet surface in search for resources, and-

BULLSHIT! You wanted to make sure that no other alien races were still alive!

(This isn't happening...)

...

(What should I do? I cannot possibly betray the Emperor!)

I see that we won't reach an agreement here.

King Oscar makes a gesture. From a well hidden door to the side, a series of robots which I have never seen before march in.

Oscar! What are you doing?! Those are the Warui Sentinels!

(Warui Sentinels? I've heard about them before. Those are heavy attack androids built for the King's personal defense They're extremely powerful.)

Those robots...but they were disabled!

(So it was the Prince who was behind the robot rebellion!)

Ahah, you didn't expect this, eh? Thanks to Nelson, we managed to find a temporary solution, at least for the robots inside our colony.

(Thanks to me? What does he mean by that?)

As you can see, the formidable Warui Sentinels are ready to fight by my side. You have no hopes of winning.

My name is Joshua Nelson. I joined the garrison of Planet Stronghold Colony yesterday. My room mate's name is Phil Koenig. My instructor is a bodacious babe named Rebecca Fox. And I think I have a crush on a blind psionist in my team. And today I'm faced with the biggest choice of my life.

One that would decide the fate of Stronghold. Forever.

TO BE CONTINUED!

 

[lightbane]

Death to the xeno-lover!!! Long live the Emprah!!!

 

[Jaedar]

This is like Twitcher2, join the king or the rebels.

 

[LundB]

Prince Cliff has gone full Avatard.

Anyone who doesn't exterminate alien filth is a fool or a traitor to humanity. Neither should be tolerated, especially within the highest rungs of government.

 

[Brother None]

If this is truly a Mass Effect-esque, Nelson must live up to ExtremeShep's heritage. Exterminate the xenos.

 

[Suicidal]

Make peace with alien scum and next thing you see will be them flooding your planet, taking your jobs, pushing their laws in your countries and making ugly hybrid babies with your women. Just kill them.

 

[RK47]

Burn. Purge. Kill!

Destruction of this colony? Galactic war? This is nonsense. All I see is a young Prince who wants the power of his father!

Furfag.

You don't understand! The Marada have waited for so long. They're going to take over this planet, with or without us!

And instead of aiding the Empire, you chose to ally yourself with the aliens. Against the Emperor.

That... that's not true! They mean no harm, they want-

We won't believe their lies! Surrender peacefully; we don't want to harm you or your escort.

No. I'm afraid that is not possible.

You leave us no choice then. Witness your doooooom!

Who knew these savages could possess such dangerous technology. Aside from the powerful energy rifle (12-24) attack, they are also capable of using Shiler's Blessing. An ability to reflect incoming damage. But the Emperor protects and the Imperium of Man shall not fall before these manipulative xenos!



I lost the first fight badly from bad rolls. I think I missed Maxed Harm 2-3 times in a row and rage-quit when they crit twice to take out Phil. This is my second try and it went much better. Still, I kinda lost focus and should've ended the fight earlier by restoring Fox instead of attempting to land High Focused Harms at the end. Will review my tactics accordingly when we fight them again next time. Basically, a strong alpha strike is crucial if you want to win against these furfags. The moment the shield is up. It's ouch time.

The Desert Fucks improves his ninja skills.

You will regret this...

Son! Are you all right?

Yes mother, thank you for your concern.

Guards! Take the Prince and lock him in the maximum security prison!

No! Please!

I need to set an example! He'll stay there until the situation on the planet is back under control.

But...

You'll be able to talk to him, don't worry. Leave us alone now, I need to speak with the Royal Guards.

Haha! You're a fool! Queen Shiler has already felt the death of her younger daughters! And soon she'll be forming an alliance with all the other alien races to destroy you!

...

Your Majesty, if what he says is true, we need to start a counter-offensive!

What do you suggest, Shatz?

Unfortunately, that mysterious signal is still disrupting the supercomputers' long range scanners, so we cannot locate the aliens.

We know the location of the Queen though!

Lt. Shatz, what is your plan?

If we bring all our men with us, I am confident that we can defeat Queen Shiler!

Tom, going there now would be suicide. You just witnessed how strong those Marada Soldiers were; the Queen is probably ten times more powerful.

Uhm... yes could be.

I have a better idea.

Speak Nelson, I am listening.

The Prince has committed a folly: he has exposed their plans to us. We need to destroy Shiler's potential new allies. Even if our long range scanner isn't working, we still have many hovercrafts. We can send scouts and look for the other alien colonies. And carry out Exterminatus!

Yes! If we aren't ready to defeat Shiler yet, we can attack the other races to prevent them from forming an alliance against the Empire!

...But-

I am sorry, Shatz. When you were injured, Nelson's performance in and out of the battlefield was simply outstanding. I'd feel more comfortable if he took over. However, you know all the procedures and has much more experience when it comes to fighting aliens. So Nelson, I expect you to listen to his advice.

I will, my Lord!

Good. Now go rest, you'll need it. Tomorrow you'll start the 'Operation Scanner'.

 

[RK47]

 

[Clockwork Knight]

I think we'll never have the gay romance with the prince now. Thanks a lot, guys.

At least now we get to fight hot Ferengi women. I bet Shiler abandoned her HQ the instant the team got out of the door, though. Xenos ain't stupid.

 

[Brother None]

Doesn't this shut off romance with blind chick too? Since she's such a hippy.

 

[RK47]

This game fails to sell me on the choice. We're like 3 days into Stronghold and already forced to choose between natives or our own Emperor.
How can I do the Hollywood thing and go Avatard?

Also, fuck Hoopy. Oh noes, the planet....*eats the apple* Nooo Nelsonnnnnnn you're doing the wrong thing!!!