Neverwinter Connections

//OK due to the painfully slow process of DL from Bream Dog, and inability to do so from work, I just bought another copy off of GOG, being able to DL from them at work, and installed that today. My question is what version should I be on? GOG had a patch file:

patch_neverwinter_nights_enhanced_edition_77.8181_(24347)_to_78.8186_(25196)

should I apply that?

//Hopefully, all will be working right when I try to join tomorrow.

Buoyed by his succes in the lab, Stanley had decided to focus on the Gauss weapon research he was doing and sat out the next mission. He felt he almost had this thing figured out and the extra time might pay off big in the long run.

//Gauss tech research 16

When I boot my current install up it says version 78.8186.

((Doh. We’re incentivised to not tell you we’ll be away!))

#14265969 Lazybones wrote:

When I boot my current install up it says version 78.8186.

OK that's what my installed version is; guess the patch was for those who'd an older version then.

#14266158 SmartAlec wrote:

((Doh. We’re incentivised to not tell you we’ll be away!))

Hmm... all right, if in the future you gain rolls but don't show up, I'll have the Avenger blow up.

Session 36

+1050xp to everyone for IC posting.
+500xp to Bo, Stan, Jesse, and Henderson for critical successes on skill rolls.

I assume you will want the light version of the Fusion Blade.

I split the plasma ammunition production roughly evenly between the heavy ammo that the cannon uses and the regular ammo that the Beam Pistol and Plasma Rifle use (I gave a slight bump to the latter since you have more of those weapons in the party).

* * *

FROM: MARY RANMA, X-COM MEDICAL LEAD
TO: MEMBERS, PLANNING COMMITTEE
CC: CENTRAL
RE: Research/Manufacturing Progress Report, Week Ending December 13, 2035

A note to Engineering: we need to be more vigilant about scanning for environmental hazards inside the ship. Vic will be all right, but if he’d been lying there for another ten minutes or so… well, he’s off the duty roster for this week, at least.

He remains under sedation, but he gave me a recording to pass on to Alpha Team. He insisted that it was quite important.

Base rolls:
X-COM Research Capacity (3d10+12): rolls 5, 3, 6, +2 (Darius Singh) +2 (Greta Kanem) +4 (Permanent Upgrades) +4 (skulljacked officer) (15/15 on Fusion Blade [completed, prototype available], 15/20 in Plasma Lance, 3/10 in Andromedon Autopsy, 10/10 in Gauss Weapons [completed, Gauss Rifle prototype available]).

• Stan: +15 vs. DC15 on Gauss Weapons, roll 15 (Critical Success). +3 to project. +500xp.
• Henderson: +11 vs. DC20 on Andromedon Autopsy (indirect skill), roll 19 (Critical Success). +3 to project, +500xp.

X-COM Manufacturing Capacity (3d10+4): rolls 5, 7, 10, +1 (Mendoza), +2 (Tieffendahl), +1 (Johnson). (Plasma Cannon completed, Plasma Rifle completed, Experimental Surgical Kit completed, 4 boxes of Heavy Plasma Ammunition completed, 6 boxes of Regular Plasma Ammo completed,).

• Bo: +13 vs. DC15 on Experimental Surgical Kit, roll 20 (Critical Success). +3 to project. +500xp.
• Daud: +8 vs. DC15 on Plasma Ammo, roll 10 (Success). 1 box completed.
• John: +11 vs. DC15 on Plasma Ammo (heavy), roll 12 (Success). 1 box completed.
• Jesse: +15 vs. DC15 on Plasma Ammo, roll 13 (Critical Success). 3 boxes completed. +500xp.

X-COM Medical Capacity (3d6): rolls 1, 6, 4 (11 new medikits produced this week)

Psi Training (2d10/week now):

Daud: +12 to Psi Potential score. New score: 116
Bo: +4 to Psi Potential score. New score: 137
Henderson: +5 to Psi Potential score. New score: 102 (Psi Training 3)
Jesse: +18 to Psi Potential score. New score: 106 (Psi Training 3)
John: +3 to Psi Potential score. New score: 114

((On second thought, it’s all good. I don’t mind not contributing!

I’d probably get a 1, as cosmic punishment for my cowardly absence...))

// i do of course want the lighter version of the sword. Also I think you have Daud stealing Jess' crit success xp.

#14266234 Ayram wrote:

// i do of course want the lighter version of the sword. Also I think you have Daud stealing Jess' crit success xp.

Fixed, thanks for the heads-up.

//As this is a different copy of the game, I will probably need VM to move my PC file to the new directory that's created when I log in and make a PC. I'll try to log in early and make one under the name karvon.

((Noticed this and put the server up ahead of time. I'm not reliably at the machine until game time but will look for the new folder on and off.))

The message is out. On hundreds of millions of screens, across the planet, it plays again and again. Even when ADVENT reasserts control over their network, Catalina’s virus causes the recording to hide within nooks and crannies, popping up unexpectedly whenever humans turn to their media devices.

The Elite Officer you skulljacked will add +1d4 to any project. The skulljacked Codices open up a special project (see below). You recovered a fresh Berserker sample from the meadow when Avenger set down (added back to research list).

* * * * *


Research Projects

MC costs in this list are for subsequent copies of an item once it is researched. Initial research just uses X-COM Research Capacity.

Base production is 3d10+2 (Singh) +2 (Kanem) +4 Permanent Upgrade

10 RC will be dedicated to the Codex Network Decryption project (codename: Shadow Chamber).

• Plasma Lance. Although the aliens apparently never created a long-range variant of their own plasma rifle design, that doesn't preclude us from experimenting with the concept. There are several issues we'll have to overcome, but the challenge is intriguing. One prototype will be produced when this technology is researched. [15/20 completed, RC20, MC10]
• Mag Cannon. This weapon has likely been superseded by our Beam Cannon development, but is available as an option if you want to research it. One prototype will be produced when this technology is researched. [RC10, MC10]
• Acid Grenade. With a little work, we believe we can reverse engineer the acidic grenade that you recovered from the ADVENT facility, and add it to our production lines. [RC15, MC3/2]
• Incendiary Grenade. With a little work, we believe we can reverse engineer the incendiary grenade that you recovered from the ADVENT facility, and add it to our production lines. [RC15, MC3/2]
• Pulse Grenade. With a little work, we believe we can reverse engineer the electric pulse grenade that you recovered from the ADVENT facility, and add it to our production lines. [RC15, MC3/2]
• Bio Grenade. With a little work, we believe we can reverse engineer the biological grenade that you recovered from the arctic ADVENT facility. This grenade will be harder to manufacture, but is especially deadly against organic targets. [RC15, MC2]
• Predator Armor. Predator armor represents our first foray into new body protection based on alien hybrid materials. This suit of medium armor offers excellent protection against most forms of attack. One prototype will be produced when this technology is researched. [RC15, MC10]
• Improved Medikit. Doctor Ranma tells us that we can improve our basic medical kits to provide more effective battlefield triage. All current medikit production will be upgraded once this technology is researched. [RC10]
• Regen Serum. This serum temporarily boosts human regenerative capabilities, allowing our operatives to rapidly recover from injuries inflicted on the battlefield. One prototype will be produced when this technology is researched. [RC15, MC2]
• Nanomedikit. Our research into the Viper alien has allowed to develop a blueprint for an advanced medikit that can treat a broader range of battlefield symptoms than our standard medical supplies. One prototype will be produced when this technology is researched. [Game Note: this is essentially a one-use Restoration item.] [RC15, MC2]
• Personal Shield. Our successful autopsy of the ADVENT Shieldbearer has opened up a promising line of inquiry that may allow us to integrate this tech into our own armors. One prototype will be produced when this technology is researched. [RC20, MC10]
• Reinforced Underlay. This armor upgrade, based on the data collected from examining the gear of the ADVENT Purifier, provides exceptional protection against fire attacks. One prototype will be produced when this technology is researched. [RC15, MC10]
• Berserker Autopsy. This unusual specimen is clearly afflicted by some form of extreme muscular hyperthrophy, although how the species came to exist in this state will require a thorough examination. I suspect the research could lead to varying enhancements for our own troops, perhaps even means of intensifying their own thirst for combat. [RC10]
• Andromedon Autopsy. You successfully recovered enough components of the alien mech, along with its operator, to conduct a full study. A study of the alien’s unique biology and the technical components of its automated suit may provide advances for our own explosive weapons systems. [3/10 completed, RC10]

Manufacturing Projects

Base production is 3d10+1 (Mendoza) +2 (Tieffendahl) +1 (Johnson)

• Fusion Blade. The Fusion Blade encases a plasma heated metallic core in a microthin magnetic field, enabling devastating melee that are capable of setting enemies aflame. [MC10]
• Beam Cannon. Further refinements and adaptations of the alien plasma technology had led to a weapon capable of matching the heavier enemy weapons in terms of damage output and destructive potential. [MC10]
• Plasma Rifle. Now that we've finally deciphered the aliens' devastating weapon technology and can develop beam weapons of our own, we can build rifles that will be the match of any enemy our soldiers encounter in the field. [MC10]
• Beam Pistol. Our advances in the area of Elerium technology will allow us to manufacture higher-powered energy weapons. This handgun is the first step, and marks a significant step up from our existing magnetic weaponry. [MC10]
• Plasma Ammunition. While the new beam weapons are clearly more effective, the ammunition requires more resources to produce. When allocating resources, you should indicate whether you want Beam Cannon Ammunition (for the Plasma Lance and Beam Cannon) or Plasma Ammunition (for the Beam Pistol and Plasma Rifle). One units of Manufacturing Capacity can produce one box of ammunition. [MC1]
• Mag Pistol. The workshop can now manufacture additional copies of the magnetic pistol. [MC5]
• Magnetic Rifle. The workshop can now manufacture additional copies of the magnetic rifle. [MC8]
• Gauss Rifle. The workshop can now manufacture additional copies of the gauss rifle. [MC10]
• Shard Gun. The Shard Gun takes standard shotgun shells and superheats them in a magnetic ignition chamber. The result is a molten spray of burning death. [MC8]
• Magnetic Ammunition. This ammunition can be used in all of our magnetic weaponry. When allocating resources, you should indicate whether you want Heavy Mag Ammunition (for the Gauss Rifle and Mag Cannon) or Mag Ammunition (for the Mag Pistol and Magnetic Rifle). [MC1/2 (one unit of capacity produces two boxes)].
• Arc Blade. When pure kinetic energy is no longer sufficient in the field, the Arc Blade may prove necessary. It boosts the standard Sword's combat effectiveness with the addition of an electric field, capable of stunning enemies not killed outright. This weapon can be made as a full-sized weapon (longsword) or a lighter one that can use Weapon Finesse. [MC10]
• GREMLIN Mk.II. Our study of the alien MEC devices has allowed us to improve the durability and combat effectiveness of our GREMLIN drones. Chief Shen is working on fixing the ammunition feed problem, and reports that we can now mass-produce these devices as needed for our specialists. [MC5]
• Psi Amp. The crystals that power the psi amp degrade with repeated use, but we can manufacture more of them as needed for our Psi Operatives. [MC10]
• Skulljack.If needed, we can manufacture additional copies of the Skulljack for use during away missions.[MC10]
• Nanoscale Vest. The Nanoscale vest is a light armor underlay derived from ADVENT armor. This vest can be worn with all X-COM armors to provide additional protection. [MC10]
• Wraith Suit. This suit of powered light armor has an adaptive camouflage array that can allow its wearer to literally “disappear” from view. [2/10 completed, MC10]
• EXO Suit. This suit of heavy armor provides superior protection, and includes an embedded rocket launcher. [MC15]
• WAR Suit. This powered heavy armor offers even better protection against assault than our EXO suits, and includes a built-in flamethrower unit. Improved actuators provide an additional boost to the wearer’s strength. [MC15]
• Spider Suit. This suit of light armor offers improved protection over the basic X-COM Kevlar, and includes a grapple that can be used to access improved tactical positions on the battlefield. [MC10]
• Additional Medikit Production. We all know that medical supplies are at a premium. We can dedicate a portion of our manufacturing output to augment what Doctor Ranma can put together in Medical each week, but that means a cut in other areas. [Manufacturing Cost: 2/kit]
• Advanced Surgical Kit. Our medikits are pretty fantastic, but even they can only do so much. This kit, designed for field use, can keep a critically injured team member alive long enough for more substantial medical intervention back on the Avenger. [Game Note: this is a one-use Raise Dead device.] [MC5/kit]
• Experimental Surgical Kit. The medical device that you recovered from the ADVENT research base offers a huge advance to the field of battlefield medicine. [Game Note: this is a one-use Resurrection item, which results in a significantly smaller XP penalty.] [MC8/kit]
• Mundane Toolkits. Chief Shen can produce just about any kind of ordinary toolkit in the workshop. Just let her know what you need and we'll see that it's added to the queue.

Remember to get your recommendations in by Friday.

Everyone on board was waiting anxiously for any word on the effect that their broadcast hijacking had. Naturally, there was a media blackout about it, so they wouldn't be seeing references to it on ADVENT propaganda stations, so it was actually kind of difficult to get an idea on if what they did had the desired effect on the population.

Daud, for his part, didn't care about that as much anymore. Sure, he'd be pleased enough to see people turning against them en masse. But he'd made his priorities clear to himself after that last ADVENT retaliation. Saving humanity was a distant second for him, after bleeding ADVENT and the aliens to death.

He didn't really talk about it openly. He at least pretended to be as hopeful about their broadcast as the rest of the crew.

In the meantime, Old Man Henderson was getting worse, and it was getting miore and more difficult to ignore. Since Henderson wasn't going to say why, Daud thought it was finally time to mention it to Central. Daud was worried that whatever was going on with Henderson could explode at the wrong moment. Whatever it was, the Old Man needed some help.

------------------------
RESEARCH
1. Shadow Chamber
2. Plasma Lance +1d4 from officer
3. Improved Medkit
4. Extra into personal shield or reinforced underlay

MANUFACTURING
1.One or two psi amps
2. Plasma ammo

Daud will use 8 craft mech for plasma ammo and train psi as usual.

The mission to implant a video in the ADVENT comm system had been a great success, though Stanley hadn't really thought he did much aside from dodging alien fire. He had helped break through some security codes allowing them to acquire some gear and data, so perhaps he'd done something useful after all.

Stanley scrolled through the list of research suggestions and pondered the options. Something to boost protection seemed in order; he had gotten shot up again on the last mission and wanted to avoid that in the future if possible. Perhaps the personal shield research would provide that? Yeah, that sounded just about right. He'd leave weapons and what not to other to pursue. He sat down and began to scribble some design ideas and parameters on his tablet.

//research 16 focusing on personal shield project

Bo had sat in a contemplative mood following the successful strike. deep in her own thoughts about something. Whatever it was her thoughts did not seem to satisfy her completely as eventually she spoke up over a meal.

"What do you think it was that could cause that reporter woman to commit suicide?" she asked, interjecting the question into the current topic with no lead in. "I cannot understand what it is that she felt such a sudden and complete depression that she would take her own life, and this worries me."

"Let us assume that it is some kind of mental dominance," the doctor continued. "Most of us are now aware of how the training makes us feel, that sense of command you can exert over another thinking being. I have grown concerned that there is something more to it." Bo frowned with frustrated concern.

"If the aliens have been exerting an influence in order to convince the humans we find of the need to follow them, possibly even of the truth of the image they seek to portray, then how many of the populous at large might that cover? Possibly just the weak willed, we know it couldn't be so in all cases as we are all sitting here and wouldn't be if it did, but how many could make the same choice should we be successful?" She shook her head.

"Should we consider what can we do to prevent it?"


((Research, after the Shadow Chamber of course, finish the Plasma Lance then do the Improved medkit - Bo will help there with Treat Injury 18. On the slim chance there are any points over then into Personal Shield.

Manufacturing, at least one Psi Amp, finish that other Wraith Suit if we can, then split the rest between the two types of plasma ammo and extra medkits, as we're running low.

Bo will Psi train.))

"They might be strong, but they ain't that strong, surely, Bo," said Vic. "If they could do that, we'd have keeled over, or turned ourselves in long ago 'cos they asked. I don't even know what it is they're doing - but I'm damn well gonna hope that we can push 'em to the point of not having time to do it because they're too busy trying to save their sorry alien asses."

"And they're going to need to," he went on. "What a broadcast! The whole planet's going to be talking about this. Even if they don't believe it, just the fact they gotta admit resistance exists is a chink in the chains around their heads. There'll be questions asked. Quiet-like, mind, in places most can't see. But it's going to be happening, I just know it."

"I could do a whole evening's show on this, start reporting on how it's spreading. If this doesn't raise people's hopes up around here, I don't know what will."

***

Research!

1 - Fix up that Shadow Chamber
2 - Plasma Lance pew pew (use that +1d4 from officer!)
3 - Improved Medkit, ok fine, we'll upgrade medical, Mary

Manufacturing!

1 - A Wraith Suit, keep getting people into Tier 3 Armour
2 - A W.A.R. Suit, same as above (I want one)
3 - More plasma shooty wodges

Vic's going to be talking about The Message all day every day on Radio X-Com, using that +11 Persuade to do it.

~~~~~

"Damn it Carl! This is bullshit!"

"Frank, calm down."

"Calm down? Calm down!? "

"Yes, calm down. It isn't like we've been shut down. I thought we went over this?"

"... Yeah, yeah you're right. Sorry about that Carl. I just still can't get over the fact that it's Kowalski. Kowalski!"

"I know Frank. I know."

"Do you though? I mean you guys complain about this Kowalski guy all the time. Seriously, what's the deal?"

"Oh shut up Henderson! Damn, why aren't you gagged? For that matter, why are we in the back with him?"

"Come on, you know you like me. I'm your ticket to a beautiful future, remember?"

"Carl!"

"Frank, seriously, you're going to get high blood pressure if you keep this up."

"I mean, do you really think he doesn't have it already?"

"GRAAHHH!"

"... Good question. When was the last time you went to the doctor for a checkup?"

"You know what, you can shove it too Carl. And Henderson. And the fake Henderson too!"

"... Don't call him that you bastard. His name is Trevor."

"Ha! Maybe at one point, but he won't respond to that ever again, thanks to our success. Want to know how we did it? It was quite simple, really. All the others died because the brain couldn't handle the memories and knowledge of two people, but it turns out the fix was really simple. We just have to remove enough of their useless, old memories and knowledge to make room for yours. Ha! How's it feel, old man? He's basically a better you in a younger body!"

"... Well, it's a mixed feeling. On the one hand, it's pretty flattering that you choice me. On the other, boy have these last years been rough. But I guess not as rough as they'll be soon enough."

"Well you aren't wrong about that, at least. We're definitely not go- gur grah."

"Wha- Frank!? Henderson, what do you think you'r- gagdf."

~~~

~~~

"Oi, wake up kid. We don't have much time."

Henderson was nudged awake from what felt like a strange dream. In fact, lately it felt like he'd been spending a lot of time like this, for some reason.

"Damn, they must have used some fancy drugs on you... Hopefully nothing that will affect you later on."

That old man from before, from the cell. Apparently it was him talking right now, wherever they were. That was a good question, actually, but for some reason Henderson couldn't get his voice to work right now.

"Well don't push yourself right now. Damn though, we have to keep moving. Thankfully you don't weigh too much. They definitely weren't feeding you other prisoners right. Don't worry though, I have a few ideas of places to try, assuming they're still around after all these years."

The old man liked to talk a lot it seemed, but Henderson could barely listen to him at the moment. The world was still swimming for him and it didn't feel like it was just because he was being carried somewhere.

"... I'm sorry Trevor, but this is the most I can do for you... I'll find you a safe place to live and I promise you, I'll make them pay no matter how long it takes. I might be old, but I'm the toughest old man still alive. And ADVENT is going to learn to fear the name Henderson, mark my words."

The world was going dark again, but it felt like there was something... His senses were going numb, but it felt like there...

Henderson kept going on, but Henderson soon succumbed to the darkness.

~~~~~

That was the memory that revealed it all to him. The truth he had been both seeking and hiding from himself. He wasn't actually Henderson at all, but a mere copy, not even a clone, but just a copy. And yet, that was all he knew. If he wasn't Henderson, then who was he? The memories suggested his name was Trevor, but that meant as much as saying his name was Petunia, honestly. There was nothing felt by that name, as if it wasn't related to him at all.

It weighed on his mind heavily, but he didn't know what to do with it. He only had these memories and a name, but they only gave him more questions. And these never ending questions dominated his thoughts when he wasn't on the job. On the job Henderson was needed, but what about after?

((Researchwise, Shadow Chamber, Plasma Lance, Improved Med Kits. Manufacturing-wise, a WAR Suit, then finish that Wraith Suit, then 1 Psi Amp, then a Regular Fusion Blade. And Henderson will contribute to making some Enhanced Mag ammo for the Guass Rifle with Craft Mech of +10))

The last mission was heavy but Alpha was well equipped. At one point this was a huge robot perhaps taken out of some sci fi or futuristic horror movie but that one too got destroyed. The message was sent. The truth was out. JD was not sure if that would have the expected impact but it was certainly worth a try. For now it was back to work on make ammo and stuff.

JD (Craft Mech) 11 making heave beam ammo for beam cannon and continue Psi Training.

// Vote? Let's see:

Research:
1. Plasma Lance
2. Improved Medikit and/or Nanomedikit
3. Andromedon and/or Berseker Autopsy

Manfacturing:

We may need to do a weapons inventory at this point. Not sure what we have. In any case.

1. Beam Ammo Heavy and Beam Ammo Light (50% - 50%)
2. Mag ammo if we still need some both heavy and light (50% - 50%)
3. Wraith suit
4. Psi Amp and/or Skulljack

"We can't waste this," Jesse said, chiming in. "We've been on the back foot for a long time. This, though? This is what the start of a landslide feels like."

"If they get what they want, then pretty soon they won't need humans any more. They've obviously stopped caring about the day-to-day for a while now; putting lesser projects to sleep while they focus on their real goal. Let's make them regret that."

((Research: Shadow Chamber, Plasma Lance, Improved Medkits. Andromedon autopsy if we somehow have leftovers, as we have progress in that already.

Manufacturing: Finish up that extra wraith suit. Plasma and cannon ammo. Not sure how many still need tier 3 weapons & armor?

Jesse will be using +15 manufacturing to help out with whatever needs doing.))

Awesome RP posts, everyone.

Session 37

+1050xp to everyone for IC posting.
+500xp to Jesse and Henderson for critical successes on skill rolls.

* * *

FROM: RICHARD TYGAN, X-COM RESEARCH LEAD
TO: MEMBERS, PLANNING COMMITTEE
CC: CENTRAL
RE: Research/Manufacturing Progress Report, Week Ending December 20, 2035

We have coordinates.

Base rolls:
X-COM Research Capacity (3d10+11): rolls 8, 9, 3, +2 (Darius Singh) +2 (Greta Kanem) +4 (Permanent Upgrades) +3 (skulljacked officer) (10/10 in Shadow Chamber, 20/20 in Plasma Lance [prototype completed], 10/10 in Improved Medikit, 10/10 in Andromedon Autopsy [completed]).

• Stan: +16 vs. DC25 on Personal Shield, roll 4 (No result).
• Bo: +18 vs. DC15 on Improved Medikit, roll 6 (Success). +1 to project.

X-COM Manufacturing Capacity (3d10+4): rolls 5, 6, 8, +1 (Mendoza), +2 (Tieffendahl), +1 (Johnson). (Psi Amp completed, Wraith Suit completed, 5 boxes of Heavy Plasma Ammunition completed, 5 boxes of Regular Plasma Ammo completed, 3 boxes of Heavy Mag Ammo completed).

• Daud: +8 vs. DC15 on Plasma Ammo, roll 3 (No result).
• John: +11 vs. DC15 on Plasma Ammo (heavy), roll 5 (Success). 1 box completed.
• Jesse: +15 vs. DC15 on Plasma Ammo, roll 16 (Critical Success). 3 boxes completed. +500xp.
• Henderson: +10 vs DC15 on Heavy Mag Ammo, roll 15 (Critical Success). 3 boxes completed. +500xp.

X-COM Medical Capacity (3d6): rolls 3, 3, 1 (7 new medikits produced this week)

Psi Training (2d10/week now):

Daud: +16 to Psi Potential score. New score: 132 (Psi Training 4)
Bo: +9 to Psi Potential score. New score: 146
Henderson: +6 to Psi Potential score. New score: 108
Jesse: +11 to Psi Potential score. New score: 117
John: +14 to Psi Potential score. New score: 128 (Psi Training 4)
Vic: +15 to Psi Potential score. New score: 52 (Psi Training 1)

Victor: morale support on Avenger: +11 vs. DC20, roll 18 (Success). +1 to Manufacturing.