Valkyria Chronicles FanFiction Discussion

[Runty]

I suppose I could let Nahum and Vario stay, since some fans enjoy them. But I don't plan on giving them as much exposure as characters like, say Melissa or Marion.

I AM NOT, however, keeping Vicky. I don't think anyone is going to complain if I remove her from the story; to those who do complain, I'm sorry, but I just can't stand her. What the heck is a tribal girl doing in a European-style country anyways? It doesn't make sense.

[DC20]

Having watched through a lot of the character story arcs on Youtube, I have to agree with Runty that a lot of the characters were... sub-par, and that if I had my way they wouldn't have been in the game.

That said, I ultimately have to second what Beri and Mr. T have said - I pity the foo' who completely removes characters just for the sake of either not liking them or disagreeing with their ethics. In fact, I see fic writing as a golden opportunity to expand characters you don't like or just plain do not fit into characters that have some sort of redeeming quality not shown in game (because let's be honest, the VC units are all awesome, but they're also all flatter than pancakes) or a back story that takes what their character was and molds it to fit into the setting. I'm not at all opposed to changing aspects of the character to better fit the world or the story that the author is trying to tell -- I ENCOURAGE it, even. I think the essence of what the character represented is more important than the actual details of the character him/herself. I'd strongly encourage you to at least genuinely attempt to fit those characters in if you're going to use the entire class.

Keep in mind though that they don't even really have to be removed from existence even if you don't want to use them. I actually have a bit to say about that in my next "Lone Wulf" review (I'm about half way, so you'll probably be hearing from me by the end of the weekend ). It really depends on what the focus of your story is - is it primarily Alexis, or does it expand out to encompass the entirety of the class? If Alexis is your primary character, and the story is focusing primarily on HER actions, then most of the class really isn't all that important in regards to your story - Alexis is. While she shouldn't be the only developed character, you might actually lose focus if you bring in every single character and delve into their personalities and idiosyncrasies and try to round them out. In that sense I can see the point in not using them - not because they're not liked or because they "don't make sense", but because they don't add anything to the story (if a character doesn't add to a story, cut them - you're wasting words and the reader's time). However, if you DO include all of the characters from the class, then it's going to be a pretty glaring omission if all but three of them are present (especially if they've suddenly been 'replaced' by your own characters).

Check Beri's and Sheriff's posts in "The War Room" about writing VC2 elements into a fic. Their ideas about molding elements to fit the audience/make sense are pretty solid.


Also, keep Nahum. The dude was a player

[Wild Goose]

Just a note on Nahum; while that's a Hebrew name, it doesn't nescessarily mean anything - if he's from the Middle East, chances are high that he's from a culture that practices polygamy. Thus, a monogamous relationship would be something of a mild culture shock to him.

And even if he's not Arab, if he's from there he's likely to be Muslim. As stated in the Qur'an, if you're a Muslim, you're allowed to have up to 4 wives, provided that you treat each of them equally and care for them fairly.

The bolded and italicised portion, sadly, is forgotten by most practicing polygamists. >_<

[Wild Goose]

Hmmm. I seemed to have killed VC FF thread. Or maybe I'm too used to Outer Cadia.

Anyway, a snippet of something that I've been working on for some time, that merges a Nanoha fanverse i've been developing and VC.

Spoiler for Snippet:

"More armor! Twelve o'clock! AT team is Winchester, repeat Winchester!"

"Uruz Six, Uruz Six, this is Delta Six, I have made contact! Count four tanks, 3 APC and multiple foot mobiles. Do not have sufficient firepower! Request assist ASAP, over!"

"Delta Six, Uruz Six, be advised gunners do not have clear line of fire. Fallback to the river, over."

"Negative, pinned down! Cannot maneuver, over!"

"Bugger all," murmured Franz Jaeger, fingers tracing over the map, eyes closed, visualising the scene. "Hang tight Delta Six, help is on the way. You let me think of something." He turns back to the entrace of his improvised command post inside a cafe. "Master Chief!"

John Smirnov runs up to him, nodding respectfully: the Assault Company of the OFM doesn't salute in the field to avoid drawing sniper attention, something the Gallian and Imperial forces haven't figured out yet. "You called, Sir?" he asks, his voice deep and gravelly, yet reassuring at the same time.

"Delta Platoon is pinned down here," says Franz, pointing at the map table. "I need you to make a breakthrough and relieve them."

"Understood. I'll take Nagant."

Franz's face forms a grim smile. The Master Chief is a One Man Army all by himself, and Aleksndr Nagant is a trigger-happy devotee of the Explosion God. Between the two of them, they'll clear the field of battle.

Whether the town will remain standing is another matter entirely...

"Good luck, John."

"Same to you, Sir."

* * * * *

To the Gallian troops, watching the Master Chief load up is ... an experience.

Over the black-and-gray camo bodysuit he attaches his body armor, elbow pads and knee pads. A black cover is pulled off a shoulder pauldron, showing his blood type and vital medical details. He straps a pistol to a tactical holster on his right thigh, filling the pouches on his combat harness with ammunition and grenades. He slings a two-tube Jackhammer rocket launcher on his back, secures 4 more rockets, and picks up his rifle, a bullpup design with an underbarrel grenade launcher.

A normal person would have collapsed under that weight. Even Largo Potter can only carry 4 rounds for his antitank lance. But the Master Chief stands easily and moves smoothly. Behind him Nagant follows, his armor modified slightly from the Master Chief's: slightly lighter, with more carry pouches and a large rucksack on his back.

"And you're not worried about them?" asks Faldo Guido, as the two commandeer a jeep and roar down the bridge.

"No," says Franz, focusing on managing his battle without his normal tools. "I'm not."

* * * * *

It is a charge that will be spoken of for months.

Nagant floors the jeep down the bridge, weaving left and right dangerously, trying to throw off the enemy's aim. Rifle fire cracks by, but with bolt-action and semiauto rifles, the Imperial Scouts don't have the volume of fire to score critical hits.

The Jeep they've commandeered has a mounted Liberian .50 cal machine gun - John makes good use of it, returning fire as the jeep draws close with enemy forces. The mighty machinegun - created by the hands of a prophet named John Moses - roars and spits bullets and casings, chewing into the enemy troopes, savaging their roadblock, supressing Lancers. Nagant drives like a man possessed, weaving around craters and wreckage in a mad dash, pulling onto the other side of Vassel in a bootlegger's turn and coming to a stop.

The men dismount and do a quick glance around, and then they hurry on foot, towards the heavy firefight.

* * * * *

The only good thing about his situation, thinks Leo Kozlov, is that the tanks haven't started using their main guns.

They're in a plaza by a fountain, and have been slowly encircled due to his tunnel vision - a cherry mistake made by a cherry LT. The only way out is to head to a building and blow a hole in the walls, but they can't do that while they're pinned from all sides. The Imperials have managed to setup several machine guns, 3 APCs have dropped their fireteams and the tanks are blocking the roads. It's grim, and while he's still got one more card to play he's not been cleared to use it.

Then a new voice comes over the tacnet, and he can't stop grinning with savage triumph and anticipation.

"Delta Six, Sierra One One Seven. ETA three-zero seconds."

The Imperials have several snipers setup with overlapping coverage. What the snipers don't have are spotters to spot their targets and watch their backs. The first sniper has only a moment's realisation before his throat is slit by an Erusian Marine Corps combat knife; the second is killed with the first sniper's rifle, and on another building, the third sniper is relocating to a better position and turns around and sees Nagant climbing onto his roof, surprise causing him to hesitate.

Nagant doesn't.

He hauls himself over the edge with urgency, turning his lunge into a roll, coming up in a crouch with hands clutching his .45 pistol - also a weapon created by The Prophet - firing two rapid shots into the sniper's chest and one right between the eyes: the classic Mozambique drill. Using the enemy sniper's body as a brace, he reaches into his pack and removes several long metal shafts and other parts; a minute later he's assembled the anti-material rifle, firing rounds of the same caliber as the Liberian .50cal ... if not exactly the same type. He pushes a magazine into the well, draws the bolt back, and brushes a hand gently on the taped marking on the magazine: "HE/API Raufoss".

"Alpha One-Four, in position."

* * * * *

Leo Kozlov remembers this day well. If he could he'd keep it in a scrapbook, pressed and framed up, to be brought out and admired.

the Master Chief takes a running leap off a building, rifle at the ready, grenade launcher thumping, sending a 40mm grenade into an infantry fireteam, scattering them messily. At the same time Nagant hits a button on his remote detonator and a tank explodes, consumed by flame. The other two tanks move forward, their turrets rotating into position, and the Master Chief unlsings the Jackhammer as his feet hit the ground. He sights on the first tank and fires on the move; the tubes rotate, loading the second rocket, and he fires on tank two before jumping back and running for the nearest piece of cover: a set of sandbags emplaced by one of the assaulting Imperial fireteams.

The whole exchange has taken maybe 5 seconds.

Three of the four tanks have gone up in flames; the crew of the last tank goes into action: the gunner tracks on the Master Chief as he pauses for a moment, kneeling on one knee as he slings the rocket launcher, draws his rifle, and returns fire at the enemy infantry trying to suppress him.

"Gunner! HE! Fire!" barks the tank commander, and the gunner complies, pressing the trigger. The tank's gun roars, belching flame as a HE projectile speeds towards the Master Chief.

It's overkill, but should do the job...

No one is more surprised than they when the Master Chief rises from his crouch like a sprinter at the starting block: in the time it takes the HE shell to impact, he's already sprinting forward, leaping over the sandbags and firing a burst of 7.62mm rounds that kill the Shocktrooper due taking cover, letting the shockwave of the shell carry him forward.

The Imperial Light Tank's turret turns, attempting to reacquire the Master Chief, and then explodes as Nagant empties a magazine of 12.7mm High Explosive/Armor Piercing Incendiary rounds into its weak point. Nagant ejects the mag, switching to standard ball ammo - no need to waste the good stuff on infantry - and begins suppressing the infantry.

Now, thinks Leo, and Delta Platoon's counterattack begins.

Then Selvaria Bles appears before him, lance leveled, blue light glowing dangerously, and he thinks, Screw this.

[Flash Move], chimes his rifle electronically, as he flickers out of the way, just as Selvaria's beam attack flashes by where he just was.

"Uruz Six, Delta Six. Those stories about Valkyur? They're true! We're being engaged by one now!"

[Firefly00]

Originally Posted by Wild Goose

Anyway, a snippet of something that I've been working on for some time, that merges a Nanoha fanverse i've been developing and VC...

That was interesting (and engaging). One thing I should point out: cutting throats is neither quick nor quiet; if you've got complete surprise on your side, it's much better to drive the blade into the back of the neck, severing the vertebrae at the base of the skull (specifically pointed out in 'Without Remorse').

Which reminds me, I really should try and get back into one of several things sitting on the shelf. In the interim, have this useful aid for character development.

[DC20]

Great link on the character development, Firefly. It's easy to forget - especially when writing the heavy action, war type stories associated with VC - that people don't connect with technical details, they connect to characters. Technical details are great and all, but they won't save a story. Strong characters will.

I've personally never been one to draw out character maps (or care what my characters have in their refrigerators), but details like family, what your characters were doing before the story, who their friends are, what they do for work/fun, etc. are essential to know. If a character map will help you with that (or even knowing what's in their refrigerators), you should write one out.


As for slitting throats, yeah, it's messy and not nearly as quick as one would hope. The base of the skull is a better option if available (though still not necessarily quick - just quieter), but I don't know if it is possible with Imperials. Their helmets cover a good deal of the back of the head - does it extend down to the base of the skull? If so, the throat would be your best bet. It isn't instantaneous, but it's still one of your better options.

[Wild Goose]

Originally Posted by Firefly00

That was interesting (and engaging). One thing I should point out: cutting throats is neither quick nor quiet; if you've got complete surprise on your side, it's much better to drive the blade into the back of the neck, severing the vertebrae at the base of the skull (specifically pointed out in 'Without Remorse').

Which reminds me, I really should try and get back into one of several things sitting on the shelf. In the interim, have this useful aid for character development.

Well, like I said, it's a snippet - drafts and corrections are something I anticipate.

(In my current job, one of my previous assignments was to prepare memos, promo briefings, training manuals and anything you could name that was related to writing output for the office. My boss used to say that I used to give him 6 drafts at first, before managing to bring it down to 2 now. )

Regards the throat cutting, I was thinking more of what I've seen per USMC training on eliminating sentries: Marine covers sentry's mouth, pulls head back, stabs KA-BAR into throat and rips out forward. On the other hand, given the volume of fire that's ongoing, it might actually be possible to pull off suppressed .45 shots, given that .45 ACP is one of the few calibers that retains stopping power while suppressed, though then there's the question of whether the helmet'll stop .45...

Interesting link on charecter development. While I'm not usually the person who writes a charecter map - being, like Terry Prachett, the conduit for the story - I do ask similar questions when forming my charecters, particularly as they evolve through time; Nagant, mentioned above, started as a plain, quiet individual and then slowly morphed into an explosion-happy Demoman who also pursues forlornly his best friend, who sadly does not return his affections, as she prefers girls...

And then Franz Jaeger started out as a hotblooded grunt before tempering the hot blood with some focus, tactics and ruthlessness as he grew older in-universe...

Originally Posted by DC20

Great link on the character development, Firefly. It's easy to forget - especially when writing the heavy action, war type stories associated with VC - that people don't connect with technical details, they connect to characters. Technical details are great and all, but they won't save a story. Strong characters will.

I've personally never been one to draw out character maps (or care what my characters have in their refrigerators), but details like family, what your characters were doing before the story, who their friends are, what they do for work/fun, etc. are essential to know. If a character map will help you with that (or even knowing what's in their refrigerators), you should write one out.


As for slitting throats, yeah, it's messy and not nearly as quick as one would hope. The base of the skull is a better option if available (though still not necessarily quick - just quieter), but I don't know if it is possible with Imperials. Their helmets cover a good deal of the back of the head - does it extend down to the base of the skull? If so, the throat would be your best bet. It isn't instantaneous, but it's still one of your better options.

To an extent, having on a piece of paper some of the traits of your charecters lets you remain true to them and not flanderise them; a friend of mine, one Solid Shark, once wrote a Gundam SEED fic that was quite well-received, but then only realised after he'd long finished it, that he'd unconsciously flanderised Kira's preference for disabling attacks into a Thou Shalt Not Kill At All policy...

As for the throats... noted. Stab through the neck into the vertebra... though it's Cutting Me Own Throat to admit that.

[DC20]

Yeah, there's a reason the USMC still teaches throat slitting - it works. It's still one of your best options. Vertebrae is best, but cutting a throat is still much quieter than using a suppressed weapon. I used a throat slit in my own fic, and I'll still say it's the best option on Imps period for a "quiet" take-down, what with their armor covering most of their bodies. I doubt that the armor would stop a straight shot (so a .45 would still be a viable option - though even suppressed I'd recommend going for other options if available, since even if the other guards don't hear the gun go off [debatable - a suppressed .45 is still pretty loud], they're probably going to hear the sound of the bullet impacting the helmet and tearing through into the skull), but it would make stabbing through the back of the neck into the base of the skull very difficult at very best. I wouldn't rule slitting throats out of your fic entirely - as said, if it's good enough for the USMC, it's good enough to put in a fic.

Yeah, I agree that if writing traits down on paper helps you keep track of your characters, you should do it. I do it to an extent myself. I don't go heavy into detail, as I feel putting too much concrete trait/characteristics down restricts me, and I prefer a bit more fluidity in my own characters (which isn't going to be true of every writer - some don't feel restricted at all with detail heavy sketches - it's personal preference), but jotting down the core essentials of the character can definitely help keep them on track. That way Kira doesn't become a 5th commandment nazi XD

Bottom line, if it helps you, you should do it. If it doesn't, forget it. All of those things should be kept in mind though, regardless of whether you write them out or not. Knowing about a character is more important than knowing the caliber of the weapon he's carrying.

[Beri270T3]

I realize said character wouldn't be lopping the head off of something with a more robust skeletal structure, but you've still got to know your anatomy pretty well for placement into one of those vertebrae, have an accurate hand and so much as a little movement of the head can affect the placement of your blade when trying to get in there. It's also a pretty good way to wreck your knife if you still need it immediately, but then again so is anything dealing with bone.

Thanks Firefly you've given me goose bumps thinking about that one.

As for suppressed weapons you'd need both the suppressor and subsonic ammunition to get minimal noise. Take a magazine of standard ammunition and you still get the boom.

[Snowman24]

Hey DC20, since you seemed interested in my Nadine fanfiction that I wrote and took down, I'll PM it to you to your fanfiction site name and inbox. Think of it as a Christmas gift of sorts. You said you wanted to read it, so I'll send it to you within the next few minutes.

[DC20]

Standard .45 ACP loads are subsonic, so the issue of subsonic ammunition wouldn't be an issue if he sticks with the .45 ACP. If he switches to a different round or weapon, though, then that would definately be an issue.


And thanks, Snowman, you're the best!
I'll give that a read as soon as I can. Thanks for the gift : D

[Runty]

So... DC20, you done with LW Chapter 10 yet? (sorry if I sound like a jerk here)

Been making more thoughts on my VC2 fanfic idea, and while I haven't started writing any of it, I have some thoughts on how to make it.

Spoiler for Ideas:

• For starters, this story would primarily follow Alexis, though I'd plan to switch the perspective pretty often to look at other characters to develop the story more. I'll try to avoid too many random filler moments, but I'll need at least a few just to flesh out the cast (or at least cast members I like ).
• I've made a few concept changes to the armor Alexis would get. For starters, I've renamed it from the V3 Shield to the "Einherjar" armor. The Einherjar armor's purpose in the story is to give a soldier (i.e. Alexis) the ability to go toe-to-toe with the Artificial Valkyria, without having the need to sacrifice lives in human alteration (as in the process of Project Valhalla). The armor bestows its wearer with superhuman strength and speed, and protects the wearer with an energy shield that will deflect most lighter weapons. The Einherjar armor, in keeping with Cordelia's philosophical views, has no weapons, though the strength it bestows on the wearer is impressive. Compared to the V2's, it doesn't require an external power source to power its shields, though Class G is backed up by a Tesla APC driven by a technician from Gallian R&D, allowing the Einherjar to function for much longer in the field.
• The V2's, in my story, are going to be made MUCH deadlier than their game counterparts. Enhancements brought about by surgical alterations and their armor give the V2's superhuman strength and toughness. Additionally, their beam cannons can be used in a melee function, generating a sort of "energy bayonet" that can rip through tank armor with ease. However, there is a drawback; due to the alterations to their bodies, some of the V2's lose their free will and become little more than mindless drones, unable to carry out advanced tactical maneuvers or think much on their own. The V2 aces, however, do not lose their free will, for reasons unknown (at least to the reader). Dirk, while acting machine-like, is still capable of some limited thought, though much of his behavior in battle is like that of a killing machine.
• In a much-needed adjustment to the game's story, I plan to flesh out Baldren and Audrey considerably. In the game, I feel they came across as far too one-track-minded (especially in Baldren's case), so developing their motivations and backgrounds a little more could be just the thing to try and improve them. Keeping Baldren's zeal, however, would somewhat be needed.
• Okay, okay, people have convinced me to keep Vario and Nahum in the story, though I either plan to change their personalities a bit or keep them WAY in the background. Vicky, however, will either see scant cameos or I'll remove her completely, simply because she's a terrible character.

That's just a few things I want to put out for now. As a bonus, however, I'll also bring up a personnel file (of sorts) on one of the V2 aces.

Spoiler for Ekart Jacobs:

Name: Ekart Jacobs
Age: Late-30's
Sex: Male
Height: 5'10"
Affiliation: Gallian Revolutionary Army, AV Corps
Rank: Specialist (formerly Master Sergeant)
Armor: Surtr Armor

One of the GRA's Artificial Valkyrur, Ekart is one of the best the GRA has. Despite the surgical alterations made to him by the AV-process, he has not lost his free will... or his sadism. Formerly a member of the Gallian Regulars, Ekart was given a dishonorable discharge for killing wounded Imperial soldiers who were receiving medical treatment in Yuell. He was quick to join the GRA upon its formation, quickly making a name for himself by burning a number of Darcsens alive with a flamethrower. He was transferred soon afterwards to the AV Corps, where he excelled early-on, destroying five tanks in as many days. After his original armor was damaged by Aliasse, Ekart received the Surtr armor, a AV armor prototype built around a pair of arm-mounted flamethrowers.

Ekart is a sadist to the core, and loves hearing the sound of screams from his victims and the scent of their blood. The only thing he loves more than just killing his victims... is burning them alive. He has a special love of fire, and is a true expert with flame-based weapons. Even in his adolescent years, people knew Ekart would be a dangerous individual; they were right. Now with the Surtr armor, Ekart feels he couldn't be in a more-desirable position: he's being paid and honored to burn people alive.

The Surtr armor is a Federation-built Artifical Valkyrur armor prototype that is seeing its first field testing in Gallia. The armor is much larger and bulkier than the standard V2's, making it slower and less maneuverable, yet much more durable. Made from top-secret materials, the armor itself is fireproof and bulletproof as well, even without its tough energy shields. The armor exchanges the standard beam cannon and shield of the V2's for a pair of arm-mounted flamethrowers, which spray ignited kerosene and petrol at ranges of up to an impressive 50 meters. Thanks to the Valkyrur energies of the Surtr armor, the flames can be made even hot enough to burn through tank armor. Compared with the V2's, the wearer of the Surtr armor will be far stronger and will be nearly impossible to bring down without heavy weapons or artillery.

Ekart, using the Surtr armor, deploys against Lanseal's forces around mid-May, and proves to be a dangerous foe for Class G and even for Alexis, who quickly realizes she will need more than strength and speed to defeat him.

Sounds a bit one-dimensional for now, sure, but I'd see to it that Ekart's character would be fleshed out a bit. For now, that's a general gist of what to expect.

[Firefly00]

Originally Posted by Runty

Been making more thoughts on my VC2 fanfic idea, and while I haven't started writing any of it, I have some thoughts on how to make it...

Interesting; let me see if I can contribute anything worthwhile on a couple of points...

The Einherjar armor's purpose in the story is to give a soldier (i.e. Alexis) the ability to go toe-to-toe with the Artificial Valkyria, without having the need to sacrifice lives in human alteration (as in the process of Project Valhalla). The armor bestows its wearer with superhuman strength and speed, and protects the wearer with an energy shield that will deflect most lighter weapons. The Einherjar armor, in keeping with Cordelia's philosophical views, has no weapons, though the strength it bestows on the wearer is impressive.

I imagine that it is 'officially' classified as engineering/load-moving equipment, and even has the tools for it (much like the P-5000 powerloader of Aliens fame)... unofficially, though, expect to find examples in the field as heavy-weapons platforms shortly after the balloon goes up. Necessity has a nice way of doing that.

The V2's, in my story, are going to be made MUCH deadlier than their game counterparts...

Hmmm, Universal Soldier says hi (so might C&C, if ragnite infusion rears its head). This might also come hand-in-hand with use of combat drugs, albeit on a less sophisticated level than you'd see in, say, Shadowrun or Haze.

As a bonus, however, I'll also bring up a personnel file (of sorts) on one of the V2 aces...

And the Starcraft nods (as well as ones to C&C3, especially in the area of soundbites) can come thick and fast here, if desired. Advanced armor and Valkyrur energies aside, I suspect the fuel tanks have some sort of punch-off mechanism (even though violent explosions from plinking them are just, as noted, a Hollywoodism). For a secondary weapon I'd suggest - given how this lad like to get stuck in close - a good shotgun, perhaps even a prototype capable of burst fire (the armor can certainly handle the recoil). Field evaluations, recognizing this variant's lack of speed, might result in a 'jump jet' system being added somewhere in the future, granting boosted jumps and short bursts of speed (see: MGS3's Fury).

[Runty]

Originally Posted by Firefly00

I imagine that it is 'officially' classified as engineering/load-moving equipment, and even has the tools for it (much like the P-5000 powerloader of Aliens fame)... unofficially, though, expect to find examples in the field as heavy-weapons platforms shortly after the balloon goes up. Necessity has a nice way of doing that.

And the Starcraft nods (as well as ones to C&C3, especially in the area of soundbites) can come thick and fast here, if desired. Advanced armor and Valkyrur energies aside, I suspect the fuel tanks have some sort of punch-off mechanism (even though violent explosions from plinking them are just, as noted, a Hollywoodism). For a secondary weapon I'd suggest - given how this lad like to get stuck in close - a good shotgun, perhaps even a prototype capable of burst fire (the armor can certainly handle the recoil). Field evaluations, recognizing this variant's lack of speed, might result in a 'jump jet' system being added somewhere in the future, granting boosted jumps and short bursts of speed (see: MGS3's Fury).

I was more imagining the Einherjar armor to be akin to the Mjolnir Mark V Armor of Halo fame, rather than being some kind of exoskeleton armor or power armor.

And we do have to remember, VC and VC2 both take place in the 1930's, so I'd have to limit how technologically advanced the AV armors are. Nothing like computers or such would exist at such a time. So no, the Surtr armor wouldn't be getting jump jets at any point in the story.

That's not to say the idea of jump jets is completely out of the question, however...

[Firefly00]

Originally Posted by Runty

I was more imagining the Einherjar armor to be akin to the Mjolnir Mark V Armor of Halo fame, rather than being some kind of exoskeleton armor or power armor.

I'd imagined that - again, because of NCA's philosophy, as you'd pointed out, Gallian powered armor research would lag behind the GRA... this, in turn, could set up friction between said authority and folks who've had boots-on-the-ground experience and have a good idea what preparations need to be made.

And we do have to remember, VC and VC2 both take place in the 1930's, so I'd have to limit how technologically advanced the AV armors are. Nothing like computers or such would exist at such a time. So no, the Surtr armor wouldn't be getting jump jets at any point in the story.

Aside from MGS3!Fury, a more temporally-fitting reference might be jet packs of the sort seen in The Rocketeer... the bulk of the Surtr armor and its weapons load would limit it to boosted jumps rather than true flight (however, another GRA ace operative might have an armor and weapons loadout light enough for that). Besides, consider the sheer badassery of Ekart leaping onto a tank, ripping off the turret hatch, and flooding the interior with flames...

[Wild Goose]

Well, I'm laying the groundwork for a VC1 fic. I have two paths to choose:

Spoiler for Option 1: OFM:

A crossover with a Nanoha fanverse, featuring a black ops team of mages who're also trained in using conventional weaponry and infiltration. Think Nanoha meets The Unit. A team is in Gallia on the lookout for a Lost Logia, an ancient WMD... which happens to the the Valkuf of the famed Valkyur. They get a lead on its location... and then the Imperials invade.

Now, stuck in the middle of a war, on a planet not even their own, they're going to have to decide what they're going to do: go to ground, or help the Gallians as a means to securing the Lost Logia...

This is, incidentally, the setting for my snippet that's a bit further up the page.

Also, as a running gag of sorts, repeated mention is made of a prophet whom the OFM appear to worship, a man who created the pistols they use. When they learn that the prophet - or at least, this world's version of him - lives, a few members begin urgent preparations for a pilgramage to bow down and worship him.

The armorer notes that it means that for .45ACP and .50BMG, supplies are going to be available...

And then there's option 2:

Spoiler for Option 2: SOE:

While Gallia is being overrun by the Imperials, the Federation isn't standing still. While the Ambassador is up to his usual antics, in the island kingdom of Bretonia, the Special Operations Executive is readying men to be infiltrated to aid the Gallian resistance and military. Commandos and advisors, including a certain Captain Jack Churchill....

Though I kinda like option 1 a bit more. XD

[MrTerrorist]

Originally Posted by Wild Goose

Well, I'm laying the groundwork for a VC1 fic. I have two paths to choose:

Spoiler for Option 1: OFM:

A crossover with a Nanoha fanverse, featuring a black ops team of mages who're also trained in using conventional weaponry and infiltration. Think Nanoha meets The Unit. A team is in Gallia on the lookout for a Lost Logia, an ancient WMD... which happens to the the Valkuf of the famed Valkyur. They get a lead on its location... and then the Imperials invade.

Now, stuck in the middle of a war, on a planet not even their own, they're going to have to decide what they're going to do: go to ground, or help the Gallians as a means to securing the Lost Logia...

This is, incidentally, the setting for my snippet that's a bit further up the page.

Also, as a running gag of sorts, repeated mention is made of a prophet whom the OFM appear to worship, a man who created the pistols they use. When they learn that the prophet - or at least, this world's version of him - lives, a few members begin urgent preparations for a pilgramage to bow down and worship him.

The armorer notes that it means that for .45ACP and .50BMG, supplies are going to be available...

And then there's option 2:

Spoiler for Option 2: SOE:

While Gallia is being overrun by the Imperials, the Federation isn't standing still. While the Ambassador is up to his usual antics, in the island kingdom of Bretonia, the Special Operations Executive is readying men to be infiltrated to aid the Gallian resistance and military. Commandos and advisors, including a certain Captain Jack Churchill....

Though I kinda like option 1 a bit more. XD

Option 2 sounds interesting. Do number 2. I would love to see what any of the characters from VC1 & VC2 are doing in that fanfic.

[Wild Goose]

Hmmm. Well, in a way, it's like the difference between the Super Robot and Real Robot routes of SRW . OFM route would involve mages who'd initially curbstomp the imps with smart weapons, until the smart weapons ran out of ammo, at which they'd fall back to older weapons - the only commonality would be .50cal and .45ACP; with a dash of Nanoha-verse style beamspamming against Artificial Valkyur.

SOE route would be more cloak and dagger, featuring charecters fictional (Captain Price, Sergeant MacGregor, & Sergeant Davis) and historical (Mad Jack Churchill), with them being limited to what's avaiable.

...which actually does seem a bit more interesting, I suppose...

Spoiler for Mad Jack Churchill:

"You captured 42 Imperial troops all by yourself," said Captain Varrot. "Impressive, Captain. May I enquire as to how you accomplished this?"

"It's quite simple, really," replied Captain "Mad Jack" Churchill, smiling slightly. "I maintain that, as long as you tell a Imperial loudly and clearly what to do, if you are senior to him he will cry 'jawohl' and get on with it enthusiastically and efficiently whatever the situation."

Welkin and Faldio couldn't hide their amazement at the Brettonian officer, impeccably dressed in his uniform, with his broadsword in its scabbard by his side.

"And I see here that your force was successful in recapturing Bruhl through the use of ...unconventional... tactics."

"Quite right, Captain."

* * * * *

"Stand by for Captain Churchill's signal," whispered Welkin to Squad 7. "He'll let us know when it's time to move."

"Wonder what it'll be?" murmured Largo to himself. The large Lancer didn't have long to find out.

With a thundering shout, Churchill's 6-man section began their assault on Bruhl, screaming their war cry: "COMMANDO!"

"That's the signal! Squad 7-"

" "COMMANDO!"

"-move out!" ordered Welkin, settling back into the gunner/tank commander's seat of the Edelweiss. Even through the armor of the tank, he fancied he could still hear the repeated warcry.

"COMMANDO!"

* * * * *

"And I hear that you used a bear to mount a cavalry charge?" asked Varrot, eyes narrowed.

"Pure balderdash! A cock and bull story if I ever heard one," chuckled Churchill, amused. "No, I was merely aided by Private Voytek of the Polish Army, who was assisting me to bring ammunition to the front..."

* * * * *

The mortar crew lobbing shells at the Imperials breaks open their last box, and their Sergeant looks around. "Where's the ammo?"

"22nd Transport's bringing it up!" yells a runner, revealed to be an officer with a broadsword, bow and arrows, and a Sten gun in his hands. "Captain Churchill. We need supression fire on that position so we can rush them. I want alternating HE and smoke-"

A crackle of rifle and SMG fire breaks out, and both mens' heads whip around to stare at the charging Imperial Infantry platoon that's flanked the mortar pit. As he takes a moment to ready his Sten gun, Churchill can't help but appreciate the Imperial Leutnant's plan. Then he raises his Sten.

The next few minutes are a blue as the Imperials close into Bayonet range - the Sten's whittled down some of the troops, and the Poles have their personal weapons: one mortar keeps firing while the other crews grab their pistols and Stens, returning fire madly, but they're short on ammo of all sorts, and they run dry and draw Bayonets...

And then with a bellowing roar, Private Voytek appears, a case of mortar ammunition in his hands. His first swing with the case bashes in a Shocktrooper's head, his second takes another soldier in the gut, and he shuffles to the mortar pit, placing the case down with care. Then he turns and wades back into the fight.

For a large bear, he moves very fast. And in short range, a single slap from one of his powerful paws is enough to put a man out of comission...

* * * * *

"Private Voytek's aid was invaluable," adds Churchill, "But riding a bear as cavalry? That's the stuff dreams are made of."

* * * * *

"I don't suppose he'd let me ride him?" asked Churchill musingly. "It'd make quite a statement."

His work done, the large brown bear shuffled in front of Churchill and stood on his hind legs at attention, saluting.

"And clever too," smiled Mad Jack, returning the salute.

Still, something that perhaps wasn't made clear - in both routes, Squad 7 will interact with the new casts. VC is still squad 7's story. To an extent though, the OFM route would possibly lead to more curbstomp battles...

Afterall, even if you could stand up to Selvaria one on one...

Spoiler for Uruz 6, Engaging:

Selvaria Bles charges through, and Delta Platoon scatters. C-ranked and B-ranked mages for the most part, they don't have the juice to stand up to a Valkyur one on one.

Franz doesn't really care. He's been intching for a good fight and it looks like he's found on. The fact that delaying her aids Squad 7's objectives is a plus to him.

"Delta Six, fallback and support Squad 7. Sierra 117, overwatch. The Valkyur is mine."

He sees her now, running at him, her lance leveled. With a snap of his fingers the third dog tag around his neck reappears in his hands, glowing with light, changing form into a bolt-action rifle; he pulls a 5-round stripper clip from a vest pouch and loads in, but doesn't work the bolt. Another second and Selvaria is right in front of him, and he raises his free left hand, palm catching the lance-

[Protection.]

A golden sphere of light envelopes him, and energy crackles as the Barrier-type defense spell works to counteract Selvaria's thrust. He leans forward, digging his heels into the soil, straining - if he was Takamachi Nanoha, the brilliant Ace of Aces, this'd be no problem - but he's not an S-ranked Aggressor, he's a normal A-ranked mage.

Still, it'll have to be enough.

He can feel the barrier weakening under Selvaria's onslought, and plays his first card: "Barrier Burst."

The sphere of energy detonates in a brilliant explosion, the force throwing up a cloud of smoke, shockwave forcing both combatants apart. Franz brings his rifle to bear as Selvaria bursts through the smoke, singed. In that instant, he realises he won't have enough time to charge his magic and fire his rifle, so he pulls another defensive manuver.

"Jacket Purge," he orders, and the outer layers of his barrier jacket shift from matter into magical energy, detonating not unlike reactive armor plates; Selvaria throws up a hand to protect her eyes, as Franz leaps back, moving faster than he did moments ago, opening the gap, working the bolt of his rifle. A whispered incantation - "Schwertform" - and his rifle changes to a sword; appearing like a cavalry sabre. He raises the katana in a salute, a slight smirk on his face, as Selvaria holds her lance at the ready, energy charging to fire another powerful beam.

"Aim well, Selvaria!" he yells, as the beam fires and he flickers away, a burst of movement so fast Selvaria can't track it. The next she feels is a gust of wind behind her head and she ducks, barely missing the swing of his blade, catching the next strike on her shield.

"You're good, I'll give you that," grins Jack. "But compared to Signum? You're nothing!"

Either one has its merits....

[Snowman24]

Finally, Chapter 55 is up for: Adventures in War

I did no less than 15 complete rewrites and dozens, upon dozens of touch ups in the past few months. Trying to get the flow and everything right. Hope you enjoy, now I'm off to read some other peoples fanfics

[Runty]

A nicely done chapter, Snowman24. Certainly an interesting angle you took.

While I'm here, I thought I might as well post up more stuff relating to the brainstorming I've been doing for my potential VC2 fanfic. Heck, maybe I'll make a sort of preview chapter sometime soon, just to see if people are interested.

Spoiler for Extra Ideas:

• I'm going to do my best to try and alter Avan as a character; Lord knows how many people didn't like how much of an "idiot hero" he was, so I intend to make him a TAD less stupid. He definitely won't be any genius, but I'm going to try and avoid moments that would make people say aloud "what an idiot".
• Speaking of Avan, I intend to make his relationship with Cosette a good deal more romantic (rather than platonic) in the late stages of the story (i.e. after the Doerfein Mines event). Seriously, I honestly thought that after that event, those two were going to get hitched somewhere down the road, but the ending of the game doesn't even imply that.
• Here's another one that I think some people might enjoy:
  
  Spoiler for Randy:

  You know how I made Cezary a traitor in Lone Wulf, right? Well, I intend to do something similar in my VC2 fic with Randy.
  
  Here's the idea: Randy is in actuality a GRA spy planted at Lanseal. He takes orders directly from the Gassenarls, and his mission is both to sabotage Lanseal as much as possible, and to obtain any information possible concerning Project Valhalla. His whole bits trying to sabotage Avan? Partly to gain a bit more power (and thus freedom to spy) at Lanseal, and partly to sabotage Class G as a whole.
  
  Let's just say I intend to make this aspect of the story a very interesting dynamic...
• There's going to be more returning characters from VC1 in my fanfic than in the actual game. In particular, I plan to have Aisha join Lanseal as a member of Class G, despite her (still) being underage. She gets a recommendation from Captain Varrot that allows her to enroll, and she proves to be a valuable member of Class G.

That's all I'm thinking of right now without giving off MAJOR spoilers. Comments, please.