CTD - Reaper UFO

[Astyanax]

Thanks blehm, I appreciate the sentiment. You should PM Az if there are texts you want to work on- there are still lots of texts here in Active, especially the ones near the bottom. He's the one calling the shots.

 

All right, I've heeded many of the comments and toned down the sensationalism quite a bit. Now featuring less sadistic Aliens and a lot less blood!

REAPER

X-Net://Pegasus.net/Alien/Craft/Reaper

 

Though the Reaper’s specializes more in harvesting raw animal tissues than aerial combat, it is a definite upgrade from the [scout class] UFOs we encountered during the early months of the Alien invasion.  Capable of maintaining nearly twice the velocity and sustaining five times the damage of our [interceptors], the Reaper may signal the beginning of a frightening trend towards larger, more dangerous Alien craft.  The Reaper, charged with gathering animal specimens and tissue samples for its Alien Harvest Mission, can competently defend itself with its medium ranged plasma weapons should it be disturbed.

 

The Reaper’s reinforced substructure houses an enormous gravity manipulator able to exert fine control over gravitational fields.  Virtually the entire bottom floor is dedicated to this prominent device; direct conduits from several Xenium Reactor cores are necessary to meet the prodigious power requirements of the manipulator.  This device, used solely for the Alien’s harvesting process, is only effective at low altitudes and short ranges.  This limitation, combined with prohibitive energy consumption, prevents the gravity manipulator’s adaptation for military purposes.

 

There is no denying the potency of the device, however; the gory carcasses the Reaper leaves in its wake are unmistakable.

 

Once unseen gravitational forces raise the unsuspecting creature from the ground, the distortions literally flay the poor creature in mid-air, rapidly separating desired tissues from the remainder.  The desired tissues are then levitated to a sample bay on the underside of the craft, leaving the lifeless remnants to litter the landscape.

 

An unpleasant stench of blood pervades the interior of the craft, and dimly lit corridors make for tense battle conditions.  Environmental hazards abound, especially on the first floor: the gravity manipulator’s arcing energy conduits and the Xenium Reactors can rupture and explode with even a single careless shot.

 

The second level of the Reaper is a stunning display of mechanical dominance over the biological; the devices on this floor are designed for calculated efficiency above all else.  Cold, sterile walkways wind around well lit cubicles where various tissue samples are culled and purified.  Chosen cellular components are conveyed directly from the cubicles into large, transparent storage vats.  The remaining tissues are routed to other machines specializing in the hybridization of terrestrial proteins, DNA, and RNA with complementary Alien versions.  The resulting chimaeric products appear to be used for other Alien purposes.

 

Above the tissue processing level is the third and final level, containing the command and navigational control center- the heart of the Reaper.  It is here that our marines often meet the stiff resistance from Aliens determined to defend their ship to the last.  Killing the leader and taking the command center is sure to reduce the morale of any Alien stragglers.

 

Though the Reaper's primary duties revolve around its Alien Harvest Mission, it possesses surprisingly potent defenses, and its sheer size can make securing the craft a long, grueling affair for our marines.  This craft is definitely one that should not be underestimated.

 

“Those poor cows. We must stop attacking the aliens, as further aggression against them will surely make them attack even more cows” – Johnny Bernard, Head of the “Aliens are Friends” organization

[kafros]

Removed

Added

Comment or Addition which is commented afterwards

 

X-Net://Pegasus.net/Alien/Craft/Reaper

 

Though the Reaper’s specializesAlthough Reapers specialize more in harvesting raw animal tissues than in aerial combat, it is a definite upgrade from ship technology in comparison to the [scout class]Escort UFOs we encountered during the early months of the Alien invasion. Capable of maintaining nearly twice the velocity and sustaining five times the damage of our [interceptors]XC-1 crafts, the Reaper may signal the beginning of a frightening trend towards larger, more dangerous Alien crafts. The Reaper, cCharged with gathering animal specimens and tissue samples for its Alien Harvest Missions, this alien ship can competently defend itself with its medium ranged plasma weapons, should it be disturbed.

 

"Scout class" (Small-Medium-Large) was replaced with the name of the large scout. Of course, we can't compare a harvester with a small or even a medium scout, can we? And, "The reaper...the reaper...the reaper...". Ok, got it, we talk about the reaper :wink1:

 

The Reaper’s reinforced substructure houses an enormous gravity manipulator able to exert fine control over gravitational fields. Virtually the entire bottom floor is dedicated to this prominent device; direct conduits from several Xenium Reactor cores are necessary to meet the prodigious colossal power requirements of the manipulator. This device, used solely for the Alien’s harvesting process, is only effective at low altitudes and short ranges. This limitation, combined with prohibitive energy consumption, prevents the gravity manipulator’s adaptation for military purposes.

 

There is no denying the potency of this device no denying of this device's potency, however; the gory carcasses the Reaper leaves in its wake are unmistakable.

 

Once unseen gravitational forces raise the unsuspecting creature from the ground, the distortions literally flay the poor creature in mid-air, rapidly separating desired tissues from the remainder. The desired tissues are then levitated to a sample bay on the underside of the craft, leaving the lifeless remnants to litter the landscape.

Quite nice. Dunno if it would need some re-phrasing, although it isn't vital

 

An unpleasant stench of blood pervades the interior of the craft, and dimly lit corridors make for tense battle conditions. Environmental hazards abound, especially on the first floor: the gravity manipulator’s arcing energy conduits and the Xenium Reactors can rupture and explode with even a single careless shot.

 

The second level of the Reaper is a stunning display of mechanical dominance over the biological; the devices on this floor are designed for calculated efficiency above all else. Cold, sterile walkways wind around well lit cubicles where various tissue samples are culled and purified. Chosen cellular components are conveyed directly from the cubicles into large, transparent storage vats. The remaining tissues are routed to other machines specializing in the hybridization of terrestrial proteins, DNA, and RNA with complementary Alien versions. The resulting chimaeric chimerical products appear to be used for other Alien purposes.

 

I can't understand the whole first sentence ("The second...all else"). By that I mean that you don't make it clear. Mechanical dominance = Automation by the use of machines without Alien work? And I can't see how X-Corps scientists found out about this "ultimate calculated efficiency".

 

And, either chimeric, or chimerical. Chimaeric isn't an English word (didn't say British, said English )

 

Above the tissue processing level is the third and final level, containing the command and navigational control center, the heart of the Reaper. It is here that our marines often meet the stiff resistance from Aliens determined to defend their ship to the last. Killing the leader and taking the command center is sure to reduce the morale of any Alien stragglers.

 

Though the Reaper's primary duties revolve around its Alien Harvest Mission, it possesses surprisingly potent defenses, and its sheer size can make securing the craft a long, grueling affair for our marines. This craft is definitely one that should not be underestimated.

 

“Those poor cows. We must stop attacking the aliens, as further aggression against them will surely make them attack even more cows” – Johnny Bernard, Head of the “Aliens are Friends” organization

 

Very nice, as all your CTs

 

No problem with these colours right?

Edited July 28, 2005 by kafros

[Astyanax]

As long as there is a key, I'm ok with any color. Well, if I can read it, that is.

 

I really appreciate the comments, kafros. I'll respond to them before re-posting the text.

 

I like most of your changes to the first paragraph. The only one I really disagree with is the comparison comment. Basically what I'm trying to say is the Reaper is much better than the escort UFOs- which is true. It's bigger, faster, and can sustain more damage than smaller UFOs.

 

About the "in" in the first sentence, both ways are valid (parallelism). E.g. "He is better at golf than tennis" and "He is better at golf than at tennis" are both correct. There are some corollary rules, but your suggestion avoids a lot of confusion, so I'll use it instead.

 

And "the Reaper" is overused. Nice catch.

 

prodigious/colossal: both work in context, but I like your "colossal" better.

 

"potency of this device/this device's potency": I think the original version sounds better in this case.

 

I can't understand the whole first sentence ("The second...all else"). By that I mean that you don't make it clear. Mechanical dominance = Automation by the use of machines without Alien work? And I can't see how X-Corps scientists found out about this "ultimate calculated efficiency".

I'll change this sentence. "Mechanical dominance" was supposed to illustrate the unchanging machines defiling the sanctity of biological structures. As for the calculated efficiency, it's more like the Aliens designs are for functionality, rather than aesthetics, for instance.

 

chimaeric/chimeric: Oops, I actually used a British spelling! :Blush: I'd prefer to use "chimeras" instead of "chimeric products", but I'm worried that most people wouldn't understand the term.

 

And now on to the text!

REAPER

X-Net://Pegasus.net/Alien/Craft/Reaper

 

Though the Reaper specializes more in harvesting raw animal tissues than in aerial combat, it is a definite upgrade from the Recon and Escort UFOs we encountered in the early months of the Alien invasion.  Capable of maintaining nearly twice the velocity and sustaining five times the damage of our XC-1 interceptors, the Reaper may signal the beginning of a frightening trend towards larger, more dangerous Alien ships.  Charged with gathering animal specimens and tissue samples for its Alien Harvest Mission, this extraterrestrial craft can competently defend itself with several medium-range plasma weapons.

 

The Reaper’s reinforced substructure houses an enormous gravity manipulator able to exert fine control over gravitational fields.  Virtually the entire bottom floor is dedicated to this prominent device; direct conduits from several Xenium Reactor cores are necessary to meet the colossal power requirements of the manipulator.  This device, used solely for the Alien’s harvesting process, is only effective at low altitudes and short ranges.  This limitation, combined with prohibitive energy consumption, prevents the gravity manipulator’s adaptation for military purposes.

 

There is no denying the potency of the device, however; the gory carcasses the Reaper leaves in its wake are unmistakable.

 

Once unseen gravitational forces raise the unsuspecting creature from the ground, wildly fluctuating gravitic distortions literally flay the poor creature in mid-air, rapidly separating desired tissues from the detritus.  These tissues are then levitated to a sample bay on the underside of the craft, leaving the lifeless remnants to litter the landscape.

 

An unpleasant stench of blood pervades the interior of the craft, and dimly lit corridors make for tense battle conditions.  Environmental hazards abound, especially on the first floor: the Xenium Reactors and the gravity manipulator’s arcing energy conduits can rupture and explode with even a single careless shot.

 

The second level of the Reaper is devoted to tissue and cell processing; samples collected by the gravity manipulator are purified and refined on this floor.  Cold, sterile walkways wind around the array of machines where various tissue samples are culled and extracted.  Chosen cellular components are conveyed directly into large, transparent storage vats, while the remaining tissues are routed to devices specializing in the hybridization of terrestrial proteins, DNA, and RNA with complementary Alien versions.  The resulting chimeric products appear to be used for other Alien purposes.

 

Above the tissue processing level is the third and final level, containing the command and navigational control center- the heart of the Reaper.  It is here that our marines usually meet stiff resistance from Aliens determined to defend their ship to the last.  Killing the leader and taking the command center will almost certainly reduce the morale of any Alien stragglers.

 

Though the Reaper's primary functions revolve around its Alien Harvest Mission, it possesses surprisingly potent defenses, and its sheer size can make securing the craft a long, grueling affair for our marines.  This craft is definitely one that should not be underestimated.

 

“Those poor cows. We must stop attacking the aliens, as further aggression against them will surely make them attack even more cows” – Johnny Bernard, Head of the “Aliens are Friends” organization

Edited July 29, 2005 by Astyanax

[kafros]

Yummy bummy doop! Much better! No more comments by me!

[Astyanax]

This is sort of a reminder to myself so I don't forget later.

 

Just found out that the Alien Surgery is related to the Harvester UFO in X-Com 1, so the Alien Medical Room should be mentioned in the Abductor CT for Xenocide. The "array of machines" in paragraph 6 will likely become Alien Medical Rooms, and pending Tsereve's final decisions about his Alien Medical Room text, other parts of paragraph 6 may need tweaking.

 

Edit- note to self: replace "gory carcasses" with "mutilated corpses" and "stench of blood" with crowded/cluttered.

Edited August 2, 2005 by Astyanax

[[Mad]]

Asty, want to try another draft?

[Astyanax]

Been a while (grad school is pretty rough)... Anyway, a new draft's ready. This one should be in line with the Biological Research Room CT.

 

REAPER

X-Net://Pegasus.net/Alien/Craft/Reaper

 

Though the Reaper specializes more in harvesting raw animal tissues than in aerial combat, it is a definite upgrade from the Recon and Escort UFOs we encountered in the early months of the Alien invasion.  Capable of maintaining nearly twice the velocity and sustaining five times the damage of our XC-1 interceptors, the Reaper may signal the beginning of a frightening trend towards larger, more dangerous Alien ships.  Charged with gathering animal specimens and tissue samples for its Alien Harvest Mission, this extraterrestrial craft can competently defend itself with several medium-range plasma weapons.

 

The Reaper’s reinforced substructure houses an enormous gravity manipulator able to exert fine control over gravitational fields.  Virtually the entire bottom floor is dedicated to this prominent device; direct conduits from several Xenium Reactor cores are necessary to meet the colossal power requirements of the manipulator.  This device, used solely for the Alien’s harvesting process, is only effective at low altitudes and short ranges.  This limitation, combined with prohibitive energy consumption, prevents the gravity manipulator’s adaptation for military purposes.

 

There is no denying the potency of the device, however; the mutilated corpses the Reaper leaves in its wake are unmistakable.

 

Once unseen gravitational forces raise the unsuspecting creature from the ground, wildly fluctuating gravitic distortions literally flay the poor creature in mid-air, rapidly separating desired tissues from the detritus.  These tissues are then levitated to a sample bay on the underside of the craft, leaving the lifeless remnants to litter the landscape.

 

An unpleasant, vaguely organic odor pervades the cluttered interior of the craft, and dimly lit corridors make for tense battle conditions.  Environmental hazards abound, especially on the first floor: the Xenium Reactors and the gravity manipulator’s arcing energy conduits can rupture and explode with even a single careless shot.

 

The second level of the Reaper is devoted to tissue and cell processing; samples collected by the gravity manipulator are purified and refined on this floor.  Cold, sterile corridors wind around Biological Research Rooms where arrays of machines excise and cull tissue samples from varied sources.  Selected cellular components are conveyed directly into large, transparent storage vats, while the remaining tissues are routed to devices specializing in the hybridization of terrestrial proteins, DNA, and RNA with complementary Alien versions.  The resulting chimeric products appear to be used for other Alien purposes.

 

Above the tissue processing level is the third and final level, containing the command and navigational control center- the heart of the Reaper.  It is here that our marines usually meet stiff resistance from Aliens determined to defend their ship to the last.  Killing the leader and taking the command center will almost certainly reduce the morale of the remaining Alien stragglers.

 

Though the Reaper's primary functions revolve around its Alien Harvest Mission, it possesses surprisingly potent defenses, and its sheer size can make securing the craft a long, grueling affair for our marines.  This craft should not be underestimated.

 

“Those poor cows. We must stop attacking the aliens, as further aggression against them will surely make them attack even more cows” – Johnny Bernard, Head of the “Aliens are Friends” organization

[[Mad]]

Amazing read! Very intense.

as usual plus red for (proposed) deletions

 

REAPER

X-Net://Pegasus.net/Alien/Craft/Reaper

 

Though the Reaper specializes is more specialized in/for? more in harvesting raw animal tissues than in aerial combat, it is a definite upgrade from the Recon and Escort UFOs we encountered in the early months of the Alien invasion.  Capable of maintaining nearly twice the velocity and sustaining five times the damage of our XC-1 interceptors, the Reaper may signal the beginning of a frightening trend towards larger, more dangerous Alien ships.  Charged with gathering animal specimens and tissue samples for (from?) its Alien Harvest Mission, this extraterrestrial craft can competently defend itself with several medium-range plasma weapons.

 

The Reaper’s reinforced substructure houses an enormous gravity manipulator able to exert fine control over gravitational fields.  Virtually the entire bottom floor is dedicated to this prominent device; direct conduits from several Xenium Reactor cores are necessary to meet the colossal power requirements of the manipulator.  This device, used solely for the Alien’s harvesting process, is only effective at low altitudes and short ranges.  This limitation, combined with prohibitive energy consumption, prevents the gravity manipulator’s adaptation for military purposes.

 

There is no denying the potency of the device, however; the mutilated corpses the Reaper leaves in its wake are unmistakable.

 

Once unseen gravitational forces raise the unsuspecting creature from the ground, wildly fluctuating gravitic distortions literally flay the poor creature in mid-air, rapidly separating desired tissues from the detritus.  These tissues are then levitated to a sample bay on the underside of the craft, leaving the lifeless remnants to litter the landscape.

 

An unpleasant, vaguely organic odor pervades the cluttered interior of the craft, and dimly lit corridors make for tense battle conditions.  Environmental hazards abound, especially on the first floor: the Xenium Reactors and the gravity manipulator’s arcing energy conduits can rupture and explode with even a single careless shot.

 

The second level of the Reaper is devoted to tissue and cell processing; samples collected by the gravity manipulator are purified and refined on this floor.  Cold, sterile corridors wind around Biological Research Rooms where arrays of machines excise and cull tissue samples from varied sources.  Selected cellular components are conveyed directly into large, transparent storage vats, while the remaining tissues are routed to devices specializing in the hybridization of terrestrial proteins, DNA, and RNA with complementary Alien versions.  The resulting chimeric products appear to be used for other - until now occult? -  Alien purposes.

 

Above the tissue processing level is the third and final level a third and final level can be found? , containing the command and navigational control center- the heart of the Reaper.  It is here that our marines usually meet stiff resistance from Aliens determined to defend their ship to the last.  Killing the leader and taking the command center will almost certainly reduce the morale of the remaining Alien stragglers.

 

Though the Reaper's primary functions revolve around its Alien Harvest Mission, it possesses surprisingly potent defenses, and its sheer size can make securing the craft a long, grueling affair for our marines soldiers?.  This craft should not be underestimated.

 

“Those poor cows. We must stop attacking the aliens, as further aggression against them will surely make them attack even more cows” – Johnny Bernard, Head of the “Aliens are Friends” organization

[Moriarty]

[...]Alien Harvest Mission[...]

 

... you might not have researched that mission yet.

[kafros]

[...]Alien Harvest Mission[...]

 

... you might not have researched that mission yet.

Maybe, but that doesn't mean that you can't speculate its purpose.

 

You could rephrase it as:

"Though the Reaper's primary functions revolve around its harvesting salvaging? capabilities,...".

 

That way, you don't mention "Alien Missions", and you give a hint to the player about its purpose. And, it also sounds good if you have already learned about Alien Harvesting.

Edited June 25, 2006 by kafros

[Astyanax]

Well, I figured that it'd be ok to mention the mission name; after all, the mission name is among the research choices, even if it's not yet researched. Either way's fine with me; somebody tell me which way it should be and I'll change it. Edited June 27, 2006 by Astyanax

[Guest Azrael]

Well, I figured that it'd be ok to mention the mission name; after all, the mission name is among the research choices, even if it's not yet researched.  Either way's fine with me; somebody tell me which way it should be and I'll change it.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

IMO, just mentioning it is fine, speculation, as kafros said.

 

good to see you around again

[[Mad]]

I would suggest the following:

 

Don't write "Alien Harvest Mission", because this is the name of the CT. Instead use "harvesting" or "harvest misssion" since these don't connect (directly) to the AHM CT.

[kafros]

Indeed, "Harvesting missions" or "Harvesting operations" would fit perfectly

[Astyanax]

It's good to be back. Now, to rediscover my motivation for writing!

 

REAPER

X-Net://Pegasus.net/Alien/Craft/Reaper

 

Though the Reaper specializes more in harvesting raw animal tissues than in aerial combat, it is a definite upgrade from the Recon and Escort UFOs we encountered in the early months of the Alien invasion.  Capable of maintaining nearly twice the velocity and sustaining five times the damage of our XC-1 interceptors, the Reaper may signal the beginning of a frightening trend towards larger, more formidable Alien ships.  In spite its extensive collection of tissue-processing equipment, this extraterrestrial craft can still competently defend itself with several medium-range plasma weapons.

 

The Reaper’s reinforced substructure houses an enormous gravity manipulator able to exert fine control over gravitational fields.  Virtually the entire bottom level is dedicated to this prominent device; direct conduits from several Xenium Reactor cores are necessary to meet the colossal power requirements of the manipulator.  This device, used solely for the Alien’s harvesting process, is only effective at low altitudes and short ranges.  This limitation, combined with prohibitive energy consumption, prevents the gravity manipulator’s adaptation for military purposes.

 

There is no denying the potency of the device, however; the mutilated corpses the Reaper leaves in its wake are unmistakable.

 

Once unseen gravitational forces raise the unsuspecting creature from the ground, wildly fluctuating gravitic distortions literally flay the poor creature in mid-air, rapidly separating desired tissues from the detritus.  These tissues are then levitated to a sample bay on the underside of the craft, leaving the lifeless remnants to litter the landscape.

 

An unpleasant, vaguely organic odor pervades the cluttered interior of the craft, and dimly lit corridors make for tense battle conditions.  Environmental hazards abound, especially on the first floor: the Xenium Reactors and the gravity manipulator’s arcing energy conduits can rupture and explode with even a single careless shot.

 

The second level of the Reaper is devoted to tissue and cell processing; samples collected by the gravity manipulator are purified and refined on this floor.  Cold, sterile corridors wind around Biological Research Rooms where arrays of machines excise and cull tissue samples from varied sources.  Selected cellular components are conveyed directly into large, transparent storage vats, while the remaining tissues are routed to devices specializing in the hybridization of terrestrial proteins, DNA, and RNA with complementary Alien versions.  The resulting chimeric products appear to be used for other unearthly and wholly alien purposes.

 

Above the tissue processing level is the third and final level, containing the command and navigational control center- the heart of the Reaper.  It is here that our marines usually meet stiff resistance from Aliens determined to defend their ship to the last.  Dispatching the leader and taking the command center will almost certainly reduce the morale of the remaining Alien stragglers.

 

Though the Reaper's primary functions revolve around tissue harvesting and purification, it possesses surprisingly potent defenses, and its sheer size can make securing the craft a long, grueling affair for our soldiers.  This craft should not be underestimated.

 

“Those poor cows. We must stop attacking the aliens, as further aggression against them will surely make them attack even more cows” – Johnny Bernard, Head of the “Aliens are Friends” organization

Edited June 30, 2006 by Astyanax

[Zombie]

Nice job, Asty. I really like the first paragraph.

 

Just a couple minor revisions (in purple):

REAPER

X-Net://Pegasus.net/Alien/Craft/Reaper

 

Though the Reaper specializes more in harvesting raw animal tissues than in aerial combat, it is a definite upgrade from the Recon and Escort UFOs we encountered in the early months of the Alien invasion.  Capable of maintaining nearly twice the velocity and sustaining five times the damage of our XC-1 interceptors, the Reaper may signal the beginning of a frightening trend towards larger, more formidable Alien ships.  In spite its extensive collection of tissue-processing equipment, this extraterrestrial craft can still competently defend itself with several medium-range plasma weapons.

 

The Reaper’s reinforced substructure houses an enormous gravity manipulator able to exert fine control over gravitational fields.  Virtually the entire bottom level is dedicated to this prominent device; direct conduits from several Xenium Reactor cores are necessary to meet the colossal power requirements of the manipulator.  This device, used solely for the Alien’s harvesting process, is only effective at low altitudes and short ranges.  This limitation, combined with prohibitive energy consumption, prevents the gravity manipulator’s adaptation for military purposes. There is no denying the potency of the device, however; the mutilated corpses the Reaper leaves in its wake are unmistakable.

 

Once unseen gravitational forces raise the unsuspecting creature from the ground, wildly fluctuating gravimetric distortions literally flay the poor creature in mid-air, rapidly separating desired tissues from the detritus.  These tissues are then levitated to a sample bay on the underside of the craft, leaving the lifeless remnants to litter the landscape.

 

An unpleasant, vaguely organic macrobiotic odor pervades the cluttered interior of the craft, and dimly lit corridors make for tense battle conditions.  Environmental hazards abound, especially on the first floor: the Xenium Reactors and the gravity manipulator’s arcing energy conduits can rupture and explode with even a single careless shot.

 

The second level of the Reaper is devoted to tissue and cell processing; accumulated organic samples by the gravity manipulator are purified and refined on this floor.  Cold, sterile corridors wind around Biological Research Rooms where arrays of machines excise and cull tissue samples from varied sources.  Selected cellular components are conveyed directly into large, transparent storage vats, while the remaining tissues are routed to devices specializing in the hybridization of terrestrial proteins, DNA, and RNA with complementary Alien versions.  The resulting chimeric products appear to be used for other unearthly and wholly alien purposes.

 

Above the tissue processing level is the third and final level, containing the command and navigational control center - the heart of the Reaper.  It is here that our marines usually meet stiff resistance from Aliens determined to defend their ship to the last.  Dispatching the leader and taking the command center will almost certainly reduce the morale of the remaining Alien stragglers.

 

Though the Reaper's primary functions revolve around tissue harvesting and purification, it possesses surprisingly potent defenses, and its sheer size can make securing the craft a long, grueling affair for our soldiers.  This craft should not be underestimated.

 

“Those poor cows. We must stop attacking the aliens, as further aggression against them will surely make them attack even more cows” – Johnny Bernard, Head of the “Aliens are Friends” organization

The third paragraph was only one sentence long and it related to the second paragraph, so I merged the two together. I also attempted to reduce the use of "gravity manipulator" throughout the text. Not perfect yet as I ran out of options. Perhaps a minor rewording of the second paragraph is in order to clean it up and to reduce the usage of the word "device". Other than that, it's looking very good.

 

- Zombie

Edited July 1, 2006 by Zombie

[Astyanax]

Thanks for your feedback, Zombie. Next version:

 

REAPER

X-Net://Pegasus.net/Alien/Craft/Reaper

 

Though the Reaper specializes more in harvesting raw animal tissues than in aerial combat, it is a definite upgrade from the Recon and Escort UFOs we encountered in the early months of the Alien invasion.  Capable of maintaining nearly twice the velocity and sustaining five times the damage of our XC-1 interceptors, the Reaper may signal the beginning of a frightening trend towards larger, more formidable Alien ships.  In spite of its extensive collection of tissue-processing equipment, this extraterrestrial craft can still competently defend itself with several medium-range plasma weapons.

 

The Reaper’s reinforced substructure houses an enormous gravity manipulator able to exert fine control over gravitational fields.  Virtually the entire bottom level is dedicated to the manipulator, and direct conduits from several Xenium Reactor cores are necessary to meet its colossal power requirements.  Effective only at low altitudes and limited ranges, this device is used solely for the Alien’s harvesting process.  Its short range combined with prohibitive energy consumption prevents its adaptation for military purposes.  There is no denying the potency of the device, however; the mutilated corpses the Reaper leaves in its wake are unmistakable.

 

Once unseen gravitational forces raise the unsuspecting creature from the ground, wildly fluctuating gravimetric distortions literally flay the poor creature in mid-air, rapidly separating desired tissues from the detritus.  These tissues are then levitated to a sample bay on the underside of the craft, leaving the lifeless remnants to litter the landscape.

 

An unpleasant, musty odor pervades the cluttered interior of the craft, and dimly lit corridors make for tense battle conditions.  Environmental hazards abound, especially on the first floor: the Xenium Reactors and the gravity manipulator’s arcing energy conduits can rupture and explode with even a single careless shot.

 

The second level of the Reaper is devoted to processing and purification of harvested organic samples.  Cold, sterile corridors wind around Biological Research Rooms where arrays of machines excise and cull tissue samples from various specimens.  Selected cellular components are conveyed directly into large, transparent storage vats, while the remaining tissues are routed to devices specializing in the hybridization of terrestrial proteins, DNA, and RNA with complementary Alien versions.  The resulting chimeric products appear to be used for other unearthly and wholly alien purposes.

 

Above the tissue processing level is the third and final level, containing the command and navigational control center- the heart of the Reaper.  It is here that our marines usually meet stiff resistance from Aliens determined to defend their ship to the last.  Dispatching the leader and taking the command center will almost certainly reduce the morale of the remaining Alien stragglers.

 

Though the Reaper's primary functions revolve around tissue harvesting and purification, it possesses surprisingly potent defenses, and its sheer size can make securing the craft a long, grueling affair for our soldiers.  This craft should not be underestimated.

 

“Those poor cows. We must stop attacking the aliens, as further aggression against them will surely make them attack even more cows” – Johnny Bernard, Head of the “Aliens are Friends” organization

Edited July 1, 2006 by Astyanax

[kafros]

REAPER UFO

X-Net://Pegasus.net/Alien/Craft/Reaper

 

Though the Reaper specializes more in harvesting raw animal tissues than in aerial combat, it is a definite upgrade from the Recon and Escort UFOs we encountered in the early months of the Alien invasion.  Capable of maintaining nearly twice the velocity and sustaining five times the damage of our XC-1 interceptors, the Reaper may signal the beginning of a frightening trend towards larger, more formidable Alien ships.  In spite of its extensive collection of tissue-processing equipment, this extraterrestrial craft can still competently defend itself with several medium-range plasma weapons.

 

"Recon" and "Escort" UFOs? I would definitely like them there, but you know, the all-common you-may-not-have-already-researched-it-problem... I guess it doesn't hurt to leave them there

 

The Reaper’s reinforced substructure houses an enormous gravity manipulator able to exert fine control over gravitational fields.  Virtually the entire bottom level is dedicated to the manipulator, and direct conduits from several Xenium Reactor cores are necessary to meet its colossal power requirements.  Effective only at low altitudes and limited ranges, this device is used solely for the Aliens’ harvesting process.  Its short range combined with prohibitive energy consumption prevents its adaptation for military purposes.  There is no denying the potency of the device of the device/mechanism/appartus/equipment's potency?, however; the mutilated corpses the Reaper leaves in its wake are unmistakable.

 

Once unseen gravitational forces raise the unsuspecting creature from the ground, wildly fluctuating gravimetric distortions literally flay the poor creature in mid-air, rapidly separating desired tissues from the detritus.  These tissues are then levitated to a sample bay on the underside of the craft, leaving the lifeless remnants to litter the landscape.

 

Interesting. Such fine operation of gravitational operations. Wind doesn't have any effect in the Gravity Manipulator's effect-field?

 

An unpleasant, musty odor pervades the cluttered interior of the craft, and dimly lit corridors make for tense battle conditions.  Environmental hazards abound, especially on the first floor: the Xenium Reactors and the gravity manipulator’s arcing energy conduits can rupture and explode with even a single careless shot.

 

The second level of the Reaper is devoted to processing and purification of harvested organic samples.  Cold, sterile corridors wind around Biological Research Rooms where arrays of machines excise and cull tissue samples from various specimens.  Selected cellular components are conveyed directly into large, transparent storage vats, while the remaining tissues are routed to devices specializing in the hybridization of terrestrial proteins, DNA, and RNA and genetic materials with complementary Alien versions.  The resulting chimeric chimerical? products appear to be used for other unearthly and wholly alien purposes.

 

Above the tissue processing level is the third and final level, containing the command and navigational control center - the heart of the Reaper.  It is here that our marines usually meet stiff resistance from Aliens determined to defend their ship to the last.  Dispatching the leader and taking the command center will almost certainly reduce the morale of the remaining Alien stragglers.

 

Though the Reaper's primary functions revolve around tissue harvesting and purification, it possesses surprisingly potent defenses, and its sheer size can make securing the craft a long, grueling affair for our soldiers.  This craft should not be underestimated.

 

“Those poor cows. We must stop attacking the aliens, as further aggression against them will surely make them attack even more cows” – Johnny Bernard, Head of the “Aliens are Friends” organization

[Astyanax]

Well, about the UFO names, I figure they have at least named the UFOs even if they haven't researched them...

 

As for wind... I hadn't really thought of that. But if you consider the lack of the wind's effect on UFOs and advanced X-Com aircraft, I would imagine that gravity holds greater sway than wind...

 

REAPER UFO

X-Net://Pegasus.net/Alien/Craft/Reaper

 

Though the Reaper specializes more in harvesting raw animal tissues than in aerial combat, it is a definite upgrade from the Recon and Escort UFOs we encountered in the early months of the Alien invasion.  Capable of maintaining nearly twice the velocity and sustaining five times the damage of our XC-1 interceptors, the Reaper may signal the beginning of a frightening trend towards larger, more formidable Alien ships.  In spite of its extensive collection of tissue-processing equipment, this extraterrestrial craft can still competently defend itself with several medium-range plasma weapons.

 

The Reaper’s reinforced substructure houses an enormous gravity manipulator able to exert fine control over gravitational fields.  Virtually the entire bottom level is dedicated to the manipulator, and direct conduits from several Xenium Reactor cores are necessary to meet its colossal power requirements.  Effective only at low altitudes and limited ranges, this device is utilized solely for harvesting process.  Its short range combined with prohibitive energy consumption prevents its adaptation for military purposes, but there is no denying its potency; the mutilated corpses the Reaper leaves in its wake are unmistakable.

 

Once unseen gravitational forces raise the unsuspecting creature from the ground, wildly fluctuating gravimetric distortions literally flay the poor creature in mid-air, rapidly separating desired tissues from the detritus.  These tissues are then levitated to a sample bay on the underside of the craft, leaving the lifeless remnants to litter the landscape.

 

An unpleasant, musty odor pervades the cluttered interior of the craft, and dimly lit corridors make for tense battle conditions.  Environmental hazards abound, especially on the first floor: the Xenium Reactors and the gravity manipulator’s arcing energy conduits can rupture and explode with even a single careless shot.

 

The second level of the Reaper is devoted to processing and purification of harvested organic samples.  Cold, sterile corridors wind around Biological Research Rooms where arrays of machines excise and cull tissue samples from various specimens.  Selected cellular components are conveyed directly into large, transparent storage vats, while the remaining tissues are routed to devices specializing in the hybridization of terrestrial proteins and genetic materials with complementary Alien versions.  The resulting chimeric products appear to be used for other unearthly and wholly alien purposes.

 

Above the tissue processing level is the third and final level, containing the command and navigational control center- the heart of the Reaper.  It is here that our marines usually meet stiff resistance from Aliens determined to defend their ship to the last.  Dispatching the leader and taking the command center will almost certainly reduce the morale of the remaining Alien stragglers.

 

Though the Reaper's primary functions revolve around tissue harvesting and purification, it possesses surprisingly potent defenses, and its sheer size can make securing the craft a long, grueling affair for our soldiers.  This craft should not be underestimated.

 

“Those poor cows. We must stop attacking the aliens, as further aggression against them will surely make them attack even more cows” – Johnny Bernard, Head of the “Aliens are Friends” organization

[Astyanax]

I think this CT is nearly complete. Any last comments? The only thing to keep an eye out for is consistency when the AWD models the interior.

[Zombie]

I think you are right, Asty. It looks and reads good!

 

Like you say, we may have to refresh this once the final model is created. And programming may decide to change the game mechanics so that objects like the Xenium reactor and gravity manipulator's conduits do not explode. I'll put this on the list of things for Mad to look at when he comes back. :wink1:

 

- Zombie

[[Mad]]

Very nice! Completed. As for the final model and the PRG stuff: let's wait what they do - as soon as they reach that phase I'll make sure to put in a word.