Need Mothership Raid banter

[Grog the Big]

So I'm writing a book-length bit of fan fiction and I've come to a scene where the main characters have arranged a Rikti mothership raid as a distraction to improve their chances of success at their own mission to save the world (naturally!).  Most but not all of the raiders know they're on this raid to distract the Rikti and give the main characters a chance at success.  The timeframe of the scene begins with everyone gathering at Point du Hoc and finishes with the shields dropping and the collected supers assaulting the top of the Rikti mothership.  Here is the briefing that some of the assembled supers received:

 

She [the Vanguard Watch Officer] nodded right back, then began tapping at the control panel behind the lectern.  The lights in the briefing theater dimmed, and an old image of the crashed Rikti mothership appeared on the large screen facing the amphitheater-style seating of the briefing theater.  “You see here the Rikti mothership as it was before the gate between our worlds re-opened.  The energy shield covering the crashed mothership was impenetrable, or so we thought.”

 

Another picture appeared, this time a more recent picture of the same crashed mothership, only from a different angle with a strange alien structure in the foreground.  “Here is a more recent picture.  Our intelligence estimates that, with the re-opening of the gateway between our worlds, and the increase in Rikti activity that followed, the Rikti needed to lower their shields from time to time.  To this end, they erected eighteen pylons, such as the one you see here, on the ground around the ship inside the War Zone to control the ship's shields.  That's where they introduced a weakness in their protection; if all the pylons are destroyed, the shields will fail, and a direct assault on the crashed mothership will be possible.

 

“The pylons are not easy to destroy.  Each is heavily armored, equipped with a self-repair system, and armed with fusion blasters and long-range homing missiles.  They remain almost unbeatably tough by any of Vanguard's forces, and much too dangerous for any single 'special volunteer' to attack on his own, but, with you all working together, and, with sufficient numbers and power, you will be able to bring the pylons down.”

 

The Watch Officer brought up another picture, this time of a map of the Rikti War Zone with the pylons' locations marked and numbered.  Off to one side was a list of the pylons with their number and location coordinates.  Continuing, she said, “Here is a list we've developed recommending which pylons you destroy in which order.  Feel free to choose your own order, but, however you choose to take them on, we strongly recommend you destroy Pylon One last; it's the pylon closest to the Rikti mothership.  

 

“Once all the pylons are destroyed, and the shield fails, you can then assault the top of the Rikti mothership.  We expect that the number of defenders will be commensurate with the number of attackers, meaning that the more of you there are, the more of them will show up to defend the top of the ship.  At this point, you will have a finite amount of time to inflict damage on the ship and the aliens.

 

“We have identified a number of ventilation ports on top of the ship.  Vanguard will provide explosive charges to select special volunteers to use on those ventilation ports.  Once you attack the ventilation ports and destroy their coverings, the charges can be placed inside and armed.  The explosion will be significant, so don't stand too close to the bombs once they're armed.  Each port destroyed in this manner will increase the amount of time the shield will stay down.

 

“I need to warn you all: at some point we expect the Rikti's Master At Arms to join the fray.  We don't know much about this Master At Arms except its name: U'Kon Gr'ai.”  That brought a few snickers from the assembled metas, and the unexpected reaction made the Watch Officer pause.  “I... don't know why that's funny, but... OK...

 

“Eventually, the pylons will repair themselves, and the shield will come back up, so do as much damage as you can with the time you have.  Because of the extreme danger you will all be facing during this assignment, Vanguard has increased the merit reward rate to one for one.”  That brought an approving reaction from the assembled metas; Vanguard usually awarded one merit for defeating several Rikti, so increasing the rate to one for one would mean almost anything that Vanguard traded for merits could be earned after this single raid.  The more competitive metas began looking around the room to size up the opposition, plan their team structure, and think of anything else they could do to maximize their merit reward.

 

That's the background.  What I request from you all is a dialogue contribution of the mothership raid.  I envisioned a full zone of about 50 supers, some of whom are familiar with mothership raids, and some who are not.  Ideally, each dialogue entry will be responded to by following entries, but I leave that to your creative inspiration.  When making posts, if you have something to say that's not dialogue intended for use, please mark it with a different color from the dialogue.

 

I appreciate your attention, and whatever you may think of contributing, but I warn you: I may use your contribution exactly as it is, I may adapt your contribution, or I may not use it at all.  However things turn out with this creative exercise, I will be grateful for anything submitted, and will record the name of the contributor to give credit when the scene is complete.  If you have any questions, please let me know.

[Grog the Big]

Think of something like this:

 

Superhero Seeder (arriving almost five minutes late but seeing the collected supers have not begun to attack the Rikti towers):  "Yo, what's the holdup?  We were supposed to kick this party off five minutes ago!"

[ZeeHero]

Why did the rikti cross the bowl? To see the other side!... you know, other side.. like, afterlife 

[Plutonix]

"get zapped, shovelheads" - electric hero

[Andreah]

I've run quite a few MSR's, including a couple In-Character. I heavily prompted an AI to invent narrative banter and then hand-edited its output. Feel free to use/adapt/substitute names/ignore this as you wish:

 

 

Phase 1: Gathering and Marshalling at Point du Hoc

 

The Vanguard outpost at Point du Hoc hums with activity as 50 supers—heroes in bright spandex, villains in shadowy armor—crowd the staging area. The Rikti Mothership looms in the distance, its green shield casting an eerie glow. The Watch Officer’s briefing has just ended, and the supers are forming teams, checking powers, and sizing each other up. A low hum of anticipation mixes with the distant buzz of Rikti drones.

 

Ironclad (Tank, Veteran, Knows the Distraction): Clanging his gauntlets together, voice booming Alright, people, form up! Eight to a team, just like the Watch Officer said. We’ve got 18 pylons to turn to scrap, and we’re starting at Pylon 11. He points to a holo-map flickering nearby Vets, keep the newbies alive. Newbies, don’t be stupid. This is for the big win.

 

Starflare (Blaster, Novice, Unaware): Hovering nervously, her plasma aura sparking Uh, Ironclad? I’ve never done a Mothership Raid. Those pylons… they’re like, giant death machines, right? She glances at the map How do we even get close without getting fried?

 

Shadowvolt (Controller, Veteran, Knows the Distraction): Leaning against a Vanguard crate, voice calm but firm You don’t get close, kid. You blast from range, stay mobile, and let tanks like Ironclad soak the fusion bolts. He nods toward a group of scrappers Razorclaw’s team’ll be on Pylon 12. Stick with them if you want to learn fast.

 

Razorclaw (Scrapper, Experienced, Unaware): Grinning, sharpening his claws on a nearby rock Learn fast? Ha! Stick with me, Starflare, and you’ll be swimming in merits by sundown. He winks at a cluster of rookies Pylon 12’s mine. Who’s got my back?

 

Mistweaver (Defender, Novice, Knows the Distraction): Quietly, to Shadowvolt, adjusting her healing aura I heard this raid’s a cover for something bigger. Her eyes flick toward the Mothership I’ll keep the team up, but… how many know we’re just the distraction?

 

Shadowvolt: Low, almost a whisper Enough to keep it together. Don’t spread it, Mistweaver. Focus on the pylons. We need that shield down to give them their shot. He glances at Ironclad, who gives a subtle nod.

 

Duskblade (Stalker, Experienced, Unaware): Uncloaking near Razorclaw Save the bravado, Razor. Last raid, a Drop Ship crashed my team’s party at Pylon 10. She smirks You got a plan for that, or you just gonna claw it to death?

 

Vanguard Sword Operative (NPC): Shouting from the command post Supers, move out! Pylon 11’s first! Stay sharp, and watch the skies for Drop Ships! The crowd surges, teams forming as powers flare—force fields, energy blasts, and glowing auras lighting up the dusk.

 

---

 

Phase 2: Taking Down the Pylons

 

The War Zone crackles with energy as teams spread out, converging on Pylon 11. Fusion blasts from the towering alien structure light up the battlefield, and Rikti drones swarm to defend it. Ironclad’s team leads the charge, his armor glowing red from absorbed hits. The air hangs thick with the tang of ozone and the sharp, coppery scent of scorched plating.

 

Ironclad: Grunting as a missile slams into his shield Keep it tight, team! Blasters, focus fire on the pylon’s core! Defenders, keep those heals coming! He slams his fist into the ground, taunting Rikti drones away from Starflare.

 

Starflare: Hovering, unleashing plasma bolts This thing’s not going down easy! A missile streaks toward her; she dodges, barely Whoa! Shadowvolt! You weren’t kidding!

 

Shadowvolt: Immobilizing a group of Rikti Magus with a gravity field Told you, kid. Stay behind me and keep shooting. He glances at the sky Heads up—Drop Ship incoming, three o’clock!

 

Razorclaw: Leaping onto a Rikti Chief Soldier, claws flashing Drop Ship? Bring it! He tears through the alien, then shouts to his team Pylon 12’s next! We’re not letting Ironclad’s crew outdo us! A fusion blast grazes him, and he snarls Alright, who’s got a heal?

 

Mistweaver: Channeling a green healing wave toward Razorclaw On it! To Starflare Stay close, I’ve got you covered. Under her breath This is chaos… hope the others are ready when this shield drops.

 

Duskblade: Stealthing past a Rikti patrol, targeting the pylon’s repair node Got the self-repair system in my sights. She plants a charge, then vanishes as it explodes One down, 17 to go. Razor, stop showboating and help!

 

The pylon groans, sparks flying as it collapses. Cheers erupt, but a Drop Ship roars overhead, unloading more Rikti. The teams regroup, moving clockwise to Pylon 12, then 13, battling through waves of drones and Magus. Hours pass, each pylon falling harder than the last. As Pylon 1—the final one—crumbles, the Mothership’s shield flickers and dies, exposing the massive craft.

 

Ironclad: Wiping ash from his helm Shield’s down! Everyone, topside, now! Grab those charges from Vanguard and move!

 

---

 

Phase 3: Assaulting and Bombing the Grates

 

The supers swarm the Mothership’s surface, a vast, curved expanse of alien metal dotted with ventilation ports—grates—guarded by Rikti Heavy Assault Suits and drones. Vanguard operatives fan out, distributing explosive charges. The air buzzes with teleporting Rikti and the crackle of superpowers.

 

Starflare: Panting, blasting a grate’s cover These things are tough! She dodges a Rikti plasma rifle How many charges do we need to place?

 

Mistweaver: Healing a nearby scrapper, voice strained As many as we can! Each grate we blow buys more time. She points to a glowing port There—Starflare, hit that one next!

 

Shadowvolt: Holding a Rikti squad in a stasis field Keep moving, don’t clump! He grabs a charge from a Vanguard runner I’ve got this grate. Cover me! He sprints toward a port, dodging psi-blasts.

 

Razorclaw: Laughing, tearing through a Heavy Assault Suit Merits for days! He grabs a charge, tossing it to Duskblade Yo, stealth girl, plant this one. I’m busy racking up kills!

 

Duskblade: Catching the charge, rolling her eyes You’re gonna get us all killed, Razor. She cloaks, slipping past a Rikti patrol to arm the charge Armed! Clear out! The grate explodes, shaking the ship. Rikti reinforcements teleport in, their numbers growing.

 

Ironclad: Taunting a wave of Rikti toward him Keep those charges going! We need every second! He glances at Shadowvolt, voice low Hope the others are moving fast… this is getting thick.

 

A series of explosions rocks the ship as more grates detonate. The supers fight in tight knots, blasters and scrappers clearing paths for charge-planters. The shield remains down, but Rikti resistance intensifies, signaling the arrival of something big.

 

---

 

Phase 4: Defeating U’Kon Gr’ai

 

A psychic ripple sweeps the Mothership’s surface as U’Kon Gr’ai, the Rikti Master at Arms, teleports in. The towering alien, clad in glowing armor, wields dual psi-blades and unleashes mental blasts that stagger the supers. The battlefield narrows as teams rally to face him.

 

Ironclad: Bracing against a psychic blast There’s the big guy! Tanks, on me! Pull him east, away from the bowl! He slams his shield into the ground, drawing U’Kon’s attention Come on, you grey freak!

 

Starflare: Wincing, clutching her head What is that? My head’s splitting! She fires a weak plasma bolt, then ducks behind Mistweaver How do we even hurt this guy?

Mistweaver: Casting a clarity buff to counter U’Kon’s mental attacks Stay focused, Starflare! His psi-blades are brutal, but his mental blasts are worse. Keep moving! She heals Ironclad as he takes a hit We’ve got you, Ironclad!

 

Shadowvolt: Locking U’Kon in a gravity field He’s tough, but not invincible. Blasters, aim for his armor joints! Scrappers, flank him! He dodges a psi-blade swipe And watch those blades—they’ll cut through anything!

 

Razorclaw: Leaping onto U’Kon’s back, claws digging in Gotcha, big guy! He slashes, but a psychic pulse throws him off Ow! Alright, who’s got a plan B?

Duskblade: Uncloaking behind U’Kon, striking a weak point Plan B’s don’t die, Razor! She plants a charge near U’Kon’s feet, then vanishes Fire in the hole! The explosion staggers U’Kon, but he roars, unleashing a massive psychic wave.

 

Ironclad: Grunting, holding his ground Keep it up! He’s weakening! To Shadowvolt, quietly This is it—their window’s open. We just gotta hold him here.

 

U’Kon Gr’ai falters under the combined assault, his armor cracking. With a final barrage of powers—plasma, claws, and force fields—he collapses, his psi-blades dimming. The supers cheer, but the victory is short-lived as Rikti reinforcements pour onto the ship.

 

---

 

Phase 5: Seizing and Holding the Bowl

 

The “bowl”—the central depression on the Mothership’s surface—becomes the final battleground. Tanks taunt waves of Rikti into the bowl, where blasters and controllers unleash concentrated fire. The supers fight to hold the position, wearing down the Rikti as the distraction buys time for the main characters’ mission.

 

Ironclad: Standing at the bowl’s edge, taunting Rikti Come on, you alien punks! Right here! He absorbs a barrage of plasma fire, his armor glowing Blasters, light ‘em up! Hold the bowl, no matter what!

 

Starflare: Hovering above, raining plasma bolts into the bowl There’s so many! She dodges a drone’s blast How long do we have to hold this?

 

Shadowvolt: Immobilizing a Rikti squad As long as it takes, kid. He glances at the horizon, where the main characters’ mission unfolds Keep the Rikti pinned here. Every second counts.

 

Mistweaver: Straining to heal the tanks I’m running low on endurance! She casts a wide healing wave Someone take out those Magus—they’re teleporting in too fast!

 

Razorclaw: Laughing, diving into the bowl Magus, drones, whatever! More merits for me! He tears through a Rikti squad, but takes a hit Uh, Mistweaver? Little help?

 

Duskblade: Stealthing to a Magus, neutralizing it Razor, stop diving in headfirst! She reappears, panting Tanks, keep pulling them in. We’ve got the high ground—let’s use it.

 

Ironclad: Roaring, taunting another wave That’s it! Funnel ‘em into the bowl! Blasters, controllers, hit ‘em hard! He glances at Shadowvolt How much longer?

 

Shadowvolt: Grimly, watching the Rikti swarm Long enough. He unleashes a massive gravity pulse, pinning dozens of Rikti Keep fighting, everyone. This is what we came for.

The bowl becomes a crucible of fire and chaos, Rikti falling under the supers’ onslaught. The shield flickers as the pylons begin to self-repair, but the supers hold firm, their powers lighting up the night. In the distance, the main characters’ mission nears its climax, the raid’s true purpose fulfilled.

 

---

 

 

Hope this helps out!

 

 

[Grog the Big]

That's great, thank you!  Plenty of material, and lots of ideas of my own, too.

 

I'm still open to more inputs, if anyone's still interested in contributing!