Mission 17: Osceolla
Welcome, Commander, to Osceolla. This mission is a direct assault on a heavily fortified Brotherhood outpost. Expect fierce resistance and prepare for a multi-stage engagement. Your primary objective is to eliminate all enemy forces within the facility and secure the area. This mission will test your squad's combat prowess and tactical flexibility.
Recommended Squad Composition
- Heavy Weapons Specialist: Essential for breaching defenses and suppressing entrenched enemies. Equip with a Plasma Caster or a Vindicator Minigun.
- Sniper: Crucial for taking out high-priority targets from a distance and thinning enemy ranks before direct engagement. A Gauss Rifle or a Sniper Rifle is ideal.
- Demolitions Expert: Necessary for destroying turrets and potentially creating new entry points. Carry plenty of Plastic Explosives and Grenades.
- Medic: To keep your squad alive through sustained firefights. Ensure they have a high First Aid skill and a good supply of Super Stimpaks and Trauma Kits.
- Scout/Assault: A fast, high-action point character with good small guns or energy weapons for flanking and close-quarters combat.
Pre-Mission Preparation
Before deploying, ensure your squad is fully equipped. This mission features heavily armored opponents, so Energy Weapons and high-damage ballistic weapons are highly recommended. Stock up on:
- Ammunition: Especially for Plasma Cells, 2mm EC, and .45 Caliber.
- Explosives: Plastic Explosives for turrets, and Fragmentation Grenades or Plasma Grenades for area denial.
- Medical Supplies: Super Stimpaks, Trauma Kits, and Rad-X/RadAway (though radiation is not a primary threat here, it's always good practice).
- Armor: Power Armor or Hardened Power Armor is highly advisable for all squad members due to the heavy incoming fire.
Walkthrough
Phase 1: Perimeter Breach
You'll deploy on the outskirts of the Brotherhood compound. The initial approach is often guarded by automated turrets and patrolling Brotherhood Paladins.
- Initial Engagement: Move cautiously north from your deployment zone. You will likely encounter a few Brotherhood Paladins patrolling the perimeter. Use your sniper to pick them off from a distance.
- Destroying the Turrets: As you advance, you'll spot several automated turrets guarding the main entrance. These are heavily armored.
- Strategy 1 (Demolitions): Send your Demolitions expert forward under cover. Plant Plastic Explosives directly on the turrets. Detonate from a safe distance.
- Strategy 2 (Heavy Weapons): Focus fire with your Plasma Caster or Vindicator Minigun. Aim for critical hits. This can be ammo-intensive but effective.
- Securing the Entrance: Once the turrets are down, more Paladins may emerge from the main building. Set up an ambush with your heavy weapons specialist covering the entrance and your sniper providing overwatch.
Phase 2: Clearing the Outer Buildings
The compound consists of several interconnected buildings. Work methodically to clear each one.
- West Barracks: Enter the building to your immediate west after breaching the perimeter. Expect a few Paladins inside, often clustered. Use grenades to soften them up before engaging with small arms. Check lockers and crates for valuable ammunition and medical supplies. You might find a Plasma Rifle or two here.
- Central Courtyard: After clearing the barracks, move into the central courtyard. This area is exposed and often has a few patrolling Brotherhood Knights or Paladins. Use cover effectively and advance slowly. Be wary of elevated positions where enemies might have a height advantage.
- East Armory/Workshop: The building to the east of the courtyard typically serves as an armory or workshop. This is often heavily defended.
- High-Value Targets: Prioritize any Brotherhood Scribes or Engineers you see, as they sometimes carry unique items or keycards.
- Loot: This building is a prime location for finding advanced weaponry and armor. Look for Hardened Power Armor, Gauss Rifles, and a significant amount of 2mm EC ammunition. There might also be a workbench here, though it's unlikely you'll need to craft during the mission.
Phase 3: The Main Command Center
The final objective is usually within the largest, most central building, which serves as the command center.
- Breaching the Command Center: The entrance to the command center is often heavily guarded, sometimes by a stationary Heavy Machine Gun turret or multiple Paladins.
- Coordinated Attack: Use your sniper to eliminate the most dangerous threats first. Then, have your heavy weapons specialist suppress the remaining enemies while your assault team pushes forward.
- Door Breaching: If the door is locked, your Demolitions expert can blow it open, or a character with a high Lockpick skill can attempt to open it.
- Interior Combat: The command center typically has multiple rooms and corridors. Move slowly, checking every corner. Expect encounters with Brotherhood Elders, Captains, and more Paladins. These higher-ranking enemies are tougher and often carry superior gear.
- Eliminate the Commander: The mission concludes when you eliminate all enemy forces, including the Brotherhood Commander, who is usually found in the deepest part of the command center. The Commander will be a formidable opponent, likely equipped with the best available gear (e.g., a Turbo Plasma Rifle or a Bozar) and high combat skills. Focus fire on them and use Stimpaks liberally.
- Final Sweep: After the Commander is down, do a thorough sweep of the command center for any remaining enemies and loot. Look for computer terminals that might contain lore or mission-related information, and don't forget the Commander's personal effects, which often include unique weapons or valuable items.
Post-Mission
Once all enemies are neutralized, the mission will conclude, and you'll be extracted. The loot from Osceolla can be substantial, so ensure your squad has enough carrying capacity. The experience gained will also be significant, so consider leveling up your combat skills or acquiring new perks that enhance your squad's offensive capabilities.