Faster Than Light - Overseer Dark's Log

[DarkxFatal]

Here is where I shall be posting my attempts at Faster Than Light, a lovely sci-fi roguelike game where you're escaping rebels through the vast space of...space. There will be sorrow, there will be death. There may be some happiness, and hopefully some humor.

I'll have each part in spoilers. Each sector is a cluster of places you can move to on a map. You, the player, start on the left side for as far as I can tell, and you generally try to move towards the right side (heading towards a spot labeled as Exit). In each Sector, I'll list the crew, and in each First Sector, I'll list the ships name, though don't expect too many ship names. I will also list the enem(y/ies) we fight per movement, rewards, and any upgrades or new people we find/hire.

spoiler: First Attempt

Sector 1:
Crew: Tim Eternal - Pilot
      BC Robert - Shields Specialist
      Reks Sasha - Weapons Specialist

Ship: The Highwind

First Movement: Lucky us! We found a damaged ship. Most of the crew were dead, but we found a survivor, as well as 12 scrap! Might as well set him to Engines.
   Introducing: Kirkner (Human)!

Second Movement: A surprise attack near a dangerously close star by a ship impervious to heat!
         Enemy: Auto-Assault Class Ship. Reward: Scrap (can't remember the exact number and whatever else we might've gotten)
      With a few well-aimed shots at the FTL Drive and Weapons, we quickly won the fight. However, two solar flares damaged the ship and temporarily caused the Oxygen to go offline.
         By switching out Robert, Sasha, and Kirkner, we were barely able to repair it. (With 14% Oxygen remaining!)

Third Movement: Moved to a store to get away from the dangerous star. Repaired our Hull for 4 Scrap, or so. (only 2 points of damage)

Fourth Movement: Drat. Answered a Distress Beacon, where we could destroy a Defense System. Sadly, we were unable to breach it's shields, but it was able to damage us some.

Fifth Movement: An ambush by a pirate, not too surprising. Off to a poor start thanks to the previous movement.
         Enemy: Rebel Fighter Class Ship 1x Cy Bug. Reward: 3 Fuel, 1 Drone Part, 19 Scrap, Long Ranged Scanners Augment.
      A relatively standard fight. Took out the weapons and went for the engine. But wait! There was a Cy Bug invader on our ship this time. A combined effort from Kirkner, Robert, and Sasha brought it down, thankfully.
         Upgraded: Power +2 (Cost: 40 Scrap)

Sixth Movement: Headed for the exit to this eventful sector. A civilian ship was under attack. What else do we do, but assist!
         Enemy: Energy Bomber Class Ship. Reward: 1 Fuel, 1 Missile, 16 Scrap.
      An easy fight this time. We took a hit, briefly losing Shield capabilities, but we quickly retaliated; taking out their weapons and FTL Drive, causing them to explode. The Civilian Ship fled during the fighting.



Sector 2 - Zoltan Controlled:
Crew: Tim Eternal - Pilot
      BC Robert - Shields Specialist
      Reks Sasha - Weapons Specialist
      Kirkner - Engines Specialist

First Movement: Headed straight by an asteroid field. Danger? What's that? Let's explore!
         Reward: 1 Drone Part, 20 Scrap.
      Found an abandoned mining site, which held left behind mining drones. See, no danger in asteroid fields.

Second Movement: A Zoltan Checkpoint? Let's not attack...This time. They scanned us, and we were cleared to pass. None of us are illegal....Right, Kirkner?

Third Movement: Drat. Mantis outcasts attacking us, thinking we're Zoltans? I'm offended. And they beamed people aboard? Lovely.
         Enemy: Mantis Scout Class Ship. 3x Mantis. Reward: 1 Fuel, 2 Missiles, 31 Scrap.
      A moment of silence. Amidst the onboard fighting, Reks Sasha and Kirkner both fell to Mantis invaders. On another note, Pilot Eternal gave no fucks as he blasted two Mantises who entered the cockpit. (also, most of our systems went down but they're being repaired now.)
         Wait, sorry. Another moment of silence. BC Robert died due to heat/asphyxiation from the flames that were in the medical bay. Not..AS noble, but will be missed as dearly.
         And another, as Pilot Tim Eternal was unable to repair the Oxygen supply and soon died. May the crew of The Highwind rest in peace.

spoiler: Second Attempt pt1

Sector 1:
Crew: Tim Eternal - Pilot
      Reks Sasha - Weapons Specialist
      BC Robert - Shields Specialist

Ship: The Highwind - Kestrel Class

Forethought: Good thing we kept those clones around, and have enough Kestrel Class ships to cover an Earth-sized atmosphere, or else we might never get this job finished!

First Movement: Answering a distress beacon, we heard that a civilian ship was being attacked by giant alien spiders!...Wait. Giant alien spiders?
            Reward: hahahahahahahahaha. Our lives for fleeing.

Second Movement: Came near a planet with habitation and great beauty. Oh, and an automated defense system looping about a quarantine....Let's..uh...Let's move on.

Third Movement: A Rebel ship is stationed nearby? It's automated? Let's flee? What. No, attack.
         Enemy: Auto-Scout Class Ship. Reward: 20 Scrap.
      Took a hit, but by disabling its weapons we were able to destroy the weak Rebel Ship.
         Oh hey. There was a facility here.
            Reward: 11 Scrap, Hull Smasher Laser. Upgraded: Weapons and Reactor +1. Cost: 55 Scrap.

Fourth Movement: Another un-manned Rebel Scout ship. Oh boy.
         Enemy: Auto-Scout Class Ship. Reward: 1 Fuel, 1 Drone Part, 13 Scrap.
      The (automated) coward was trying to flee and warn its allies! A few rapid shots with our lasers knocked its FTL Drive out of commission and quickly brought the fight to a close.

Fifth Movement: Slavers. In a well-armed ship as well. We can draw straws to send a crew member over. Or you know. Use our lasers to pewpewpew.
         Enemy: Slug Interceptor Class Ship. Reward: A...slave.
      Silly slavers, we're the Highwind, y'know? After taking out their weapons and FTL drive, they surrendered and offered us a slave to let them go. Well..we do need more unfair labor...
         Introducing: Hector (the Mantis) Our new resident combatter and now Engine Specialist.

   5th Move Afterthought: Perhaps the memories of the originals transferred over, as the crew quickly put Hector to the engines, and seemed to fancy the idea of opening the airlock and doors to the engine room.. Oh well. They'll warm up to him eventually.

Sixth Movement: Encountered a Rebel Transport ship. To take its goods or avoid it...What a hard choice.
         Enemy: Rebel Rigger Class Ship. Reward: 22 Scrap, Burst Laser Mark I
      The cowards! Trying to flee from the Highwind?! Took out their FTL Drive and pitiful weapons almost immediately, leading to a quick victory.

Seventh Movement: Finally reached the Exit, where a Merchant vessel hailed us and gave us some loot. Nice.
         Reward: Hull Missile Weapon, 11 Scrap.


Sector 2 - Engi Controlled:
Crew: Tim Eternal - Pilot
   Reks Sasha - Weapons Specialist
   BC Robert - Shields Specialist
   Hector - Engine Specialist

First Movement: Holy crap! Free loot in spaaaace!
         Reward: 16 Scrap, Burst Laser Mark II Upgraded: Shields +1 Cost: 20 Scrap

Second Movement: Holy crap! More free loot!
         Reward: 1 Fuel, 1 Missile, 21 Scrap.

Third Movement: Answering a distress beacon, we came across an ice covered ship. Before we could dock, we were hit by asteroids, taking some minor hull damage.

Fourth Movement: Came across a store, the lovely oasises...oases?...oasi?.....of space.
         Purchased: 3 Fuel (Cost: 9 Scrap) Fixed Hull (Cost: 12 Scrap)

Fifth Movement: Coming closer to the Exit, we find a planet with intelligent life on it. Landing on the planet, we failed to communicate with the happy horse-like residents, but one pulled us to an Engi ship crash site where we were able to reactivate an Engi!
         Reward: 2 Fuel, 1 Drone Part, 15 Scrap, More slave la...er..another worker!
            Introducing: Schultze (the Engi), our new Resident...uh....repairman?...


Sector 3 - Zoltan Controlled:
Crew: Tim Eternal - Pilot
   Reks Sasha - Weapons Specialist
   BC Robert - Shields Specialist
   Hector - Engine Specialist
   Schultze - Repairman

First Movement: A Rebel Rigger is attacking us?...It doesn't know who we are?......okay.
         Enemy: Rebel Rigger Class Ship, 1x Drone Reward: 3 Fuel, 2 Missiles, 38 Scrap.
      Those losers! Trying to flee once we damage them?! To be fair, we are pretty scary. Took a bit of damage thanks to the drone, but we won quickly enough. (they also tried to surrender when fleeing failed. haha. surrendering.)         

Second Movement: An ambush by a Slug Interceptor?...Fools!
         Enemy: Slug Interceptor Class Ship Reward: 2 Missiles, 36 Scrap, 1 Drone Part.
      Haha. They tried to surrender. Like I'd let the enemy get away like that.
         Upgraded: Shields +1, Reactor + 2, Oxygen +1 Cost: 100 Scrap

Third Movement: Intercepting a Zoltan broadcast, we were quickly beset by a Mantis Scout!
         Enemy: Mantis Scout Class, 1x Mantis Ship Reward: 1 Missile, 1 Drone Part, 33 Scrap.
      A Mantis invaded the ship!...By entering the Engine room. Hector quickly blasted the invader from his haven, though he nearly died himself.
      The rest of the crew didn't notice his heroics as he was in the engine room. The fight itself went quickly, their weapons unable to pierce our shields.

Fourth Movement: Finding a Zoltan Research Facility, we quickly decided to assist the Zoltans with their research.
         Reward: 20 Scrap

Fifth Movement: Headed to a store. An oasis in the yeah yeah, whatever.
         Purchased: Fully Repaired Hull (Cost: 10 Scrap)

Sixth Movement: Try to bypass a Rebel Fighter, but it noticed us! Nice driving, Pilot Eternal.
         Enemy: Rebel Fighter Class Ship Reward: 1 Missile, 1 Drone Part, 39 Scrap
      Another easy victory, thanks to my strategic prowess of weapons then engines. And our enhanced shields didn't hurt either.
         Upgraded: Reactor + 2, Weapons +1 Cost: 100 Scrap

Seventh Movement: Forced to enter a nebula as the rebels approach from behind. Nothing of note happened, though the crew was jumpy.

Eighth Movement: Nothing of note happened here either.


Sector 4 - Mantis Controlled:
Crew: Tim Eternal - Pilot
   Reks Sasha - Weapons Specialist
   BC Robert - Shields Specialist
   Hector - Engine Specialist
   Schultze - Repairman

First Movement: Nothing of note, except an offer for our dwindling fuel for some missiles. Pfft.

Second Movement: Nothing here, nothing at all. 1 Fuel left.

Third Movement: Arachnids! But our crew beat them back.
         Reward: 6 Fuel, 1 Drone Part, 19 Scrap

Fourth Movement: There was an enemy ship lying in wait for us!
         Enemy: Rebel Fighter Class Ship Reward: 2 Fuel, 1 Drone Part, 21 Scrap.
      The ship hails us and offers a deal. We are mostly forced to begrudgingly agree, as our fuel supply can't risk NOT getting fuel for destroying them.

Fifth Movement: Heading to the exit, we notice a Rebel Carrier ship. Try to take their goods? But of course!
         Enemy: Rebel Fighter Class Ship Reward: 57 Scrap, Hull Smasher Laser
      A simple fight, though we took a hit.


Sector 5 - Zoltan Homeworlds:
Crew: Tim Eternal - Pilot
   Reks Sasha - Weapons Specialist
   BC Robert - Shields Specialist
   Hector - Engine Specialist
   Schultze - Repairman

First Movement: A pirate ship attack! Oh dears.
         Enemy: Rock Scout Class Ship Reward: 1 Missle, 1 Drone Part, 49 Scrap
      They tried to surrender. Sorry. Just showed mercy not too long ago.

Second Movement: Slavers! We could buy a slave, for 45 Scrap....Or just attack.
         Enemy: Rebel Fighter Class Ship Reward: 3 Fuel, 1 Missile, 54 Scrap
       They tried offering us a slave. Sorry. Already have one.

Third Movement: Answering a distress beacon, we found a ship on fire. Not having too many options, we docked and safely rescued the crew. One of the crew decided to stay while the rest were dropped off at a station.
         Reward: 24 Scrap, 1 Meatshield
            Introducing: Dr. Jones (the Zoltan) our resident resident!

Fourth Movement: Having need for some supplies, we headed towards a nearby shop.
         Purchased: 7 Fuel (Cost: 21 Scrap), Glaive Laser (Cost: 120 Scrap)
            Upgraded: Weapons and Reactor + 1 Cost: 100 Scrap.

Fifth Movement: Seeing no ship, we were at ease...But then some enemies beamed aboard!
         Enemy: 3x Humans
      A relatively easy fight, Hector was a big help. Sadly, Shields Specialist BC Robert didn't make it. May he rest in peace.

Sixth Movement: Having no other viable option, we headed into a nebula where we found a rogue planet and was contacted by a Zoltan elder. Pulling in closer to their monolith, we heard nothing but were ambushed!
         Enemy: Energy Bomber Class Ship Reward: 1 Fuel, 2 Missles, 53 Scrap
      This ship was a challenge, as they actually managed to damage us a few times.

Seventh Movement: Our hearts heavy, we moved to the exit to this nebula and sector, encountering nothing of note.

spoiler: Second Attempt pt2

Sector 6 - Engi Controlled:
Crew: Tim Eternal - Pilot
   Reks Sasha - Weapons Specialist
   Hector - Engine Specialist
   Schultze - Repairman/Shields Specialist
   Dr. Jones - Oxygen Expert
      
First Movement: Come across a green planet that is apparently uninteresting. So let's move on.

Second Movement: Came across a distress beacon and a ship in need of some fuel. Sorry, but we only have 6 Fuel, and can't spare any.

Third Movement: A Mantis ship is chasing after a Civilian ship? Let's get messy.
         Enemy: Mantis Bomber Class Ship, 2x Mantis
      Oh no! Taking heavy damage whilst fending off the invaders, we were unable to sustain ourselves against the Bomber's strength. Our ship exploded, going out valiantly.

spoiler: Third Attempt

Sector 1:
Crew: Dan Eternal - Pilot
   RC Robert - Weapons Specialist
   Rakshasa - Shields Specialist

Ship: The Cube - Engi Cruiser Class

First Movement: Slavers! They're messing with the wrong low-offensive ship!
         Enemy: Energy Fighter Class Ship Reward: 3 Fuel, 1 Drone Part, 27 Scrap
      Quickly took them out with our Ion Blaster that disables their facilities one by one and our Drone.

Second Movement: We find an abandoned pirate vessel, which we quickly loot.
         Reward: 1 Fuel, 1 Drone Part, 20 Scrap

Third Movement: An abandoned mining site, with nothing of importance to note.

Fourth Movement: Heading into a nebula, we encountered an Automated Rebel ship. Oh well.
         Enemy: Auto-Assault Class Ship Reward: 2 Fuel, 1 Missile, 13 Scrap
      With some well-placed disables, we were able to overcome the enemy.

Fifth Movement: Heading to the Exit, we found a planet with intelligent life on it. We tried to communicate, but alas, we were unable to.


Sector 2 - Rock Controlled:
Crew: Dan Eternal - Pilot
   RC Robert - Weapons Specialist
   Rakshasa - Shields Specialist

First Movement: Seeing a shop on the radar, we immediately checked it out. Who knows, maybe we can get another drone.
         Introducing: Beth (the Rockman) Cost: 65 Scrap
      Guess not.

Second Movement: Found a live mine, a remnant of Rockman mining layers, designed to cut through hulls and it's approaching! Evasive Manuevers!
         Reward: 22 Scrap
      We were unable to avoid it, but one of the crew was able to disarm it, allowing us to get some Scrap for our trouble.

Third Movement: Civilian Ship, attacked by Pirate Ship. Let's rock.
         Enemy: Rebel Fighter Class Ship. Reward: 1 Fuel, 1 Missile, 23 Scrap
      Some quick work between me and my drone led to the Fighter's quick demise. Sadly, the crew on the Civilian Ship didn't make it...So we harvested their ship.
         Reward: 2 Fuel, 1 Drone Part, 13 Scrap

Fourth Movement: An outcast Rock Scout ship came by and now we must do battle!
         Enemy: Rock Scout Class Ship Reward: 3 Fuel, 2 Missiles, 25 Scrap
      We took a few hits, their lasers weren't too shabby. But we won in the end.

Fifth Movement: At the Exit, we found an Engi ship being beset by a Mantis ship. The Mantis ship fled after scanning our pitiful ship. What did the Mantis have? Slingshots?
         Reward: 17 Scrap, Anti-Ship Beam Drone I


Sector 3 - Civilian Sector:
Crew: Dan Eternal - Pilot
   Rakshasa - Shields Specialist
   DC Robert - Weapons Specialist
   Beth - Engines Specialist

First Movement: A Pirate Ship is chasing a Civilian ship? Not on my watch!
         Enemy: Rebel Rigger Class Ship. Reward: 1 Missile, 1 Drone Part, 30 Scrap
      Took some damage from their missiles, but we were able to defeat them. The Civilian ship fled during the battle.
         Upgraded: Drone Control and Reactor + 1 Cost: 55 Scrap

Second Movement: Answering a distress call, we found a small space station in danger of their malfunctioning defense system. With our Engi crew members, we fixed the AI problem allowed them to do the physical work.
         Reward: 2 Missiles, 1 Drone Part, 47 Scrap

Third Movement: Coming to a store, we quickly decided to purchase something.
         Purchased: Fully Repaired Hull (Cost: 12 Scrap)

Fourth Movement: A Pirate Ship hidden in an asteroid field is attacking us!
         Enemy: Federation Bomber Class Ship Reward: 1 Fuel, 1 Missile, 27 Scrap
      The fools tried to surrender after fleeing. Pffft.

Fifth Movement: Came across another store, as it allowed us the most distance between us and the approaching Rebel fleet.
         Purchased: Burst Laser Mark II Cost: 80 Scrap

Sixth Movement: Found a planet with an automated warning being sent out that the planet was in quarentine level 5....Let's move on.

Seventh Movement: At the Exit, there was a Repair Facility of Repair Drones, offering repairs for scrap. Seeing how our damage was negligible, we moved on.


Sector 4 - Pirate Controlled:
Crew: Dan Eternal - Pilot
   Rakshasa - Shields Specialist
   DC Robert - Weapons Specialist
   Beth - Engines Specialist

First Movement: We come across a damaged Civilian ship whose shields are down. We try to escort them using our shields as a cover, but a rock hit a key structure and their ship fell apart.
         Reward: 22 Scrap

Second Movement: Found an already looting mining site. Darn.

Third Movement: Found a Rock Fighter in need of an escort. So let's do it!
         Reward: 1 Fuel

Fourth Movement: We find a ship covered in ice. So..let's try to loot!
         Reward: Small Bomb, 20 Scrap. Upgraded: Sensors + 1 Cost: 40 Scrap.

Fifth Movement: Upon reaching the destination with the Rock Fighter, we were beset by a Rebel ship! IT'S A TRAP!
         Enemy: Rebel Rigger Class Ship Reward: 3 Fuel, 1 Drone Part, 43 Scrap
      With the use of our new Small Bomb, we were able to quickly neutralize the enemy ship.

Sixth Movement: We find an automated Rebel scout at the Exit. Trying to download its data, we accidentally reactivated it.
         Enemy: Auto-Assault Class Ship. Reward: 2 Missiles, 1 Drone Part, 29 Scrap
      This was a long fight, with us taking some actual damage.



Sector 5 - Rock Homeworlds:
Crew: Dan Eternal - Pilot
   Rakshasa - Shields Specialist
   DC Robert - Weapons Expert
   Beth - Engines Specialist

Pre-Movement: It took some times to repair our systems and to remove the fire, and our Oxygen failed on two occasions, but we were able to fix it without too much trouble.

First Movement: We come across a Merchant looking to trade our Fuel for his Missiles. Hahahaha.

Second Movement: We come to a store, where we decide to purchase some stuff.
         Purchased: 3 Fuel (Cost: 9 Scrap), Fully Repaired Hull (Cost: 57 Scrap)

Third Movement: Finding an abandoned ship, we start to scrap it when a Rock Scout attacks.
         Enemy: Rock Scout Class Ship Reward: 3 Fuel, 1 Missile, 35 Scrap
      Quite quickly, we were able to destroy the belligerant Rockman Scout and scrap THEIR ship instead.

Fourth Movement: A Rock Scout attacks us as we near the last bit of distance before the Exit.
         Enemy: Rock Scout Class Ship Reward: 2 Fuel, 2 Missiles, 49 Scrap
      Taking some damage and fire breaking out, we managed to take them down before things got too out of hand for us.
         Upgraded: Shields and Reactor + 2 Cost: 100 Scrap

Fifth Movement: Coming upon the Exit, there was a Pirate Ship trying to bribe us. Or were we going to bribe them? Oh well.
         Enemy: Slug Light-Cruiser Class Ship Reward: 4 Fuel, 7 Missiles, 24 Scrap
      Upon damaging them enough, they relented and offered a better bribe. Well, hey. We ran out of missiles so...


Sector 6 - Slug Controlled Nebula:
Crew: Dan Eternal - Pilot
   Rakshasa - Shields Specialist
   DC Robert - Weapons Expert
   Beth - Engines Specialist

First Movement:   A Mantis Scout hunting Slugs and is attacking us. Let's go.
         Enemy: Mantis Scout Class, 1x Mantis Ship Reward: 1 Fuel, 1 Drone Part, 46 Scrap
      Took some heavy hull damage, and the Mantis invader tried to kill Pilot Eternal, but Rockman Beth helped to take it down.
         Upgraded: Engines + 2 Cost: 45 Scrap

Second Movement: A Slug teleports on board and sells us his wares....Weird.
         Purchased: Fully Repaired Hull (Cost: 69 Scrap), 3 Fuel (Cost: 9 Scrap), 5 Missiles (Cost: 30 Scrap)

Third Movement: Attacked by a Slug Interceptor, as we notice fire is breaking out. Goody.
         Enemy: Slug Interceptor Class Ship. Reward: 4 Fuel
      Against our better judgment, we allowed the Slugs to flee after giving us some fuel. Maybe it was a Slug Mind Trick?

Fourth Movement: A Slug Assault ship attacks! But..where did he go? Cloaking?!
         Enemy: Slug Assault Class Ship Reward: Death
      A valiant effort on our part, but the combination the the Slug's shields and Cloaking (as well as their Missiles) led to our unfortunate demise.
      

[Eternal]

You put someone who doesn't even have a driver's license in charge of piloting a space ship. What the hell did you think was going to happen?

[bcrobert]

I suffocate on duty and am "not as noble?" Lol, cool topic though. Hope your next attempt is more successful.

[Reks]

This is what happens when you play FTL. About 1/.....20 runs will get you to The Last Stand, and another 1/20 to actually beat it.

Nice you've found FTL. Which means you have a Steam account. *goes to find*

[DarkxFatal]

Second Attempt, part 1 added to primary log.

Thoughts: Pretty well so far, got really lucky with the fuel near the end there.

[bcrobert]

First I suffocate...then I get shot in the back. Remind me to stay the hell out of space. 

[DarkxFatal]

Second Attempt part two and Third Attempt added to primary log.

[bcrobert]

Woah. Attempt 3 had a really abrupt ending. Is there any way to prepare for cloaked attackers?

EDIT. Question answered in chat. Withdrawn.