Jadetarem

Omega, Turn Twelve (Year 45-48) With the new leader comes new ideas. Adamant Rise begins the process of managing the inevitable chaos that follows the departure of one leader and the connection to a new Parent. A greater emphasis is placed on learning, organization, and even terraforming to enhance trade. Deals with allies are paired with territorial expansion. The Omega are not the only ones settling. With the Myrkan refugee crisis finally coming to a close, the Diaspora begins. A number of family units and clans settle across western Taer Mojr, inevitably putting them into contact with the enigmatic machines that make their home there. Fortunately, the needs between the two groups produces a Venn Diagram with much less overlap than you would expect, and the Omega are welcoming to all who would bring knowledge and follow Uplift Protocol. Actions: [Diplomacy]: Colonize Region 212 (Success vs. TN 12) [Diplomacy (Special 5)]: Create Cultural Identity: Endlessly Inquisitive (Investigation) It has become increasingly clear that the simple following of protocol cannot produce desired results. More information must be obtained. The internal network of the Omega recompiles to optimize for discovery. [Military]: Raise 2 Land Units via Fort Beta [Military (Special 5)]: Create Tactical Doctrine: Mechanical Advantage Having had time to adjust to their 'new' bodies, the Omega are ready to press the advantage their artificial forms give them in the primitive combat of Ayr, developing a fighting style that plays to the strengths of a mechanized form while limiting enemy access to their weaknesses. Effect: +2 to the Battle Roll. [Industry]: Buyout Region 200 TP1 (Highland Berries Wind Rock) (Success vs. TN 12) [Industry (Special 5)]: Resource Adjustment: Region 200 - Highland Berries to Wind Rock With little use for mildly poisonous berries and a need for Wind Rock, the Omega dig until they find it. What was Wind Rock doing in the Null Foothills? Why wasn't it at a higher elevation? These questions and more trouble the most pedantic of artificial life forms. Non-Actions: Resist All Buyouts. Resist Non-Bright's Glow Conversion Attempts. Accept and support Bright's Glow Conversion Attempts. Accept envoys from Rising Sun. Support OMG's attempted buyout of Region 200 TP1. Embassy Non-Actions Accept Ballast Chambers tech from ZAV. Gift Mechanical Scaffolding tech to ZAV. Gift Mechanical Scaffolding tech to VOI. Ruler Stats for Adamant Rise: Diplomacy 5 (+1) | Military 5 (+1) | Industry 7 (+1) | Faith 1 | Intrigue 1

Omega, Turn Eleven (Year 41-44) Still Lake has reached the end of their processing cycle, and has chosen to step down after one final cycle of conquest and uplift. Their final gift to the Omega, however, is of themselves - the accumulated experiences from meeting a dozen new cultures flood the Omega Network, enhancing it as never before. What was once ostensibly a kingdom is now something greater. From this new combination of furiously racing threads arises a new leader - and to little surprise and fanfare, it is Still Lake's primary student, Adamant Rise. Once an Omega the size of a bipedal elephant and twice as imposing due to being made of Ring Infrastructure, the new version is still a mountainous machine, just with visible mechanisms and glowing bits instead of featureless liquid metal. And no sooner is this done than the Omega realize that they have been tricked. This faith of their northern neighbors is only a cover for psychotic violence. Uplift will not be achieved this way. Rather than discarding the idea, however, it is the methods they deem unacceptable - and those executing them, of course. However, the Omega are no longer capable of whisking themselves up the mountains to fight on gusts of air and wings of flame. They turn their attention to re-inventing a way to scale to such altitudes and over such unforgiving terrain. Their solution is - typically for them - mechanical. Soon the Omega will build, and there will be a meeting of the minds. Who and what survives from there is unknown. Note: The Omega will be changing rulers at the end of this round, with a new one on Round 12. Actions: [Military]: Raise two land units via Fort Beta [Military]: Raise one naval unit [Military]: Kor explores the Abyssal Night with aid from Eilonwy. (+1 SOS Rep, +2 Assist, +1 Treasure) (Result: 20) [Military]: Still Lake invades Region 207 Route: 206 -> 207, by land and sea Tactical Doctrine: Skirmish Units: 6 land, 5 naval Technologies: Spark-Flare Wands (+1 Battles) Still Lake does not challenge, but will duel if challenged. Total Battle Bonus: 11 units + 1 tech + 10 leader = +22 [Industry]: Buyout Cedar Wood TP1 in Region 207 (Success 18 vs. TN 12) [Industry (Special 10)]: Invent Mechanical Scaffolding, Pending Approval Mechanical Scaffolding (Civilian Tech, Required Resource: Any Construction Material/Wood if it needs to be more specific): A system of rapidly constructed (and packed) platforms, ramps, bridges, and simple mechanisms to move large quantities of personnel or resources across challenging vertical terrain. Effect: Allows passage over Mountain borders. Non-Actions: Resist All Buyouts. Resist Non-Bright's Glow Conversion Attempts. Accept and support Bright's Glow Conversion Attempts. Accept envoys from Rising Sun. Ruler Stats for Still Lake (Final Turn): Diplomacy 10 | Military 10 | Industry 10 | Faith 1 | Intrigue 2 Ruler Stats for Adamant Rise (Next Turn): Diplomacy 5 | Military 3 (+2) | Industry 6 (+1) | Faith 1 | Intrigue 1

Omega, Turn Ten (Year 37-40) The emergence of the new leadership in Ana Kai is an opportunity to bring the world together like never before - their rhetoric is remarkably close to the Omega's own, just far more violent, at least in writing. An overture is extended as the Omega pivot to a more proactive Uplift stance, even as they continue expansion of their economy and rebuild their military. Though this is not the only news - with the growth of Omega territory, the collective streamlines the C3 processes between Omega to allow for more effective and efficient action. Still Lake, likewise, shows signs of burnout and may choose a Child to become Parent soon. Note: The Omega will be changing rulers at the end of Round 11, with a new one on Round 12. Actions: [Diplomacy (Special 10)]: Establish a Great Kingdom [Military]: Raise two naval units via Fort Beta [Industry]: Attempt to buyout Region 219 TP 1: Colored Sandstone (Success vs. TN 12) [Industry]: Attempt to buyout Region 219 TP 2: Colored Sandstone (Success vs. TN 12) [Faith]: Convert to the Bright's Glow Non-Actions: Support VOI buyouts where able. Resist All Other Buyouts. Resist Non-Bright's Glow Conversion Attempts. Accept and support Bright's Glow Conversion Attempts. Accept envoys from Rising Sun. Embassy Non-Action: Trade Spark-Flare Wands technology to VOI Embassy Non-Action: Trade Spark-Flare Wands technology to ZAV Ruler Stats for Still Lake: Diplomacy 10 | Military 10 | Industry 9 (+1) | Faith 1 | Intrigue 2

Omega, Turn Nine (Year 33-36) With forces somewhat replenished, Still Lake looks to ways to make bolstering the army more efficient, settling on a dedicated development ground at Highwall - both as a naturally defensible position and also to reward them for their efforts in clearing the devastation that plagued the whispering woods. Outreach to the Myrkan and Seekers intensifies, the better to find allies in these troubled times. Actions: [Diplomacy]: Raise reputation with MYR (Success vs. TN 12) [Diplomacy]: Raise reputation with SPH (Success vs. TN 12) [Diplomacy]: Raise reputation with DOS (Success vs. TN 10) [Diplomacy]: Explore north! (Result: 14) [Military (Special 10)]: Establish Fort Beta in Highwall. Non-Actions: Resist Buyouts. Resist Conversion Attempts. Ruler Stats for Still Lake: Diplomacy 8 (+2) | Military 10 | Industry 9 | Faith 1 | Intrigue 2

Omega, Turn Eight (Year 29-32) Ongoing battle with the Vandals has drained the Omega's forces, which must be replenished once more. Still Lake ponders the wisdom of this war of attrition and how it lays waste to the land itself, turning to the Seekers for answers about the mysterious weapons the Vandals wield. Expansion of the Omega's resources is likewise hampered by the Myrkan calling in favors at a most inopportune time, but this will at last clear the Omega's debt to them. Actions: [Military]: Raise one land unit. [Military]: Raise one land unit. [Military]: Raise one naval unit. [Industry]: Aid the Myrkan with their trade issues. [Industry]: Attempt to Buyout Whispering Wood TP1 in Region 206. (Success vs. TN 12) Non-Actions: Resist Buyouts. OMG will support its own buyout of TP1 in Region 206. Resist Conversion Attempts. Spend 1 favor to have the Seekers of the Spheres attempt to reverse-engineer the Spark-Flare Bolt technology from the wreckage they squirreled away after the battle at Highwall. Ruler Stats for Still Lake: Diplomacy 8 | Military 9 (+1) | Industry 8 (+1) | Faith 1 | Intrigue 2

https://test.myth-weavers.com/index.php?/topic/4435-the-omega/#comment-83133 https://test.myth-weavers.com/index.php?/topic/4435-the-omega/#comment-95723

Sig Seg Vee (Region 210) Description: The history of Sig Seg Vee is a curious one. Portions of Ring-architecture show in the foothills of the mountains to the east, in particular a massive bluff known as the Seg Fault. Before that, though, the area boasts a massive amount of arable farmland. People: The people of Sig Seg Vee - the Seggens - historically practiced a rigid caste system, much of it rooted in their local creation mythos, which holds that there was a time when all manner of predatory brigands would prey upon the many farmers of the land. One day, a village gathered warriors from across the land to make a stand against these raiders, and these warriors called themselves the samurai. The Seggen Samurai, or Magnificent Seggen - there are different versions of the story - made a stand and brought peace and prosperity to the land, though at great cost. Little changes over the years, culturally. When the Omega arrived with a message of uplift and societal upheaval for the greater good, they were driven out by the enraged warrior caste. When they returned with gifts and three fewer moons in the sky, the Seggens were considerably more welcoming. Over the course of a decade, they consented to integrating the Omega and their ways with their own, through nothing less than stellar work on the part of Deep Gully, the Omega's diplomat and Still Lake's mouthpiece. In addition to the warrior caste, there are laborers, merchants, criminals, and elders, who are the closest thing to local leaders. The people of Sig Seg Vee are generally incurious, though not completely uncreative, and the Omega are hoping to make a few more adjustments there before all is said and done. Resource: In the legend, the bandits were after the Barley harvest of the Seggens, and if nothing else there is barley to be had.

Omega, Turn Seven (Year 25-28) With the return of Kor and news of more pirate attacks on the horizon, Still Lake continues restoration efforts toward Highwall with an eye toward restoring the Omega's weakened force of Guardian Daemons - and their new compatriots, the Brine Daemons. Additionally, a summons from the Voile prompts the Omega to send forces to the east, there to ward off the Vandals once more. Actions: [Diplomacy]: Stabilize Region 206 (Success 19 vs. TN 12) [Military]: Raise one naval unit. [Military]: Raise one naval unit. [Military]: Dispatch 6 units from 200 -> 201 -> 217 -> 216 to rendezvous with the VOL defender group. [Military]: Dispatch Kor on an Epic Quest! Kor will attempt to solve the issue of the Glass Prison, taking a fat sack of assorted goods with him to aid him on is journey. (Unknown 16 vs. TN ???) Non-Actions: Resist Buyouts. Resist Conversion Attempts. Ruler Stats for Still Lake: Diplomacy 8 | Military 7 (+2) | Industry 8 | Faith 1 | Intrigue 2 Edited July 19 by Jadetarem (see edit history)

"A fortuitous ending to our journey." Kor observed. "Those are our allies in the Voille. Their sailors can guide us back to Taer Mojr, though they live on the opposite end of it." The Omega turned to Robert. "I do not know the state of your lands, but I will advise Still Lake to minimize disruption and restore them prior to uplift. Beyond simple governance, hopefully little will change."

The Omega elected to fight fire with fire. If the enemy could use sails and they couldn't, it would be the end. For the second time that day, Kor lobbed a ball of flame, aiming for the enemy sails.

"I have a spare sail and sufficient supplies. The maps... could be better maps. I intend to correct any deficiencies on our way out, but we will rely on your reckoning for parts of the navigation." The mechanical being did not shrug, but somehow gave the impression of it. "It is time."

If one thing had been made plain, it was that the longer the pursuit lasted, the less likely it was that anyone was leaving at all. The harbormaster would remain undisturbed - Kor immediately went for the docks.

Kor saw no point in waiting for the reinforcements to show, nor in leaving more of those infernal spark-throwers at his back. He let out a mechanical, inhuman screech to rival the flock of birds he'd just blown through and charged, knocking aside vendor stalls with no heed to the protests of the merchants or the well-being of the produce.

"Agreed, I will procure the necessary supplies."

Kor, with a looted blade and his own fists, battered through his attackers while marveling at Robert's own charisma and poetry. He'd made the same argument Kor would, but the machine would have said something that, by comparison, would probably have been thoroughly demoralizing. "Arm yourselves with the weapons of the fallen. Stab anyone who would bar your way. We seek a vessel fit for all of us, and it must be ready to sail. To the docks!"

"Fire comes to mind. It is an ideal distraction - our enemies must contend with it even if they realize its purpose." Kor suited action to words. The Burning Simurgh was long gone these few years, and Crying Cove wasn't exactly the warmest and driest place, but the Omega was still able to start enough of a sustained reaction to set the barracks alight. In retrospect, waterproofing it with an oil base had not been the wisest move. "We shall see how many wish to fight us while their livelihoods burn."

Now down to four opponents, Kor understood that this was the last, best chance he was going to get. Gripping the net with all four hands, he pulled, tearing the net along the path of the weakest links. The sheer impossibility of the machine returning to life - and quite swiftly for a thing they'd last seen frozen - was the second of shock needed for Kor to set one pirate on fire and grab two more. Robert, having likely been awaiting this moment with far more enthusiasm than the Omega, immediately strangled the third as his conspirator squeezed until a crackling noise was heard. Robert took the opportunity to swipe a discarded blade, cutting his own bindings before finishing off the burning man. And then they were loose! "We must move with all alacrity to the docks. We will need navigational aids, maps, and a willing crew. The last will be the most difficult... unless we can find them among the slaves. You said you were a great leader of your people. Can you initiate a revolt?"

Kor, even now, maintained his corpse effect, but now the Omega actively searched for any point in this journey where the number of enemies might be at its smallest. He already knew his opening gambit, too...

Kor continued to maintain his 'offline' charade. Fishing net would not hold him in an emergency, and the more the pirates exhausted themselves hauling around his considerable mass, the better.

Highwall (Region 206) Description: Highwall is named not for a geographical feature or ancient maps, but for its civilization, carried to prominence in the area through the auspices of one man - Robert, now called the Builder. Robert the builder was proficient with the spear and even stronger with the hammer, and forward-thinking, physically powerful, and charismatic enough to become a leader among the scattered humans in the region. He taught them to hunt and build strong walls, and united the disparate groups. Everything changed when the Vandal Nation attacked. Fog swept in, obliterating the region's economy and sorely pressing the defenders, only to immediately be set upon by the Omega. The mechanical nation had arrived with the intention of conquest, only to find their nascent imperialism blocked by piracy and the ecological catastrophe caused by the pirates' curious fog weapon. In the three way battle that emerged, the Omega were victorious, though not without the temporary loss of both Robert and Kor, the Omega's field leader and hero. Both escaped and Robert returned to his people to find that his homeland was still cleaning up after the pirate raid. He aided with the effort long enough to see prosperity return before leaving for distant lands, leaving his nation as a protectorate of the Omega, and it remains so to this day. People: The people of Highwall are primarily human, though the Utui form a solid and noticeable minority. Their reluctance to begin widespread agriculture has kept their population low and their forests of Whispering Woods unusually close to their numerous crude but solid fortifications. The coastline is a wild mix of unassailable cliffs and highly accessible inlets and fjords, and in the hands of a more populous people might have been impossible for the pirates to assault, but there simply was neither the time nor the manpower to cut off every point of entry. Culturally, the Highwallers are as fond of constructions as the name implies. Indeed, it isn't considered a proper courtship without one partner building a home for the other, and marriage officially ends when said home is destroyed through malice or mischance - though a couple that is truly in love will simply build another (with the aid of the community if need be) and marry again in the latter case. "Burning the house down" is a common phrase for a relationship that has met its end there, even if it never reached the point of matrimony. A longstanding Disciple presence in the area has led to the locals to assume advanced technology over magic in the presence of the unknown as well, with one exception: A great many superstitions surround the Whispering Woods as well, primarily due to their unique properties. Folkloric tales name everything from magic wolves to fair folk to ancient machines within the woods and more, and the dense and dark woods are seen as boon and bane with a frightful and capricious whimsy. Resource: For all it was named after artifice, Highwall is home to the Whispering Wood. These woods are a truly strange specimen of flora, seeming to be a type of evergreen or pine, save that they are not evergreen, as the needles change color - yellowing at some times and reddening at others before turning green again, all with little to no evident explanation. There's no question the trees are hardwood, though, and they are useful construction materials for buildings, tools, and weapons. More esoteric uses include the bark for insulation and sap to form a kind of bittersweet syrup popular among the elderly and absolutely no one else. It is difficult to set Whispering Wood on fire, but once alight it can burn for a surprisingly long time, making it an efficient fuel source so long as extreme heat is not required.

"The Omega do not consume food for calories and cannot taste, so I will defer to your expertise." Kor finally got up, some rasp still in the servos but moving far more easily than he had been. Striding carefully to Robert, he placed one forearm before him. "Bite this, and do not scream." His other hands began to glow...

"He spoke in a trade tongue known to the Omega. The pirate confessed, in mocking and sarcastic fashion, to negligence in your care, and heavily implied that we are bound for a place called 'Crying Coves,' where we are apparently to be sold. I for scrap, and you, presumably, into slavery." Despite the heinous nature of the described treatment, Kor's tone is more thoughtful than outraged. "Hm. I have no knowledge of our captors beyond what they came to our shores with, but if they retreated with the full remnants of their forces, then they are still a flotilla with several viable ships, each full of combat-ready pirates. Even if we were to overpower them, I do not believe we could make a successful escape - a single errant shot could sink us in the middle of the ocean, and we do not know where we are - fatal in a foreign sea." Another pause. "However, upon arrival and sale at the Crying Coves, we will be handed to slavers and salvagers, far less accustomed to battle. It would behoove us not to become broken, literally or metaphorically, which means staging an escape from the Coves themselves and not the point beyond. I can attain the element of surprise by revealing my active state at an opportune moment, but the chance of success increases if you join me." The blue face tracked across Robert's form. "Your wounds begin to fester. I can sterilize them, though the process will be exceedingly painful. Worse, it will reveal that I am capable of movement and indeed wielding the elemental fire again. Is there anything in here that we could use to fashion rudimentary clothing for you?"  

Kor allowed the diminutive sailor to leave. With the hatch shut, Kor's 'face' lit up again. "Valuable information, assuming he was telling the truth."

Kor remained completely motionless. In fact, he had been motionless the whole time. He made no effort to interact with the bald man, hoping Robert would catch on to his attempts to appear inactive.

"We will soon find out." With that, Kor lapsed into silence.