EmBark

The Llort Society Protectorate Round 8, Standard Years 2055-2057 of the 99,803rd Era of the Imperial Calendar Capital: Al-Miraiya (region 88) Society Consul Tiyansi (llort, they/them) Diplomacy: 8 Military: 2 Economy: 5 Faith: 5 Intrigue: 4 (Expected gains from this round to next round: +2 Dip.) (Heir, ???) Actions: 1. [Diplomacy 5 Special] - 2. [Diplomacy] - 3. [Economy 5 Special] - 4. [Economy] - 5. [Faith 5 Special] - Non-Actions: Resist & Hinder any Conversions that would reduce the Imperial Cult to less than a Majority in Region 88 (-2). Resist all buyouts of Trade Post 1 in region 88 (-2) Supply the Arkhive with the LSP's Spacer's Cabbage (for compostables DI) through the Embassy functioning as a Trade Route Donations to the Arkhive (through our Embassy) Donations to the Arkhive and Imperial Court Donate a cultural work to the Arkhive and the Imperial Court: Domination of the High Lord, a literary work of high quality, flowery language and allegedly thinly veiled pastiches of former Grey Eminence Hanyeo and the Emperor. Donate a philosophical work to the Arkhive and the Imperial Court: The Sexual Politics of Politics, a dialogue between two renowned authors, digging into social power dynamics in various forms and how they relate to one another and what can be learned from one form and applied to another. At least one chapter is devoted to "Dungeon Masters" and the relation to "players" and the power dynamics therein and the occasional struggles that can come with this power imbalance. Donate a historical work to the Arkhive and the Imperial Court: For Unlawful Historical Knowledge, a detailed research project by a number of groups of social scientists, delving into the evolution of relations between rulers and the ruled, in both dynastic and democratic and other forms of government. Special attention is paid to inter-species relationships, power dynamics and crimes resulting from friction because of those. Llort Society member Koleyen Ubel (human, she/her), who brings these works to the Arkhive, joins the Arkhive. Their noteworthy accomplishments include writing 40 romance novels a year for 10 years. Trade Routes: Senator duties: Society Consul Tiyansi ventures into the depths of the Imperial Senate... News and Rumours: Mechanics notes Stored in my country thread . Charter to E.A.T. Currently in the process of accepting ??? more members. Processing details... (Bureaucracy is hell, y'know?)

The LSP delegation arrived with little pomp and circumstance. The representatives, again in the form of Princess Tiyansi and flightmaster Pako and several attendants, enjoyed the general events of the Hexenniel as ever. Flightmaster Pako inquired about the mellification process on behalf of Grey Eminence Society Consul Hanyeo, who saw great value in it for themself. Perhaps more llort would be interested in it, certainly within the space-hive of Spiegel on Hayeli? When the time came for the conference proper and the amendments were proposed, Princess Tiyansi stood. "It is unfortunate that the GCC suggests this measure, as it would mean that some with barely any investment in the Arkhive could become Patron almost by a fluke. In the past, representatives of my country have conversed with those of the GCC and of ARK and suggested other options that would create greater diversity without a hard block to competition like this. I think there is value in there being competition for the Arkhive's Patronage. Let the biggest and most colourful flowers attract the bees. In nature, there is the survival of the most fitting. Let here be patronage--the survival--of the most archival." The LSP representative votes Aye on ARK's amendment. The LSP representative votes Nay on GCC's amendment.

Inter-Orbital Diplomatic Delegation VIP Box #X "That's the spirit." Hanyeo responds to Minister Rageclaw. "In sports, it matters not who wins. It merely matters that someone wins. The avenues in life where the same holds true are there as well, though you'll find fewer people agreeing." The Grey Eminence turns to the First Minister with an appreciating look. "Regardless, I have come to find a location such as this lends itself well to sociopolitics. You've come a long way to join me here. I'll be interested in what you have to say." "Sasa." Said another llort who came into the VIP Box. Much shorter than Hanyeo, skin not as dark, and with silvery glow instead of golden. Her long whip-like tail was curled up and hung like a lasso over one elbow. Princess Tiyansi. Hanyeo greeted her quietly, with arms wide and a gentle smile. They bent down and the two pressed foreheads and horns together. "My child. My daughter. I wish you great success on this field of contest. May you also become my champion. Our champion." "Danke, sasa." The Arena Down on the field of contest, Princess Tiyansi breathed deeply as she entered. The tight spacesuit she wore served well as an athletic uniform as well. She stood across from where the other team would enter. OOC Entering on the side of Team B, opposite ILU! Rolling with Tiyansi's scores: Dip 4, Mil 1, Econ 3, Faith 4, Intr 3. Mostly aim to roll with Faith (personal magic) and Intrigue.

Inter-Orbital Diplomatic Delegation VIP Box #X Back home on Al-Miraiya, all the channels were abuzz with news that the sporting events of the Llort Society Protectorate were now becoming a kind of cultural export, as shown by the collaborative effort put into it by the Uhrayans and the Eucrus Alliance. Naturally, a large excursion of civilian ships was organized so that the people of the Society, human and llort alike, could attend it and be part of the audience. Above all was Society Consul Hanyeo, the Grey Eminence of the Imperial Senate, who had championed this cause. They stand in one of the VIP boxes for the inter-orbital diplomatic delegations, as close to the edge as possible, as close to the action as possible, arms wide and smiling. They stand at nine imperial feet tall with several pairs of curved horns, almost like antlers. Their skin is space-black and specked with gold and silver, almost like many glowing tiny tattoos, or as if someone had pricked holes into their skin to let through an inner starlight. Their garb seems comparitively solemn, robes in grey tones that don't come close to the ground. "Marvelous! This is marvelous!" Hanyeo says. "It has been ever so long since I personally could attend a mageball match. The cross-national teams are a great twist on the typical concept. I am eager to see the prowess of all the athletes on the field!" OOC Since I made the mechanics for the game, I figure it's probably fairer to stay out of competing myself, but if a sixth player is needed in like 48 hours I'll happily jump in with my heir.

The Llort Society Protectorate Round 7, Standard Years 2052-2054 of the 99,803rd Era of the Imperial Calendar Capital: Al-Miraiya (region 88) Society Consul Hanyeo (llort, they/them) Diplomacy: 10 Military: 4 Economy: 10 Faith: 6 Intrigue: 4 (Expected gains from this round to next round: +2 Dip.) (Heir, Princess Tiyansi: Dip 4+2, Mil 1+1, Econ 3+2, Faith 4+1, Intr 3+1) (Princess Tiyansi will take over as ruler in the next round. Dip 8 [6+2 from this round], Mil 2, Econ 5, Faith 5, Intr 4) Actions: [Diplomacy 10 Special] - Establish Embassy with MSQ Pacts and promises are made. The llort aren't quite certain of Veehran customs, but they send along a gift basket of electronic edibles, jars of honeyed words, a fresh head of spacer's cabbage, vials of blood, and topped with crystal weave scarves and legal documentation. [Diplomacy] - Co-Host an Event! The Eucrus Alliance graciously hosts the Llort Society Protectorate and co-organizes efforts for a new sporting event on Badal: the First Pan-Tekhum Mageball Competition! Accept all gifted technologies. Trade Smart Space Colonizer Suits tech to SEV in return for Hyperlight Transceivers tech. Trade Smart Space Colonizer Suits to CAS and GCC in return for their respective techs. Welcome CAS and WTP into the EAT! Grey Eminence Society Consule Hanyeo, ruler of the Llort Society Protectorate, leaves the Event with representatives of MSQ (losing -1 Renown). Pacts and promises have been made, but lips are sealed and sworn to secrecy. Donate 1 Treasure and the Smart Space Colonizer Suits tech to EMP for Extraordinary Research Grants Approval. [Economy 10 Special] - Invent Technology [Wonders of the 99,803rd Era] - Gain +1 Renown. (+2 Renown if not all bonus Renown has been claimed yet, for a total modification of +1 Renown.) Smart Space Colonizer Suits (Tier 1) Requirements: Vacuum Adaptation technology, any Conductors and Circuitry category resource, any Fabrics and Textile Products category resource (may be the same resource) Effect: This tech takes effect during and after exploring a region, if the region doesn't have any significant sophont population. A successful roll against TN 12 reveals the full details of the region and you reveal any sites of archeological interest or similar unique features in the region that might otherwise be hidden. You get a +1 bonus to the Colonize action taken in the region in the following round. On a great success (TN 18), you may attempt to colonize the region as a non-action on the following round. Spacesuits are made of fabrics and other products to function as a suit for survival. Attached to these suits you have various devices that can help the cosmonaut by scanning stuff, communication with other cosmonauts, etc. The way these new suits are made is with a deeper integration of those devices into the suit and by extension into the cosmonaut themselves directly. They become one with the suit and one with their tools, effectively. This allows those tools to function as an extension of them. It lets them fine-tune their scanning to locate archaeological sites and good sites for colonization efforts. It allows them to survive longer stretches in space to make that colonization happen. It allows them to spend more time on the exploring and colonizing by eschewing all the countless seconds spent on menial tasks that are now automated by them becoming one with their suit. This is all aided by the rather fantastical nature of the resources typically employed to make the suits and integrate them for their users (although the processing techniques can be adapted to resources that are different, so it's not limited to just Crystal Weave), and it cannot be applied to just anyone, they need to have some adaptation to living in space already for their bodies to not reject the process. "Just as the Emperor and Ophon are one, so a llort flightmaster and their suit are one." 4. [Diplomacy] - Sway Government of region 91, the Etcetera HQ [19, Great Success!] A growing closer of neighbours is facilitated with lobbying among the local government. 5. [Diplomacy] - Diplomatic Mission to explore region 125 [21, Great Success!] 2d8 (CI), -3 distance penalty, +1 Treasure, +10 Economy, EMP rep 1 +1, total +9 modifier. If there is a Government Support in the region, Sway that immediately. Non-Actions: Resist & Hinder any Conversions that would reduce the Imperial Cult to less than a Majority in Region 88 (-2). Resist all buyouts of Trade Post 1 in region 88 (-2) Supply the Arkhive with the LSP's Spacer's Cabbage (for compostables DI) through the Embassy functioning as a Trade Route Donations to the Arkhive (through our Embassy) Donations to the Arkhive and Imperial Court Donate a cultural work to the Arkhive and the Imperial Court: Sailors of the Sandy Sea, by Ani-Quin, a debut novel that takes place on Veehra and chronicles the adventures of a stranded starship pilot. Critics make note of its poor prose, but remark on its clear descriptions and use of the author's personal experience to provide a unique perspective. Donate a historical work to the Arkhive and the Imperial Court: The Whims of Real Estate, a 4D documentary series on the modern history of Tekhum real estate law and the housing markets throughout the Elect. Donate a philosophical work to the Arkhive and the Imperial Court: Cheese, a stream-of-consciousness video series on the connection between food and spirituality, involving interviews with various different species from across Tekhum, all conducted while under influence of drugs. It is incredibly popular among adolescents. Llort Society member Lekis Mulfi (human, he/him), who brings these works to the Arkhive, joins the Arkhive. Their noteworthy accomplishments include crack reporting on a number of fraud, murder and disappearance cases over the past 20 years. Trade Routes: send Smart Space Colonizer Suits technology to WTP. Grey Eminence duties: Society Consul Hanyeo ventures into the depths of the Imperial Senate... News and Rumours: Grey Eminence Hanyeo is consuming more and more of the Arkhive's Honeyed Words. Mechanics notes Stored in my country thread . Charter to E.A.T. Currently in the process of accepting two more members. Processing details... (Bureaucracy is hell, y'know?)

Finish Line! At the end of the race, with over 8 imperial standard weeks having past by, the air is tense on Al-Miraiya. The tension is broken when Zabir's ship bursts through the sky and comes down, shooting past the finish line! And yet he is closely followed by the humble Unit 2323. The remainder of the racers follow over the days after that, with the first among the main body of the racers--the "peleton"--being Gerald 48223, racing closely against Lewis. The festivities that follow are lavish and uproarious, during which time the PEREGRINE arrives with Lady Charyti and Guyineber, just in time to witness the bestowing of the championship belt upon Archmage Zabir. The Mekhala-Veehra Dash Championship Belt OOC Zabir has 11 points, Unit 2323 has 10, Gerald 48223 has 4 and Lewis has 3! (I'm taking notes for how a potential future Mekhala-Sansar Dash should perhaps be different mechanically.) Thank you all for participating! And thanks to FriendlyHeadcrab for sportscasting!

"Hail and Emperor's blessings upon you, Cassiope." Ambassador Yessikruz Donce greets Unit 2323. She gently takes the box from it and opens it, admiring the ores within and the craftsrobotship of the chest and cloth itself. "This is absolutely marvelous. Thank you for this gift, honoured representative." She bows and directs the robot to the EAT lounge, informing it that other Mekhalans like the Glix and dwarven representatives have already arrived. She silently hopes that Karcheras hasn't gotten them too drunk before the official meetings. On Veehra When Guyineber returns to consciousness, her eyes flutter open and she looks up at Charyti by her side. With a light crackle, the glow in the crevices of her horns and in her irises flares back on, just duller and softer than usual. "How are you here? I'm not dead... did you save me?" She tries sitting up, then sees Charyti's hand held out for her. She takes it. "Um. Yes. That sounds good. Wine. Cozy. Meals." She shakes her head as she rises to her full height, then bends over a bit again, clutching her side with her other hand. She winces. "Especially the wine right now. Thank you for the save, Charyti. Lady Charyti? My lady." She stumbles over her words. "I'll be in your care then."

The First Stretch - Guyineber "Tea! Emperor's shins, that would have been a great idea." Guyineber tells Elias. "Everything's going quit well! Pleasure to make your acquaintance. My name is Guyineber, LSP racer." Over the weeks that followed, Guyineber makes herself as comfortable as she can in her ship, small as it is. Chatting with other racers over comms, playing little games on a console her friend Ani-Quin had given her ("trust me, you'll need this"), and occasionally stepping outside the airlock to stretch her legs. She talks at length about her childhood on al-Miraiya, her love for sporting events and how little she's been to other planets. She speaks very familiarly with Lady Charyti, remembering her voice and name from the Grand Opening of the Golden Phoenix casino on Badal, and she compliments her on her singing. She occasionally jokingly berates Ani-Quin for "leaving me in the space dust", cracks wise with a Khylokian, and shares music from her home planetoid. When at one point the question of their winnings comes up, Guyineber is struck by the realization that she hadn't even considered that. What would she do with it? The First Stretch -- Ani-Quin Ani-Quin laughs loudly in response, their barely-more-than-thrusters ship speeding along quickly. "And here I thought you would be too busy getting your ass kissed at some palace! Better keep up, princess, or else you will miss the show I'm putting on!" The Pickup Guyineber makes her way down to the planet carefully, calling ahead to Soom-Clan air traffic monitors to announce her arrival and purpose. When she lands and gets out to meet with her local team, one enterprising local pipes up and asks "want to buy some HUDs before you go? Implantation as a free bonus, just today!" "Ah, uh, thank you? But no thank you." Guyineber waves them off awkwardly. She grabs hold of the metal canister with dust desert sand... and finds it has been cracked open. She stares at the merchants. "Sorry," the merchants say, "we don't know what happened. You'll be good with any canister right?" She curses. "No! I need one properly labeled for the Dash, otherwise they'll think I cheated!" She hops back into her spaceship, onwards to find a different spot where she can get some sand. ... Guyineber flies off and through the sandstorms raging around Veehra she tries to find another pickup point with the necessary soil samples. Her attempts to contact the WTU central base fail as the dust particles raging around her appear to block her signals. She thinks of turning around or venturing north, hoping to perhaps run into the lost expeditors from years ago. Finally, her on-board computer signals that she has found herself in Vesper, as all lights turn red and alarms go off. Engine failure. She prays to Holy Space, thankful that at least she didn't get a thaumonuclear engine installed just before the race. She loses altitude at a rapid pace as the Crepuscular Cliffside all but nosedives towards the ground. Guyineber takes a deep breath and wills her magic out, causing her glow to increase and the green light to wrap itself around her in a blazing verdant aura. From a distance, the ship is seen barely through the haze of dust as it crashes and burrows into the ground. When the storm passes--however briefly--the shining mirrored tail end is all that can be seen sticking out of a sandy hilltop. The sunlight reflects off it, visible for miles around. Guyineber's radio goes silent.

Llort Sosai vocabulary (and direct translation to Low Imperial, where available): balayit masate (flightmaster): a llort captain, pilot, scout and priest all in one. A rank of honour. hekaton (hundred): a military unit's leader. komesi (viscount): a minor noble rank. milesi (knight): an accomplished soldier or duelist, a knight. sasa: a term of affection for a parent. senore (senior, sir): a general semi-formal form of address, akin to "sir" or "ma'am".

Guyineber watches Charyti's results with the slots. Win, lose, win... maybe that would mean that a second go at it would be more successful for her as well? She looked at the chits she had remaining. Would her mentor chide her for throwing it all away? Probably not, but she didn't want to only lose tonight. She took a deep breath. "Right. Bumps included." She put all her remaining chits into the machine. "I've got one last shot. I'm going all in! Double or Nothing!" ... "Holy space! I won! Yes! I won!" Guyineber cheered, watching the machine spit out chits and making dinging noises. Apparently it really paid off going all-in on the final possible bet.

"Ah, hello!" Guyineber responded, excited to hear Elias' voice. She realized mid-sentence that her ship didn't have an official name yet, but she didn't want to seem as inexperienced at racing as she was. She quickly thought about tall things and adjectives with the same initial letters. "This is the, uh, the Crepuscular Cliffside." Yeah, that made sense! Cliffsides were tall, just like her. She listened to the other pilot's accent and tried to decipher it. Her own Low Imperial was practiced, but since she hadn't talked regularly with people from other orbits the way most ambassadors and flightmasters were expected to she had a much stronger accent than a lot of llort that foreigners might be used to. "I hope I'm not disturbing you. I don't know what the proper ettiquette is during races, but a friend told me it's okay to have an... what is it called... social conversation? During a Mekhala Dash? My apologies, I am more used to more formal gatherings when speaking to humans." She didn't mention that her mentor consistently reminded her of the fact that she also was terrible at ettiquette at formal gatherings half the time. OOC notes For ease of reading, I don't write an accent into my characters, but Guyineber's speech sounds more like it's missing some consonants and vowels. Like she'd be more like "Ah, elo! Tis is de Kerebooskoolar Kilibsayid. Ayi ope ayim not distoorbin yoo. Ayi dont no baht de borober etiket is doorin reses, boot eh boorenid tolod meh is okey toh ab an... baht is it kalad... sosiyal konbersasiyon? Doorin a Me[pleghm]ala Des? Mayi abologis, ayim mor yoosoot too mor boromal gaderinis ben soopikin to yoomanas." The VIP Dome - the E.A.T. Meeting Room Hekaton Karcheras Katos responded with a grin of satisfaction. The moonshine burnt pleasantly down his throat and the dwarven chief executive taking well to it pleased him. "Naturally, Chief Executive. It is my mission to lay bare the secrets of Holy Space and prepare the way for the people and establish early outposts. On behalf of the Protectorate, I will gladly share our information with you and the others in the E.A.T." The VIP Dome Ambassador Yessikruz Donce shook herself out of staring after Lady Charyti d'Partout as she left. "My. Queen Chalise, you've certainly come with a spirited racer. That counts for a lot in the Dash. If not in becoming Champion, it certainly matters for the love of the audience."

The Starting Line Guyineber looks to her left at Ani-Quin's ship. They exchange thumbs-ups. She looks to her right at Elias' ship. The Eclipsing Eagle is a great sight in her opinion. She hopes it and all the other ships can give her a great challenge... but still that she will beat some of them. As soon as the lights turn green, she rams her foot down on the pedals and her ship shoots forward so fast and noisily that she doesn't hear the straining of the pedals under the strength of her feet. The ship glitters in the light of Ophon's sunrise as she veers towards a rock formation that resembles a ramp, races across it and gets launched into the sky... into holy space. The First Stretch (to Veehra) Guyineber did not go very fast compared to many of the other racers. She was still getting used to a lot of controls of the ship. If only they'd had ships that she could just send her own personal magic through to control it the way she could control her body and flight path. That would have been so much easier. She pressed a button and accidentally turned the radio on. "Is that... music? No. Voices? Anyone there?"

The Deepest Darkest Secrets (entry costs 5 Treasure) Trust Me Needed a place to store this information. :3c

The Casino floor "Right! I see." Guyineber responded, thinking through the rules of the games she had seen so far and watching the slot machine spin. "I personally prefer making my own luck. It tends to be a lot easier, because I know what I'm doing and I have control over the outcome. In here... well, I guess it is as you say. Luck is only what you put into it. And I want to get lucky!" She steps to another nearby slots machine and puts chits into it, then pulls the lever. ... The clatter of half her bet being returned and the sight of that big red "1" in the center of the machine had Guyineber groan. "Ah, fuck."

The VIP Lounge Pako nods back in understanding. "Patience is a virtue, some say. Many seem to think that the old are more appreciative of it." He chuckles. "When it comes to tea, I find myself capable of it. Were this anything else, I might find myself with haste to still get the things done that I wish to get done while I still have years of life left." His hands close around the hot cup. He waits patiently for the flavor to strengthen. "Even if you have not the time or attention to give me for a game of Lotus yourself, I want to thank you for what attention you've been able to give this old man, senore Ben Ying. Such personal attention is commendable. I hope I am not keeping you from more worthwhile or needy guests." He rumbled a bit, swished the cup gently around, took a sniff of it and then a sip. Hot. Strong. Good. Pako nodded in approval. "Say, I heard that some high-standing members of the Biarbu Society are present today. I don't suppose there's any you could introduce me to? Perhaps not for a game of Lotus, although it is a game of faith and growth. Or at least, I like to think so. I am, let's say, fascinated by all I've seen of your Society so far." Black Bird, Table 1a Guyineber sucks in a breath through her teeth. With the House busting she at least didn't lose too much this time. If she hadn't called a hit on that last card though... "Well, it looks like if my luck stays this way then I will have to leave y'all's pleasurable company all the sooner." She says, then looks at the stacks of chits in front of Charyti next to her. "Oh! Congratulations on your winnings, Charyti! Looks like I could stand to learn from you." Guyineber counted out her chits. "Hmmm... maybe I should try the Fortune Favors tables or the slot machines before I run out of these..." She mumbled to herself. She certainly planned to play until the end. To her, there was no sense going back to her room until she'd either had one win or lost it all.

Black Bird, Table 1a "Kagermor... Cagairmòr..." Guyineber slowly pronounced the name, first with Sosai syllables, then attempting a closer approximation of the proper name. "Tariti... Charyti..." She says, turning over another in her mouth and trying to get the movements just right. She nods and smiles at them, pleased with the company and what little success she made in pronouncing their names as correctly as she could, while evidently struggling initially. It wasn't easy sometimes for someone whose native language had only ten consonants. She still pronounced her teacher's name as "Bako" half the time. Guyineber swayed in her seat, as if she was repressing the urge to dance to a tune in her own head, possibly a tune celebrating that minor victory. She taps the table to signal the dealer. At the reveal of more cards, she mumbles, a little frustrated. "That's too bad. One over, it looks like? 22 is over, right? I overshot it. So close..." The VIP Lounge Pako nods as he listens to the hotel owner's explanation. That all made sense, although he questioned if he himself was really all that interesting. The old llort didn't think to bring up that matter. The note of "local aid" flew by and only after a moment did the flightmaster think that there was more to it than met the ear. Was there some subtle implication of the hotel owner's sources there? Pako wondered. Badal and Mekhala being so far apart likely didn't help much in any regard. That seemed more of a concern for the Consul, if anything. A note to file away for later. He nodded at the explanation of the buttons and booth functionality. "This all seems very user-friendly. Thank you." At the hotel owner's suggestive notions regarding the possible nature of company, Pako's light fluctuated. "Intimate? Oh. Oh no, not at all! Do not misunderstand this old cleric, senore Ben Ying, I appreciate your candor and assurances, but I have no need beyond the sort of polite discussion. Perhaps a private, non-Casino game of Lotus, if any are willing and able? Otherwise I am much content with someone with an interesting life story or ambitious goals, and a cup of your hottest and strongest and most flavourful tea."

The Starting Line... Starting! One of the announcers took position in the platform of their lightning dome. Their sunglasses gleamed in the light of the first rays of Ophon rising over the horizon of Al-Miraiya. Their voice came through to the audience loudly and more softly to any racers who decided to set their channels to receive it. "It is that time again, lords, ladies and gentlethem! People across the spectrum and from every gene pool and arcane persuasion! It is here! It is now! It is the MEKHALA-VEEHRA DASH 2050!" A horn blared. The lights went on. "On your marks!" Red One "Ready?" Red Two "Get set!" Red THREE "GO!" GREEN! OOC Until and including on Friday next week you're free to make your rolls for the race and decide what bits of the race you want to describe! There's the kickoff on al-Miraiya, the trip to Veehra, the pickup of sand in one of the dust desert regions on Veehra, the checkpoint in Veehra's orbit, the trip back to Mekhala, and finishing on al-Miraiya again. Since it is an endurance race, stopping is possible and coasting mid-flight is possible, so remember your racer doesn't have to be in their seat and actively steering the entire time. They can open communications to other racers, they can make a pit stop in other regions, they can eat, drink and be merry. Prooobably don't want to sleep though, despite it being a long race. Oh and please put all your rolls in a single post in this thread. + anyone else who still wants to join in... you can do so until Friday!

Black Bird Table 1a Guyineber clasps one hand over the other and makes something of a small bow in Charyti's direction. "Agreed! I like that spirit." At the extended hand, she reaches out as well across the table with her long arms. The gesture is somewhat awkward, with Guyineber's movements mimicking Charyti's, clearly still unused to regular interaction with people from other orbits and their cultures. "My name is Guyineber. I would be happy to hear you refer to me by name as well." The llort woman picks up a handfull of chits, counts them out, considers it for a moment, and then taps the table for the dealer.

Black Bird, Table 1a, Casino Floor "Aargh!" Guyineber groaned, a little frustrated at her loss. "That's what I get for betting big right out of the gate." She ponders things for a moment, looking sideways at the interesting set of fellow players at the table. "So, uh, another game? Anyone?" Unwittingly, she left it open whether she meant another game of Black Bird, or another game entirely. The VIP Lounge Pako floated an inch off the ground, but his figure looked somewhat hunched, bent into a position as if he were sitting and with his tail curving behind him and downwards as if it were his seat. Arriving at the hotel lounge, he gave a nod and gesture of acknowledgement of the Biarbu who appeared to serve as maitre d'. "Greetings, this one." He began, checking the Biarbu's nametag. "Senore Ben Ying. I am most pleased with your reception. Indeed, you have identified me correctly. Can I thus presume I have a reputation that precedes me? Wherefore, I wonder." He follows Ben Ying to the booths, looking left and right and up to take in the surroundings of the lounge. At least there seemed to be plenty of space for even the tallest llort with the largest horns to fly here. Perhaps that was because the Biarbu were--at least by appearances--an avian species. Pako grumbled in approval. "A fine establishment indeed. What is the etiquette regarding the use of the booths? I find myself at once in need of a seat and also of enjoyable company. My student is in the casino and will not be joining me soon. Might you have any suggestions?"

"As religious ambassadors, it is our duty to make friends with the Biarbu. So, naturally, we have to go to their Casino." With those words, flightmaster Pako had taken Guyineber along for the ride all the way to Badal. Then, after arrival, he had shoved the chits into her hands, wished her good luck making friends ("and I won't mind if you make some money too") and then wandered off to the Hotel's VIP lounge. Guyineber had sighed, then resolved to make the most of it, using the Consul's dime. --- "Room for one more?" The eight-foot tall verdant green llort woman asked as she sat down at table 1a for a game of Black Bird. She looks over to Charyti, then to the cards, then to the dealer. "That is to say, deal me in?" She holds up a hand full of 400 chits. --- At the reveal of the second card, Guyineber stares down quietly. Calculating. "Carry the one... I think... I think that's it for me. Thank you." 18.

The VIP Dome Hecaton Karcheras Katos greets Martin Cooley warmly. He fishes a few vials out of a breast pocket and hands some to the Chief Executive, keeping one for himself. "Tekhum is brimming with renewed purpose, I say." He says. "The House of Brimstone is indeed working on such an invention. I believe the mere hint of our desire for exploration into the outer orbits may have catalyzed their engineers' ingenuity. The House of Brimstone is known for Seeing what some others cannot. A most valuable ally. And as such, the same has sowed the seed for the Exploration Alliance of Tekhum. I drink to that. Cheers." He raises his vial and downs it, shivering as the taste violates his being and his lime-green light briefly sputters out his back in a flame-like pattern. --- Ambassador Yessikruz Donce inclines her head to the Herald of the Glix. "On behalf of the Protectorate, I'm glad for your outreach, Herald." She says. "I hope the Glix can resolve this internal dispute peacefully. We have a private room reserve for discussions for the Exploration Alliance of Tekhum. If you'd care to make any points of address there, I'm sure others are more than interested in hearing you out. I can have one of my attendants guide you." She waves one of them over, who brings refreshments for her and the Herald and then bows upon being told to lead the Herald to the conference room. --- At the arrival of the Usheret queen, Yessikruz bows deeply. "Honoured Queen, I am grateful you would grace us with your presence here. May your vinyards be ever bountiful. Consul Hanyeo has more than once remarked that we should invite those of Caipe Ushere more often, even if only for the tasteful gifts you bring." The ambassador smiles as she accepts the gift of wine. A prized good. She'd make sure to rub it in Karcheras' face later, before offering to share some with him. What else were friends for? "Yes, the acceptance of my Consul into the Senate has been a topic of much discussion and elation here on al-Miraiya. There was of course no insult meant to your person or Elect. We had not expected the position of Grey Eminence to change. With that in mind, however, my Consul intends to make the best use of it that we can. Your advice as a veteran in the position would be of value greater than the finest crystal weave." --- The arrival of Lady Charyti d'Partout shakes things up a bit. Few racers are so closely associated with any of the VIPs that they enter the VIP dome, and even beyond that any of the racers naturally draw attention. The Lady is by no means an exception, quite the contrary. The ambassador inclines her head at their introduction. "How do you fare, Lady d'Partout? I am ambassador Yessikruz Donce. I, ah--" At the Lady's bow and the kiss placed upon her hand, the ambassador finds herself with a sudden affliction of speechlessness. The light glowing in her eyes and the crevices of her horns increases just enough in intensity that those paying attention might notice it. "I'm... a pleasure. To make your acquaintance as well, Lady d'Partout. I hope your flight with the Peregrine will be most swift and civilized." Starting Line The crowd goes absolutely nuts over Lewis' crowd work. His helmet broadcast amplifying him to the audience forms an intensely close parasocial bond between them. It easily attracts the attention of other racers too. Ani-Quin looks over at Lewis and grins with a nod of approval. They've seen Lewis' skills first-hand the last time they participated in a Dash. They're eager to try to beat them this time around. --- When the Glic and Usheret ships arrived, Guyineber took a deep breath. "More racers arriving. It's starting to feel more real." She said. This was the first time she'd participate in a Dash. Despite her boisterous personality, she remained a lot less cool than Ani-Quin was. Certainly when she remembered their story about almost dying in a warzone and being saved by a nuke. The news from Veehra about active wars and rebellions there did not ease her spirits. The Glic ship appeared highly unusual. She was curious how far it would get in the standings. The Usheret ship was much smaller in comparison. More like her own. But with a much more confident racer. Guyineber laughed nervously when Lady d'Partout bowed at the racers and the audience, and she gave a little salute in return as a form of greeting. Why am I so nervous? I'm one of the most competent flyers there is. She thought to herself as she opened the cockpit of her own ship. But not with a ship. Just on your own power. Something not possible for an inter-orbit Dash. Emperor's shins, she was starting to sweat.

The Starting Line There is a crowd gathered in the open public domes near the starting line, and from the stands there comes an uproarious cheering as Lewis Norris arrives at the starting line. "LE-WIS! LE-WIS! LE-WIS!" The crowd chants his name. With Valus Vile reportedly occupied on Veehra with her military duties, Lewis is by far the favourite to win the race according to many. There are llort wearing fake beards and shirts with various logos and prints on them from the Dwarven planetoids. One of them probably is not aware that his shirt says "BARBECUE FUCKS, DRINK PETROL YOU CAT" in another language, like a bad tattoo chosen just based on vibes. They clearly don't care. They're here to cheer on their new champion. The VIP Dome Ambassador Yessikruz Donce bows before Hammond Durham as he arrives with his entourage. "Welcome, honoured Chief Executive. The EAT lounge is this way. Allow me--" "--allow ME to personally escort you, honoured Chief Executive." Karcheras Katos interjects. He makes no attempt to look at the llort ambassador with whom he's worked so often. The dwarves have arrived and that means this is officially his kind of party now. Yessikruz takes a step back. The line her mouth turns into makes it clear she's not pleased, but she makes no move to stop the hecaton. Fine, there are others that can use her more delicate attention. "We made sure to stock the lounge with the best whiskey." Karcheras begins as he walks with the Chief Executive. "Although if you want to try Petrol Barrel Moonshine, I've got some vials too." Judging by his tone, the latter comment seemed a joke. The hecaton knew he should not say such things to most political figures. However, with the dwarves... it was always worth a try.

The Llort Society Protectorate Round 6, Standard Years 2049-2051 of the 99,803rd Era of the Imperial Calendar Capital: Al-Miraiya (region 88) Society Consul Hanyeo (llort, they/them) Diplomacy: 9 Military: 4 Economy: 9 Faith: 6 Intrigue: 4 (Expected gains from this round to next round: +1 Dip, +1 Econ.) (Heir: Dip 4+2, Mil 1+1, Econ 3+2, Faith 4+1, Intr 3+1) Actions: [Faith] - Convert Verdalfheim (region 36) to have a Plurality of Imperial Cult (13, Success!) +6 Faith, -1 distance penalty (Embassy on Sansar), +2 support from ALF. Flightmaster Pako continues leading the local imperial education into the practices of the cult. Theology walks hand in hand with science in Verdalfheim as Pako works with the local druids. [Diplomacy] - Grey Eminence Hanyeo's Imperial Advisor grants +2 to Conversion After there are some misunderstandings between the llort and the populace of Verdalfheim, Hanyeo dons the grey mantle and seeks advice from the Imperial Advisor. With direct guidance from them, a close link to the Emperor himself, the conversions to the Imperial Cult are guided by a mightier hand. Perhaps it is for this reason that the elves come to know the Emperor's power all the better, and thus more accepting of it? [Diplomacy] - Establish Claim on Et Cetera HQ (region 91) through marriage with Society Consul Hanyeo's youngest son, Prince Bandayo (18, Success!) Speaking to their long-time neighbours, the Society makes more overt overtures to establishing diplomatic ties with the undead. Much maligned in ancient literature, it seems the llort have a kindred spirit in them in some form, with both being desiring of economic prosperity and knowledge. [Economy] - Buyout 3 in Region 6 (14, Success!) Trade deals with the Biarbu make way for lucrative future profits for both parties. [Economy 5 Special] - Establish Trade Route with WTP The people of the Society have appreciated their past conversations on politics and economics with the White Pawns. Some closer bonds with the native Sansarite Imperial Cultists is always good. Non-Actions: Host an Event! The Llort Society Protectorate offers its Event-hosting services to any other Electors who wish to host an Event in their country, but who do not currently have the time, energy or money to spend on it. Host the ! Invitations go out to racers all across Tekhum, but especially those on Veehra. Those who have been invited to E.A.T. are invited to the Mekhala-Veehra Dash to formally join it! They may also action this at the Grand Opening of the Golden Phoenix. Gift the Pseudogravity Engineering, Shrewd Business and Wet Navy Ships technologies to CUS, DIC, SEV and TEA Gift the Badalian Megadirigibles technology to DIC Receive Thaumonuclear Reactor Core technology from HOB Attend the Grand Opening of the Golden Phoenix Resist & Hinder any Conversions that would reduce the Imperial Cult to less than a Majority in Region 88 (-2). Resist all buyouts of Trade Post 1 in region 88 (-2) Supply the Arkhive with the LSP's Spacer's Cabbage (for compostables DI) through the Embassy functioning as a Trade Route Donations to the Arkhive (through our Embassy) Donations to the Arkhive and Imperial Court Donate a cultural work to the Arkhive and the Imperial Court: The Emperor's Lonely Ballad. It is a song that many children are taught about and is allegedly the song that the Emperor sung to coax and guide the llort from the reaches of deep space to come to Tekhum. The "ballad" is part of a much larger oeuvre of songs about that event, some very positive in mood, others more sad. One section goes: Why do you live beyond the Wall? My children, my children... Why do you live beyond the Wall? That Wall of rocks all floating tall Why do we live beyond the Wall? The wall keeps us from humanity And we keep from humanity By building walls By building walls We built the wall for you and me How can I reach beyond the Wall? My children, my children... How can I reach beyond the Wall? Where space is deep and silence calls How can you reach beyond the Wall? By flying fast and standing tall With magic ties through space we fly, through space and lies You breach the wall You breach the wall, you breach the wall You breach the wall for you and me What must you do beyond the Wall? My children, my children... What must you do beyond the Wall? Of blackness vast and minds in thrall What must we do beyond the Wall? We must safeguard the deep enthralled In blackness vast we are alone We all are one and we are all All alone, alone and all And so our minds must stay in thrall Whom do you serve beyond the Wall? My children, my children... Whom do you serve beyond the Wall? Come serve me, let freedoms fall Whom do we serve beyond the Wall? We serve all humanity Freedom naught, but serving all All is service, so we fall And so we fall and so we fall We'll come to serve and so we'll fall When will you come from beyond the Wall? My children, my children... When will you come from beyond the Wall? To be at mine own beck and call When will we come beyond the Wall? We cannot come, unless you call But you have called, yes, you have called We will it not, but we'll serve all Serving all, yes, serving all Humanity's own beck and call Where will you go if not here at all? My children, my children... Where will you go if not here at all? You shall stay to bear my pall Bearing palls, we'll bear your pall Where will we go if not there at all? We'll serve them all, we serve them all Our message is to serve at all Flying tall, through space in thrall, as freedom falls, but so you've called, serving all and bearing palls We have come onto your Wall Donate a historical work to the Arkhive and the Imperial Court: Two Million Years of Human Evolution. A work that describes how llort differ from "standard" humans (a term the author goes into great lengths of to describe how racist and discriminatory that terminology is) and how they (supposedly) evolved over the past two million years in the depths of space. It describes all the adaptations the human body can undergo depending on evolutionary pressures of different environments and how those explain the llort physiology. Donate a philosophical work to the Arkhive and the Imperial Court: The 69 Laws of Power. An examination of power structures, how they come to be, the consent of those therein, the need for those structures, and the applicability of any of such rules adapted for use in people's personal lives. It has been widely criticized for its stances and its conflation of different types of relationships and structures with one another. Llort Society member Feyik Nooboos (human, he/him), who brings these works to the Arkhive, joins the Arkhive. Their noteworthy accomplishments include co-authoring The 69 Laws of Power and claiming to co-author Two Million Years of Human Evolution. (Feyik Nooboos was removed from the original research team involved in the creation of the work for their extremist views.) Before joining the Arkhive, he hosted a children's educational programme and was hoping to gain sponsors with Holly Heliotrope and Snake News. Coronal Catalogue of Duelists: The most famous duelists within the history of the Llort Society Protectorate are Tayelon, Ambilin and Bel Malanagoliyus. The Malanagoliyus family line is a rare example among the llort of a family name becoming prominent enough to be adopted and kept by blood relatives after they've grown up and left their wing families. There are a few fighting styles that are prominent among dueling enthusiasts, most prominent of which are the ancient human Elna style combining sword-fighting and wrestling, and the llort style of Edesol Tayilis that involves wielding multiple weapons, including one attached to the prehensile tail. The most famous duel was between Bel Malanagoliyus, a massive llort and master of the Elna style, and Prince Hanyeo, a master of the Edesol Tayilis style. The winner of the duel is the subject of much debate, as Bel Malanagoliyus died when an asteroid hit them shortly after striking down Hanyeo. Hanyeo managed to get away just in time. The rest of the LSP contribution to the catalogue of duelists contains notes on some sporting events like the now-infamous Bloodsports. The People Want Action: The Corvee Labor of region 70 should be abolished. The main issue with the resource of this region it is a form of forced labor. If the element of force is removed from it and the laborers employed, this would resolve the main issue. The Sorcerers of New Kildora, as owners of this region, should be included in the processes of reformation. After all, if the Sorcerers do not cooperate, what hope is there for truly effective rebuilding? The local power structures and source of the force of the labor should be examined and removed through legal reform. Anyone who was born into this system should be freed without further recourse, for they had no chance to begin with. Anyone who came under this system during life should have their contracts bought out. All such laborers should be given a minimum adequate housing if they do not possess such already, and be given a small stipend to tide them over until they can acquire humane and paying jobs. In the meantime, the region should see investment (possibly foreign investment) to assist in the discovery and development of new resources. This should grant the region also plenty of opportunity for economic growth and places to have the laborers acquire new jobs. Grey Eminence duties: Society Consul Hanyeo ventures into the depths of the Imperial Senate... News and Rumours: The Llort Society Protectorate denounces the attack of the Black Cloud Coalition on the Illumined Utopian. Their statement of "enslavement is forbidden" in the face of this unprovoked attack appears entirely baseless, as the Illumined Utopian--by all accounts--has no slaves within their society. Even the seemingly tacit endorsement of the practice by a single Jy'mar priest appears to be a most tenuous connection for a Casus Belli. The Helios Hospice ends up legally banned from the planetoids and space under the Protectorate's purview. The corporate medic's disclaiming of responsibility for their own actions including "deaths, injuries, or other abnormalities occurring during or after their operations" and going so far as to state "all gathered cadavers are property of Helios Hospice" are legally and morally suspect. Mechanics notes Stored in my country thread . Charter to E.A.T.

A note on Al-Miraiya's environment The Llort Society Protectorate has based itself on the CWD-31 asteroid, more commonly called al-Miraiya d'Hayeli. When seen from other asteroids in the Mekhala belt, it appears as shining as a tiny star, a companion to distant Ophon. This is a feature of the mirrored flats, vast fields that form the surface of al-Miraiya, a sheen of shining silica, mixed with metal and gemstone all together in some big reflective puzzle. This causes people's stay on al-Miraiya to absolutely require sunglasses or other tools or magic to prevent being blinded. They'll also need thick rubber boots or other tools or magic to prevent from being shocked, unless they never touch the ground. The llort live in and welcome any guests in their domed residences called lightning domes, for their surface crackles with electric charges. These domes are well-insulated and only dimly lit on the inside, often just from the glow of its residents. One large feature visible from space (to those that can withstand looking directly at al-Miraiya) is a huge, curved gap, a crevasse called the Mouth of the Emperor since time immemorial. This crevasse goes deep into the heart of al-Miraiya and is where people are officially inducted into the Society as adults. The VIP Dome "Welcome! Welcome honoured guests from--" Ambassador Yessikruz Donce stood at the entrance greeting new arrivals warmly. She was short for a llort, tall for a human, at 6 and a half imperial feet tall. Her eyes scanned each of them to assess them in calculation. Those from Veehra received small gifts for their collaboration. Those that had been invited to E.A.T. she directed to a private room for discussions and agreements. And those bearing weapons were requested politely to leave all but one outside the door. The ambassador held an eye out for any representatives of Caipe Ushere. She was very interested in discussing senatorial duties with them, the Eucrus Alliance and the House of Fire, but even moreso to discuss the matter of the Grey Eminence. --- Hecaton Karcheras Katos, the most successful llort explorer of the Society, sat in the VIP dome. There was a balcony overlooking the starting line, but the hecaton appeared to have little interest in it at the moment. There were screens to follow more detailed shots and moments in the race anyway. Many racers even let news outlets put recording equipment on their person or their ships. Some streamed it for themselves to a more personal audience for their income and fame. Karcheras was bored. He hadn't led an expedition in years and the Protectorate hadn't needed to do a lot of being protected either. His function at the moment was largely one of diplomacy and luxurious leisure. He didn't mind, but it didn't raise his spirits much either. He looked over to the entrance where diplomats welcomed arrivals from other Electors. He sighed, downed another gallon of wine, then rose to meet with some of them as well. Perhaps there would be one among them who had some interesting news to share or a partnership to form for new endeavors. At the Starting Line Ani-Quin stood with a hand over their eyes (a habit) gazing up at the stars. They were a tall human with long brown hair dressed in sleek black and brown racing gear. They had won the Dash once as a child, but lost in more recent years. Now, this interplanetary race stood to potentially make them a champion once more. "The stars are right," they said. "They damn well better be!" A tall green llort woman said, tossing a bag of supplies in her sleek silver spaceship. "I don't plan on dying this race. That's what bloodsports is for!" She gave Ani-Quin a big grin and the human gave a pained smile back. They hadn't enjoyed watching bloodsports. It had made them feel queasy. Plus, they had nearly died during the last time they participated in the Mad Dash. They wondered what would be different this time around. They'd sent word to Alud Soom on Veehra about the new Dash, both in hopes he would compete and in hopes they could visit the Soom lands without getting shot down. They paced back and forth beside their new ship, the ground crackling with every step, futile against their thick rubber boots. They adjusted their sun goggles on top of their head. They'd come in handy once it was daytime, especially when they got closer to Veehra, or on the journey back to al-Miraiya and needing to withstand its star-bright reflection. Mekhala Mad Dash participants from the Llort Society Protectorate Ani-Quin (human, they/them), in a spaceship resembling an closed metal shell pulled by six thrusters. There is additional shielding and small anti-missile defences built into it. Guyineber (llort, she/her), in a shining ship with a sleek tip and a back that opens into a seven-pointed starburst shape with green flame thrusters. Additional note: LSP racers will always need to take the worst option for rolls in any stretch of the race except the last one. Mekhala-Veehra Dash mechanics The race starts in region 88, Al-Miraiya. Mekhala-Veehra Dash: a twist on the Mekhala Mad Dash where racers have to race from al-Miraiya to Veehra and back. Racers have to reach a checkpoint near Veehra, show that they have a container full of Veehran sand, and return with it to al-Miraiya. Since the race goes so far, it is estimated to currently take 60+ standard imperial days, so racers are advised to bring plenty of supplies, especially if they cannot re-supply on Veehra. First stretch (to Veehra): Roll 2d6 + half Econ or Int (full if using a ruler or heir) for the stretch to Veehra, +1 if using any one (1) civic tech that gives bonuses to exploration or investigation, -1 if the racer is not a native of Veehra. The Pickup: Roll 2d6 + half attribute (full if using a ruler, heir or Commander) or 2d6 + WTU Rep to pick up or fill up a container full of sand. Racer must pick a desert region to get the sand from (57-65, 69, 72-75). If they hit TN 12, they successfully pick it up! If they do not hit TN 12, they may retry in a different region. They must pick a different option for their roll. Options for rolls: half Dip for a region from a country to which the racer is native to OR their country is formally allied with (through a treaty or sharing an Embassy); +1 if using any one (1) civic tech OR Artifact OR religion size bonus OR anything else that gives a bonus to any Diplomacy attribute roll. racer may roll 2d8 if their country has a Cultural Identity for any Diplomacy attribute action. half Mil for a region from a country that is hostile to the racer OR if picking it up in an active warzone, but if you roll lower than 12, the racer dies or is kidnapped by locals (racer's player decides); +1 if you have any one (1) Military tech you have that gives a bonus to Tactical Maneuvering or battles. +1 if using an Artifact OR religion size bonus OR anything else that gives a bonus to any Military attribute roll. racer may roll 2d8 if their country has a Cultural Identity for any Military attribute action. half Econ if the racer's country has a Trading Post or Mercantile Support in the region or a Trade Route with the country that owns it; +1 if using any one (1) civic tech OR Artifact OR religion size bonus OR anything else that gives a bonus to any Economy attribute roll. racer may roll 2d8 if their country has a Cultural Identity for any Economy attribute action. full Econ if the racer's country sent Treasure or tech to that country last round or is doing so this round; +1 if using any one (1) civic tech OR Artifact OR religion size bonus OR anything else that gives a bonus to any Economy attribute roll. racer may roll 2d8 if their country has a Cultural Identity for any Economy attribute action. half Faith if the racer shares the region's majority/sole faith or owns the Media support; +1 if it is an organized faith native to Veehra. +1 if using any one (1) civic tech OR Artifact OR religion size bonus OR anything else that gives a bonus to any Faith attribute roll. racer may roll 2d8 if their country has a Cultural Identity for any Faith attribute action. half Int if they do it secretly without involvement of any locals, but if you roll lower than 12, the racer is caught by suspicious natives and cannot continue the race; +1 if using any one (1) civic tech OR Artifact OR religion size bonus OR anything else that gives a bonus to any Intrigue attribute roll. racer may roll 2d8 if their country has a Cultural Identity for any Intrigue attribute action. WTU Rep if picking it up in a region with a WTU base. +1 if using any one (1) civic tech OR Artifact OR religion size bonus OR anything else that gives a bonus to any attributes the WTU specializes in (Buyouts, Resisting Buyouts, Interacting with Mercantile Supports, Exploration, Colonization). Racer may roll as if they had a score of Economy 9 for the final stretch of the race as the WTU helps them out. if the racer is of a country formally allied with the Llort Society Protectorate, or shares an Embassy or Trade Route with them, they may pick up sand in region 75 and roll using LSP's half Econ (+4) -1 to any type of roll if the racer does not have Dust Hardening tech. Final stretch (to al-Miraiya): Roll 2d6 + half Econ, Faith or Int (full if using a ruler or heir) for the stretch back to Mekhala, +1 if using any one (1) civic tech that gives bonuses to exploration or investigation, +1 if rolling Faith if the racer is of the Imperial Cult faith, -1 if the racer is not a native of Mekhala. Points: You get 2 points for every roll that hits a TN of 12. You get 1 point for every roll that is a Great Success (18+). You lose 1 point for every Pickup roll that doesn't hit a TN of 12. You get 1 point if you rolled the highest in the first stretch. You get 2 points if you rolled the highest for the pickup without needing a retry. You get 3 points if you rolled the highest for the final stretch. You lose 1 point for every roll in a post where you don't describe which techs, Artifacts, religion size bonuses, Cultural Identities, etc. you are using for that roll AND how those are being used. (You may list them in a little OOC note and that will be fine! The post should ideally still feature description of how the racer makes the best use of them, that'd be more fun to see how inventive you get with them. But that is not required.) Most points wins the race! If there's a tie, the winner of the last stretch wins. If there's still a tie, the one who rolled with a lower stat on the last roll wins. (So a +3 Dip would win over a +10 Faith.) The winner receives THE MEKHALA MAD DASH CHAMPIONSHIP BELT! (With special Veehran customization.) Post-Race After-Party Banquet ??? OOC The race will officially start in a few days! You will be free to make the rolls for any and all stretches of the race after that in the days and posts to follow. Until then, feel free to describe your arrivals, banter at the starting line, diplomacy at the VIP Dome, etc. Enjoy! And stay dashing!

Tiyansi briefly converses with Pako, then rises and nods at Siobhan and the Navarch. "If the Arkhive is in favour or not opposed to the alteration, and such an alteration would please the gathered representatives, then the Llort Society Protectorate supports this change."