EmBark

The Llort Society Protectorate

Round 9, Standard Years 2058-2060 of the 99,803rd Era of the Imperial Calendar

Capital: Al-Miraiya (region 88)

Society Consul Tiyansi

(llort, they/them)

Diplomacy: 10

Military: 2

Economy: 5

Faith: 5

Intrigue: 4

(Expected gains from this round to next round: +1 Econ.)

(Heir, Prince Karcheras Katos: Dip 4+2, Mil 3, Econ 1+1, Faith 3+1, Intr 4+1)

Actions:

1. [Diplomacy 10] - Consolidate Permanent Cultural Identity: Make The Empire Known (Explorations)

2. [Diplomacy 5] - Create Cultural Identity: Llort Thrive Anywhere (Colonize Region)

3. [Diplomacy] - Declare New Capital: Basibaye Frontier (region 125)

• The ninth largest moon of Wakinyan forms the largest satellite within the region with Imperial designation 125. With its colonization at the hands of the Llort Society Protectorate, it forms the new frontier of Tekhum. Ancient records are consulted from the llort's travels before their arrival on Mekhala and the name Basibaye is chosen for the moon.

4. [Economy 5] -

5. [Economy] - Trade Blockade and Quarantine

Non-Actions:

• [Declaration of Intent] - The Sub-society Of Dashing And Llort Levitation (a.k.a. SODEYL, SUBUSOSAI O DASIN E YOLOT LEBITASIYO) releases official statements regarding plans for a “Great Gulf Megadash” and a “Badalian Minidash”

  • Due to the suddenly pressing emergency of the colloquially dubbed "Madness Plague", the SODEYL has declared that it intends to postpone large-scale sporting events until the affliction is dealt with and events can be held in safety. After all, it is the SODEYL's philosophy that all those who put their lives and sanity on the line should do so consensually. Death or insanity are acceptable outcomes for athletes, but not for audiences. SODEYL expresses hope that in 3 years time it will be able to give proper conduct to one or both of these events. In the meantime, it bids the anonymous benefactor to come forward and reveal their name and contact information to SODEYL, so that a collaborative effort can be properly conducted.

• 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)

• Embassies:

• Trade Routes:

• Senator duties: Society Consul Tiyansi ventures into the depths of the Imperial Senate...

News and Rumours:

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, Prince Karcheras Katos: Dip 4+2, Mil 3, Econ 1+1, Faith 3+1, Intr 4+1)

Actions:

1. [Diplomacy] - Press Claim on region 91, Etcetera HQ [16, Success!]

• +8 Diplomacy, +1 Renown 1

2. [Diplomacy] - Sway Mercantile Support in region 61 [17, Success!]

• +8 Diplomacy, -1 distance penalty, -1 Dust Deserts, TN 12 because LSP has the DI ( Fuel and Power)

3. [Diplomacy] - Establish Confederation Claim on region 94 [8, Failure]

• +8 Diplomacy, +1 Renown 1, -4 dynastic, +1 Treasure

4. [Diplomacy] - Diplomatic Mission to explore region 123 [13, Success!]

• +8 Diplomacy, -3 distance penalty, +1 from EMP Rep 1, 2d8 from CI

5. [Economy] - Colonize region 125 [15, Success!]

• +5 Economy, -3 distance penalty, +1 Smart Space Colonizer Suits, +1 Treasure

Non-Actions:

• [Opportunity] Status and Extravagance - Within llort culture and by extension that of non-llort Society on Al-Miraiya and Hayeli, there are few native status symbols of great renown. Crystal Weave fabrics are common, but the finer it is woven, the more expensive and more high-class it is. This has reached a point where they can't be woven more finely without breaking the laws of physics. In response, there have been trends where it is seen as fashionable and a mark of status to have crystal weave clothing or accessories that are finely woven, but with whole gemstones or chunks of ore in it. The rough parts are difficult to match with finer fabrics, marking a new kind of skill that is necessary to create these pieces, especially if they are put in locations on the body that are harder to weave around, like any joints, the neck or breasts. At one point this lead to wealthier horn families practically racing each other to commission and wear the most extravagant pieces, which resulted in trade issues for food and ore, the Fabric Riots of 1969 and the collapse of local industry, resulting in its takeover by the state and parceled out in trust to the localized communes of the planetoids.

  Since then, laws have been put into place about individual expenses that are judged to be more for vanity and oneupllortship rather than practical need or communal want. Still, there are trends where foreign goods are now seen as a status symbol, with different goods from different other countries taking each other's place as soon as any one of them becomes so dominant that the government seems like it might get involved to stop from another famine and economic crash.

As a result, few nowadays wear extravagant more-than-practical crystal weave clothes and accessories. These are usually reserved for ambassadors and those who have been adopted into the royal family, which transcends typical notions of wing families and horn families.

• Gain 1 Renown, maybe?

• 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)

• Trade Routes: Send WTP some techs (Pseudogravity Engineering, Thaumonuclear Reactor Cores, Android Industrialization, Hyperlight Transceivers)

• Senator duties: Society Consul Tiyansi ventures into the depths of the Imperial Senate...

News and Rumours:

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.

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!"

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:

1. [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.

2. [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.

3. [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.)

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)

• 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.

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.

18 hours ago, xanxosttheslaad said:

[...]

A rectangular hairline crack appears in the side of the front car, interrupting an otherwise smooth and untextured outer hull, uniformly coated in the vibrant green of enriched vacuum-resistant kelp mucus. The outline becomes a rounded rectangular panel as it slowly pushes out and slides to the side, revealing a dark interior, from which emerges a single robotic unit, humanoid in shape, stepping noiselessly down to the platform with the grace of a dancer. As Unit 2323 walks toward the entrance to greet Ambassador Yessikruz Donce, the light of Ophon glints off of a coat of violet paint, betraying an elegant iridescence. "High noon in the Space-Kelp Cluster, neighbor! I am Cassiope, representatively; it's truly an honor." From an internal chest cavity, 2323 produces a small box, wrapped in an intricately folded, fine kelp fiber cloth. The cloth bears the image of a map of Mekhala on a dark, virescent field, artfully distorted so as to enlarge the homes of Mekhala's Elect (orbitally positioned as they were on the first day of the Imperial calendar year in which the program of the Elect was begun), as well as to take up the entire field besides a luminous image of Ophon in the center. The chest itself is machined from a particularly reflective steel alloy, inlaid with a delicate filigree pattern of platinum and platinum-gold blends, balanced in color so as to only subtly stand out from the steel. Inside are a selection of high-grade raw ores, including platinum-group metal ore, Corbomite, and Cinnakite ore, as well as a small gold-inlaid glass bottle of liquid gold. "For you, Ambassador; a token of our appreciation for your hospitality."

Somehow, 2323 conveys a remarkable warmth of speech and body language. Massive amounts of computing power have been devoted to discerning such subtleties of optimally personable interaction with organics, and 2323 is encoded with the most advanced protocols of this kind of any custodial unit yet. After an exchange of pleasantries, they make their way to the EAT room for diplomatic discussions. [...]

"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

6 hours ago, Frostwander said:

[...]

Bounding out of the cockpit as soon as landing is completed with a toolbelt and emergency kit, Charyti climbs the sandy hill to find the aft section of the ship, crumpled and damaged but largely in one piece. The access hatch is warped, and it takes a cutting torch and crowbar to pry it out of the way. The interior is scattered, but the llort within the seat appears to be alive; badly bruised and bloodied, but saved from more serious injuries by her protective magic. Charyti cuts her free of any harness and drags her from the wreck.

After applying what first aid she can and returning Guyineber to consciousness, the human looks to the Cliffside wreck. Maybe it's salvageable, but not with her limited equipment.

"Why don't you come with me? I've got some wine that will blunt the pain. The cabin will be a little cozy, and meals a bit spare. But at least we can get you to the finish, and back to your crew?" She holds out a hand to the other pilot.

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

16 hours ago, Elemental said:

Llewellyn catches sight of the kiss and he feels his heart rate rise in panic, especially when Elias gives Charyti a wink in return. But he can't be helped now, he just had to hope they'd both be too distracted by the race. The race with several weeks of flying on a more or less straight line with nothing to do but talk to people on the comms...

Relieved that it wasn't some emergency Elias goes back to mixing cinnamon into his tea, stirring it with a fancy spoon he'd borrowed from Llewellyn's office. He briefly checks the race manifest to make sure he heard the name correctly, which he didn't and he can't find anything close. Honestly it's not easy at all to decipher the Llort accent, but he figures his own must be equally incomprehensible to them so he just tries his best.

"You're not disturbing me at all, just making a cup of tea before settling in for the long stretch," he says, the sound of a spoon softly tinkling against the edge of his cup can be heard over the transmission, "How's everything going on your end?"

6 hours ago, Frostwander said:

Mekhala to Veehra (First Stretch)
The weeks between Mekhala and Veehra provide a great deal of time to entertain oneself, or if you are Lady Charyti d'Partout, to have your fellow racers entertain you. She keeps a steady string of conversations over the radio frequencies with the other racers keeping near pace - while Archmage Zabir's ship seems to be handily outstripping the rest, the others are within a reasonable radio range.

Charyti looks to get to know her peers. Where are they from? What drew them to racing, and what experiences or training prepared them? What do they like, dislike, dream about? She does not pry if anyone wishes to keep things to themself, but does her best to give everyone plenty of time to talk about themselves. She also intersperses and enjoys a fair amount of competitive banter, bragging about ships, chatting about plans for the pickup stage, and what each would do with the fame or winnings if they are the victor.

At other times, the lady's voice can be heard for any who wish to tune in, singing to herself (and listeners) in a native Usheret tongue. Slow ballads, romance songs, and occasionally lullabies carry over the radio waves in alto tones, with the confidence of someone singing in the shower and unafraid of anyone hearing.

"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

6 hours ago, TheDarkDM said:

Befitting an event of such prestige as the Dash, Duke Esarhaddon III and his Duchess had chosen to attend together, socializing easily with the other luminaries in the VIP dome. There is little to distinguish their presence from earlier years for most of the preamble, until a coded alert springs up on Esarhaddon's subcutaneous transmitter. As if summoned by the nondescript flash of code, a blazing star detaches from the surrounding sky and resolves into the monstrous drive plume of a ship very familiar to the veterans of the first Mad Dash. Outside, transmitting on an open channel, comes the first scream of a valkyrie war cry.

"Ani'Quin, you son of a bitch! I hope you didn't think I was missing this show!"

The Lilin howled past the already-lit starting line, under thrust that would have been impossible were it not for the questionably-treasonous work of Naram-Lu and Naqi'a's quiescent engineering team.

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".

11 hours ago, Frostwander said:

Charyti nods, along with a brief empathetic wince at Guyineber's and her own poor luck. "Exacte! Make your own, especially, and enjoy the course, bumps included!"

"Although ... sometimes a little strategy is also useful." Charyti eyes the slot machine, mentally counts her remaining chits. The shrugs and puts in some more. "Sometimes."

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.

14 hours ago, Elemental said:

Elias was getting comfortable, at this point there was literally nothing for him to do for weeks so he'd started making himself a cup of tea as he listened to the latest hits from Ishtahnos. He was just adding a pinch of cinnamon as a reward for not blowing the ship up when an indicator started blinking. With slight panic that almost caused him to drop the precious cinnamon he realised it was the communications array. He flicked a switch and heard the last bit of Guyineber's message.

"Hello, you've reached the Eclipsing Eagle, what can I do for you?" he asked. His Low Imperial was heavily accented and the sound of an Ishtahn singer could be heard in the background. His eyes scanned the holo display. He didn't exactly have a sophisticated detection system, but near as he could tell everyone was on course and no one was spiralling off out of control. That likely ruled out a distress call, not that he could do anything if it was. This burn was calculated, he had only enough fuel to slow down once. That thought did admittedly give him a bit of anxiety.

"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.

The VIP Dome - the E.A.T. Meeting Room

15 hours ago, bc_56 said:

The Chief Executive downs the contents of the vial without complaint. Slowly a smile forms across his face. "That's good stuff. I may have to acquire a share in that brewery. Thoughts, Martin?" The younger dwarf seems less pleased. "It's strong, but it lacks flavor." "Ah, you're still young. Your palate hasn't developed yet."

"Now where were we? Oh right, exploring. My people are quite keen on gathering the resources of the outer planets. There's all sorts of wealth out there just waiting to be discovered. I expect we'll see you out there?"

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

@Frostwander

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)

The Casino floor

On 4/16/2024 at 10:02 AM, Frostwander said:

"Hm, well. These are a fun and pleasurable diversion, but I don't know if it's something you can learn, from me." Charyti smiles at the dealer, standing, and steps over to a nearby 'Chosen Ones' machine, droping a chit in. "Here in games, luck is only what the creator puts into it. Every possibility is defined." She gestures vaguely outward. "Outside, though ... that is where making your luck is real.

"But please, by all means I would be glad to continue playing."

"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

20 hours ago, Gengy said:

VIP Lounge

Ben Ying nodded politely. "We had to be sure. As mentioned, we do not judge."

With a wave of their feathers, and a demonstration of masterful control of the console, the button for service was soon pressed. Yet, only seconds later, without the order being actually taken by the server, they arrive with two cups, and a tea pot full of something sweet smelling, almost floral. Ben Ying precedes to pour on behalf of their guest. "Polite discourse is something this one would be pleased to provide to any guest. Sadly, our duties would not allow a truly worthy game of Lotus to be played while we talked, but we could call over someone skilled at it for you to play against while we chatted, if that would suffice. And then, should duty call, you would still have your amusement and a conversation partner."

The tea, when poured, is just barely finished boiling, yet the heat only adds to the aroma.

"Please, though you have requested it to be hot, this one advises you to let it cool, if but for only a moment. It will add to the overall flavor if the Bu-kah Doduh is allowed to steep fully in the mixing air of both hot and cold. Flowers, as you might imagine, are quite difficult to come by in Badal; nearly as rare as those in Mekhala. So only the patient truly can appreciate the flavor... but the impatient will find they have missed their chance to maximize the taste. It is a delicate balance."

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

21 minutes ago, Gengy said:

Black Bird, Table 1a, Casino Floor

(COE +1000)

(ELD +250)

(LSP -150)

(CUS +600)

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

7 hours ago, Gengy said:

The Silver Hotel, The VIP Lounge

"Here at the Silver Hotel, and elsewhere in Shiwa Yun, we keep watch on all things..." Ben Ying pauses, and for a moment, it's as though that is the end of the sentence, then it continues, "...interesting."

"So your reputation first came to those who collate such data from the time spent in the Elven Conclave a few years ago. We receive regular reports on such individuals every few years, as it is a struggle to keep up to date information without local aid," The hotel owner actually does pause here and off the Flightmaster a significant look. How Pako chooses to interpret this is up to him.

"As to your inquiries regarding etiquette within the booths," the black plumed Biarbu points at the buttons on the table, "this closes off the booth for sound dampening. It's not perfect, as shouting will still create some noise, but for quiet conversations, it will be you, those sitting in the booth, and the table. And the table won't be revealing any secrets. This button will signal the servers to come inquire about refreshments, while the one opposite it will decline further service while it is active; any non-staff member whom gets too close to the booth while this has been pressed will be politely encouraged to move along, and staff members won't be staying close either or they will no longer be staff members."

"As for enjoyable company. That depends on the kind you are looking for. Polite discussion, or - as your student is occupied and you find yourself free of their gaze - perhaps something more... intimate? This one assures you, we do not judge."

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!

@FriendlyHeadcrab

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!

@Elemental @zabbarot @Frostwander @Featherscale @bc_56 + anyone else who still wants to join in... you can do so until Friday!

11 hours ago, Frostwander said:

The redhead smiles, "I'm game if you are. It would be a shame to depart so quickly after meeting." One hand extends out toward Guyineber in greeting - even if they are seated too far to reach, the gesture is there. Her other hand dips once again into the loose front of her tunic to withdraw another stack of chits, placing them on the table to indicate the dealer her readiness for another hand.

Her eyes and smile flick to the others at the table as well, Constance and Cagairmòr, to include them in the introduction whether they choose to play again or not. "Call me Charyti, please."

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.

7 hours ago, Gengy said:

Black Bird, Table 1a, Casino Floor

[...]

The 4 of edicts. This provided a total of 20. With a sad smile towards the Llort player and the player from Caipe Ushere, Sha Ren divided the chits appropriately. A loss for those two, a push for her Arkhival Majesty, and a resounding victory for the Dhaoine.

[...]

 

---

The VIP Lounge

[...]

After the Coedd walked past - straight to the bar - a Llort arrived. While it was near impossible to identify the Coedd, and might, in fact, be rude to try, considering their culture seemed to have very little individualism, the Llort was a different matter. Ben Ying thought this might be Flightmaster Pako; someone the Biarbu had started getting reports about at least as early as the Elven Conclave. In fact, Ben Ying was so sure of their identification, they took a chance and addressed them as such, "Flightmaster Pako? This one greets you, and invites you to relax within our Lounge. Allow this humble host to show you to a table."

 

Doing so, Ben Ying blinked back towards Bowchi Juh - who had stayed to keep an eye on the Coedd - to take over at the podium. The Jiowchu immediately understood, as Ben Ying knew they would, and this allowed Ben Ying to guide their guest to a private booth.

 

"You are Flightmaster Pako, yes?"

[...]

Black Bird, Table 1a, Casino Floor

@Frostwander @volthawk @Lumaeus

"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

@Gengy

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

@bc_56

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.

---

@Featherscale

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.

---

@Frostwander

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

@bc56

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:

1. [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.

2. [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?

3. [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.

4. [Economy] - Buyout Trading Post 3 in Region 6 (14, Success!)

   • Trade deals with the Biarbu make way for lucrative future profits for both parties.

5. [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 Mekhala-Veehra Dash! 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)

• 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.

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

~ music ~

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.

@BladeofOblivion

Post-Race After-Party Banquet

???