Frostwander

Among the 'tourists' from Caipe Ushere are two noteworthy visitors. Ekatrin Raikier, Chief Navarch, is not acting in her official capacity on this excursion. While she is not bedecked in her military uniform, it is impossible for anyone with experience to mistake her bearing. Her suit jacket and trousers are as neatly and precisely pressed as any dress uniform, and her posture is rigid and alert. Well into her sixties, her tight gray bun betrays only a few hints of red. A sturdy thick metal cane supports her limp, when she finds the need to move from her spot at the window. The other is Princet Geal Talouse Ebonne, the new queen's younger sibling. Geal has not often been in the spotlight of Caipe Ushere; publications and gossip mills have rarely scrounged up much of interest on Chalise's second child, with their sister and mother taking greater attention, with the exception of the fashion sector. High-end designers often vie for the license to design royal outfits, and Geal's variety of tastes as they have matured has yielded a much broader opportunity in the industry than Chalise's monocolor wardrobe or Monite's traditional dress. The slender princet today wears a taupe brown safari skirt and vinegreen blouse under a wysteria-purple crop jacket. The princet carries a digitablet with an enhanced camera, eager to capture memorable scenery, in particular the fearsome fauna and flora of the region. When the tour serpent's movement allows, shots of its winding body framing the background are also obtained. Though softspoken Geal is not shy about asking questions of Brann regarding the sights. "What is that type called? Do people really try to hunt these alone? Are they fighting for territory, or food? How much do they have to eat each day to survive at that size?" When the snake vehicle has to divert around another beast in the tunnels, "Would that have been a threat to our serpent?" Raikier stands nearby, her sharp eyes taking in the scenes of the wild, and particularly scrutinizing the movements of the massive beasts on display.

TacDoc submission for General Ekatrin Raikier: Surgical Precision: +3 to Battle Roll, -10% to opponent's casualties "War, even when necessary, is often a bloodthirsty spectacle and a detestable waste of life. Precision is the difference between a butcher and a surgeon." With Surgical Precision, an efficient general strikes exactly as hard as needed, targeting key points of an enemy's defense. Enemy troops need not be killed if they can be subdued. Battles need not be won by attrition when they can be won by superior positioning and control. --- Artifact submission: Book of Geometries: +1 to one Exploration per round 'Books of Geometry' are a tool developed in the last half-century to assist in teaching Geomancy to students of Practica Arcanai, and to assist in urban projects. By tuning to the shapes of the surrounding world, the books condense insights into the spatial relations of objects in a small vicinity to an intuitive interface. The culmination of years of study in advancing this field has produced a more comprehensive volume with a significantly boosted range. This book allows the user to read the exact geometric relations, positions, and relative motions of objects within a significant radius - thousands of klicks - to more effectively chart regions.

Caipe Ushere Sansar - Regions 29, 28 Sansar Orbit - Region 111 Queen Monite Akari Ebonne d’Laforét, Lady of Fire Diplomacy 4 Military 5 Economy 5 Faith 5 Intrigue 1 Turn 8 News and Rumors Following the ascension to the throne of Monite Ebonne, the dowager steps clear of the spotlight to let her daughter reign. This does not, however, prevent sensationalists, rumor mills, and paparazzi from attempting to chase down any remnants of relevance they can before moving on. While the general public shifts their attention, there is still a large enough subsection of the populace who thrive on any royal gossip. It is noted that Chalise - tabloids are swift enough to drop respectful titles except where needed to boost headlines - spends a great deal of time in privacy at the d'Laforét estates, as well as visiting Bīt Ereshkigal. She is on occasion seen in company with High Lord Nasir at private functions. A few articles posit that she is having an affair with the Imperial representative, though these gain little traction compared to those of her dalliances with the pirate Captain Jié Měifēng. Especially when, late in 2057, the royal cruiser makes an extended trip to the North Way Cluster of Badal. Actions: 1) [Military] Special 5 - Recruit General: Chief Navarch Ekatrin Raikier Tactical Doctrine: Pending Approval Ekatrin Raiker has served as Chief Navarch of Caipe Ushere for almost three decades, following a rapid rise through the ranks based on dedicated service and tactical excellence. While she has been instrumental in organizing both ground and space forces of her nation, she specializes in precision coordination of surface units. 2) [Military] Attack Region 33 Queen Monite Ebonne, Lady of Fire leads a coalition of forces from Caipe Ushere, New Kildora, and the Counts of Mirage to enforce the Declaration of the Imperial Senate on the island of Coedd. Attack Details Target: Region 33 - Coedd Ground units: 11 - 2 (1st Mobile Dragoon Infantry, 1st Ranger Brigade), plus 7 allied units from New Kildora and 2 from the Counts of Mirage Ground commander: Monite Ebonne (Mil 5) - TacDoc: Measured Advance Space units: 7 - 2 (1st and 2nd Light Destroyer Wings), plus 4 allied units from New Kildora and 1 from the Counts of Mirage Space commander: Valus Vile (Mil 7) - TacDoc: Blissful Ignorance Military Technologies: N/A Other bonuses: N/A No Hostile Territory or Distance Penalties 3) [Economy] Special 5 - Pending 4) [Faith] Special 5 - Create Artifact: Book of Geometries Pending Approval 5) [Intrigue] Secret Action Non-actions: Pending Spend Treasure... Submit dueling protocols... Passive Effects: Leaders and Prominent Figures Leader: Queen Monite Akari Ebonne d’Laforét, Lady of Fire End-of-turn increase: Military +1 New Leader next turn: No Admirals: Generals: Councilors: High Arbiter Estle Gronaud Chief Navarch Ekatrin Raikier Head Advocate Lucél Thiércine Eminent Ambassador Puala Lomchat Magister Sage Ange Jénou Other: Princet Geal Talouse Ebonne d’Laforét; Chalise Merole Ebonne d'Laforét, Dowager; Princess Atalia Fiamette Ebonne d'Shalkhir; Princess Oroile Tashmahat-sharrat Ebonne d'Shalkhir; Princess Ceirose Iaba Ebonne d'Verglass Relations of State Embassies: Trade Routes: Claims: Marriage - strong (76), Integration (28, 29) Reputation: EMP (2); WTU (1); BRG (0); REN (2) Favours: Resources Units: 5 > Ground - 1st and 4th Dragoon Mobile Infantry Brigades, 1st Ranger Brigade > Space - 1st and 2nd Light Destroyer Wings Treasure: 2 Artifacts: Rod of the Speaker Cultural Identity: Pretty Words (2d8 Raise Reputation) Capital Region: Caipe Ushere (29) Arcologies: Ouvriead (ExS) - Exploration +1 Fortresses: Space Habitats: Ouvriead (111) Government Support: 29(C), 28, 111 Effective Trading Posts: 9 (1 income) > Bamboo - 28 Merchant Support (No TPs) > Fell Iron - 32 TP2 > Recon Corvettes - Arc, 111 Merchant Support > Solar Panels - 104 TP3 > Todd - 62 TP3 > Wine - 29 TP1, TP2, Merchant Support Primary Religion: Imperial Cult (Size: 9) - +1 Investigations > Media Support - 28, 29 Civilian Techs: Aclaustrophobic Psychiatry, Algorithmic Imagination, Arcane Amplification, Nuclear Fusion, In Vivo Modification, Xenolinguistics Cataloguing, Pseudogravity Engineering, Shrewd Business, Thaumonuclear Reactor Cores Military Techs: Badalian Megadirigibles, Vacuum Adaptation, Wet Navy Ships > Man-Portable Weapons - > Infantry Equipment - > Combat Drugs and Medicine - > Field Fortifications - > Engineered Combat Organisms - > Detection and Rangefinding - > Ship to Ship Weapons - > Orbit to Ground Weapons - > Crew and Maintenance - > Armor and Shields - > Spacecraft Propulsion - > Electronic Warfare and Countermeasures - > Special Forces - > Logistics and Morale -

Eminent Ambassador Puala Lomchat, head of the Caipe Ushere Diplomatic Corp, is extremely busy assisting in bureaucratic details of the upcoming royal transition. He has very little time for social activity, but does make a brief visit to the Arkhive for political appearances and to consider the amendments. Caipe Ushere votes in favor of the GCC Amendment. Caipe Ushere votes in favor of the ARK Amendment.

Caipe Ushere Sansar - Regions 29, 28 Sansar Orbit - Region 111 Queen Chalise Merole Ebonne d'Laforét Diplomacy 10 Military 4 Economy 6 Faith 3 Intrigue 3 Turn 7 News and Rumors Despite her abdication of Caipe Ushere's senate seat, it is not lost in the news and gossip that the queen still boards an Imperial shuttle bound off-world for a time that makes it's way to the Imperial Embassy on Veehra. Actions: 1) [Diplomacy] Diplomatic Mission - Explore Region 123 (TN 12; Roll: 11 - Failure) Initial work to integrate Thaumonuclear Reactor Core technology into existing exploration vessels is promising, but some last minute tests show some minor flaws before final departure, and the project is delayed. 2) [Diplomacy] Sway Mercantile Faction - Utattou, Region 28 using Todd for Desired Import (62 TP3) (Contested WTU; Roll: 19) 3) [Economy] Special 5 - Construct Arcology: Ouvriead (Region 111) - Bonus: +1 Exploration Actions Already the size of a city, living quarters and support districts continue to be expanded in Ouvriead. Additionally, an upscaled version of the extensive sensor suites being installed in the Recon Corvettes is mounted to the station itself to assist with long-range telemetry coordination. 4) [Faith] Convert Utattou (Region 28) to Imperial Cult - Introduce Minority (TN 12; Roll: 10 - Failure) 5) [Faith] Convert Caipe Ushere (Region 29) to Imperial Cult - Introduce Minority replacing Coedd (TN 12; Roll: 12 - Success) Following the attack on the Imperial Embassy, favourability to Coedd loses popularity. Proponents of the Imperial Cult beliefs, having gained traction among the leadership, launch a campaign in Caipe Ushere and Utattou in coordination with various local media channels. Non-actions: Assist conversions in Utattou and Caipe Ushere via media support. Ruler Turn-over: Queen Chalise Ebonne announces her imminent retirement, making preparations to pass the throne to her daughter, Monite. Passive Effects: Leaders and Prominent Figures Leader: Queen Chalise Merole Ebonne d'Laforét End-of-turn increase: Diplomacy +1 (max 10), Faith +1 New Leader next turn: Yes Admirals: Generals: Councilors: High Arbiter Estle Gronaud Chief Navarch Ekatrin Raikier Head Advocate Lucél Thiércine Eminent Ambassador Puala Lomchat Magister Sage Ange Jénou Other: Princess Monite Akari Ebonne d’Laforét, Lady of Fire (heir - D1, M4, E4, F4, I1), Princet Geal Talouse Ebonne d’Laforét Relations of State Embassies: Trade Routes: Claims: Marriage - weak (76), Confederacy (28), Integration (29) Reputation: EMP (2); WTU (1); BRG (0); REN (3) Favours: Resources Units: 5 > Ground - 1st and 4th Dragoon Mobile Infantry Brigades, Utattou Rangers > Space - 1st and 2nd Light Destroyer Wings Treasure: 1 Artifacts: Cultural Identity: Pretty Words (2d8 Raise Reputation) Capital Region: Caipe Ushere (29) Arcologies: Fortresses: Space Habitats: Ouvriead (111) Government Support: 29(C), 28 Effective Trading Posts: 7 (1 income) > Recon Corvettes - 111 Merchant Support (no TPs) > Fell Iron - 32 TP2 > Solar Panels - 104 TP3 > Todd - 62 TP3 > Wine - 29 TP1, TP2, Merchant Support Primary Religion: Imperial Cult (Size: 9) - +1 Investigations > Media Support - 28, 29 Civilian Techs: Aclaustrophobic Psychiatry, Algorithmic Imagination, Arcane Amplification, Nuclear Fusion, In Vivo Modification, Xenolinguistics Cataloguing, Pseudogravity Engineering, Shrewd Business, Thaumonuclear Reactor Cores Military Techs: Badalian Megadirigibles, Vacuum Adaptation, Wet Navy Ships > Man-Portable Weapons - > Infantry Equipment - > Combat Drugs and Medicine - > Field Fortifications - > Engineered Combat Organisms - > Detection and Rangefinding - > Ship to Ship Weapons - > Orbit to Ground Weapons - > Crew and Maintenance - > Armor and Shields - > Spacecraft Propulsion - > Electronic Warfare and Countermeasures - > Special Forces - > Logistics and Morale -

Return stretch Despite the time lost to the pickup complications, Charyti is in high spirits after Tina's assistance and enthusiasm. As soon as she is airborne the computers are already calculating escape trajectories favourable to the return to al-Miraiya. The PEREGRINE curves upward as she steers to follow, scanning over her other instruments. Several points on her radar show the other racers. Most are well on their way out of orbit already - the Archmage's ship is barely a flicker at the edge - but at a glance, at least she isn't in last place. Wait. Why isn't she in last place? A second look at the radar explains: one of the racers' signals is missing. The flip of a switch replaces the simple positional markers with indicators showing names, coordinates, and vectors. All vessels accounted for except for the unofficially named 'Crepuscular Cliffside'. Both hands leave the flight stick as she cycles through sensors and frequencies, pinging the radio channel most often used by the pilots, as well as common emergency channels. Nothing. She finally finds what she is looking for with a geographic surface mismatch. An impact crater lies to the east that does not match her terrain charts, just large enough for a crashed vessel. While the PEREGRINE may not be so fast as some of the competition in straight-line burn, it is definitely designed for fine maneuvering. Charyti hauls over hard on the stick and adjusts the lateral thrusters, rolling the craft out of its climb to speed toward the crash site. A light from the fuel system gives a warning: reserves approaching minimal limit to complete return journey. She ignores it. Charyti brings the ship in low, skimming a few hundred feet above the ground as she crosses Vesper in a blur, white smoke trail highlighting her path. A ventral camera allows her to scan visually, noting the ruins and tombs that dot the desert, until the sunlight reflecting off a half-buried hull catches her eye. 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.

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. The Pickup The travel stretch is mostly leisurely and relaxed, despite the extreme speeds of the racers. The Pickup is quite the opposite, and as the PEREGRINE descends into the atmosphere of Veehra, Charyti snaps into action. Dials and lights across her dashboard measure the strains of engines, weather, air resistance and more, while course adjusters update to show the optimal flight path to a preset landing zone. Charyti observes the stress meters, and decides that she can take a steeper descent to shave some time. The first real hitch in her plans arrives as she flattens out her trajectory over the desert. Having arranged a pickup in advance with some contacts in the Pan-Tekhum Worker's & Trader's Union, the horizon is obfuscated by a wall of blowing sand. An unpredicted sandstorm has sprung up in the last day, and the bits of signal she can access from Union channels indicate it is expected to last several more. Charyti frowns, an unusual expression. Normally she is all for throwing caution to the wind, and briefly considers doing just that. She is confident she can handles the currents of the storm, but knows the PEREGRINE's hull is not properly sealed for the abrasive elements of such a squall. The dust accumulation could wreak havoc with her sensors and thrust nozzles, and while she has the tools for simple repair, full recalibration would waste significant time. She pulls back on the stick and the thrusters realign to vector her above the storm - she'll simply have to find another option for a short-notice pickup. Easier said then done. The nearest territory in her path that has any reasonable chance is the Great Western Waste. Charyti plots a course, and lacking any particular connections there, begins broadcasting on any frequencies she can find her request for assistance. Many channels simply ignore her, and those she does reach are either unable to assist, or unwilling. No official of the Castaways is going to assist a competing racer with no prior arrangement when Gerald 48223 is representing them. Even offers of payment are turned down. Charyti watches as her fuel timers creep closer to the minimum point of return as she loops in a holding pattern for hours. She is rashly considering heading back east and just flying through the dust storm with her cockpit open to accumulate some sand, when her comm blips the incoming signal of a small high-band radio. Charyti takes a deep breath, plasters a smile on, and tunes in. "This is Peregrine, with whom am I speaking?" The voice of a young woman replies, words tumbling hastily over each other, "This is Tina 52404. I've, uh, we've been watching the Dash, and caught some broadcasts that you're in a jam. I think I - we - can help, you just need a soil sample pickup, right?" Spirits lifted in an instant, Charyti responds, "Yes! I would be most grateful, thank you!" Tina transmits a set of coordinates, and the pilot quickly plugs them into her navigation and banks sharply to follow them southeast. They lead to a small monitoring station, little more than a few pre-fab shelters and some sensors set to observe the nearby terraforming equipment. There is no landing pad, but the terrain is flat enough for the PEREGRINE to touch down with some care. Two figures wait in the shadow of the building as the heat of the landing thrusters dissipates. One of them approaches, and Charyti slides out of the cockpit down an extending ladder to meet her partway. The young woman holds a cylindrical cannister under one arm, and speaks as though out of breath, despite no physical exertion. "Hi! I'm Tina 52404. Wow! I've been following the Dash broadcasts, it's really great to get to meet you in person." "A pleazure! Thank you for reaching out, I'd be in a fine mess if you had not. Is there some way I can repay you?" Tina smiles, her free hand tucking a few loose hairs behind her ear. "I don't really need anything, but," she pauses, "could I get an autograph, please? And a selfie?" The pilot is glad to oblige, removing her helmet to shake loose her red hair and putting an arm around Tina's shoulders, smiling into the tablet camera the woman angles to get a shot of them together with the PEREGRINE in the background. She signs a book for the Loop-born, and then unzips a pocket of her flightsuit to produce an embroidered handkerchief to gift as well. A mark of brilliant red lipstick is left on the kerchief as a personal touch. As Charyti returns to the cockpit and stows the soil-cannister, Tina heads back to her coworker still waiting by the shelter door. Rasha 38721 puts out her shock-cigar, giving Tina the look of someone who has put up with entirely too much fangirling the last few weeks, but still smiles at seeing her happiness. They return inside, to watch the liftoff of the racing craft from the viewport.

Not about to be outdone, at least in risk if not reward, Charyti goes for one more pull at the machine as well.

Lady d'Partout's eyes catch the glow increases from the ambassador. "You are a pleazure, indeed. And thank you. I would be glad to ..." Whatever she was about to say is cut off by an announcement echoing from the monitors calling race pilots to final preparations. "Ah, you will forgive my sudden departure, but I must go prepare for an even more abrupt one. If all goes well, though, I will be back a day or two before the other racers, and perhaps we can meet again to celebrate!" Another flourishing bow and a wink, and she turns and exits the VIP dome. Llewellyn's glance at the staging area catches just in time to see Charyti blowing a kiss in Elias' direction. While she plays to the crowd, and keeps a flirtatious posture toward her fellow racers, Charyti ensures she still has time to confirm the pre-flight check with her launch crew, and by the time the countdown begins is harnessed comfortably into her pilot's seat, helmet sealed. Eyes scan continuously over the readings of dozens of micro displays, broadcast frequencies listening for the start signal in her earpiece and from the dashboard speaker. One hand rests on the main directional flightstick, the other above the primary ignition, tracing circles around the bright blue button, caution cover already removed. Then the countdown ends and four lights on the display synchronize to the start sequence. GREEN. Her palm slaps down onto the ignition and the explosion from the thrusters behind her presses her back into the cushion of the seat. Her right hand flicks through a series of switches to re-trigger computations of flight paths based on the exact moment of launch. Her left remains on the stick, applying microthrust corrections to alter course to match her optimal path now projected onto the interior of her canopy. A second display tracks the relative position of her fellow racers, and she tweaks the thrusters again to ensure she is clear of their trajectory. For the viewers, the rockets at the back of the PEREGRINE burn orange, and leave a long billowing plume of white smoke as the ship surges upward. Over the racer broadcast channels, her pilot's voice is heard laughing uproariously with delight.

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."

"If at first you succeed, keep going." Charyti was not expecting a win. She drops some of the winning chits back in and pulls the lever again.

"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."

Charyti continues to smile back at the other players while Sha Ren neatly deals the cards. "A pleasure to meet you both, Guyineber and Cagairmòr." Her pronunciation of their names may not be perfect, but it is close, and clear she is making an effort to get them correct. "This is already shaping up to be a pleazant pasttime in good company." Glancing at her two aces, she nods to Sha Ren. "One more, please." When the desired card is provided, her eyes and smile widen with delight. "Ah! Exacte, I will hold here." ((Rolls in above post, 1 + 11 + 9 = 21))

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."

Charyti's Sansar-sky-blue eyes go up ... and up. Her smile broadens as she shrugs herself against her chair a bit more. "Oh, by all means."

Charyti struts over to the most crowded table of Black Bird players, hooking one ankle around a chair to slide it out for herself before sitting on it sideways, one knee draped up over the arm. "Well! Royalty, knighthood, beauty ... this is the place to be, I see!" She gives a winsome smile to each of the other players, then the dealer, as she dips a velvet-gloved hand into the front of her tunic for a small pile of chits. "Deal me in." --- By the fourth card, Charyti's score shows a total of nineteen. "I think that'll do me."

Charyti d'Partout arrives in the Golden Phoenix from a passenger vessel without any entourage. She wears a white ruffle-sleeved tunic, with a deep red wrap-skirt over black trousers and knee-boots. Her wavy copper hair is worn loose about her shoulders, with a rose pin on one side keeping it from her eyes. From her belt hangs a long rapier, peace-knotted in a show of good intentions. Deep bows from the Biarbu greeters are met by an equally deep and flourishing response, admiring their feathers as she listens to the safety briefing. "But of course, and I am most gratified at the provision for an appropriate place to defend my own honour. Though I doubt you would allow any guests so crass as that it would be required." Charyti confidently strides through the walk with the air of one who knows where she is going, though her eyes flick rapidly to and fro to take in the brilliant sights and people, Biarbu and guests alike. She heads straight into the casino - the hotel can wait - reveling in the opulence of its presentation. Accepting her chits, she tucks them away for now within a small purse produced from the front of her tunic, and returned to that same location.

VIP Dome Queen Chalise leads her contingent into the VIP dome. She walks as usual with measured steps, clearly practiced and rigidly steady despite the difference in gravity from her homeworld. Just behind her glides Magister Sage Angé Jénou, the head of Lyceam Ichroma and of magical development in Caipe Ushere. The magister takes a more dainty pace, and those paying close attention may note her boots do not quite touch the floor, as if she finds the prospect of getting dust on them distasteful. Various functionaries, assistants, and a single cavalier accompany them but remain unobtrusive to the assembled guests unless called on. The Usheret queen greets Ambassador Donce with a cordial smile and a nod. "We are grateful for your invitation. We look forward to this opportunity to speak more directly on matters of the Senate and the E.A.T., and to this upcoming entertainment." One of the functionaries presents a small case with several bottles of fine vintage wine, a personal token of appreciation for the ambassador; a second case also rests nearby to be shared among the VIP attendees. A few minutes into the conversation, the tap of boots announces a new presence. She wears a white flight jumpsuit and gloves, a faint radiance of electronics glowing within the fabric. The suit is nearly skintight, hugging her figure except for the addition of a vivid red skirt draped from her utility belt to just above her knees, and a long vibrorapier hanging from one side. A small red heart over one breast of the flightsuit matches the skirt. The woman's face is youthful and cheery, a hint of rose on pale chicks, and her wavy copper tresses sway loosely as she saunters into the VIP area. She struts directly up to stop at Queen Chalise's side, looking up to the Ambassador's face. Her red-stained lips curl in a flirtatious smile as she is introduced, "This is Lady Charyti d'Partout. She has been making something of a name for herself in Verglass and elsewhere lately, and is here to enter the competition." The redhead gives a flourishing bow, "A pleazure to meet you. The crew is already getting the Peregrine ready," she indicates one of the screens, focused on a sleek cutter decorated in pink and red. "I simply had to come in to meet our hosts before we began. Anything less would be uncivilized." Charyti holds out her hand to take that of the ambassador, then lifts it to her lips and plants a genteel kiss on the back. "And I would hate to have missed meeting you." Starting Line The PEREGRINE is a small vessel, with a rose-and-heart emblem on one side of the cutter hull and a bird of prey painted on the other above the vessel's name. Thrusters adorn the back, while retractable fins on either side allow for maneuvering and deploying of solar sails. A shaded canopy on top gives the pilot a three-hundred-and-sixty degree view from the cockpit, which adjoins the single narrow cabin and storage space. At most the vessel could accommodate a flight crew of three; in this competition, it will be Lady d'Partout alone. Several mechanics and engineers work to complete last-minute tests and checks at the starting line as Charyti descends from the VIP box. Several utility drones give their greenlights and ready tones before inserting themselves into seamless slots in the hull custom-fitted to them. The maneuvering fins whirr and shift through thirty different positions. Primary and secondary fuel lines are examined, and internal controls are primed for liftoff. Charyti struts across the field, taking advantage of the lower-than-Sansar gravity to leap up the prow of her ship to the open cockpit. She unfastens her swordbelt, placing the rapier into a fastener in the cockpit and lifting a helmet from the pilot's chair. The helm matches her flightsuit, white with a red heart emblem on one side, and a transparent seal in the back allows her red hair to still be visible once donned. Standing on the edge of the cockpit, she turns to the other racers, arms sweeping out as she bows elegantly, then waves at the crowd and the camera drones. With an almost preternatural sense of timing, she turns to one camera just as it focuses in on her, winks, and raises a hand to blow a kiss to the onlookers.

Caipe Ushere Sansar - Regions 29, 28 Sansar Orbit - Region 111 Queen Chalise Merole Ebonne d'Laforét, Grey Eminence Diplomacy 10 Military 4 Economy 4 Faith 3 Intrigue 3 Turn 6 News and Rumors During her most recent triennial senate visit to the Imperial Embassy, a snippet of conversation is overheard between Queen Chalise Ebonne and High Lord Nasir. "It is fulfilling to serve as my people's queen, and I have been privileged to serve the Emperor by representing Caipe Ushere here. While honoured, I do not feel truly worthy to serve in the Senate." While there are many inquiries (and significant public and private criticism), the queen does not respond to public questions on the topic. Councilors and other officials do not seem to have answers, either, though they are careful not to give the impression of disunity over the queen's following announcement of withdrawal. Actions: 1) [Diplomacy] Attend the of 2050 Event Subactions Receive Thaumonuclear Reactor Core tech from House of Brimstone. Receive Pseudogravity Engineering and Shrewd Business techs from The Llort Society Protectorate (LSP). Give Badalian Megadirigibles tech to the Castaways of the Loop (SEV). 2) [Economy] Impress Ouvriead Merchants using Wine (29 TP2) for Desired Import - Region 111 (TN 12; Roll: 12 - Success) 3) [Economy] Donate 1 Treasure for Extraordinary Research Grants Approval 4) [Economy] Buyout Trading Post, Solar Panels - Region 104 TP3 (TN 12; Roll: 12 - Success) (-1 distance penalty from roll below) 5) [Economy] Mount Expedition - Explore Region 27 (TN 12; Roll: 14 - Success) Non-actions: Spend treasure on Buyout action and donation to Imperial College of Sciences (2 total). Attend the Grand Opening of the Golden Phoenix. Call in one favour with Imperial Court for Imperial Mandate - Impress Local Government, Ouvriead Region 111. Caipe Ushere vacates its seat with the Imperial Senate. The halls of power are vast and winding ... and the labyrinth goes deeper. Passive Effects: Leaders and Prominent Figures Leader: Queen Chalise Merole Ebonne d'Laforét End-of-turn increase: Economy +2 New Leader next turn: No Admirals: Generals: Councilors: High Arbiter Estle Gronaud Chief Navarch Ekatrin Raikier Head Advocate Lucél Thiércine Eminent Ambassador Puala Lomchat Magister Sage Ange Jénou Other: Princess Monite Akari Ebonne d’Laforét, Lady of Fire (heir - D1, M4, E4, F4, I1), Princet Geal Talouse Ebonne d’Laforét Relations of State Embassies: Trade Routes: Claims: Marriage - weak (76), Confederacy (28), Integration (29) Reputation: EMP (3); WTU (1); BRG (0); REN (3) Favours: EMP 1 Resources Units: 5 > Ground - 1st and 4th Dragoon Mobile Infantry Brigades, Utattou Rangers > Space - 1st and 2nd Light Destroyer Wings Treasure: 2 Artifacts: Cultural Identity: Pretty Words (2d8 Raise Reputation) Capital Region: Caipe Ushere Arcologies: Fortresses: Space Habitats: 111 - Ouvriead Government Support: 29(C), 28 Effective Trading Posts: 6 (1 income) > Fell Iron - 32 TP2 > Todd - 62 TP3 > Wine - 29 TP1, TP2, Merchant Support Primary Religion: Imperial Cult (Size: 9) - +1 Investigations > Media Support - 28, 29 Civilian Techs: Aclaustrophobic Psychiatry, Algorithmic Imagination, Arcane Amplification, Nuclear Fusion, In Vivo Modification, Xenolinguistics Cataloguing Military Techs: Badalian Megadirigibles, Vacuum Adaptation, Wet Navy Ships > Man-Portable Weapons - > Infantry Equipment - > Combat Drugs and Medicine - > Field Foritifications - > Engineered Combat Organisms - > Detection and Rangefinding - > Ship to Ship Weapons - > Orbit to Ground Weapons - > Crew and Maintenance - > Armor and Shields - > Spacecraft Propulsion - > Electronic Warfare and Countermeasures - > Special Forces - > Logistics and Morale -

Space Habitat Ouvriead - Sansar Orbit, Region 111 Layout In orbit above Sansar’s southern hemisphere is Space Habitat Ouvriead. This city-sized station is built in two sections. The upper section is a thick ring approximately two kilometers in diameter, and thirty-six levels high. This ring contains habitation, production, agriculture, manufacturing, and command areas. Viewports on the outer and top faces of the ring provide stellar observation areas as the station rotates slowly, offering views of Sansar, Firmament, Aridyin, and space beyond depending on the current position. The lower section consists of three U-shaped segments at one-hundred-twenty degree angles, horizontally aligned to the ring above. The arms of each U are equipped with hundreds of mechanical manipulators and facilities for docking spacecraft, and extend nearly a kilometer beyond the outer edge of the ring. One of these sections is oriented for receiving planetary launches of personnel and supplies; the second for docking small and mid-sized spacecraft and shuttles, with visitors from other countries in mind as well as military craft. The third is currently planned as a shipyard, for construction and servicing of vessels. Visual Inspirations Ring (image credit Dmitry Vishnevsky): Arms (image credit SmirnovArtem): People The staff and leadership of Ouvriead are primarily Usheret. Though the habitat has vast living quarters for visitors, workers, and families, most of the habitation ring is vacant, awaiting future migration and settlement programs. The current population is largely administrative personnel and construction and maintenance workers. Approximately one-third of the initial staff are military and government employees. The remainder are contractors. Resource Recon Corvettes (Spacecraft, Information and Data) A large portion of the exterior of the space platform is dedicated to a zero-g shipyard. The premise is that some assembly difficulties that occur in planetary conditions can be bypassed by launching separate fabricated components from the surface to undergo final assembly in vacuum. When fully staffed, machine shops and robotics bays on the station will allow for smaller craft to be fully assembled from start to finish without depending on launches from the surface. The signature vessel to be assembled in this shipyard is dubbed the Arestoir-class Recon Corvette. It is a small vessel meant to be crewed by twenty to thirty humans (or equivalent), sporting a narrow body section for living and operations, with a broadening prow that culminates in a powerful array of sensors meant for picking up and analyzing spacial motion and telemetry data. Desired Import Luxury Goods While the production areas of the station provide basic agriculture for sustenance and manufacturing facilities for textiles, tools, and medical necessities, the station does not produce significant amenities to meet the recreational needs of a larger population. Most luxuries and entertainment must be imported. Faith Practica Arcanai (Minority) As the station is primarily staffed by Usherets, it is to be expected that the popular disciplines of Practica Arcanai are common here. Day-to-day tasks like first aid, supply management, and station maintenance are made easier with the application of Articumancy and Geomancy. While there are not yet active centers for higher education here, there are plans and spaces allocated to provide schooling and learning centers for inhabitants and visitors.

Utattou - Sansar Region 28 Geography The majority of the hill country of Utattou is covered in a thick forest canopy, which has made surveys via satellite imagery generally unproductive until recently. The bamboo forests sprawl across rolling hills, with smaller vegetation providing ground cover and variety. Numerous shallow lakes fill the lower valleys, with hundreds of acres of fresh water often no more than a meter deep. These are often traversed on foot or in small watercraft designed to easily navigate among the towering bamboos. Mostly a peninsula, Utattou is connected to the continent of Erebuus only by a narrow stretch of land. A few small communities live nearby, with a somewhat militant outlook on watching for outsiders (a long-conjectured but often vague threat). Most population centers are further north in the two wider parts of the landmass, where cultivation of the forests provides shelter against weather and intrusion. The capital of the region is a sprawling city named Yilutre built between and over several of the lakes. Forest growth is present throughout the city, and the population tends to spread wide as well as build tall, with many multi-storied buildings supported between sturdier stands of coalesced trees. Yilutre has seen a great deal of recent change in just a few years with the arrival and negotiations of outsiders, with new technologies and amenities being introduced. People The Kyenrait people are human, with skin tones varying from pale (though most tan) to dark. For any educated in the sciences of genetics, it is clear their ancestors came from widely diverse parts of Sansar (and perhaps even other worlds in Tekhum). Little is known about their history since the War of Eternal Bombardments (even internally; externally even less has yet been shared). While borders have opened following the confederation with Caipe Ushere, there is a small group of administrators who work with outsiders on international matters and the updating of infrastructure that was part of the agreements. In most cases, these administrators present an attitude ranging from grudging cooperation to taciturn silence. Even Todds, their technical expertise welcomed, find difficulty socializing much so far. Sociologists predict it will probably be a generation or more before people begin to feel comfortable with outsiders on anything more than an outlier. Observing the people’s interactions with each other is a stark contrast from their interactions with any outsider. The Kyenrait are friendly, preferring large family groups, and a good deal of public socializing is based around family homes. A casual family gathering may easily include thirty or more people. An important holiday or event could draw hundreds, with families tracking out to fourth and fifth cousins. Kyenrait often enjoy outdoor activities, with several different developed sports that are played competitively between cities. Hiking, climbing, and gardening are also popular pastimes. Resource Bamboo (Flora, Construction Materials) Bamboo are a type of rapidly growing grasses, larger specimens of which can tower into trees up to approximately 50 meters in height. These are some of the fastest-growing plants on Sansar, with the fastest strains able to achieve several meters of growth within a single day in optimal conditions. This makes for a significantly replenishable resource with even minimal maintenance and replanting efforts, and the Utattou people have developed a regular harvesting cycle to maximize this production. In addition to the sturdiness and general use for tools and construction, with certain enzymes applied to their surface, separate bamboo plants will fuse together with multiple pieces becoming a single intergrown surface. With the proper sculpting and sealant, the wood has become the primary material in the region for building homes, vehicle bodies, and even armor. Bamboo flowers are also often used as decoration. Desired Import Specialists With the recent opening to their neighbors, and the realizations of the opportunities for technological improvement, there is suddenly a significant demand for subject matter experts to lead the way in both implementation and education on more modern lifestyles. Faith Militant Xenophobia The Utattou people, until recently, have been devout isolationists. The Rain of Fire brought about the end of the Old Ways, and was brought upon them by the folly of outsiders. For two thousand years, the Kyenrait have forsworn any interest or involvement in the outside world, lest they invite the wrath of the skies once again. A large vocal set of the population still predicts disaster from accepting the invitation to join Caipe Ushere. The potential for advancement, and the lack of devastation (along with the warnings being two millennia old) has contributed to what exposure they allow. Still, most people are constantly harried by these fears in any outsider dealings, and will require more convincing interaction before they are willing to open themselves to welcoming foreign synergy.

While both Lucél Thiércine and Puala Lomchat are present for the debate and amendments, Ms. Thiércine does not weigh in, at least in public; that matter is the purview of her counterpart. Puala listens to the viewpoints offered, and gives a brief perspective regarding the matter of residency. "Not all of us here on Sansar can trace our lineage as far as others. Almost none of us at all beyond a couple millennia, many much less than that. Some of us," he nods toward Coedd's representatives, "don't even have 'lineage' in the same manner. "Even those recently outside polities that control Sansar territory - like Illumined Utopian - are governing over largely people of Sansarite descent already dwelling in those regions, despite the seat of government being off-world. I posit, any Elect polity having a significant population on Sansar for an noteworthy duration - a year or more - is sufficient for those individuals to be considered residents, in matters of voting, should the Arkhive allow." In regards to the amendments, Caipe Ushere places its vote for the following: Freedom From Religion Amendment: Against Fair Labor Practices Amendment: In Favor

It is not Chief Navarch Ekatrin Raikier's first trip off Sansar - she has spent years overseeing the space vessels of Caipe Ushere's fleets, and significant parts of the Ouvriead project - but it is her first time officially representing the country in the territory of a foreign power. Regardless that this is not a formal diplomatic event, the head of the Usheret military carries herself with a rigidly straight posture. Her navy blue uniform is crisp, her hair pulled back in a severe twist, and her brow creased with focus. A sturdy thick metal cane supports her limp as she steps into the VIP box. VIP Box Despite her limp, Raikier prefers to stand rather than sit for most of the engagement, before and during the sport below. Her cane on on side, she uses her right hand to gesture as she speaks. Or, in the case of Eighbris' toast, to raise her glass. "To Shi Lithium. A fate that we all hazard, and facing it head-on." She glances at the glass, half-drained, and mutters, "Not half bad. I shall have to see about importing some." ... "Still gotta get used to the idea that these sports are your hobby." Looking to the human who spoke, the navarch nods, taking a few steps closer for ease of address. "Yes, a bloodthirsty spectacle and a detestable waste of life. It is a shame to throw away skilled or potential combatants in the name of entertainment." "Still, at least it presents an opportunity for research, if nothing else."

The shuttle from Caipe Ushere arrives with a small delegation. Unlike previous visits including royal representatives, there are no armed cavaliers accompanying the two dignitaries, merely a few assistants for recording and information purposes. A busy schedule is expected, with the unveiling of new facilities, diplomatic interests both routine and new, charter debate, and technical reviews. An early scenic coastal excursion comes as a welcome beginning to the days of work to come. Eminent Ambassador Puala Lomchat is an elderly man, clad in a formal long-coated suit and vest in purple and blue, fuzzy gray hair in a balding pattern and a trim moustache framing a dark-skinned face full of smile-wrinkles. Warm blue eyes twinkle brightly in the sunrise as he gazes upon the new Arkhive complex. Next to him on the viewing deck of the yacht stands Head Advocate Lucél Thiércine, a woman in her middle years wearing a pale green pinstriped sleeveless blouse and pencil skirt with a wide pink belt, her tan and easy bearing aboard the vessel giving the impression she is well used to nautical travel. Her ashbrown hair is tied back in a wide ribbon. She holds a digitablet in the crook of one arm while she takes in the sight of BEES, noting architectural details. Both figures smile as they listen to the Queen Constance's jovial introductory speech. They take the tours of each facility with great interest - both are aficionados of scientific advancement, despite that only Ms. Thiércine has significant educational background in the topic. In particular, they take interest in the BEES Aquatic Division. What sort of underwater experiments does the Arkhive plan to conduct? Are there any prospective developments hoped for in oceanic resource management and environmental benefits? Was this division inspired by the expedition to the oceanic crater, and if so, are there any plans forthcoming for future expeditions to delve into that mystery.

Caipe Ushere Sansar - Regions 29, 28 Sansar Orbit - Region 111 Queen Chalise Merole Ebonne d'Laforét, Grey Eminence Diplomacy 10 Military 4 Economy 3 Faith 2 Intrigue 3 Turn 5 News and Rumors With news of the title of Grey Eminence - a title of yet uncertain provenance and obfuscated meaning - arrives a single Imperial shuttle to Verglass. It lands, not at the primary receiving docks at Port Teralle, but a small private landing pad in the palace grounds. It disgorges a single figure concealed in a voluminous grey cloak, hood raised, who is shown directly into the presence of the queen. He is introduced to the council as the Imperial Advisor, no name given, and is seen accompanying Queen Chalise, standing just behind her shoulder, at nearly every public appearance or council meeting following. --- While residing in Dur-Shalkhir, Artavasdes II Ebonne and Princess Monite celebrate the birth of their firstborn child, a dark haired daughter given the name Atalia Fiamette Ebonne d'Shalkhir. The announcement is accompanied by celebrations and a day of festival declared in Caipe Ushere as well, sponsored by Queen Chalise and the d'Laforét estate. Artavasdes and Monite withdraw briefly from public appearances and events to spend time in new parental life. Two years later, shortly after another return trip to their Mekhala home, similar circumstance and event welcomes their second daughter, Oroile Tashmahat-sharrat Ebonne d'Shalkhir. Actions: 1) [Diplomacy] Encourage Settlement - Ouvriead (TN 12; Roll: 21 - Success) Migration programs for the development and populating of Ouvriead station are met with enthusiasm from the populace of Caipe Ushere (and surprisingly even a small representation from Utattou). There are quickly more sign-ups than occupational slots, and the determination and interview process alone takes the better portion of a year to complete. Relocation assistance programs as well as zero-g training classes receive heavy support and resources as planned to ensure the populace can be settled in as smoothly as possible. Engineering teams, medical and maintenance staff are prioritized, and families and supporting vocational workers follow within a few months. 2) [Economy] Prospect Colony - Ouvriead: Recon Corvettes (Spacecraft, Information and Data) (TN 12; Roll: 11 13 - Success) A large portion of the exterior of the space platform is dedicated to a zero-g shipyard. The premise is that some assembly difficulties that occur in planetary conditions can be bypassed by launching separate fabricated components from the surface to undergo final assembly in vacuum. When fully staffed, machine shops and robotics bays on the station will allow for smaller craft to be fully assembled from start to finish without depending on launches from the surface. The signature vessel to be assembled in this shipyard is dubbed the Arestoir-class Recon Corvette. It is a small vessel meant to be crewed by twenty to thirty humans (or equivalent), sporting a narrow body section for living and operations, with a broadening prow that culminates in a powerful array of sensors meant for picking up and analyzing spacial motion and telemetry data. 3) [Economy] Impress Merchants - Region 28 (TN 12; Roll: 9 - Failure) Negotiations to pick up management of economic oversight in Utattou from the Worker's & Trader's Union begin, but after several missteps and complaints, are tabled for the time being. Among the more noteworthy obstacles are the better reception being received by Union crews over some of the various Todd divisions which have been the source of numerous Personnel Advocacy criticisms. 4) [Faith] Grey Eminence - Increase Prospect action results by 2 Despite a rough start to the development of the shipyards on Space Habitat Ouvriead, some timely imperial advice provides insights that get production back on schedule. 5) [Faith] Adopt Faith - Imperial Cult Following the Elven Conclave of 2044, discussions of faith and religion gain popularity on broadcasts within Caipe Ushere. There is much and varied analysis of the debate by various religious figures, topical experts, and amateurs. Some feel that the Fiorids are mistaken in not choosing to accept Practica Arcanai more readily, or that it is too sophisticated for them to have fully grasped. Others find interest in other similar faiths, particularly those with magical studies of their own. (A few vocally protest that their chosen faith - mostly cultists Ul-Ping-Nai-Ophon - complain that Magister Ange Jénou did not provide them proper representation, but these are not given much airtime after one commentator notes they had already declined to send a representative themselves.) Imperial Cult, in particular, gains significant favor both from its apparent compatibility with the studies of Arcanai and its alignment with the popular political direction of favor with the Emperor from the benefits enjoyed since the elevation of the Elect. The previous presence of Archmage Zabir officiating the royal wedding has already contributed to a growth in this following. It is evident that Magister Jénou shares a good impression of the theories and benefits of the Imperial Cult. Classes in developing the faith are among the newest curriculum at the Lyceum, and representatives from the Protectorate and the House of Brimstone are invited as guest speakers. While there is not yet official proclamation or mandate of beliefs, observers note that Queen Chalise, historically atheistic, has incorporated certain Imperial symbols into her residence and clothing. There is speculation that this is purely political, but proponents of spreading faith continue to cite it as implicit support. Non-actions: Spend one treasure on prospect action. Puala Lomchat and Lucél Thiércine attend the . Ekatrin Raikier attends the . Represent Caipe Ushere in the Imperial Senate. The halls of power are vast and winding ... and the labyrinth goes deeper. Passive Effects: Leaders and Prominent Figures Leader: Queen Chalise Merole Ebonne d'Laforét End-of-turn increase: Economy +1, Faith +1 New Leader next turn: No Admirals: Generals: Councilors: High Arbiter Estle Gronaud Chief Navarch Ekatrin Raikier Head Advocate Lucél Thiércine Eminent Ambassador Puala Lomchat Magister Sage Ange Jénou Other: Princess Monite Akari Ebonne d’Laforét, Lady of Fire (heir - D1, M4, E4, F4, I1), Princet Geal Talouse Ebonne d’Laforét Relations of State Embassies: Trade Routes: Claims: Marriage - weak (76), Confederacy (28), Integration (29) Resources Units: 5 > Ground - 1st and 4th Dragoon Mobile Infantry Brigades, Utattou Rangers > Space - 1st and 2nd Light Destroyer Wings Treasure: 2 Artifacts: Reputation: EMP (4); WTU (1); BRG (0); REN (3) Favours: EMP 1 Cultural Identity: Pretty Words (2d8 Raise Reputation) Capital Region: Caipe Ushere Arcologies: Fortresses: Space Habitats: 111 - Ouvriead Government Support: 29(C), 28 Effective Trading Posts: 6 (1 income) > Fell Iron - 32 TP2 > Todd - 62 TP3 > Wine - 29 TP1, TP2, Merchant Support Primary Religion: Practica Arcanai (Size: 5) > Media Support - 28, 29 Civilian Techs: Aclaustrophobic Psychiatry, Algorithmic Imagination, Arcane Amplification, Nuclear Fusion, In Vivo Modification, Xenolinguistics Cataloguing Military Techs: Badalian Megadirigibles, Vacuum Adaptation, Wet Navy Ships > Man-Portable Weapons - > Infantry Equipment - > Combat Drugs and Medicine - > Field Foritifications - > Engineered Combat Organisms - > Detection and Rangefinding - > Ship to Ship Weapons - > Orbit to Ground Weapons - > Crew and Maintenance - > Armor and Shields - > Spacecraft Propulsion - > Electronic Warfare and Countermeasures - > Special Forces - > Logistics and Morale -