main thread IC Thread

[Tychris1]

Sorcerers of New Kildora

 

Leader: Doomweaver Serpent

Diplomacy: 6

Military: 4

Economy: 1

Faith: 7

Intrigue: 3

 

Actions:

 

1. Military Raise 1 Space Unit

The sudden military movements of the Soom-Clan and war across the face of Veehra have led to a swift succession of pacts being sworn and new spaceships commissioned. A small line of luxury yachts have their names signed in blood and the skies over New Kildora are abuzz with a voyage party that lasts weeks.

2. Faith Convert Region 62 to Cult of the Mother Serpent

The Nomads of Kildora settled further into the Great Western Waste (Though it was a short distance east from Kildora) and took up several positions in the region. Wise folk and mystics from the Cult of the Mother Serpent invariably live among these people and spread their teachings of life, death, rebirth, and the pursuit of excellence in the Mother Serpent's wake. A Sorcerer of New Kildora is brought to the edge of the Loop itself. With a quick ritual, peering upon the anomalous area with ensorcelled eyes leads to vomiting and announcing "You got Bad Time. Real bad."

3. Military Deploy 3 Space Units led by Doom Soom (Mil 5) to assist Soom-Clan Marauders in Battle of Region 56, spending 1 Treasure, and ceding control to the Twilight League

4. Diplomacy Mytho-Historical Data Gathering

A host of Thralls with scrolls, tablets, and digitally archived media are shunted off into space towards Ophon. The full tale of Kil the Sorcerer, the first Veehran to consult with the Mother Serpents power, cementing the mountains with her natural blessed connection, and supposed pioneer of Kildora is stored within these archival offerings. No Sorcerer accompanies the donation as it is seen generally as a fairly gauche move.

5. Diplomacy Raise Reputation with EMP
 

The Doomweaver clan gives sermons on the nature of the Emperor's divine right of rule, being the first child of the Mother Serpent, and an eternal fixture of life and death befit to govern eternal. So it was and so it shall be.

Non-Actions:

- Resist Conversions and Buyouts Unless Noted otherwise

- Support buyout of Silver Serpents TP 3 by the Castaways of the Loop

 

Mythohistorical Data Entry

Ancient legends from the early dawn of the post-Darkness era tell of human survivors banding together and forming the first organized warriors of the realm restoring order and pulling back the blackened buried husks of society amidst power vacuums. These “Knightly Orders” drew lineage from Kildorans and Khassians alike, wielded blade and blessing to battle, and slowly waned in influence over time as the restless turmoil following the Darkness settled into political gridlock. Kildoran riders would travel across the length of Veehra, charting the celestial path of their Mother Serpent in her spiritual journey, and carry out crusades in the light of her living glory. The greatest of them was Coan, a ruthless sellsword who found their faith in the darkest depths of hopeless bloodshed. It is said that they traveled to Ophon itself, carried by the Mother Serpent's inviting chorus, and communed with her most cherished child the Emperor.

 

The Founding of a New Vision (And regulatory investment)

A vision awaits the future! First across Kildora, then the Khassian Plains, and soon all of Veehra and hopefully the Empire! In light of recent news of Basu-Rahman activities a sect of Sorcerers in Kildora have banded together to found Snake News! An independent journalism foundation with Veehran ethics and integrity at the heart of it! To that extent, the Worker Trader Union is invited to participate in and inspect the operations of Snake News Headquarters and be a foundational pillar in the safety of Snournalists and the crew that helps them. Head Chairsnake of Operations Dave Snakeman broke broadcast ground with the first live message going out across Veehra announcing his new news conglomerate.

A vast desert stretches out in the horizon. Soft yet radiant, a sexy desert but one that you can bring your MOTHER home to, and as the camera pans out over the desert it slowly keys in Dave Snakeman. He is a TALL and PROUD Veehran, wearing a large hat and a mouthmask, and he looks into the camera with PATRIOTISM. "Hi!" He says "I'm Dave Snakeman. I'm a citizen of the Empire, just like you, and I want to see the truth of our great land spread across the whole of it. That's why I'm introducing Snake News. Independent journalism, accountable sourcing, but most importantly fair and balanced reporting. Thanks for listening and have a blessed evening."

There are newspaper prints delivered off world at first; Snake News columns, reports, and journalistic investigations compiled and carefully printed onto mass papyrus sheets. Daily video updates are released, broadcast on Veehra's surface only due to the intense lag of interplanetary communication, and feelers are sent to every Elect and polity to establish donations/advertisements/connections. Activation teams dedicated to "activating" the brand of Snake News, live at you!

• Live scoop straight from the inner lives of Veehran royalties! With the Mekhalan Mood in the air and the energies of Veehran's at an all-time high with Valus Vile bringing home glory romantic trysts are seemingly inevitable! Something must be stirring the waters because Alud Soom and Lilium of the Twilight League have been spotted in courtship rituals! The proud Marauder made their intentions seemingly quite clear while on the prowl and the demure debutante peeked out of the eternal crimson gloom of Vesper to receive it! Snapparazi agents have been deployed to the field catching the action live! Prior public events showed Lilium in question present with various prominent Soom-Clan figureheads but never like this! Who could say that nothing ever blooms in the desert after a story like that!
• Live over the skies of Veehra on the vessel "My Cocktails Bring All The Snakes To The Yard" this is Snaka Sela reporting on the War Front! The coalition fleet has maneuvered over the greenland and has begun the early process of feinting and scouting with Cloudburst forces. The Ishtan Fleet was spotted by my informant a few days prior but stayed almost entirely within the most habitable layers of the atmosphere, cutting under deploying airlines, and shuttling what look to be elite shock troops directly over Basu-Rahman territory! The Twilight Armada has taken point in initial skirmishing, but from our protracted and extended view we have a small Arvaxine surging ship coming in hot! The whole vessel is in chaos as we take... evasive.... action! This is a mad house of angles and aggression! Back to you at home! -Cut to home set- When will the violence and chaos end. More after these sponsors.....

The Sorcerers of Kildora have a Proclamation!

Demigod En-Sha-Nerat is recognized as an ancient mystical peer from the early days of Kildoran sorcerous traditions! Their holy land is divinely mandated and a leyline of power to be respected by the many Cabals and Clans of Kildora. To that extent a militia of warriors and mercenaries have taken up arms to offer aid in the event of further incursion from heathen forces. The Knights of New Kildora have not taken a definitive stance on the matter, though their are murmurs of hardline copperheads eager for a more proactive approach to security.

 

Assign Non-Dynastic Stats of Doom Soom, Nondynastic Heir of The Serpent

Dip: 2

Mil: 4

Eco: 2

Faith: 4

Int: 1

 

Embassy Actions:

Accept TP 1 of Energized Chrysoberyl to satisfy DI and Vacuum Adaptation and Nuclear Fusion from Soom-Clan Marauders

 

Edited March 10 by Tychris1 (see edit history)

[zabbarot]

The Most Sacred House of Brimstone

Capital: Kish (79)

Zabir, the Archmage of Kish

Diplomacy 2 | Military 2 | Economy 5 | Faith 5 | Intrigue 2

 

The Most Sacred House of Brimstone sends merchants across Mekhala to begin strengthening local trade and establish new ties among the asteroids. An official merchant envoy travels to the Federation of Badalian Chaebols bearing contracts marked with the Brimstone Seal. They seek a permanent arrangement, bringing Kish closer to the glory of Ophon.

 

Actions

• [Diplomacy] Attend the wedding of Artavasdes II and Princess Monite Akari Ebonne d’Laforet.
  • Deliver 1 treasure in taxes to the Imperial Court
  • Deliver 1 treasure as a wedding gift to the newly weds in Cape Ushere.
• [Economy 5] Special Action: Establish a Trade Route with The Federation of Badalian Chaebols in Neo Guleum on Badal.
• [Economy] Buyout House of Fire Uranium (TP 76.2) [Success, 15]
• [Economy] Buyout Et Cetera HQ Gold (TP 91.1) [Success, 13]
• [Economy] Buyout [unnamed region] Flavored Algae Product (TP 82.1) [Success, 13]

Non-Actions

• Support conversions to the Imperial Cult, resist all others.
• Support the WTU buyout of Region 79 TP3 on behalf of RAT.

 

Edited March 10 by zabbarot (see edit history)

[Zayuz]

 

 

The Bironian Bulwark

 

Actions [Economy 5] Create an Arcology in the Bironian Crosspaths (Noble Metals) +1 to Sacks The Arcology known as [The Novacore Foundries] has been established. The metals forged and enchanted in the Crosspaths are prohibitively expensive and durable, and have been known over the centuries to deal significant damage when thrown against their enemies. Those who control the flow of these metals also carry a tangible advantage in small scale raids and battles, where brute force is king. Coupled with the mercenary culture of the council of knights, they have been hired many a time to harass and pillage a faction's foes. +1 Loyalist Power Sub-Action: Gain 1 Treasure via project Sunrise   [Military 5] Create a Military Leader: General Shi Lithium, M9 Legendary Duelist: -4 to enemy leader loss rolls. General Shi Lithium prepares to duel Yanji, her expertise in the defeat of other combatants in single combat shining through... It's possible that this duel will win her to Yanji's side, but more likely than not he'll prove that she is the rightful ruler of the Crosspaths. +1 House of Lithium Power   [Military] Attack myself Defense Leader (Ground) - Loyalist Yanji Argon (Mil 5), wielding the Sword of Revolutions Artifact (+2 to Leader Loss) Defense Leader (Space) - Order of Sodium Admiral Kazi (mil 2) Attack Leader (Ground) - Neon Syndicate Treasurer Boyin (mil 2) who will defer to Black Cloud Coalition's Leader (mil 7) Attack Leader (Space) - Admiral Alchire (mil 2) who will defer to Black Cloud Coalition's Leader (mil 10) The Order of Sodium hates the Black Cloud Coalition and immediately confederates with the strongest power in hopes of defeating them - The Loyalists. -2 Order of Sodium power, +2 Loyalist Power Yanji rolls to sway the House of Lithium and must prove himself in single combat, as the House of Lithium previously demanded of him. He will roll 2d6+mil vs the new leader rolled above, and gain that faction's power if he passes. This is a battle he is very unlikely to win. Yanji loses the battle in a humiliating defeat, getting toyed with and brought to the brink of death by Shi Lithium. He not only fails to gain their support, but suffers a loss of confidence. +2 House of Lithium Power, -2 Loyalist Power Units for the civil war are decided based on faction power. Currently 5 for Loyalists, and 2 for Neon Syndicate. Attack Units: 2 space units plus BCC numbers (1 space, 4 ground) Defense Units: 1 space unit, 3 ground units   [Diplomacy] Mytho-Historical Data Gathering Despite the civil war raging around the Crosspaths, the House of Shi Lithium remains safe and sound within the heart of the Crosspaths. Surrounded by the unassailable fortress that the dense urban labyrinth of the Flagstone obscures, she bides her time and writes to fulfill her duties to the Emperor above bothering to partake in the squabbles of the civil war. This is decried by the Loyalists and Order of Sodium, who she rebukes with the following statement: 'When Yanji lost to me in single combat, he made my reign official by the traditions of old. You will bow to me, or suffer the same fate as Hiana.' ...They would rather chance death than concede to the pretender, for as long as Yanji lives there is no cause for the election by prowess that she claims legitimizes her.   [Diplomacy] Mytho-Historical Data Gathering See Fluff and Character Building! Fluff and Character Building Struggle against fate.   Loyalist Power 4 | Order of Sodium Power 2 | Neon Syndicate Power 2 | House of Lithium Power 2   Quick Faction Summary: Loyalists - Knights of the Bulwark, who believe in the council and the balance of power. They support the line of Argon despite their weakness that Yanji's mother revealed when she lost a catastrophic battle against the Black Cloud Coalition's leader. Sodium - Anti-empire, anti-Black Cloud extremists who believe that because the Emperor granted a seat in the Elect to the Coalition that he cannot be trusted with the best interests of the system. Neon - A mercenary organization that has risen to prominence and believes in tearing down the old order to make way for a system of government run more like a business that runs very contrary to traditional Bironian knight culture. Lithium - A rival house that has secured the palace after Yanji vanished, and has won the right to rule through enough trials in combat. They should be the current ruler of the realm via the old system of government, if it were not for Yanji's reappearance invalidating their claim. Despite this, they refuse to surrender to who they believe will lead them to ruin as his mother once did.   Mytho-Historical Data Gathering: There are many myths surrounding the knightly orders of the Bironian Crossroads, but many of the tales have grown so ancient that it is unclear if they ever held a kernel of truth to them at all. One such myth for which there remains no evidence today is that of the Order of Hydrogen, a now extinct order who supposedly formed to combat great leviathans the size of battleships that prowled the skies of Badal, hunting civilian vessels and plundering great treasures from all across the world. These monsters, depicted today as great winged serpents, made their homes deep beneath the visible clouds of Badal. Supposedly, the first King of the Crosspaths was he who lead the defense against the king of these monsters named Lindworm, who had slain the colonial governors of the Crosspaths from wherever the mission to colonize Badal was first sent. Revolutions and internal dissent have destroyed that old way of government over millennia, but the Order of Hydrogen still serves as a mythological inspiration for many Knightly Orders today.   Admiral Kazi - The Rebellion Firebrand The Order of Sodium is a movement defined by revenge, and few have lost as much as Admiral Kazi. Once the right hand of Archknight Hiana, he witnessed her death firsthand by his foes and personally pleaded to the emperor's delegates to avenge her. Surely, he reasoned, it was not the emperor's will to allow such injustice? To allow the lawless piracy that the Coalition represents? Though it was not the fault of the Coalition, he lost his family to interstellar slavers while he was a child and escaped only by hijacking one of their ships. After escaping he worked with the Knightly Orders to hunt down and destroy organized criminals over the years, a task he took to with passion. A good man once, he has been overcome with fury and revenge that has pushed him to most extreme measures, purging those who he believes support free market ideals and the imperial crown within his faction. Though the Order of Sodium are dissolving, he will doubtless try to sway the loyalists from within if they survive the battle.   Treasurer Boyin - Kingpin of the Neon Syndicate Isolation and poverty describes many lives in the Crosspaths. There is no flow of goods, no wealth, and few industries that are productive and accessible to the common man. This is why the culture is one of hunting and mercenary work, to travel to other lands and solicit their coin in exchange for violence... Is this really so different from the piracy that the Knightly Orders decry? Boyin had grown up amongst the lower classes, dreaming of a knighthood that was eternally unobtainable to him due to the inability to purchase the gear and training required. Rallying many of his sort, Boyin lead the Neon Lances to their own sort of conflicts - stealing from the rich and taking jobs that the knights saw as below them for financial and moral reasons. They did well for themselves, spreading the wealth around and hiring only from the downtrodden. When the civil war came, they found the opportunity for illicit action suddenly massively increased due to the collapse of the civil order, growing powerful and famed for their ability to pillage, steal, and strike with stealth. Eventually they had been hired by a major order to plunder the vaults of the Archknight and deliver the coin to their corrupt order, but after a successful mission this gave Boyin pause. Why should these hypocrites lead the Crosspaths when they were no better than him? Instead of coin they delivered bombs, resulting in the assassination of one of the major civil war factions from the top while the newly forged Neon Syndicate moved in to take its place. The organization had grown far beyond the scope of a mercenary band, and now sets off to correct the wrongs of their stratified society through liberty and revolution.

Archknight Yanji Argon (He/Him - Reference) Diplomacy: 3 Military: 5 Economy: 5 Faith: 5 Intrigue: 3 Unit Cap: 6/6 Treasure: 0 Income: +0 Ground Units: 3 Space Units: 3 Capital: The Bironian Crosspaths (R17) Treasure: 0 + 0 per round EMP: 0 rep / 0 favors WTU: 0 rep / 0 favors BRG: 0 rep / 0 favors REN: rank 0

Edited March 9 by Zayuz (see edit history)

[The_Murgen]

U.N.N.C.L.E
Capital: The Control Center (region 3 of FRED)
Round 3

News and Rumors Kinfolk are upset with the formalization of their faith! Actions [Faith] - Spread Paragonism to region 4 (roll of 12) [Faith] - Spread Paragonism to region 7 (roll of 15) [Faith] - Spread Paragonism to region 8 (roll of 18) [Faith] - Spread Paragonism to region 14 (roll of 12) [Economic] -Attempt again to buy out Sankar Medicae in 16.3- we need those drugs pyschotropics medicines! (roll of 6) WTF???? Expected +2 Faith Non-Actions Resist and/or hinder all conversions and buyouts except from UHS for a trading post. Allow WTU to inspect all Industrial Centers on FRED and establish Safe Operating Practices Oversight committee with WTU member as permanent council. Reminders for myself All countries must pay 1 Treasure to the Empire by the end of round 3 or lose 1 Reputation with EMP, can pay as event sub- action (FAILED) Gain 1 Renown the first time you Construct Arcology, Found Holy Order, or Raise Fortress Any country that takes the Construct Arcology action before the end of Round 6 may gain 1 Treasure as a sub-action. Imperial outreach round 3/4 gain +1 to raise rep with imperials BRG wants dirt- up to round 7 with intrigue action Invent tech or research military tech gain 1 renown first 5 get 2.

"Luminous beings are we, not this crude matter." Chairperson Lucas Oliver James Mellus Tristan (they/them) Diplomacy: 6 Military:2 Economy: 4 Faith: 6 Intrigue: 2 Ground units: 0 Space units: 1 Treasure: 1 + 0 per round EMP: 0 rep / 0 favors WTU: 0 rep / 0 favors BRG: 0 rep / 0 favors REN: rank 0

 

Edited March 7 by The_Murgen (see edit history)

[JBarca]

Round 3

The Khylokian Reign of Blood

Khylosen Cluster (89)

 

Led by Bloodlord Peter

D3 ; M7 ; E4 ; F5 ; I4

Actions

1. [ECO Buyout TP 76.3] [Eco 4, +2 Support = +6 Total] - Dice Roller mistakenly says 76.1. - Success!
   Raiding needs ships. Ships need fuel. Simple as.
2. [MIL Sack 6.1] [7 MIL, +1 Artifact, -3 Distance = +5 Total] - Success!
   A massive, long-term mission sounds, to a small band of Khylokians, like the ideal way to blood themselves and earn prestige. In fact, the patriarch of one of the great families, Omnuud khy-Chaga himself, deigns to lead the raid. Badal is largely a mystery to the Reign as a whole, and the Omnuuds are proud to prove their mettle so close to the Emperor. The natives, too, with their alien biology and odd reincarnation, are likely to provide some extremely interesting blood samples to the raiders. The opportunity to expand the field of sanguimancy is too compelling to pass up.
3. [MIL Raise Space Unit]
   As off-world conflict becomes ever more likely, the Bloodlord gathers yet more warriors and their ships into discrete squadrons, ready for war.
4. [INT Secret!]

    

5. [INT Send 1 space unit and the Fiorid Dossier to satisfy Chancellor Eydis' ransom]
   On behalf of the Fiorid Principality of Verdalfheim, a small fleet of ships - functional if unsightly - is sent to a designated rendezvous point near Sansar. The fleet is let by Barun khysee-Guyu, a prominent son of the ever-ambitious patriarch of the Barun family, khy-Oged. khysee Guyu is given strict orders to act only in self-defense, then installed as the commander of a better part of an old mingghan.
   
   After virtually meeting with Oskar dei Fiori, representative of the Principality, the fleet swiftly moves planetwards. khysee-Guyu takes the time en route to help himself to the information contained within the Elven dossiers, diligently making copies to deliver to the Bloodlord. He may not be sure why this is important, but if the Bloodlord commands it, it is accomplished. Coordinates provided by the Elf princeling prove accurate enough, and a meeting time is established. Nearly every ship involved survives the landing, and the losses fall well within acceptable limits for the operation. A brief conversation follows, then the Khylokians board a handful of shuttles and depart.

Non-Actions

• Bloodlord Peter sends a message to the Pan-Tekhum Union that the Reign of Blood will allow inspections in four years, once he and his government have had time to review and implement the policies the Union has in place.
• Resist the foreign spies!
• Mytho-Historical Data Gathering. An elder Khylokian storyteller, Khukchu, is sent to meet with an Imperial representative to perform a history of the Khylokians and deliver a recorded copy of the same. What follows is an excerpt of his song, describing the mythological beginnings of the Reign of Blood and its first Bloodlord, along with the creation of the asteroid belt.

• Mytho-Historical Data Gathering

  And so the distant Bloodfather
  In fury shattered once again the spheres
  Where once the firmament did shake
  Now the solid rock is rent asunder

  As pieces flew apart into the void
  The people quaked in fear and shock
  As though broken like that lost world before
  The remnants under one banner

  He rose above them all alone
  A hero, man, and saint
  Khylish, one Bloodlord, self-chosen
  To teach, to guide, to rule

  Born of blood and murder
  Khylish unifies and binds them
  He learned to Sanguimance
  At the call of the Bloodfather

  With power and skill and his mighty voice
  Khylish forged a People above
  Blood and murder rain from the Void
  And the Bloodfather looks on them with joy

   

 

Reports and Discoveries

• The Biarbu Society agents make their way into the Khylosen Cluster, and the Bloodlord is unable to expend the resources to keep them out. He changes tacks, and instead welcomes them, sending small care packages of local cuisine and pamphlets on local attractions to the agents he can find, though he's certain there are many more he's unaware of. Each has a small note attached.
  • Greetings, my friends!
    I apologize for the series of events that have led us here. My warriors need blood, enemies, and plunder, and I frankly can only do so much to pick their targets for the time being. If you have concerns or wish to discuss these matters directly, my office door is open. I grant you guest rights in the Cluster for a period of two years so you can come to know us and our ways. You will be protected, so long as I remain in power.
    Glory to the Sunfather.
    - Bloodlord Kheer L. Peter, Shrike of the Void, Deliverance of Blood

Expected Ruler Stats R4:
D: 3
M: 8
E: 4
F: 5
I: 5
New Ruler: No

 

Technology

To be transferred later

Mechanical Bookkeeping

Trading Posts: 1

Name	Location	Categories
Unrefined Metallic Ores	89.1	Ores and Alloys, Precious Minerals

Military Units CAP: 5/6

4 ground

1 space

Generals

• - Khuid kho-Tuil (9)
  • Kill or Die Trying: +1 to battle, +20% casualties both sides

Contacts

• Nice try.

Cultural Exchanges

• -

Trade Routes

• -

Artifacts

• kha-Ujin's Siphon
  • 1/turn +1 to Sacks.

Treasure
0/5

Special Actions Used

M5: General

F5: Artifact

 

Edited March 10 by JBarca (see edit history)

[aerin13]

The Iron Masquerade
Capital: The City of Narsai (Region 69)
Round 3

News and Rumors Iron Monarch Mortimer Red sits alone in the royal chambers and considers his newest form. The former librarian had an obvious passion for facial attire, yes, but also a skill for written correspondence and a cultural disposition towards cooperation and alliance-building. Straightening his bow tie, the Iron Monarch siphons his host's soul and begins to pen a series of letters. Todd Stevens 35348 finds a letter in his InterPlaNet inbox. Please forward this message to the Group of Seventeen: While I have never had the pleasure of visiting Dometown myself, merchant caravans passing through Narsai have relayed tales of its beauty and the mystique surrounding its fiery, splintered demise. It has occurred to me that the results of the ultimate spidery cracks in the air reaching the outer glass bubble would result in dome fragments similar to those used in the construction of Narsai's own Apiforme Dome [see action 2 below]. While the Iron Masquerade recognizes the Castaways of the Loop as the premier investigative force on all of Veehra due to your constant exposure to the strangeness of the phenomena that has birthed your very culture, perhaps you would find merit in an outside perspective? Should the Group of Seventeen permit it, I would find the greatest pleasure in sending a small task force of my most magically talented subjects to examine the demise of the dome, and would even entertain a video-conference call to personally look at the matter from afar. Any intriguing results would, of course, be shared with the Group of Seventeen in hopes of solving the dilemma that has lead to ongoing tragedy for so many of your number. Respectfully, The Iron Monarch [OoC: I'm offering an investigation this round into the Loop-related phenomena of your choice, at 2d6 + 6 Intrigue + 1 BRG rank 1.] The Iron Monarch pens a letter to His Royal Highness, John IV, High King of Ishtahnos. A letter addressed to His Royal Highness, John IV, High King of Ishtahnos and stamped with the royal butterfly seal of the Masquerade is given to the first werewolf-lead skimmer crew to pass through Narsai on the way to Ishtahnos. A long-lost gift for Violetta of the Twilight League. For the eyes of Violetta, Herald of the Second Dawn, Esteemed Warlord of the Twilight League, I have recently rediscovered a valuable artifact [see action 3 below] that I believe belongs to the Twilight League, and am contacting you about how to best repatriate this priceless piece of cyber technology. While I have no doubt that you, fellow esteemed Elect, are impeccably educated and informed, please forgive me for wasting ink to elaborate upon Masque cultural practices for just one moment. I used to be quite the archivist in a past spin of the Wheel (so to speak), and I derive great joy from explaining the intricate provenance of historically significant materials! Narsai's most famous church, the Black Tower of the eponymous organization, doubles as a mausoleum. For centuries, followers of the Soulbound Dance have placed the soul vessels of their loved ones inside specially reserved alcoves to be cared for and preserved until the day comes that Paradise is reached. In my recent perusal of the older levels, closed to the public, I discovered a particular vessel that I believe to originate from outside of Narsai due to the high concentration of nanites within. My speculation is that the vessel belonged to a Vesperite ancestor that had immigrated to Narsai and adopted the Soulbound Dance roughly three hundred years ago, based on the object's placement within the Black Tower. Given how scarce the supply of nanites is in Vesper and how much the Iron Masquerade values Vesper's long history as our desert neighbors to the southwest, we would like to return this long-lost marvel to its rightful home. Please let me know at your earliest convenience how the Masquerade can best get this unique innovation back in Vesperite hands. Yours truly, The Iron Monarch [OoC: I'll be able to get this to you next round if we both attend the Elven Conclave of 2044 (Moos's event).] A letter of apology to Duke Itanran of House Agbawo from Gilbert Faustine. To his lordship, the Duke of House Agbawo, I regret to inform you that your son, Odo Intanran, has garnered attention from the highest authority figure in the Iron Masquerade, the Iron Monarch himself. I will attempt to plead ignorance and innocence on his behalf, but his ultimate fate is outside of my hands. The young Hyena has remained a devout follower of Avva even now, despite spending the last six years of his life under the tutelage of my Baronry. This has lead to an unfortunate misunderstanding: the reckless teenager considers all that happens in Narsai, an underground city obscured by frequent dust storms, to be outside of the watchful gaze of Avva. In his eyes, there is no law here. He has taken to life in Narsai much like a lion takes to the hunt, chasing the most succulent prey to be found and feasting deep of the carcass. His natural flair for leadership, exotic appearance, and charisma has lead him to gather a violent gang of misfits willing to follow his orders, the Maned Pride. Together with his natural talent for operating land vehicles, remote drones, and industrial machinery, the Maned Pride has been able to seriously disrupt economic activity in the city despite their relative youth. A week ago, the adolescent gang violently took over several of the central cargo lifts, mainly used by the aristocracy. They then proceeded to shut down nearly all vertical transportation in the city for a period of several hours by hacking the control system. Despite my prodigious power and influence, I could not keep the matter from reaching the ears of the Iron Monarch. The Maned Pride was violently dislodged from the elevator system and the few survivors have been retained under watch by the Black Tower. I will do my best to advocate for the young aristocrat, but ultimately I must bend to the inscrutable and often malevolent whims of the Iron Monarch, lest my own house be cast down. I can only beg you, from one noble house to another, to not let this misfortune carry forward to my darling Johanne. Should you return her to me, safe and in good health, I will consider myself to owe a life-debt to the House Agbawo. And should misfortune befall her, I shall ponder long and deep who deserves my unending retribution. With great sorrow, Baron Gilbert Faustine, head of House Faustine [OoC: You've got two options: 1. Return Johanne unharmed. Gilbert Faustine will use his considerable power and influence to aid the Cloudburst Confederation however he can. MSQ will owe CBC a favor, as long as you can justify it within the fluff. 2. Detain and/or murder Johanne. Gilbert Faustine will turn his anger toward the Iron Monarch, whom he already dislikes, as the ultimate cause of this misfortune. MSQ will take a future action against itself.] An offer of prospective employment for Baron (sic) khy-Oged. Addressed to Baron (sic) khy-Oged: I have contacted your esteemed noble lineage to request aid in the detainment and care of several prisoners who are to be exiled from the Iron Masquerade. The seven individuals in question were members of a dangerous and violent faction that aimed to shut-down commerce, transportation, and communication within the capital. Multiple deaths of nobility are attributed to their actions. As the Khylosen cluster is very far from the Masquerade and I judged your nation to be the one that they would least likely escape from (this is scratched out, nearly unreadable), I consider your noble house to be well-suited to holding these exiled individuals. As payment for services rendered, the Iron Masquerade would offer a lump sum of kroseid [1 treasure, to be delivered at ALF's event in round 4] and would create a salaried position for a Correspondence Agent in charge of maintaining communication regarding the exiles, to be stationed in Narsai and filled by yours truly or a skilled individual of your house. In order to make sure that the prisoners receive proper medical procedures while under your care, their blood types are as follows: A+, AB-, A-, B-, B+, O+, and Q-. Additionally, one of the individuals has a rare blood condition called "hemophobia." Eagerly awaiting your elegant reply, The Iron Monarch [OoC: I probably don't need to say this by now, but if you send me a character they will die. Horribly.] Actions [Diplomacy] - Attend the Second Hexenniel Conference for the Liberation of Knowledge and Fostering of Growth in Sansar, hosted by the Arkhive Æternal. - Offer 1 treasure as tribute to the glorious and eternal Emperor (and to pay his tax). - Accept 1 treasure from WIC. - Accept Badalian Megadirigibles from ARK. - Sign the non-aggression pact with ARK. [Military 5] - Raise a Fortress over the City of Narsai (Region 69), the Apiforme Dome. Narsai was built over a crack in the desert concealing the decaying remains of an archeotech mining operation. The Black Butterfly and the megadrills were recovered from the ruins, but the majority of the ancient technology lies ludicrously deep or cleverly concealed within the labyrinthine tunnels. Now, following the precise and inscrutable instructions of the Iron Monarch, crews of fanatics willing to risk their lives in the depths begin to excavate giant, jagged shards of a transparent strengthened-glass alloy. On the surface, these shards are welded together with molten hematite like one giant stained glass puzzle. After years of work, the result is life-changing for many in Narsai who have never before seen the sun. The formerly underground city is now protected from dust storms by a colossal hemisphere, appearing due to its height above the city to have the delicate veined structure of a bee's wing. The Apiforme Dome restricts ground access to the city to a few critical gateways, and military strategists speculate that it may be able to hold out under orbital bombardment long enough to allow the surface population to relocate further underground. [Faith 5] - Discover an Artifact, The Eye of the Storm (-2 to enemy leader loss when equipped by a character) - Pending approval. An eyeball with a smooth titanium exterior containing a woven mass of intricate copper wiring and fiber-optic cable. Rather than a pupil and iris, the focal point of the eyeball contains a miniature swirling hurricane of dust mimicking the perpetual storm above Vesper. Lightning flickers across the tempest when the wearer focuses on someone with violent intent. When surgically installed into a humanoid's eye socket, the wearer can zoom in on distant objects with but a thought. This makes it trivially easy to pick out the enemy general on the dust-riven battlefield or the opposing admiral's distant flagship from amongst the fighter swarm. [Intrigue] - Investigate the nature of the Loop, with permission and aid from the Group of Seventeen. (+1 from BRG rank 1, result: 12) The Iron Monarch sends a small task force of researchers and magical adepts to the Great Western Waste. They probe the temporally looping dome with their arcane manipulators, amplified by their soul vessels, and observe the results. All findings are shared with the Group of Seventeen and forwarded directly to the Iron Monarch, who even spends a day personally examining the dome using several aerial drones feeding to a remote Vroom call from Narsai. [Intrigue] - Secret.  The Second Promise is announced and celebrated throughout Narsai for her contributions towards Paradise, though the Iron Monarch remains vague on precisely what those contributions are. Verity Seydoux, now elevated beyond her status as the bastard daughter of Amelie Beaufort with one of the foremen under Baron Beaufort's command, is a cuttingly clever cut-purse with a commitment to comeuppance. The successful kidnapper is a devil with the jagged twin daggers that she carries on her person constantly (one of which contains her bloodthirsty little emo heart). She has learned to tap her soul vessel temporarily to create a small zone of dampened noise around her person to great advantage. Now, she leaves Narsai on the hunt once more. Pray you do not become her prey. Non-Actions Change hosts rulers non-dynastically to Iron Monarch Odo Intanran. Non-dynastic succession: +1 to any two attributes, Growths: +1 Intrigue. 4 + 1 Diplomacy, 3 Military, 3 Economy, 3 Faith, 4 + 1 + 1 Intrigue To bring a nation to its knees, even if only for a few hours, is a massive accomplishment for a teenager. The Iron Monarch is intrigued by Odo's natural flair for leadership, exotic appearance, and charisma. Who better to implement security measures designed to thwart a repeat occurrence than the one that orchestrated it in the first place? Resist and hinder all conversions in Narsai (Region 69). Hinder all buyouts in Narsai (Region 69), Agbada (Region 52), and Nadiratna (Region 68). Resist all buyouts of Iron Masquerade Trading Posts. Gain 1 Renown for Raising a Fortress for the first time. Gain 1 treasure from the completion of Mytho-Historical Data Gathering. Reminders for myself All countries must pay 1 Treasure to the Empire by the end of round 3 or lose 1 Reputation with EMP, can pay as event subaction Gain 1 Renown the first time you Construct Arcology, Found Holy Order, or Raise Fortress Gain 1 treasure when Mytho-Historical Data Gathering is complete Any country that takes the Construct Arcology action before the end of Round 6 may gain 1 Treasure as a sub-action Hazardous Conditions Inspection next round

"Knowledge that shines through to attract pupils like moths bees to a flame." Iron Monarch Mortimer Red (he/him) Diplomacy: 3 Military: 5 Economy: 4 Faith: 5 Intrigue: 6 Ground units: 2 Space units: 1 Treasure: 1 + 1 per round EMP: 0 rep / 0 favors WTU: 0 rep / 0 favors BRG: 1 rep / 0 favors REN: rank 2

Edited March 10 by aerin13 (see edit history)

[farothel]

The Bafatis Dynasty (BAF)

Round 3

 71 in Veehra
Duke Cinra Bafatis
Diplomacy: 6
Military: 5
Economy: 5
Faith:2
Intrigue: 2

Actions:

1: [Military] Recruit General (Mil 7)

2: [Economy] Build Arcology (Valona) (+1 to colonize region)

subaction: gain 1 WTU Treasure

3: [Economy] Expedition to region 106 (+1 imperial) (14 success)

4: [Diplomacy] expedition to region 107 (+1 imperial) (14 success)

5: [Diplomacy] attend event (The Second Hexenniel Conference for the Liberation of Knowledge and Fostering of Growth in Sansar)

subaction: pay imperial tax

Non-Actions:

contest all buyouts or takeovers unless otherwise specified

Gain 1 renown for building arcology

resist the sack of TP 66.1 (assign 1 ground unit) (fail 11)

Allow WTU inspections. Do some pre-inspections to see if labour laws are followed as they should.

OOC on labour laws

Labour laws in the Bafatis Dynasty are like those in the EU (countries like Germany, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, etc.). Just mention it here so there is no discussion afterwards.

 

Bookkeeping

Military

Units (cap 6): 4 Land, 2 Space

 

1st mechanised infantry
2nd armoured
1st colonial marines

3rd mechanised infantry division

1st Space battle group

2nd Space battle group.

Economic

passive treasure: 1/round

Treasure: 0/5

Trade Posts Owned:
71 TP1: Industrial Machines

71 TP2: Industrial Machines

66 TP1: Spellbooks

Technology

Xenolinguistic catalogue
Dust hardening

Wet Navy Ships

Nuclear Fusion

Arcane Amplification

Algorithmic Imagination

In Vivo Modification

Aclaustrophobic Psychiatry

Badalian megadirigibles

new stats

stat increase: economy +1, diplomacy +1
Diplomacy: 7
Military: 5
Economy: 6
Faith: 2
Intrigue: 2

 

Fluff:

Economy:

After years of planning, a large arcology has been build into the region. It's build mostly underground to protect against storms, but enough of it is above ground, mostly to facilitate the entry of raw materials and the exit of finished products. It's called Valona, after Duke Valon, one of the first Dukes (at least as far as history goes back).

In the meantime an expedition of traders has been dispatched to the larger of the two moons to check out what's going on there.

 

Military:

Now the army has become larger, an overall commander is needed. Lieutenant-General Golari, commander of first Corps, will be promoted to General and chief of staff. His assistant, Major General Badatasia, will be promoted to Lieutenant-General and take over first corps.

As there are rumours of an invasion into a neighbouring region, the Military stands ready to help their neighbours.

Resist Sack fluff

New D8 dropships started up their engines, while in a command vehicle a holographic map was being shown with some symbols on it. A Brigadier general looked at one of his battalion commanders. He didn't really like this spur of the moment operation, but it was one that they had practiced before on the sand tables. And this was what he was paid for. His only regret is that he couldn't be in the front lines with his men.

 

"We want you to secure this crossroads," he said, highlighting a section of the map, "they will prevent the enemy from driving towards those warehouses and that one factory. We have permission of the region's government to act and a MARSOC group is on its way to prepare the LZ. A tank company is loading right now and second battalion will join you in a couple of hours. They have some issues with their dropships, but it should be solved soon."

 

"Yes, sir," the young battalion commander said. With a last salute, he ran off to his dropship. As soon as he was onboard, the door closed and the last engine turned on. Soon the squadron of dropships was in the air, rocket pods out just in case they were needed. Ahead and above a squadron of F40 Hawk fighter bombers flew ahead to help clear the airspace.

 

=== 3 hours later ===

 

"Onyx to Oasis nest," the battalion commander called over a secure line as they neared their LZ.

"Oasis nest here, you are cleared to land," came the reply. The dropship lead pilot had also been listening in and he turned the D8 in towards the LZ. Soon the dropships started to land and the marines ran out. The few vehicles they had brought with them also drove out, with SAM vehicles quickly setting up.

 

The battalion commander was met by the major commanding the MARSOC group.

"We noticed some enemies approaching over the East road, sir," he said, showing on the map, "we estimate battalion strength. Another group is coming from the South, about the same strength. They should be here in about two hours."

By that time the company commanders has also arrived.

"Alpha and gamma company will go to the north. Block the river near that bridge and prevent a crossing. The mortars will also go that way. Bravo and Delta go to the east. You'll have to hold them in the woods there. As soon as the tanks are here, you'll get those as well. Each will get a platoon of SAM vehicles, third platoon stays here to cover the LZ."

He turned to his air officer.

"Major, ask for a squad of Crows to blast those battalions. East side first, then north. And set up drone surveillance."

 

Soon the marines were on their way to block the enemy battalions coming towards them. More battalions marines were send to other locations across the region, while the tank division of first corps was put on high alert status just in case.

 

==1 day later==

"Onyx to Onyx base," came over the radio. The brigade commander took the call.

"Onyx base here."

"We're getting slaughtered out here, general. Intel gave the enemy as two battalions, but I think it's at least a brigade. We can't hold with what we have."

"What do you need, colonel."

"One of two things, sir. Either dropships to get us out here, or an orbital bombardment to take the enemy out and reinforcements.

"The fleet is busy elsewhere. We're being pulled out. Dropships should be there in an hour or so."

"Thank you, sir. We'll be ready. Preparing some nasty surprises before we pull out."

 

An hour and a half later, the last dropship pulled up, with the battalion commander and the HQ company. A bit further down the road the smoke of burning vehicles was still visible while some A15 Crows dropped bombs to hold the enemy for a bit longer.

diplomacy:

The Bafatis will attend The Second Hexenniel Conference in the Arkhive. As Imperials will also be in attendance, they will bring with them the taxes owed for the Imperials to take over.

An expedition is send out to the smaller moon, again to see what's there. Fleet units are put on alert just in case.

Edited March 10 by farothel (see edit history)

[Lady Serpentine]

The Twilight League
Round 2

Violetta, Herald of the Second Dawn
Vesper (Limbo, The Wheel, Purgatory) (Region 58)
Diplomacy: 1
Military: 6
Economy: 2
Faith: 5
Intrigue: 2
Heir: Lilium
D: 2 M: 1 E: 2 F: 3 I: 2

 

Actions:

• [Diplomacy] Attend the Union of House Ebonne and the House of Fire.
  • Event Subaction: Spend 1 treasure to pay taxes.
• [Military] Deploy 1 space unit to the Soom Clan space front responsible for the Soom Clan invasion of Regions 55 and 56 and the Cloudburst Confederation invasions of Regions 53 and 56, commanded by Void-leader Seraphine (Military 9).

  • Details

    Space Front led by Twilight League Admiral Void-leader Seraphine(?) using Overwhelming Tempo (+2 to battle roll, +10% own casualties, -10% enemy casualties): +1 SCM Unit, +3 SNK Units, +1 TWI Unit, +9 Commander, total +14 (+16 if TacMan triggers.)

  • Action fluff to be added when the situation is less fluid.
• [Military] Sack Trading Post 1 in Region 66 (66.1), spending 1 treasure.
• [Military] Sack Trading Post 1 in Ishtahnos (65.1), spending 1 treasure.
  • Action fluff to be added when the situation stabilizes.
• [Military] Raise 1 ground unit.

Nonactions

• ???

News and Rumours

• Lilium of the Twilight League seen courting Alud Soom! See Snake News Network for more!

Statistics
Unit Count: 2 Ground, 1 Space
Treasure: 3 (Spending 3 this round)

Country Information

Special Actions Available: Faith 5
Special Actions Used: Military 5

Heir: Lilium (Dynastic; they/them with specific exceptions)
 

Diplomacy

Reputation/Favours
Imperial Court: Rep 0, 0 Favours (Expected Change: None)
Pan-Tekhum Worker's & Trader's Union: Rep 0, 0 Favours (Expected Change: None)
Basu-Rahman Group: Rep 0, 0 Favours (Expected Change: None)
International Renown: Renown 0

Organisation Bases
Guildhall in Vesper.

Embassies
None

Cultural Identities

None

Great Works
None

 

Military

Unit Cap: 6 (4 + 1 region + 1 support)
Ground Units: 2
Space Units: 1

Government Support: 58

Generals

None

Admirals

Void-leader Seraphine (Mil 9): Master of Arms (+1 to battle roll for every two Artifacts attached to Seraphine; minimum +1 for one Artifact, maximum +4 for eight Artifacts.)

Perfected Tactical Doctrines
None

Fortresses
None

Military Technologies

Active Military Techs

 

Man-Portable Weapons
Infantry Equipment
Combat Drugs and Medicine
Armored Vehicles
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

 

Economy

Treasure: 4 (Expected Change: -1)
Treasure Cap: 5

Trade Posts
Effective Total TPs: 2
Treasure Rate: 0

Mercantile Support
58

Arcologies
None

Trade Routes
None

 

Faith

Media Support: 58

Faith Size: 3
Organised Faith Bonuses
None

Artefacts
None

Holy Orders
None

Miracles
None

 

Intrigue

Espionage Agency: No

 

Claims

58 - Integration

 

Total Passive Effects

Traversal:
Wet Navy Ships: Ground units can cross bodies of water

Actions:Defence:
Misc:

Edited March 5 by Lady Serpentine (see edit history)

[Elemental]

The Kingdom of High Ishtahnos
By the Light of the Sun, His Royal Highness, John IV, High King of Ishtahnos
First Minister Johnathon Royston Rageclaw
2004-2006 IR, 2037-2039 IC

Actions:

1: [Diplomacy] Attend the Wedding of Lord of Fire Artavasdes II and Princess Monite Ebonne.
-Pay one treasure to the Imperial Court as tax.

The High King and two of his three children travel to Sansar, a wretched hell of humidity, to attend a delightful wedding. Awkward conversations with certain Sansarite nobles are avoided and Artavasdes and Monite are gifted a barrel of aged whisky, matching platinum pocket watches, a few Ishtahn books about plants and animals with splendid illustrations and two nightmares for the purpose of romantic rides through the countryside.
There's also a meeting between state officials and Imperial representatives about arranging for the payment of taxes in gold coins and treasury notes, but that's less important.

2: [Diplomacy] Attempt to press a confederation claim to Region 67. Failure.

Negotiations grind to a halt while bureaucratic agencies across the land of Chorb scramble to provide reports necessary for the minutiae of a successful and prosperous integration. The issue of parliamentary constituencies and appropriate representation for minority groups promises to delay proceedings for many years.

 

3: [Military] Raise one ground unit.

With the outbreak of hostilities against Basu-Rahman and attacks on Ishtahnos by the Twilight League, further military investment is considered of paramount importance in preparation for further operations.

 

4: [Military] Deploy two ground units to assist in the Soom Clan's invasion of Region 55. They will take a route of being dropped off in Region 74 and complete the rest of the journey over land to avoid becoming embroiled in space warfare.

The recent actions of Basu-Rahman infuriate the people of Ishtahnos and a military action is declared as necessary to ensure such insults cease. Though the Antithotron and his people are not enemies of the Ishtahn, they unfortunately stand between them and justice and so the Royal Army is deployed, the riders of Ishtahnos joining alongside the warwheels of Khassia to lend their fierce strength to the subjugation of the greenlands in the name of the Soom-Clan and the destruction of Basu-Rahman.

 

5: [Economy] Attempt to buyout TP2 in Region 78 for Void Spice. Failure.

Unfortunately the Ishtahn are not masters of commerce and despite travelling far to the scattered worlds of Mekhala, they are unable to sway the spice merchants of the Divine Stars. Perhaps the gifts they brought were insufficient to grease the wheels of negotiations, perhaps the goods they offered in exchange were considered lacklustre, perhaps they accidentally insulted the locals through cultural misunderstandings. The end result is the same however and the Ishtahn Ministry of Trade's delegation returns home without anything more than a few free samples.

Nonactions:

Protect against the sack of TP1 in Region 65 with one unit.

The Royal Armour is surprised at the Vesperite attack in response to their diplomatic objections against Vesperite expansion, but not so surprised they are caught with their proverbial pants down. Border outriders supplemented by local shrieval forces and clan militias respond quickly and leverage their superior knowledge of the local terrain to harry and delay the would be Vesperite cattle rustlers until forces left in reserve can arrive and send them packing. Any captured raiders are provided food and medical care until their safe return can be arranged.

 

Accept the Pan-Tekhum Worker's and Trader's Union's request to be allowed to inspect working conditions.
Additional oversight cannot go amiss in ensuring everything is done properly and so the Ministry of Industry and the Ministry of Justice gladly comply, promising their full support to the WTU's inspections. After all, how often do you get the opportunity of a free independent audit of safety practices? Ishtahn inspectors could be missing things obvious to an outsider after all and a safe workplace is a productive workplace and happy and prosperous workers are productive workers. The Ministry of Finance is particularly ecstatic given the WTU is doing it FOR FREE, at least they were until the Ministry of Industry offered to help cover the WTU's expenses.

 

The Ishtahn subscribe to Snake News!

The Kingdom is always happy to support competition in the media industry and given they now have all this spare studio equipment (see News and Rumours) they give some to Snake News. This surely won't end in disaster.

 

News and Rumours

Stuff and things. Aside from important declarations and letters this will probably have to be delayed until next round, sorry.

Legal proceedings are brought against the Basu-Rahman Group for violating Ishtahn law regarding advertising standards and, more seriously, promotion of slavery. Across the Kingdom BRG assets are seized and local executives and high level managerial staff placed under house arrest pending investigations into their personal culpability. With the evidence so widely broadcast it's not hard for the prosecution to secure a judgement and defences of 'it was just a joke' are not accepted.
The Basu-Rahman Group is found guilty of promotion of slavery and ordered to pay an exorbitant fine. Until such time as the fine is paid their broadcasting license is rescinded and every day they continue to broadcast to the Kingdom of High Ishtahnos the fine is increased by one percent compounding. Ultimately it is concluded that Basu-Rahman's head Veehran office is responsible for this oversight and the Royal Army is dispatched to ensure that whosoever replaces them does not dare to make a similar mistake.

In response to Vesperite aggression against the Land of Wizards (Region 67) the Ishtahn issue a statement indicating their intention to defend the region against such an attack and they offer their support to the Bafatis Dynasty on this issue. More pressingly, a short confidential letter is delivered to the Twilight League regarding their recent aggression against Ishtahnos, the contents of which are kept secret from all but the highest echelons on the Ishtahn government.

A sealed letter on parchment bearing the seal of High King John IV arrives in Narsai to be hand delivered directly to the Iron Monarch by a heavily armed Ishtahn messenger who arrives on nightmare back. Despite being armed he is very respectful and given he came alone the weapons were likely to deter unscrupulous individuals along the way. The letter is written twice, side by side, first on the left in beautiful Ishtahn handwriting, likely that of the High King himself, and second on the right in a different hand in the Narsai Dialect, likely supplied by a secretary.

Ruler Information

First Minister Johnathon Royston Rageclaw

Diplomacy: 5
Military: 7
Economy: 3
Faith: 3
Intrigue: 2

Age: 60
Expected stat increases: +1 Military, +1 Diplomacy

Trade Details and Technologies

The Highlands of Ishtahnos, Region 65, TP1: Veehran Aurochs

Treasure: 1 (-1)

Dust Hardening
Nuclear Fusion
Xenolinguistic Cataloguing
Arcane Amplification
Algorithmic Imagination
In Vivo Modification
Aclaustrophobic Psychology

Other Bookkeeping

Grounds units: 3 (+1)
Space units: 2

Edited March 10 by Elemental
Flag fixing and attempts at flavour text (see edit history)

[The Snark]

Castaways of the Loop

Capital: The Great Western Waste (Region 62)
The Group of Seventeen
D7 | M5 | E6 | F2 | I4

Round Three

Actions

• [Diplomacy] Diplomatic Mission to Region 63 (TN 12, result 12+7 Diplomacy, +1 from EMP's New Frontier Proclamation decree, success)
  The investigation into the alleged Veehran Triangle has left the Castaways with extensive - but incomplete - maps of the deep desert. To fill the gaps, the Group of Seventeen dispatches survey teams in all directions, charting the landscape, taking mineral samples, and greeting any locals they might encounter along the way. Several seasoned Rashas are sent on the expeditions along the northern mountain range; in addition to being a trained survey geologist, she is familiar with desert traditions and should be well-suited to make a good first impression on any northern neighbors they may have.
• [Diplomacy] Raise Reputation with the Basu-Rahman Group (1 treasure spent; TN 10, result 15Diplomacy 7, + 1 from treasure, success)
  Whatever one may think of the Basu-Rahman Group's... interesting choices in ad sponsors of late, they're one of the best-connected entities in Tekhum. The Logistics and Rationing Group is instructed to earmark a modest amount of non-essential goods for liquidation and donation - a bribe, in other words, in exchange for access to Basu-Rahman's system-wide information networks.
• [Economy] Expedition to Region 60 (1 treasure spent; TN 12, result 12Economy +6, +1 from EMP's New Frontier Proclamation decree, +1 from treasure, success)
• [Economy] Expedition to Region 64 (TN 12, result 15Economy +6, +1 from EMP's New Frontier Proclamation decree, success)
  Though few areas on Veehra are truly devoid of life, the Group of Seventeen expects the polar region and the deserts near Vesper to be sparsely inhabited at best. Accordingly, the teams sent to these areas are less concerned with seeking out locals, and more with the land itself.
• [Economy] Buyout TP 73.3 (Silver Serpents) (TN 12, result 17+6 Economy, +2 from support, success)
  There is no such thing as enough when it comes to food security. As travel between Anyport and New Kildora becomes more and more common, the Group of Seventeen makes arrangements to import the sorcerers' fabled metallic crops, adding much-needed nutritional variety to the average Castaway's diet.

Non-Actions

• Support Caipe Ushere's buyout of TP 62.3
• Resist and hinder all unsupported buyouts
• Allow WTU inspection
  The Group of Seventeen is happy to open its doors to the Workers' and Trader's Union. Inspectors will find that workplace regulations among the Castaways are haphazard at best, nonexistent at worst, and outside of Marge's collective iron grip on the Logistics and Rationing Group there's very little standardization. Despite this, the prognosis is surprisingly good: the hierarchical power structures and economic incentives that would allow workers to be exploited are largely absent. The modern Castaways make heavy use of automation and remote-operated machinery to spare themselves the most grueling and dangerous parts of mining and manufacturing - not everything can be done by robots, of course, but it's surprising how far you can get with Todd and a few modified freight waldos.
• Subscribe to Snake News Network
  Once little more than a distant rumor, Kildoran merchants, mystics, and travelers have become a common sight in Anyport over the last few years. Snake News Network finds a willing audience among the Castaways, especially those who feel that the Basu-Rahman Group's local programmes are subpar and out-of-touch.
• Invite a research team from the Iron Masquerade to examine the Loop
  Upon being forwarded a message from Narsai, the Group of Seventeen finds itself split. on the one hand, the Iron Monarch is an amoral, manipulative tyrant that feeds on human souls, including children. On the other hand, he (it?) is the first person of political significance to take an interest in the Loop. Of course he's motivated more by scientific curiosity and political concerns than by compassion, but so what? The ten thousand people trapped in the Loop aren't going to be freed by heartfelt good wishes. After several hours of heated discussion, they vote to accept the Iron Monarch's offer. None of the Loop-born are experts in magic, despite Todd 35348's correspondence on the subject, and they express hopes that a fresh set of eyes investigating from a different angle will prove fruitful.

News and Rumors

•  

Additional Notes

Treasure: 3/5
Spent this round: 2
Passive Treasure Income: 1/round

Military Units: 4/6

• Anyport Home Defense Militia, led by Cdr. Rhonda 28417 (ground)
• Orid-clan mercenaries, led by Amun Orid
• Sakar-clan mercenaries, led by Keti Sakar
   
• Drone flagship Memory, helmed by Cpt. Tina 21135 (space)

Organizations

• EMP: Reputation 0, 0 favors
• WTU: Reputation 1, -1 favors
• BRG: Reputation 0, 0 favors

Renown 1

 

Edited March 10 by The Snark (see edit history)

[DnD_fan]

Arvaxine Populate - Round 3

(1 Region Controlled: 54)

Bookkeeping:
Trading Posts Controlled by AVP: 2 (deuterium, deuterium)
Regions of Majority Belief in The Way of Returning: 1
Ground Units: 4
Space Units: 2

List of Techs: WNShips, ACPsych, IVMod, AI, ArcAmp, Fusion, XLCatalogue

Leader: Edrajek, President

Stats:
DIP 2
MIL 6
ECO 3
FAI 2
INT 4

Actions:
Invade Region 55 - Led By Edrajek, 4 Ground Units, 2 Space Units, 1 Treasure, Aid Sought (Success) - MIL

Seek Aid on Invasion R55 - TN 10 - Result 13

Seek Aid

Raise Unit (Ground)

Raise Unit (Space)

Raise Unit (Space)

Non-Action:

Support Erisdor's Buyout of Deuterium TP3 in R54

Edited March 6 by DnD_fan (see edit history)

[Tentreto]

The Counts of Mirage

 57 in Veehra
Mirage Julia Sahara
Diplomacy: 3
Military: 6
Economy: 8
Faith:2
Intrigue: 2

Actions:

1:[Economy] Buyout Region 70 TP 1 Corvee Labourers

In the great tunnels around Galvin Station, plans for a great project are beginning to be drawn up. To fulfil them will require massive amounts of work, therefore, Earls are asked to secure what labour they can that is willing to travel.

2: [Economy] Buyout Region 53 TP 1 Sorcerous Swords

Meanwhile, a seperate group, very confused as to why they could not find their circuitry, decides that bring back swords to the Mirage sounds cool

3: [Economy] Hoard Treasure

 

4: [Economy]  Expedition region 61

The previous expedition failed to truly penetrate far into the dust storms. This time, the group are fare more prepared

5: [Diplomacy] Attend Second Hexenniel Conference for the Liberation of Knowledge and Fostering of Growth in Sansar

-Pay 1 treasure tax to EMP

-Lurk in the corner

-Receive 1 treasure from UHS for future support in buying out 57 TP3 (with dissuading others)

Non-Actions:

Resist all Buyouts

Agree to Hazardous Conditions Inspection:

With the rumours that the WTU are beginning to rally a cause for workplace inspections, the Mirage decides to open up the mines to them to view how much the many miners earn, and are treated, which is to a surprising standard. For those wandering on the surface, there is a a slight pause in the conversation.

Bookkeeping

Military

Units (cap 6): 3 Land, 1 Space
 

Gralvin Station: Fortress in 57

Economic

Treasure: 1/5 (3 in debt)

Trade Posts Owned:
57 TP1: Tungeston

57 TP2: Tungeston

55 TP1: Mzarite Crystals

68 TP2 Polymorphite

 

Technology

 

Xenolinguistic catalogue
Dust hardening

Wet Navy Ships

Nuclear Fusion

Arcane Amplification

Algorithmic Imagination

In Vivo Modification

Aclaustrophobic Psychiatry

 

Edited March 8 by Tentreto (see edit history)

[Lleban]

The Federation of Badalian Chaebols(FBC)
 

Dr. Song Freidman

Diplomacy 2
Military 2
Economy 8 (+2)
Faith 3
Intrigue 6

 

Economy: Horde Treasure
Economy: buyout tp2 of R82 (use artifact)-Zoning land for food production has become increasingly uncompetitive in the inflated retail market. Perhaps investment into the space-efficient algae market could alleviate this issue before a crisis happens.
Intrigue: SECRET
Economy: buyout tp2 of R7-  Some would call my understanding of economics, mercantilist a best. Others would criticize this investment in flying camels as "fiscally irresponsible while homelessness is up 35%." Well, I say bah to them, as long as there's a factory to work the unhoused will at least have the roof of employment over their heads. Can't be on the street if you work your full Badalian work year. Of course, these rapscallions have the freedom to say what they wish. We just have the freedom to flood the waves with flying camel tours, tender A5 Wagyu Camel steak influencers, and at least three new sports betting apps about camel racing. Don't you see camels combine bread and circuses into a simple convenient package. I give it three years and these quadrapeds will be beloved by all. - Dr. Song Friedman, leaked audio from an investor meeting

Economy: buyout tp2 of R8- The Property rights of this Aerostat must be protected at all costs. In the wake of the extraplanetary invasion, the FBC has taken measures to bail out the petite bourgeoisie. These vital job creators are necessary to any working society and with enough investment, they'll be able to rebuild. A natural consequence of all this free money is that the Chaebols take a controlling share of the local Atmospheric Scrubbers

Non Actions

Accept Trade route from The Most Sacred House of Brimstone

Mythohistorical Gathering

Uncounted centuries ago the four great families received a writ from the emperor in recognition of their great deeds. Stories differ on how exactly the great families each earned this writ. Some believe that it was in recognition of gifts given during the emperor's coronation. Gifts of incense, gold, and myr. Others say the great families each fed the heir apparent wandering through the countryside. Thematically the writ of commerance is supposed to represent a reciprocation of generosity. A parable about hospitality and ultimately one that enforces a respect for property rights on children.

Bookkeeping:
Trading Posts: 5 (+2)
Regions of Majority Belief in PYSCO CAPITALISM: 1
Ground Units: 2
Space Units: 1
Treasure: 0 (+2)

Artifacts: (1 Gear Dragon wings)

Edited March 10 by Lleban (see edit history)

[GrimRanger]

The United Houses of Senkar (UHS)
Located in: Regions 16 and 13 (Badal)
Faith: The Forever Self
Turn 3

Lord Ziven Alegre, Speaker of the Houses
Diplomacy: 3
Military: 5
Economy: 7
Faith: 4
Intrigue: 3

 

Actions:

1. Diplomacy: Attent event: the Second Hexenniel Conference for the Liberation of Knowledge and Fostering of Growth in Sansar

Event sub-actions

- Pay the elect tax of 1 treasure to EMP

- Form non-aggression pact with ARK... with caveats (should Arkhive's clients have them do something against UHS' direct interest (trying to get their TP's, supports or contesting same thing as they are about to), UHS has the right to file a complaint for arbitration... and should the arbitration not be successful, UHS has the right to end the non-aggression pact)

- Accept Wet Navy Ships from ARK

- Pay MIR 1 treasure in exchange for them supporting UHS buyout of TP 3 of region 57 as well as opposing buyout of anyone else targeting TP 3 of region 57.

 

2. Diplomacy: Contribute an action to Mytho-Historical Data Gathering

- Just as the imperial academics begin to prepare for the successes brought about by their studies (and the jockeying for power that follows), several noblemen near Senkar's high court make sure to make certain inroads with the likely winners of academic grants. It is an ample time to curry favor with the court that stands above them all, and only a fool would not make use of the opportunity.

 

3. Military: Military 5 special - Raise a Fortress, Mirror Towers, in Region 16

- With the culture and living arrangements of his city strengthened by the Forums, the Lord of High Court turns his eyes towards defense. The news of civil wars and rampant piracy have not exactly eased his concerns towards other aerostats nor the other worlds of the system, resulting in the construction of Mirror Towers. A network of needle-like structures floating at fixed distance from Senkar itself, forming network of glittering forcefields to keep out any unauthorized intruders.

 

4. Diplomacy: Raise Reputation with BRG from 0 to 1 (Using 1 treasure)(Roll: 11. Success!)

- The Basu-Rahman Group is a powerful force, and one that it is best to stay in the good graces of. While they could continue the search of perfection without much publicity (or even with considerable negative publicity), the opportunity to spread the wonders of their faith drives the follows of Forever Self to make inroads with the megacorporation. Of course, corporate maneuvering requires certain finesse... but the proponents of the philosophy have come prepared with considerable bribes directed towards the right corporate sharks.

 

5. Diplomacy: Full-Spectrum Media Packages - Gift media support of Region 16 to BRG for 2 treasure and 1 BRG reputation

- The media networks of Senkar have been somewhat lacking for a while, with only the influence of High Court being the literal law of the city keeping Basu-Rahman away. With the market opened to them, the conclusion of brief corporate scuffle is all too obvious, and soon the megacorporation dominates the news cycles.

 

Non-actions:
Permanent: Support conversion of any owned regions to The Forever Self. Contest all other faiths. Contest all unsupported buyouts.

 

A) Support buyouts of UNC and BRB in Region 16

- The wheels of commerce must continue turning, and the fortress-laboratories of Senkar offer ample workforce of trained professionals eager to prove their work. The High Court gladly gives them direction towards select allies in need of their skills, in return for past and future concessions.

B) Delay WTU inspection

- As WTU makes their "request", many of the Low Courts of Senkar express their incredulity at the idea. Who are these strangers, mere workmen, who'd determine the conditions in Senkar? What accomplishments of science or contributions to society can they claim to put themselves onto such a lofty position? Senkar isn't some backwater being inspected for the plague, it is the City of Wonders! As such, many of the Houses of Senkar demand the WTU inspectors to present merit of some sort that'd show them to be individuals worthy of judging in their city.

C) Raise a heir - Arann Alegre

- With the social elite of Senkar beginning to slowly peer out of their gilded city into the world and system beyond their borders, the heiress of Lord Ziven also begins to show herself more at the formal functions. Much more passionate speaker than her smooth and cold father, she is supposed to be bit of a schemer... although many don't see her as much of a threat, chalking her occasional plotting as youthful excitement (the consequences of which her father tends to keep her safe from).

D) Ask BRG to build spy network for 1 favor (Updates Down To The Minute)

- While the megacorporation is clearly interested in driving their own agenda on Senkar, the Courts find the solution of being updated by their agents agreeable: ambition is not a sin, and it is better to know than not know. Isolation can only get any of them so far, and as such the possible risks of being indebted to the Basu-Rahman are seen as acceptable.

News and rumors

- Basu-Rahman Group finds its way into the City of Wonders! After outreach from both the High Court and the adherents of Forever Self, the United Houses have established friendly rapport with the megacorporation, and the system-wide broadcasts soon enrich the lives of citizens all around!
- With the output of laboratory-complexes secured and the institutes of Senkar training more doctors and scientists than ever before, the Senkar Medicae have begun to reach out to the rest of the system in more organized manner, first inklings of organized health services for payment beginning to crop up across Badal.

- Although more open to foreign influences, the city's brass and alabaster splendor has become ever more controlled as guard towers and centralized institutions raise, causing some concern with the less wealthy and more free-spirited residents of City of Wonders.

Leader stats for next round:

Diplomacy: 3+2
Military: 5
Economy: 7
Faith: 4
Intrigue: 3

Edited March 10 by GrimRanger (see edit history)

[EmBark]

The Llort Society Protectorate

Round 3, Standard Years 2040-2042 of the 99,803rd Era of the Imperial Calendar

 

Capital: Al-Miraiya (region 88)

 

Society Consul Hanyeo

(llort, they/them)

Diplomacy: 7

Military: 4

Economy: 6

Faith: 5

Intrigue: 4

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

(Heir: Dip 4+1, Mil 1+1, Econ 3+1, Faith 4+1, Intr 3+1)

 

Actions:

1. [Economy] - Send an Expedition to Region 61 [16, I forgot the -1 orbit and -1 desert penalty... but it's a Success!]
   • Hecaton Karcheras Katos leads an expedition into the Dust Deserts of Veehra to assist those of mutual interest with knowledge of what lies within.
2. [Economy] - Send an Expedition to Region 108 [9, Failure]
   • Some flunky gets sent to get a ring or something. What was their name again? Not something notable for the history books, to be sure.
3. [Faith] - Convert Region 79, Kish [14, Success!]
   • Supported by the Most Sacred House of Brimstone, increasing the minority Imperial Cult to a plurality.
4. [Diplomacy] - Raise Reputation - Imperial Court 0 -> 1 (TN 10) [15, Success!]
   • Schmoozing with the local High Lady.
5. [Diplomacy] - Send a Diplomatic Mission to region 22 [13, Success!]
   • On behalf of others via the Llort Society Protectorate Guarantee of Exploration and Surveillance, the llort go forth!
   • -1 penalty from going to Sansar (only -1 due to Embassy with the Arkhive)
   • +1 from Decree

 

Non-Actions:

• Let the WTU inspections in. The Llort Society cooperates fully with the WTU inspections. They receive a hospitable welcome with drinks, food and accommodations taken care of. Any WTU inspectors incapable of flight are accompanied by a llort flight ace to assist in any needed locomotion in the low-gravity locations of the factories on Al-Miraiya.

• Subscribe to Snake News!

• Resist & Hinder any Conversions that would reduce the Imperial Cult to less than a Majority in Region 88 (-2); otherwise, neither assist, hinder, nor resist conversions introducing additional minorities (+0).

• Accept Wet Navy Ships technology from the Arkhive.

• Donations to the Arkhive (through our Embassy)

Donations to the Arkhive

Donate a cultural work to the Arkhive and the Imperial Court: On The Nature of Games: A Game Theory Treatise And Cultural Exploration. This work examines the variety of different games the people of Tekhum play and how they relate to one another and have changed over the years. The section is particularly focused on Mekhala, with Al-Miraiya in particular. It is clear their knowledge was lacking with regard to the deserts of Veehra, many places on Sansar, and Badal almost entirely. There is a particular focus on three games: Sutob, Go, and Ranayik.

Sutob is a game involving running or flying across a designated area in teams of 3 to 15, trying to tag others and claim them for your team, after which they form a chain to try and take down others.

Donate a historical work to the Arkhive and the Imperial Court: Geographic Notes of the Now and Herebefore. This work examines the features of Mekhala and how they fit together in a grand hypothesis of the belt once having been one and a "true" planet.

Donate a philosophical work to the Arkhive and the Imperial Court: Thoughts Regarding Nudity. This work examines cultural differences in clothing and style and why some species prefer to go without, the origin of clothing and how species that didn't invent it for themselves ended up adopting it.

Llort Society member Karal Sayagan (human/llort, pronouns), who brings these works to the Arkhive, joins the Arkhive. Their noteworthy accomplishments include the creation of the most recent complete mapping of the known stars and writing Geographic Notes of the Now and Herebefore.

1 Treasure.

• Support Trade Post buyout by the Dwarven Mining Conglomerate, resist all buyouts of Trade Post 1

 

 

The Llort Society Protectorate

Guarantee of Regional Exploration and Surveillance

 

The Llort Society Protectorate, hereafter named the Society, promises the Elects that are offered this agreement to explore 1-3 regions of the Empire (as specified per individual signatory) in name of that Elect, with regions to be detailed by their Imperial number or to be kept vague as per the wishes of the individual signatories in case of uncertainty of opportunity to take a region prior to its successful surveillance.

 

In return the signatories shall allow the Society to take and hold in perpetuity one (1) singular Trade Post in each region they so explore and to allow the Imperial Cult to be spread within those regions, with a minimum of a minority and a maximum of a majority.

 

(Any members of the Elect interested in this agreement may contact the Llort Society Protectorate to sign it and gain the benefits of their Expeditions in future rounds.)

 

---

Llort Society Protectorate Record Keeping

Treasure: 3/5 (start of round), -1 (???), -1 (???), -1 (???). Final treasure: ???/5.

Trade Posts: 1

• Crystal Weave TP 1 (Region 88)
  • Fabrics and Textile Products
  • Conductors and Circuitry
• Unrefined Metallic Ores (Region 89)
  • Ores and Alloys

Technologies: Aclaustrophobic Psychiatry, Algorithmic Imagination, Arcane Amplification, In Vivo Modification, Nuclear Fusion, Xenolinguistic Cataloguing...

• Badalian Megadirigibles: Within the safety of a megadirigible, acid clouds that would otherwise be corrosive menaces become beautiful features of the skyscape.
• Vacuum Adaptation: Allows transport of ground units between zero-g regions in the same orbit without space units.

Unit Count: 2/6

• Land Units
  • Emperor's Left Palm, lead by hecaton Karcheros Katos
• Space Units
  • TSS Eliyot, lead by hecaton Furiza Debezed

Military Technologies

Ground Front:

• Man-Portable Weapons: N/A
• Infantry Equipment: N/A
• Combat Drugs and Medicine: N/A
• Armored Vehicles: N/A
• Field Fortifications: N/A
• Engineered Combat Organisms: N/A

Space Front:

• Detection and Rangefinding: N/A
• Ship to Ship Weapons: N/A
• Orbit to Ground Weapons: N/A
• Crew and Maintenance: N/A
• Armor and Shields: N/A
• Spacecraft Propulsion: N/A

Both Fronts:

• Electronic Warfare and Countermeasures: N/A
• Special Forces: N/A
• Logistics and Morale: N/A

Llort & Society list of relevant characters

Furiza Debezed, llort (she/her), born ????. Military woman who captains the TSS (Their Spaciousness' Ship) Eliyot. Snow white skin, purple eyes and white horns, potentially a rare example of albinism according to some human scientists. She doesn't let them investigate.

Hanyeo, consul (llort, they/them), born 2000. Current ruler of the Protectorate.

Karcheras Katos, hecaton (llort, he/him), born 1999. Expedition leader (region 99) and military man who attended the Mekhala Mad Dash. Lime green skin, golden eyes, curved black horns. Stern, but loosens up among any allied or friendly soldiers. Loves a drink.

Tiyansi, princess (llort, she/her), born 2020. Cool and collected, but likes to show off. Deep dark red skin, silver eyes and glow, multiple rows of small curved black horns.

Yessikruz Donce, ambassador (llort, she/her), born 2009. Diplomat who attended the coronation of Duke Esarhaddon III and the Mekhala Mad Dash. Dark red skin, rows of small horns, wears an eyepatch. She has a fine taste. Her preferred drink is Liquid Gold.

 

Edited March 10 by EmBark
subscribe to Snake News! (see edit history)