View Single Post

Thread: [Empire 5] IC Thread

  1. - Top - End - #124
    Ogre in the Playground
     
    Gengy's Avatar

    Join Date
    Aug 2005
    Gender
    Male

    Default Re: [Empire 5] IC Thread

    Round Four... Loading...
    The below happens between Galactic Dates 217504.0.0.81 - 217506.0.0.80
    Don’t forget to link to any rolls you make for ANY Attribute checks, plus rolls for rulers you will start using at the start of next round. If you want a new ruler in the next round, you must state so in your action post for this round and link to their rolls. Any increases from actions for this round are counted for the ruler you start your next round with (because it’s handier to account for by the co-GM), which may or may not be your current ruler.
    Good luck!
    Rules Alerts and Changes!
    • Using an [Intrigue] Secret Action counts for increasing the [Intrigue] stat during the round that it is used. Should the action involve a roll, Intrigue is used instead of the stat involved, with one exception: special actions. There are a few special actions that can be done secretly, and when they are, those will always use their associated stat. All other, non-special actions will use Intrigue when rolling a Secret Action. Technologies may be used to alter this ruling to suit a player’s desires, with GM Approval.
    • While using a Favor from an Organization to increase the reputation with that Org is a non-action, only one such non-action reputation increase can be done per turn. A player may attempt to roll to increase reputation with an Org, and then expend a favor to increase reputation (for a potential Rep Boost of +2) in the same round. A player must already have the Favor to use it, and cannot increase reputation by going into ‘favor-debt’.
    • An Ideology that no longer has LCs, if created by a player, has (2) turns from the round opener of it’s last lost LC to obtain a new LC. The attempt to convert an LC must come from a player who’s State Ideology is the “lost” Ideology, and they can only convert a region they own. Failure to do so in either (2) rounds will result in the Ideology being removed from the game at that time… and whatever the current Ideology is in the player’s capital becomes their new State Ideology, though the region enters Unrest. Unrest may be avoided if a [Philosophy] action is taken to accept a new State Ideology, rather then attempt to convert a region.
    • Time until Resource Requirements will be reviewed by the GM Team:
      1 Round

      At the start of round 5, the GM Team will review the Resources available. Effort to acquire the required resources will be taken into account for the ‘severity’ of determination of levels of unrest or other unique events from not having the required resources.


    Growth!

    Two hive-minded powers, one of land and one of sea, and neighbors besides it was only natural the Mier Formica and Melfynians, All would seek closer ties. The establishment of formal diplomatic relations would doubtless foster greater cooperation between the two stellar powers as time went on. (MFM establishes an Embassy with MYA!)

    While the Kombuch appeared slightly more peaceable, if their mode of symbiosis may have disturbed those like the Lyraens, than the Geleans their galactic proximity necessitated some form of official correspondence between their people. Ground for a formal embassy is broken within a prominent Gelean arcology and a restored portion of the Kombuch’s home sphere provisioned with life support systems fitting the human delegation from the Geleans. (KBC establishes an Embassy with GLR!)

    The Uplift Chorus connects further through the Rocthurhi as the Tezh add an embassy to the bustling Thylla system already populated by permanent SPR and Droccen ambassadorial stations. Unity appeared to not merely be sloganeering but legitimate strategy among the followers of the One. (TZH establishes an Embassy with RTH!)

    The authority of the Ninurtine Emperor has historically been absolute, but in practice leaving things to the Council of State makes things both more simple and efficient. By maintaining a strong feudal hierarchy and ensuring that each world has a say in who they bow to, rebellion has over time become less and less common. Today, it is all but unheard of. (NUT introduces “Ninurtine Conversations” CI, which increases their die size when rolling Stabilizations!)

    While the Rocthurhi were demonstrably an open and diplomatic people they were not without their own forms of security. Rules and laws are instituted to restrict religious and philosophical gatherings in size with the most generous rules favoring the current state ideology over outside influences. This societal alignment with preserving existing order would serve to keep the Rocthurhi from falling to outside ideological whims. (RTH introduces Requires Verification CI 2d8 to Resist Conversions!)

    The Symbraum were an intelligent race, frighteningly so it seemed to some, but their intellects were hungry and never satiated. Where many others might have sought to crush or destroy a horde of undead rising up from dead desert worlds the UPT pushed to understand and master the arcane power which animated these mummified remains of alien species eventually gaining an understanding of this magic and thus a place as masters of this twisted sector of the void. (UPT successfully Presses Claim on E5. 1/1 success. UPT now has control of region E5. UPT gains one unit!)

    Software systems are linked and optimized between Duenem OS and the more rudimentary but no less effective OS of the large thinking machines nearby. As the Duenem share their accumulated knowledge and acquire that collected by their fellow AI the two civilizations grow closer though remain not yet fully integrated. (DNM Presses Claim on V22. 1/2 successes.)

    Under the unifying ideology of the One and with the support of their comrades the Rocthurhi the Stellar People’s Republic extends itself diplomatically to its neighbors offering them a chance to join the glorious revolution under a carefully guiding hand. Negotiations were still ongoing with the local populace but they did appear amenable to cooperation with their more advanced stellar neighbor. (SPR successfully Presses Claim on S9. 1/2 successes.)

    Taking advantage of their newfound friendship with a vicious faction of crabs the Syndrome slowly accumulate respect and power among this faction’s leadership owing to their provision of guns and medical supplies. The Syndrome’s expertise in fields biological is put to good use as the crabmen are unafraid to deploy carefully designed plague warfare against their intercontinental enemies allowing them to sweep in and capture afflicted cities. In only a couple years the once small indistinguishable faction of crabmen chosen by the Syndrome for sponsorship have grown to occupy half of their homeworld facing now a ramshackle coalition of the remaining factions who seem doomed to fall before the scions of Syndrome might. (SYN successfully Presses Claim on R22. 1/2 successes.)

    Having married into the agrarian society of Drocc-kin native to the populated world in this sector the Droccen Imperium has begun to press on integrating the legal governance of the neighboring regions of space. Negotiations are slow going but they are progressing as the natives recognize the dangers independence could bring in a world filled with so many varied peoples and outlooks. (DCC successfully Presses Claim on F18. 1/2 successes.)

    Forced to lean on the Sisterhood for support Droccen representatives in this Core border region espouse their government’s commitment to a safe and prosperous galaxy preserved through the careful vigilance of intelligent people regarding the Core. Given news of Gelean assaults and Rothuun threats the much more peaceful approach of the Droccen is a welcome change. While negotiation was still necessary to integrate the sector the locals seemed much happier to negotiate than to be conquered. (DCC successfully Presses Claim on H18 with SoS support. 1/2 successes.)

    The Navigators were more than willing to reenter an arrangement with the new Tal-Amanyn government, provided they met some concessions… Negotiations over what those concessions would and could entail takes up more than a year but at last negotiations do begin to proceed towards a real tangible arrangement between the two populations. (CBS successfully Presses Claim on H10. 1/2 successes.)

    The clever plans laid by the Gelean Republic proceed rather well, with their own subtly technician entering the competition to help some of the more extreme subfactions gain power on behalf of the Republic. Their efforts are successful in upsetting the internal balance, but at the cost of being discovered at some point as a more to push to Gelean power. Regardless, with further funding and attention, Gelean killbot production could outpace that of the other groups and result in them coming out on top. (GLR successfully Creates a Claim on L8. This Claim lasts as long as Admiral Elizabeth remains leader.)

    While the Floobers were more aggressive than a cursory assessment might suggest they were not unreasonable. The arrival of the Vilari represented an advancement in galactic technology unknown but potentially of interest to the morphic intelligences. The willingness of the Sodality to discuss these matters and exchange information was well received among Floober leadership and the process was begun to see to the integration of the sector with the great galactic community under Vilari protection and guidance. (VLS successfully Creates a Claim on R6. This Claim lasts as long as Speaker Ren-Kulto is the leader.)

    Between the heavy nightmares that haunt D22 and the lack of military strength, the Ndoda have little challenge asserting themselves as the most capable leadership in the area. The people here aren’t terribly opposed to integration, with their own governments so scattered and incapable. It seems that they even hope - more than just a little bit - that this advanced space faring nation can help them get to the bottom of the nightmares that define life on their world. The question remains - will the Ndoda themselves be able to resist the same terrors that plague the natives? (NDA successfully creates a claim in D22. This Claim lasts as long as Umkhonto Ukiphosa Elunxwemeni remains leader.)

    Kombuch colonies have begun to pop up in remote parts of the Lyraen inhabited sector nearby to the mushrooms’ home Dyson sphere. The poor and desperate as well as the curious and daring make sojourns to these new fungal colonies seeking to exchange their individual existences for the opportunity to serve and become something greater than themselves. The interstellar Kombuch fascinate, and horrify many, but their spreading influence on the planet could not be denied and forced planetary leadership to the negotiation table. (KBC successfully creates a claim in J8. This Claim lasts as long as Communicator Bulbous Jellydisc remains leader.)

    The Celenians were undeniably conquerors, but they at least brought cheap gifts and entertainment with their tyranny and for the long isolated Ordivicians that counted for a lot. Older smiths on the planet continue to grumble about their new lot in the universe but the vast majority of younger natives appear content, even hopeful, about what the future will bring now that they were part of a powerful stellar force like the Republic. (CEL successfully stabilizes Q25. Q25 is Stable.)

    Supplies and civilian support are provisioned to the “quarantine” zone set up by UPT invasion of this region of nearby space bringing stability to the newly annexed region of. (UPT successfully stabilizes F6. F6 is Stable.)

    The Geleans had made a splash in the region once containing Ascendant Aurora, of that there was no doubt, and the continued presence of followers of the One meant acceptance of Geleans as good or kind was still a long way off but they could be recognized still as an effective government even if they were regarded warily for their willingness to blow things up. Supplies reach their destinations, schools are well funded, and peace was thoroughly enforced on the streets. It would likely take longer to earn the love of the local population but at least for now the Geleans had their respect. (GLR successfully stabilizes L10. L10 is Stable)

    The war with the trees ends with an armistice and formal recognition of the locals rights to fill their home air with whatever form of vulgar pollen they choose. The trees seem nonplussed by this arrangement and the Kombuch begin importing materials and colonies from their home sector settling this frontier under their secure dominion. (KBC successfully stabilizes H6. H6 is Stable)

    The Eternal Assembly impresses upon the recently annexed locals what a foolish thought denying their right to rule over them would be. Accompanied by the tender hand of velvet rule there doesn’t appear to be much cause for rebellion under this new administration. While the Alysians may have conquered the area through no uncertain terms it appeared beyond demands for the recognition of Alysian sovereignty here their desires for involvement in day to day life was more or less nonexistent. (EAA successfully stabilizes K23. K23 is Stable)

    Mier Formica colonizes swarm into this largely unoccupied region of space building orbital and oceanic colony bases from which they grow and spread out through the sector. Shipping routes are widened or added to include this new area of Formican space and quickly the history of military occupation fades away in light of this new civilian inhabitation. (MFM successfully stabilizes D14. D14 is Stable)

    Hoping to ingratiate themselves with the Sisterhood the Melfynians send ambassadors to offer support to the monastic order during this trying time for them. While certainly not much needed ships the Melfynian words and pledges do mean something to the beleaguered Sisterhood and note is made of the Melfynians in official records. (MYA successfully increases reputation with the SoS from 0 to 1)

    While neither taking advantage of nor paying attention to the work offered and done by the Couriers the Harmony seeks to grow their relations with the Cosmic Couriers given their nearby Relay. The inclusive Harmony soon grows closer with the Couriers who politely resend their previous discoveries in galactic sector D22 from the previous years when they spot Harmony vessels seeking the scout the sector. (HMY successfully increases reputation with the CmC from 0 to 1)

    A polite greeting coupled with a welcoming gift can go a long way in an age of ruthless expansion across the stars. The advanced relays that the CmC possess seem to be in close communion, and before long the space whales so kindly donated by the republic are seen across the galaxy as a demonstration of the sheer scale of things that can be moved for the right price. Naturally, they are happy to inform people where and how they got these whales, generally satisfied with their first encounter with the Geleans. (GLR successfully increases reputation with the CmC from 0 to 1)

    Communicator Jellydisc carefully begins to navigate the political situation that exists between the leadership and workers in region I9. The leaders are organic beings who evolved on their own, and have reached a point where they now have created synthetic AI robot workers whom have achieved independent intelligence. In a careful dance between both factions, the Kombuch Communicator manages to make promises that satisfy both sides… for now. Failure to meet those promises soon will result in more than just the Kombuch being unwelcome, but likely also war between the two factions.
    (KBC successfully navigates the complicated political atmosphere of i9 to reach what may be a third alternative to their previous CHOICE. KBC must use both an Economy action this round to replace the Synthetic robots with “dumb” robots (and) an Economy action roll this round to transport the Synthetics to H6 safely and successfully, TN 12. Failure to take both actions this round will result in increased hostilities from region I9. Failing the roll results in no rewards from the Synthetics. Successful completion of these two actions, even with a failed roll for the second one, will provide a free Claim on region I9, in recognition of finding a peaceful resolution to a tense situation.)

    The mysteries of SPACE KING Jacques Delon are finally revealed in his massively popular autobiography I DIDN’T WRITE THIS BUT THE MAIN CHARACTER IS AMAZING. The new capital of the Knights Vacio, region Q11, seems to have a massively mechanized planetoid as it’s primary place of power, in addition to it’s lush planets that orbit a blue sun. The planetoid, according to SPACE KING’s book, was built by some unknown Ancient race, and the local humans in the region had been using it as a prison reception area. SPACE KING Delon managed to stumble into discern it’s mysteries after someone forgot to lock him in his cell and went from a regular Squire to an incredibly buff and powerful individual, who quickly subjugated convinced the locals that his way was the correct way. By FLEXING his BRAIN MUSCLES he was then able to convince the rest of the squires of the Knights Vacio to join him, and became SPACE KING. The end. SPACE KING rated the book a 9 out of 10 FLEXES, with one point deducted from perfection because there were not enough pictures of himself in it. (KNV successfully moves their capital to Q11, which has 0 units, follows the Chivalric Codes, and has Pink Wood [Good]. Hollow (R12) is in Unrest. SPACE KING is a normal humanoid again, but keeps his mighty muscles. Lucky us?)

    Trade!

    Reaching out the long arm of the market the Guild Empire of Nyx funnels funding into the disputed sorcerer territory nearby to the overflowing Kryptid Civil War. Additional sorcerers are recruited and trained amidst the conflict with the invading Kryptid faction and a portion of these new sorcerers sign contracts with Nyx to come and serve the mercantile power opposite the Core after their homeworld tours of duty were complete. (GEN increases quantity of M23 Sorcerers from [Minor] to [Good] gaining control of TP2!)

    Capitalizing on their recent introduction to the native Floobers the Vilari successfully negotiate a trade arrangement with the bloblike natives exchanging simple Vilari technologies for the tellurim waste produced by the natives. (VLS successfully Buys [Tellurim] R6 TP1.)

    The Sublime Republic cautiously sends researchers and acquisition teams to gain control over a portion of the crystalized planet nearby to their capital system. The unusual means by which the inhabitants were crystallized would surely keep SPR scientists busy for decades to come. (SPR successfully Buys [Crystal Skulls] T6 TP2.)

    Completing a trade deal with their galactic neighbors the Kron secure importation of the Ndoda’s unique Entabeni Cloth satisfying demands for comfort even if many within the King-General’s army would have preferred booze to blankets. (KRO successfully Buys [Entabeni Cloth] NDA E21 TP2.)

    The Guild-Empire of Nyx stirs from its isolation reaching economic tendrils out across the nearby sectors of space to acquire a significant stake in the Kill Bots created by the nearby sublight ‘empire’ and the unique Angel Wings traded on the black hole orbitor discovered by the Geleans. Stockpiles of these resources soon fill Nyxian vaults. (GEN successfully Buys [Kill Bots] L8 TP1 & TP2)
    (GEN successfully Buys [Angel Wings] K7 TP1)

    Although separated by thousands of lightyears the Lyraens native to the sector outside Kombuch space are introduced to their Lyraen brothers and sisters during the Lyraen Conference back in Lyrae’s home system and come to be infatuated with their long lost cousins who enjoy the direct gracing light of Lyrae. A local powder lord takes it upon himself to make a grand gesture to his distant relatives arranging for the dispatching of cargo probes packed full of marching powder to be sent as a sign of goodwill and camaraderie to the Lyraens. (LYR gains J8 Cyreilean Marching Powder TP 2!)

    While negotiations between the Luminary Proxos, sector natives, Etherites, Alysians and the Lyraens were conducted elsewhere in the region Alysian mercantile interests met privately with the spellbenders of the region to negotiate a contract for Alysian importation of their magi-craft. Negotiations here are far less contentious than those involving so many and imports of wands are soon regularly received on Alysian star bases. (EAA successfully Buys [Twisted Wands] J26 TP2)

    Ndoda purchasers journey to the neighboring region containing the Courier Relay and offer to exchange trade goods for shipments of the unusual medicine produced by the nightly haunted inhabitants of this region. Curious not only about the Ndoda reaction biochemically it was hoped perhaps the pills could help accelerate other medical understanding.
    (NDA successfully buys [Dream Eating pills] D22 TP2)

    The Duenem were an industrious and generous race but their calculated deals made sure to benefit the synthetic collective ultimately. Negotiations long ongoing eventually materialize the shipment of the Smokers’ Subspace Camels into Duenem space for utilization and study. (DNM successfully buys [Subspace Camels] W23 TP1)

    The Commonwealth of Zera was a wealthy power and it flexed that wealth effectively buying out stakes in nearby Vanadium mines and refineries as well as acquiring for the mass shipment of Pocket Factories which quickly prove popular among Zera citizens. More than a few individual fortunes are made as importation of these valuable resources becomes a new standard expected by the population. (CWZ successfully buys [Pocket Factories] E25 TP2)
    (CWZ successfully buys [Vanadium] F28 TP1)

    Ideology!

    The psychic web grows wider as the Kamasati reach out and are welcomed with jubilant reception by the Unified Public Trust. Teachings of the ideology espoused by the High Dreamer spread like wildfire throughout the interconnected Symbraum species reaching the most senior levels in mere months and being proclaimed officially endorsed shortly thereafter. (KSP successfully converts UPT Capital, E7, to Kamasati! UPT declares Kamasati their State Ideology!)

    As their champion moves to bring this neighboring region under political dominion of the Kamsati godly dreamers come bearing ideological dominion to be shared among the intelligent races of the sector turning them towards the revelation of their own divinity. (KSP successfully converts region M5 to Kamasati)

    OwO wuvs spweading the knowwedge of itself among the staws! A Grymlan probe loaded down with malware a sample of OwO’s consciousness shoots out from Grymlan space on a course that takes it piercing quickly through the Core and out the other side where it was expected and received by Melfynians, All on their homeworld. Melfynian systems are loaded down with the new information in short order granting OwO a base of operations on the opposite side of the galaxy from its origin point among the Combine. (P5 used; OwO successfully converts MYA Capital, F14, to OwO)

    Messages from the Sanctum suddenly stop! No one can contact them at all! After two galactic years, the OMS finally notifies everyone who attempts to query their home system that the Sanctum as a whole has collapsed. While information is sparse, and details are few, eventually someone from region T16 claims to be a refugee from Sanctum and explains via OMS that Sanctum’s less developed races somehow managed to get a hold of advanced technology and rose up to overwhelm the previously superior Sanctum. The refugee explains that the newly advanced rebels are now bickering amongst themselves for whom is the new governing body of the region, and Sanctum is no longer a stable place to live. Many other refugees left, heading towards the Federated Church of Origin’s End. Some do eventually make it there, but others seem to have settled in other regions, and are spreading the word of the Church of Rust. The refugee that makes all these posts states that they have found a home with the Phaz in T16, who seem receptive to the Church’s teachings. Other refugees from the collapse of Sanctum soon report in that they also have begun to spread the message of the Church of Rust, and quickly - while details on some of the regions are not forthcoming - T16, S17, and T18 all report to being followers of the Church of Rust! (Sanctum has collapsed! U17 becomes unowned, and may be claimed by a player. Alternatively, it may be claimed as a new capital for a new player. Exploration is not required of the region, but proceeding with caution may be wise as it does not currently have a stable government. T16, S17, and T18 LCs now follow the Church of Rust!)

    The northeast of Axiom lights up with activity undertaken in the name of the One. SPR, Rocthurhi, and Tezh Consensus philosophers fly across their regional area of space seeking to bring peace and knowledge to their galactic neighbors. From the nearby Courier relay to the vast expanses of varied life that fills the void between these three stellar powers word of Oneness reaches billions through broadcast, scripture, and direct proselytizing by educated philosophers from each of these three stellar societies. The Rocthurhi make a grand showing of their ideology all throughout the region of space just south of their own borders between themselves and the Tezh while the Tezh themselves reach up northwards connecting the growing network of One adherent sectors into a large blanket encompassing much of the explored northeast. (SPR successfully converts T6 to The One)
    (SPR successfully converts T8 to The One)
    (RTH successfully converts R10 to The One)
    (RTH successfully Spreads Knowledge of The One to T12, U13, and U11)
    (TZH successfully converts U13, W13, and V16 to The One)

    The Knight Vacio move their capital to the SPACE KING Capital, but seem to be followed by the reformations conducted by the Church of Rust… Cloning and smithing is given divine purpose, helping to prevent semblances of collapse despite the strange times that the knights find themselves in. (FCO successfully converts Q11 to Church of Rust)

    Taurina 1, homeworld of the Rothuun Minotaurs, receives what is surprisingly the most traffic in their quadrant of the galaxy. The Church of Rust, the Church of Iteus, OwO, and the Sisterhood of Silence all compete to bend the ear of the bloodthirsty people, only to find that they are now targets for the zealots among the people that believe in the Cult of Blood. The Church of Iteus and OwO receive shelter from the government, having a slightly easier time adjusting.. But it is still jarring to receive such hostility. After surviving several duels and assassination attempts between the lot of them, crowds of people seem to come to the conclusion that nothing will be solved by preaching at one another. The only proper way to settle the most worthy faith is to judge them through battle - and so a representative of each religion is taken to the Smashstone Arena, to fight to the death. Seen by many as cowardly, the Sisterhood declines to participate in deference to a diplomatic deal already established. Additionally, lacking any true people, OwO receives a wizened Rothuun that has taken quickly to their teachings… And the Cult of Blood’s leader is none other than a famed war veteran, whose strength is legendary even among this nation of great warriors. The fighting is brutal considering the gladiatorial weapons provided - and terribly bloody. Details that return to the nations who sent their people are sparse, but by the end of it the results are clear… A picture circulates across the stars, the Church of Rust’s candidate standing over the corpse of the last opponent, none other than the Blood Cult’s warrior, wounded but victorious. Their victory is celebrated through the streets of Taurina, and the Church of Rust quickly takes hold as the ‘new way forward’ for the majority of Rothuun. (FCO successfully converts Q19 from the Cult of Blood to Church of Rust)

    While the Droccen had worked to build up Korima, intergalactic superstar, as a means to sway the Celestians towards the One they now found themselves met on the celebrity stage by Frvamas of the Nolkir. Korima’s vlog popularity declines as many more Celestians tune in to watch Frvamas gaff his way through interviews and livestream outrageous parties from his luxurious abode. Core supporters of Korima are up in arms over this shift in popularity and attempt to mount a campaign to “Subscribe to Korima” but the tide seems firmly turned for now and Frvamas dominates the airwaves. (SVA successfully converts Olympia (I21) from the One to the Nine Lights)

    Too many people on Olymipa (I21) love the memes created by the Droccen and their Guardians. Enough of them begin to aspire to adhere to similar Droceen culture norms that there is significant enough pressure to CEO Natasha Liwei that - before Frvamas fever takes over - the Celestians officially declare their state Ideology to be The One.
    (Before being converted, CLS declares the One as their state ideology! This satisfies a request from SoS to DCC. DCC gains +2 Reputation with the Sisterhood of Silence!)

    The Nolkir have managed to make peaceful contact with their Alysian neighbors and begun sharing with them the Nine Lights. A handful of senior Alysians are even granted audience with Viiqr-Zel Mrrn who while largely disinterested does demonstrate godlike powers in front of the awe-struck Alysians. The Assembly is struck with a great disruption of debate as Alysians discuss this new perspective brought by outsiders and soon even Alysia herself comes to be petitioned for her opinion regarding this popular new belief. (SVA successfully converts Alysian Prime (K25) to the Nine Lights)

    The Meritocracy’s church of Realtaism grows in power as it manages to make contact with the Formicans and a nearby sector revealed by the church’s own probes just recently. The dualistic faith of Realtaism proves popular among the locals nearby as well as the Formicans who surrender their more rudimentary belief in a universal balance for the defined tenets of Realtaism. (TMC successfully converts Formica (D16) from the Balance to Realtaism)
    (TMC successfully converts D10 to Realtaism)

    The Federated Churches of Origin's End send out a massive ship to observe the continuing aggression among the Kryptids. While their message regarding the Church of Rust is not well received by the One High Maxim, many of the rest of the space sector are growing weary of constant - seemingly never ending - civil war. The humanitarian efforts made by the Federated Churches are diverse enough that the Technocratic Caliphate and the Casrule Movement start to see the benefits of working with believers of the OI and their Sainted individuals... at the very least, the ideas that the Church of Rust brings has the unintended side effect of spurring new ideas for weaponry in the region. Enough that those who follow the One High Maxim begrudgingly start to visit the Rass within their Rhosh-sent support fleet vessel. Especially as, at the start, the Rass make every effort to treat with each of the three sides of the civil war both completely separately and completely equally. While there is no decisive victor for the conflict that continues to ravage the region, the majority of Kryptids now do seem to ascribe to the Church of Rust, with the One High Maxim still being the majority hold out.
    (P5 Used; FCO successfully converts KCW capital, N24, to Church of Rust)

    Terror!

    The Geleans are attacked! The recent conquered Space Whaler region of L10 managed to send a scout ship back to the capital, with limited data. The Gelean First Fleet that had remained to ensure the “loyalty” of the people in the region has been completely wiped out. Luckily, the An’Null’s Hopefuls were also able to retreat from the area, only losing a few ships of their own. They aren’t quite sure where the attacking fleet came from, but it was a very large complement of advanced ships, and more surprising: data on the attacking ships is sparse, as though it has been corrupted! The few blurred pictures that are able to be recovered seem to suggest large carrier like vessels with a multitude of attack drones. They arrived quickly, destroyed whatever they could, and one (damaged) brave vessel of Hopefuls stayed behind and was able to report that they gathered as much of the metal parts of the blown apart Gelean First Fleet before disappearing in a flash of something much more complex than Gravity Latch Drive. The people of L10 insist that GLR build a military base, something to replace the lost monastery with good scanning equipment, in the region! (GLR loses [1] Unit. GLR must build a [5] action Military/Intrigue base in region L10 by the start of Round 6, or L10 will go into Anarchy. L10 remains stable at this time.)

    The Rothuun’s version of ‘diplomacy’ leaves many things to be desired, especially in Baryshev (P18). With a stated purpose of removing dissidents, many of the Minotaurs take this to mean “kill anyone who continues to resist”, and many peaceful Ogatvezhiy die. While many of the animal-like humanoids continue to grin and bear it, the continued heavy-handed “diplomacy” has many more of the peace and Honey-loving bear-people fleeing their homes and - if the Rothuun aren’t careful - may result in the Ogatvezhiy finding a reason to be less peaceful.
    (RMT fails to stabilize region P18, and continues to kill ‘dissidents’. While the degree of stabilization does not change for the region this round, a second failed attempt - or no attempt at all - next round will result in the region gaining a unit of rebels and the region will go into Anarchy. {CHOICE} For every Diplomacy action RMT spends this round towards stabilizing the region, including the roll to attempt to stabilize, they will gain a +1 to the roll, so long as no Military actions are taken this round (OR) RMT may choose to use (2) Military Actions, both of which must be rolled at TN 14, to remove half the populace of Ogatvezhiy from Baryshev, ensure that region P18 remains only at Unrest until the start of round 9. Choosing this option reduces the Resource Quantity of Hyper Honey to [Minor].)

    Within the Church of Iteus, a former Archdeaon - a vessel for the message sent by Guardian - passes away. The knowledge parasite that contained the message, however, seems to have survived all this time! Now known to not be a part of Iteus himself, there are still those in the Church who hope that a volunteer will step forth to try and obtain more knowledge from the parasite, even if it means consumption once more… though a minority state that its use is dangerous, blasphemous, and the knowledge should be forbidden, and the parasite destroyed. ({CHOICE} ITS may choose, as an Intrigue action, to use the parasite again, losing -1 Philosophy, gaining +1 Intrigue, and ask the Head GM one question about the Simulacrum ((OR)) as a Philosophy action, destroy the parasite, and gain a +1 to a single conversion attempt during Round 5. Taking no action provides no benefit or detriment, but the CHOICE is only available for Round 4.)

    Though the locals of J26 are very receptive towards the Etherites overtures to find a peaceful resolution, the Luminary, Proxos, proves to be a stubborn star being. Lyrae herself comes to attempt to speak with it, to convince it that if it doesn’t choose to enter a willing vessel, both the Etherites and the Eternal Assembly of Alysia will likely help the Triarte Spellbenders in exorcising the Luminary’s mind from it’s star-like body. Proxos, however, is quite unconcerned and seemingly unconvinced that the Lyraens can help it change bodies. It is bored, and wants to start over with a new planet while also growing a little larger as a star… and refuses to listen to further diplomatic attempts, even when EAA makes efforts to help smooth things over. Only when EAA, ETH, and LYR all petition for someone to help them - and are surprised when the Cosmic Couriers answer - does Proxos begin to bend. It is unclear exactly what the Courier representative says to the Luminary, but within a week, it confirms that it would be willing to travel in a willing Lyraen host body… though it will be going with the Couriers, and not the Lyraens. With some clever spellwork, and a great deal of effort exerted by all three Powers, the web the Triarte Spellbenders were building to remove Proxos instead is altered to place the Luminary in a new body. The planet is saved! Proxos is now in a lupine Lyraen, and leaves with the Courier representative to go exploring. The Triarte locals of J26 are very pleased.
    (EAA gains a Claim to region J26. ETH gains ownership of TP#1 [Twisted Wands] of J26. Should the region be claimed - diplomatically - by EAA or ETH before Round 7 begins, LYR will receive +1 Unit, as many whom would otherwise stand down in the face of a new governments protections will instead choose to aid LYR. LYR, EAA, and ETH each owe CmC [1] favor.)

    The Unified Public Trust seems to have encountered a difficulty in region D8. While no one knows quite for sure what happened - the Symbraum aren’t saying - other local Stellar Powers do note that D8 has increased its military might. (D8 gains a unit. An investigation roll can determine more information about what happened.)

    G27 still remains enigmatic to the Commonwealth, but CWZ can’t just let some of it’s own explorers have an adventure without at least trying to interview the - now - captives. Expert journalist investigators and Censorship Managers work together to infiltrate, locate, interview, and even rescue the captive crew. Best of all, the crew finally gets to see the end of the show that the locals of G27 interrupted, which had been bugging them for almost two Galactic years. Speaking of G27, they don’t seem to appreciate being turned into villains for an otherwise very popular Entertainment broadcast for the sector. The locals of the aggrieved region seem to recall their last message was “never come into the sector again, or be destroyed!”. Good news for the Commonwealth of Zara? They get to have a sequel to a popular broadcast! Bad news? G27 has come to cancel their networks! (G27 attacks CWZ capital, G25, with [2] Units of Dangerous Dragoons. CWZ must defend this round, or lose control of their region to the Dragoons and TP#3 of G25 will be destroyed.)

    Survey Failures

    The Technocratic Caliphate attempts to survey nearby N22, but their satellite drones are only able to reveal that there is some kind of morphing metallic substance in the area before they are lost. The Kryptid Civil War each receive the same message: Please send more delicious metal. Or we will come take it. (KCW fails to survey into N22. N22 seems… hungry for metal.)

    Hackers! Spammers! Unpaid for advertising! Media broadcasters within the Commonwealth are dealing with more than just imminent threats to their existence: their ratings are dropping! Someone is leaking the planned schedule for the yearly exploration season, and tipping off nearby regions that the Commonwealth is coming. Region F26 meets the exploration (and broadcast) teams at their borders, with [2] Units of Mechanized Activators and politely declines to sign any waivers, barring them from broadcasting any details of the region. In a mad scramble to have something available for airing, the broadcast team instead turns it’s eye towards finding out who leaked the information, creating a wildly popular show on pure speculation with no evidence, going so far as to accuse Governor Mizusk Iskanem of being the leak! If the Commonwealth doesn’t do something about this soon, people will lose faith in the Governor. (CWZ fails to survey F26, and {CHOICE} must either use an Intrigue action to conduct an internal investigation during Round 4 to determine the source of the leak [TN 12] ((OR)) CWZ will go into Unrest, if Governor Mizusk Iskanem does not step down. Failure to do either a successful investigation or change leaders will cause the Commonwealth to go straight to Unstable, as paranoia spreads!)
    Last edited by Gengy; 2019-07-31 at 04:51 PM.
    Spoiler
    Show
    BladeofObliviom said:
    I've only seen a character at anything resembling this level of absurdity thrive exactly once, and he/she/what-the-jongo had the advantage of being written by Gengy, who I look up to as a writer.

    "What-the-Jongo?"
    Before you insult someone, walk a mile in their shoes.
    That way, you'll be a mile away, and have their shoes!

    Got me a Real Job™ (yay!). Still busy (boo!).
    ~avatar by myself