Total War Central II (Semi-freeform nation games) - Page 37

Thelonius · 10-06-2012, 11:35 AM

I'd like to post End of Game report for Total War: Future game that I run a while back and unfortunately failed to bring to a conclusion. I'd rather not create additional threads, so if nobody minds, I'll post the EoG here.

So, here is TW: Future, End of Game Report, Part I:

Great Chaos

In the Procyon Kingdom the civil war raged without either side gaining an advantage. Both were accusing each other of being the Sigma’s pawns and rumors of clones and impostors buzzed through the nets. The reinforcements Commonwealth and Terran Coalition has sent met formidable resistance. For a moment it seemed like the balance would fall in their favor, before one of the ships made a mistake of firing on the suborned Automated Shipyards. This triggered a response as a swarm of missiles was launched to deal with the threat, an undocumented feature, the seller didn't mention to the Procyon.

Meanwhile, United Security Council (USI), a two-race alliance of Rouke and K’Krex, has taken advantage of the chaos moving its fleets to ''quell the chaos'' at the Procyon colonies. The Hive Ship leading the fleets was reported to possess advanced technology, though few suspected at the time, just how badly it outclassed the Deathlight Dreadnought Class and how Rouke managed to acquire and adapt it. The threat of USI advancing against the prime systems of Procyon, made the outcome of the war even harder to predict.

The K’Krex has taken two of the EVRAZ systems, capturing Lathe, the Reki’Che AI that has been running all of the EVRAZ operations. As it was lost, the decapitated EVRAZ financial empire has collapsed. Only the presence of the Syambic Alliance, the security arm of the EVRAZ, that was there to pick up the pieces and plot for the reclamation and restoration of the EVRAZ, preserved one of the most wealthy and powerful corporations of the time.

As the Coalition forces gathered to assault EVRAZ, the Technocratic Imperium, taking advantage of the defenseless Commonwealth borders committed to a second assault, simultaneously sending another battle group to seize Proxima Arae (EVRAZ). Both attacks met little resistance, with Proxima Arae being smoothly integrated into the Technocratic Imperium, while in Commonwealth the industrial capacity of the invaded systems was wrecked to deny their power to the Commonwealth. Hasty diplomatic communications have confirmed that Technocratic Imperium hasn't committed to a cease-fire in negotiations with Terran Coalition and perceiving Commonwealth as greater threat then K’Krex chose to strike.

Meanwhile on the Sumus homeworld, just hours after fighting off the Sigmas takeover attempted, the Dark Sumus revealed their madness as their leader took the King Albert II hostage, exposing his organization’s genocidal agenda. In a tense standoff, King Albert II managed to convince their leader to stand down. A third of Dark Sumus has agreed to seek assistance, but the rest chose to continue in their mad xenophobia. Still, in the Procyon Civil war they joined against the Sigmas, to oppose those, they hated above anybody else.

News arrived, that allies of Commonwealth, Knights of Berill were occupied by unknown force, employing a massive force of Dreamel. The Knights forces were devastated and their homeworld plundered. The Knights forces with the Commonwealth broke from the anti-K’Krex Coalition to come to the rescue of their world, expecting to die in the attempt. Surprisingly the Dreamel mercenaries withdrew without fight, claiming their contract has expired.

The civil war in Procyon, fall of EVRAZ and unprecedented pirate activity, later confirmed to be the renegades of the alien federation Sul Kla, has all but destroyed intergalactic trade. Only a few nations that weren't relying on the galactic markets, mostly those with negligible economies, were spared.

The culmination of the chaos was a fight between the Moon-Ship and K’Krex employed Dreamel mercenaries.

Battle of Titans

Spoiler

Reki’Che-Seltek Crisis

Few have heard of Sul Kla before that day. They were a federation of aliens, inhabiting a number of systems within at least 20 light years of the Known Worlds. It is unknown how many factions have made contact with them before they revealed their existence, but rumors persist, that Sul Kla were given information on the Known Space by somebody from inside.

The Sul Kla address to all of the Known Space caused a massive shock: ''The Reki’Che has been dormant for a very long time now. We prefer it this way. You would prefer it this way. Our observation stations have confirmed activity at their military outposts and we have managed to decipher, that it is in relation with their treaty with Seltek. We have estimated, that the most probable cause is the battle between the ''Moon-Ship'' and salvaged Reki’Che warship. You must stop this conflict, before the war begins.''

Spoiler

The warnings were heard and heeded. The threat of a war between two highly advanced species with Known Space as their battlefield terrified everybody. All across the star systems the warships powered down, while couriers with diplomats and lengthy messages were exchanged. The only exception to the ceasefire was Procyon Civil War. The Technocratic Imperium withdrew. The K’Krex opened negotiations. A solution was reached. On the brink of annihilation the multitude of species have taken a breath and then stepped back.

The awkward ceasefire continued as ships were sent to both Reki’Che and Seltek to determine the situation and convince them to avoid hostilities. Even the pirate activity has died down, as many have chosen to flee the Known Space, in fear of getting caught up in fighting.

''The Moon-Ship and its crew disappeared without destroying its Reki’Che counterpart. The general consensus is that Seltek have taken it back. However, there is a vid circulating the nets that shows a different story. Five seconds of footage, where Captain Holnson is shot by another member of Moon-Ship’s crew. Today most believe that the Moon-Ship was a mere experiment of the Seltek, and the warning, that it was needed to fight some unknown threat a mere cover story. I think they are wrong.'' Excerpt from ''Moonhunter Memoires''.

K’Krex Revelations

The Coalition was following a conservative approach in dealing with the K’Krex, baiting them into the attack, before the Sul Kla announcement. The resolution of the intergalactic war threat took more time, and as the chances of it erupting went down, Coalition’s espionage assets were deployed to assess the K’Krex threat, while Varulf diplomats opened discreet channels of communication with K’Krex Imperium, seeking aid from invading admiral’s rivals. The information they received changed everything.

''Admiral Xalls is a renegade, fleeing from the righteous wrath of the Imperium for disputing the Imperial Succession. The treaty of non-aggression still stands. If you chose, we are prepared to send a fleet to bring Xalls in. If you capture him yourself, we request you send his body to Pollux for a generous reward and as sign of peace.''

The message was verified as agents of the Coalition, sent into the EVRAZ space, started to return with estimates that showed K’Krex forces to be indeed small, even complimented with turncoat EVRAZ soldiers. As inviting K’Krex fleets was deemed to be a security risk, the Coalition decided to move on its own, destroying feeble resistance in EVRAZ systems, to discover plundered planets and two of the EVRAZ greatest treasures – Lathe AI and Stellar Forge missing. Renegade Admiral Xalls and his loyalists weren't located as well. The fact, that they managed to escape despite the Coalition’s agents tracking them made many suspect that they were assisted by somebody within the Known Space.

''The crafty bastard lured his rivals through the Rift Gate to the Known Space and then used us to do his dirty work. I have always suspected that we’ve got the Rift Gate, guarded by the full might of their fleets, too easily. True, we had a trick up our sleeve, but I just know, there was sabotage involved to help us. Xalls made a single misstep, when he didn’t anticipate Commonwealth sending survivors back, instead of wiping them out. Then again, there was that mysterious attack that Dreamel mercs repelled on the K’Krex survivors, when we were shipping them back. Xalls clearly had intelligence assets in Known Space since the original invasion. He all, but destroyed EVRAZ with a handful of loyalists, left to him from succession wars. We’d be K’Krex chow, if he had all resources of the Imperium.'' From Interview with retired Commonwealth Admiral, Ivan Chadwick on events of Second K’Krex War.

Exodus of Rhea and Fate of Jur

Mother Rhea didn’t participate in the Technocratic Imperium second campaign, instead focusing her vast psi-power to establish a protective barrier in the Sthuthid Federation system. She has issued a warning: ''I wish to seek my own kind and travel the stars. But one day I will return. Do not harm the Sthuthid Federation or threaten my holy worlds. Fail to do so and you will face my wrath. I will not come back alone and I will not be merciful to despoilers.''

This message was broadcast with psionics across the Known Space and since then, Mother Rhea wasn't heard from or seen again. An investigation into the Jur’s whereabouts has led many to believe, that he supported Mother Rhea during the Commonwealth-Technocratic Imperium war, but no conclusive evidence was found.

Several years later, the Suula En’Coi have confirmed, that Jur has sought information about the whereabouts of his people from a plant life-form in their system. ''We held kinship to him, as we are half-plant and he has greatly aided us in our quest for Ascension.''

''Was Jur evil? From our perspective, certainly. A being that has no hesitation to devour sentient life forms to satiate its hunger would be unquestionably evil in the lens of our morality. Yet in communications with us he was affable and beyond initial deception, sincere. I believe to other plant life-forms he displayed nothing but courtesy and consideration.'' Mark Wilson, member of the Reach/Commonwealth research team that released Jur from his imprisonment.

''Twice, hostile alien intelligence has extinguished all human life in this system. Let us not forget.'' A message broadcast by satellite orbiting EZ Aquarri Sun, formerly Kedr Colonies, formerly Trantis-Commonwealth system.

Forum Explorer · 10-06-2012, 02:32 PM

And the Light Shipyards end up completely ignored!

ArcaneStomper · 10-06-2012, 03:18 PM

My writing finally sees the light of day.

And really I would think the Light of Shipyard being ignored was probably for the best.

Forum Explorer · 10-06-2012, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArcaneStomper

My writing finally sees the light of day.

And really I would think the Light of Shipyard being ignored was probably for the best.

Oh yeah I was likely one of the weakest players at the end of the game. But I just wasn't worth the effort of attacking so I slipped through the gaps.

Exthalion · 10-06-2012, 04:27 PM

Whatever ended up happening to my race? I see they confirmed something, but were they ever discovered or what?

ArcaneStomper · 10-06-2012, 07:11 PM

They actually sent some exploration ships into human territory so technically they weren't discovered but there were relations. Other than that no one really went out that way to see them, and they themselves were kind of busy moving along their plans for ascension to really care about a bunch of dirty apes.

There were a bit more things happening in that part of space towards the end so they have gotten more play in the next few turns, but then the game stopped.

Thelonius · 10-06-2012, 07:55 PM

Ah yes, the Moon-Ship & Reki'Che vs. Seltek is all ArcaneStomper. An equivalent of Cuban Missle Crisis in space.

I just haven’t gotten to the Light Shipyards. They play an important role in certain developments. Suula En’Coi were less involved in the political games, though they found a number of friends in their quest to develop godlike psionic powers. When Mother Rhea incapacitated an entire system worth of warships (and really, she had the juice to wipe them all out, if she wanted to), they were among those, who supplied the power.

I’ll post next part on Monday probably. It'll involve resolution of Procyon Civil War, fate of Technocratic Imperium, developments in regard to Light Shipards, and a certain major development, you really should have seen coming.

Murska · 10-06-2012, 08:07 PM

The sheer amount of power all the NPCs could wield was so discouraging. Work hard, gain a galactic empire, then find out that you're still the smallest fish in an ever-growing pond.

Grimsage Matt · 10-06-2012, 08:10 PM

Almost sounds like what I got going in TW;After the End Times, execpt they met the biggest thing out there, and he's a short little drunk. Seriously, read me game. It will either make you laugh or make your head explode.

Also, Murksa, need to PM you your stats. Your ESP was so high I couldn't find ya. (Joke I made in the OOC)

Thelonius · 10-06-2012, 08:12 PM

That were Seltek & Reki'Che and they mostly stayed away or were greatly restricted in their actions.

Jur & Rhea & Friends was an alliance, thus the overwhelming power against only a part your fleets, and their only objective was defending Sthuthid systems, before leaving to faraway. I've put them leaving in EoG, but that's essentially what was going to happen, once the war was over.

Plus, those NPCs used all of their stats in wars, embracing the total war concept and preparing in advance, once they saw they were going to be attacked in the near future. Commonwealth was much more relaxed about it.

Edit: Plus, long-term you were winning, due to superior Economy & Technology.

Murska · 10-06-2012, 08:18 PM

Still. When I'm playing a PvP game and I have to direct the vast majority of my efforts to fight NPCs instead of PCs, it's just not right.

ArcaneStomper · 10-06-2012, 09:30 PM

I've never really viewed TW as being a PvP game in focus. I mean sure that's what it seems like, but I've run and played in a lot of games. And almost never will players up and attack each other. If there are NPCs around players will always attack the NPCs first. And if there aren't any NPCs then the game will die as everyone kind of turtles for the first few turns not wanting to attack.

There are a few exceptions, but generally only if two players have a meta game grudge, or perceive themselves as being in direct competition for something limited like a specific territory. So there pretty much has to be some kind of external motivator to keep things going.

hydroplatypus · 10-06-2012, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArcaneStomper

I've never really viewed TW as being a PvP game in focus. I mean sure that's what it seems like, but I've run and played in a lot of games. And almost never will players up and attack each other. If there are NPCs around players will always attack the NPCs first. And if there aren't any NPCs then the game will die as everyone kind of turtles for the first few turns not wanting to attack.

There are a few exceptions, but generally only if two players have a meta game grudge, or perceive themselves as being in direct competition for something limited like a specific territory. So there pretty much has to be some kind of external motivator to keep things going.

Basically ya. In all the games I am currently in I haven't played a military power even. I basically compete with the players non-violently. For instance in Epic Fantasy I am attempting to become an economic superpower. In Shards an ESP (although I am kinda failing). But I haven't played military yet. That being said, Shards of war had the North American war where we had plenty of PC on PC. Me, Alaska (PC) Altzan (PC) Grim (PC) and our NPC allies vs. PRA (PC) Russia (PC) Hawaii (PC) Scandanavia (PC) their NPCs, and eventually Portugal (PC). So there are at least some situations where PC wars can happen. And did I mention that the Portugal started this war via hiring luxemburg to do some ESP (both nations PCs)?

Forum Explorer · 10-07-2012, 12:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thelonius

Ah yes, the Moon-Ship & Reki'Che vs. Seltek is all ArcaneStomper. An equivalent of Cuban Missle Crisis in space.

I just haven’t gotten to the Light Shipyards. They play an important role in certain developments. Suula En’Coi were less involved in the political games, though they found a number of friends in their quest to develop godlike psionic powers. When Mother Rhea incapacitated an entire system worth of warships (and really, she had the juice to wipe them all out, if she wanted to), they were among those, who supplied the power.

I’ll post next part on Monday probably. It'll involve resolution of Procyon Civil War, fate of Technocratic Imperium, developments in regard to Light Shipards, and a certain major development, you really should have seen coming.

Mind if I send in a late End game report then?

Murska · 10-07-2012, 03:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArcaneStomper

I've never really viewed TW as being a PvP game in focus. I mean sure that's what it seems like, but I've run and played in a lot of games. And almost never will players up and attack each other. If there are NPCs around players will always attack the NPCs first. And if there aren't any NPCs then the game will die as everyone kind of turtles for the first few turns not wanting to attack.

There are a few exceptions, but generally only if two players have a meta game grudge, or perceive themselves as being in direct competition for something limited like a specific territory. So there pretty much has to be some kind of external motivator to keep things going.

Yeah, I didn't mean PvP in a narrow military fashion, but to me Total War is a game where you compete against the other players, form alliances with the other players, sometimes fight the other players or help the other players. The NPCs are, depending on the situation, neutral creeps to slaughter, useful puppets to influence, casus belli generators for anti-PC maneuvers or sometimes even devices for the GM to prod the game along. But the game is all about the other people and how to maneuver oneself diplomatically into a superior 'winning' position. And sometimes writing fancy fluff. For me, on all the points, of course.

Turalisj · 10-07-2012, 05:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArcaneStomper

And almost never will players up and attack each other. If there are NPCs around players will always attack the NPCs first. And if there aren't any NPCs then the game will die as everyone kind of turtles for the first few turns not wanting to attack.

Unless you are me. Then you get attacked sometimes for no reason at all, despite your best efforts.

Murska · 10-07-2012, 07:00 AM

There is much enjoyment to be had in schemes and plots, but sometimes a thrust straight through the web of lies will uncover and pierce the heart of your target.

hydroplatypus · 10-07-2012, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Murska

There is much enjoyment to be had in schemes and plots, but sometimes a thrust straight through the web of lies will uncover and pierce the heart of your target.

Yup. I would really like to do this to luxmburg in Shards, as they are really getting too far ahead of everyone. That being said I really can't think of any IC reason for doing so... Curses.

oblivion6 · 10-07-2012, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hydroplatypus

Yup. I would really like to do this to luxmburg in Shards, as they are really getting too far ahead of everyone. That being said I really can't think of any IC reason for doing so... Curses.

as long as Murska stays strictly mercenary then i say luxemburg can stick around. its when they start going after personel vendetta's that i will get worried.

Nemesis67 · 10-07-2012, 02:34 PM

How do you know they aren't already? 0.0

oblivion6 · 10-07-2012, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nemesis67

How do you know they aren't already? 0.0

i dont but i have not done anything to them so im not worried. if anything i am a valued customer not an enemy.

Murska · 10-07-2012, 04:00 PM

So long as I'm left alone, I'll have no personal vendettas to pursue.

TooManySecrets · 10-08-2012, 12:24 PM

Hey guys. I'm interesting in running a Total War game, but I need a little bit of help first. Does anybody have any suggestions on what to use for making maps? It's going to be a fantasy-based world, so I can't just use a modified Earth map.

Eldan · 10-08-2012, 12:38 PM

I use GIMP, but that's a ton of work.

Exthalion · 10-08-2012, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TooManySecrets

Hey guys. I'm interesting in running a Total War game, but I need a little bit of help first. Does anybody have any suggestions on what to use for making maps? It's going to be a fantasy-based world, so I can't just use a modified Earth map.

I have a program that can produce complete world maps. I could throw one up for you if you like.

Ragnar Lodbroke · 10-08-2012, 04:35 PM

I love AutoRealm.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AutoREALM

For the purpose of posting images in this forum, you can choose to save the map file as a JPEG (I have never done it, so I'm not sure if you can edit the map afterwards).

hydroplatypus · 10-08-2012, 04:41 PM

If saving as a JPEG makes you unable to edit why don't you just save it as whatever the default is, copy it, and then save that as JPEG? you would still have the original to edit, and a copy to put on forum.

Ragnar Lodbroke · 10-08-2012, 04:45 PM

You wouldn't need to copy it. You could save it in default, and save it again as a JPEG. You would use the default save for later editing.
But I'm not sure that it doesn't let you edit the JPEG, since I never used that save format with the program.

To be honest, I have always printed the maps, since I used them for pen&paper games.

It's a really nice tool, both for dungeons and overworld maps.

TooManySecrets · 10-08-2012, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Exthalion

I have a program that can produce complete world maps. I could throw one up for you if you like.

Yeah, sure. That'd be great. I'm thinking that I'd basically use your stuff (or this) for the world map and use AutoREALM for any up-close stuff I might need.

Earth-like world (i.e. ~71% water) and two or more major continents, if possible. Oh, and can you PM them to me? The world is going to start out hidden at the beginning of the game.

oblivion6 · 10-08-2012, 08:20 PM

i dont recall ever seeing you in these parts. are you new to TW secrets?