|
 Behold our galaxy. For ages upon ages, civilizations have risen, explored, and met their fates, led by their Gods or the closest equivalents. Following the most recent cataclysms of a few millennia back, new contenders have risen to contest the galactic stage. In the centre, we have the Varraxian Dominion. A remnant of their precursors left over from the last cataclysm, led by the jealous God Primus. Their supplies of Precursor tech are a powerful edge, but can they hope to match the quality of their dwindling treasures unless they look outward? In the galactic north, another relic of long gone people. The Myrmidon Collective, driven onward by the godlike but masterless machine intelligence Mainframe 01, are perpetually building machines whose original purpose has long since become dust. Can they rise up and attain a new purpose? In the far northeast, from beyond the vast transgalactic gap, a crystalline intruder, faceted beings and local converts guided by the entity Åton, commanding his mysterious Starbound. Are the an existential threat, or will they truly bring harmony to a discordant galaxy? Currently in the near northeast but roaming as they will, the great Ark-ships of the Matriarchy of Verisanga flit from tomb world to tomb world, raising the dead to serve through necromantic power, claiming art and resources to decorate and empower their ever-voyaging fleet. Their home is a cinder, their guardian is Mother-Above-All, a gestalt of all their prior leaders. Can they thrive upon carrion, or will they join the dead they traffic in? In the deep, dark east between the arms, the God-Father Anwé masterminds the Rahashi Syndicate, teleporting spiders with a taste for all flesh and a near-criminal outlook. They deal in secrets and darkness, but will their unnerving nature be their downfall? East-south-east, and scattered throughout known space wherever they can set up shop, the Galactic Corporate Conglomerate are the master traders and entrepreneurs, the finest shipbuilders still extant. Beneath the masterful gaze of Tanash the Founder, an old and wily God that has outlived its peers and still prospers. But is the open hand of a merchant able to withstand the vicissitudes of a hostile galaxy? In the Southeast reaches, along the periphery of a spiral arm, Bryn the Golden God-Emperor lords over the Leonis, magically-inclined feline technophobes with a penchant for violence, expanding outwards with fervor. But is magic enough to substitute for the technology of their peers? To the South-South-West, the Holy Litoran Empire, coral-evolved ingenious zealots, inspired by the ingenuity of Deiosa, whom they know as Theos. Can their Meka and surety of faith guide them through the stars, or will the Litorii founder upon the reefs of history? You may take one action for your deity and one action for your species. If you can justify it, you can try it, but success is never guaranteed. Travelling and exploring may uncover minor nations of varying power, relics of the past, and things which aught not be disturbed, amongst many, many other things. You may offer diplomacy or hostility to one another as you see fit. OOC thread is Here. You are welcome to ask questions there or in the discord.
|
#
?
Sep 21, 2017 02:26
|
|
|
|
| # ? Apr 18, 2024 11:02 |
|
|
The Fleetbound Matriarchy of Verisanga Mother-Above-All Mother can feel it all, the stellar winds whispering against the hull of every ship in the fleet, the poltergeists assembling ships in the forward drydock array of her flagship, the mechanical arms plucking fungus from the grottoes. She shifts in her chair and lets her mind expand outward to feel the background radiation of death that makes up the heartbeat of the galaxy. She needs to find more resources for her daughters. The Fleet recently finished stripping worlds in the area, more victims of their own nuclear exchanges, or climate change, or sometimes engineered bioweapons. One world was simply dead. Every single speck of life on the planet stopped in what seemed like the same moment. None of them left ghosts or spirits and there were no outward signs of what happened. They left that world alone, despite the wide silver veins just below the surface. Better safe than sorry. ------------------------  Mother Admiral Verena Kalkmurnieks The forward dry dock of the Sign of Glory is a mute storm of blue, white, and gray. Corpses weld titanium plates together to form the hulls of new Evelina-class ships. Spirits are channeled into their waiting sensor arrays by necromancers in heavy respirator units. Every weld, and every channeling is checked thrice before the corpses or the necromancers move on. All the necromancers feel the same sensation, something dry and musty in their back of their throat - a chill in the tips of their fingers. The Sign of Glory has entered the spirit realm. ------------------------ Goddess Action - Mother-Above-All will use her powers of Necromancy (+6) to look for dead worlds in neutral territory to their Galactic West the Fleet can strip for material. Mother will also take note of any living civilizations she meets along the way. She has...ideas. Faction Action - The Fleet begins to Move West keeping a healthy distance from the Varraxian border, using it's extensive War (+6) experience to set up effective pickets and scouting forces to keep itself safe and the power of Industry (+2) to produce additional scout ships to map star systems on their journey. The Unlife Aquatic fucked around with this message at 07:25 on Sep 21, 2017 |
|
#
?
Sep 21, 2017 03:31
|
|
|
 Anwé, the Near-and-Far Anwé stood in the darkness of an empty Council chamber, as he often did. Always lurking in shadow, just out of sight as he watched from afar. The Syndicate needed to expand; new worlds to exploit and fresh Cattle for a growing population. With nary a gesture or movement, the air wavered around the cloaked figure of Anwé as the fabric of space itself bent to his whim. He could look out, far into the void, to find that which his Chosen desired. Needed. Using Space [+6] to literally look out across the vast distances between stars and search for inhabited planets in the unknown territory to the north.  The Rahashi Syndicate It was business as usual in the Rahashi Syndicate. This new era of expansion kept the Shipwrights busy weaving as prospective crews were already being scouted by Syndicate Corsairs to bolster the ranks of the Flotilla. Even now, Syndicate Corvettes were being tasked with exploring the regions beyond Syndicate space, and to carry with them a message; one of safe harbor and benefits for those who can play by the rules. The Syndicate needed Assets out there, after all. Using Espionage [+2] and Teleportation [+4] to go out exploring in a general "outward" direction, looking to cultivate Assets among raiders and pirates and criminal types, spreading the rumor that Syndicate space is somewhere you can dock for repair/resupply and sell stolen goods with no hassle as long as you follow two simple rules: Rahashi Vessels anywhere in space are to be considered Off-Limits, and Any Ship or Group who are current on their Dues to the Syndicate are Off-Limits whilst in Syndicate space. Outside of Syndicate space, they are fair game. Rhjamiz fucked around with this message at 15:53 on Sep 21, 2017 |
|
#
?
Sep 21, 2017 03:43
|
|
|
 Galactic Corporate Conglomerate The Marlian Arsenal Display Area "Greetings ladies and gentlemen, fellow employees and esteemed guests. Thank you for attending this very special launch ceremony. We are proud to announce the completion of our latest commission, and the beginning a joint research and exploration venture with our new partners from the Holy Litorian Empire. The Marlian Arsenal presents, the GSS Calypso!"  "The Calypso represents the very best GCC Engineering, a ship designed for long duration missions beyond ready resupply and repair stations. It carries a double-standard defense system and enough firepower to dissuade any would-be pirates or hostile species, and anything it won't be able to outfight it will be able to outrun with its quad set of state-of-the-art ID Plasma drives and high speed, high endurance Hyperwave Warp engines. However, the most exciting part of the Calypso will be the crew composition and extensive scientific research package currently being installed. The ship will be crewed by hand picked GCC professionals as well as Litorii research specialists as part of a long term partnership between our two peoples." Going to put Shipbuilding +6 along with our Entrepreneurship +4 behind a join scientific and exploratory venture with the Holy Litorian Empire. The terms of the deal are thus: The GCC will construct the ship and provide necessary crew support. The Litorii will have general command of course and action, but research and information resulting from the project will be shared jointly.  Tanash the Founder Light, drifting music plays in the background as he reads the Third Wheel. He holds the book lightly in one hand, sipping a cup of tea in the other when a slight jolt takes his attention. He smiles as the "window" of his private office turns from a shimmering, mercurial silver to a view of the Arsenal Yards, as seen from the bridge of their latest ship. A big one, this time. Not cheap, but it wasn't every day that the Litorii showed up wanting to collaborate on research. Of course he had also had his people install a Branch Office in the ship, and now the connection to his Executive Suite was complete. "Let's see what there is to see, and meet who there is to meet." I'll be using Negotiation +6 to meet and greet any new races that are encountered to try and expand the trade routes, integrate them into the Galactic Economy, etc. professor_curly fucked around with this message at 04:23 on Sep 21, 2017 |
|
#
?
Sep 21, 2017 04:20
|
|
|
"In the beginning was the word." "And lo, with word spoken, fire lit the hearts and minds, kindling and warming the spirit. The First Divine Law of Thermodynamics states that when the fire of faith enters into us, we ourselves change and progress further, through Theos' works, we do pray."  Silence echoed throughout the chambers of the Grand Cathedral of Theophilopolit. The deliberations had been done in the conferences with men of power, but now was the task of men of learning. One man in particular, Safaros Laskais, an Elder Adept of the Electromagnetical Mysteries (Quantum Specialty) Level Zeta, on this fine morning, had an Inspiration.  To call Safaros sane was.... Unfortunately quite impossible. Brilliant, yes, absolutely positively, but sane? He had felt the burning touch of Theos once too many, and now only the realm of the scientific consumed his very being. Sometimes he went into rambling statements of numbers and chemical and quantum mechanics far beyond comprehension, sometimes in languages unknown. But at this striking moment, there it was. Standing before him. The sigil, burning out. He cried, screamed, flailed, at what seemingly none could see in front of him but there, standing stark and brilliant in his eyes, it was. Perfection. "SILENCE!", a voice echoed out through the halls. "NO! NO SILENCE! NO MORE SILENCE! HEAR NOW THE EQUATIONS!", thin and reedy and quavering in spastic fits. "THE EFFECTIVE MODULATION OF THE QUANTUM STATUS CAN BE MANIPULATED USING SHORT TINY SEGMENTS OF ENERGETIC BURSTS WITHIN....." The rest faded into scientific nonsense and drivel, but that would be to someone who couldn't comprehend what was happening. They well knew. The inspiration spoke of a flicker. Of shuddering uncertainties, and harnessing them to create macro-level uncertainties in positioning. A Flicker Device, if you would, displacing an object over a short distance rapidly to the point where it is uncertain where its position actually is. The nature of Quantum Mechanics demanded chaos, of course, so controlling the outcome position was impossible, but it at least could be controlled to be centered within a vague area. All praise unto Scientific Perfection. Progress Marches. ================================ Faith and Intellect. Hand in Hand. To seek the deepest mysteries of the absolute laws of the universe is to gaze into the face of god. And to seek out the new, those who would embrace the perfection that is presented, if only they too knew of the fire. To the west, aboard a vessel built by foreign hands, were a few junior acolytes, chosen for their zealousness and their potential, to seek out the breadth and measure of things. ".... Wait a minute."  An inquisitive young acolyte, looking at the sensor dish mounted atop the ship, tilted his head and peered at it. "This isn't quite right. No, it's missing a few things. WAIT A MOMENT!" He dashed off, before bringing a series of parts with him and starting to explain things in a quick, rattled off tongue that seemed half scientific explanation, half baptist preacher inciting the masses. Parts of the sensor dish were stripped and resorted, before reassembled in a slightly different form. The dish's interior now seemed to have a number of extra dips, dents, and bends in it, in addition to a few subsensors sticking out of it on the sides. This seemed to increase the overall surface area of the dish, allowing it to receive more information than what it normally could. When asked why he decided to do this, his explanation was simple. "Well, I had a side study project on the idea of surface areas to maximize heat transfer in addition to studying aerodynamic systems utilizing asymmetrical wing structures, and I was thinking, wouldn't increased surface area also allow for maximum energy transfer as well? By making the dish in such a way, maximizing the surface area in addition to the additional attunement processes should be able to maximize sensor broadcast reception." Clever, that one. ========================= DEIOSA: INSPIRATION +8 POINTS TOWARDS QUANTUM FLICKER ENTANGLEMENT FIELD (Short Range Scientific Displacement Cloak, not in production. Possibly ready for prototyping in the future once the math is worked out fully.) LITORII: FAITH + INTELLECT SYNERGY BONUS! +4 Faith, +4 Intellect towards improving the sensor system of the HLEN Calypso. fishception fucked around with this message at 05:59 on Sep 21, 2017 |
|
#
?
Sep 21, 2017 05:29
|
|
|
 Primus In his resplendent ethereal realm, Primus gazed upon the Galaxy, splayed beneath him in all its twinkling splendor, each star shining like a gem of unique shape and size and hue. Each a gem that would eventually be his. It was time. ~~~~ The Grand Hierophants of the First Circle stood, reciting ancient hymns in a flawless cadence in the Grand Cathedral of New Varraxia, each note pitch perfect, each movement of supplication far older than most other civilizations in the Galaxy. Their attendants scurried about, their movements too a carefully curated choreography, each infraction of which would lead to a gruesome punishment. Nothing less than perfection would do when communing with the highest on high, after all. Not that any of this was strictly necessary to contact Primus, of course, a being as great as he could speak whenever and wherever he wished, but the lack of proper supplication would have been just crass. The elaborate set-up continued in an almost hypnotic manner, until at an appointed time, a voice boomed, and everyone present fell to their knees in a well rehearsed and graceful unison. "HEED ME", it said, "My chosen. For I have gazed upon the Galaxy, and what I have seen infuriates me. For what I see is the grandest of all prizes, almost entirely overrun by VERMIN. And thus do I demand: the time to move is now. Too long have you sat idle. Too long have you faded. No more. You will march, and reclaim what is rightfully MINE." "This is my missive. Go now, and you will go with my blessing."  The Varraxian Dominion Grand Imperator Atraxis gazed at the reclaimed Void-Dreadnought (named "Haa'staak-vaarum" in Varraxian, or "The Burning Flare Of A Thousand Righteous Suns That Purify The Unworthy" in Trading Common) from her suite in the expansive palatial district of New Varraxia. The vessel was the pride and joy of the Dominion fleet, a precursor era capital ship in prime condition. A truly staggering and imposing piece of the might of The Dominion, and indeed so large that its details could be made out from the surface of the planet when it was in low orbit. A worthy center to begin to truly reconstruct the lost Grand Armada. ...Too bad it was the only one they had. That, and a smattering of escorts, and a cruiser stitched together from two ruined derelicts of its class (currently at half-armament) were the only actual pure Precursor era vessels they possessed. Now certainly they were more than a match to anything that the lesser races could muster even at their sorry state, but the fact remained that they could not be split up without a loss in effectiveness. She gazed upon the vessel some more, arms crossed behind her back, before turning around and pacing back towards her personal lounge. The derivative vessels they could make with their salvaged infrastructure were still grand (comparatively to the rest of the galaxy), of course, and perfectly well suited to combat, but they were a far cry of the glory that were true precursor era voidships. And no self-respecting Varraxian enjoyed being on such a sub-par ship, for they were a crude reminder of all they had lost. It put their lives to unacceptable risk. What they needed, then, was thralls. Both to pilot and staff their lesser vessels so that Varraxians could be retained for the true Precursor vessels as was their birthright, and also to act as a buffer between the Core Worlds and the dregs of the Galaxy. No other nation would be allowed to directly border the core worlds. And this was exactly what the newly reclaimed Dreadnought was tasked to do: to fly Rimward with the Grand Armada, and press whoever lived in the neutral zone into Dominion service. OOC: Ok so that middle-bit between the Dominion, Syndicate, Matriachy and GCC? It will not be a neutral bit for long, since The Dominion is going to Blitz the Hell out of it, and press whoever lives there into Dominion service all Shock and Awe like. Primus goes War [+6] and Dominion [+4] (for the Shock and the Awe respectively) and the Dominion Proper goes Precursor Knowledge [+6] (by pitching their only truly Precursor Level fleet to this task) and Venerable [+2] for the Awe. Idea is to more scare the locals into the Oaths with overwhelming superiority than to engage in an extended war, if at all possible. Theantero fucked around with this message at 19:18 on Sep 21, 2017 |
|
#
?
Sep 21, 2017 12:05
|
|
|
 Åton <"Explore my children. Go forth and bring peace, unity, and harmony to this new galaxy."> Åton could feel the contentment from the Starbound. He viewed the exploration fleets as they lit up amongst the multiple crystals drifting around the shining worlds. From the minutely microscopic to massively macroscopic the Starseekers dipped around the worlds and masses orbiting the crystal star, taking on passengers for the journey. Art and items for trade, Those that Speak boarded. Warrior forms for those that Defend. And the Half-bound. Those organics collected and who joined the harmony. Wistfully, Åton watched them go. A new galaxy would need new tools. Something to visit ahead of the fleets one day. Åton began pulling several asteroid sized crystals together, growing and molding them into a new shape with a new sentient purpose. It would become a thing of great beauty that would be able to weather any storm to bring the message of one-ness and peace...  OOC tldr; Åton: Using Conversion[+6] & Growth[+2] to create the Crystal Probe. It will be a singular massive structure the size and having the mass of a small moon. It will take time to construct. Possibly a few turns.  The Starbound The Starseeker ships carried the Starbound into the neighboring sectors, three fleets with all functionary slots filled. There could be talk, violence, or discovery. Each likely possible in this galaxy and universe. There was hope of harmony. The "half-bound" (those organics in the process of conversion) added a complementary tone to the song of exploration. Movement:  OOC tldr; The Starbound: on their ships are exploring the neighboring sectors as shown on the map. Slow and steady since infinity stretches both before and behind them. No abilities used until something is encountered.
|
|
#
?
Sep 21, 2017 16:29
|
|
|
Bryn The great god-emperor Bryn sat upon His throne, surrounded by throngs of priests and crowds of worshipers filling the room with hymns to His glory. As they praised His name, Bryn had his eyes set on His domain. He desire more. So with a flourish, he began to weave a spell of seeing, looking for inhabited but unconverted planets within his territory and nearby it. Seeing God at work, the words rang out from the palace across the empire, "A new crusade will begin soon, prepare." Bryn is using his Magic[+6] to scry the location of new unconverted populations inside my current territory and nearby it. --- The Leonis With the order coming down from on high, across the vast Leonisian military work began at once. The Mage-Priest Captains preparing their ships for conquest. They would work whatever spells they could to ensure their spelljammers would carve through the waves of ether fast and true, ensure their crews and the crusaders they carried were at peak readiness. Throughout the Church-Militant, muscles and magicks strained, ensuring they would be ready to carry out God's order at a moment's notice, and waiting for order to come with baited breath. The Leonis are using their Magic[+4] to prepare their fleets and armies, making sure they're at peak readiness for the Crusade to come.
|
|
#
?
Sep 21, 2017 19:59
|
|
|
 Mainframe 01 In a cold, dark room within the cyclopean complex it has built around itself, the massive supercomputer continues its eternal toil. Planet 01 and its surroundings have been completely depleted from its resources, and despite the fact that silos scattered all across the planet hold enough reserves for the Collective's functioning for a good time to come, the current space travel capabilities of the harvester units shows that the next targets must be found as soon as possible. Mainframe was aware of that happening that, and it is why several cycles ago it sent several deep space probes hurtling across the galaxy, recording and gathering information for its purposes. And now that the time has come to use them, the massive computer hums, and a pulse echoes towards the factory planet. Mainframe will Administrate (+6) and Survey (+4) the surrounding systems to gather intel on any systems rich in the resources that Collective uses.  Myrmidon Collective Meanwhile, all across the planet, the lumbering Myrmidons and their countless factories started to work. The new frontiers to be explored required larger harvester and builders than any before. To carry the materials to build new factories and return with the ones to improve the capital, it would require machinery more massive than anything before! The Myrmidons will meanwhile Build (+6) new spacefaring models for the exploration and exploitation to come!
|
|
#
?
Sep 21, 2017 23:43
|
|
|
 The Matriarchy of Verisanga pushed westwards: Mother-Above-All had sensed three candidates for corpse-laden tomb worlds fresh from terminal catastrophes, and one highly populous concentration whose death rate marked it as a living world. The Ark fleet was approaching the first of the tomb worlds: There were high concentrations of radiation still present, and it looked as if the majority of the atmosphere had cooked off in a global firestorm. Yet a large number of buildings and bunkers survived, their outer surfaces blackened and twisted, their innards chock full with those that had hoped they'd be safe within. The locals seemed to conform to the bipedal quad-limb template. The Rahashi Syndicate under the God Anwé were informed of two large concentrations of life in the near northern vicinity, noteworthy planets teeming with sentience. A few minor Prim worlds dotted around, mostly sparsely populated pre-sentients that might be best left to ripen for a bit. They were more successful in their 'pirate' outreach: They became aware of a crew of raiders known as the 'Starkist' in the nearby vicinity who might be amenable. Their Captain, resplendent in ancient armor, went by the rather unusual name of Laserbeard. There were also rumours of a pirate lord calling himself 'Blood' who had somehow secured himself a Precursor ship, appearing here and there from time to time, pillaging and plundering. There seemed no rhyme nor reason to his choice of targets, though... The GCC and The Litorii collaborated on a ship that would likely be the equal of the best of prior ages, at least in terms of exploration. A technological masterpiece, the Calypso was assembled at a GCC shipyard and conducted a trial run to HLE space, where the hyper-advanced sensor suite and a few other interesting additions were emplaced. The Calypso stood poised to commence its explorations of parts unknown, the blessings of Tanash awaiting its first encounters. Meanwhile, within the Empire, plans were advancing at a meteoric rate towards a new kind of defensive stealth device, making solid and considerable progress. The Varraxian Dominion made rapid and decisive progress at first, subsuming a couple of minor worlds into tithe pacts, drawing them into the periphery of the Dominion. However, resistance steadily and significantly increased: The fearful minor nations in the sectors which had come to be thought of as 'The Cage' between three great powers had seen banding together as their only possible respite from the Dominion onslaught, and a rag-tag band of pilots in a diverse plethora of ships were maintaining a rolling battle with the advancing fleet. They generally tried to flee the terrifying Precursor ships with their dorsal beam mounts, instead trying to harass ships on the fringes of the flotilla, using hit-and-fade tactics in a desperate attempt to slow the whole endeavour, perhaps to buy time for the remaining worlds. Primus' pacts had the desired effect on the new subjugates, who had no choice but to serve as needed. (Primus gets a one-time +2 bonus representing the endeavour of the enslaved worlds to be used at his discretion.) Åton worked on a vast new crystalline probe, slowly forming the new vessel at least in part. It stood at roughly one-third completion at this point. The Starbound pushed slowly and carefully into neighbouring space, encountering a few primitive worlds that were easy to subsume into the whole if need be. Slow and steady did the crystallisation of the galaxy commence, slow and steady would be the pace. Bryn, the Golden Emperor cast his consciousness into the void, scrying magics locating at least three heathen populations nearby capable of being drawn into the divine light. The Crusade would have its targets, and the progress towards readiness continued apace. None could stand before the hordes of Leonis once their course was set. The one within the ostensible borders of the stellar empire seemed to be a technological enclave that had yet to discover faster than light travel, but had a well-developed, multiplanet system, each populated world ringed with space elevators, skyhooks formed of exotic strands of carbon in supertensile configurations. The locals appeared to be amorphic, gigantic amoebic blobs, single cells of incredible size that inflated and floated through their bizarre cities, or swam through their waterways. Mainframe 01 processed the sensor data of local resource clusters and experienced a sense of objective sucessfully fulfilled. Four potential sites had promising spectrographic data, and would likely enable additional Myrmidons to be constructed, in order to fulfil the goal of ERROR GOAL NOT FOUND. They warranted further investigation, and the fleet being constructed was primed and ready to do so at Mainframe 01's discretion.
|
|
#
?
Sep 25, 2017 01:04
|
|
|
Tanash the Founder It was horrific. Scene after scene plays out in front of his eyes. The full power of the Varraxian Dominion cast against a people unaware, a surprise attack against a people who didn't even know that they were targets. Ships gunned down as they fled, towns consumed by fire.  "Shock and awe indeed. Cowards." He waves a hand, and the images stopped. The image is replaced with a haggard looking woman, who had reached out through one of the local Branch Offices. He regards her carefully. They need his ships, his resources to evacuate. Calculations in his mind - they could absorb that population, perhaps. Not centralized. It would need to be dispersed, spread across GCC space so as not to overwhelm local infrastructure. Perhaps relocation on friendly worlds... But what kind of life would they be living? What was the point of all of this bloodshed? There wasn't one. "Please, we beg of you. We'have to get out of here before they show up. We have several entire planets in need of evacuation. You're all the hope we have..." "No. That's not good enough." "W-What? What do you mean, we have to leave-" "I will dispatch GCC Security to the front lines. That should give everyone involved... pause. In the meantime, gather the leaders of your new alliance. I am going to put an end to this war, one way or another." -------------------- Later -------------------- Footsteps echo as a lone figure traverses the Capital Palace of New Varraxia. None would dare enter unsummoned - and the Great Primus does not summon lessers to him often. It suited Tanash fine. When he gets to the throne room, he does a very nice bow, following all the old traditions as he makes his way to the Imperial Presence. It always paid to be polite, after all. However, there was only business on his mind once he arrived at the throne itself and regarded the Great Presence.  "It seems, Ancient One, that you have embarked upon a war against a great many lesser creatures. However trifling with such tiny, insignificant beings is not befitting of your greatness, or your illustrious people. I have come to offer a remedy, to your benefit that will remove the need to associate with such inconsequential endeavors." Negotiation +6 don't fail me now.
|
|
#
?
Sep 25, 2017 03:35
|
|
|
 Anwé, the One Who Is Many Places Anwé produced quill and parchment from beneath his robe, noting the location of these inhabited worlds on the modern star chart already depicted on the yellowed sheet. He rolled it up, tying it off with a black ribbon, and left it on the table for an aide to find. And then he vanished. Across the unconquered star systems of the Cage, in the council chambers, the private offices, bedrooms, or bunkers of those with the Authority to command planets and systems, a shadowy figure appeared quite suddenly, hooded and cloaked. He did not move from where he stood, but instead spoke to any who would consent to listen, any who could make the deal he offered. "Hello. Please do not bother calling for guards or your security detail; you cannot harm me. I am Anwé, the Traveler. I come to you at the hour of your doom to make you an offer; friendship. And in the spirit of this friendship, I am willing to grant you a single Favor. Any favor that is within my power to perform. Do you want your fleet of starships to be nigh-undetectable? It can be done. Do you wish to hide a Star Base or Ship Yard so that the enemy cannot find it, no matter how hard they search? A simple matter. Do you wish that your star system was safe, somewhere far from this conflict? I can make it so. And all that I ask in return is a Favor owed, in the spirit of friendship. Will you accept my offer of help, or will you bow to those who would be your Masters?" Anwé is visiting (possibly simultaneously) the Rebel Alliance worlds (Starfaring ONLY, no dirty Prims  ) inside the Cage, and making their leaders/generals/authority figures an offer they could probably refuse; owe a Favor to the God-Father, and in exchange he will perform a service for them. The service is open to negotiation, so long as it is in his power to perform. He is not visiting any system that has already taken an Oath to the Dominion. Using Space [+6] to appear in many places at once, and Secrets [+4] to cloak these negotiations in a veil of Secrecy, so that neither the details nor the very existence of these talks can be revealed. Naturally, accepting a Favor would involve placing Trust [-2] in Anwé; who trusts some literally shady rando appearing in locked rooms or out of nowhere?The Rahashi Syndicate Pirates. Entrepreneurs as far as the Syndicate was concerned, and an opportunity to be exploited. How better to use a Pirate than to give him what he wants, to point him in the direction of your rivals and whisper, "Go play"? To this end, a pair of Diplomatic Corvettes, Credibility Problem and Never Talk To Strangers, were dispatched into pirate space. Aboard each was a Messenger, a Syndicate Diplomat whose job was to speak on behalf of the Eight Bosses and negotiate trade, treaties, and alliances. Each carried with them the offer made by the Eight; free access to Syndicate space, Docking rights and access to the Market, so long as they played by the rules. They could even buy and sell Intel, if they were so inclined. Using Espionage [+2] to begin covert negotiations with the Known Pirates (Laserbeard and Blood). The deal is as previously stated: Freedom to make port and buy/sell stolen goods in Syndicate space, in exchange for leaving Rahashi vessels alone wherever they are, and to leave alone anyone who has paid their dues ONLY while they are inside Syndicate space. Tracking data and flight plans of potential juicy targets can be made available for a percentage of the take, and the Syndicate would be willing to buy good intel from their travels. Naturally, we suffer in the Diplomacy [-2] department due to our... disturbing-even-to-pirates nature. Rhjamiz fucked around with this message at 16:17 on Sep 25, 2017 |
|
#
?
Sep 25, 2017 06:43
|
|
|
Primus The Royal Guards of the Imperial Palace do not interfere as Tanash walks. They let him pass, without speaking, but also leave him without salutation, a luxury they grant the Varraxian high nobility. They know the nature of the entity in their presence, and whilst offering no particular respect, they know also this is not the business of any mortal. The Hierophants of the Grand Cathedral stood in great circles, faces hidden in flowing robes, all staring in perfect unison at Tanash, no word spoken. They knew also the implications when the entity before them addressed the empty air. Primus was called upon by a lesser divinity. Perhaps they would be graced themselves? And indeed they would, as Primus saw it fit to manifest in realspace, his form flickering, reflecting and filling the entire room in an almost oppressive golden splendor. Immediately the Hierophants started their rapturous supplications, choirs giving a rather pompous background to the proceedings at hand. The glowing eyes of Primus homed in on Tanash, the entity staring at him intently. Whether he was curious at this creature that had dared confront him so, or spurned by its impudence, or whether he was always this intense, was hard to say. "ALL is insignificant in comparison to Primus and his chosen, merchant. Thus you speak in empty notions of no value", a moment of silence is kept as Primus' words echo in the chamber, "And lest you have come to offer me your or their subservience, I hold no interest in what you peddle." "SPEAK, and explain yourself, interloper, and do not waste my time."
|
|
#
?
Sep 25, 2017 12:28
|
|
|
Tanash the Founder Tanash listens to these words, and then drops all pretense of formality and gets straight to the point, "You want to extract oaths of loyalty from the region known as "the cage." However there were no declarations of war, no warnings given and this whole offensive seems to be a surprise attack executed with extreme brutality. Of course the great Primus has no need for such underhanded actions - I can only assume it was due to the over-eagerness of your Auxilia to enact your most unquestionable will. The people of the cage will swear no oaths to the one who broke the peace, pillaged their worlds and burned their cities." He ponders a moment, and then says, "But I will. I will take their oath for them. Let me negotiate with their leaders, and I will bring the war to an end. I will keep your peace and collect your taxes, and you will never have to trouble yourself or your people with them again. By oaths and contracts signed today in the presence of your priesthood I will swear that I will not use the Cage or its people against you, I will not use the security there to attack you or your interests and I will not call upon the people to rise against you if we should fall into conflict in the future." He doesn't bow - that was reserved for lesser creatures than him - but he does lower his head and extend his arms in a pose of supplication. A contract appears, bearing the stylized signature of Tanash the Founder, with a much larger blank area above it. professor_curly fucked around with this message at 14:42 on Sep 25, 2017 |
|
#
?
Sep 25, 2017 14:30
|
|
|
Primus "You would swear an Oath of Fealty to me. This is as things should be, and I find it pleasing. However, note this: The Varraxian Dominion does not TOLERATE free actors next to its core. The Varraxian Dominion does not TOLERATE being denied its Rightful Tithe." "Thus, for your proposal to be acceptable, you must Oath thus:" "The Cage is to pay the Tithe equally as to what it would have to pay if they were our Thralls, including materials, soldiers and temples built in my name, as well as all Precursor Artifacts within their territory. You are BOUND to make sure this happens, if you FAIL to make sure these Tithes are delivered, you shall pay them yourself." "You are to keep the peace in the region, and inform The Dominion of any disturbance you learn of." "You are to make sure no fleets of other powers except yours or MINE make way through the area, it will be closed to such military presence. No reasonable threat will be allowed so near the core regions of my chosen." "In exchange, the Cage shall retain its nominal independence. The Worlds yet free shall avoid the yoke of my Slave Laws unless circumstances change to such degree that intervention will be necessary." "If these terms are MET, I shall allow you to bind yourself to them." "WILL YOU?" Theantero fucked around with this message at 15:18 on Sep 25, 2017 |
|
#
?
Sep 25, 2017 14:50
|
|
|
Tanash the Founder His eyes narrow almost imperceptibly, "The people of the cage will not send their people off to die for their would-be conqueror, nor will I. However, I can offer a mutual defense pact between your Dominion and my organization. We will not attack you, and come to aid if you are attacked if you will agree to do the same for us." The contract rewrites itself as Tanash speaks, and again he offers it, "Do you agree?"
|
|
#
?
Sep 25, 2017 16:45
|
|
|
Primus A moment of tense silence hangs, as the Word of Primus is not accepted immediately. The hierophants are still as stone, awaiting the response of their liege. "Your fleets are of above average quality for thralls, and your pact will have you function in a manner identical to rearguard thrall auxiliaries. For this reason alone, I find your suggestion tolerable, and am also in a gesture of MERCY willing to overlook your impudent backtalk due to your immaturity. I shall also extend upon you a promise of protection against aggression akin to my other thralls as long as you do not dare conspire against us. But be aware: This pact of defense is separate from the pact of Tithes you are to extract. The Dominion reserves the UNILATERAL right to call off this deal of protection should you embark upon territorial conquest or other such means of acquiring it, for the Galaxy belongs to ME and I shall not have you keep it away from me via this pact." "Agree to this, and be Oathbound." And thus, with their agreement, the Grand Armada ground to a halt, advance stopped. Waiting for the negotiations to bear fruit. As well as a looming promise of what would come to pass if they didn't. The Varraxian Dominion The Great Archive on New Varraxia was a den of scholars, engineers and various other experts. Codices, records and even blueprints of the Dominion's Possessions were all kept here. Certainly they were largely salvage, and the information corrupted to a high degree, and thus reclaiming and deciphering anything useful from them took time and effort. But it was effort well spent, for it was necessary to pinpoint the location of their most important treasures. As always, their work continued unabated. Right: Primus adds his Dominion [+4] to Tanash's Negotiation roll to make this whole agreement work out, since Tanash is submitting himself to an Oath and all. The Dominion is rolling Precursor Knowledge [+6] to do data recovery in their Grand Archive to re-learn the locations of promising Precursor artifacts (basically a roll to scout for sweet Precursor Stuff, with things in the vicinity taking priority).
|
|
#
?
Sep 25, 2017 17:11
|
|
|
Tanash the Found The grand sigil of Primus burned on the contract, which disappeared shortly afterward in a flash of light. Tanash gave a sweeping bow, before turning on his heel and marching out, paying no heed to the assembled priests, disappearing entirely as he exited the main hall, to meet with the other half of these negotiations - the assembled leaders of the "cage." --------------------- The Frontline --------------------- Galactic Corporate Conglomerate  The appearance of large numbers of GCC security ships seems to have had the desired effect on providing an immediate halt to local hostilities, followed shortly by a general stand-down by the Varraxian Armada. Following on the heels of the security ships came a flotilla of mass conveyors and transport ships moving aid and personnel to the affected regions. These were emergency supplies and building materials - provided without charge or at very favorable terms where necessary. The GCC will use our superior transport ships to move large quantities of aid to the affected region using our +6 Shipbuilding, Entrepreneurship +4 for people to come in and help in the hopes of making contacts and opening up friendly relations with a new market, and using +2 Integrated for people to have slightly more trust in the proceedings because they know how we do business/we aren't completely new faces. Special note is made that this aid is not conditional on the outcome of negotiations.  Tanash the Founder Tanash will address the leaders of the Alliance of the Cage, speaking plainly and bluntly about the current situation, "I am Tanash, Founder and President of the GCC. I am known to most of you already. I sincerely wish that this meeting could have come under less extreme circumstances, but that is not to be. Although your war is not my war, I saw the devastation being wrought and have endeavored to end this conflict without further bloodshed, and to secure your future prosperity independent of any outside influence as could be practically achieved." "Let me begin with the plain facts you don't want to hear. The Varraxian Dominion covets your worlds, your resources, your people and your worship. Left to their own devices they would extract these things from you, or hang your charred corpses from their ships as warning to those who might resist in the future. Probably both. My organization cannot fight them off, and any party that could is either disinterested, unmoved by your plight or offering an even worse future for you. I am here to offer you the best option that can be achieved." "Overlord Primus demands oaths of bondage and slavery of all beings. However I have seen the determination and resolve of your people, tested in the fires of battle the likes of which haven't been seen in living memory. Many of you would die rather than submit to those who attacked you so suddenly, grievously. Others of you fight for the protection of your family, of your homes, and a life of slavery for your children and their children into perpetuity must also be resisted. I knew you would not take these oaths. So I have taken them on your behalf." He unbuttons his jacket and shirt, showing the glowing Oath-mark of Primus, "Here was my pledge to him - that the GCC would come here and collect his tithe, and keep his peace. Understand that this was going to happen regardless. Now I offer you a choice - the chance at independence from not only the Varraxians but from all of the powers who would have subjugated the people in the "Cage." "Your steadfast resistance in the face of impossible odds has convinced that the best people to provide security to the Cage, are you. What you have managed to do with a cobbled together fleet, untrained, unpracticed is nothing short of astonishing. My offer is thus: The GCC will subcontract the security and peacekeeping mission tasked to it, to the units of the "Cage Fighters." We will provide proper security ships, training in their use and necessary support for their operation. You will agree to keep the peace, collect the tithe and pay it. You will not use our warships for aggressive action, but rather to turn this cage into a bulwark." "My only wish is for peace and prosperity to reign in this galaxy. I understand that this is not perfect. However I firmly believe that this way will lead to the best result that can be expected. Now, I open the floor to you for further negotiations." +6 Negotiation to secure the independence of the Alliance. professor_curly fucked around with this message at 21:34 on Sep 25, 2017 |
|
#
?
Sep 25, 2017 20:26
|
|
|
The Fleetbound Matriarchy of Verisanga Mother-Above-All Mother-Above-All watches Tanash's speech from her study on the Sign of Glory. Her frown deepens as it goes on. When it finishes she closes the link with a snap of her fingers. "This will not do." She says; her voice is made of a thousand sighs. But, she had to see to her daughters first. A new world to harvest, full of everything her children would need to grow. Mother raises a hand, expands her mind. Every corpse on the planet before them rises in unity. Spirits find themselves shackled and overwhelmed by Mother's force of will. The corpses rise, and begin to shamble outside, looking on their ruined world again. In the sky hang all four Ark-Ships, a swarm of industrial barges streaming from each of their bellies. Mother returns to her own mind, they can handle the rest. She turns to face a corner, a smile on her gray lips. "Anwé, would you perhaps join me for some tea and fungus cakes?" She says. Somehow, she knows he will hear her. ------------------------ Mother Admiral Verena Kalkmurnieks "This is VIB Augur, moving into position over metropoli-" "-IB Scapel, we haven't scanne-" "-rting southern continent scans clear of multicelluar li-" Mother Admiral Kalkmurnieks can hear a dozen different conversations from the bridge of the Talums. She wishes she couldn't. Each is like a pin delicately embedded in her skull. Someone should stop ringing that drat bell too. She nurses a cup of dandelion tea as she goes through reports. Planetfall was always a hectic time for her, and starting it the day after her anniversary just made things worse. ------------------------ OOC Goddess Action: Mother-Above-All will use Necromancy (+6) to raise the corpses of the planet and take over any spirits she can and put them to work in the harvesting effort. She will use Art (+4) to sort through the cultural memory of the spirits to target great works of art for them to make off with. Faction Action: The Fleet will set up defensive positions and scout the planet using it's extensive War (+6) experience to protect it's Industry (+2) while it tears the planet to pieces. The Unlife Aquatic fucked around with this message at 21:50 on Sep 25, 2017 |
|
#
?
Sep 25, 2017 21:46
|
|
|
 Anwé, the Watcher in the Dark Anwé appears quite suddenly, quite quietly, as if he had always been there. "Just tea, thank you."
|
|
#
?
Sep 25, 2017 21:58
|
|
|
The Fleetbound Matriarchy of Verisanga Mother-Above-All "Of course. A pleasure to see you as always." She pours a cup of dandelion tea and hands it to her fellow deity. "Quite an interesting situation you've wandered into, pinned on two sides by the forces of law and order in the Galaxy." She pours her own cup and takes a sip before continuing. "Not to mention their frightening navies. It seems Primus has you at his mercy." Mother takes a fungus cake - dark green and heavy, between two of her gloved fingers. It smells just as sour and bitter as the tea. She raises it to her dead lips and takes a bite. Why a corpse such as herself feels a compulsion to eat is anyone's guess. "I won't belabor my point, only make you an offer. Death and secrets are a natural pair, where one goes the other always follows. We seek the same galaxy, stars full of cut throats and conspiracies." She leans back in her chair. "I believe we can agree this arrangement between Primus and Tanash represents a significant threat to that galaxy."
|
|
#
?
Sep 25, 2017 22:09
|
|
|
Anwé, the Watcher in the Dark A clawed hand emerges, and the hooded figure brings the cup into his hood. There is a click and a rasp, and the cup is lowered back to its saucer. "'At his mercy'? I think you are getting ahead of yourself. The Dominion is not yet in the position to threaten Syndicate interests." He raises the cup once more, and he finishes the tea. "However, I do happen to agree that continued military cooperation between the GCC and the Dominion is... undesirable. We are prepared to take steps to weaken this agreement. Continued conflict within The Cage is in the interest of the Syndicate. Quietly, of course."
|
|
#
?
Sep 25, 2017 22:28
|
|
|
The Fleetbound Matriarchy of Verisanga Mother-Above-All "Perhaps, but you know their nature. It is easy for them assert control over territory. It will be a great task to unseat them." Another sip, she stops to refill Anwé's cup. "As are we, my daughters maybe warriors but I am possessed of more...subtle gifts." She moves a hand over the surface of the table, a beautifully drawn map of the Cage rises up from the swirls in the titanium. "I believe the natural point of attack to be the individual governments of their nations. Smear the collaborators as traitors to the Cage, lionize violent resistance." She points out a few governments likely to cave. "I believe your own children can handle the smear campaigns. My own gifts put me in a position to handle the glorification." She smiles, showing gray gums. "Do we have an agreement?"
|
|
#
?
Sep 25, 2017 22:37
|
|
|
Mainframe 01 Several promising clusters! Yet time is of the essence, and only now the first Myrmidon Model 134 - Variation B has been fully finished. This massive behemoth of a machine, created to house a million others of its kind, took all of Planet 01's facilities to build, and hundreds of thousands of units to meticulously assemble together the three hundred kilometers wide Myrmidon. With a soft hum of Mainframe 01, the thousands of nuclear thrusters inside 134-B start their work, sending out fire below as it travels to the space beyond, while the skittering machines below the flying giant resume work, this time for another of its kind. And in the deepest reaches of space, the ancient probes send more and more information of the bountiful systems surrounding the collective to Mainframe 01. OOC: Sending the first 134 Model to the closest Western System. Mainframe 01 will Survey (+4) the four systems closer and the collective will start to Build (+6) the second one. Plutonis fucked around with this message at 04:10 on Sep 26, 2017 |
|
#
?
Sep 25, 2017 22:51
|
|
|
Anwé, the Watcher in the Dark Anwé accepts the refill of tea. "My people will take care of civilian sentiment against the situation. I have already made overtures to Cage governments, offers of covert support. The secrecy of these offers has been... assured." He drains the cup one more time. "We will keep you informed." The cup vanishes from his hand as if it were never there, instead sitting upon the grey table. And then he is gone, as suddenly as he arrived.
|
|
#
?
Sep 25, 2017 22:59
|
|
|
The Fleetbound Matriarchy of Verisanga Mother-Above-All Mother-Above-All smiles. Anwé was always an enjoyable tea companion, and that particular meeting went as well as any of their meetings do. She takes another bite of her fungus-cake, the Amanita ocreata dusting really does add a certain something. Shame Anwé wouldn't try it.
|
|
#
?
Sep 25, 2017 23:10
|
|
|
Bryn & the Leonis A target located, the Crusade began. Flotilla after flotilla of spelljammers descended on the system. From his throne, Bryn oversaw and commended the invasion. In the opening phases, he weaved great and powerful magicks that would rob the enemy's hated technology of its effect. Great electro-magnetic events melted circuits, failures cascaded through complex systems as backups fail against all odds, basic chemical reactions suddenly cease to work in their usual means leaving gunpowder and other explosives as so much useless dust. The fleets of the Leonis would take ruthless advantage of the magically induced chaos. Relying on war plans prepared by God himself, they strike aiming to capture critical targets while the giant cells of their world were in disarray from the sudden failure of virtually all advanced technology. Spelljammers cut through space, and the Mage-Priest Captains and their battle mage subordinates using their own magical prowess to assist in their goals. Fireballs, great gouts of acid, the sudden transformation of materials or the appearance of matter. Ground troops possessing supernatural strength and fortitude from the blessings of God. For enemies expecting bullets, beams and missiles, the one-two punch of the complete failure of their own equipment with the appearance of impossible entropy defying enemies had never yet failed to prove psychologically decisive. The fact that the Leonisian invaders had no compunction about destroying enemy infrastructure, also aided in their goal, for though they would take care to limit casualties and maintain the various planets' biospheres, they were more than willing to smash the underpinnings of the so-called civilization of this system to pieces. After all, it was hateful, and heathen, and would all have to be destroyed anyways, so no reason to bother to preserve it now. The power of a god and his zealous followers fell upon the system, it would be the first of many. Combined action between Bryn and the Leonis. Invading and attempting to occupy the single cell system. Bryn's using Magic[+6] to render their technology useless via a variety of means (Tons of solar storm level electro-magnetic disruptions, rituals to manipulate probabilities to cause backups and systems to fail, etc.), he's also directing the invasion using his power of War[+4] to ensure the flow of battle goes in his favor, and he's granting divine Strength[+2] to his shock troops. The Leonis will be using their own mastery of Magic[+4] on the front lines. Basically, it's a massive blitz attack, aiming to use the confusion of the mass tech failures to decisively smash the system's ability to resist.
|
|
#
?
Sep 27, 2017 00:55
|
|
|
As the gears of war turned throughout the universe, the gears of progress turned elsewhere. One of the more interesting things that was happening elsewhere in the galaxy was the use of magic to defeat and counter technology. Such a thing did not escape Deiosa's eye. Once more, inspiration reached for the mind of a willing follower, and found purchase. If they wished to counter technology with magic, then it would counter magic with technology. ======== "In the beginning was the word."  "And with word sparked fire, alighting our hearts and minds with the fervor and truth of technology. As entropy increases, so too must we dedicate ourselves to bring order. And furthermore......" The preacher froze up, shaking for a moment, eyes going wide. He saw before him the vista of Entropy itself, unfurling a thousand myriad tentacles, before calculations, numbers, thousands of them filtered through his perception. Although he did not know it, he had begun stammering and uttering out a series of deeply convoluted and stunning equations dealing with, well, exactly that. The control of Entropy, but not as a force to control. No, this Entrppy needed to be crushed. Squashed. Pressed down into the dirt and brought down and back to reality. Progress marches. ========= The Patriarch delivered his missive. He wanted a working prototype of the displacement field device yesterday. To disobey the Patriarch was blasphemy. Work proceeded at an INCREDIBLE clip, faith and intellect hand in hand, as they sung the equations that wrote the fabric of the world. ====== Deiosa: Inspiration +8 towards developing a Mana Sink, preventing magic from functioning properly within an area, or weakening it substantially. The Empire: +4, +4 from Faith and Intellect towards developing working prototypes of the Displacement Fields, with the final goal of putting them into Meka. Capital ships are of too high mass to make their positioning variable according to the initial Saforosian Theory of Quantum Embiggening. Calypso: GO WEST YOUNG MAN!
|
|
#
?
Sep 27, 2017 06:11
|
|
|
Åton Åton viewed the progress of the Starbound in that timeless way of his for it was all relative as he spun and grew his messenger of peace. OOC tldr; Åton: Using Conversion[+6] & Growth[+2] Continuing construction on the Crystal Probe. The Starbound The Starbound delighted in finding new friends and discoveries in the new sectors. They would spend time getting to know and spreading their message to these places. OOC tldr; The Starbound: Continuing the assimilation and concentrating on everything in those sectors initially found by the Starbound.
|
|
#
?
Sep 27, 2017 20:32
|
|
|
 Anwé met in secret with various leaders within the Aliance of the Cage, and their response was... mixed. They were unified by the collective threats all around them, but how they chose to respond to those threats varied wildly. However, he was able to get a hearing, and after a considerable amount of conferring, it seemed a significant number were willing to accept, on condition of the Favour being granted. The Favour was this: "Ensure that our territory and people are inviolate, not conquered, consumed, relocated or subjugated by any foreign power or entity such as the Dominion, Syndicate or GCC." The Rahashi Syndicate were considerably less fortunate in their initial outreach. The elusive Captain Blood was proving near-impossible to pin down, and Captain Laserbeard's response was one of the extreme cynicism you'd expect from a long-lasting scourge of the spaceways. Perhaps an accord might be reached in the future, but for the time being the outlook was grim. What we have here is a failure to communicate. +1 Fate Point for flunking diplomacy, redeemable for a one-time +2 bonus. Primus and Tanash formed an unholy alliance, the Founder being Oathbound to the ancient one. The Founder went to present his fait accompli to the Alliance: What followed could not have been predicted. Representatives from roughly a third of the ramshackle coalition were veritably falling over themselves to accept the deal, so powerfully did the GCC's representative state their case. That, sadly, was where the good news began and ended. As much as a peaceful solution, even at such a steep cost in sovereignty, appealed to those tired and fearful of war, far more souls in the Alliance found such an abject submission to be utterly untenable. Their position was best summed up by a grizzled veteran, horribly scarred from some near-disaster facing down the Dominion fleet: "No. Never. Not one inch, not one iota of tribute to those invader bastards. If you or they try to take it by force, we will do our utmost to stop you. If we fail, better that the planets themselves be rendered into lifeless cinders than to give up one more world to the rapacious ones." Perhaps the pro-deal faction would have knuckled down and kept a united front, but Tanash's rhetoric, backed up by Primus' blessing, gave the smaller grouping the steel to try and stand up to that fatalist mindset. Their spokesbeing, a squat, downy-furred biped, gave her rebuttal: "This is madness! Should we truly throw away everything for the sake of making a point? Is trading autonomy for peace truly a price too dear? We are being offered a lifeline, I say we take it!" Things did not improve from there, uproar and argument holding sway where unity had before. One element was abundantly clear: The ones with the fighters, warships, doomsday switches and other military hardware were firmly against the deal as presented. Precursors help any who dared try to collect. The Varraxian Dominion, with their fleet stood down, cast their net far and wide for precursor technology. The search proved greatly fruitful: Two Precursor sites, their sub-ether resonances right where the archives indicated they would be, apparently both still powered. What they actually were, the archives were annoyingly short on detail, but even finding one live Precursor site was potentially a trove beyond imagining. The Matriarchy of Verisanga strip-mined the Tomb world, the entire planet being dismantled by the desiccated corpses of its former inhabitants. What little cultural heritage remained was airlifted en masse, somewhat symbolic works of art in muted tones, the allegory of their contents lost to the ages. The operation was streamlined and successful, gaining a substantial amount of materiel and new animated corpses. As a bonus, there was a rich seam of silver in a mountain range on the southern continent: Some artworks seemed to assign some significance to the range, but there was nothing stopping the army of the dead from ripping it out for their new masters. The tomb world is subsumed, its resources are the Matriatrchy's to do as they will with. Mainframe 01 sent out the first 134-B to exploit the nearest resource-rich system, finding in it multiple bands of asteroid fields, rich in mineralsand metals such as Bertrandite, Painite and Palladium. The 134-B began exploiting the bounty, working its way throughout the system. The resources of the first system are the Collectives to do what they will with. The second 134-B will be ready for deployment next turn. The scans of the other systems turn up interesting broad spectrum analyses, and one unusual but inexplicable anomaly in the easternmost site. The Leonis unleash an unstoppable blitzkrieg on the first world of four of their crusade target, opening up with a devastating fusillade of technology-jinxing magic from their God-Emperor and their spelljammers. This on a world ringed with equatorial space elevators, gigantic towers stretching up from the equator to orbit, held up by technological means. The results were catastrophic. One after the other, the exotic material pillars plummeted in the direction that the planetary rotation dragged them, setting the oxygen-rich atmosphere alight in their passing. One by one, they slammed into the planetary crust, shattering tectonic plates, vast plumes of magma erupting all around the equator. The world was virtually cleft in twain, the inhabitants did not stand a chance, this before even a single Leonis even had a chance to set foot on the planet. Not that setting foot was necessarily a good idea at this point: Any dreams of occupying this planet and subjugating its population would remain just that. The unicellular inhabitants perished en masse, taken by surprise as their hubrisistic creations demolished their world, rendering it uninhabitable. Overkill! Combining Deity and Race powers generated such a high tally that the planet itself could not survive the onslaught. One of the four planets is now a tomb world, delaying the assault on the other three. Deiosa inspired the creation of a mana sink, an anti-magical technological device, with impressive early results. The Displacer fields as well proved very effective in shielding the Meka, making their location incongruously hard to find for gigantic war machines. The Calypso stumbled across an intriguing derelict station, seemingly abandoned for hundreds if not thousands of planetary rotations. What could be within? Aton and the Starbound continued their long term projects. Pleasingly, one of the sectors was completely on the path to assimilation, freeing up resources to spread from there. A glorious day!
|
|
#
?
Oct 5, 2017 21:52
|
|
|
Mainframe 01 ERROR. Cannot discern anomaly. Mainframe's circuits heat up as it tries to analyze whatever it is on the Eastern system, only to completely fail to do so. Something more powerful might be needed for that, something that surpasses the current Myrmidon probe models. The supercomputer works for a few seconds, assembling data as it starts to compile all surveillance and analysis technology designs on its database, and instructions to one of the several plants on Planet 01 are sent as a large spherical ship starts to be assembled. Myrmidon design is pushed to the limit, as the Analytical Probe Module X-1 is ready to be sent into space.  Joint effort! Using Research, Build, Administrate and Survey to build the Analytical Probe Module X-1. Also the second Harvester will go to the South system. Plutonis fucked around with this message at 19:11 on Oct 7, 2017 |
|
#
?
Oct 6, 2017 20:53
|
|
|
Tanash the Founder Tanash listens passively as the discussion gets out of hand. However when someone raises a fist to strike at another of the assembled delegates he slams a palm down onto his desk, with an echoing clap that carried far greater weight than a mortal action, "Enough."  Still. He straightens up and adjusts his jacket and lets the calm sink in for a moment.  "Forgive me. I believe I have made an assumption about the situation here, that I should not have. I understand that you wish to simply be left alone. Unfortunately, you happened to be born with a thousand parsecs of the Varraxians. You have my sympathies. Truly, you do. If you didn't I wouldn't be here, and you would all be dead. However I admit that I made a misstep by assuming that you would all simply trust my words out of hand. I took an oath, for the benefit of all of you. If the tithe is so distasteful to you then I shall pay it on your behalf as well, while a far deeper problem is resolved. Your unity." He stops, moving in front of his table and leaning against it casually, "You are a diverse people pushed together by a tragedy of the modern age. While you are so divided then there will be no end to the opportunist empires looking to plunder your planets and enslave your people. If it isn't the Varraxians it will be the Leonis. If it isn't the Leonis it will be the Rahashi. And even if you followed through with your convictions," he turns to the scarred man, "And burned this sector to the ground rather than submit, then have no doubt the Verisangans would be here within the week to reanimate your corpses, crack your planets in twain to expand their mausoleum fleet and bind your souls to the functioning thereof. There are some among you here who have similar fears that my organization are no better than the rest. Whether you trust me or not is irrelevant to the current matter at hand though. You are surrounded by enemies, and potential enemies. No matter what else you may say or do you must first come together. Divided, you will be picked apart, one way or another. Together you might just be able to weather the storm that is this galaxy. In the meantime, I will make sure that the Varraxians do not interfere in your affairs and of course will help you in this endeavor in any way I can." Three hurrahs for the alliance! Die Allianz uber alles! +6 Negotiation to form a constitutional convention and get these guys unified into an actual, functional government. I will take on payments for them in the mean time, and will return to this issue once things have calmed down. Also trying to make my case that I'm here for their benefit and not anyone else's, trying to do some social jujitsu to make this work. Galactic Corporate Conglomerate Litorii Research University  Research Executive Eloise Deimar smiled neutrally as she and her entourage make their way through the bureaucratic heart of the Litorii university. She had a small team of lawyers, translators, notaries and a pair of security toughs, making them stand out even more in the crowd of coral-citizens. The paperwork is standard, and the red tape would be quickly cut by the metaphorical sword of legal professionalism. When she finally arrives in the meeting with a representative from the university, she has a simple proposal, "We are to understand that you are developing a technology to expand quantum uncertainty into a macro scale. We have interest in this sort of basic research for our own industries, and are willing to pay for it. You have seen the quality of our work with the Calypso, perhaps there are other ships you would like built in exchange for this research agreement?" Proposal: +6 Shipbuilding and +4 Entrepreneurship to the construction of a new series of Meka-carriers for the Litorii, in exchange for their research into quantum manipulation. However instead of making a displacer, I want to reverse the technology and make a certainty-enhancer. Eventually this device will be used to reduce quantum uncertainty, and allow entangled objects to transmit information between themselves.
|
|
#
?
Oct 7, 2017 04:53
|
|
|
Åton His children had completed bringing peace and harmony to one of the three areas they started exploring. How grand and content this made Åton feel on the behalf of them. Such successes were a thing to be celebrated. The probe was almost complete. One last...push. OOC tldr; Åton: Using Conversion[+6] & Growth[+2] and finally Resilience [+4] (for even greater hardening and survivability in addition to its size and mass) to finally complete the massive structure. It soon would be bringing peace and knowledge to all the other areas of space it soon would visit. The Starbound The Starbound continued bringing harmony and joy within the last two sectors while those in the completed sector began to replenish and create the tool and works of Åton. There would be more work soon once their brothers and sisters completed their own areas of exploration and harmony. OOC tldr; The Starbound: In the completed sector they are building. In the other two they are finishing their work. Starbound Symbol for on MAP: Could I just have the grid lines filled in around the squares with my color? If not I created a crystal shaped one with a transparency: 
|
|
#
?
Oct 7, 2017 18:10
|
|
|
 Tanash the Founder Neo Varraxia, during a Recess of the Cage Negotiations. Tanash appears in the Great Hall, a bottle of some sort of liquid in one hand and a pair of glasses in the other. He makes a sweeping motion to any mortals in the room. Now was not a time for their puny presence, now was a time for Divinities Only. When the hall was empty he would approach the empty space and summon a table and a pair of chairs, "Ok, Primus, we need to talk. I feel like you are really acting as your own worst enemy in this grand pursuit of yours." It's time for a Divine Intervention. You're addicted to war my boy. Put the Particle Lance down. You control it, it doesn't control you.
|
|
#
?
Oct 7, 2017 19:32
|
|
|
Primus The Grand Cathedral The heaviness came first to the Prime Chancel of the Grand Cathedral, the heaviness of the very presence of a scorned divinity, more than enough to squash any mortal present to paste. A good thing then that Tanash had dealt with that issue beforehand. In an angry glare of blinding gold, Primus made itself manifest. "You would SPEAK to me, merchant", it boomed, "By walking to MY CHAMBER, unannounced, and then present yourself as my EQUAL, someone who is in a position to offer me critique", the many eyes that ringed the being focused intently on the interloper, "Know that I find within your actions INSULT, and will only tolerate your presence in my infinite kindness and due to our past and current cooperation if you explain it" A pause, a baleful, little thing, as if Primus itself was drawing breath. Not that it needed to. "IMMEDIATELY." Primus is happy to talk
|
|
#
?
Oct 7, 2017 19:54
|
|
|
 Tanash the Founder Neo Varraxia, during a Recess of the Cage Negotiations. As Primus talks, and the room itself seems to shift and buckle under the pressure of the presence, Tanash calmly pours two drinks and sits, sipping at his as he lets the other god finish, "Well that gets to the heart of it, doesn't it? You have a PR problem my friend. I don't think you are intending to reduce this galaxy to ash. You'll just do it, accidentally and not understanding why the people don't greet you with open arms as their lord and divinity. Unfortunately, your approach engenders far more hatred than anything else, so much so that in the limited time you have interacted with the rest of the galaxy, you've managed to convince an entire sector of space it would be better to put their own planets to the torch before giving so much as a single grain of rice to your cause. You are addicted to War, Primus. I think you would be far better served with a gentler hand. You have much to offer the people of this galaxy, should you wish. Why not try that instead?" professor_curly fucked around with this message at 20:10 on Oct 7, 2017 |
|
#
?
Oct 7, 2017 20:05
|
|
|
Bryn & the Leonis The priests in the capital saw a flicker of annoyance flow across their God's features, and redoubled their prayer. Standing from his throne, Bryn summons his magickal power and weaves another spell. This was less violent than his previous attempt, it was a form of messaging spell. Though they had no means of communicating, in fact normal communication might not even be physically possible, Bryn was not deterred. He was not some petty being constrained by the mundane physics of the world. Through his magic he projected out his will, communicating the information directly into the minds of the populace of the crusade system. All would see the fate of the first world, destroyed by their own hubris and reliance on sinful technology and all would know God's ultimatum, "Submit or suffer the same fate." --- While this occurred the Leonis marshaled and redeployed their forces, preparing new spells and seeing to any minor damage they might have suffered. Bryn's using his Magic[+6] to use a spell to communicate his ultimatum to every being in the system being invaded, submit or be destroyed. Meanwhile the Leonis are using Magic[+4] to redeploy and get ready for the next stage of the invasion.
|
|
#
?
Oct 7, 2017 20:21
|
|
|
Anwé, He Who Walks Between Anwé appears quite unexpectedly in the empty hall of PRIMUS, standing in the center of it before the wheel of eyes that was PRIMUS as if he had always been standing there. "First One," he said by way of address. Rhjamiz fucked around with this message at 23:43 on Oct 7, 2017 |
|
#
?
Oct 7, 2017 20:31
|
|
|
Primus The Grand Cathedral The drink evaporated in a flash of sacrificial flame the moment it touched the table. As for Primus itself, it floated as it listened in total silence, an almost eerie juxtaposition to the booming nature of its voice whenever it spoke. Really, it seemed rather regal, even, if not any less menacing. And then, after a while and after Tanash was done, it spoke again. "For uncounted MILLENIA", it begun, "I have acted as I have. Who are you then, neonate, to teach me? It is my WILL and DIVINE RIGHT to press my claim upon the Worlds of he Galaxy and its inhabitants. What do I care for their idle whimpers, their pleas, their childlike TANTRUMS in the face of the inevitable? I will press my social framework upon them regardless, and they will have no say, for the offer of my Slave Laws, MY Oaths and my protection for THEIR servitude is all I have for them; all that they're allowed to have. By my MIGHT I have always taken that which is RIGHTFULLY mine." "Would you DARE to claim that I am in the WRONG to do so?" Primus is intrigued. Continue... Theantero fucked around with this message at 20:48 on Oct 7, 2017 |
|
#
?
Oct 7, 2017 20:33
|
|
|
|
| # ? Apr 18, 2024 11:02 |
|
|
Primus Realm of PRIMUS Rhjamiz posted:Anwé, He Who Walks Between "Explain your presence", Primus seemed somewhat mollified by the deferential way of address, "Vile deceiver. Lest I BURN away your malignant form for I find it deeply unpleasing." Hello! Theantero fucked around with this message at 20:45 on Oct 7, 2017 |
|
#
?
Oct 7, 2017 20:41
|
|