Ah, forgot to include that in the update. The mining post seems thoroughly stripped of everything that wasn't bolted on - your IMG guys however say that this would be typical for any small scale independent mining operation.
Did we find and scour the trash heaps? IIRC that's one of the best sources for archaeology and finding some thrown away USB stick equivalents would be potentially really useful. Because I doubt an independent mining operation would have bothered to remove their trash.
Hm... something to keep in mind, then. For the near-future we'll probably want to aim for more basic self-sufficiency, then. Stuff like producing our own food, maybe some basic medical supplies, simple hull parts, and so on.
Yeah, I think Terraforming that planet might help a lot for food. But I think ultimately we need to expand our operation a little. Right now we exist at the sufferene of the likes of the Corsairs. A larger organisation would make us less vulnerable in that regard.
Date: 07/812 AS
//Priority message: Code Vermillion//
The conflict between Corsairs and Outcasts in the Sigma 17 system has escalated. Intelligence suggests that hostilities escalated after a Outcast squadron, planning to attack the Atka Station, crossed paths with a small Corsair patrol and destroyed it. Unknown to them one of the Corsair pilots was Juan Santos, youngest son of Carlos Santos, one of the leading Corsairs on Crete. Carlos was also in the system, leading a significant Corsair force towards Sigma 19 for a as yet unknown purposes. Upon hearing of the death of his son Carlos led his ships in a daring attack on the Outcast squadron, destroying them in a pitched battle and chasing the survivors to the Sigma 19 Jumphole where he was met by a relief force of Outcasts. That battle ended inclusively and Carlos was forced to retreat to the southern part of the system. Since then both sides have massively reinforced their positions in the system and have clashed numerous times with an end to hostilities not yet in sight. All Order agents are advised to avoid the system if possible.
//Priority message: End//
Sigma 17:
Sigma 17 is a Border World system that lies outside the Sigma 19 system. The system is known for the amount of alien organisms, and has attracted at least two corporations, Samura Heavy Industries and Cryer Pharmaceuticals, to establish bases there. The sole jump gate is located at the Northeast side of the system, and connects to the Sigma 19 system.
Discovered by the GMG the system was ignored for decades before a Samura science team, at this time allied with the GMG, discovered the planet Kurile and it's highly useful micro-organisms. WIth the support of the GMG and generous support from the Kusari government, who saw an opportunity to strengthen its claim to the northern parts of the Omicron systems, Samura ordered the construction of a jump gate to the GMG system of Sigma 19 and established a base on Kurile. However shortly after the completion of the gate the GMG decided to ends its cooperation with Samura, preferring to work with Kishiro, which put a drastic halt to any plans Samura had regarding Sigma 17.
For decades the small base on Kurile was the only human presence in the system till the Zoner movement decided to establish Freeport 7 in a deserted Samura supply depot. They were later joined by Cryer Pharmaceuticals who build the Atka Research Station in Sigma 17 to have ready access to the alien organisms found in the Edge Worlds and, if rumours can be believed, to have a place of study beyond the grasp of noisy Liberty ethics commissions or competitors.
The wealth flowing into the system however attracted the attention of both the Corsairs and the Outcasts groups who both claimed the system themselves, leading the basis for one of the most bitter rivalries in all of Sirius.
Owned:Nobody, though Samura claims it
Organizations present: Samura, Cryer, Bounty Hunters, Outcasts, Corsairs
Connected to:
Sigma 13 - Jumphole
Sigma 19 -Jumphole and Jumpgate
Omicron Theta - Jumphole
You have 6 Action Points that you can spend anyway you wish at 1 point per action. You can also add 1 Focus Point (giving a + 20 Bonus) to a chosen action, representing DSX focusing on that action.
(Survey actions, especially in the Terminus sector will also have a chance of unveiling new Jumphole connections/unlocking new systems)
Sirius Sector:
You may be hundreds of light-years removed from the Sirius sector with the goal of exploring a completely new part of space but that doesn`t mean you can ignore what happens in the Sirius sector.
[] Transports:
With you expanding your industrial capacity the demands on your logistic network have also increased significantly, severely taxing your logistics. And while the normal supplies you get from your backers should be enough to solve that issue you should probably look into ordering additional transports if you plan to expand your industry this turn.
Cost: Medium, Result: Logistics improved
[] Artefact Trade: The excavation of Kappa 4 is progressing as planned and you are slowly amassing significant amounts of artefacts, which are currently being stored in secure warehouses on Kappa 4. There are several possible ways of how you and the DSX could make use of those artefacts.
[] Option 1: Illegal
Unlike the Corsairs you actually have connections in the highest echelons of the various governments that you could utilise to allow you to trade the artifacts legally. You would likely make less profit than if you did so illegally but the greatest effect would probably the massive public attention such an action would entail (though some of your directors actually see that as an advantage..).
Cost: Medium, Chance of success: 60%, Result: Legal trade of artifacts established
Bonus: BAF +10, Daumann +5
[] Option 2: Cold Trade
With the help of some your less legitimate friends and allies, especially in the Zoner's, it should be possible to create your own smuggling network and supply the various black markets in Sirius. You could likely make a significant profit and establish connections to various criminal factions but establishing such a thing could take quite some time and upset certain people.
Cost: Significant, Chance of success: 60%, Result: Smuggling operation established, more options unlocked
Bonus: Zoner +10
(Corsairs and artifacts - Most known Dom'Kavash ruins are located in Corsair territory and this has resulted in them having a near monopoly over the artefact trade. However while the Corsairs maintain their own smuggling lines directly into the Houses they are generally pretty open minded when it comes to "independent" organisations arranging their own routes (caveat being that of course they still get their cut due to being the source of the stuff) ).
The other question you would have to answer is how you plan to deal with the Corsairs who are unlikely to be very happy about getting a serious competitor
[] Option 1: Ignore them
Omicron Kappa is not their territory and thus they have no claim over what you find there. Either they accept that or they will learn that they are not the only skilled pilots in the Omicron systems.
Chance of success: 30% , Result: Corsairs allow you to trade unhindered
[] Option 2: Protection racket Mk2
Paying of pirates is not something you like to do but you can't really afford to get drawn into a conflict with them at this state.
Cost: Medium, Result: Pay Corsairs
[] Option 3: Cooperation
The Corsairs have a lot of experience in dealing with artifacts so it might be good idea to look into cooperating with them, even if it means cooperating with known criminals.
Chance of success: 50%, Result: Cooperation with Corsairs in the artifact trade (+10 if you take Cold Trade)
Bonus: Previous dealings +5, Zoner +5
[] Explore Omicron Kappa Mk2:
While you have managed to map most of Omicron Kappa you have so far discovered no other Jumphole and while it wouldn't necessarily be impossible that Omicron Kappa is limited to one Jumphole experience suggests that a system of this size and environment should have more than one. Finding such a Jumphole would certainly be a challenge, even with the experience your men have as well as specialized equipment, and the rest of the directors don`t think it is a pressing matter but you and Henry still worry about the possible security threat such an undiscovered Jump Hole could present.
Chance of success: 50%, Result: Omicron Kappa surveyed for Jumpholes
Bonus: IMG +10
[] Violet Diamonds:
Diamonds may no be longer as rare as they were when humanity was still limited to a single planet but they are still a very valuable trade good, be it for industrial purposes or as a luxury good. They are relatively easy to excavate, requiring only minimal infrastructure, and your contacts in the IMG and Daumann can not only provide you with the necessary tools and equipment but also give you an easy access into the market (while still remaining hidden).
Cost: Minimal, Result: Small diamond mining operation established
[] Outpost:
With you heavily increasing your presence in Omicron Kappa it might be time to establish a proper outpost in the system to assist your operations there and serve as an administrative and military center.
Cost: High, Result: Outpost established in Omicron Kappa (allows for example further development of your mining operations)
[] Explore Omicron Lambda:
Omicron Lamda is the waypoint between Kappa and Theta and has only been minimally surveyed.
Chance of success: 70%, Result: Omicron Lambda surveyed
Bonus: IMG +20
[] Cretan Embassy:
The close proximity of the Corsair territory as well as current events make dealing with the criminal organisation a necessary fact of life. Because of that Alexandra and Davis have suggested that you look into establishing a permanent mission on Crete to assist with that.
Chance of success: 60%, Result: Embassy on Crete
(Boni possible if you pick other pro-Corsair options)
[] The Sigma Crisis:
Sigma 17 is quickly developing into a free for all between Corsairs, Outcasts, Samura and Cryer which not only forces you to reorganise your supply lines but also presents you with an opportunity. The various factions are all hiring freelancers and mercenaries to assist in their operations and as it happens you have access to a not insignificant military force just waiting to do something other than endless, boring patrols. This could be a good idea to get some of the factions involved here in your debt, see how well trained your pilots really are and make a nice payday!
(Your current military status allows you to use a second action to choose an additional action (or pick the same for additional benefits/higher success chance) at the cost of stripping your systems of all your reserves. The options are also listed according to their "difficulty" - since "success" might be nearly certain but the amount of casualties you take can vary. I also wanted to note that your "Ethos" limits the options here (for example you have no option to attack another lawful organisation or assist the Outcasts (other than not getting involved))
Option 1: Freelancer
Cryer Pharmaceuticals has always depended on Freelancers and Bounty Hunters to ensure the safety of its Atka facility and is currently desperately trying to reinforce its security force. Likely enemies are mainly the Outcasts though Alexandra fears that Samura may use the chaos for an opportunistic strike to solidify its claim over the system.
Result: Support Cryer
Option 2: Corporate security
The increased pirate presence in Sigma 17 has made transporting goods from and to Kurile nearly impossible and Samura has been forced to massively up its military presence in the system to prevent a total stop of its operations. With losses, and far more important costs, mounting the mega-company is currently lobbying the Kusari government for support by the KNF.
Likely targets would be both Corsairs and Outcasts.
Result: Support Samura
Option 3: Common Enemy
Last but not least you could also approach the Corsairs and offer your support for their fight against the Outcasts. Cooperating with pirates may leave a sour taste in your mouth (and that of many of your men) but the Corsairs are the only force able to truly content with Outcast and thus your best bet if you want to prevent the Outcasts from becoming your new neighbours. Such clear and open support of the Corsairs would however mean the clear and lasting enmity of the Outcasts which could create problems in the future.
Enemies would be limited to Outcasts.
Result: Support Corsairs
Terminus Sector:
The new, unexplored frontier.
[] Asteroid Mining:
The inner asteroid field of Alpha01 is rich in various valuable resources and it might be a good idea to establish an operation similar to Omicron Kappa.
Cost: Medium, Result: Small Mining operation established
[] Another ruin:
While not exactly the most pressing matter you could extend Sinclair operations to the ruins found on the supermassive planet in Alpha01.
Result: Research alien ruins, more artefacts
[] Monster Hunter:
The alien organisms found in Alpha01 seem roughly similar to those found in the Edge Worlds (like for example Kurile) and could possible be a valuable trade good used in the agricultural industry. However as it stands none of the organisations you work with have had any experience with such things which complicates the matter somewhat since you can`t simply sell them through them.
[] Option 1: Cryer
The most well known buyer for such organisms is the Liberty company of Cryer which focuses in research such things. It is nearly certain that they would be interested in buying some of your samples (even if you have to keep the fact that they originate from another part galaxy a secret) but at the same time their research focus will limit the amount they are likely to buy.
Cost: Low, Chance of success: 80%, Result: Establish a small outpost and sell the organisms to Cryer
Boni: -20 due to Sigma Crisis
[] Option 2: Samura
Samura utilises similar organisms from Kurile in their agricultural operations and might be interested in acquiring your variant. While the initial payoff might be not as high Samura would likely make for a valuable long term trading partner.
Cost: Medium, Chance of success: 80% Result: Establish an outpost and sell the organisms to Samura
Boni: -20 due to Sigma Crisis
[] Option 3: Daumann
Just because your allies are currently not involved in this part of economy doesn't mean this has to be so forever. Müller has suggested that you cooperate with Daumann to help them get a foot in the market and expand their portfolio.
Cost: High, Chance of success: 60%, Result: Cooperate with Daumann to sell the Alien Organisms
[] Option 4: Start-up
The most radical solution would of course be to organise the whole process of harvesting, transporting and selling yourself instead of depending on a third party. Doing so would not only be quite expensive and complicated, though likely within your means, but also notably increase your reputation.
Cost: Very High, Chance of success: 50%, Result: Create a subdivision of the DSX to handle the trading of the alien organisms.
[] Explore Alpha02 Mk2:
Gravitational analysis suggest the presence of another jumphole in the Alpha02 system.
Chance of success: 60%, Result: Last jumphole discovered
[] Explore Alpha03:
Located on the other side of the Alpha01 system is a jumphole leading to a so far completely unexplored system.
Chance of success: 70%, Result: Alpha03 explored IMG+10
[] Explore Alpha04:
Located in the inner asteroid field of the Alpha01 system is a jumphole leading to a so far completely unexplored system.
Chance of success: 70%, Result: Alpha04 explored IMG+10
[] Explore Alpha05:
Located in the same asteroid field that also houses Pandora your people have discovered a jumphole leading to a unexplored system.
Chance of success: 70%, Result: Alpha06 explored IMG+10
[] Explore Alpha06:
Found in the outer parts of Alpha02 the system this jumphole leads to a so far unexplored system.
Chance of success: 70%, Result: Alpha06 explored IMG+10
[] Frontier Post:
Henry, you military adviser, would like to establish a small station in Alpha02 to assist in patrols and other projects there.
Cost: Medium, Result: Small base built in Alpha02
[] Open the Box:
Your study of the alien mining base has so far created far more questions than answers and you don`t think that you will ever be able to answer all of them, no matter how much you probe the installation, but an in-depth analysis might still solve a few questions.
Chance of success: 50%: Result: More information about Pandora/Aliens
Events in Sirius:
With the Houses having mostly recovered from the Nomad War there have been several noteworthy developments in the Sirius sector.
Liberty: The Outcasts and their Cardamine continue to be a major problem for the most powerful of the houses, addiction is more widespread than ever while the alliance of the Outcasts with the Liberty Rogues and Lane Hacker have led to later two getting notably more dangerous with the LPI being increasingly unwilling to confront them without serious back up from the Navy. Rumours however hint that the navy will deploy its new class of battleships, codenamed Osiris, shortly which might be enough to reset the balance of power there.
Liberty has also resumed the exploration of several star system in its area of influence and rumours suggest that it is in talks with the Deep Space Engineering regarding a new Jump Gate.
Kusari: Kusari remains the same as ever, with it slowly but surely establishing its dominance in the Hokkaido and Tau-29 (with rumours suggesting that an official annexation is planned in the near future). The Golden Chrysanthemum and Blood Dragons remain a threat but despite increased support from the young population of Honshu and New Tokyo they have been forced to retreat before the KNF and KP.
Bretonia: The situation in Bretonia meanwhile is a bit more mixed. Its economy, almost untouched by the war, is booming and its military has reported a number of successes against both Molly's and Gaians. Increased military presence in the Omega and Tau regions has even managed to mostly contain both the Corsairs and Outcasts, though later still make the Tau 23 system the most dangerous deployment in the BAF. However the attention on the borders has allowed a new criminal player to emerge in Bretonia, simply known as the Brotherhood. Founded by a group of disillusioned Gaian's the quickly growing organization lacks any political agenda and models itself after the original Liberty Rogues, meaning money is its the only goal. Currently more of a nuisance than a threat the BP has nevertheless been unable to conclusively defeat it so far.
Rheinland: Burdened by massive debt and plagued by ruthless criminal organizations like the Red Hessians the recovery of Rheinland has been the slowest of all the Houses. Even now it's proud military, bogged down in a seemingly endless campaign against the Red Hessians in the Dresden, is only a fraction of what it was before the war and it's police is hard pressed to make up the difference. But Rheinland endures and it's economy growths again, albeit slowly, while the political situation on New Berlin has stabilized. The government, aware that it cannot allow the present situation to continue indefinitely, is currently planning a series of radical policies break the deadlock. Rumours suggest they involve its selling claims to the Bering and Hudson systems as well as the Bundschuh organisation.
The poor Rheinlanders just can't catch a break, can they? Might be nice if we could help them out somehow; they are one of our direct neighbors, and strengthening them would likely put a bit of a dampener on the kind of crap that the Corsairs can get up to.
Would also be nice to see if we can make friendly with the Bundschuh. In the game they're the only source of the most powerful torpedoes available. Although it would make things rather difficult with Daumann, to say the least...
As for what to do next... there's a lot to do.
In general, my inclination would be to continue strengthening our basic foundation and logistics, by setting up a mining-operation in Alpha01, an outpost in Kappa, getting some additional transports, and surveying Lamda. Setting up the outpost in Kappa would also help in that it might be helpful in disguising our operations somewhat, if we can present it as a sort of "headquarters", while keeping our actual headquarters in the Alpha sector hidden.
Of course, that'd be a rather large set of actions, so it might not be a bad idea to delay one or two. For example, leaving the Lamda survey until after the establishment of the outpost in Kappa, or vice-versa.
The Sigma Crisis... on one hand, I'm all for watching the Freelancer corporations getting punched in the face. IMO a lot of the things that made Freelancer an actually fairly crapsack setting can be blamed on them in one way or another. On the other hand, we definitely don't want to end up with the Outcasts as our new neighbors.
Lastly, of course, we'll want to keep exploring Alpha. In particular, I'm thinking that our next projects in that regard should be 03 and 04, given that both of them are directly adjacent to our headquarters, which makes it fairly important that we know what's going on there.
Well, the first question would be how urgent it would be to get those additional transports. For example, would we need them if we start mining the Violet Diamonds? They'd have to be transported, but should be fairly space-efficient for their value, compared to common ores and the like.
Similarly, if we start a mining operation in Alpha01, do we require them? Given that they'd only have to travel within the system to bring resources to be refined on the station.
Do we have any information on how that increase in activity in Sigma 17 and 19 affected war between Corsairs and Hessians?
I'll also start vote
[X] Further Expansion
[X] Transports
[X] Explore Omicron Kappa Mk2
[X] The Sigma Crisis
-[X] Option 1: Freelancer
[X] Asteroid Mining
[X] Monster Hunter
-[X] Option 3: Daumann
[X] Open the Box
So reason for all of those
Sirius:
Transports are needed to ensure steady flow of resources and people, can't go on without that.
Exploration backwards is to ensure our safety especially for industry we have and will establish in system.
Sigma Crisis, Cryer is most legitimate of participants and we ensure that Outcasts are pushed back without tying ourselves to Corsairs, it's not yet time to start dealing with them seriously.
Terminus:
More industry and materials we need to both support ourselves and feed our supporters.
Selling alien organisms is good way to make profit and doing so through our partner will be good way to repay them if it works and show we are dealing in good faith even if it doesn't. Besides it should help Rheinland economy granting us increased stability in Sirius.
We are here to study aliens and this is good opportunity to do so.
On Sigma, if we *have* to choose a side, I'd say the Corsairs. Getting in good with one of the big names in the Corsair hierarchy by helping in his vengeance could be helpful down the line. But Cryer seems to be the least problematic faction to side with.
For the alien organisms. I'd say cooperative venture with Daumann.
Keep away from the alien artifacts unless we can handle the likely backlash. Exploring Lambda seems pretty important in helping to further solidify our relations with one of our backers and maybe gain further material and personnel support from them.
On Sigma, if we *have* to choose a side, I'd say the Corsairs. Getting in good with one of the big names in the Corsair hierarchy by helping in his vengeance could be helpful down the line. But Cryer seems to be the least problematic faction to side with.
For the alien organisms. I'd say cooperative venture with Daumann.
Keep away from the alien artifacts unless we can handle the likely backlash. Exploring Lambda seems pretty important in helping to further solidify our relations with one of our backers and maybe gain further material and personnel support from them.
Corsairs are only significant because we are small and close to their HQ, otherwise they are poor and weak when compared to others and as much as I'd like to reduce corporate influence on our side Corsairs offer us very little and we are better working with corps. Thus my proposition to go with Cryer to both swing conflict in direction we want and not pissing Corsairs by many direct deployments against them.
Well, the first question would be how urgent it would be to get those additional transports. For example, would we need them if we start mining the Violet Diamonds? They'd have to be transported, but should be fairly space-efficient for their value, compared to common ores and the like.
Similarly, if we start a mining operation in Alpha01, do we require them? Given that they'd only have to travel within the system to bring resources to be refined on the station.
You get some amount of transports in the background so if you are willing to wait a turn or two there would be no problem with you expanding. As it stands you can probably mine the Diamonds without overtaxing your supply system but the Alpha01 would almost require them if you don't want to experience detrimental effects (though you could also choose to simply though those out).
The poor Rheinlanders just can't catch a break, can they? Might be nice if we could help them out somehow; they are one of our direct neighbors, and strengthening them would likely put a bit of a dampener on the kind of crap that the Corsairs can get up to.
Yeah Rheinland is certainly not in the best situation right now though they are recovering, if somewhat slowly. And in regards to strengthening them, well the Daumann action (and to a lesser degree the Start-up action) would do that to some degree with more such stuff coming in the future.
Corsairs are only significant because we are small and close to their HQ, otherwise they are poor and weak when compared to others and as much as I'd like to reduce corporate influence on our side Corsairs offer us very little and we are better working with corps. Thus my proposition to go with Cryer to both swing conflict in direction we want and not pissing Corsairs by many direct deployments against them.
You shouldn`t underestimate the Corsairs (and even more so the Outcasts), they may no be no match for the Houses proper but they control significant territory and their homeplanets (who are rapidly industrializing) give them a very strong manpower base compared to your average Mega-Comp even if their techbase can be somewhat lacking.
You shouldn`t underestimate the Corsairs (and even more so the Outcasts), they may no be no match for the Houses proper but they control significant territory and their homeplanets (who are rapidly industrializing) give them a very strong manpower base compared to your average Mega-Comp even if their techbase can be somewhat lacking.
Not to mention that the Outcasts outright control large parts of the criminal underground via their cardamine supplies. They have entire shipyards and the Houses can't focus on neither the Corsairs nor the Outcasts because they have tons of problems to deal with.
Though if Rheinland can resolve the situation with the Bundschuch, Rheinland can strengthen itself pretty well, since despite its small size the Bundschuch has a lot of intellectuals and if they can be brought back into the fold Rheinland won't be suffering the braindrain in that direction.
[] Frontier Post: Henry, you military adviser, would like to establish a small station in Alpha02 to assist in patrols and other projects there.
Cost: Medium, Result: Small base built in Alpha02
Question; if we build bases/outposts in a system, does the increase in presence there via patrols, survey teams, etc. going to result in at least a chance of any unknown wormholes there being discovered?
Also, would logistical issues impart problems on scouting/survey actions?
Question; if we build bases/outposts in a system, does the increase in presence there via patrols, survey teams, etc. going to result in at least a chance of any unknown wormholes there being discovered?
Also, would logistical issues impart problems on scouting/survey actions?
A base would result in a higher military presence and likely boni to actions there. A higher level of activity in a system can also lead to you discovering jumpholes etc. but the chance is quite low.
And yeah overtaxibg your current logistics could complicate your scout missions, especially those conducted without a nearby base (for example the ones originating from alpha02)
[x] Plan Kelenas
[x] Transports
[x] Violet Diamonds
[x] The Sigma Crisis
-[x] Option 1: Freelancer
[x] Asteroid Mining
[x] Monster Hunter
-[x] Option 3: Daumann
[x] Open the Box
-[x] Focus Point: Open the Box
Sole difference is that I chose to start exploiting the violet diamonds instead of hunting for the last jumphole in Kappa. The diamonds will help out more with our organization's finances and logistics, and we can look for overlooked jumpholes more easily when/if we establish a base in the system.
Also, actually making use of the focus point we have.
You know if you guys continue to be so mono-focused on building your industry/mining I will have to re-schedule some of my plans - it seems like I slightly underestimated SV's love for simply building stuff ^^. On the other hand that gives me more time to flesh out the Terminius sector and the various factions active there (I also hope to create a halfway readable map so you get a rough idea of the geography).
Candarian Republic:
The Candarian Republic was founded three centuries ago by the mutinous crew of the Batarian cruiser "Choli's Pride" on the planet of Candara and over time developed into one of the few truly independent Batarian colonies, possessing its own distinct culture. Disdaining the class system and its resulting inequality the Candarians set out to create a society where everybody was equal, which quickly morphed into in a communist regime. On Candara everybody may be equal but it is also a place where any form of deviation from the norm is viewed as highly suspect, leading as far as widespread xenophobia and even genetic modification to ensure maximum conformity. The other defining trait of the Republic is its chronic fear of an attack from the Batarian Hegemony, resulting in the Candarian solar system being one of the best fortified systems in all of Terminus.
Akvian Dominion:
The Akvians are an avian race originating from the low gravity world of Serenity who control nearly fifty systems, making the Dominion one of the more powerful factions in the Terminus sector. Akvians are viewed as superb pilots, making extensive use of small strike craft in their combat operations, and their low gravity origin means that they are quite comfortable in zero-g, resulting comparatively high percentage of their society living in space stations scattered around their realm.
However the relative prosperity of the Akvian's has made them an attractive target to many in Terminius, especially the warlords of the Omega region, with raids and counter raids being a common occurrence, leading to a stagnation of its expansion.
It's relationship with the Citadel is a bit more complicated. The wealth, influence and security of the Citadel races is admired and envied by the Akvians but the imperious way the Citadel, especially the Batarians, treats them has created a lot of anger and mistrust
I think it's more that we want to have all our ducks in a row before we start to really venture out into the unknown. Having a solidly supported base of operations is rather important; not much point to sending out exploration and scouting parties they might come back to an empty station because we ran out of water, oxygen, or money, for example, or if we have to ground half of our space vessels because we ran out of spare parts, fuel, and the like.
It doesn't help that we already have threats in the form of the Corsairs and Outcasts right on our doorstep, who aren't exactly lightweights when it comes to combat power, manpower, and influence.
I expect that after this turn, we'll dial down our industrial expansion, and focus much more on exploration. For example, setting up the bases in Kappa and Alpha02, while exploring Lamda, 03 and 04.
In regards to the preview... the first might very well be interested in some of our weapons and shield technology, as a protective measure given their concerns. Or just selling them things such as weapons and shields directly.
The second sounds pretty darn huge, actually. I think the Sirius houses control less than half of that, combined, and they've already had more than three quarters of a millennium to build up and expand.
How well-developed are those systems they control? Is it more nominal, in that many of those systems are effectively empty, with little more than maybe a small mining station, and the occasional visit by the military to show the flag? Or are things actually built up and everything?
Personally, the group I hope to meet the most are the Quarians. There's a lot of stuff they need - food, raw materials, spare parts, ships, and whatnot - which translates into a lot of things that we can trade them in turn for other things.
Having a solidly supported base of operations is rather important; not much point to sending out exploration and scouting parties they might come back to an empty station because we ran out of water, oxygen, or money, for example, or if we have to ground half of our space vessels because we ran out of spare parts, fuel, and the like.
It doesn't help that we already have threats in the form of the Corsairs and Outcasts right on our doorstep, who aren't exactly lightweights when it comes to combat power, manpower, and influence.
You know you don`t have to produce everything yourself to have a satisfactory supply situation? The whole point of having allies/friends/backers is to have somebody else to give you the stuff you need. I mean sure going for autarky is a valid option (with advantages and disadvantages) but so is establishing new ties or strengthening existing ones (by for example trading newly found technology etc.)
And in regards to Corsairs and Outcasts - yeah, they will likely be most pressing challenge on the Sirius side for the foreseeable future.
The second sounds pretty darn huge, actually. I think the Sirius houses control less than half of that, combined, and they've already had more than three quarters of a millennium to build up and expand.
How well-developed are those systems they control? Is it more nominal, in that many of those systems are effectively empty, with little more than maybe a small mining station, and the occasional visit by the military to show the flag? Or are things actually built up and everything?
If they controlled fifty well developed systems they would almost certainly be a member of the Citadel ^^. No, like you guessed I am talking about mostly empty systems with at best a few outposts (or even being simply empty). And you can`t really compare Sirius and Citadel anyhow, without the Mass Effect drive humans were forced to focus their development on a few key systems.
honestly, i think we should just deal with the Corsairs so that we can have just one criminal organization, the Outcasts, as a problem. besides, the Corsair homeworlds are going to be an asset soon judging by the QM's posts.
honestly, i think we should just deal with the Corsairs so that we can have just one criminal organization, the Outcasts, as a problem. besides, the Corsair homeworlds are going to be an asset soon judging by the QM's posts.
Closer cooperation with the Corsairs would have both advantages and disadvantages and their real use heavily depends on how you plan to further develop your organisation/interact with Terminius - I mostly keep mentioning them so often because I have some interesting ideas concerning them/further developments and because galactic geography means they are somebody you need to deal with one way or another if you continue your current path. If you had for example decided to focus on the Terminus side of things you probably could most of those complications (at least for some time). Don't let me pressure you guys into taking a path you don't want, all options I present are generally valid and more or less balanced against each other...
You know you don`t have to produce everything yourself to have a satisfactory supply situation? The whole point of having allies/friends/backers is to have somebody else to give you the stuff you need. I mean sure going for autarky is a valid option (with advantages and disadvantages) but so is establishing new ties or strengthening existing ones (by for example trading newly found technology etc.)
And in regards to Corsairs and Outcasts - yeah, they will likely be most pressing challenge on the Sirius side for the foreseeable future.
I'm aware that we have backers supplying us, yes. But we're operating at the end of a fairly thin and long supply line as it is; it's three jumps just to get from our base to Freeport 9, which isn't exactly a hub of industry and commerce, and from there it's another 3 jumps to reach the nearest Bretonia, Kusair or Rheinland system. All through systems that have little or even no trade lanes, and little to no legal authorities putting a check on criminals. I think everyone would just breathe a little easier if we didn't have to import basic consumables such as water, fuel, and the like.
Speaking of establishing or strengthening ties, though, any chances of re-connecting with some of the groups or people Trent got into contact with during the game? Like the Blood Dragons, Juni, King, etc?
Also, in the interest of diversity:
[] Plan Exploration
[] Monster Hunter
-[] Option 3: Daumann
[] The Sigma Crisis
-[] Option 1: Freelancer
[] Explore Omicron Lambda
[] Explore Alpha03:
[] Explore Alpha04
[] Open the Box
-[] Focus Point: Open the Box
This would focus more on exploration (thanks, captain obvious!), with our industrial build-up being much slower, but also not requiring us to take extra actions (ie, Transports). Basically, it'd pick only 1, maybe 2 industrial actions per turn, so that our logistics can catch up automatically, without requiring us to spend more actions on it. The downside, obviously, is that we'll be less autark, and more reliant on provisions from a fairly long distance away. However, it would likely result in us finding some alien tech, sooner, which could potentially make for even better trade-goods to build up our capabilities.
Speaking of establishing or strengthening ties, though, any chances of re-connecting with some of the groups or people Trent got into contact with during the game? Like the Blood Dragons, Juni, King, etc?
A lot of that simply depends on circumstances/your decisions since I like to have more than just "more power/ships" as a reason for you to make new allies/contacts. If you for example wanted to establish a Black Market for certain goods in Kusari approaching the BD would seem like a good idea ...
Welp, guess we'll have to look for stuff that the Kusari government wouldn't want to trade officially, but which the Dragons wouldn't have any issues with.
Welp, guess we'll have to look for stuff that the Kusari government wouldn't want to trade officially, but which the Dragons wouldn't have any issues with.
I was trying to think of stuff that might be a bit more practically useful than a bunch of alien finger-paintings.
More seriously, I'm somewhat expecting that, if we eventually pick the artifact trade option, it'll be the legal variant. The increased attention is a bit of a drawback, but it saves us the time, money, and effort to build up a smuggling network, and at the same times lets us deal a major blow to Corsair operations by reducing one of their main sources of funding.
Though on the other hand it might make them more inclined to "go legit", since they'd already have some fairly big inroads onto the artifact market.
Of course, weakening them brings its own share of problems, since it'd make it much more likely for the Outcasts to build up a presence. So... something we'll have to keep in mind.
Outcasts are a big problem. At least for their ferocity and relative savagery the Corsair aren't the ones who made it their goal to control the rest of Sirius Sector via cardamine addiction.
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