True Star Erat-Kehsha
989.M29
The Aeldmoot
The time has come—years of politics, of negotiation, of traversing distant corners of the Webway, it all culminates in this.
Erat-Kehsha's orbit is a riot of ships from every corner of the galaxy—there, the duty-black edged in defiance white of Ulthwe hangs, a gaggle of other, lesser fleets from the Craftworlds nearest the Great Wound on their flanks. There, the battlejoy red and freedom black stripes of Saim-Hann fly proudly, dozens upon dozens of Dragonships of every imaginable size and make and color swarming around them.
Proud Iyanden is here, resplendent and the single greatest force by far, quarrelsome Biel-Tan lurking at their flank. Alaitoc, too is here, carefully positioned an equal distance from the other Major Craftworlds' forces.
And then there are independents: fledgling federations clear in mixed flotillas and those still alone maneuvering for position.
It is the largest meeting of the Aeldari since the Fall, and will without doubt shape the course of events for centuries to come—and
you are the catalyst that has made it happen. But what, exactly, do you bring with you?
Each choice here is a political statement. You should consider what message you wish to send, and what cards you wish to reveal.
The Retinue of Aresh-Vul
[ ] His Sons
Seven sons has Aresh-Vul, whose council he most values; each has been of great import in the ruling of Vau-Vulkesh. Tall and Copperhaired Geal-Vad Halfhand, the Mariner, is eldest, and his father's strong right hand—for all that his own was lost in battle with the minions of the Soul-Thirster during their escape. Reaf-Vad the Minstrel, Tall and dark of hair, serves often now as his father's conduit to the Harlequins, for not infrequently did this second son consider joining with the servants of the Laughing God to ply his skill with song in the days before the Fall. Light-haired Ceil-Vad the Hunter, third son of Aresh-Vul, favored murdered Kruronos and is among the most clever of them; and rarely is he apart from his brother Seil-Vad the Dark, quickest to anger and harshest of Aresh-Vul's sons. Fifth of his sons is Aryad-Vad, who resembles his father greatly and was himself a priest of Vaul, who too is often found in company with his immediate elder brothers, often tempering Seil-Vad's anger with quick wit and cleverness.
His youngest are the twins Fanr-Vad and Fenr-Vad, who are often overlooked, but in these fallen days their sharp wisdom has been invaluable to their father and his people.
Bring Aresh-Vul's seven sons, whom serve as the core of his council and as his deputies in managing the needs of Vau-Vulkesh.
[ ] Irsfeial, Emissary of the Ishari
Whilst both the logistics of transporting sufficient biomass to sustain her and the likelihood of pushback from the more conservative Craftworlds given the soul-modification they have performed, bringing Irsfeial would be a strong statement to the more radical factions—and she is an ordained priestess of Isha, whose survival is part of the news you will be breaking.
[X] Dragonlord Amar-Ithil of Quilan
Fiery Amar-Ithil is going, whether you would have her or not—and Aresh-Vul is many things, but fool enough to deny a Dragonlord in her chosen course is not among them. Some will without doubt sneer, at least when they think she isn't looking, but her presence will at least be a boon with Saim-Hann if none other.
[ ] Draylin of the True Sight, Seerlord of Meros
Perhaps among the eldest of Aeldari still living, it is clear that Draylin's life is coming to a close, wizened and stooped, his mundane sight long since dimmed—yet even diminished and aged, the ancient Seer can wield his Sight with an acuity that few others can match, and has forgotten more warp-lore than most ever learn. Despite the great burden of age and the deaths of his gods, the old Seer has some centuries in him yet, and his advice would undoubtedly be valuable—as would his support of Aresh-Vul as the leading voice in this coalition.
[ ] Seer Araeniel of Meros
Draylin's chosen deputy and right hand—and also his thrice-great granddaughter—Araeniel has spent over three centuries absorbing everything her thrice-great grandfather has had to teach her, and helping him copy down yet more of his vast knowledge so it cannot be lost with his death. She might lack his ancient wisdom, knowledge and power, but she is still one of the best Seers available to you, and likely to be the next Seerlord of Meros.
[ ] Yranne Kal, the Mothwing Lord of Arach-Qin
A ship-master of no little skill, Yranne would be a good choice to affirm your alliance further, and would offer significant clout with other mariners and fleetlords. Bringing him along would also open the possibility of having him bring his flagship, which would be a potent statement—few can boast a ship of such pedigree.
[ ] Zevrin Kal, Blademaster of Arach-Qin
Alternatively (or perhaps additionally) Yranne's brother Zevrin manages the ground component of Arach-Qin's armies and often serves as his brother's chief deputy. He is also likely to make any with warrior training sit straight, as he has spent the last three millenia beating Arach-Qin's warriors into shape—often literally—and trainers of warriors have an especial way of making warriors pay them heed.
[ ] Forgemaster Xenael Wraev of Zahr-Tann
Perhaps your strongest ally in actual military strength at the moment, including Zahr-Tann's Forgelord would likely give you some extra negotiating power with other martial Craftworlds—and those that are less so and seeking a patron. Cannot also take Faelin Wraev.
[ ] Faelin Wraev of Zahr-Tann
Whilst possessed of no official titles, the Forgemaster's wife is well known to be his equal in ruling Zahr-Tann, and here can speak with her husband's voice. Of course, if one goes, the other will need to stay behind to manage affairs on Zahr-Tann. Cannot also take Xenael Wraev
The second major choice is how many bodyguard troops you will bring with you. You will have to strike a balance between not appearing too weak, but not seeming to be 'puffing yourself up' to cover weakness either.
Choose
Two. Additionally, the overall size of one option may be optionally reduced for more of the other. Note that
these forces will scale with the size of your Retinue, regardless of your configuration.
[ ] Elite Bodyguards
Each of the forces involved that possess them will contribute some of their best elite troops and equipment available.
[ ] Regular Bodyguards
Each of you will contribute some line troops, which will increase the size of your bodyguard unit.
[ ] Special Bodyguards
Those that have them will contribute a few available Special Units—while the smallest in size, these offer disproportionate strength for their numbers.
The final choice is what kind of fleet you arrived with. Similar to the above, you will have to exercise your own judgment as to what will make others think you too weak and what will be taken for bluster.
Make
one selection from each section.
[ ] Weight: Escort Heavy
Bring a fleet weighted towards lighter ships—Frigates, Destroyers, and so on.
[ ] Weight Capital Heavy
Bring a fleet with more capital ships.
[ ] Configuration: Cruiser Task Fleet
Bring a balanced fleet centered on a cruiser or three.
[ ] Configuration: Cruiser Squadron
Bring a heavier fleet with a strong core of several cruisers.
[ ] Configuration: Battleship Task Group
Bring a battleship with an appropriate support fleet.
[ ] Special: The Serpent of the Stars
Bring Arach-Qin's Flagship. Only available if Yranne Kal the Mothwing Lord is attending.
[ ] Special: The Hidden Fang
Keep your faction's possession of that powerful asset as a trump card. Chosen by default if Yranne Kal is not included in your Retinue.
24 Hour Moratorium.
Vote By Plan.
Let the games-
-Begin!
