A Spark of Glories Past (WH40K)

[Just Some Guy]

[X] Plan Well furnished Naval Base

 

[Thedarkrider33]

[X] Plan Well furnished Naval Base

 

[Thornez]

How old are we compared to Emperor and older Perpetuals? I mean are we old as Emperor and aware of him or are we recently born?(relatively recent timeline wise)

Click to shrink...

I've been leaving your exact age deliberately vague. But you're old enough to predate Human colonisation of the solar system, meaning you were born in the 3rd millennium (2000-2999) at the absolute latest. Though I'm leaning more towards the late 20th century. Just because I find the idea of a Perpetual born in the 1990's kind of funny. You are almost certainly aware of the man who would one day become the Emperor, since I can't imagine he wouldn't have gone out of his way to find any Perpetuals that may have been on Earth. Whether or not you got along with him will be something that's decided if/when it becomes relevant to the quest.

 

[SouvikKundu]

I've been leaving your exact age deliberately vague. But you're old enough to predate Human colonisation of the solar system, meaning you were born in the 3rd millennium (2000-2999) at the absolute latest. Though I'm leaning more towards the late 20th century. Just because I find the idea of a Perpetual born in the 1990's kind of funny. You are almost certainly aware of the man who would one day become the Emperor, since I can't imagine he wouldn't have gone out of his way to find any Perpetuals that may have been on Earth. Whether or not you got along with him will be something that's decided if/when it becomes relevant to the quest.

Click to shrink...

can we access Psyker power?

Does perpetual power provides any protection from chaos corruption?

 

[Thedarkrider33]

Perpetual's do have a higher resistance to chaos but are not necessarily capable of manipulating the warp.
Some like the emperor can manipulate the warp but being a perpetual doesn't automatically mean you can manipulate the warp.

 

[hapcelion]

[X] Plan Well furnished Naval Base

 

[KnightDisciple]

[X] Plan Well furnished Naval Base

 

[Godwinson]

[X] Plan Jolly Cooperation

 

[Thornez]

Spoiler: Winning Vote

[X] Plan Well furnished Naval Base
-[X] Resource-Rich - (Cost 1 point)
-[X] Agriculturally Vibrant - (Cost 1 point)
-[X] Psychic Stirring - ( Cost 1 point)
-[X] Naval Hub - (Cost 5 points)
-[X] Alien Ruins - (Gain 1 point)
-[X] Foreign Claims - (Gain 2 point)
-[X] Minor Ork Infestation - (Gain 1 point)
-[X] Aeldari Raiders - (Gain 1 point)
-[X] Angry Locals - (Gain 1 point)

+++++​

You stand out on the balcony of your apartment, a glass of wine in hand as you look over the planets one and only Human city. The rather unimaginatively named Kaylar Prime. All around you the city's high-rises illuminate the night sky, whilst far below a sizeable portion of the city's 40 million inhabitants have taken to the streets in drunken celebration. For tonight marks the 402nd anniversary of the colony's founding. Sadly the celebrations aren't quite as grand as they were two years ago for the 400th anniversary. But that's to be expected. There's just something about nice round numbers that makes them more special to the human mind. You idly wonder if the Haqoi practice any sort of new years celebrations, and if so, do they attribute more importance to certain years over others?

You're drawn out of your musings on Kaylar's native sapients and there holiday practices by the rising roar of jet engines, and the soft clap of distant explosions. Looking up just in time, you see a trio of atmospheric fighters weave around the upper floors of your apartment building, a trail of colourful explosions following in their wake as fireworks are fired from the aircraft like festive chaff. You check the time and confirm that it has just past midnight, though you needed have bothered as the cheering from the streets below rises loud enough for you to make out even over the roaring engines and thunderous fireworks.

"Happy New Year." you say softly to yourself. Turning to return inside your apartment as the pilots of the planets air force continue their festive maneuvers through the city's skyline.

All in all your apartment was nothing special. A bedroom, a bathroom, a kitchen... everything you needed given it was just a place for you to sleep and eat. You'll admit the location was rather nice though. A figurative stones throw from the city centre and barely 20 minutes from the universities main campus by public rail. A given that it was the university that had been paying for your lodgings for the last decade you certainly couldn't complain.

Though that may not be the case for much longer...

You take a seat at your desk and reach for your data-slate. Which is to say you take a seat atop your bed since your apartment is certainly not big enough for a home office. The screen comes to life and with a few taps and swipes you pull up the message again. As if the contents would have change since the last time you read it...

Spoiler: From the office of Dr. Elini Morin

Dear Dr Chawla,

I apologise for contacting you over the New Years break, however I feel that you need to be made aware of this matter as soon as possible.

As you already know the terms of your original research grant will expire come the end of the year. I am aware that you had previously arrange a two year extension with the university board, however recent changes regarding the annual budget now necessitate a review of all research grants currently offered by the university.

As such, you will kindly need to resubmit your research proposal, along with a complete budget forecast by the end of the new years first semester.

We apologies for the abruptness of these changes, however we trust that you understand the necessity of this review process in ensuring that university continues to offer the best possible environment for the young minds of Kaylar to.... Blah, blah, blah...

You toss the data-slate aside and fall back into your bed. Were it not for the warp storm you'd probably take this as a sign that it was time to move on. You'd been on Kaylar for almost a decade and you were beginning to grow bored of this backwater world. But alas, leaving wasn't an option. Which means you needed to make sure you got this research grant or else the last decade of work will have been for nothing. Also you'd be unemployed. And likely homeless. Best to avoid that.

+++++​

Create your proposal to the university board. Your budget is (5). Any proposal that is over budget will be automatically rejected. A proposal that is under budget will receive a +5 to the board approval roll for every point it is under budget. Certain options can increase your budget or modify the likelihood of the your proposal being approved. Once a proposal have been finalised a d100 will be rolled to gauge the boards level of approval. On a 50 or lower the board may still approve your proposal, though may force you to accept certain concessions. On a 51-100 the Board will accept your proposal as presented. And on a 100+ the board may be willing to provide additional funding and support.

(Martial) Project Security - Choose 1.
Part of your proposal requires that you provide any and all details regarding your projects security plans. This is especially important given the nature of your research.

[] The Rising Flame Personal Security Company
(Cost: 2 Budget, -5 Board Approval)
A private security company founded by former members of Kaylar's planetary defence force. Well equipped and well trained, they primarily offer security services for those travelling beyond the city limits. However they are also occasionally hired by the PDF to eliminate minor Ork tribes that have not yet grown large enough to justify a proper military response, or to perform tertiary sweeps of areas that military has already cleared. Their only downsides are their asking prices, and the fact that you know the University Board will not appreciate being associated with such a militant organisation.

[] Campus Security
(Cost: 0 Budget, +10 Board Approval)
The university maintains an in-house on-campus security team. Frankly they're about on par with a bunch of mall cops, but since they're already employed by the university they won't strain your budget. Not to mention the Board freaking loves keeping things in house, especially when it saves them money.

[] Private Security Solutions
(Cost 1 Budget, +0 Board Approval)
Probably the safest and most conventional option. Private Security Solutions handle the security arrangements for hundreds of businesses across Kaylar, from private businesses to contract work with the planetary government. Whilst they don't seem to excel in any particular area, they at least appear competent in every area.

[] Cyberline Protection
(Cost 1 Budget, +0 Board Approval)
Cyberline is a security firm that specialises in cyber-security and corporate espionage. Preventing corporate espionage that is. They are rather insistent on that part. Whilst their ability to provide physical on-site security seems limited to installing a bunch of security cameras and calling the police if anything trips the alarms, you can all but guarantee that nobody that isn't supposed to will be able to access your projects computer networks.

[] Dr Chawla's Personal Protocols
(Cost 2 Budget, -10 Board Approval)
Rather then relying on either campus security or a private security firm you've instead drawn up a series of your own security protocols and requirements. After all, no one on this planet understands the nature of your research, or the precautions that need to be taken better then you. The board won't be happy, especially once they see the price tag. But can they really but a price on security?

+++++​

(Diplomacy) Project Support - Choose 2.
Whilst the merits of your research speak for themselves, that alone doesn't guarantee the boards support. As with many things in life; its not always a matter of what you know, but who you know. By reaching out to the right people you may be able to apply some external pressure the board and help them reach the right decision. If you're lucky, you may even find some alternative sources of funding.

[] Butter up the Board
(DC: 30/70 - Rewards: +5/+10 Board Approval)
If you're going to do this you may go straight to the source. You know most of the board members on a professional level. And you have a few months to endear yourself to them on a personal level. In an ideal world such people wouldn't allow personal feelings to inform professional decisions. But alas you do not live in a ideal world.

[] Seek Public Support
(DC: 40/80 - Rewards: +5/10 Board Approval, Public interest in your work)
By reaching out to local journalist and publications you may be able to drum up interest in your work amongst the general population. The board will be a lot more likely to approve your proposal you can draw in some good publicity for the university.

[] Seek Academic Support
(DC: 40/80 - Rewards: +5/10 Board Approval, Academic interest in your work)
Whilst Kaylar may not be the most sophisticated world, there exists a dedicated Academic subculture mostly centred around the University. By reaching out to your peers and convincing them of the academic merit of your work you may be able to generate some interest in your project and help sway the university board. It could make it easier for you to recruit some talented research assistants and support staff.

[] Seek Military Support
If you can convince the local PDF that your research holds some value to the future security of Kaylar, then they may be willing to lend you some additional support. Both with the board and with your projects funding. Of course in your experience militaries are rarely interested in knowledge for the sake of knowledge. Nor do they like to let their investments run around unsupervised.
- [] Minor Military Support
(DC: 40 - Rewards: +5 Board Approval, Minor Military oversight)
- [] Mild Military Support
(DC: 60 - Rewards: +5 Board Approval, +1 Budget, Mild Military oversight)
- [] Major Military Support
(DC: 80 - Rewards:+10 Board Approval, +2 Budget, Major Military oversight)
Beating the DC's will reduce the oversight level, without changing the other rewards.

[] Seek Government Support
If you can convince the planetary government that your work holds value to the future stability and prosperity of Kaylar, then they may be willing to provide your project some additional support. Of course once the bureaucrats get their hands on something they are loathe to let go of it.
- [] Minor Government Support
(DC: 40 - Rewards: +5 Board Approval, Minor Government oversight)
- [] Mild Government Support
(DC: 60 - Rewards: +10 Board Approval, +1 Budget, Mild Government oversight)
- [] Major Government Support
(DC: 80 - Rewards:+15 Board Approval, +1 Budget, Major Government oversight)
Beating the DC's will reduce the oversight level, without changing the other rewards.

[] Seek Corporate Support
If you can convince some of the corporation that operate on Kaylar that your research could be potentially profitable them, they may be willing to invest in your project. Of course they'll undoubtedly want to keep a very close eye on their investment, and could cause problems if they don't start seeing the results they want. Not to mention the board might not appreciate corporate sponsors meddling in University business.
- [] Minor Corporate Support
(DC: 40 - Rewards: +1 Budget, Minor Corporate oversight)
- [] Mild Government Support
(DC: 60 - Rewards: -5 Board Approval, +2 Budget, Mild Corporate oversight)
- [] Major Government Support
(DC: 80 - Rewards: -10 Board Approval, +3 Budget, Major Corporate oversight)
Beating the DC's will reduce the oversight level, without changing the other rewards.

+++++​

(Stewardship) Project Budgeting - Choose 1.
When it comes to actually preparing a budget for your project there are countless little things to consider. Suppliers, wages for research staff, land rental, lab overheads, your living expenses, the list goes on and on. But the board is going to pick away at anything and everything so you must be thorough...

[] A Shoe-String Budget
(Cost: 3 Budget, +10 Board Approval)
The absolute bare minimum budget you're willing to put forth before the Board. You've cut cost everywhere; from acquiring second hand equipment that's at least a century old, to using untrained and unpaid student interns for every task that won't immediately get them killed and the university sued. You even cut your own salary to a pittance, which wouldn't be a problem if the damn Warp storms hadn't left you cut off from your many off-world bank accounts. Frankly you doubt anyone but you would be able to get even halfway decent results out of a project this poorly funded. But dammit you will get result even if it kills you! Even if it kills you multiple times over!

[] A Reasonable Budget
(Cost: 5 Budget, 0 Board Approval)
Finding the balance between what you would like to do and what you can afford to do is never a pleasant experience. But alas you believe you've accomplished this to best of your not inconsiderable abilities. Sure you weren't able to acquire the best equipment, nor the most qualified staff to assist you. But with you at the helm, these resources should be more then adequate for your project to produce decent results. Plus you get to keep the apartment.

[] An Extravagant Budget
(Cost: 8 Budget, -10 Board Approval)
You'll admit, you may have gone a little overboard with this one. But it's hardly your fault. After all, your used to working for organisations that can call upon the resources of entire sectors if necessary. To confine yourself and your ambitions to the monetary means of some pitiful university, on a backwater planet, in a star system that wouldn't even appear on the star charts were it not for the naval base siting in the outer system, is frankly insulting. Needless to say if your project is going to succeed you need the absolute best this world has to offer. Your work requires nothing less!

+++++​

(Intrigue) Shady Dealings - Choose 2.
It is a sad fact that the universe is not fair. There are those that deserve something, yet have nothing. And there are those that have something, yet deserve nothing. Once there was a time when it seem that Humanity may actually be break this great inequality. A time we it seemed as though everyone could have everything. But then the machines that made that all possible turned on you so now you're right back to square one. Needing to do whatever is necessary to tip the scales in your favour.

[] Blackmail the Board
(DC: 50/85 - Reward +10/+20 Board Approval)
If you can dig up some dirt on one or more of the board members, then you'll have a much easier time convincing them of your projects merit.

[] Bribe the Board
The members of the Board are only Human, and as such the ample application of some grease to one or two palms should make your proposals approval run all the more smoothly. You'll have to siphon off some of the funds from your project to make it happen. But that's a small price to pay to ensure you even have a project to being with.
- [] Small Bribe
(DC: 30 - Cost: 1 Budget - Reward: +10 Board Approval)
- [] Medium Bribe
(DC: 60 - Cost: 2 Budget - Reward: +25 Board Approval)
- [] Large Bribe
(DC: 90 - Cost: 3 Budget - Reward: +50 Board Approval)
Failing to meet the DC will half the Board Approval rewarded.

[] Embezzlement
Ordinarily you'd never sink so low as to skim money from your own research project. But you have no way of knowing how long you're going to be stuck on this planet. And without access to the funds you have stashed away off-world, you would rather have something hidden away for a rainy day.
- [] Embezzle a Little
(DC: 20 - Cost: 1 Budget - Reward: A moderate amount of personal funds)
- [] Embezzle a Lot
(DC: 50 - Cost: 2 Budget - Reward: A major amount of personal funds)
- [] Embezzle It All
(DC: 70 - Cost: 3 Budget - Reward: An absurd amount of personal funds)
Failing to meet the DC could result in you failing to embezzle the funds, or your illegal embezzlement being discovered.

[] Sabotage the Competition
(DC: 30/60 - Reward: +5/10 Board Approval)
Your's is not the only research grant being called forth to justify its existence. Perhaps if you were to hinder your competition's efforts, the board would realise that the university's money is best invested in to your own project.

[] Seek Alternative Sources of Financing (May be taken multiple times)
There are those outside the official channels usually used to secure academic financing that nevertheless have an interest in your work. Whilst they aren't the sort of people to make their interests publicly known they are more then willing to help fund your research in exchange for a little quid quo pro.
- [] The Cult
A religious sect that's popped up over the last few years. They believe the Warp storms are some form of divine punishment for some perceived sin or another. Regardless, they've develop an interest in your sort of work and are happy give over some of their tithe money in exchange for you passing on your knowledge and your findings. Seems like a pretty good deal to you.
(Gain +1 Budget)
- [] The Black Market
Most of the materials you handle daily are highly restricted for the common citizen. And as is often the case the heart desires what it can't have. You'd have thought the Warp storms would have hindered the trade of illicit materials on Kaylar, but either black market merchants are stockpiling supplies for when the Warp lanes reopen, or they've managed to find a local buyer.
(Gain +1 Budget)
- [] The Spook
A man, who simple refereed to himself as Mr. Black, has offered your project a substantial amount of money in exchange for keep him appraised of the goings on of various university staff. You're almost certain this gentlemen is some sort of government agent, though you're uncertain whether he's a local agent or if works for the sectors federal government. You have even less of an idea why he's interested in some of your colleagues?
(Gain +2 Budget)

[] Fair and Square
No! You refuse to stoop to such a level! You have no need to debase yourself with such dishonest, and not to mention illegal acts! Your proposal shall be approved by its own merits or not at all!
(No further intrigue actions will be taken.)

+++++
​

(Learning) The Project - Choose 1.
Finally there's the reason you're doing all this in the first place. The whole reason you ever set foot on this backwater planet. Your precious research project...

[] The Psyker Phenomenon
For the last few millennia people with strange and often disturbing abilities have been cropping up all across the galaxy. You know from your own studies and the research of others that these so-called Psyker's are drawing power from the Warp itself. Their capabilities are as unusual as they are varied, with seemingly no rhyme or reason as to why one may be able to summon fire from their finger tips, whilst another is to levitate small objects with there mind. A genetic component was quickly identified but that alone does not explain why more and more Psykers are appearing with each passing generation, growing in power at what is frankly an alarming rate. Everywhere except Kaylar. For 400 years since the colony's founding the number of Psykers on the world has remained largely stable. Their powers relatively minor, but also far more easily controlled compared to some reports you've seen cropping up in the last couple centuries. You came to Kaylar to investigate this mystery, and perhaps find a solution to the inevitable psychic crisis Human civilisation seems to be hurtling towards.

[] The Alien Ruins
Strange alien ruins have been discovered dotted all around the planet. And not the ruins of the local Haqoi species. The structures are ancient, millions of years old at the least, yet they are clearly technologically advanced. Scientist from across the sector having be trying to analysis, catalogue and study the ruins for centuries. Yet none have been able to ascertain any useful information about the structures, their purpose, or their creators. Whilst you love a good mystery as much as the next immortal scientist, what really drew you to the planet was a discovery made only recently. Apparently a couple decades ago a team of archaeologist were working to unearth part of a new ruin that had been found in the aftermath of an Ork purge. One of the members of their security team assigned to protect them just so happened to be a Psyker, and during the assignment they reported experiencing extreme discomfort and unease whenever they came too close. This lead to some people speculating that the structure may interact or perhaps even disrupt the energies of the Warp. When you heard of that you hoped on the first ship you could find and haven't looked back since.

[] The Orks
The green-skinned fungoids have always perplexed Human scientists. Even a cursory look at their genetic structure reveals them to be an engineered species. One that has undergone some major genetic degradation and regression over who even knows how long. Why the Orks were created and by who has been lost to time, though given the Orks seemingly insatiable lust for battle you'd wager they were some sort of bio-weapon that got out of hand. Perhaps they were responsible for their creators destruction, or perhaps whatever they were originally created to fight destroyed the Orks creators but was unable to destroy the Orks themselves. Whatever their long forgotten history; the reason you have taken an interest in the primitive Ork tribes the plague Kaylar, is that you wish to study what you believe to be a sort of psychic gestalt consciousness the Orks share. Though not a true hive mind, you theorise that this is what allows Orks to become increasingly well coordinated when a strong leader emerges and begins to draw more and more Orks to their banner. It may even be the explanation for the myriad of strange, seemingly psychic abilities certain Orks have been known to possess.

[] The Haqoi Shamans
The Haqoi are the sapient species native to Kaylar. They are reptilian bipeds, standing on average a little taller and a little broader then the average Human. Their species has spread across both the planets continents, though they seem to prefer the equatorial grasslands to the colder climates of the north and south. Their societies have only began building and gathering in cities in the last thousand years. Likely in response to raids from the primitive Orkish tribes that litter the planet. The Haqoi are extremely aggressive towards what they perceive as outsiders, and have been known to attack any Humans discovered too close to their territory. However what interests you most about them is the reports of so-called Shamans amongst the Haqoi, said to possess psychic abilities comparable to the planets Human population. Though Federation Law regarding the protection of primitive species limits how invasive you can be in your research, there are plenty of noninvasive ways to carry out your research. And with these Warp storms well... What the Federation doesn't know won't hurt them.

[] The Warp Storm
Whilst not what originally brought you to the planet, the Warp storms that now leave it cut off from the galaxy at large are probably the most pressing matter. You've never heard of a Warp storm this intense or this long lasting, which of course means that there's never been an opportunity to study them in any sort of detail. Since these ones don't seem to be going anywhere anytime soon, you may as well make the most of the situation. Though Kaylar itself lacks the facilities and equipment to properly monitor the storms, the Naval base in the outer system certainly will. And if anyone will being interested in a better understanding of the ebb and flow of the ethereal Warp, it will be the Federal Navy.

 

[SouvikKundu]

[X] Prelude to Strife
-[X] Dr Chawla's Personal Protocols
-[X] Seek Academic Support
-[X] Seek Government Support
-[X] Mild Government Support
-[X] A Reasonable Budget
-[X] Blackmail the Board
-[X] Seek Alternative Sources of Financing
-[X] The Spook
-[X] The Psyker Phenomenon

 

[Thedarkrider33]

[X] Prelude to Strife

 

[Just Some Guy]

[X] Prelude to Strife

 

[Thornez]

Spoiler: Winning Vote

[X] Prelude to Strife
-[X] Dr Chawla's Personal Protocols
-[X] Seek Academic Support
-[X] Seek Government Support
-[X] Mild Government Support
-[X] A Reasonable Budget
-[X] Blackmail the Board
-[X] Seek Alternative Sources of Financing
-[X] The Spook
-[X] The Psyker Phenomenon

+++++​

A cold wind blows as you walk through the university's campus, this mornings snow beginning to slowly thaw under the midday sun. There aren't too many students about the gardens today. Those whose classes have already finished for the semester having likely already left to enjoy their winter break. Whilst most of the rest are probably still in class, or have retreated to their dorms to escape the cold.

The Aminsky-Kuller University of Higher Education was not the only institute of higher learning on Kaylar, but AKU was certainly the most well funded. As the first accredited university to set up shop on the planet it had received considerable financial support from the planetary government. However over the centuries the university had used that early leg up in order to carefully cultivate a reputation of prestige and academic respect among the people of Kaylar. A reputation that seems to have served them well, seeing as how they're practically any prospective students first choice of school. A nice little side-effect of the AKU's planetary popularity is of course that they can afford to provide research grants to the likes of you.

Or at least they used to be able to. It seems that these Warp storms have hit the university's treasury harder then you initially realised. Unsurprisingly most of AKU's top student would inevitably leave the planet for greener pastures.. But with that no longer a possibility, getting a degree in any field that isn't directly applicable to Kaylar's economy has become a lot less attractive. And so over the last 5 years the job market for highly educated labour has dried up, leaving more and more people wondering whether a degree from AKU was really worth the price of tuition.

Apparently this has now finally come to a head, with the University deciding it need to tighten its belt and cut some of its funding for research grant. Thus here you are; mentally preparing yourself to present your projects proposal to a bunch of pencil pushing bureaucrats...

Just think of the science Rakshata, just think of the science...

+++++
​

The Project - The Psyker Phenomenon

Right off the bat the nature of your proposal should have come as no surprise to the board. The entire reason you had come to Kaylar in the first place was to study the perplexingly stable nature of Kaylar's psykers compared to the galaxy at large. You'd spent the last decade mostly digging into the planets historical records; pulling apart and analysing population data, cataloguing reports of the psychic abilities displayed by the planets psykers over the years, you even conducted some interviews and ran some basic tests with known living psykers. But that had all been just a prelude for what would come next. Now that you had a solid basis of what Kaylar's psyker situation looked like, you were ready to start experimenting.


Project Security - Dr. Chawla's Personal Protocols

You had spent months drafting and redrafting your own personal security protocols for your projects security. No one on this planet understands the potential dangers of your research better then you. And although you hope you never have to implement some of your more drastic contingencies, you'd rather have them and not need them then need them and not have them. Unfortunately the board didn't quite see it that way. They thought you were being overly cautious, even had the gall to insinuate that your security measures were bordering on the paranoid. But if you had to guess, you'd say they were more upset about the price tag then anything.

(Cost: -2 Budget, -10 Board Approval)
(Reward: Any psychic mishaps that occur as part your project will be reduced in severity, if not outright mitigated.)


Project Support

Of course you didn't just walk into this meeting some additional backup. Since you learned your research grant was on the chopping block you've been working to cultivate a few allies to speak on your behalf...

Academic Support
DC: 40/80 = 1d100 + 15 (Diplomacy) = (51) + 15 = 66

You'd reached out some of your colleagues amongst the university's staff and managed to convince them of the importance of your work. They in-turn helped put pressure on the members of the board to accept your proposal. Some of them had even been so interested in your project that they had offered to come work with you.

(Reward: +5 Board Approval, you gain a trained expert as part of your staff.)


Mild Government Support
DC: 60 = 1d100 + 15 (Diplomacy) = (30) + 15 = 45

Though it took a bit more effort on your part, you'd also managed to attract the interest of the planetary government. Well the city government technically. But on a world as lightly populated and as highly concentrated as Kaylar, they were practically the same thing. You'd made a few phone call, attended a few meetings, and before you knew it the mayor of Kaylar Prime herself had given your project the stamp of approval. Such approval came with a few strings attached, as to be expected. Now in addition to the university board, you also need to provide regular updates and reports on your research to a newly created mayoral subcommittee. At least they were willing to release some funds to help with the projects expenses.

(Reward +10 Board Approval, +1 Budget, Mild Government Oversight)


Project Budgeting - A Reasonable Budget

Though not containing everything you could have asked for, the prospective budget you present to the Board is a fairly uncontroversial one. They grumble a little, but with the additional finances you've been able to scramble together they can't really complain with what you've given them.

(Cost: -5 Budget)


Shady Dealing

Blackmail the Board
DC: 50/85 = 1d100 + 16 (Intrigue) = (6) + 16 = 22

Unfortunately, or perhaps fortunately for the integrity of the university, you're unable to dig up any juicy dirt of the members of the board. Whether this is simply because there's no dirt to be found, or because they're better at hiding it then you'd expected is a mystery for another time.

(Reward: Renewed faith in the moral character of the Board / New found application for their ability to hide their dirty little secrets.)


Alternative Financing - The Spook

What's a girl to do when a mysterious stranger, who may or may not work for the more shadowy aspects of the Federal government, appears out of the blue and offers to help fund her research in exchange for providing him with information on her work colleagues? Why take him up on his offer of course. Frankly you need the money, and if you play along with "Mr. Black" you may be able to find out why he's so interested in a bunch of university researchers.

(Reward: +2 Budget)


Board Approval

Spoiler: Budget

Starting Budget = +5
Dr. Chawla's Personal Protocols = -2
Mild Government Support = +1
A Reasonable Budget = -5
Alternative Financing - The Spook = +2

Final Budget = +1

Spoiler: Board Approval Modifiers

Dr. Chawla's Personal Protocols = -10
Academic Support = +5
Mild Government Support = +10
A Reasonable Budget = +0
Left over Budget = +5

Total Board Approval Modifier = +10

Board Approval - DC: 50/100 = 1d100 + 10 (Board Approval Modifier) = (36) + 16 = 52
​

Despite the support of your colleagues and the interest shown by local government, it still looked as thought the Board was going to reject your proposal. The cost and thoroughness of your security protocols seemed to be a real sticking point among the more penny pinching members. But in the end, the extra funds from your mysterious benefactor saved the day. You had disguised the influx of funds from "Mr. Black" amongst the money granted to you by the city. It took a little finagling to get the numbers to look right without raising any suspicion, but you'd been doing this sort of thing longer then this planet had colonised, so needless to say you're additions went unnoticed. That little extra bit of funding was enough to convince the board that your project wasn't going to bankrupt the university. Thus they, somewhat reluctantly, approved your proposal.

(Reward: Your proposal has been approved!)

+++++​

 

[Thornez]

Whilst you were busy putting together your projects proposal, how has the rest of the planet been faring?

Kaylar Prime
1d100 = 34

The Warp Storms and the resulting isolation they have brought continues to have a negative impact on the city's economy. Unemployment is at an all time high as the economic downturn causes businesses to downsize and in some cases close their doors permanently. Debate continues to rage within the city council over a proposed stimulus package for local businesses, with some arguing the money would be better spent elsewhere. The planetary President has promised citizens that he is working closely with Kaylar Primes Mayor to help resolve the crisis, but with elections just around the corner, many presidential hopefuls are criticising the current administrations handling of the situation.

Starbase Delta-174
1d100 = 20

Rumours have begun to trickled down from the federation naval base, located in orbit around one of the outer systems gas giants, of an apparent attempt to reestablish contact with the wider galaxy. Supposedly the Rear-Admiral in command of the station had ordered one of his light frigates to attempt to reach a neighbouring star system during a lull in the Warp storms. Shortly before the ship made the transition to Warp space however, the storms grew in intensity once more and the mission was aborted. Though no harm ultimately came to the ship or its crew, many members of the navy are said to have privately criticised the Rear-Admiral's needlessly risky decision to even attempt such a thing.

The Orks
1d100 = 93

Grim tiding abound, as reports have come in that several Orkish tribes in the southern reaches of Kaylar's western continent have unified seemingly overnight. An army numbering between an estimated 8,000-12,000 Orks, accompanied by at least ten times that number of other Orkoid organisms now marches north on the warpath. Whilst not yet a direct threat to Kaylar Prime or any smaller Human settlements, the President has authorised the PDF to perform a culling operation to prevent the Orkish horde from growing any larger, or endangering the local Haqoi civilisations.

The PDF
1d100 = 15

Unfortunately despite the Presidents orders it seems that the PDF is no position to carry out such a task. They've been hit just as hard as anyone by the planet-wide economic down turn, and over the last few years have had mothballed many of their more expensive assets. Though still capable of carrying out airstrikes to attempt to thin out and disrupt the lumbering Ork force that has appeared on the far side of the planet, they report that they'll not be able to carry out a campaign of extermination until at least next year.

The Haqoi
1d100 = 78

In contrast to the Human settlers the native Haqoi seem to only be thriving. An indirect population survey carried out over the last 50 years by the Department of Native Concerns, now reports that the Haqoi number roughly 6 million across the entire planet. With the largest individual cities supporting populations of up to 70,000. Whilst this may not seem like much compared to the 40 million Humans living within Kaylar Prime alone, it nevertheless marks an important milestone for the planets native population.

Psykers
1d100 = 9

Tragedy strikes the city as reports begin to come in of what appears to be some sort of psychic accident. A young girl has supposedly manifested psychic abilities far beyond the scope of what the people of Kaylar thought possible. Several bystanders were killed in the incident, their bodies twisted and deformed by what eye-witnesses called strange multicoloured lights which manifested around the child. The girl herself has miraculously survived the incident. But her own body has also been horrifically changed by the experience. She is currently in intensive care at a local hospital. This incident has shocked the city's citizens to their core, and many are now reevaluating what they previously thought they knew of psykers.

???
1d100 = 26

In lighter news, a team of archaeologists have discovered yet another site of the mysterious alien ruins that litter Kaylar. With this particular site only being about a days walk from a small Human settlement south of Kaylar Prime. Making it an ideal spot for further excavation and study.

???
1d100 = 25

Meanwhile, unbeknownst to the citizens of Kaylar, a group of enterprising hunters are disappointed to find that their favoured hunting grounds have suddenly become bereft of prey. They will have to seek their excitement elsewhere.


???
1d100 = 95

The Armada is ready to launch Matriarch. We shall finally claim what is rightfully yours.
And with the buzzing of wings and the hum of engines, the long march to war had finally begun.

 

[10ebbor10]

Those are not great rolls.

 

[Thornez]

Those are not great rolls.

Click to shrink...

Well not great for you maybe. But I bet them Orks are loving themselves a good Waagh! Even if it is only a small one.

 

[Mister Phantom]

Necron ruins, obviously monstrous Xenos and Orks. Fun.

 

[jwolfe_beta]

Here's hoping the city doesn't get wiped out due to RER before the quest can even begin.

 

[Thornez]

Despite any misgivings they have may held towards your budgeting skills, the university board has finally approved your proposal, providing you with a full 5 year extension to your previous research grant. Not only that but your efforts to stir up support for your project amongst your peers seems to have also generated quite a bit of interest in working with you. Though you're happy to take any support you can get, there's one person among the applicants who's skill set could be particularly useful to you...

Choose your primary researcher assistant:

[] Eshaan Goff
A relatively young man, (though compared to you just about everyone is young) tall and broadly built, he wouldn't look out of place on a few of the university's sport teams. But despite appearances Eshaan is already an accomplished researcher. Having worked closely with the military on a number of R&D projects, most of which he's not a liberty to discuss. However it's no secret that the main reason he wishes to join your team is to evaluated the possible effectiveness of combat psykers. Its an idea that's been explored before on certain worlds, but most psykers powers are either ill suited to combat, or too unreliable to be used safely on the battlefield. Nevertheless it seems that Eshaan will need to see that for himself before he lets go of the idea. He understands that this is your project of course, and is merely offering to provide his expertise, as well as his potential contacts in the military should you be interested, in exchange for getting a better handle on psykers himself.
(Reward: Military Contacts, +1 Martial Actions per turn)

[] Clarice Henson
Though not a particularly skilled researcher in your honest opinion, Clarice is what you'd call a "Rock Star" scientist. That is to say; someone who is very good at explaining advanced scientific concepts to the average person, in a way that is both engaging and easy to understand. As such she's become something of an unofficial spokesperson for the scientific community here of Kaylar. Having appeared on a number of local daytime talk shows, and even the local news, whenever a science related story manages to break into the public consciousness. This is the first you've heard of her interest in your work, likely motivated by recent events. The cynic in you would say she's just trying to get ahead of the next big talking point, but that same voice knows how valuable someone with her reputation and charismatic personality could be in shaping the general public's opinion of your work.
(Reward: Experience Spokesperson, +1 Diplomacy Actions per turn)

[] Safiya Allman
Recommended to you by the mayoral subcommittee created to oversee your project, Safiya Allman is more a project manager then a scientist. With many years of service within the planetary bureaucracy, she's likely best suited to overseeing the day to day operations of your project, and ensuring you don't go over budget. She clearly has little interest in your research specifically, and was merely put forward as a way for the subcommittee to keep a closer eye on things. That being said, everything you could dig up on her suggests she'd be a competent, if not overly enthusiastic team member. Plus there is something to be said for keeping your patrons happy and off your back.
(Reward: Happy Government Backers, +1 Stewardship Actions per turn)

[] Leo Schaefer
A fairly unassuming researcher, with most of his previous work having more to do with observation and analysis of Haqoi behaviour and social structure. When you asked him about his sudden interest in your work, he claimed that he had simple grown tired of the subject of the Haqoi and wished to broaden his horizons. Ordinarily his lack of experience or noteworthy skills would have you relegate him to some minor position within the project. However it turns out he's one of the individuals that "Mr Black" has asked you to keep a close eye on. You haven't the slightest clue what your mysterious benefactor could possible want with the man, but keeping him close and under your direct supervision would make finding out a whole lot easier.
(Reward: Mr Black is pleased, +1 Intrigue Actions per turn)

[] Iqra Yaren
A young student of the university who despite her lack of experience and incomplete formal education, has a deeply vested personal interest in your research. She herself is a psyker, possessing a form of limited emphatic telepathy. She's extremely eager to work with you, especially in the wake of the unfortunate incident with the young psyker girl. Really it's a win-win situation for the both of you. You get near on demand access to a willing volunteer for your research. She get class credit for working with a university research team. Also you may be able to help her better understand and control her abilities. And/or help prevent her from having any nasty psychic accidents. Really she's getting far more out of this deal then you are.
(Reward: A Willing Psyker Volunteer, +1 Learning Action per turn)


AN: This should be the final vote before we start getting into the first proper turns. Turns will cover a full year in game, with potential mini-turns cropping up occasionally to deal with random events and the like. As the quest the continues the time-frame of turns may be subject to change.

However in addition to the decisions I'll be presenting you in future turns, I would also like suggestions on possible actions you may wish to take during the year. If I think your suggestion is something that is at least possible for you to accomplish, I'll include it among the next turns options in what I feel is the relevant category. Hopefully this will keep me from running out of idea's on what you can do, and give you even more say on what direction you wish to take the story. I hope you're all enjoying things so far, and look forward to seeing your suggestions.

 

[veekie]

[X] Clarice Henson

Clearly conveying our findings on psykers is going to be HARD.

 

[Havalt300]

[X] Eshaan Goff

 

[10ebbor10]

[X] Iqra Yaren

 

[Amilia]

[X] Clarice Henson

If we say A but our society says B we are going to have a problem.

 

[Just Some Guy]

[X] Iqra Yaren

 

[SouvikKundu]

[X] Iqra Yaren