There's also kind of a difference between "tearing open a locked and presumably heavily secured door" and "using the force to push the 'unlock door' button from the other side". I mean, Miralukans are kind of born being able to see straight through things with the force and you don't have to be all that strong to push a button or flip a switch or something. It doesn't have to imply anything more than a parlor trick.
May The Invisible Hand Be With You - (Star Wars CK2-Style Quest)
- Thread starter Dr. Snark
- Start date
- Sci-Fi
-
- Tags
- star wars canon what canon tsundere dice ck2 quest actions have consequences all the credits all work and no play makes ciaran a dull girl best sister capitalism ho! despairing qm teetotaller society member gotta catch 'em all insanity looting off the rails sage dice approaching spicy sheev tsundere asajj
No. Basilisks carry more people, are fully flight capable, have considerably heavier weapons, and can't be easily killed by one asshole with a pistol who's willing the climb the thing.
Bones
Don't look behind you.
- Location
- Behind you.
The Basilisk can't be downed so easily, but any idiot with a weapon can kill the completely exposed pilot. There is literally nothing protecting them.
(Omake) Playing Favorites (Canon)
Panory
The Omake Dragon
- Location
- New York
- Pronouns
- He/Him
Playing Favorites
"Alright, anywhere in particular you want me to drop you off?" said Silas, taking a deep breath now that his assault of the Hutt was finished.
"Don't really have anywhere to go. Coming all the way out here was the dying gasp of my trade business. After so long with Yorvi, I doubt I have any assets left." said Larana, now dressed in some of Silas' spare clothes. They were ill-fitting, but infinitely better than what she had been wearing.
"Well I'm sure Ciaran can find somewhere for you. Family first and all that." said Silas. "Let's head to Coruscant then, and we can hammer out any future plans from there."
"Who's Ciaran, your boss? I didn't take you for the type of person to get a steady job old man." said Larana.
"You shouldn't talk about your cousin like that." Said Silas, taking pleasure in Larana's shock. "Surprised? My descendants are pretty capable, even if they do end up needing me to bail them out of trouble now and again. You're lucky I don't play favorites, because Ciaran would definitely be top of the list if I did."
The laughter was interrupted by the appearance of a larger ship emerging from hyperspace nearby. Silas' eyes widened as he saw the insignia emblazoned on the side. "Son of a bitch, how the hell did he find me‽"
"Who is that?" asked Larana, concerned for her grandfather's safety.
"An old acquaintance. Don't worry, he's only after me. Damn it, there's no way we can outrun him in this thing." Silas crouched down and began removing a panel of the floor. "He's going to board. Don't try to fight him. You're the only person on this ship, and you've never even heard of Silas Cata if he asks, got it?"
"O-okay." stuttered Larana, not used to seeing her grandfather as anything less than unflappable. The sounds of the ship being boarded were ominous, and Larana began taking deep breaths so as not to appear like she was hiding something.
The doors to the bridge opened, and in stepped one of the most ridiculous looking men Larana had ever seen. The man's skin was a bright red, which contrasted with his blue hair and neon green jumpsuit. A jumpsuit that was skintight, half unzipped to expose his chest, and lined with some animal's fur around the sleeves and neck. Which is not to say he wasn't attractive, he somehow was, just that looking at him too long threatened to make her eyes hurt.
"Disappointed you didn't make a break for it old man, even if it would be a futile effort. At least try to make this fun for me." He said, stalking into the room. He was obviously expecting some kind of resistance to his entry, since he had the poise of a cat ready to pounce and was looking at the room down the sights of a blaster.
"Do I look like an old man to you? Get your eyes checked." said Larana, perfectly acting the part of the indignant pilot whose ship had been boarded for no reason. Sadly, she had plenty of experience in this role.
He stopped then, startled by the retort of sarcasm rather than blaster bolts. "Oh. Um… are you the only person aboard this ship?"
"No, there's also an asshole with a blaster and terrible fashion sense, but he's a recent addition." she snarked. Larana was tempted to laugh as he looked triumphant, confused, then angry as her insult finally registered. Then she remembered that he still had a blaster, and resolved to be a tad less sarcastic going forward.
"So you don't know Silas Cata?" he asked, no longer holding his blaster at the ready, opting instead to make Larana incredibly nervous by gesticulating with it.
"Who the fuck is Silas Cata?" she said.
"Old human, bout 80-ish. Bit of a… very much a womanizing scoundrel." Larana wasn't about to sell out her grandfather, but the description was certainly apt.
"Never heard of him. Sorry." she said succinctly.
"Damn it, could have sworn this was his ship. It garbage, but it has enough sentimental value he kept it longer than he probably should have. Didn't think he'd sell it." the bounty hunter mused. Then he seemed to take notice of the Twilek woman in front of him as something other than a source of information. "Name's Galvin Thorn, bounty hunter extraordinaire. So, what say I make this whole thing up to you? You, me, a week on Zeltron. Party capital of the galaxy baby."
It was almost impressive how quickly he shifted from interrogating her to hitting on her. "Sorry, on a bit of a tight schedule. Tighter now that I've had to deal with this. Maybe some other time."
"Ah c'mon baby, don't be like that." he said, holstering his blaster. "Anyone who complains that you're late, I'll deal with 'em myself. And if it's a money thing, the whole week will be my treat. Seven days of pure bliss for free. Pretty sweet deal if I do say so myself."
"For fuck's sakes boy, she's your damn cousin! Show some dignity!" shouted Silas as he burst up from the floor, blaster drawn.
"Son of a bitch! I got you this time old-grrk!" Galvin managed to get his blaster out of its holster before Silas shot him in the chest and he fell to the ground limp.
"It was easier to fit in there when I was shorter." Silas grumbled as he rubbed his neck.
"You shot him." said Larana, staring at the body in shock. "You shot him!"
"Relax, it was set to stun." said Silas, holding the blaster up before putting it back in his holster. "He might have been tracking me for years to kill me for fun, but he's still my grandson. Though he's certainly not getting any credits from me this Life Day. C'mon, help me haul his sorry ass back onto his ship, and get ready to loot anything of value. Just because I don't kill family doesn't mean I won't punish stupid behavior."
Larana numbly picked up Galvin's legs and began carrying him back aboard his own ship. "He ought to be glad I don't play favorites, because he'd definitely be at the bottom of the list if I did."
AN: I felt a little bad not writing anything about Ciaran's other cousin, so I decided to make a sequel in which Silas has to balance his love of his family with the fact that some of his family wants to kill him for shits and giggles.
- Location
- USA
I was mostly joking, but it is a variable that he probably didn't account for, considering that Jango wouldn't have done this without the signifigant poking Thrawn, and us by extention, has given him.
The Republic was losing against the CIS until recently. They cannot fight a war on two fronts, even if it would take quite some time for the Mandalorian war machine to start up again in full.
- Location
- From the moon
Personally if we did go into making our own droids I would prefer ones of the drone variety like these.
Just make thousands of these drones while making sure they have powerful enough manipulator arms and wielding torches to get through doors and we're set to go.
Not only would they make good throw away troops but they'd also be more efficent as repair and building droids. Plus if the Empire could make cheap recon Probes that they can field enmass that are disposable than we can make an army made up of better quality versions.
Not only would they make good throw away troops but they'd also be more efficent as repair and building droids. Plus if the Empire could make cheap recon Probes that they can field enmass that are disposable than we can make an army made up of better quality versions.
Dr. Snark
Exactly As Planned...Probably
- Location
- Right where I want to be
- Pronouns
- He/His/Him
Yeah, that's definitely worth another +10, if only for the mental image of the most flamboyant, lecherous mercenary the galaxy did see.
Fucking christ, I'm only a quarter of the way through the interludes and there's already four omake bonuses floating around. Shit's going to be crazy next turn, I can tell.
- Location
- From the moon
It does get me to thinking on just how many relatives Ciaran has. We really should make a list at some point and maybe go shaking the family tree a little and see what falls out.
Dr. Snark
Exactly As Planned...Probably
- Location
- Right where I want to be
- Pronouns
- He/His/Him
...I think I need to start on the next interlude much sooner than I thought if I want to retain what little sense of balance this quest has left.
- Location
- USA
Yes. His plan is to use the Republic as his launching platform, he cannot do that if it's burning down. He has committed to the board. Supreme Chancellor Palpatine cannot use anything else at this point and if the Republic falls he dies or is forced into hiding, delaying the Grand Plan until after his time, something his pride as Darth Sidious will not allow.
Thanatos757
Captain of the Four Knights
tfw you get the Mandalorian Resurgence you've always wanted in a quest about abusing capitalism and not in the two actual Mand'alor quests
- Location
- From the moon
Ahh Capitalism it's powerful stuff. Yep just a sprinkling of capitalism turned some wimpy pacifists into true blooded warriors.
All according to the great Capitalist Keikaku.
It is only fitting in a capitalism quest to play kingmaker with other nations.
Palps can order Dooku to intensify or abate the CIS offensives against the Republic as it suits his plans. And if giving orders to both sides isn't enough to see the Republic to victory, he can take control of the CIS as Darth Sidious, kill his pawn Dooku and rule the galaxy openly as Sith Lord. (Not that this is very different to how it ended anyway.)
He is playing both sides. Whoever wins out of the Republic or CIS, Palps still wins. So if he thinks the dark side of the Force will benefit from the Republic attacking the CNS, he'll do his best to get the Republic to attack the CNS.
fasquardon
Stealthy
Reverently Irreverent
- Location
- Roaming
Palpatine is currently in control either directly or by proxy of the entire known galaxy except for Hutt Space (which is mostly Outer Rim trash), and the handful of relevant systems in the CNS. He also has the highest theoretical Intrigue stat in the entire damned galaxy. When you can order around the armies of both sides of the war, you can manipulate things to go however you damn well want. Underestimate him at your own peril.
Knocking off Darth Sidious' plan even with our OOC knowledge will be hard af. Attracting his direct ire at any point in time is guaranteed to go badly for us unless the Teron dice start swinging real hard in our favor. Take that man seriously. And be prepared for us not being able to stop him.
Knocking off Darth Sidious' plan even with our OOC knowledge will be hard af. Attracting his direct ire at any point in time is guaranteed to go badly for us unless the Teron dice start swinging real hard in our favor. Take that man seriously. And be prepared for us not being able to stop him.
I feel kinda like the odd man out in this discussion. Because, as much as I liked 'Mandalore the Reurgent', and as well-written as I found the update to be... I still found it rather underwhelming.
This was our roll result:
1) Jango Fett returns as Mand'alor -- but that would have been the case even for a 'Bare Success', because that was the entire point of the action.
3) Guardians placed under temporarily increased scrutiny by Satine -- I suppose this should have been expected (given Jango's reputation and Satine's pacifist tendencies), but again, there's little here that would indicate anything more than a 'Bare Success'.
4) Obi-Wan will attempt to ease tensions -- given his past dealings with Jango, that's certainly a nice surprise. OTOH, it's definitely unclear whether or to what extent he'll succeed, so I'm more inclined to sort this one as a 'Major Success' reward. Unless somehow qualifies as a 'Super Critical Success' that Obi-Wan's report doesn't immediately lead the Jedi Order and/or the Republic to declare war on us...?
5) Future chance to recruit Jango -- given our involvement in revitalizing Mandalorian culture, in founding the Guardians Corps, and exhorting Jango to become their leader officially, it really isn't a surprise that we might later try to recruit him.
I'd consider it much more of a surprise that Jango only feels "neutral" towards us -- not the most promising of signs, given all that we've done for him (and our willingness to put the past behind us, including his multiple assassination attempts against Ciaran & Padme...).
All told, unless Obi-Wan's "attempt to ease tensions" is a lot more meaningful than we've been led to believe, then the results here are pretty underwhelming. Sure, it's a 'Major Success' along the lines of similar results in the past, but hardly an "Over 100 Success," let alone the sort of "Super Critical Success" you'd expect from rolling 125.
This was our roll result:
And these were our rewards:
...Maybe it's just me, but I have trouble reading that as a "Super Critical Success."
1) Jango Fett returns as Mand'alor -- but that would have been the case even for a 'Bare Success', because that was the entire point of the action.
2) "A lot of publicity both for good and ill" -- again, I suspect this would be the result of a 'Bare Success', given that the PR is merely mixed.
3) Guardians placed under temporarily increased scrutiny by Satine -- I suppose this should have been expected (given Jango's reputation and Satine's pacifist tendencies), but again, there's little here that would indicate anything more than a 'Bare Success'.
4) Obi-Wan will attempt to ease tensions -- given his past dealings with Jango, that's certainly a nice surprise. OTOH, it's definitely unclear whether or to what extent he'll succeed, so I'm more inclined to sort this one as a 'Major Success' reward. Unless somehow qualifies as a 'Super Critical Success' that Obi-Wan's report doesn't immediately lead the Jedi Order and/or the Republic to declare war on us...?
5) Future chance to recruit Jango -- given our involvement in revitalizing Mandalorian culture, in founding the Guardians Corps, and exhorting Jango to become their leader officially, it really isn't a surprise that we might later try to recruit him.
I'd consider it much more of a surprise that Jango only feels "neutral" towards us -- not the most promising of signs, given all that we've done for him (and our willingness to put the past behind us, including his multiple assassination attempts against Ciaran & Padme...).
6) Thrawn gains an 'Honorary Mandalore' trait -- besides Obi-Wan's surprising response, this is the only other reward that I'd classify as anything better than a 'Bare Success'. On the other hand, based on the trait description, I'm pretty sure that this was the "???" reward promised in the original action text:
I also notice that this turn's results have not affected our diplomatic status with the CNS (we're still a lackluster "8/10" despite our work in revitalizing the Mandalorian warrior heritage), nor do the Guardians appear as 'special troops' on our Abyss Watchers organization page.
All told, unless Obi-Wan's "attempt to ease tensions" is a lot more meaningful than we've been led to believe, then the results here are pretty underwhelming. Sure, it's a 'Major Success' along the lines of similar results in the past, but hardly an "Over 100 Success," let alone the sort of "Super Critical Success" you'd expect from rolling 125.
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- Location
- Somewhere, probably Earth
What Balance? With the dice being Tsundere and the omake boni we already have, nothing short of an absolute cavalcade of 1s can make things go irreparably wrong.
Dr. Snark
Exactly As Planned...Probably
- Location
- Right where I want to be
- Pronouns
- He/His/Him
The thing is that having the Mandalore back, especially in such a public fashion is big. The kind of big that you can't really contain within one single interlude. I get that on paper it may not seem like you got a lot of rewards but the fact of the matter is that the Mandalore returning is going to have some major effects on galactic politics that won't really be visible until the next turn rolls around.
So if it seems like you haven't gotten much from it, that's because all of the effects of it haven't played out. And in a way, they're going to keep playing out for pretty much the majority of the near future.
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There's a very big difference between Jango declaring himself Mand'alor and the Mandalorians declaring him Mand'alor. Success got us the first, that critical got us the second.
Because as far as a lot of the older Mandalorians care? Satine isn't in charge anymore. It's not a majority, but more people are going to agree every year, and it doesn't actually cause any major changes yet. But Mand'alor rules the Mandalorians and nothing Satine has done will change that. We just performed a successful coup against the New Mandalorians, and while it's going to take years to complete there's almost nothing that can be done to stop it.
That was the equivalent of some asshole walking into a British army base, declaring himself King Arthur returned, and everyone there, including the actual government, agreeing to put him in charge.
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Dr. Snark
Exactly As Planned...Probably
- Location
- Right where I want to be
- Pronouns
- He/His/Him
Worth noting that while Jango has returned as Mandalore, he's not really keen on the political aspects of the position. Think of him as Quattro from Zeta Gundam: sure he's a fantastic political figure, but the man would much rather prefer fighting on the battlefield than staying in an office or something.
That being said this will cause a lot of political upheaval on Mandalore as the government tries to figure out where Jango fits in. Jango's agreement to Satine's scrutiny has helped (as it implies that he is willing to answer to the Mandalorian government), but it's still going to cause some turmoil. (In hindsight, you might count the Super Critical part as Jango's return not accidentally initiating a coup d'etat the second he came back.)
And of course, that discounts the rest of the galaxy, who will only hear that a Mandalore has come back...
It's worth noting that Jango was one of the most feared bounty hunters in the galaxy before he came back. The Guardians had certainly heard of him before he walked in, and his reputation helped solidify his declaration.
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NexysDhyArchen
Throne Breaker
I imagine the fact that Jango basically walked into with only token resistance into that role is part of that Crit. Random Mandalore's popping up aren't exactly welcomed even by Militant Mandalorians.
Dr. Snark
Exactly As Planned...Probably
- Location
- Right where I want to be
- Pronouns
- He/His/Him
Well, more to the point as I said previously most of the effects from Jango coming back are going to make themselves known next turn. Some of them will be effects it has on the galaxy. Some of them will be how the different factions on Mandalore itself take the news.
Just trust me when I say that I've got shit planned. This is only the beginning.
Just trust me when I say that I've got shit planned. This is only the beginning.
(Omake) The Dark Plan (Canon)
AN: Well, that inspired me. Enjoy my first omake for this quest.
________
The Dark Plan
Dooku knealt before the holoprojector. "What is your bidding my Master?"
"Explain these plans of an offensive against the CNS apprentice."
Dooku lifted his face, the calm mask he wore over his inner rage showing neither surprise at his master's knowledge of the supposedly secret plans, nor offense at the venom dripping from the final word of his master's order. "The CNS is becoming a threat Master. They are bringing new worlds into their fold. The Lady Ciaran's safe havens for refugees within the CNS win respect for the CNS itself as a refuge from war. Her negotiations with the Hutts and the Trade Federation make the Neutrals increasingly seductive to those whose minds are ruled by credits. The on my council, only the Techno-Union representative is immune to their apparent charms. And now they have hired a bounty hunter to be their Mandalor. The man is known to me, and possesses considerable skill for one blind to the Force. My spies report his skill has not gone unnoticed by the people of Mandalore or by the Mandalorian diaspora. They remember their heritage and flock to his banner. I deemed it necessary to strike at them before they could gain momentum. Or become strong enough that those in the CIS who tire of war see it as a haven to defect to."
"So... You shiver in fear of sheep, a greedy clown and a Force blind pawn? Have you learned nothing from my teachings apprentice? Have you grown so used to presiding over your council of fools and comfortable in commanding armies that you have become deluded into thinking these give you power? Power comes only from the Force. All else is either a tool to be used or a distraction. This CNS is no threat to us. This Lady Ciaran's greed delivers her to us and my plans already make use of her. AND make use of this pathetic CNS. You will scrap your plans immediately and focus your fleets and armies soley on the feeble Republic. Redouble your assault. Hold nothing back. Teach them the meaning of fear. As to the CNS... You will send a diplomatic mission to Mandalore. You will suck up to them like a groveling worm and do everything you can to feed their arrogance. NO assassination attempts. NO attempts to undermine them. If any CIS worlds start to consider pledging themselves to the CNS, you will encourage them. It is in our interests to strengthen the Mandalorians... Yes, the Mandalorians apprentice. This CNS is but a temporary cloak. Soon it will be cast aside and the galaxy will face their true nature - that of a Mandalorian Empire reborn! I have foreseen it."
Dooku looked at the flickering hologram of his master dubiously. "My Master. Forgive my lack of vision, how exactly does a Mandalorian Empire aid the cause of the Sith?"
His master cackled, for once glee at the situation outweighing any annoyance he might have felt at Dooku's lack of insight. "Fool! The Jedi have been holding back from the war with the CIS. Even with their blind arrogance, they did not fall for the trap of command of the clone armies when the Republic offered it to them. But with the Mandalorians rising once more... The Jedi have forgotten much of their history, but they remember enough to fear Mandalorians. And you remember where fear leads, don't you apprentice?"
"The Dark Side Master."
"Precisely. The fools won't be able to help themselves. They and the ramshackle Republic they serve will see the CNS claiming their worlds, they will see the growing army of Mandalorians, the amassing fleets, the apparent alliance with the CIS that you will assiduously give credence to and they will lash out. Their fear and hatred will lead to many Jedi falling and we will reap our reward as the galaxy burns. Do you understand NOW apprentice?"
Dooku bowed. "Yes my Master. It will be as you command."
"Eeexcellent. I will expect results before we next meet."
The projector cut out as the hypersignal died, leaving Dooku in darkness to consider how to enact his part of the master's plan.
________
fasquardon
________
The Dark Plan
Dooku knealt before the holoprojector. "What is your bidding my Master?"
"Explain these plans of an offensive against the CNS apprentice."
Dooku lifted his face, the calm mask he wore over his inner rage showing neither surprise at his master's knowledge of the supposedly secret plans, nor offense at the venom dripping from the final word of his master's order. "The CNS is becoming a threat Master. They are bringing new worlds into their fold. The Lady Ciaran's safe havens for refugees within the CNS win respect for the CNS itself as a refuge from war. Her negotiations with the Hutts and the Trade Federation make the Neutrals increasingly seductive to those whose minds are ruled by credits. The on my council, only the Techno-Union representative is immune to their apparent charms. And now they have hired a bounty hunter to be their Mandalor. The man is known to me, and possesses considerable skill for one blind to the Force. My spies report his skill has not gone unnoticed by the people of Mandalore or by the Mandalorian diaspora. They remember their heritage and flock to his banner. I deemed it necessary to strike at them before they could gain momentum. Or become strong enough that those in the CIS who tire of war see it as a haven to defect to."
"So... You shiver in fear of sheep, a greedy clown and a Force blind pawn? Have you learned nothing from my teachings apprentice? Have you grown so used to presiding over your council of fools and comfortable in commanding armies that you have become deluded into thinking these give you power? Power comes only from the Force. All else is either a tool to be used or a distraction. This CNS is no threat to us. This Lady Ciaran's greed delivers her to us and my plans already make use of her. AND make use of this pathetic CNS. You will scrap your plans immediately and focus your fleets and armies soley on the feeble Republic. Redouble your assault. Hold nothing back. Teach them the meaning of fear. As to the CNS... You will send a diplomatic mission to Mandalore. You will suck up to them like a groveling worm and do everything you can to feed their arrogance. NO assassination attempts. NO attempts to undermine them. If any CIS worlds start to consider pledging themselves to the CNS, you will encourage them. It is in our interests to strengthen the Mandalorians... Yes, the Mandalorians apprentice. This CNS is but a temporary cloak. Soon it will be cast aside and the galaxy will face their true nature - that of a Mandalorian Empire reborn! I have foreseen it."
Dooku looked at the flickering hologram of his master dubiously. "My Master. Forgive my lack of vision, how exactly does a Mandalorian Empire aid the cause of the Sith?"
His master cackled, for once glee at the situation outweighing any annoyance he might have felt at Dooku's lack of insight. "Fool! The Jedi have been holding back from the war with the CIS. Even with their blind arrogance, they did not fall for the trap of command of the clone armies when the Republic offered it to them. But with the Mandalorians rising once more... The Jedi have forgotten much of their history, but they remember enough to fear Mandalorians. And you remember where fear leads, don't you apprentice?"
"The Dark Side Master."
"Precisely. The fools won't be able to help themselves. They and the ramshackle Republic they serve will see the CNS claiming their worlds, they will see the growing army of Mandalorians, the amassing fleets, the apparent alliance with the CIS that you will assiduously give credence to and they will lash out. Their fear and hatred will lead to many Jedi falling and we will reap our reward as the galaxy burns. Do you understand NOW apprentice?"
Dooku bowed. "Yes my Master. It will be as you command."
"Eeexcellent. I will expect results before we next meet."
The projector cut out as the hypersignal died, leaving Dooku in darkness to consider how to enact his part of the master's plan.
________
fasquardon
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Dr. Snark
Exactly As Planned...Probably
- Location
- Right where I want to be
- Pronouns
- He/His/Him
Normally I would be mad about the fact that there are five omake bonuses now, but I'm far too happy to see Sidious in all of his Sith Lord glory to care right now. Have a +10 for that, not to mention the fact that it will influence the CIS response I have planned for the news report.