- Location
- Finland
And i am happy to spend more time on it, later, but shoring up weaknesses is also important, and intrigue is one of ours.
Also, pretty sure intrigue is also used to counter spying, and bigger we grow, more important that gets.
Of Lords and their Legions (A Necron Overlord Quest)
- Thread starter Lonkas
- Start date
Also, pretty sure intrigue is also used to counter spying, and bigger we grow, more important that gets.
- Location
- New York
Agreed, but conducting counter espionage against our fellow Necrons are not a current priority. And once they do become a priority, we would still be conducting more research options. In summation, more Learning would simply have a higher return on investment.
- Location
- Finland
Research is not our current priotiy either.
Current priority is a twice the size of ours fleet we can expec to come stomp at us.
Martial helps there.
- Location
- New York
Ah, but here's where I disagree. Martial will not help when you are overwhelmingly outnumbered, but do you know what will change the tides of war? Another super weapon.
- Location
- Finland
Superweapons take time, i doubt imperium will give us time to build another bane.
We need a fleet, and martial helps us in using a fleet.
canned Tomatoes
verified non-perishable
- Location
- Germany
[X] Levnekh acquires the title "Master of fear". Though there were few and said so in mutters and whispers, there were some who doubted Levnekh's investment in The Fellowships Bane. Thinking it unworthy of the attention and resources heaped upon it. In but a single campaign those doubters were silenced. +2 learning +1 respect
If you want to talk about current priorities, you should be concerned with martial, because that is our most pressing concern at the moment.
If you want to talk about investment, shoring up a weakness now pays off more than building on a preexisting strength. To elaborate, when the time comes that counter-espionage is a priority, we want to be prepared and start from a position of, if not strength, then not-weakness. A single point of intrigue isn't going to drastically change anything, but if it means bringing Levnekh from sub-par to dead-average. Given how we've built Levnekh, there are probably going to be far more opportunities to increase learning than there will be for intrigue.
- Location
- yorkshire
[X] Levnekh acquires the title, Shadow upon the void. When he began his first conquests, Levnekh did so under a veil of silence. When their commanders first realised the nature of the threat already three full worlds had fallen to the Necrons. With less than a strangled gasp to mark their conquest. +1 martial, +1 Intrigue +1 respect.
- Location
- Somewhere Beyond the Sea
[X] Levnekh acquires the title "Master of fear". Though there were few and said so in mutters and whispers, there were some who doubted Levnekh's investment in The Fellowships Bane. Thinking it unworthy of the attention and resources heaped upon it. In but a single campaign those doubters were silenced. +2 learning +1 respect
Nicholas Brooks
Redeemer and Destroyer
- Location
- United States
[X] Levnekh acquires the title, Shadow upon the void. When he began his first conquests, Levnekh did so under a veil of silence. When their commanders first realised the nature of the threat already three full worlds had fallen to the Necrons. With less than a strangled gasp to mark their conquest. +1 martial, +1 Intrigue +1 respect
I don't think we'll be able to build another superweapon in time for it to matter against the Imperium if they plan to go on the offensive soon. The Intrigue will be nice later on. If it weren't for the hit to respect I'd take the first option tbh.
I don't think we'll be able to build another superweapon in time for it to matter against the Imperium if they plan to go on the offensive soon. The Intrigue will be nice later on. If it weren't for the hit to respect I'd take the first option tbh.
- Location
- California
[X] Levnekh himself did not gain significant notoriety in his early conquests, instead he learned from one who was becoming a master of the art of combat in the void. +3 martial -1 respect. Sovenkh of Zis acquires +1 respect
- Location
- Seattle, Washington
[X] Levnekh acquires the title, Shadow upon the void. When he began his first conquests, Levnekh did so under a veil of silence. When their commanders first realised the nature of the threat already three full worlds had fallen to the Necrons. With less than a strangled gasp to mark their conquest. +1 martial, +1 Intrigue +1 respect.
- Location
- Not London
[x] Levnekh himself did not gain significant notoriety in his early conquests, instead he learned from one who was becoming a master of the art of combat in the void. +3 martial -1 respect. Sovenkh of Zis acquires +1 respect
Its in the character of sv to invest in long-term stuff rather than near-term critical items. Levenekh is an absolutely terrible admiral and strategist. Or that could just be how the GM is writing it out? Because he does not come across as an immortal Necron overlord playing with the silly imperials but rather a clumsy child who has powerful toys and are trying to figure out how to use said toys against other kids..
Its a bit of both if im going to be honest. I try to write Levnekh as having more of an idea of how combat works than Nevanoch (all she does is make the toys) but having less of a grasp of strategy than Sovenkh (Who is actually quite skilled at what he does).
The other half is that this is my first attempt at a sizeable writing project and I'm still trying to figure it out, so some critiques would actually be quite welcome
- Location
- Pee Pee Poo Poo
[x] Levnekh himself did not gain significant notoriety in his early conquests, instead he learned from one who was becoming a master of the art of combat in the void. +3 martial -1 respect. Sovenkh of Zis acquires +1 respect
- Location
- Mid-Atlantic
Losing respect would seem to create a weakness even as we strive to shore up the presumptive Martial weakness. Furthermore, we are merely mediocre in Martial; we are actively bad in Intrigue.
[X] Levnekh acquires the title, Shadow upon the void. When he began his first conquests, Levnekh did so under a veil of silence. When their commanders first realised the nature of the threat already three full worlds had fallen to the Necrons. With less than a strangled gasp to mark their conquest. +1 martial, +1 Intrigue +1 respect.
[X] Levnekh acquires the title, Shadow upon the void. When he began his first conquests, Levnekh did so under a veil of silence. When their commanders first realised the nature of the threat already three full worlds had fallen to the Necrons. With less than a strangled gasp to mark their conquest. +1 martial, +1 Intrigue +1 respect.
[X] Levnekh acquires the title, Shadow upon the void. When he began his first conquests, Levnekh did so under a veil of silence. When their commanders first realised the nature of the threat already three full worlds had fallen to the Necrons. With less than a strangled gasp to mark their conquest. +1 martial, +1 Intrigue +1 respect.
Meh, we could always get a deathmark hero thing to handle our intrigue.
Meh, we could always get a deathmark hero thing to handle our intrigue.
The problem there is that without enough intrigue your intrigue heroes can take you for a spin
Of delegations and diplomats
[X] Levnekh acquires the title, Shadow
upon the void.
Today Is a moment of peace in a normally crowded schedule. You sit within the newly built grand arena upon Kaisov, one of many which have now been established across the surface of not only the capital, but also the neighboring planets of the system. Normally you do not partake in the pedestrian sports of the lower classes. Not since the biotransference, but today is special. Today is the first time that a human team will be competing in the ancient sports, and your presence would show your interest in human affairs. A recommendation in Aken's lengthy report which you endeavor to adhere to.
Thus you dwell within the Royal box, a luxuriously appointed space, even if you are largely physically incapable of appreciating it. Built of elaborately carved blackstone and obsidian, each wall displays an ancient martial triumph of your dynasty. within the room itself, the furniture is crafted of platinum and gold, cushioned with silks of Yulenoth purple. Many lesser "lordly" boxes line the inner edge of the arena, each decorated differently as to the tastes of the lord who dwells within. Here is one carved of pure emerald, while far separated is another of the finest marble. Above, in the vast tiered steps of the arena, sizeable enough to hold millions, sit the crowds. Filling the arena to near full capacity for the first time in its operation, they watch the titanic screens hovering above the centre of the arena. Ensuring that those too far away to clearly see the floor are still able to follow the action.
A chime sounds over the murmuring of the crowd as your anticipated guest enters. Having despite his station, been scanned by all the myriad devices Lasthule can bring to bear. He takes the throne next to yours, one ever so slightly smaller and less ornate. Then lowers himself carefully, ensuring he avoids any potential trap that would send him sprawling, much like that meeting several months ago. Finally, he tilts his head to face you curiously.
"I wasn't aware you enjoyed the game's father." he pauses for a moment "Actually I can't recall you ever attending these events. I would then always have to come in your place. What's changed?
You hold up your staff of office now that Jornakh has arrived, and have it cast out a bright green glow, signaling the beginning of proceedings. Around you the murmuring rises to great cheers, rising ever higher as the human team begins to enter the field. Jornakh cringes slightly before adjusting his audio receptors sensitivity to hear your response "You were too young to experience the games as they were intended to be. We have made ourselves Immortal, yes but also dreadfully dull at times. What joy is there in watching lychguard face off against a vat-golem?. They shall fight, even die, but they are assured to be restored. What triumph then is there in victory, or despair in the face of defeat."
Slowly, the team of humans comes into the centre of the arena. Each garbed in the attire which will suit them for battle. Some are attired as the lychguard of old. Bedecked in living metal armor, and carrying warscythes. Others are fitted with the accoutrements of the praetorians, grav harnesses upon their backs and armed with particle casters and void blades. Others still are armed with more esoteric technologies. Nevertheless, the fifteen strong team assemble themselves in a V formation before you, and bow simultaneously. Prostrating themselves fully before your throne. Around them, hidden from their position, the arena shifts. Small hills rise from the ground as pillars and platforms lift skyward from beneath the sands. Your son, silent for a time, responds while watching the arena change.
"You realize of course that these humans will be saved when they fall? Teleported back to a medbay. The risk they face is miniscule, I'm afraid this charade shall not satisfy your bloody mindedness father"
You ignore his foolishness, as on the other end of the arena, in a vast darkened corridor, a forcefield is lowered. Then, slowly emerging, clacking enormous claws together, is an immense desert scorpion. Supposedly cloned from the original stock upon the throneworld and grown to tremendous size. Its nearly thirty foot long body is subtly reinforced by the highest arts of Necron genetic science. allowing the vast creature to move despite your knowledge of physics and biology telling you that it should be crushed under its thick carapace. Fixing upon the prey presented before it, the creature's unnatural intelligence pushes it into a charge, with the humans scrambling to respond.
"You misunderstand Jornakh, the same was the case when we were but flesh and blood and fought as such in the arena. No, I care not if they live or die here. but a necron, any necron faced with this beast would calculate all potential actions and act in the most efficient manner to kill it. Even a lord, granted higher reasoning skills by the triarchs will follow this course. But I do not desire to see the same fight repeated a hundredfold before a silent audience". You gesture to the ongoing combats as the humans attempt to rush the vast skorpion. One is smashed out of the air by the stab of its glistening stinger, while those ground based attempt to outflank the creature. Shrinking back as its claws reach out to slice flesh and crush bones. "This however." You say with satisfaction as you hear the roar of the crowd "Will see triumph and treachery, cowardice and heroics, the soaring highs and lows which only mortality can bring."
Your son sounds amused, though businesslike in his tone. "How… poetic father, I didn't think you had it in you. But surely, you didn't bring me here to discuss the philosophy of mortality. Have you, affairs of state perhaps?"
You reluctantly turn away from the fight, where despite losing two more of the number, the humans are now slicing into the underside of the scorpion. which scuttles back, bleeding rapidly from the exchange. "Yes, I do, specifically the battlefleet Golgatha, and what the Sirano can muster to fight against it."
Jornakh still facing the arena quizzically asks "Golgatha? The same one we crushed a decade ago?"
You wait for a moment before answering, watching as the scorpion charges into the group before it and dives into the ground, burrowing rapidly into the sands of the arena with one of the warscythe armed humans caught in its claws. "It's only reasonable to assume, The Sector cannot conjure a fleet from nothing and its other forces are embroiled in defending the south from the Krork. The wider Imperium also likely considered us a painfully nuisance, to be dealt with eventually, or simply ignored as a warning to not touch the unknown. At least until Kaisovs fall" You gesture to the wider arena "Given their bureaucracy, I give it a decade or so before we see a response from Terra, if any. No, the imperials have largely rebuilt their fallen fleet over the last decade and rushed it to Sivana's defense. Regardless however, what can you bring to bear?"
Jornakh nods, a more cautious tone entering his response. "The sirano muster is quite limited, for the moment at least. I can call upon five escorts and two light cruisers. In addition to my own flagship of course. Though, with Slinal added to my empire, I am endeavoring this coming year to double the size of the Sirano fleet."
You quietly run a few simulations in your head. "I was hoping for more"
Upon the field, the humans were sprinting toward the raised pillars around the arena, climbing upon them to avoid the burrowing scorpion. Meanwhile those airborne were watching for any sign of its reappearance, firing down upon even the slightest tremor.
"What?" his tone turns sarcastic. " Do you expect me to have hidden some away? I'm sorry father but the worlds I possess are bar one poor, underdeveloped colonies. I have not had the time or resources to prepare the fleet for the war that you have brought upon us!"
You give him a moment to calm himself before you continue. "And their capabilities?"
Jornakh fumes beside you as you turn your attention back to the arena. The scorpion seems to have detected which pillar holds the most contestants and is trying to dislodge its foundations while remaining burrowed. The three pho lychguard at the top for the moment seem lost as to what to do. While their airborne allies continue to pepper the sands with antimatter particles.
Finally the young lord beside you seems to master himself. "Gun platforms Levnekh." he says with some derision before with an echoing sigh he returns to a more formal tone. "The Sirano with their long isolation planetside lost the techniques to make efficient plasma drives. These have been slowly recovered over the last few decades but still leaves their craft slow and cumbersome, even when compared to the imperials. Their weapons however, are far more formidable, and their materials science is equal to the foe, now that they have had time to study the captured wrecks. I expect them to be able to match or slightly exceed the Imperials ship to ship in a gunline, though they cannot pursue"
They will serve you suppose, especially as you expect this will become a defensive campaign, still. "We require more vessels"
The humans upon their pedestal were attempting to jump across to a neighboring pillar, as the one they are on begins to tilt and fall. One makes it, then another. But the third one misses the jump and instead plunges his warscythe into the pillar as he falls, slowing his descent significantly before he hits the ground. The crowd's roar of approval then turns to horror as the scorpion surfaces to face down its solitary opponent.
Jornakhs now adopts a skeptical tone "Surely you jest, we have matched against Golgatha before and emerged the victor, now their crews are but new recruits untested in battle. And you youself now wield The Bane. Even with the losses we have taken, with our auxiliaries we should outmatch them by far."
Hmm so he didn't know, or at the very least he is skilled at hiding his knowledge "The imperials know that as well, and their navy is not without allies. I anticipate that one or both of their forgeworlds may lend a portion of their fleet to aid our enemies. Their fleets are not immense, but I'm informed that they are of significantly higher quality than standard imperial fare. They will come, I believe, especially for a share of the spoils."
"And you decided not to lead with this because?"
"Would it have changed any of your answers?
Jornakh takes a moment before he thoughtfully answers "I'll concede that it would not" then he speaks again "I do however, have a solution"
"Yes?"
"The Sirane, the other Sirano polity, turned me away before. They believe themselves safe behind their primitive star fortresses. But those documents you captured prove that they aren't as safe as they thought. The Imperium don't fear them, not really, they just believe it's uneconomical to attack, and have plans for when the benefits of attacking outweigh the costs. With them I can bring the Sirane back to negotiations. I actually already planned to do so, though the need has plainly increased."
An interesting enough proposal to be sure but the Sirane are still primitives "Are they worth having on our side?
In the arena, the lone combatant makes a fine show of defending himself, backing away steadily and deflecting incoming claw strikes with his warscythe. But eventually he backs up to the pillar and has no more room for retreat as the scorpion presses its assault. Only for the two lychguard above to fall blade first onto the back of the scorpion, slicing and stabbing with abandon.
"That depends, would you rather have them arrayed against us?"
You scoff "The imperium despises all aliens, surely that would never happen"
Jornakh has a ready repartee "What is a world or two in the eyes of the imperium. If they promise such to the Sirane in exchange for their assistance, I'm sure the Sirane would take it. All the imperium would have to do is wait a century or so to recoup their losses and they would take back the worlds and more by force."
The battle upon the arena continues, the scorpion twisting and turning to shake off its riders, all the while the remaining humans converge upon the foe. One is knocked back by a flailing claw and another is impaled by the flashing stinger, but the cornered beast is now soaked with its own ichor and its movements slow.
You can see the logic in Jornakhs point. In some ways the imperium is akin to your kind. Old enough now that they could plan on the scale of centuries or millennia. You concede this specific issue "Are you sure you can gather the Sirane to your side?."
Jornakh considers. "They are extremely different to their cousins I have found. Only three years ago we discovered they cast lots for who will be their queen for a time. Though, despite the obvious disadvantages of such lunacy, I believe this will give me the ability to begin talks with those who are not ill disposed toward us. " his tone becomes more formal "If you desire to send your own diplomats with me, my ship shall depart in ten days hence.
Upon the field, the humans continue to press their advantage. Falling upon the faltering beast and carving deep into its armoured hide. Eventually its claws are cut off and its tail severed. The man who had fought it to a standstill slowly approaches the creature, before with a triumphant roar, he plunges his warscythe into the creature's brain.
"I'll consider it, how does development proceed across your colonies?"
Jornakh begins to rise feeling that your questioning is coming to an end "It proceeds apace, though this year considering circumstances I shall focus on Delinova. The Imperials don't yet know of its existence, thus it is an ideal planet to develop. By year's end I hope to have a proper spaceport upon the planet, Then begin exploiting the system. In a decade or so it may even begin resembling a civilized world."
He pauses as he turns to leave and gestures toward the arena. Where the remaining seven combatants bowed again toward the royal box. Then sensing your hesitation he in pho-innocence remarks "Are you not going to go out and meet them? It is tradition after all"
You sigh before you begin to rise, though you feel the reluctance to do so throughout your entire living metal frame "I enjoy watching the fight. That doesn't mean i want to speak with them. As you well know"
You do however send the coordinates to the teleporter placed within the room. Even a overlord after all, however mighty, must bow to tradition.
Jornakh will spend much of this year preparing for war against the imperium and has offered to take a diplomatic delegation of yours with him to speak with the Sirane
Do you send anyone?
[ ] Jornakh can speak with the primitives, you and yours have other duties to attend to
[ ] Send Aken along with Jornakh to speak on your behalf (will consume a diplomatic action next turn)
[ ] Go yourself to speak with the Sirane (will consume a personal action)
[ ] Both you and Aken with attend with Jornakh (consumes both a personal and diplomatic action)
If a delegation is sent what do you wish to propose to the Sirane
[ ] Support Jornakhs offer. (will add relevant characters statistics to Jornakh's when the offer is made)
[ ] Offer a separate Vassalisation offer under yourself (you will make your own separate roll after Jornakh)
[ ] Offer a separate Alliance offer to the Sirane (you will make your own separate roll after Jornakh)
2 hour moratorium
upon the void.
Today Is a moment of peace in a normally crowded schedule. You sit within the newly built grand arena upon Kaisov, one of many which have now been established across the surface of not only the capital, but also the neighboring planets of the system. Normally you do not partake in the pedestrian sports of the lower classes. Not since the biotransference, but today is special. Today is the first time that a human team will be competing in the ancient sports, and your presence would show your interest in human affairs. A recommendation in Aken's lengthy report which you endeavor to adhere to.
Thus you dwell within the Royal box, a luxuriously appointed space, even if you are largely physically incapable of appreciating it. Built of elaborately carved blackstone and obsidian, each wall displays an ancient martial triumph of your dynasty. within the room itself, the furniture is crafted of platinum and gold, cushioned with silks of Yulenoth purple. Many lesser "lordly" boxes line the inner edge of the arena, each decorated differently as to the tastes of the lord who dwells within. Here is one carved of pure emerald, while far separated is another of the finest marble. Above, in the vast tiered steps of the arena, sizeable enough to hold millions, sit the crowds. Filling the arena to near full capacity for the first time in its operation, they watch the titanic screens hovering above the centre of the arena. Ensuring that those too far away to clearly see the floor are still able to follow the action.
A chime sounds over the murmuring of the crowd as your anticipated guest enters. Having despite his station, been scanned by all the myriad devices Lasthule can bring to bear. He takes the throne next to yours, one ever so slightly smaller and less ornate. Then lowers himself carefully, ensuring he avoids any potential trap that would send him sprawling, much like that meeting several months ago. Finally, he tilts his head to face you curiously.
"I wasn't aware you enjoyed the game's father." he pauses for a moment "Actually I can't recall you ever attending these events. I would then always have to come in your place. What's changed?
You hold up your staff of office now that Jornakh has arrived, and have it cast out a bright green glow, signaling the beginning of proceedings. Around you the murmuring rises to great cheers, rising ever higher as the human team begins to enter the field. Jornakh cringes slightly before adjusting his audio receptors sensitivity to hear your response "You were too young to experience the games as they were intended to be. We have made ourselves Immortal, yes but also dreadfully dull at times. What joy is there in watching lychguard face off against a vat-golem?. They shall fight, even die, but they are assured to be restored. What triumph then is there in victory, or despair in the face of defeat."
Slowly, the team of humans comes into the centre of the arena. Each garbed in the attire which will suit them for battle. Some are attired as the lychguard of old. Bedecked in living metal armor, and carrying warscythes. Others are fitted with the accoutrements of the praetorians, grav harnesses upon their backs and armed with particle casters and void blades. Others still are armed with more esoteric technologies. Nevertheless, the fifteen strong team assemble themselves in a V formation before you, and bow simultaneously. Prostrating themselves fully before your throne. Around them, hidden from their position, the arena shifts. Small hills rise from the ground as pillars and platforms lift skyward from beneath the sands. Your son, silent for a time, responds while watching the arena change.
"You realize of course that these humans will be saved when they fall? Teleported back to a medbay. The risk they face is miniscule, I'm afraid this charade shall not satisfy your bloody mindedness father"
You ignore his foolishness, as on the other end of the arena, in a vast darkened corridor, a forcefield is lowered. Then, slowly emerging, clacking enormous claws together, is an immense desert scorpion. Supposedly cloned from the original stock upon the throneworld and grown to tremendous size. Its nearly thirty foot long body is subtly reinforced by the highest arts of Necron genetic science. allowing the vast creature to move despite your knowledge of physics and biology telling you that it should be crushed under its thick carapace. Fixing upon the prey presented before it, the creature's unnatural intelligence pushes it into a charge, with the humans scrambling to respond.
"You misunderstand Jornakh, the same was the case when we were but flesh and blood and fought as such in the arena. No, I care not if they live or die here. but a necron, any necron faced with this beast would calculate all potential actions and act in the most efficient manner to kill it. Even a lord, granted higher reasoning skills by the triarchs will follow this course. But I do not desire to see the same fight repeated a hundredfold before a silent audience". You gesture to the ongoing combats as the humans attempt to rush the vast skorpion. One is smashed out of the air by the stab of its glistening stinger, while those ground based attempt to outflank the creature. Shrinking back as its claws reach out to slice flesh and crush bones. "This however." You say with satisfaction as you hear the roar of the crowd "Will see triumph and treachery, cowardice and heroics, the soaring highs and lows which only mortality can bring."
Your son sounds amused, though businesslike in his tone. "How… poetic father, I didn't think you had it in you. But surely, you didn't bring me here to discuss the philosophy of mortality. Have you, affairs of state perhaps?"
You reluctantly turn away from the fight, where despite losing two more of the number, the humans are now slicing into the underside of the scorpion. which scuttles back, bleeding rapidly from the exchange. "Yes, I do, specifically the battlefleet Golgatha, and what the Sirano can muster to fight against it."
Jornakh still facing the arena quizzically asks "Golgatha? The same one we crushed a decade ago?"
You wait for a moment before answering, watching as the scorpion charges into the group before it and dives into the ground, burrowing rapidly into the sands of the arena with one of the warscythe armed humans caught in its claws. "It's only reasonable to assume, The Sector cannot conjure a fleet from nothing and its other forces are embroiled in defending the south from the Krork. The wider Imperium also likely considered us a painfully nuisance, to be dealt with eventually, or simply ignored as a warning to not touch the unknown. At least until Kaisovs fall" You gesture to the wider arena "Given their bureaucracy, I give it a decade or so before we see a response from Terra, if any. No, the imperials have largely rebuilt their fallen fleet over the last decade and rushed it to Sivana's defense. Regardless however, what can you bring to bear?"
Jornakh nods, a more cautious tone entering his response. "The sirano muster is quite limited, for the moment at least. I can call upon five escorts and two light cruisers. In addition to my own flagship of course. Though, with Slinal added to my empire, I am endeavoring this coming year to double the size of the Sirano fleet."
You quietly run a few simulations in your head. "I was hoping for more"
Upon the field, the humans were sprinting toward the raised pillars around the arena, climbing upon them to avoid the burrowing scorpion. Meanwhile those airborne were watching for any sign of its reappearance, firing down upon even the slightest tremor.
"What?" his tone turns sarcastic. " Do you expect me to have hidden some away? I'm sorry father but the worlds I possess are bar one poor, underdeveloped colonies. I have not had the time or resources to prepare the fleet for the war that you have brought upon us!"
You give him a moment to calm himself before you continue. "And their capabilities?"
Jornakh fumes beside you as you turn your attention back to the arena. The scorpion seems to have detected which pillar holds the most contestants and is trying to dislodge its foundations while remaining burrowed. The three pho lychguard at the top for the moment seem lost as to what to do. While their airborne allies continue to pepper the sands with antimatter particles.
Finally the young lord beside you seems to master himself. "Gun platforms Levnekh." he says with some derision before with an echoing sigh he returns to a more formal tone. "The Sirano with their long isolation planetside lost the techniques to make efficient plasma drives. These have been slowly recovered over the last few decades but still leaves their craft slow and cumbersome, even when compared to the imperials. Their weapons however, are far more formidable, and their materials science is equal to the foe, now that they have had time to study the captured wrecks. I expect them to be able to match or slightly exceed the Imperials ship to ship in a gunline, though they cannot pursue"
They will serve you suppose, especially as you expect this will become a defensive campaign, still. "We require more vessels"
The humans upon their pedestal were attempting to jump across to a neighboring pillar, as the one they are on begins to tilt and fall. One makes it, then another. But the third one misses the jump and instead plunges his warscythe into the pillar as he falls, slowing his descent significantly before he hits the ground. The crowd's roar of approval then turns to horror as the scorpion surfaces to face down its solitary opponent.
Jornakhs now adopts a skeptical tone "Surely you jest, we have matched against Golgatha before and emerged the victor, now their crews are but new recruits untested in battle. And you youself now wield The Bane. Even with the losses we have taken, with our auxiliaries we should outmatch them by far."
Hmm so he didn't know, or at the very least he is skilled at hiding his knowledge "The imperials know that as well, and their navy is not without allies. I anticipate that one or both of their forgeworlds may lend a portion of their fleet to aid our enemies. Their fleets are not immense, but I'm informed that they are of significantly higher quality than standard imperial fare. They will come, I believe, especially for a share of the spoils."
"And you decided not to lead with this because?"
"Would it have changed any of your answers?
Jornakh takes a moment before he thoughtfully answers "I'll concede that it would not" then he speaks again "I do however, have a solution"
"Yes?"
"The Sirane, the other Sirano polity, turned me away before. They believe themselves safe behind their primitive star fortresses. But those documents you captured prove that they aren't as safe as they thought. The Imperium don't fear them, not really, they just believe it's uneconomical to attack, and have plans for when the benefits of attacking outweigh the costs. With them I can bring the Sirane back to negotiations. I actually already planned to do so, though the need has plainly increased."
An interesting enough proposal to be sure but the Sirane are still primitives "Are they worth having on our side?
In the arena, the lone combatant makes a fine show of defending himself, backing away steadily and deflecting incoming claw strikes with his warscythe. But eventually he backs up to the pillar and has no more room for retreat as the scorpion presses its assault. Only for the two lychguard above to fall blade first onto the back of the scorpion, slicing and stabbing with abandon.
"That depends, would you rather have them arrayed against us?"
You scoff "The imperium despises all aliens, surely that would never happen"
Jornakh has a ready repartee "What is a world or two in the eyes of the imperium. If they promise such to the Sirane in exchange for their assistance, I'm sure the Sirane would take it. All the imperium would have to do is wait a century or so to recoup their losses and they would take back the worlds and more by force."
The battle upon the arena continues, the scorpion twisting and turning to shake off its riders, all the while the remaining humans converge upon the foe. One is knocked back by a flailing claw and another is impaled by the flashing stinger, but the cornered beast is now soaked with its own ichor and its movements slow.
You can see the logic in Jornakhs point. In some ways the imperium is akin to your kind. Old enough now that they could plan on the scale of centuries or millennia. You concede this specific issue "Are you sure you can gather the Sirane to your side?."
Jornakh considers. "They are extremely different to their cousins I have found. Only three years ago we discovered they cast lots for who will be their queen for a time. Though, despite the obvious disadvantages of such lunacy, I believe this will give me the ability to begin talks with those who are not ill disposed toward us. " his tone becomes more formal "If you desire to send your own diplomats with me, my ship shall depart in ten days hence.
Upon the field, the humans continue to press their advantage. Falling upon the faltering beast and carving deep into its armoured hide. Eventually its claws are cut off and its tail severed. The man who had fought it to a standstill slowly approaches the creature, before with a triumphant roar, he plunges his warscythe into the creature's brain.
"I'll consider it, how does development proceed across your colonies?"
Jornakh begins to rise feeling that your questioning is coming to an end "It proceeds apace, though this year considering circumstances I shall focus on Delinova. The Imperials don't yet know of its existence, thus it is an ideal planet to develop. By year's end I hope to have a proper spaceport upon the planet, Then begin exploiting the system. In a decade or so it may even begin resembling a civilized world."
He pauses as he turns to leave and gestures toward the arena. Where the remaining seven combatants bowed again toward the royal box. Then sensing your hesitation he in pho-innocence remarks "Are you not going to go out and meet them? It is tradition after all"
You sigh before you begin to rise, though you feel the reluctance to do so throughout your entire living metal frame "I enjoy watching the fight. That doesn't mean i want to speak with them. As you well know"
You do however send the coordinates to the teleporter placed within the room. Even a overlord after all, however mighty, must bow to tradition.
Jornakh will spend much of this year preparing for war against the imperium and has offered to take a diplomatic delegation of yours with him to speak with the Sirane
Do you send anyone?
[ ] Jornakh can speak with the primitives, you and yours have other duties to attend to
[ ] Send Aken along with Jornakh to speak on your behalf (will consume a diplomatic action next turn)
[ ] Go yourself to speak with the Sirane (will consume a personal action)
[ ] Both you and Aken with attend with Jornakh (consumes both a personal and diplomatic action)
If a delegation is sent what do you wish to propose to the Sirane
[ ] Support Jornakhs offer. (will add relevant characters statistics to Jornakh's when the offer is made)
[ ] Offer a separate Vassalisation offer under yourself (you will make your own separate roll after Jornakh)
[ ] Offer a separate Alliance offer to the Sirane (you will make your own separate roll after Jornakh)
2 hour moratorium
- Location
- Seattle, Washington
Diplomacy with the Imperium would be pointless. We just captured several of their planets. However, I would send Aken along to support Jornakh
2 hour moratorium is in effect