The Illithani Talks
Vice captain Calmacil sighed in relief as he relaxed back into the captain's throne, cradling his second cup of tea on the night shift of the Vardimir. Around him, the quiet conversation of crew required to keep the destroyer on patrol continued without his interference, with little active prodding needed to ensure that everything remained functional. A life of quiet achievement, hard dedication and not a few hard, lonely choices had led him to his position of authority. It was not uncalled for he felt, to bask in the reward father dark had provided him. His thoughts instead turned to the patrol and younger days
He had always liked the outer patrols, ones that would take him to the edge of the system, the edge of truly known space. To look upon the vast fields of nebula, a cradle for stars yet to be born. Yet, also a patrol sought after by many aspiring captains, those who wished to prove their mettle. For it was not unheard of for lost Ork "freebootas" to be found on the edge, an absolute necessity to be destroyed before any could escape and draw more in from dread Eridor. Perhaps, in his youth, such would be his reason for coming out this far as well. Certainly it was a draw for his captain. But for himself, these days? No.
He had gone on the last reclamation expedition, seventeen years ago now, to old Nemuna. A world which once held five times the number that now dwelt in all of the three worlds. Where the red cloaked forge masters of the Mechanicus had dwelt and made their workings in ages past, before the imperium abandoned them. Where dozens of Ork ships had met that of Leagues fleet in the largest battle of its long history, he had been but a lieutenant then. Where even after they had broken through the Ork defences, The army deployed in their millions into an ancient crumbling arcology, while more and more ramshackle vessels arrived in system, drawn by the smell of blood.
It had lasted months, The orks were at first disorganised and hundreds of Hawks could be spared for each of their vessels. Thus as the fleet secured orbit and once the army had secured a beachead planetside, the technicians went down. Nuclear munitions burned dakkajets from the skies as the orks on the ground retaliated. millions gave their lives holding that ancient factory as the scientists and engineers picked through rusted scraps of a bygone era, gradually emerging with weapons, archives, even walkers and airframes. All lifted safely into the safe embrace of the fleet. All the while, the perimeter shrank further and further as the Orks bayed for blood.
Then two weeks from the planned evacuation, the worst happened. An Orkish fleet, outmassing the league by more than three times appeared at the system's edge. Their Warboss already flooding the vox with their typical gutteral threats. Within hours the call was made, evacuate all that we could, then burn for the mandeville point. A hundred and thirty seven thousand men of the army managed to escape in that time. The remaining, nearly seven million men and women sacrificed themselves for the league. The fleet escaped, whole but not unbloodied by the hasty retreat, and began the preplanned jumps to eventually return to Illithan. Hoping and praying that the minefields, placed years in advance of this operation, would prevent ongoing pursuit.
Suddenly Calmacil is disturbed from his remembrances as a call comes from the vox operator, his face paling even as he speaks "Sir...incoming transmission from the...Nebula sir. Their speaking old gothic sir, but… well you're going to have to hear this."
A creeping dread clutched at his heart. The Imperium had found them, or remembered them, or rediscovered them. None made much of a difference. They would see what had been achieved in their absence. That man now stood tall, unbowed by their false god, and they would come with a thousand ships to burn out the root of that 'heresy'. Mutely he signals the vox officer to make the transmission audible.
A dry analytical voice with a nearly robotic undertone speaks through. "Greetings, Mortal of the Illithan League. I, Lord Aken, Kantakor of the Yulenoth. Have been given leave by my master, Levnekh. Necron overlord of the Yulenoth, master of the Sirano and Sirane, Arch Heretic of the Lucaten Theocracy, Lord of the Living, The Farsigted, The Shadow Upon the Void, to open negotiations with yourselves to discuss matters of mutual benefit to both our realms."
There is silence upon the bridge as Calmacil gives voice to their thoughts "...What"
-----------------------------------------------
A significant escort had been accorded to Aken's small craft as it approached the massive orbital starbase that served as the center of government for the Illithan league. Armed and armored extensively against assault, it seemed surprisingly undergunned for such an establishment. Until that was, his sensors discover that dozens of the starbases decks were seemingly given over to strikecraft hangers, capable of holding potentially thousands of such craft. Still he had but a few moments to wonder what a curious circumstance had led these people to develop such a specialized method of making war. Before the scout ship he had come in docked at its appointed location. Conspicuously near as far as was possible from the stations heart.
The landing bay was unnecessarily sealed and pressurized overhead as a column of troops assembled into a rudimentary honour guard. Finally, the access port of Akens's ship opened air rushing into the vacuum within and the Kantakor began walking down the living metal ramp, bracketed by two of his lords lychguard. He struggled to suppress a chuckle as several audible gasps were heard around the chamber. They had been warned, yet still it seemed that mortals required an in person view to grasp the majesty of a Necron in person.
Overhead, sentry guns tracked his progress as he eventually emerged out of the hangar and into the stately halls of the station's upper decks. Here an aging human in the decorated uniform of an admiral waited, with several bodyguards in tow. Even she stiffens slightly as you step through the door. Her eyes leaping between Aken and his bodyguards before settling back on the Kantakor as he stops before her.
"Are you lord Aken then?"
"Indeed admiral, highest ambassador in the courts of the Yulenoth. Master of the courtiers within my lords realm." He gestures toward the hallway. "Please, lead on".
With a nod she turns and begins leading forward while her guards fall in around your small group. A few hundred meters into the walk, having spotted not a single person on the entire trip Aken asks aloud "Tell me admiral, is it normally so quiet upon this station?
The admiral doesn't turn around but does shake her head. "No, we haven't had an.."
"Ambassador" Aken curtly fills in.
"-Ambassador in many years. It seems prudent to remain at high alert for the duration of our discussions."
Several uninterrupted minutes go by before the admiral finally leads you to a reinforced door guarded by several soldiers. She stops briefly and speaks to the highest ranking man "This is a closed session, no one is to enter this chamber who's is not an Admiral of the league or a..." she glances at Aken. "Necron. Is that understood?"
A brisk nod and a "Yes Milady Admiral" is all that receives, before the fortified doors recede and lord Aken steps into the chamber.
As he looks around, the room seems more a place to hold crisis meetings or plan offensives than it does to hold negotiations. Yet as the one to guide you here takes her seat, four admirals are seated before you around half a circular table. Leaving the other half to be taken up only by lord Aken as his lychguard remain standing.
He is the first to begin proceedings "I give you my greetings, masters of Illithan, though I was under the impression that I was to also be meeting with your planetary representatives"
The admiral to Aken's centre left speaks in response. An older, tired looking mortal, with, long straight hair down to his shoulders. "We return your greetings Lord Aken, honored guest. I am High admiral Aglaran," he gestures to his left" This is the admiral of the Rhudar fleet, Karbazir." he gestures to his right "And these are admirals Satheth and Niluben of Thedain and Cardlan respectively" The woman who led Aken here and her neighbor nod toward the lord, who returns the gesture. The high admiral leans back into his chair and folds his hands over each other on the table, a calculating look in his eye. "We have agreed that your discussions, as an interstellar matter, are a problem to be dealt with by the league directly, requiring no involvement from strictly planetary authorities."
Aken nods slowly to that. For better or worse it appears that if he wishes to negotiate, these are who he must convince. Therefore he stares into each of the admiral's eyes in turn, until they have felt the true weight of his gaze and begins "Very well, then, as is the tradition of my people. I, Aken of the Yelenoth, come here in hopes that we may reach fruitful accord between our two realms. However, let it be known that should you act falsely, my lord shall come, with the wrath and fury of our mighty armada, to lay waste to all you have created. Leaving your children, what few of them he elects to keep alive, to only ever look again to the skies with terror and fear rather than hope."
----------------------------------------------------------------
The Illithan League has grown comfortable in their present arrangement, and even small shifts would require some convincing. Therefore the DC begins at 30.
The offerings may also seem quite lopsided. This is because while there are many things you can offer them. There are relatively few things they are willing to offer you as of yet.
[ ] A Guarantee of defence for the Illithani.
The Illithani are unwilling to commit to any binding agreement between your two powers, for they fear the Imperium perhaps, even that they fear the Krork. And any help they could likely render would prove too small to matter regardless. Instead they would be willing to accept a guarantee of your protection in exchange for other concessions
-30 to dc
[ ] Sell the Illithani your imperial cruiser.
The Illithani do not possess the shipyards or technical expertise needed to create a proper cruiser. It is likely in fact that this will remain the case for several more decades, even as the system develops more and more. Purchasing this vessel, even if only to hold back and use it in case of attack would prove useful for these people
-10 to dc
+800 resources upon sale
[ ] Give the Illithani your Imperial Cruiser
Simply giving them such a comparatively mighty vessel would go a long way to forging the bonds of goodwill you're hoping to create in these discussions.
-40 to dc
[ ] Sell the Illithani your light Imperial cruiser.
Built to high standards, by the measures that Imperials hold to such things. The Illithani could certainly make use of another vessel equal to their flagships. The cost after all is somewhat lower than building one themselves, and there are likely things they could learn from its construction.
-5 to dc
+300 resources
[ ] Give the Illithani your light Imperial Cruiser
Providing the vessel free of charge would prove that you are willing to be partners in this arrangement. Rather than merely beneficiaries sweetening the deal
-10 to dc
[ ] Provide a technical package of standard imperial technologies.
The Illithani in many ways have improved upon known imperial technologies, especially in the areas of terraformation and strike craft. However, they lack many of both the fundamentals, and more esoteric aspects of their technology. Such as ceramite, proper gellar fields and advanced warp drives.
- 40 to dc
[ ] All information regarding to Imperial operations in the (former) Eridor Sector
You still have documents which are only a couple years old in regards to all Imperial activity in regards to the old sector. Providing the Illithani with that, as well as any future knowledge is something they would value highly
- 10 to dc
[ ] The League will begin a campaign of Piracy against the imperium
An off coming from your side of the table, and one they are very reluctant to commit too. But they would be willing to establish a military base in a distant, barren system. And begin operating a small pirate operation against the shipping lanes that you provide information upon. A situation which carries enormous risk for a polity of their size, but one that could potentially be profitable for them.
+100 to dc
[ ] The League will share knowledge of several lightly held systems to you.
For the most part poor worlds, or less habitable ones. The Illithani have over millenia built up substantial knowledge of the worlds of this sector, and how many Orks they posses. They are willing to share which ones seem un-occupied or at least relatively unimportant to the local orks. Worlds that were the target of future Illithani occupation campaigns. But ones they are also willing to provide to you as bargaining chips.
+ 30 to dc
[ ] The League will allow you to utilise their shipyards to construct a fleet
The league will allow you to use their shipyards to construct Imperial grade starships for yourself away from prying eyes. Shipping materials and schematics for them to turn into weapons of war. Their shipyards are not vast however and every shipment of goods has a small chance of raising the suspicions of the imperials
+40 to dc
- dc 5 roll needs to be made each time in order for this to go undetected
- They have 500 resources worth of spare shipyard capacity each year. 2500 each turn (This may increase)
[ ] The League will provide information of Ork activities in the (former) Eridor Sector
Though they have little real-time information. They run enough scouting patrols around worlds that it becomes quite clear when another warlord is gaining power in Yasquigs Triumph. This may give you some slight advance warning for when a warboss may be trying to break out of the loose imperial noose.
+5 to dc
(Feel free to offer write ins which I will add is if I feel they are appropriate)
12 hour Moratorium
He had always liked the outer patrols, ones that would take him to the edge of the system, the edge of truly known space. To look upon the vast fields of nebula, a cradle for stars yet to be born. Yet, also a patrol sought after by many aspiring captains, those who wished to prove their mettle. For it was not unheard of for lost Ork "freebootas" to be found on the edge, an absolute necessity to be destroyed before any could escape and draw more in from dread Eridor. Perhaps, in his youth, such would be his reason for coming out this far as well. Certainly it was a draw for his captain. But for himself, these days? No.
He had gone on the last reclamation expedition, seventeen years ago now, to old Nemuna. A world which once held five times the number that now dwelt in all of the three worlds. Where the red cloaked forge masters of the Mechanicus had dwelt and made their workings in ages past, before the imperium abandoned them. Where dozens of Ork ships had met that of Leagues fleet in the largest battle of its long history, he had been but a lieutenant then. Where even after they had broken through the Ork defences, The army deployed in their millions into an ancient crumbling arcology, while more and more ramshackle vessels arrived in system, drawn by the smell of blood.
It had lasted months, The orks were at first disorganised and hundreds of Hawks could be spared for each of their vessels. Thus as the fleet secured orbit and once the army had secured a beachead planetside, the technicians went down. Nuclear munitions burned dakkajets from the skies as the orks on the ground retaliated. millions gave their lives holding that ancient factory as the scientists and engineers picked through rusted scraps of a bygone era, gradually emerging with weapons, archives, even walkers and airframes. All lifted safely into the safe embrace of the fleet. All the while, the perimeter shrank further and further as the Orks bayed for blood.
Then two weeks from the planned evacuation, the worst happened. An Orkish fleet, outmassing the league by more than three times appeared at the system's edge. Their Warboss already flooding the vox with their typical gutteral threats. Within hours the call was made, evacuate all that we could, then burn for the mandeville point. A hundred and thirty seven thousand men of the army managed to escape in that time. The remaining, nearly seven million men and women sacrificed themselves for the league. The fleet escaped, whole but not unbloodied by the hasty retreat, and began the preplanned jumps to eventually return to Illithan. Hoping and praying that the minefields, placed years in advance of this operation, would prevent ongoing pursuit.
Suddenly Calmacil is disturbed from his remembrances as a call comes from the vox operator, his face paling even as he speaks "Sir...incoming transmission from the...Nebula sir. Their speaking old gothic sir, but… well you're going to have to hear this."
A creeping dread clutched at his heart. The Imperium had found them, or remembered them, or rediscovered them. None made much of a difference. They would see what had been achieved in their absence. That man now stood tall, unbowed by their false god, and they would come with a thousand ships to burn out the root of that 'heresy'. Mutely he signals the vox officer to make the transmission audible.
A dry analytical voice with a nearly robotic undertone speaks through. "Greetings, Mortal of the Illithan League. I, Lord Aken, Kantakor of the Yulenoth. Have been given leave by my master, Levnekh. Necron overlord of the Yulenoth, master of the Sirano and Sirane, Arch Heretic of the Lucaten Theocracy, Lord of the Living, The Farsigted, The Shadow Upon the Void, to open negotiations with yourselves to discuss matters of mutual benefit to both our realms."
There is silence upon the bridge as Calmacil gives voice to their thoughts "...What"
DC 60
= 75
= 75
A significant escort had been accorded to Aken's small craft as it approached the massive orbital starbase that served as the center of government for the Illithan league. Armed and armored extensively against assault, it seemed surprisingly undergunned for such an establishment. Until that was, his sensors discover that dozens of the starbases decks were seemingly given over to strikecraft hangers, capable of holding potentially thousands of such craft. Still he had but a few moments to wonder what a curious circumstance had led these people to develop such a specialized method of making war. Before the scout ship he had come in docked at its appointed location. Conspicuously near as far as was possible from the stations heart.
The landing bay was unnecessarily sealed and pressurized overhead as a column of troops assembled into a rudimentary honour guard. Finally, the access port of Akens's ship opened air rushing into the vacuum within and the Kantakor began walking down the living metal ramp, bracketed by two of his lords lychguard. He struggled to suppress a chuckle as several audible gasps were heard around the chamber. They had been warned, yet still it seemed that mortals required an in person view to grasp the majesty of a Necron in person.
Overhead, sentry guns tracked his progress as he eventually emerged out of the hangar and into the stately halls of the station's upper decks. Here an aging human in the decorated uniform of an admiral waited, with several bodyguards in tow. Even she stiffens slightly as you step through the door. Her eyes leaping between Aken and his bodyguards before settling back on the Kantakor as he stops before her.
"Are you lord Aken then?"
"Indeed admiral, highest ambassador in the courts of the Yulenoth. Master of the courtiers within my lords realm." He gestures toward the hallway. "Please, lead on".
With a nod she turns and begins leading forward while her guards fall in around your small group. A few hundred meters into the walk, having spotted not a single person on the entire trip Aken asks aloud "Tell me admiral, is it normally so quiet upon this station?
The admiral doesn't turn around but does shake her head. "No, we haven't had an.."
"Ambassador" Aken curtly fills in.
"-Ambassador in many years. It seems prudent to remain at high alert for the duration of our discussions."
Several uninterrupted minutes go by before the admiral finally leads you to a reinforced door guarded by several soldiers. She stops briefly and speaks to the highest ranking man "This is a closed session, no one is to enter this chamber who's is not an Admiral of the league or a..." she glances at Aken. "Necron. Is that understood?"
A brisk nod and a "Yes Milady Admiral" is all that receives, before the fortified doors recede and lord Aken steps into the chamber.
As he looks around, the room seems more a place to hold crisis meetings or plan offensives than it does to hold negotiations. Yet as the one to guide you here takes her seat, four admirals are seated before you around half a circular table. Leaving the other half to be taken up only by lord Aken as his lychguard remain standing.
He is the first to begin proceedings "I give you my greetings, masters of Illithan, though I was under the impression that I was to also be meeting with your planetary representatives"
The admiral to Aken's centre left speaks in response. An older, tired looking mortal, with, long straight hair down to his shoulders. "We return your greetings Lord Aken, honored guest. I am High admiral Aglaran," he gestures to his left" This is the admiral of the Rhudar fleet, Karbazir." he gestures to his right "And these are admirals Satheth and Niluben of Thedain and Cardlan respectively" The woman who led Aken here and her neighbor nod toward the lord, who returns the gesture. The high admiral leans back into his chair and folds his hands over each other on the table, a calculating look in his eye. "We have agreed that your discussions, as an interstellar matter, are a problem to be dealt with by the league directly, requiring no involvement from strictly planetary authorities."
Aken nods slowly to that. For better or worse it appears that if he wishes to negotiate, these are who he must convince. Therefore he stares into each of the admiral's eyes in turn, until they have felt the true weight of his gaze and begins "Very well, then, as is the tradition of my people. I, Aken of the Yelenoth, come here in hopes that we may reach fruitful accord between our two realms. However, let it be known that should you act falsely, my lord shall come, with the wrath and fury of our mighty armada, to lay waste to all you have created. Leaving your children, what few of them he elects to keep alive, to only ever look again to the skies with terror and fear rather than hope."
----------------------------------------------------------------
The Illithan League has grown comfortable in their present arrangement, and even small shifts would require some convincing. Therefore the DC begins at 30.
The offerings may also seem quite lopsided. This is because while there are many things you can offer them. There are relatively few things they are willing to offer you as of yet.
[ ] A Guarantee of defence for the Illithani.
The Illithani are unwilling to commit to any binding agreement between your two powers, for they fear the Imperium perhaps, even that they fear the Krork. And any help they could likely render would prove too small to matter regardless. Instead they would be willing to accept a guarantee of your protection in exchange for other concessions
-30 to dc
- You would be obligated to answer their call to arms should it ever occur
[ ] Sell the Illithani your imperial cruiser.
The Illithani do not possess the shipyards or technical expertise needed to create a proper cruiser. It is likely in fact that this will remain the case for several more decades, even as the system develops more and more. Purchasing this vessel, even if only to hold back and use it in case of attack would prove useful for these people
-10 to dc
+800 resources upon sale
[ ] Give the Illithani your Imperial Cruiser
Simply giving them such a comparatively mighty vessel would go a long way to forging the bonds of goodwill you're hoping to create in these discussions.
-40 to dc
[ ] Sell the Illithani your light Imperial cruiser.
Built to high standards, by the measures that Imperials hold to such things. The Illithani could certainly make use of another vessel equal to their flagships. The cost after all is somewhat lower than building one themselves, and there are likely things they could learn from its construction.
-5 to dc
+300 resources
[ ] Give the Illithani your light Imperial Cruiser
Providing the vessel free of charge would prove that you are willing to be partners in this arrangement. Rather than merely beneficiaries sweetening the deal
-10 to dc
[ ] Provide a technical package of standard imperial technologies.
The Illithani in many ways have improved upon known imperial technologies, especially in the areas of terraformation and strike craft. However, they lack many of both the fundamentals, and more esoteric aspects of their technology. Such as ceramite, proper gellar fields and advanced warp drives.
- 40 to dc
[ ] All information regarding to Imperial operations in the (former) Eridor Sector
You still have documents which are only a couple years old in regards to all Imperial activity in regards to the old sector. Providing the Illithani with that, as well as any future knowledge is something they would value highly
- 10 to dc
[ ] The League will begin a campaign of Piracy against the imperium
An off coming from your side of the table, and one they are very reluctant to commit too. But they would be willing to establish a military base in a distant, barren system. And begin operating a small pirate operation against the shipping lanes that you provide information upon. A situation which carries enormous risk for a polity of their size, but one that could potentially be profitable for them.
+100 to dc
[ ] The League will share knowledge of several lightly held systems to you.
For the most part poor worlds, or less habitable ones. The Illithani have over millenia built up substantial knowledge of the worlds of this sector, and how many Orks they posses. They are willing to share which ones seem un-occupied or at least relatively unimportant to the local orks. Worlds that were the target of future Illithani occupation campaigns. But ones they are also willing to provide to you as bargaining chips.
+ 30 to dc
[ ] The League will allow you to utilise their shipyards to construct a fleet
The league will allow you to use their shipyards to construct Imperial grade starships for yourself away from prying eyes. Shipping materials and schematics for them to turn into weapons of war. Their shipyards are not vast however and every shipment of goods has a small chance of raising the suspicions of the imperials
+40 to dc
- dc 5 roll needs to be made each time in order for this to go undetected
- They have 500 resources worth of spare shipyard capacity each year. 2500 each turn (This may increase)
[ ] The League will provide information of Ork activities in the (former) Eridor Sector
Though they have little real-time information. They run enough scouting patrols around worlds that it becomes quite clear when another warlord is gaining power in Yasquigs Triumph. This may give you some slight advance warning for when a warboss may be trying to break out of the loose imperial noose.
+5 to dc
(Feel free to offer write ins which I will add is if I feel they are appropriate)
12 hour Moratorium
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