Vote closed
The Reluctant Vassal's Guide to Living in the Frontier (with some Treason)
- Thread starter Celeshiro
- Start date
- Original Sci-Fi
I vote pre-343 halo style bullpup. Wait... what does the Infantry's armor look like? That can change how well the weapons style fits.
Edit : Also what does the Solarium armor look like?
Edit : Also what does the Solarium armor look like?
Last edited:
I can see the most common version across the United Empire being derived from the Halo Wars UNSC Marine attire, but with a different flavor twist to really make it their own. House Sol though gets the grey balaclava coverings.
Honestly, it's a powered EVA hazard suit. Could be fully covering the body or not, as long as the operator has the linked undersuit for a full seal with helmet. Armor pieces are more utilitarian and gadget than full protective bulk, also to emphasize flexibility. The important thing are thrusters on each piece that basically let the user briefly move in all directions when needed.
This is all my interpretation in my head however, and of course there can be different styles among the people. In short, no singular 'canon' take, but multiple 'accurate' visualizations.
I may have been sketching it as a heavier spin-off from Yugioh's Sky Striker armor...
In that case, i do vote pre-343 halo bullpup... and some halo reach if it would fit.
Like these?
Have not really thought about yugioh stuff in a long time...
Sort of, yes, though that's some real interesting fan art of a suit form. I've been mostly just working off the base version without any upgrades, but I can see the argument for some of the others.Like these?
https://www.artstation.com/artwork/zDWKJZ
Have not really thought about yugioh stuff in a long time...
Cycle 4.2
[X] Plan Area-denial (fancy-schmancy names)
-[X] [Main Weapon] Mars Battle Rifle Mk1 A model first developed for the harsher Martian climate, but since finding popularity as a long range infantry rifle.
-[X] [Specialist Weapon] Seeker Anti-Air Launcher Mk1 Thermal sensors combined with visual guidance combine together to form a dangerously potent and reliable weapon against aerial targets.
-[X] [Utility] Medic Company Mk1 Increase the number and training of medical personnel in the unit, with basic triage ability for every individual to at least stem the bleeding until a medic can see to it.
-[X] [Name] Lily Guard
--[X] Lily & Lily
-[X] [Main Weapon] Mars Battle Rifle Mk1 A model first developed for the harsher Martian climate, but since finding popularity as a long range infantry rifle.
-[X] [Specialist Weapon] Seeker Anti-Air Launcher Mk1 Thermal sensors combined with visual guidance combine together to form a dangerously potent and reliable weapon against aerial targets.
-[X] [Utility] Medic Company Mk1 Increase the number and training of medical personnel in the unit, with basic triage ability for every individual to at least stem the bleeding until a medic can see to it.
-[X] [Name] Lily Guard
--[X] Lily & Lily
Finally, the discussion came to close and Radana smiled at the tentative agreement reached. She reviewed it now with a pleased nod. "The Lily Guard, hm. An infantry kit meant for general defense duties, particularly with their anti-air equipment. Most importantly, they'll be trained as well to recover from any losses during said defense." She could already see how very welcomed that would be when it came to fending off enemy assaults at range. "With such a name, I suppose there is only one we could entrust for production of the main weapon."
The representative from Lily & Lily swallowed nervously and nodded, wordlessly accepting the offered defense contract. More were issued out for the other parts of the kit, solemnly taken as the fruits of today's talks. But there were only so many and those who received nothing pursed their lips, already envisioning their impending reaming from their respective bosses at the failure to make a sale today. Some even looked quite disappointed, likely promised a cut through commission sales.
The Camellia Knight caught their downtrodden expressions and tapped her hand against the table reassuringly. "While I only have a few contracts to offer today, rest assured that your individual presentations have left me with good impressions of your respective firms. As such, keep your hopes up for perhaps more contracts to become available for even more fine competitions and discussions." That certainly perked a few of them up and she smiled. "Now then, let's finish off this fine pot of tea before ending our gathering so. Perhaps you would also like to exchange some interesting discussions?"
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Construct Post (Commercial Spaceport): 77 +7 (Dorothea) +12 (Wealth) = 96)
Progress: 6/4. Finished!
New Helm has built Commercial Spaceport.
Dorothea stepped back and took in the sight of the uniformed trade officers before her. It had taken a while to educate and train them all on the dangers of unchecked cargo, but now she was quite sure that all here would never dare let a merchant sell suspicious goods in the capital. Dare she say it, the Lycoris Knight was perhaps even proud when she watched them practice weaving red tape around problematic traders. "I've done my duty here and must move onto new assignments," She finally declared and pressed her fist to her chest in a salute. "Now, do your duty as well and protect our people. For House Iris."
"For House Iris!" They cheered as well and Dorothea made a mental note to see about seeing if she could offer their families a chance at the Brilliance Knights. Such wonderful loyalty would take them a long way.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Construct Chain (Void Drydock (Wisteria-class)): 67 +10 (Violet) +12 (Wealth) = 92)
Progress: 3/4. In Progress.
(Construct Chain (Void Drydock (Wisteria-class)): 23 +17 (Kat) +12 (Wealth) = 52)
Progress: 5/4. Finished!
You managed to slip away once the opening ceremony was finished, your cheeks aching from the fake smile you had plastered on during the entire event. Kat could handle the rest, her confident and foul-mouthed self now in charge at the familiar surroundings of a full-scale workshop around her in the orbital facility. She could handle all the attention coming her way from all the eager future workers, customers, and investors though the Solar Princess would have to return sooner or later for when questions about the government's possible purchases eventually came forth.
So you had to move quickly if your little jaunt to go unnoticed. You paid no heed at all to the security cameras decorated around the facility, knowing that they were not yet activated so. You had arranged for them to only turn on after the sensitivities were over. Similarly, you only briefly paused in front of the security door before it suddenly slid open without even needing an id keycard. This too was your doing, a security exploit that would glitch the door open to this exact timestamp in its lifetime.
Now, you approached the terminal inside the office and turned it on with a wave of your hand. It prompted you for a password that you already knew matched the administrator's birthday and favorite food, then you were into the database. It was a program that would track and log all ship purchases from this specific dockyard, keeping clear records of what ships were purchased by what buyer. Perfect.
A little virus injection, then now your own office could now remote access this information without anybody being any the wiser. The terminal was hurriedly powered down and you left the office a few steps later, the door sealing shut behind you later and locking down for sure this time. Now even you would need a keycard and your passage would be logged for security records, which was why you could do this only now. Hopefully though, the information you would harvest from this tap could prove useful.
Maybe you could make first claims now on whatever promising vessels came from this facility. It would certainly make the trouble of setting up all this exploits worth it. That meant that you left with a little happy whistle, one that was later mistaken by the various media reporters of the dockyard's opening to mean you were beyond pleased with how New Helm's first dockyard was going. Now you had to contend with pop tabloids about what your administration's first ship would be named.
You had to fight the urge to send the Lycoris Knights after such gossip publications. You'd have to settle for bugging their media networks instead. That actually proved to be an unexpected boon when you happened to intercept and redirect a certain video to your office for later.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Outfit Troops (Infantry): 81 +7 (Radana) +12 (Wealth) = 100)
Progress: 4/4. Finished!
However, before you could review whatever you happened to intercept, your best friend suddenly invited you to a tea party so, promising something quite interesting. You did already have an inkling of what it was going to be thanks to your information network, but you accepted without second thought and put viewing the video off for later. Perhaps you'd watch it with Radana instead.
But for now, you took a sip of the offered tea and felt some tension release from your shoulders at the familiar ritual. It was nice to slip back such a simple but welcomed activity, one that stemmed from when you were both just young kids. You examined the cup now and spoke your observation so. "Is this a new tea set? One locally made?'
"An apt and correct deduction," The Camellia Knight praised with a smile and ran a finger along her new teapot. "It was a gift from Lily & Lily as thanks for choosing them with an arms contract."
"And I assume then that little package with their label on it was another gift?" You teased and gave the large polymer case at Radana's feet a light tap. She laughed and reached down to hoist it up to pass to you. "Oh, you shouldn't have!" You told in a joking high falsetto and giggled a little giddily yourself as well.
The case was set onto the table and the latches undone to reveal the weapon cradled in foam within. You lifted it out and marveled at the feat of engineering in your hands, a sleek looking bullpup battle rifle with a profound sense of weight to it. "My. This is our new infantry rifle?" You considered and practiced taking aim with it, feeling it settle comfortably against your shoulder.
"Indeed. Here." Radana moved around to direct your attention to the manufacturing information stamped in the polymer shell. "The LLA4. Lily & Lily Andernia IV, our first homegrown battle rifle. Exciting, isn't it?'
"Very so, and I'll admit: you caught me by surprise with how quickly you went from planning to prototype." You plucked a magazine from the case and studied the caseless ammunition within. "I think even Kat would've taken longer if she was tasked to it. Did having the various firms work together really speed things up that much?"
"Really, nothing gets past you!" Your best friend exclaimed with a shake of the head. "You got it in one. While Lily & Lily did take center stage as the lead designers, having subject experts from the others contribute their expertise helped move things along quite quickly. There were more than a few awkward snubs, but nothing that a polite discussion with a pot of tea couldn't fix."
"I see. I suppose it also has nothing to do with having a masterful diplomat moderating such meetings," You casually added with a small chuckle. After a little bit more handling, you were satisfied and replaced all the prototype equipment back into the case. "I like it, it really does give you a sense that this will take a life when the trigger is pulled. Are the blueprints already in our system?"
"I believe they are uploading as we speak. So, we'll be able to figure out how much factory space we'll need soon." Radana hummed and helped to redo the latches. Then a mocking expression crossed her expression. "Oh, I just cannot wait to see your sister's reaction to our new creation. She must make do with subpar used guns, while our forces will soon be equipped with weapons straight from the factory."
"It is certainly a pleasing thought!" You agreed with your friend and placed the case below the table. Then you picked back up your cup and sipped at the cooling drink. "But remember that she'll eventually take command over these units when everything falls into place. So it won't be long before she can have these herself."
"But not before then?" The well-mannered woman cautiously asked and you shuddered.
"Certainly not. I don't want them to actually pose a danger to us at all, no matter whatever my sister comes up with." A pause, then you snapped your fingers. "Speaking of which, there was a video from her recently that was picked up by the media. I've intercepted and rerouted the signal to us, so we can have a chance to examine what it is before letting it through."
"Censorship? How scandalous," Radana drawled with a roll of the eyes. "Say it isn't so."
"Well, who knows? Perhaps it'll be a great speech from her that'll help pull people to her side! A few more of these, some more 'reassurances,' then I'll finally be able to shovel all this work to her!"
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- Violet, when will you learn?
- Location
- 'Straya mate.
Everything completed with only relatively small overshoot! That was a hell of a lucky turn that Radana finished the job in one cycle. Go girl! It was also nice to see them hang out again. I like these characters a lot and want to try my best to give them good lives. Now.... what the hell has our sister done this time?
Ah, the poor girl still clinging to to her forlorn hope.
Next turn, prep troops and get ourselves an in on their military, cause things are gonna get hot soon.
Cycle 5.0
The video finally came to an end and a prompt appeared, asking the two statues in the office if they were interested in rewinding and watching it again. To be quite honest, you really weren't interested in doing any of that. Rather, you would prefer for a third option to be made available and was so sorely tempted to ask the Prisms if it was possible.
To scrub your memory of you had just watched entirely from your mind, leaving only deep-seated regret of having even gazed upon the thing.
"They say that there is no such thing as forbidden knowledge," Radana slowly began, then gently lowered her head into her hands. "But I daresay there is such a thing as cursed knowledge now. What in Terra…?"
"I...I don't even know what to say." You settled on rubbing your temples with your fingers, half-praying that they would sink through flesh and bone alike to rip the accursed images from your mind. "Dearest sister, had you just stuck with the first part, I...no, I'd still have to lower my expectations for you once again for such a poor showing. But then to follow it up with a 'demonstration' of your new special forces is...special, alright.'
"I should be discouraging such language, but I feel you unfortunately- and rather accurately- captured what we have witnessed in the most generous manner possible." Your childhood friend had a clear distraught expression on her face and looked ready to weep. "Dark as it may sound, but I'm almost glad His Late Highness was not here to witness such a travesty of House Iris. Were it to actually become widespread, the shame associated with the name would linger for generations to come."
"Which is why we can't just release this!" You hissed and quickly opened your terminal to check your information taps. "Ah, but damn. The media stations did log receiving the video, and they think it's still downloading and unzipping. They even have the expected file size and duration, so we don't have long to quickly throw together a better edit of it all."
"Could we not declare there was no such message?" Radana frantically asked. "Or one that we had to confiscate for the sake of public safety? Dorothea surely would be willing to aid in this deception."
"We can't. It'll alert them to the fact that I have access to their systems, and I'm not giving that up!" You chewed your lip and made a swift decision, your fingers already bringing up the necessary terminal programs. "Nothing to it, we'll have to do a quick edit. Just a quick crop, then fill the rest with blank runtime to pad out the video to make it look like it just didn't go through or was corrupted in the process."
"It'll be awkward I think," Your aide warned, moving to watch your work. "From what I understand, they really don't like dead time but neither can they crop the video themselves. Not without opening themselves up to serious accusations about trying to manipulate its contents."
"They'll find something to fill in the time, maybe just run a background commercial or something to that effect," You reassured with a shrug and watched your program package the newly censored file. Now it would be sent and disseminated through the media networks in Andernia for them to air on their own, unaware that it had been modified from the original. "Just whatever we do, we cannot allow that second part to air. Not if we don't want my sister to become a laughingstock before she gets put into power."
"Perhaps we should...strongly advise her to reconsider what she considers to be 'well-trained elite soldiers.' I'm not quite sure that circus shows or auto-tune singing should fall in said category."
"Maybe for some other people, but not House Iris. I can only hope that the edit will be gentle on my sister's reputation."
"Greetings, citizens of Andernia." The appointed steward of the colony system put on a faint smile, one with a slightly haughty expression to accompany. "I apologize for chaos and confusion that you may have suffered in wake of our fleet's tragedy, but I encourage you to take heart in your continued survival. That in spite of having no real direct leadership, you have still managed to found and build a life out here. That is good. That is welcomed. Continue to do so.
"Just be aware that with the dust settled, I am now moving to take a more proactive role in managing the system," She declared without hesitation. "So if you see those bearing my emblem, I strongly encourage complying with their orders for your safety and well-being. Remember that those with my blessing act for the greater good of us all, so all you need do is either stand out of their way or even aid them so. I would...encourage against trying to bar their way or interfere with their essential work.
"I am disappointed to hear that already, some have indeed failed to heed such directions to allow them to handle the danger. More critically, I am worried when I hear word of such lawlessness beginning to spread in some communities." She gave a heavy sigh filled with exasperation and sorrow. "I regret it has come to such, but needs must. Believe me when I say I would rather discuss and showcase our great financial success or reveal exciting new products to improve our quality of life, yet my hand is forced by your upstart neighbor. We have no other choice and simply ask for your assistance in restoring unity.
"I hereby announce the creation of a peacekeeping force to quell these dissidents, and am even more pleased to reveal it is already fully trained. Elite soldiers armed with the finest supplied by generous donations from communities in need of such protection! Please, rest assured that these brave heroes will work ceaselessly until the emergency situation." Her lips pulled back to reveal her shining teeth and her hand gestured to the side. The camera feed cut a moment later, indicating the seeming end of the video.
A moment later, the video was minimized and put on the upper right corner of the screen as a background while something else took center stage. It was repeat footage taken from the opening of the Void Drydock in New Helm, specifically showing a different Solar Princess now speaking from a podium at a crowd of flashing reporters. "Today marks the beginning of a new era of military rearmament for House Iris, one that I do not undertake lightly. In fact, I would rather we never have to at all, for when we prepare for war, it is only a matter of time until our paranoia will come into conflict with one another.
"But at the same time, we must in order to preserve the peace that we have. Ideals are nothing without strength. Strength is tyranny without ideals," Violet d'Iris declared with a somber expression. "As Helmsmen, we should understand this better than most. So let us remember: it is in our oaths that we are given strength. It is in strength that we preserve our way of life. And it is our way of life that we wish to protect with our oaths.
"It matters not if you are a Brilliance Knight or Lily Guard. Remember your vows and remember what you fight for. Only then can you go to battle with your heart and mind clear, ready to fight for a cause worth it," She finished and there is a loud cheer from the enthralled audience then, one that was gently reduced by the news channel. A moment later, then the entire screen was wiped to reveal a set of interested evening news hosts.
"Well, there you have it folks," One of them began with a perfect smile to the camera. "It seems that if you don't trust our 'governor,' you can certainly put your trust her sister instead! My, what a stirring speech. Maybe I shouldn't be so worried when my daughter announced she was talking with a recruiter. House Iris will look after her."
Resource Stockpile: 30/30
Create a plan that you and your aides will execute over the duration of the cycle. Each person will have a general order that they will attempt to carry out at your command. Orders can be repeatedly taken by multiple characters for greater progression, but characters will be locked in the order until it is finished. Many actions will require a target.
- You've unlocked a few buildings for ground troops as well, so make sure you poke at them. Be sure to remember you need to build a new chain first for the Lily Guard kits, you do have room for one more chain in Andernia so far.
- There's some new troop types now available for design if you want to further expand your options before making your first regiment. Up to ya.
- Your sister has revealed that she has at least one army troop under her. Up to you to decide if it's credible or not.
To scrub your memory of you had just watched entirely from your mind, leaving only deep-seated regret of having even gazed upon the thing.
"They say that there is no such thing as forbidden knowledge," Radana slowly began, then gently lowered her head into her hands. "But I daresay there is such a thing as cursed knowledge now. What in Terra…?"
"I...I don't even know what to say." You settled on rubbing your temples with your fingers, half-praying that they would sink through flesh and bone alike to rip the accursed images from your mind. "Dearest sister, had you just stuck with the first part, I...no, I'd still have to lower my expectations for you once again for such a poor showing. But then to follow it up with a 'demonstration' of your new special forces is...special, alright.'
"I should be discouraging such language, but I feel you unfortunately- and rather accurately- captured what we have witnessed in the most generous manner possible." Your childhood friend had a clear distraught expression on her face and looked ready to weep. "Dark as it may sound, but I'm almost glad His Late Highness was not here to witness such a travesty of House Iris. Were it to actually become widespread, the shame associated with the name would linger for generations to come."
"Which is why we can't just release this!" You hissed and quickly opened your terminal to check your information taps. "Ah, but damn. The media stations did log receiving the video, and they think it's still downloading and unzipping. They even have the expected file size and duration, so we don't have long to quickly throw together a better edit of it all."
"Could we not declare there was no such message?" Radana frantically asked. "Or one that we had to confiscate for the sake of public safety? Dorothea surely would be willing to aid in this deception."
"We can't. It'll alert them to the fact that I have access to their systems, and I'm not giving that up!" You chewed your lip and made a swift decision, your fingers already bringing up the necessary terminal programs. "Nothing to it, we'll have to do a quick edit. Just a quick crop, then fill the rest with blank runtime to pad out the video to make it look like it just didn't go through or was corrupted in the process."
"It'll be awkward I think," Your aide warned, moving to watch your work. "From what I understand, they really don't like dead time but neither can they crop the video themselves. Not without opening themselves up to serious accusations about trying to manipulate its contents."
"They'll find something to fill in the time, maybe just run a background commercial or something to that effect," You reassured with a shrug and watched your program package the newly censored file. Now it would be sent and disseminated through the media networks in Andernia for them to air on their own, unaware that it had been modified from the original. "Just whatever we do, we cannot allow that second part to air. Not if we don't want my sister to become a laughingstock before she gets put into power."
"Perhaps we should...strongly advise her to reconsider what she considers to be 'well-trained elite soldiers.' I'm not quite sure that circus shows or auto-tune singing should fall in said category."
"Maybe for some other people, but not House Iris. I can only hope that the edit will be gentle on my sister's reputation."
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Greetings, citizens of Andernia." The appointed steward of the colony system put on a faint smile, one with a slightly haughty expression to accompany. "I apologize for chaos and confusion that you may have suffered in wake of our fleet's tragedy, but I encourage you to take heart in your continued survival. That in spite of having no real direct leadership, you have still managed to found and build a life out here. That is good. That is welcomed. Continue to do so.
"Just be aware that with the dust settled, I am now moving to take a more proactive role in managing the system," She declared without hesitation. "So if you see those bearing my emblem, I strongly encourage complying with their orders for your safety and well-being. Remember that those with my blessing act for the greater good of us all, so all you need do is either stand out of their way or even aid them so. I would...encourage against trying to bar their way or interfere with their essential work.
"I am disappointed to hear that already, some have indeed failed to heed such directions to allow them to handle the danger. More critically, I am worried when I hear word of such lawlessness beginning to spread in some communities." She gave a heavy sigh filled with exasperation and sorrow. "I regret it has come to such, but needs must. Believe me when I say I would rather discuss and showcase our great financial success or reveal exciting new products to improve our quality of life, yet my hand is forced by your upstart neighbor. We have no other choice and simply ask for your assistance in restoring unity.
"I hereby announce the creation of a peacekeeping force to quell these dissidents, and am even more pleased to reveal it is already fully trained. Elite soldiers armed with the finest supplied by generous donations from communities in need of such protection! Please, rest assured that these brave heroes will work ceaselessly until the emergency situation." Her lips pulled back to reveal her shining teeth and her hand gestured to the side. The camera feed cut a moment later, indicating the seeming end of the video.
A moment later, the video was minimized and put on the upper right corner of the screen as a background while something else took center stage. It was repeat footage taken from the opening of the Void Drydock in New Helm, specifically showing a different Solar Princess now speaking from a podium at a crowd of flashing reporters. "Today marks the beginning of a new era of military rearmament for House Iris, one that I do not undertake lightly. In fact, I would rather we never have to at all, for when we prepare for war, it is only a matter of time until our paranoia will come into conflict with one another.
"But at the same time, we must in order to preserve the peace that we have. Ideals are nothing without strength. Strength is tyranny without ideals," Violet d'Iris declared with a somber expression. "As Helmsmen, we should understand this better than most. So let us remember: it is in our oaths that we are given strength. It is in strength that we preserve our way of life. And it is our way of life that we wish to protect with our oaths.
"It matters not if you are a Brilliance Knight or Lily Guard. Remember your vows and remember what you fight for. Only then can you go to battle with your heart and mind clear, ready to fight for a cause worth it," She finished and there is a loud cheer from the enthralled audience then, one that was gently reduced by the news channel. A moment later, then the entire screen was wiped to reveal a set of interested evening news hosts.
"Well, there you have it folks," One of them began with a perfect smile to the camera. "It seems that if you don't trust our 'governor,' you can certainly put your trust her sister instead! My, what a stirring speech. Maybe I shouldn't be so worried when my daughter announced she was talking with a recruiter. House Iris will look after her."
Resource Stockpile: 30/30
Create a plan that you and your aides will execute over the duration of the cycle. Each person will have a general order that they will attempt to carry out at your command. Orders can be repeatedly taken by multiple characters for greater progression, but characters will be locked in the order until it is finished. Many actions will require a target.
[ ] Plan ____
-[ ] [Character] ______
--[ ] [Task] ________
---[ ] [Target] _____
-[ ] [Officer] ______
--[ ] [Task] ________
---[ ] [Target] _____
-[ ] [Character] ______
--[ ] [Task] ________
---[ ] [Target] _____
-[ ] [Officer] ______
--[ ] [Task] ________
---[ ] [Target] _____
-[ ] [Character] Violet d'Iris, Solar Princess
-[ ] [Character] Radana, Camellia Knight
-[ ] [Character] Kat, Hyacinth Prism
-[ ] [Character] Dorothea, Lycoris Knight
-[ ] [Character] Radana, Camellia Knight
-[ ] [Character] Kat, Hyacinth Prism
-[ ] [Character] Dorothea, Lycoris Knight
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--[ ] [Martial] Commission Ship. Reach out to the dockyards and purchase or order a new ship to join your fleets. Cost varies.
---Requires Berth Location
----Requires Ship Class/Name
---Requires Berth Location
----Requires Ship Class/Name
---[ ] Wisteria-class Destroyer. A fast moving escort destroyer that can pack a surprising punch from afar. Requires Void Drydock (Wisteria-class). Requires three (3) progress.
There are currently no diplomacy tasks available.
--[ ] [Stewardship] Develop City. Expand the outreaches of the urban jungle, developing infrastructure and encouraging greater urban incorporation to grow a settlement taller. Increase Industry by one (1). Requires two (2) progress.
---[ ] Requires Target City
--[ ] [Stewardship] Found City. Put forward a concentrated effort to unite previously distant rural communities into a new joint union capable of supporting a concentrated industrial effort. Found a new city that increases Industry by five (5). Requires four (4) progress.
---[ ] Requires Target Location
---[ ] Requires New City name
--[ ] [Stewardship] Construct Chain. Meet with contractors and build a new specific industry in the system. Cost varies. Each building chain may only be built once per system.
---[ ] Requires Target City
----[ ] Requires Building Choice
--[ ] [Stewardship] Construct Post. Utilize some empty space in a city to build an independent facility. Cost varies. Each building post may only be built once per city.
---[ ] Requires Target City
----[ ] Requires Building Choice
---[ ] Requires Target City
--[ ] [Stewardship] Found City. Put forward a concentrated effort to unite previously distant rural communities into a new joint union capable of supporting a concentrated industrial effort. Found a new city that increases Industry by five (5). Requires four (4) progress.
---[ ] Requires Target Location
---[ ] Requires New City name
--[ ] [Stewardship] Construct Chain. Meet with contractors and build a new specific industry in the system. Cost varies. Each building chain may only be built once per system.
---[ ] Requires Target City
----[ ] Requires Building Choice
----[ ] Data Reliquary. The signature monument of the Helmsmen, a testament to their perceived duty to preserving information at all costs if the worst should ever come. The information kept below is reflected in the grandeur above, with only those ordained with the greatest duties able to access the sacred archives unfiltered. Increases Influence by ten (10). Requires two (2) progress. This building must be constructed first before all others in every system of House Iris.
----[ ] Chrysanthemum Scales. A regal and ornate building that serves as the system's headquarters for marketplace and trade officers. It is staffed by a mix of Brilliance Knights and Prisms suited for administrative duties, using their Solarium circuits to process incoming information quicker and come up with streamlined delivery chains to ensure a healthy marketplace for the people. Increases Wealth by eight (8). Decreases Resources by four (4). Requires four (4) progress.
----[ ] Lycoris Sanctuary. The Lycoris Knights are those Brilliance Knights who help maintain public order, acting as both counselors and confessors for those in need. This also makes them quite keen on what the public currently feel is most pressing, and so what will best appeal to them. Increases Influence by ten (10). Decreases Wealth by four (4). Requires four (4) progress.
----[ ] Arms Facility. Glowing sparks of industry fly between these interconnected factories, an ever hungering machine that consumes raw material to process and refine into tools of war. Already while the metals cool, the air is filled with the cries of soldiers being put through proficiency training to use these weapons fresh from the forge. It is a well-oiled union that fuels the fires of the defense industry.
Benefits and costs varies. Enables recruitment for specified troop kit. This may be taken multiple times with different specializations.
-----[ ] Requires Named Troop Outfit
----[ ] Void Drydock. In order to maximize production and streamline the process, it is best if large voidships are actually built in the vacuum of space, or as close as possible to it. The orbit around a planet is an ideal spot for such a task, especially when paired with a space elevator on the ground to facilitate efficient resource from planetside. Should this link be cut off, the facility grinds to a halt. Benefits and costs varies. Enables recruitment for specified ship class. This may be taken multiple times with different specializations.
-----[ ] Requires Named Ship Class
-----[ ] Star Armory. The allure of grand fortifications remains strong even when among the stars, so the technique has simply been refined and adapted to suit the needs of modern war. It is on a larger scale than any similar structure that may have once existed on ancient Terra, a necessary adjustment to accommodate the more vast nature of stellar warfare. It is not unusual for an entire community to spring up around such a base to do business with those quartered within. Increases Military by six (6). Decreases Wealth and Influence by six (6). Housing for three (3) regiments. Berth for one (1) destroyer. Basing for one (1) wing. Requires six (6) progress.
-----[ ] Fleet Port. What can be easily mistaken for construction around natural formations is actually purposefully shaped to accommodate for the planned housing of enormous ships meant to cross the void of space. Even when the star sailors onboard rest, the dock workers are awaken performing necessary maintenance and repairs in preparation for the next voyage. Increases Military by six (6). Decreases Wealth and Influence by six (6). Housing for one (1) regiment. Berth for two (2) cruisers and one (1) destroyer. Basing for one (1) wing. Requires six (6) progress.
----[ ] Chrysanthemum Scales. A regal and ornate building that serves as the system's headquarters for marketplace and trade officers. It is staffed by a mix of Brilliance Knights and Prisms suited for administrative duties, using their Solarium circuits to process incoming information quicker and come up with streamlined delivery chains to ensure a healthy marketplace for the people. Increases Wealth by eight (8). Decreases Resources by four (4). Requires four (4) progress.
----[ ] Lycoris Sanctuary. The Lycoris Knights are those Brilliance Knights who help maintain public order, acting as both counselors and confessors for those in need. This also makes them quite keen on what the public currently feel is most pressing, and so what will best appeal to them. Increases Influence by ten (10). Decreases Wealth by four (4). Requires four (4) progress.
----[ ] Arms Facility. Glowing sparks of industry fly between these interconnected factories, an ever hungering machine that consumes raw material to process and refine into tools of war. Already while the metals cool, the air is filled with the cries of soldiers being put through proficiency training to use these weapons fresh from the forge. It is a well-oiled union that fuels the fires of the defense industry.
Benefits and costs varies. Enables recruitment for specified troop kit. This may be taken multiple times with different specializations.
-----[ ] Requires Named Troop Outfit
Infantry: Increases Military by four (4). Decrease Resources and Wealth by four (4). Requires four (4) progress.
----[ ] Void Drydock. In order to maximize production and streamline the process, it is best if large voidships are actually built in the vacuum of space, or as close as possible to it. The orbit around a planet is an ideal spot for such a task, especially when paired with a space elevator on the ground to facilitate efficient resource from planetside. Should this link be cut off, the facility grinds to a halt. Benefits and costs varies. Enables recruitment for specified ship class. This may be taken multiple times with different specializations.
-----[ ] Requires Named Ship Class
Destroyers: Increases Military by four (4). Decrease Resources and Wealth by four (4). Requires four (4) progress.
-----[ ] Star Armory. The allure of grand fortifications remains strong even when among the stars, so the technique has simply been refined and adapted to suit the needs of modern war. It is on a larger scale than any similar structure that may have once existed on ancient Terra, a necessary adjustment to accommodate the more vast nature of stellar warfare. It is not unusual for an entire community to spring up around such a base to do business with those quartered within. Increases Military by six (6). Decreases Wealth and Influence by six (6). Housing for three (3) regiments. Berth for one (1) destroyer. Basing for one (1) wing. Requires six (6) progress.
-----[ ] Fleet Port. What can be easily mistaken for construction around natural formations is actually purposefully shaped to accommodate for the planned housing of enormous ships meant to cross the void of space. Even when the star sailors onboard rest, the dock workers are awaken performing necessary maintenance and repairs in preparation for the next voyage. Increases Military by six (6). Decreases Wealth and Influence by six (6). Housing for one (1) regiment. Berth for two (2) cruisers and one (1) destroyer. Basing for one (1) wing. Requires six (6) progress.
--[ ] [Stewardship] Construct Post. Utilize some empty space in a city to build an independent facility. Cost varies. Each building post may only be built once per city.
---[ ] Requires Target City
----[ ] Requires Building Choice
----[ ] Sunrise Bank. Accounts now guaranteed under government-subsidized insurance! Open an account today, withdraw your money a galaxy away! Increases Wealth by two (2). Decreases Resources by two (2). Requires four (4) progress.
----[ ] Camp Barracks. It is one thing to be willing to kill for a cause, but it is here where the willingness to die for a cause is born and tempered. Today's sacrifices are the heroes of tomorrow. Increases Military by two (2). Decreases Wealth and Influence by two (2). Berth for one (1) regiment. Requires three (3) progress.
----[ ] Commercial Spaceport. Under the United Empire common law, no trader that does not posses hostile, hazardous, or forbidden material is to be turned away. They are to be allowed to ply their wares as they see fit, though local oversight is certainly permitted. Increases Military by two (2). Decreases Wealth and Influence by two (2). Berth for two (2) destroyers or one (1) cruiser. Requires four (4) progress.
----[ ] Camp Barracks. It is one thing to be willing to kill for a cause, but it is here where the willingness to die for a cause is born and tempered. Today's sacrifices are the heroes of tomorrow. Increases Military by two (2). Decreases Wealth and Influence by two (2). Berth for one (1) regiment. Requires three (3) progress.
----[ ] Commercial Spaceport. Under the United Empire common law, no trader that does not posses hostile, hazardous, or forbidden material is to be turned away. They are to be allowed to ply their wares as they see fit, though local oversight is certainly permitted. Increases Military by two (2). Decreases Wealth and Influence by two (2). Berth for two (2) destroyers or one (1) cruiser. Requires four (4) progress.
--[ ] [Intrigue] Infiltrate Cells. Plant the seeds now for future spycraft opportunities by establishing local support and cover opportunities to slip agents hidden among the populace. Create a spy network in another power. Requires four (4) progress. Further sabotage options require this option first.
---[ ] Requires Target Faction
--[ ] [Intrigue] Cause Unrest. Instruct your cells to purposefully cause chaos in another power, drawing attention away from whatever other covert operations you have orchestrated at the same time. Reduces the chance of discovery on the turn it completes. Requires four (4) progress.
---[ ] Requires Target Faction (Must have Infiltrate Cells)
--[ ] [Intrigue] Send Spies. Have sharp-eyed spies pass through a rival power, using existing cells to help provide a cover for the experts to work and deduce what the enemy is doing now. Discover what primary action another power is focusing on. Requires one (1) progress. Has a low chance for discovery.
---[ ] Requires Target Faction (Must have Infiltrate Cells)
--[ ] [Intrigue] Military Espionage. Direct agents to circumvent security systems and access classified military information to pass onto you, a highly risky but priceless operation. Reveals a power's military composition and current numbers. Requires six (6) progress. Has a moderate chance for discovery.
---[ ] Requires Target Faction (Must have Infiltrate Cells)
---[ ] Requires Target Faction
--[ ] [Intrigue] Cause Unrest. Instruct your cells to purposefully cause chaos in another power, drawing attention away from whatever other covert operations you have orchestrated at the same time. Reduces the chance of discovery on the turn it completes. Requires four (4) progress.
---[ ] Requires Target Faction (Must have Infiltrate Cells)
--[ ] [Intrigue] Send Spies. Have sharp-eyed spies pass through a rival power, using existing cells to help provide a cover for the experts to work and deduce what the enemy is doing now. Discover what primary action another power is focusing on. Requires one (1) progress. Has a low chance for discovery.
---[ ] Requires Target Faction (Must have Infiltrate Cells)
--[ ] [Intrigue] Military Espionage. Direct agents to circumvent security systems and access classified military information to pass onto you, a highly risky but priceless operation. Reveals a power's military composition and current numbers. Requires six (6) progress. Has a moderate chance for discovery.
---[ ] Requires Target Faction (Must have Infiltrate Cells)
--[ ] [Learning] Outfit Troops. Consider what the gear your soldiers carry into battle, and create a new outfit for the boots on the ground to equip themselves with. Cost varies.
---[ ] Requires Troop Unit
--[ ] [Learning] Design Ship. Break out pencils and call up interested naval contractors to kickstart the race to create, prototype, and sell an entirely new spaceship design for your forces. Cost varies.
---[ ] Requires Ship Types
--[ ] [Learning] Design Aircraft. Defense contractors all but salivate at the call to design a new generation of fighter craft, the chance to leave their brand across the galaxy be it on planets or in space. Requires six (6) progress.
---[ ] Requires Troop Unit
---[ ] Infantry. The very basic, but essential, foot soldiers that both take and occupy ground when ordered so. Even with mechanized transports, they move fairly slowly around on the battlefield but when it comes to holding the line, their numbers help absorb dire hits. Requires four (4) progress.
---[ ] Artillery. When more finesse is needed on the battlefield, it is the role of land artillery units to provide. They can bring some of the biggest guns of an army's arsenal to bear to flatten terrain and eradicate any remaining resistance from dug-in units. However, this comes at the price of being incredibly fragile and vulnerable themselves. Requires five (5) progress.
---[ ] Mechanized. Quick and fast fighting vehicles tear across the battlefield at lightning speeds, launching surprise attacks wherever gaps present themselves. While their weapons bark away at the enemy, the doors come slamming open to unload the infantry squads within to aid in the assault or begin already digging in. Speed is key for all in the unit. Requires five (5) progress.
---[ ] Artillery. When more finesse is needed on the battlefield, it is the role of land artillery units to provide. They can bring some of the biggest guns of an army's arsenal to bear to flatten terrain and eradicate any remaining resistance from dug-in units. However, this comes at the price of being incredibly fragile and vulnerable themselves. Requires five (5) progress.
---[ ] Mechanized. Quick and fast fighting vehicles tear across the battlefield at lightning speeds, launching surprise attacks wherever gaps present themselves. While their weapons bark away at the enemy, the doors come slamming open to unload the infantry squads within to aid in the assault or begin already digging in. Speed is key for all in the unit. Requires five (5) progress.
--[ ] [Learning] Design Ship. Break out pencils and call up interested naval contractors to kickstart the race to create, prototype, and sell an entirely new spaceship design for your forces. Cost varies.
---[ ] Requires Ship Types
---[ ] Destroyer. The smallest of notable navy vessels, but vital for domination of local space along and necessary for group troop transports. Requires four (4) progress.
---[ ] Cruiser. Large voidships that traverse the stars and make up the bulk of any fleet that crosses systems. Requires six (6) progress.
---[ ] Cruiser. Large voidships that traverse the stars and make up the bulk of any fleet that crosses systems. Requires six (6) progress.
--[ ] [Learning] Design Aircraft. Defense contractors all but salivate at the call to design a new generation of fighter craft, the chance to leave their brand across the galaxy be it on planets or in space. Requires six (6) progress.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- You have unlocked your first martial action! Note that for recruiting your first ship, it's going to be formatted as HMS Wisteria (Wisteria-class) as an example. Wisteria herself (the prototype) will be available if you want to pick her up now. Similarly, berth location is for example New Helm (Commercial Spaceport).- You've unlocked a few buildings for ground troops as well, so make sure you poke at them. Be sure to remember you need to build a new chain first for the Lily Guard kits, you do have room for one more chain in Andernia so far.
- There's some new troop types now available for design if you want to further expand your options before making your first regiment. Up to ya.
- Your sister has revealed that she has at least one army troop under her. Up to you to decide if it's credible or not.
14 hour moratorium to come up with a cycle plan.
Last edited:
Me: *Flashbacks from that chapter of The Simpsons where Bart was in some kind of military boy band on an Aircraft Carrier, with the general who had visions of hippies shooting flowers and giant mantises*
Unlucky Bibliophile
Meganekko
Now I'm intensely curious about the state of her military, given that Violet and her entourage reacted so viscerally to the unedited broadcast. I feel that after such a reaction that poking our head into military espionage to verify the video would be a natural course of action.
Unlucky Bibliophile
Meganekko
My understanding is that she's more of a Stewardship focus, actually. According to the information sent by the informant in Cycle 2.0, she's all about extracting as much profit for herself and her cronies as possible, damn the consequences. The sister gilded her reputation as someone with the golden touch, but it turns out she's corrupt as hell. It wouldn't surprise if she's either grifting the army to keep its potential as a threat low, or to redirect a majority of funding to loyal officers to keep them in line.
Darik29
Verified Delicious
The sister, so far as i can tell, is an incredibly shoddy pathetic individual who's only real focus is basically being a caricature of an individual who fails at even the basics of being a decent human being. Comically so, even.
- Location
- 'Straya mate.
Well... dearest sister seems to be more and more detached from reality by the day. It's actually getting a little sad. It was a very entertaining update so thank Cheshiro!
On the war-front:
Our sister has shown no indication of building a presence in local space. We can leverage this advantage. In the event of open hostilities (an ever more likely possibility) we can most likely keep her from threatening any of our worlds. To this end I would suggest any plan to, at minimum, involve getting one destroyer online. Maybe two. Obviously we also want to start building up our ground forces but that brings me onto my next point:
Infrastructure:
Wealth is (one of) the best resources. At least in peace-time. Our earlier cycles have built up our wealth and I'm very grateful. I want to keep expanding our military capabilities but they take money! And wealth is not easy to build up now. Three progress for two wealth is a slow gain but if we want to be efficient with our moves, I believe that maxing out our wealth should be a long-term goal. It also probably improves the material conditions of our citizens quite a lot.
Chains are good. Really good. The Star Armory takes 6 progress and give three regiment spots. Barracks take three and give one. The armory costs three times as much wealth/influence as the barracks. But the armory also gives a destroyer and airwing housing! Building a new city takes 4 progress and unlocks a new chain slot( because it gives us 5 more industry).
Chain + city = ten progress. 3x barracks = 9(and broken into smaller chunks).
For only one more progress, you get an extra fleet and destroyer housing. Seems nice! Would also take our total fleet berths up to 3 destroyers or one destroyer and a cruiser.
It's... hard to say what we should do first. I am very tempted to once again rush to arm ourselves but I don't think we need to rush into that as long as we can maintain a clear space-advantage. Now that she has a military to speak of I want to infiltrate it and thereafter probably run one espionage action on her every cycle, assuming we have good ones. We don't know what vulnerabilities we're missing if we don't look.
On the war-front:
Our sister has shown no indication of building a presence in local space. We can leverage this advantage. In the event of open hostilities (an ever more likely possibility) we can most likely keep her from threatening any of our worlds. To this end I would suggest any plan to, at minimum, involve getting one destroyer online. Maybe two. Obviously we also want to start building up our ground forces but that brings me onto my next point:
Infrastructure:
Wealth is (one of) the best resources. At least in peace-time. Our earlier cycles have built up our wealth and I'm very grateful. I want to keep expanding our military capabilities but they take money! And wealth is not easy to build up now. Three progress for two wealth is a slow gain but if we want to be efficient with our moves, I believe that maxing out our wealth should be a long-term goal. It also probably improves the material conditions of our citizens quite a lot.
Chains are good. Really good. The Star Armory takes 6 progress and give three regiment spots. Barracks take three and give one. The armory costs three times as much wealth/influence as the barracks. But the armory also gives a destroyer and airwing housing! Building a new city takes 4 progress and unlocks a new chain slot( because it gives us 5 more industry).
Chain + city = ten progress. 3x barracks = 9(and broken into smaller chunks).
For only one more progress, you get an extra fleet and destroyer housing. Seems nice! Would also take our total fleet berths up to 3 destroyers or one destroyer and a cruiser.
It's... hard to say what we should do first. I am very tempted to once again rush to arm ourselves but I don't think we need to rush into that as long as we can maintain a clear space-advantage. Now that she has a military to speak of I want to infiltrate it and thereafter probably run one espionage action on her every cycle, assuming we have good ones. We don't know what vulnerabilities we're missing if we don't look.
Last edited:
I think it's suffice to say that, our MC accidentally self-owned her hard, even with trying to soften the blow.
....So, was that video really the 'army' doing completely unrelated work. Cause her having a parade army that doesn't have the decency to even know how to parade is... Impressive and headache inducing for those actually competent.
- Location
- Panama City
...so, at what point will Violet finally have to face facts that she's not gonna be able to rule in the shadows anymore given how incompetent and corrupt her sister appears to be? Because I for one don't expect her sister ruling the system to turn out well. At all. No matter what Violet thinks.
Watsonian answer: Violet's going to try and insist otherwise so long as she has an option, even if it means having to give her sister cue cards and written speeches.
Doylist answer: She's your "test" opposition, so to speak. You're advancing quickly to the way to deal with her, especially by actively arming up. Continue to build so that when it's over, you're ready to face the wider galaxy which is less of a laughing joke.
Better solution, outfit her sister with a shock collar that zaps her every time she does something bad.
And, incidentally, that is why IC violet just keeps on outmaneuvering her sister. Hemming her in on all sides, and always being right there to exploit every misstep the makes. With the beginning of the end being the Gantlet that was designing a spaceship, which was done to provoke the sister to crash build a force to try and one-up Violet.
And meanwhile, Violet is getting increasingly frustrated at how she keeps tossing lifelines only for her sister to tie herself up further
