what was unfolding
This project of hers is going to be very stupid isn't it?
The Reluctant Vassal's Guide to Living in the Frontier (with some Treason)
- Thread starter Celeshiro
- Start date
- Original Sci-Fi
what was unfolding
This project of hers is going to be very stupid isn't it?
- Location
- 'Straya mate.
Poor bastards... we really do need to end this as soon as we can. I don't know which path will minimize their suffering. I know Violet wants to hand things off to her sister but... she has to wake up at some point. There is something deeply wrong with this woman. The magnitude of scheme required to keep her on a leash is frankly improbable. At least Violet can take heart that she may be able to hand things off to another member of House Iris once the beacon is rebuilt. But this one needs to go down.
Intervention or Support. Intervention or Support. I really can't tell you which is best but whichever we choose... we need to work on it asap. This really can't go on.
Intervention or Support. Intervention or Support. I really can't tell you which is best but whichever we choose... we need to work on it asap. This really can't go on.
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Do wonder what she knows/think she knows... Hmmm.... And then the old king did bring along such a important document too...
This part is absolutely prefect lol.
Unlucky Bibliophile
Meganekko
Okay, it's not just sister dearest siphoning off resources to pay for extravagant parties and generous kickbacks. She's actually using it for some sort of secret project. Probably a flavor of wunderwaffen. I'm not sure what sort of weapon would take so much resources to build, but it's worrying. She seems convinced that it will bring Violet to heel.
True, people can be convinced of a lot of things if they're desperate enough, but sister actually seems savvy enough to not have done all this secret funding if it didn't pay off.
If Support you mean funding a homegrown opposition, then it's not very likely to succeed. As demonstrated, sister dearest is competent enough to kick the legs out of any burgeoning discontent we choose to support. Without directly attacking her treasury, we can't do much more. We could maybe kick up the support by funding and arming more radical groups, but that's a whole 'nother kettle of fish.
Military intervention seems to be the way forward. Especially if we don't want to get surprised by sister dearest's project, in case it's not just another impractical or useless wonderweapon.
- Location
- 'Straya mate.
Much as I hate to say it, I think you're right. We don't know what her project is yet, and probably won't until the next cycle post, but we can draft our plans now. I believe that we will be able to retool our factory to a mechanized one if we want to later, so I am fully in support of the Lily Guard factory.
Build a destroyer with Dorothea, then put the others onto military build up. Personally I would vote for putting one into the star armory and one into developing a new city to give us the chain capacity for the factory. Violet on the armory since we have better stewardship than Radana and it's a bigger job. 6 progress vs 4 for a new city.
Dispersing actions is inflexible but it does generally give the greatest return on investment action-wise. Basing chains are much more efficient than basing posts in terms of wealth and influence input. Don't forget that extra influence will also cost us wealth moving forwards.
Military Industrial complex go brrt
EDIT: I am really sorry for advocating for bank posts. I thought they were kinda middle of the road but they are mostly just really bad. Hopefully we can find a way to upgrade them after things are... sorted out.
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- Location
- Fort Worth, TX
I wonder if we could mess up the debt collection systems.
To explain why bank posts can be a little lackluster, it has to do with what else you get from also founding a new city. You get more space to build other posts like more military garrisons. You get more Industry to build the powerful chains. You put a new additonal target on the map that has to be taken for planetary domination.
Bank posts are meant for recovering some of the spent Resources, being a relatively minor free Wealth recovery for some space. But it's internal that just makes do with what it will always have, regardless of troubles. I'll also make mention with a little peek behind what can also help contribute to a strong economy behind any 4x: Trade Agreements.
- Location
- 'Straya mate.
Thank you for the extra info Cheshiro. But I'm afraid I'm not sure what you mean by Bank posts being free Wealth recovery of spent Resources. As far as I can tell, they consume 2 Resources and only add 2 Wealth. Basically you spend 4 progress and 2 Resources for a net +1 to Wealth, since the 2 Resources you had already gave you 1 Wealth. I previously thought that they were a net +2 to Wealth, and unfortunately even then they seemed like a very long-term investment.
I do wonder if rebuilding the beacon might unlock the ability to link their accounts to the rest of the galaxy, as was mentioned when Radana and Kat built the one in Pendragon. That might buff their value.
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You got what I mean, but I also see what you mean when mentioning it is very lackluster. Hm. I do like the idea of buffing it slightly when an appropriate moment comes.
I think you just answered your own question on how to take care of her, simply put next time we attack her treasury either by stealing from her coffers or mass distributing counterfeit currency across her planet thus making her acquired funds worthless due to hyperinflation. meanwhile, we introduce a new currency to our people to stop the spread of counterfeit money coming from Andernia III.
threats of increased debts ain't gonna work if the debt is already too ridiculously high to pay off. people are gonna go "screw it we riot" if the debts can't be paid off in their lifetimes anyways
the debts are gone if the debt collectors are dead
Cycle 7.0
You had to admit, your sister wasn't a total idiot. She was definitely aware of the potential brewing conflict between the two daughters of House Iris present and examined her situation carefully. It was worth reviewing yourself as well, especially with some new critical information you had obtained via the data taps from the riot.
A simple wave of the hand over your desk activated a holographic map display of the system, then you had it zoomed into Andernia III. Its terrain features were still blank but you didn't mind, as you already knew she only had one city anyway. What was more important was the new information being quickly uploaded and display in the general area, leading you to stroke your chin. While your forte was undoubtedly a mastery of shadow warfare, your sire had been the Stellarch's militant hand across the United Empire, commanding a variety of house and imperial armies at times. Basic lessons in warfare were a must growing up, so you had a good grasp of what all this information roughly translated into.
Radana wasn't so well-trained and she knew it, so she wasn't afraid to ask for your explanation. Nor was she reluctant to not mention those sacrificed for this data. "So, was it worth it?" She quietly asked. "Do you know her plan?"
You pursued your lips and glanced at your analysis board, which was now littered with even more papers. "Not quite, but I have the gist of what she's planning. Simply put: maximum cost-efficient savings." You gestured to the displayed pulsing troop icons on the hologram. "Have a look at her two ground regiments, the 627th and 628th Frontier Guard respectively."
"Frontier Guard? She has them inheriting the old militia heritage?" Your best friend paused, then sighed. "Though it is appropriate given that technically, we are in the Frontier. I'm sensing a 'however' though."
"However," You continued, paying no heed to Radana's snicker, "A closer analysis shows that instead of a full operational regiment with four standard battalions, my sister has gone with a different sort of command. A rather unorthodox, but accepted one for times of severe emergency, and I do mean severe. Only the command battalion of each regiment is fully outfitted, while the remainder are basically 'volunteer militia' with a mishmash of non-standard weaponry."
"That's quite a significant deviation then," The Camellia Knight noted with a frown. "I think even the old Frontier Guard units had regular equipment and numbers. Is she that desperate without industry?"
"Perhaps. Or perhaps it has to do with the fact that this way, she really only has to upkeep two battalions instead of a full eight. Perhaps she could even redirect resources such as the excess officer pay into her coffers-" There was a loud beep and the holographic display suddenly popped up an incoming message. It was from Dorothea and you immediately accepted the call with a tug of your collar to freshen yourself. "Yes?"
"The encryption team did it!" The Lycoris Knight eagerly told before pausing. "Well, more specifically, Kat did it by herself! You truly have an eye for talent, my lady!"
"A-ah!" The panicked Prism's voice wobbled through the connection. "It...it wasn't anything special! Just som-me basic passwords…"
"In any case, the information is coming through now. Rest assured, my lady, I have already purged the copies from our databases," Dorothea told with a proud attitude, like that of a dog eagerly wagging its tail. "So rest assured that the only intact report is coming to you...now."
You beamed when your personal system confirmed it so. "Good work. Say, take the rest of the day off now. Leave everything to me."
"I-" There was a long pause, then your subordinate reluctantly accepted the offer. "Contact me if there is an emergency. I will be...otherwise occupied then. Goodbye."
"That's unlike her," Radana commented with a frown when the line closed. "She's normally always on standby if you are working. Why today of all days is she okay with taking a break? And how did you know?" She asked before catching herself with a regretful groan.
You couldn't help it and smiled like cat filled with cream. "Today's the first showing of a new spy movie. I trust you can piece it together?"
"Less of that please, and more of what actually matters now," She groused and nodded in direction of the waiting data package. "So?"
Your hand reached out and opened it with a flick of the fingers, one of them jabbing out to send a copy to print physically to a machine embedded in the side of your desk. While it beeped and whirred, you skimmed the stolen files with eyebrows rising higher throughout. "Oh my. It looks like she's stolen the march on me. It might be two to one soon."
"I beg your pardon?" You wordlessly flipped the digital report around with a swat of the hand so that Radana could read. "A fighter pilot training initiative- ah. She's looking to build an air force next."
"Indeed, and it states here that she's specifically reaching out with hefty bonuses to retired veterans to try and entice them to join the program. Presumably to train up new pilots." You frowned and tapped your fist against your chin. "But my question now is, with what planes? She hasn't the industry to build jets."
"We don't have them either, so it's not like she can take or steal them from us," The diplomat agreed with a furrowed brow. "Not like that would even happen if we could make them, but how odd."
"How odd indeed." You rolled the question around in your head for a few more minutes before deciding to leave it for later. You could question your sister's acquisition methodology later- what mattered now was what you should do in response. Your planned infantry did have anti-air weaponry to counter direct close air support attacks, though they might still suffer losses from fast airstrikes that minimized the time spent in range. Was it worth suffering the losses to push through anyway?
Or was it time to devise a proper counter and steal the march back.
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.
A simple wave of the hand over your desk activated a holographic map display of the system, then you had it zoomed into Andernia III. Its terrain features were still blank but you didn't mind, as you already knew she only had one city anyway. What was more important was the new information being quickly uploaded and display in the general area, leading you to stroke your chin. While your forte was undoubtedly a mastery of shadow warfare, your sire had been the Stellarch's militant hand across the United Empire, commanding a variety of house and imperial armies at times. Basic lessons in warfare were a must growing up, so you had a good grasp of what all this information roughly translated into.
Radana wasn't so well-trained and she knew it, so she wasn't afraid to ask for your explanation. Nor was she reluctant to not mention those sacrificed for this data. "So, was it worth it?" She quietly asked. "Do you know her plan?"
You pursued your lips and glanced at your analysis board, which was now littered with even more papers. "Not quite, but I have the gist of what she's planning. Simply put: maximum cost-efficient savings." You gestured to the displayed pulsing troop icons on the hologram. "Have a look at her two ground regiments, the 627th and 628th Frontier Guard respectively."
"Frontier Guard? She has them inheriting the old militia heritage?" Your best friend paused, then sighed. "Though it is appropriate given that technically, we are in the Frontier. I'm sensing a 'however' though."
"However," You continued, paying no heed to Radana's snicker, "A closer analysis shows that instead of a full operational regiment with four standard battalions, my sister has gone with a different sort of command. A rather unorthodox, but accepted one for times of severe emergency, and I do mean severe. Only the command battalion of each regiment is fully outfitted, while the remainder are basically 'volunteer militia' with a mishmash of non-standard weaponry."
"That's quite a significant deviation then," The Camellia Knight noted with a frown. "I think even the old Frontier Guard units had regular equipment and numbers. Is she that desperate without industry?"
"Perhaps. Or perhaps it has to do with the fact that this way, she really only has to upkeep two battalions instead of a full eight. Perhaps she could even redirect resources such as the excess officer pay into her coffers-" There was a loud beep and the holographic display suddenly popped up an incoming message. It was from Dorothea and you immediately accepted the call with a tug of your collar to freshen yourself. "Yes?"
"The encryption team did it!" The Lycoris Knight eagerly told before pausing. "Well, more specifically, Kat did it by herself! You truly have an eye for talent, my lady!"
"A-ah!" The panicked Prism's voice wobbled through the connection. "It...it wasn't anything special! Just som-me basic passwords…"
"In any case, the information is coming through now. Rest assured, my lady, I have already purged the copies from our databases," Dorothea told with a proud attitude, like that of a dog eagerly wagging its tail. "So rest assured that the only intact report is coming to you...now."
You beamed when your personal system confirmed it so. "Good work. Say, take the rest of the day off now. Leave everything to me."
"I-" There was a long pause, then your subordinate reluctantly accepted the offer. "Contact me if there is an emergency. I will be...otherwise occupied then. Goodbye."
"That's unlike her," Radana commented with a frown when the line closed. "She's normally always on standby if you are working. Why today of all days is she okay with taking a break? And how did you know?" She asked before catching herself with a regretful groan.
You couldn't help it and smiled like cat filled with cream. "Today's the first showing of a new spy movie. I trust you can piece it together?"
"Less of that please, and more of what actually matters now," She groused and nodded in direction of the waiting data package. "So?"
Your hand reached out and opened it with a flick of the fingers, one of them jabbing out to send a copy to print physically to a machine embedded in the side of your desk. While it beeped and whirred, you skimmed the stolen files with eyebrows rising higher throughout. "Oh my. It looks like she's stolen the march on me. It might be two to one soon."
"I beg your pardon?" You wordlessly flipped the digital report around with a swat of the hand so that Radana could read. "A fighter pilot training initiative- ah. She's looking to build an air force next."
"Indeed, and it states here that she's specifically reaching out with hefty bonuses to retired veterans to try and entice them to join the program. Presumably to train up new pilots." You frowned and tapped your fist against your chin. "But my question now is, with what planes? She hasn't the industry to build jets."
"We don't have them either, so it's not like she can take or steal them from us," The diplomat agreed with a furrowed brow. "Not like that would even happen if we could make them, but how odd."
"How odd indeed." You rolled the question around in your head for a few more minutes before deciding to leave it for later. You could question your sister's acquisition methodology later- what mattered now was what you should do in response. Your planned infantry did have anti-air weaponry to counter direct close air support attacks, though they might still suffer losses from fast airstrikes that minimized the time spent in range. Was it worth suffering the losses to push through anyway?
Or was it time to devise a proper counter and steal the march back.
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.
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- With the presence of possibly hostile ground troops on Andernia III, it means you need to definitely have boots on the planet to take your sister's city. Unless you favor committing the orbital torching of a populated city. I don't think I need to explain why that's definitely a war crime and your own Brilliance Knights might lynch you for it.16 hour moratorium to make a cycle plan.
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Okay so lets continue outfitting our troops so they have a full selection of equipment, build up one of our cities, and either get another destroyer or build up some ground based defenses.
Crafter of War
The Dorf
- Location
- Bend
We might have to do either a hard pivot into anti-air capabilities like mechanized or aircraft or get a decent navy up so that the aircraft our sister is getting won't come into play.
On a scale of "fry that particular tank." to "I don't like that continent." how accurate is orbital bombardment?
Also can we just park a destroyer in orbit and tell sister dearest "It's over. I have the high ground." and force her to sur... accept our generous offer of leadership and the conditions it entails?
No actual bombardment needed, just the vague threat that we do have the capability.
- Location
- 'Straya mate.
Thank you again for the cycle Cheshiro. They are always a highlight of the day. Now lets get to planning. For those who favour guaranteeing our orbital superiority:
For those who favour trying to complete all of our ground build up in the next two to to three cycles.
I personally favour full send, but that depends on if we can use our orbital advantage to change the terms of the ground battle. I prefer full send because it massively improves our chance of being able to start building the factory on after this cycle, and then build troops the cycle after that.
I have a couple of questions if I may.
1. Is there any way to bomb military targets from orbit? If so, to what precision? Is it a kind of "ability" that we can call on during battle. Can we shell enemy positions before battle. Both?
2. What is the name of our Sire? I would like to name one of the cities on Andernia IV after them, if that's something that Helmsmen might do.
3. Unrelated but do Helmsmen have a religion, per se? If so, what deities, spirits, etc are in it?
To my fellow questers, I would not support developing another kind of unit at this time. Not only is there a long wind up to do so, but factories are very expensive. Like, 6 Wealth at least expensive. Remember that losing 4 Resources also loses us the 2 Wealth they were giving us. Also, I don't really have an idea for what to name the second Wisteria-class destroyer. Maybe classes are named after flowers but each ship after the class-namer runs off of a different theme? Cities maybe? Ideals? Famous botanists? I really don't know.
We don't even need a theme, even if I think one would be cool. I really like the way of naming ships that The Culture uses in Ian M Banks' novels, but I don't know how well that would fit the Helmsmen.
EDIT: If folks want to go down a different line of thought I encourage you to post a plan! Discussion is fun and good for the thread. I also welcome critique or questions about why I am advocating for specific actions.
[ ] Plan Orbital Superiority
-[ ] [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.
---New Helm Commercial Port
----H.M.S. Placeholder (Wisteria-class)
-[ ] [Character] Radana, Camellia Knight
--[ ] [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.
---[ ] Andernia IV site B
---[ ] Sireville
-[ ] Violet d'Iris, Solar Princess
--[ ] [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.
---[ ] New Helm
-----[ ] 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
-[ ] [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.
---New Helm Commercial Port
----H.M.S. Placeholder (Wisteria-class)
-[ ] [Character] Radana, Camellia Knight
--[ ] [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.
---[ ] Andernia IV site B
---[ ] Sireville
-[ ] Violet d'Iris, Solar Princess
--[ ] [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.
---[ ] New Helm
-----[ ] 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
[ ] Plan Full Send It
-[ ] [Character] Dorothea, Lycoris Knight
--[ ] [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.
---[ ] Andernia IV site B
---[ ] Sireville
-[ ] [Officer] Radana, Camellia Knight
--[ ] [Stewardship] Found City.
---[ ] Andernia IV site B
---[ ] Sireville
-[ ] Violet d'Iris, Solar Princess
--[ ] [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.
---[ ] New Helm
-----[ ] 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
-[ ] [Character] Dorothea, Lycoris Knight
--[ ] [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.
---[ ] Andernia IV site B
---[ ] Sireville
-[ ] [Officer] Radana, Camellia Knight
--[ ] [Stewardship] Found City.
---[ ] Andernia IV site B
---[ ] Sireville
-[ ] Violet d'Iris, Solar Princess
--[ ] [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.
---[ ] New Helm
-----[ ] 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
I have a couple of questions if I may.
1. Is there any way to bomb military targets from orbit? If so, to what precision? Is it a kind of "ability" that we can call on during battle. Can we shell enemy positions before battle. Both?
2. What is the name of our Sire? I would like to name one of the cities on Andernia IV after them, if that's something that Helmsmen might do.
3. Unrelated but do Helmsmen have a religion, per se? If so, what deities, spirits, etc are in it?
To my fellow questers, I would not support developing another kind of unit at this time. Not only is there a long wind up to do so, but factories are very expensive. Like, 6 Wealth at least expensive. Remember that losing 4 Resources also loses us the 2 Wealth they were giving us. Also, I don't really have an idea for what to name the second Wisteria-class destroyer. Maybe classes are named after flowers but each ship after the class-namer runs off of a different theme? Cities maybe? Ideals? Famous botanists? I really don't know.
We don't even need a theme, even if I think one would be cool. I really like the way of naming ships that The Culture uses in Ian M Banks' novels, but I don't know how well that would fit the Helmsmen.
EDIT: If folks want to go down a different line of thought I encourage you to post a plan! Discussion is fun and good for the thread. I also welcome critique or questions about why I am advocating for specific actions.
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Okay, so there's two levels of orbital bombardment. The first is tactical bombardment, which is basically handicapping a ship to the smallest munitions it has on hand and using only guided shots on defined military targets. It means that the city is mostly safe but that is not a guarantee- shots will still cause minor damage to the city and missed shots or misidentified targets can still result in civilian casualties. However, thanks to the restraint, it is relatively 'minor' but so too are enemy casualties.
The second layer is saturation bombardment which is maximum payloads on any suspected target. Full city bombardment, major military casualties, but definitely also civilian ones. This one is considered quite extreme almost universally throughout civilized space.
You could demand a surrender, but consider that if she calls your bluff and also has those rumored air units, your ships are in danger of getting hit. Planetary aircraft are usually capable of at least reaching their local orbit armed, they only need to do full non-armed flights for doing transit between planets.
You'll need to have a look at the map for Andernia IV and nominate a spot for your new city.
Eh, I left it blank to keep up a layer of mystique around him, especially as he's a character of the past. I've also got a reason for your sister, but I'll talk about that later. Feel free to headcanon what the names are though.
Religion for the Helmsmen is knowledge of any kind. Their deities are tomes of lost rare knowledge and you can see it like how the Solarium Codex is essentially a mandate of heaven for House Iris. I'll say I use the same as Battletech rules for religion, namely that it's a very distant future and the melting pot of space can make crazy new stuff work alongside traditional forms from ancient Terra.
Heck, some folks somewhere out there probably have AI gods.
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Crafter of War
The Dorf
- Location
- Bend
I'm not so certain that she has the tech though. From what I can tell from the text, it sounds like she's going to be getting a shipment of them. Whether through trade or a backer, who knows?
While it only talks about industry, the fact that she didn't bother with setting up any is telling enough.
- Location
- 'Straya mate.
I get where you're coming from, but it feels like a little bit of a stretch - both for Violet and for us. If we want to intercept it I'd guess that we would have to dedicate someone to "Send Spies", and then ask Cheshiro if we could also send H.M.S. Wisteria to intercept if we learn of any shipments. To be honest, that might work. But it will also definitely slow down our military build up and send the tension in the system up into the stratosphere. I wouldn't be surprised if that was the tipping point into civil war. Still, if we can do it, then I wouldn't be opposed.
Thank you again for the info Cheshiro.
Can I ask how that interaction would be handled? Would they just be able to deal damage without any danger or would we (or at least our escorts and point-defence) be able to retaliate? If we can retaliate, do we have any kind of intuition for how airwings fare against destroyers, given that escorting troop ships is kind of their main role?
In relation to character names and religions, that sounds intriguing and cool respectively. If anyone in the thread can think of a good name for the city then please put it forward, otherwise I would default to something else Arthurian like "Peredur", the Welsh form of Percival. I actually really like the idea of knowledge itself being literally divine. It's... it's odd, but it makes sense. Very nice.
To the other questers: Do we want to build up more of an orbital presence? It sounds like we will be able to use it once we come to arms with our sister but it will also result in civilian casualties that could potentially be prevented if we're able to defeat her in an open-field battle. Albeit relatively few. We may also be able to give their airwing a bloody nose if they choose to try and challenge our orbital superiority. If we do choose to keep building up right now, it will probably delay our ability to build up ground forces.
On the other hand, that will mean that we're trusting everything to a few regiments of Lily Guard. Unless we decide to create another unit. But then that means more build-up as we have to go through the design process and invest Wealth and Resources into yet another factory. We also won't have more basing unless we invest yet more Wealth and Influence into more basing. Mechanized do sound like a decent midway option, I will say. We're worried about being harassed by her air units whilst we move into range to defeat her militia - Mechanized mean we can get there a lot faster and potentially hold up much better against air units. Drop pods are also an option. Basically we would just try and land on her head and blow her brains out before she can scramble much of a response.
On the other, other hand, we could try and just out-develop her. Build up enough of a navy to keep her quarantined to her planet whilst we grow powerful enough to swat her like a bug. Strategically, it's probably probably the best option. But it is the morally and economically worst option. Morally, it means we have left our people to suffer under her petty tyranny. Economically, it means we're sabotaging the long-term development of the system and our state by keeping that Wealth, Industry, Resources, and Influence from being joined with ours.
On the other hand, that will mean that we're trusting everything to a few regiments of Lily Guard. Unless we decide to create another unit. But then that means more build-up as we have to go through the design process and invest Wealth and Resources into yet another factory. We also won't have more basing unless we invest yet more Wealth and Influence into more basing. Mechanized do sound like a decent midway option, I will say. We're worried about being harassed by her air units whilst we move into range to defeat her militia - Mechanized mean we can get there a lot faster and potentially hold up much better against air units. Drop pods are also an option. Basically we would just try and land on her head and blow her brains out before she can scramble much of a response.
On the other, other hand, we could try and just out-develop her. Build up enough of a navy to keep her quarantined to her planet whilst we grow powerful enough to swat her like a bug. Strategically, it's probably probably the best option. But it is the morally and economically worst option. Morally, it means we have left our people to suffer under her petty tyranny. Economically, it means we're sabotaging the long-term development of the system and our state by keeping that Wealth, Industry, Resources, and Influence from being joined with ours.
EDIT: Oh also Violet's roll last cycle had a +7 from Wealth but the rest of our characters rolled with a +9. It seems like it was a holdover from the previous cycle, which had all characters rolling with a +7. I don't know if that is an error or not but it stood out.
EDIT 2: Also if we assume that the cost of a factory is based on the progress required to research the unit, something that has been true so far with Destroyers and Infantry, then Aircraft would cost us 6 Wealth and 6 Resources, for a total cost of 9 Wealth. The factory and the Star Armory are going to cost us a total of 12 Wealth as it stands(Taking into account losing 2 Wealth from losing 4 Resources). Currently we only have 17 Wealth and the bank being built will boost it by 1. Unless we build more banks (and cities) we kind of literally can't afford to build aircraft yet. Unless we were also able to use Militia to fight her Militia. But that really doesn't seem like our style. Much as I hate to say it I think, for now, we just build up Infantry or Mechanized and use a ton of them. Maybe together with a small fleet of destroyers to try and destroy her air wings in their hangars. Building the Star Armory will bring our destroyer basing up to three. We will also have the Influence and Wealth for a camp barracks or commercial port, if we wanted to bring our regiments up to 4 or Destroyers up to 5. Honestly 5 destroyers might actually be enough for her to surrender, but I doubt it. Unfortunately the Fleet Port only gives 1 Destroyer basing, unless we can convert those Cruiser bases into 2 Destroyer bases each.
EDIT 3: I wonder if we could bribe her officers to turn against her. It seems a lot of her control of her people is via debt and the enforcement thereof. But if her soldiers help us overthrow her, then there is no longer a government to enforce that debt. Soldiers that collaborate with us can be promised a bribe, a position in the Lily Guard, and freedom from debt slavery for themselves and their families. We've already infiltrated her military before. This seems... doable. Particularly if we built the Lycoris Sanctuary for that extra Influence.
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They would have a chance if your fleet moved into their engagement range and they choose to intercept via a space battle. Plus side: if whatever wings they have decide to all commit to a space battle, your landing troops (if you had any raised) would get the chance to make landings unopposed. Cons: if they somehow manage to disable/force all destroyers to retreat, then the troop ships would be in danger themselves from whatever remainder attack runs the aircraft can do.
Point defense can attempt to shoot them down as they make their attack run and that's the main defense ships have against aircraft. Other than that, the other way for ships to 'fight' them is to bombard the city where their airbase is at.
Mistake on my part, fixing but it shouldn't have affected progress.
- Location
- Eastern Seaboard
Personally, I'm in favour of the full-send plan to get a bit more economic buildup before we switch gears almost entirely into military buildup— but I'm also concerned about the potential for Violet's sister to somehow manage to scrape together some transports and just directly try to assault any of our outlying cities with her so-called militia (without any regard for casualties sustained from the Wisteria trying to intercept them) before we can get any Lily Guard Regiments trained up.
EDIT: Because if she's gone with the Commercial Spaceport (not sure if that's the correct name), for the wealth bonus, doesn't that imply having civilian ships going to-and-fro with trade/cargo? What's to stop her from just commandeering said ships and using them to transport one of her militia units directly to one of our cities— maybe even under the guise of trying to 'open up trade'— or even pretending to be refugee ships escaping from her regime, and then just launch a surprise invasion while we haven't got any Lily Guard Regiments? They'd be able to effectively bypass the Wisteria unless we fire on what claims to be civilian ships.
EDIT: Because if she's gone with the Commercial Spaceport (not sure if that's the correct name), for the wealth bonus, doesn't that imply having civilian ships going to-and-fro with trade/cargo? What's to stop her from just commandeering said ships and using them to transport one of her militia units directly to one of our cities— maybe even under the guise of trying to 'open up trade'— or even pretending to be refugee ships escaping from her regime, and then just launch a surprise invasion while we haven't got any Lily Guard Regiments? They'd be able to effectively bypass the Wisteria unless we fire on what claims to be civilian ships.
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- Location
- Fort Worth, TX
I want us to develop industry and vessels that can be quickly converted from civilian to military use.
I'm just going to remind folks that she is a testbed tutorial opponent. Don't overthink what she's doing, especially as Violet would definitely have uncovered that level of planning by now.
You could recruit milita units of your own given that you are the primary system controller at the moment. It'll be part of your tactics expenditure at the start of a turn for a battlegroup. This includes stuff like conscription of privately owned ships (destroyers) for the war effort. But they are not standing units and are decommissioned when the local threat is over.
- Location
- Eastern Seaboard
Well that's a relief; Still something to keep in mind though when it comes to future threats.