The Reluctant Vassal's Guide to Living in the Frontier (with some Treason)

[Lukepop]

Thank you for the update Celeshiro! It is compelling to take a look into Violet's mind. She longs for a life that is far less serious and weighty, but there is no one better for the job - at least not according to the value system that she lives within.

For the perusal of the gathered Violets, I'd like to propose a three-phase plan for the foreseeable future.

Spoiler: Phase one

The senate vote is now five cycles away. I would like to maximise our Wealth and Influence before then.

Wealth we want to maximise to help House Sol pass the Wealth checks related to the second senatorial Issue. It is also just broadly useful, particularly for Research and Diplomacy. Building this now is important for phase 2 and 3.

Influence is a lesser priority but more Influence will allow us to cast more votes in the Senate. Presumably this will win us more goodwill with those we align with. It will also help us guarantee that the second issue passes. It also might let us put a token vote towards signing a more permanent armistice with the Free States.

To complete these ends I put forward that Kat builds a bank post this cycle, then builds the Lycoris Sanctuary after that. I would then put most of our other agents towards filling out our bank posts. We are relatively close now, and once we build them out we will be more or less out of options for Andernian economic advancement besides trade routes.

I would also wish to explore the other system that we haven't started exploring yet.

Spoiler: Phase two

This phase essentially begins once we have built the Lycoris Sanctuary and all the bank posts. The objective is to claim the Calenwyrm and Asenmach systems as quickly as possible.

Kats primary job in this phase to research new technologies, new units, and to found a Knightly Order.

Radana's job in this phase is to colonise our adjacent systems as quickly as possible. This might involve arranging a meeting with House Archon to avoid creating conflict when we settle Asenmach - maybe we could offer to share the system with them, a couple planets each or something.

This will obviously depend upon what is found in each system but I do have a broad idea for our objectives in each system:

Asenmach:​

• Primary: Military Basing/Fortifications
  • Defend the perimeter of our territory.
  • Create another battlegroup.
• Secondary: Wealth
  • In the event of conflict, buff the stratagem generation of the Asenmach battlegroup.
  • Increase efficiency of military construction.

Calenwyrm​

• Primary: Wealth
  • Increase the efficiency of system development.
  • Increase the efficiency of colonising the *multitude* of neighboring systems.
• Secondary: Influence
  • A long-term "use" for the accumulated Wealth of Calenwyrm.
• Tertiary(Possible): Military Production
  • Alleviate some of the economic burden of military production from out of Andernia.
  • Another long-term use of the Wealth in the system.
  • Downside: Would be vulnerable without accompanying basing. That would then create another battlegroup - splitting our future forces.
  • Downside: Calenwyrm is a relatively small system and it probably won't be able to accommodate an economy on the scale of Andernia.

Spoiler: Phase three

This phase would begin after Asenmach and Calenwyrm are initially colonised. Objectives in this phase are split between Colonial and external/development objectives.

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Colonial objectives are to stabilise/expand the infrastructure in those systems in order to build them up for their purpose(s).

Asenmach:​

1. City and data reliquary.
2. Chrysanthemum Scales and bank post.
3. Build up the Industry to accommodate more chain buildings.
   1. Whenever we build a city, follow it up with a bank post.
   2. At some point build a Lycoris Sanctuary for the Influence needed for all the basing we want.
4. Construct Military Basing, focusing on the chains.
5. Recruit units in Andernia for basing in Asenmach.

Calenwyrm:​

1. City and Data reliquary.
2. Chrysanthemum Scales and bank post.
3. Second city and bank post
4. Lycoris Sanctuary.
5. (Optional) Whatever the post-building for Influence is in the 1st and 2nd city.
6. (Optional, Eventual) Construct a 3rd city and bank post.
7. (Optional, Eventual) Construct a military factory.
   1. Consider building one or more basing buildings to Guard these factories.
8. Repeat steps 6 and 7 for however many factories we want to build there.

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Our External/Development objectives are to start "properly" reaching out to other houses and to continue our research.

This will depend on the geopolitical situation at the time but I envision that we put Radana on working towards building/upgrading a trade route in Andernia.

Kat will be split between building up Calenwyrm and researching/exploring. Thankfully Calenwyrm only calls for two cities, three chain buildings(including the reliquary), and two post buildings. Four if we build the Influence post-buildings.

I would suggest that we essentially put Dorothea in Asenmach and let her work on that over time. She is our military advisor so it works that she would oversee the construction of our Fortress world(s).

I envision that Violet would also help kickstart the economy of Calenwyrm, and then transition into doing what she's best at. We send her to build up information networks throughout the United Empire. Her work here will probably be key for deciding where we want to go for our next stretch.

[ ] Plan Phase one pt. 1 - monee
-[ ] [Character] Kat, Hyacinth Prism
--[ ] [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.
---[ ] Dinadan
----[ ] 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.

 

[Celeshiro]

Interesting plans but as a heads up, there'll likely be something like a mini-arc to settling new systems. Could be just simple fluff to pad out and help make each system feel alive, or could be a very involved experience with pushing your claim. We'll see, depends on the dice and situation.

 

[Lukepop]

[X] Plan Phase one pt. 1 - monee
-[X] [Character] Kat, Hyacinth Prism
--[X] [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.
---[X] Dinadan
----[X] 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.

 

[Celeshiro]

Scheduled vote count started by Celeshiro on Jul 25, 2024 at 12:01 AM, finished with 2 posts and 1 votes.

• ---

  1 people have voted

  [X] Plan Phase one pt. 1 - monee
  -[X] [Character] Kat, Hyacinth Prism
  --[X] [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.
  ---[X] Dinadan
  ----[X] 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.

  • Lukepop

 

[Celeshiro]

Huh, seems that the Council of Violets looks pretty ragged. Maybe just goes to show that Violet really does need a trusted confident in the form of Radana. Perhaps you should consider a second Diplomacy character so that you can have Radana doing things closer to home somehow.

 

[Celeshiro]

Spoiler: Vote Results

[X] Plan Phase one pt. 1 - monee
-[X] [Character] Kat, Hyacinth Prism
--[X] [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.
---[X] Dinadan
----[X] 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.

(Construct Post (Sunrise Bank-Gawain): 3 +7 (Dorothea) +7 (Wealth) = 17)

Progress: 4/4. Completed!

A Sunrise Bank has been built in Gawain, increasing Wealth by three (3) and decreasing Resources by one (1).

Dorothea finished reading the report on the datapad and resisted the urge to groan in front of her two visitors. She knew they could likely see through the fake smile she plastered on, but at least her words were the truth. "Thank you for helping to resolve this incident. Both of you were invaluable to the operation, and I'll be sure you get the payment you need. Keep your schedules clear for now if you're interested in a bigger payout.."

"I'm hearing that we might get repeat work in the future then? I won't say no to organizing more gigs."

"Indeed, the task before us is one filled with much righteous justice! Lowlifes bandits that prowl the streets, flee before the arrival of the street samurai-"

The Lycoris Knight idly ignored the familiar prose of her former colleague and instead focused on chewing her lip to properly digest this update. They had indeed tracked and arrested the criminal ring that had been engaging in financial scamming, but it seemed that there were hints of a greater organization at play. That worried her, but perhaps it was just the start of a criminal underworld in the system, something that was long overdue now that the dust of colonization had settled.

Ironically enough, if it was that, then Dorothea could relax a minute bit. Such shady organizations were unfortunately a common sight wherever humanity settled, an illegal institution old as time itself to create rules among criminals to limit their exposure. They would likely set their own hard prohibitions on certain activities or endeavors if it would catch the direct ire of ruling authorities, a method of self-government that most Lycoris Knights would grumble and accept as compromise to maintaining the peace.

Nobody on either side wanted an open war on the streets.

If it was going to be an underworld, then Dorothea would have to reach out to whoever led the movement and stress the firefight at the warehouse was unacceptable. But she couldn't do so herself, she was far too prominent a figure to get involved. Hence why she eyed up the two chatting women in her office, the two independent agents that would happily function as the middleman for a price.

A price that she trusted.

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(Construct Post (Sunrise Bank-Dinadan): 76 +17 (Kat) +7 (Wealth) = 100)

Progress: 4/4. Completed!

A Sunrise Bank has been built in Dinadan, increasing Wealth by three (3) and decreasing Resources by one (1).

"To our valued customers, thank you for choosing to continue to do business with us! However, due to recent events, we will be implementing a new security check to better validate your accounts. Please rest assured that the majority of our customers will be unaffected by these new changes, especially once they have passed the new background check program, coded by the Prisms themselves. When you are prompted, please procure the receipts for the following if applicable:

- Birth Certificate
- Proof of Citizenship
- Account Card
- Photo ID
- Proof of Residence
- Education/Job Certificate
- Gym Membership Card
- Club Membership Card
- Media Subscription Receipt
- Last Grocery List
- That receipt. Yes, that f****** receipt. (*)

(*) sic. Our sincere apologies for the vulgar language and vague reference, but it apparently is something you should know to bring according to the Prism giving the list. We claim no knowledge of it whatsoever and will only remind you that we value customer confidentiality.

Thank you for banking with Sunrise Banks!"

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(System Expedition (Calenwyrm): 32 +7 (Radana) = 39)

Progress 6/6. Completed!

Calenwyrm has been fully explored. Total Starting Resources: 34

Due to the unique aquatic pull of Calenwyrm II, its neighboring planet is quite dry. Incredibly so, and when combined with the closer proximity to the local star, the result was a very arid climate. But incredibly so, the local flora simply adapted to the fact that water was a ridiculous precious and scarce resource. "It's simply fascinating the way that these plants will immediately absorb whatever water can be found in the topsoil, then ration it so for even cycles at a time!" The scientist eagerly explained while Radana glanced through the report. "Perhaps it is a more extreme variant or the logical end product of similar cacti species that was once found in Terra's deserts. We'll need to do a full genetic breakdown to see if there is perhaps an ancestral tie so."

"But in terms of practicality…?" The diplomat slowly spelled out and the researcher winced.

"It...while it can hold water for much longer than anything our records have, it is still dependent on it so and can suffer a variety of health issues if not at adequate moisture levels," They finally admitted. "So in short, not exactly the most enticing of phenomenons compared to the hydrophile current of Calenwyrm II, merely a byproduct of it."

"I see. I suppose that at least," Radana opened up another report on the datapad and nodded, "the planet itself is still habitable enough for us to develop. That in itself is the major benefit for House Iris."

"If you say so." There was suddenly a loud chime that rang through both individual's respective devices and they checked it at the same time to see an alert being pushed through. "Hm, breaking news received from Andernia through the Calenwyrm FTL beacon. It is...oh. Oh my stars."

Radana could hardly blame the shocked expedition member when she too realized what this sudden news broadcast was all about. "Mmh, did it really take her that long? She must be slipping, or something real nasty occurred," She quietly speculated under her breath and shook her head. "No matter. I'm issuing a general break order to all members, you are free to watch the launch event of our Solarium Forge!"

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- Kat really just pulled off an all-night coding spree to make probably one of the dirtiest security check programs out there. At least until it gets cracked by a bored coder in time.
- The Resource Total is basically all the planets combined in the system to have a gauge of what you could be working with.

 

[Silencian]

Now the question is who "That Receit" was targeted at. Out benevolent yet ominously menacing solar queen? Or perhaps Radana spent a wee bit much on tea leaves?

 

[Lukepop]

Things are looking good so far! Seeds planted in cycles before are bearing fruit. And Kat, the absolute champion, sets up that bank in one fell swoop. I will note that our system Wealth is currently 22, almost halfway to 50! Consequently, our buff in Andernia is up to a +11. There are also only two banks left to build - in the Marquisate and Bastion.

It will depend upon what actions are available to us but, roughly speaking, I'm thinking we get Violet and Radana to build the last two banks, Dorothea to build the Lycoris Sanctuary, and start Kat on research - or on exploring Asenmach.

Spoiler: Possible Typo

The Color on the Resources for Calenwyrm.

"Our sincere for the vulgar language and vague reference,"

This was probably meant to be "Our sincere apology for the vulgar language and vague reference,"

EDIT: Just for comparison, might I ask how many Resources Andernia had originally? Working backwards from the information sheet it seems like 56?

 

[Celeshiro]

EDIT: Just for comparison, might I ask how many Resources Andernia had originally? Working backwards from the information sheet it seems like 56?

Click to shrink...

Andernia began with 66 (including all planets). I figured that if it was going to be your capital, you should have a pretty solid foundation to work off at minimum. Managing limited resources can be fun, but I think it's best to save the more troublesome cases for your colonies instead of your capital.

 

[AlphaOmega]

Andernia began with 66 (including all planets). I figured that if it was going to be your capital, you should have a pretty solid foundation to work off at minimum. Managing limited resources can be fun, but I think it's best to save the more troublesome cases for your colonies instead of your capital.

Click to shrink...

Plus, wasn't Adernia chosen specifically because of its industrial potential? Would be weird if we had to worry about resources.

 

[Celeshiro]

(Construct Chain (Solarium Forge-Gawain): 85 +10 (Violet) +7 (Wealth) = 102)

Progress: 8/5. Completed!

The Solarium Forge has been built in Gawain, increasing Resources and Influence by five (5).

"...and so, do we rise once more to the stars." Your voice echoed from one of the monitors mounted in the hallway. "We may have fallen, the world we once knew lost to us, but we are not doomed so. There may be challenges and difficulties along the way, which we welcome. For it is in them that we obtain proof that all things worth doing come not so easily. As such, we begin the challenge of assembling our Solarium Forge now! We will launch-"

Your head tilted slightly and your helmet registered the command, accessing one of your many viruses that infested the Solarium Forge to turn off the screen. You had enough of that blistering annoying façade you had to put up for speech at the grand launch event. It was just an obligation to christen the launch and strongly suggest that people wisely step back from getting too close, lest they be caught up in the shockwave from the engines activating. Honestly, it felt like sometimes they had no concern for their own life, caught up in the excitement of the moment.

Unfortunately, Kat seemed to an individual on the verge of this so as well. Her meek faltering self was entirely non-existent ever since she stepped onto the station, and she threw herself into the work at hand with almost reckless fervor. You were actually pretty sure she hasn't even slept so, perhaps drawing on the complimentary and limited circuits Prisms had to keep her mind sharp and focus without rest. That was how she made an entire security program from scratch for the banks in a single night, at Dorothea's request.

One that you naturally had slipped a few taps in, taking advantage of her slightly distracted nature to compromise the holy site with your own bugs. Nothing serious of course, just a way for you to keep an eye on everything from the shadows. You certainly didn't want to miss if anything made here went 'missing-' mainly because then it would be an annoying hassle to check everything to see where it had gone.

Any further thoughts on the matter were swept to the side when station around you shuddered and shook, timing with a casual alert via your helmet. It meant that you were already aware of what was going on when the vessel's intercom cackled to life. "All personnel, the last connection has been made and sealed. We are looking green across the board- it's time to move into orbit around the star. We will be there momentarily."

Your eyebrow raised slightly when you realized that the one speaking certainly wasn't your retainer- it had far too few curses for her current mania state. Had there been a miniature coup among your Prisms to shuffle seniority and leadership about? That would certainly be annoying, so you quietly checked the security footage to see what had happened.

Hm, it appeared that only a few minutes before, she had almost collapsed in front of her gathered peers, barely being caught by some shocked colleagues with worried looks. Judging by the expression of extreme exhaustion on her face, it was clear that she had finally run out of energy and was on fumes. It appeared this was the final crack for her to admit to needing some rest, much to the near-universal agreement of the others. So she had been sent to rest in a lounge somewhere, entrusting running the Solarium Forge to her subordinates for now who could easily handle most of the panicked questions or petitions.

Most of them, but a few were daring to circumvent the process to ask their best expert directly in spite of her explicit need for rest. They were hunting for her now, likely to try to shake her awake to just ask a 'quick' question. You noted that some of them were actually drawing close to where she was and shook your head- that wasn't going to happen on your watch.

With a few blinks, you established remote control over the security systems and began to close doors on them. You made sure to disguise it as a failed recognition error, resulting in those annoying petitioners trying to seek alternative routes while resolving to talk to maintenance. Curiously, these malfunctioning doors opened at your approach, enabling you to reach the lounge you had identified as the destination.

The lounge itself was one of many different areas onboard the station for recreation, usually intended for the lower-ranking and junior Prisms to relax in if they weren't interesting in pursuing further studies in engineering or design. Those of higher ranks did occasionally use such facilities too, but they were a rarer sight having developed far greater satisfaction and relaxation from working on their personal projects or learning new knowledge.

Then there was Kat, who found no greater joy than serving House Iris as a Hyacinth Prism leading her coworkers under your orders. She, to your knowledge, rarely rested between projects whenever her maniac state took charge and only really took care of herself when finally outside a workshop. Given that the Solarium Forge you were onboard now was one giant workshop, little wonder why her mind had been running without pause for a long while. It probably was the most she had to express herself so for a while.

But it just meant that when it finally caught up, she could crash hard like she was now, snoring away on a couch while still wearing her suit of power armor. You nodded and double-checked to make sure the doors into the lounge were sealed, then you took a seat on a sofa next to her. You supposed you could take a break yourself and cocked your head, bringing up the latest expedition report sent from Radana.

Time passed and your readout indicated that the Solarium Forge had arrived at its ultimate destination. Another small notification let you know that indeed, the other Prisms were preparing for the grand ritual to properly consecrate and sanctify the facility for what it was, a return to past glories for the future once again. It meant that they were looking for Kat in earnest now, glumly resolved to perhaps waking her up early when more rest was needed.

You noted all that and continued reading the report by your best friend without waking the slumbering woman. Some more minutes later, you could barely muffle your joy at Radana's declaration that she was to return soon when your helmet helpfully noted peripheral movement from nearby. Then it began to ping with another reminder that the others were still looking for Kat while she stirred awake and you rolled your eyes, reaching up to pull your helmet off for a moment if only to stop being reminded of it so for the moment.

The sharp movement drew the attention of the stirring Prism and she blinked, seemingly still shaking off the long nap. "My lady?" Kat asked and rubbed at her eyes. "Is that you?"

There was a distinct lack of either meekness or crassness to her speech, you realized. It was an odd thing, hearing neither of the two extremes that she often flipped between, perhaps only glimpsed in these twilight moments between waking and sleeping. But more than anything, you did find it somewhat...refreshing to be addressed so familiarly. "Yes. Have you gotten enough rest?" You asked, setting your helmet aside for now. "It wouldn't do for you to collapse mid-ritual. That would be a bad omen for the station."

"It...it would indeed." She slowly shifted from a resting to sitting position on the couch, an odd sort of uncertainty and hesitation to her movements now. "I think I'm fine now. Just...give me a moment, my head's aching a bit," She weakly amended.

You watched her carefully before daring to take a guess to the source of the conflict within her. "You're nervous about what we're about to do, to produce the first of many great marvels in a workshop." It was a clash between both sides of Kat, the nervousness mixed with the brazenness to lend temporarily to the manifestation of this mixed self. "Do you need more time to review the materials? Or go over the texts again? I could arrange for it."

"No, it's not necessary." She shook her head and sighed, looking down at the floor. "If you don't mind my lady, I...am I right for this role? I've never led the ritual before on my lonesome back on Helm, it was always with the guidance or supervision with a more experienced mind. Somebody who could criticize and refine my technique, tell me what I was doing wrong, what I was doing right, give me both complaint and praise in equal measure. I thought that at most, I would just be without one for a while and could just pass my work onto review later.

"But now, on the Solarium Forge and seeing everybody look up to me, I realize now that nobody else is qualified to undertake the role. That I was the only one who could lead the rites, and that if I messed up, there was nobody to tell me so." The Prism's hands sluggishly came up and opened into empty palms that she stared into. "I could be making a dozen mistakes, critical errors that spoil the perfect product we strive towards, yet none can say otherwise now, or even later on. Everything I do onwards from this very moment will be my doing, wholly so. And it terrifies me thus."

You closed your eyes and softly exhaled, feeling an echo of her worry and struggle resonate with you. Taking on the mantle of ruling, it certainly had made you more aware of how much more susceptible everything was to your influence now. From the silly little things like manipulating the desert menu to the grim tragedies of your plots, nobody anymore above you could gainsay or tell you no. You were, like Kat, now crafting a story of your own making, a legacy that none could guide you through.

Adrift, alone in the stars like your people without their ancestral home to look towards, and on the verge of finally becoming something different from before.

"...I know the feeling. Everyday, when you turn to ask somebody if your work was fine or alright, only to realize that they aren't there anymore." The words came from your lips without even thinking. "That you are your own person, without a mentor to cushion either the fall or celebrate the rise. It's scary, isn't it? Especially when it happens all of the sudden, without any sendoff or preparation, merely the cold realization that it's time to be that independent person you've always wanted to be.

"But yet, I think that it's not all that bad." You turned to look at your helmet, recalling the way your best friend's words had helped washed down the guilt. It wasn't completely gone, but it was more muted, less the sharp reminder of the unchecked power you now held. "Maybe it seems cruel to say it was always going to happen one day, but it always comes sure as the coming of a new star. Sometimes, we see the gathering elements first and can ready ourselves, but many other times, it is sudden and unexpected. A single flash and there it is, a new light in the galaxy to shine its special light upon us all. And none can say otherwise if it is good or bad, merely that it is."

"Are we like a new star then?" Kat quietly asked. "Our people newly and suddenly arrived to this universe, with nobody to correct our path now?"

"It is and no matter what we tell ourselves, it is what we have to do now," You quietly told with a look into her eyes. "Which means we are free to determine for ourselves what is a mistake, and decide if we will own up to it either way. If it is something that we deem acceptable for now...or if we are willing and resolved to do better next time."

"The very thought of it turns my stomach."

"The same, but do you know what helps? A cup of good tea, and good company to help soothe the struggle of coming to terms with it." You felt the edges of your lips turn upwards. "I suppose then it's always an excellent reminder that no matter what, even if we can't correct ourselves today, tomorrow is always there to give us another opportunity. One especially supported by the companions we choose to surround ourselves with to strive to do better for us all."

There was a long period of silence while the Hyacinth Prism visibly digested your words, then her head began to rise up and down in a nod. She rose and stretched for a moment, her eyes lighting up with renewed motivation when she grabbed the hammer that had been resting against the couch and easily hefting it against her shoulder. "Right, enough moping and fucking about!" Her energy was back and restored for real, the sharp grin showing that she was in her workshop element once again. "Let's do this then, your majesty. If we fuck up and make a mess of things today, so what? We'll do it a-fucking-gain tomorrow with more until we get it right by my standards! I ain't leaving here until I'm absolutely sure we can at least produce ingots here!"

"That's the spirit." You grabbed your helmet and neatly slid it on. You wondered if your tongue had been a little bit loose just now, and so tried to tighten it up just a bit if only to prepare yourself for the coming ceremony. "Now then, as Solar Queen, I order you to guide me to the observation gallery. I wish to witness the forging of solarium for myself."

"Yes, your majesty!"

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- Character moments at a critical juncture where you unlock research tech. Felt appropriate as now, you are very much deviating from whatever path the Helmsmen once had before the jump.

 

[Lukepop]

Beautiful character writing Celeshiro. These characters are complex and compelling. The quest is always interesting but this update made me remember why I cared so much about our little band of characters. It feels appropriate that Violet got 4 progress for this roll, even if it didn't have a mechanical effect. Looking forward to what Kat can start doing!

 

[Lukepop]

Andernia IV. Dawn has yet to break on the hab-systems that make up New Helm, that sprawling capital that rules the system. She is a shining city on a hill, and the still-recent victor of that vicious conflict that has wracked the system. There's a lot of manufacturing throughout the system, but nowhere has as much heavy Industry as New Helm - saving perhaps her conquered sister, the city of Bastion.

Melanie Wakefield woke in her parent's hab-block, just a stone's throw away from Andernia University - the first in the system. She isn't going there yet, she's still too young for that - in fact she was one of the first of the Helmsmen that was born in-system. She got up, meditated briefly, and left the block. She has to get ready for school, but she wants to get her morning run in first. She tied up her hair and repeated a mantra to herself - a new favourite of hers that she heard on some motivational vidfeed or other, "You don't become a Brilliance Knight by wasting daylight!"

And with that she hits the streets. A few groundcars pass her by but the daily hustle is yet to materalise. Down Atlanta Avenue, and up over one of the ceremonial bridges that lead, eventually, to the new Solar Reliquary. Underneath statues of the honoured dead, and icons of holy knowledge. She gripped the pendant on her neck briefly - a little brass thing in the shape of the Solarium codex - and kept running. She didn't want to go to the Reliquary itself, so she followed the outermost circuit of the complex. In front of a fountain, she paused to catch her breath. It's the centrepiece in a garden of flame blossoms, and the steam rising off it's surface is so thick it's like a sauna.

"I forgot about this spot. Honestly the worst part of the Reliquary gardens," she snarked to herself. Eager to leave, she grabbed her minipad and headphones and queued up some music from the wider Empire. With Nakatomi hyper-pop pumping in her ears she took off, making her way back around the circuit and dusting her way back home. Moving back up through Atlanta Avenue, she noticed a few more groundcars than before. A woman, dressed in a sharp suit and wearing a pin in the shape of a sun made her way out her front door.
Melanie waved, "Morning Ms Archer!"

The woman was a regular customer at the Wakefield bakery. Despite the prevalence of aesthetic sculpting, she had the rounded cheeks and kind face of a matron or a kindly mentor. She smiled brightly and gave Melanie a polite wave before walking to her groundcar.

Melanie, having made her way back to the hab-block her parents live in, ripped the lobby door open and dashed up the stairs two-at-time. 'This is always the worst part, but - I'm not gonna *not* see the Reliquary if I get the chance! Even if it does make me super late.' she thought to herself. She burst into the hab-unit, nodding once to Mama Josie as she was making breakfast. It seemed like her brother Ify was still asleep, so she ran to the bathroom at slightly less than a full dash - slightly. She almost ran into Mum Amelia as she was coming out of the bathroom, auburn hair still up in a towel.
"Melanie honey, did you have a good run?"
"Pretty much, I stopped by the Flame Fountain again though, what a steaming pile of junk!"
Her mum gave her the dumbest smile, "Literally."

Melanie just groaned and walked into the bathroom. Slamming the door behind her didn't manage to block out the self-satisfied chuckles on the other side of the door, but Melanie resolved herself to block them out. She jumped through her washing cycle and threw on her school uniform. Even so she still heard a too-loud knock on the door as she was getting dressed.

"Mel, can you hurry up?" came the still-half-asleep voice of her younger brother Ify.
She shook her head to herself. They had to go in twenty minutes and he was still sleeping.
"I guess it still wasn't that long ago that the convoy incident happened - poor kid. I'm glad Mama and Mum were able to adopt him though," she thought.
Once dressed, she opened the door with a smile, and mussed up his curly hair a little.
"Good morning Ify. You gotta be quick though! We gotta leave in twenty minutes!"
He frowned slightly, nodded, and slipped past her in a flash.

The rest of the morning preceded similarly, albeit briefly. She grabbed a bite to eat from the breakfast Mama Josie had made, packed her lunch, and took the lift down with Mum Amelia, and Ify.

Spoiler: Notes

So... this is extremely domestic. And nothing much really happened. But I had the late-night writing bug, and I thought it was nice. Sometimes domestic stories are just... nice. Maybe we'll hear more from Melanie and the Wakefield family - maybe not. If she does become a knight, I think she'd be a Lilac Knight - a relatively learning-focused kind of Brilliance Knight that was mentioned in the early parts of the quest.

The idea is that her mother Josie runs a bakery. Ms Archer works at the bank or one of the related institutions in that area of the city. I'm not sure what her mother Amelia does yet but I'm thinking about archivist at the Reliquary. Ify is an orphan from the convoy massacre that was adopted out into this relatively wealthy and well-established family on the capital-world.

 

[Celeshiro]

Melanie Wakefield

Click to shrink...

Oh, I do so like slice of life moments to help relax/cool between plot moments. It's a nice little reminder that while the grand politics are in play, there still exists moments of life well-lived.

 

[Celeshiro]

A single sip, and already it was like you were born renewed once again. "Oh stars, you have no idea how much you've utterly ruined the taste of regular tea for me," You half-complained, half-begged while taking another gulp of the flavored liquid. "Please, never go on vacation again otherwise you may come home to madness."

"I'm fairly sure you are exaggerating," Radana dryly told with a shake of the head and poured out a cup for herself. "If not, then you may be suffering from undocumented mental side effects from consuming what we're calling 'wyrmsblood' for now."

"...is it actual-"

'No, it's the water from Calenwyrm I that was attracted over to Calenwyrm II. We naturally had to test this phenomenon and a few stated it looked akin to a water serpent-drake flowing through the stars, so the name stuck." Your friend tasted her drink now, quietly judging and savoring the flavors. "It definitely brings an interesting new element of composition to the profile, but with a rather sharp aftertaste. Hm, is it perhaps a result of needing to boil it so? If so, what does it taste naturally? Ah, but it surely must be sterilized before trying it as such, which then adds another possible complication to the flavor it brings.

You watched her mumble a bit longer about tea-making, letting her speak her thoughts while she morosely prodded at the teacup. There was nothing for you to say, instead just taking a sort of quiet delight in the way Radana expressed her passion for her signature tool of trade, the effort that goes on behind the scenes in making just the right brew for any occasion either to aid in relaxation or open diplomatic talks.

She went on for a little while longer before cutting herself off mid-speech and suddenly blushing. "Ah, sorry. I got carried away, just like when we got flare blossoms."

"It's nothing," You reassured with a small smile. "If anything, it's proof that it's really you, back from the expedition. Your counsel was sorely missed."

"I can imagine so." There was a silent moment, then she shifted to lightly place a hand over one of yours. "I...what you described about what you had to do in our correspondence, it showed through how greatly troubled you so. I wished that you hadn't done that, at least not without talking to me first about it."

You closed your eyes and sighed. "You aren't condemning me."

"But neither am I condoning you. Violet, the mantle of rulership is heavy indeed. I have seen it shown in various flavors through prior interactions with others before our journey here," The noble lady quietly revealed. "I have seen hero-kings committing evil in the name of the greater good. I have seen iron-handed dictators weep and open their coffers for their starving populace to provide at least some fleeting joy before the end comes. There never is a true consensus among them on what to do in difficult situations, but there is one thing that I think marks the mediocre from the great leader."

"That is?"

"The understanding that you must shoulder that if you are responsible for your people's greatness, you are also responsible for your people's darkness." She squeezed your hand briefly before letting go. "It isn't weakness to admit that hard decisions can trouble you so. But it is true strength to stay the path you have chosen and not waver from it so, leading the Helmsmen into whatever future you see for us."

Those words were like a welcomed balm to your inner self and you exhaled softly, reminded that once again, Radana knew you inside and out. "Thank you," You hoarsely told and shifted in your office chair, eyes running across the accumulated reports no longer with hesitation, but focus. "I needed that."

"Of course. That, and a cup of tea."

Resource Stockpile: 40/40

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.

Spoiler: Example Format

[ ] Plan ____
-[ ] [Character] ______
--[ ] [Task] ________
---[ ] [Target] _____
-[ ] [Officer] ______
--[ ] [Task] ________
---[ ] [Target] _____

Spoiler: Available Characters

-[ ] [Character] Violet d'Iris, Solar Princess

-[ ] [Character] Radana, Camellia Knight

-[ ] [Character] Kat, Hyacinth Prism

-[ ] [Character] Dorothea, Lycoris Knight

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------​

Spoiler: Martial Tasks

--[ ] [Martial] Recruit Regiment. Induce a lifetime of war for many, their fates now tied to glory and victory in the name of House Iris. Requires seven (7) progress.
---[ ] Requires Base Housing
----[ ] Requires Regiment Name
-----[ ] Requires Battalion Composition (Four (4) Battalions)

Spoiler: Battalion Types

-----[ ] Lily Guard Battalion. A skirmish infantry unit that can hold their ground surprisingly well, and boost anti-air capabilities in addition. Requires Arms Facility (Lily Guard).

--[ ] [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

Spoiler: Ship Class

---[ ] 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.

--[ ] [Martial] Adjust Stratagem. Adjust and adapt to the ever-evolving art of war, or be left behind. Requires two (2) progress.
---[ ] Requires Replacement Stratagem (Old Stratagem)

--[ ] [Martial] Battlegroup Management. Create or change how a battlegroup is currently setup under the leadership of a chosen character. Requires two (2) progress.
---[ ] Requires New Battlegroup or Existing Battlegroup name.

Spoiler: Diplomacy Tasks

--[ ] [Diplomacy] Goodwill Mission. Send diplomats armed and equipped with some expensive gifts to another in hopes of improving a positive relationship with them. Generate five (5) Goodwill with another faction. Requires four (4) progress.
---[ ] Requires Target Faction

--[ ] [Diplomacy] Meet Leader. Arrange for a personal trip to or for a people's leader, sitting down for a direct meeting to reevaluate your current relationship. Will generate a task to increase diplomatic standing. Cost Varies.
---[ ] Requires Target Faction

Spoiler: Meeting Costs

---[ ] House (Current Standing: Unfriendly) Costs 40 Goodwill. Requires six (6) progress.
---[ ] House (Current Standing: Neutral) Costs 20 Goodwill. Requires four (4) progress.
---[ ] House (Current Standing: Friendly) Costs 40 Goodwill. Requires four (4) progress.

--[ ] [Diplomacy] Request Favor. Make use of your garnered goodwill to request a simple and plain boon from another, a way to even the scales on both ends. Requires four (4) progress. Cost varies.
---[ ] Requires Target Faction
----[ ] Requires Favor

Spoiler: List of Favors

Requires at least Standing: Neutral
----[ ] Non-Aggression Pact. If you stay on your side of the line, they'll stay on their side of the line, for now. Establish a non-aggression treaty promising neutrality no matter the occasion. A side that breaks this for whatever reason will incur a minor Goodwill loss with other powers. Costs 20 Goodwill. Requires six (6) progress.

----[ ] Trade Agreement. A simple handshake to allow goods to flow just a bit easier between peoples.
Construct a Trade Post aligned to the faction that increase Resources and Wealth by two (2). Costs 20 Goodwill. Requires four (4) progress.
-----[ ] Requires Target City

----[ ] Senate Agenda. Have a chat with the influential voters and policy makers in an attempt to change their thoughts on a topic. Attempt to convince the faction to swap their voting alignment on a topic. Costs 20 Goodwill. Requires four (4) progress. Only applicable to United Empire Houses.
-----[ ] Requires Desired Agenda or Alignment.

Requires at least Standing: Friendly
----[ ] Defense Treaty. Together, you link arms to stand against whatever comes your way. Establish a defensive pact promising aid to each other in the event of an attack from the outside. Refusing to send aid will incur a major Goodwill loss with other powers. Costs 40 Goodwill. Requires six (6) progress. Will replace Non-Aggression Pact.

----[ ] Request Volunteers. Be allowed to make a personal plea to the other side for able-bodied and willing individuals to courageously step up and travel to fight for your cause. Gain volunteer units from the House. Costs 40 Goodwill. Requires four (4) progress.

---[ ] Trade Port. Slowly begin to break down the barriers between your people and theirs, by having them get used to living next to one another in an experimental treaty port. Upgrade an existing Trade Post aligned to the faction into a Trade Port that now increases Resources and Wealth by five (5). Costs 60 Goodwill. Requires six (6) progress. This will require a Post building slot.

----[ ] Petition Votes. Call in favors and debts on your end to encourage a certain sort of voting preference you would want from a political ally. Convince the faction to contribute all their votes to a specific agenda and alignment next Senate meeting. This will not generate any Goodwill for this faction when tallied. Costs 40 Goodwill. Requires four (4) progress. Only applicable to United Empire Houses.
-----[ ] Requires Desired vote alignment.

Requires at least Standing: United
----[ ] Military Alliance. Support each other through thick and thin, no matter the occasion, like a true friend ought to. Establish a true alliance of equals in which their enemies are your enemies, that the blood shed by one in conflict is blood shared together. Either on attack or defense, you have each other's back no matter what. Refusing to honor this agreement will incur a significant Goodwill loss with other powers. Costs 60 Goodwill. Requires six (6) progress. Will replace Defense Treaty and Non-Aggression Pact.

----[ ] Trade District. With the final parts of integrated nearing completion, declare the process a success and recognize your new duel citizens. Upgrade an existing Trade Port aligned to the faction into a Trade District that now also increases Military and Influence by five (5). Additionally, it will house two (2) unique hybrid units that will be recruited upon completion. Requires six (6) progress. This will require a Chain building slot.

--[ ] [Diplomacy] Establish Claim. Spread the word and push forward a narrative among the others that your people have rightful ownership to a system, to muddy the waters when others claim otherwise. Gain a claim to a galactic system. Requires six (6) progress.
-----[ ] Requires System

--[ ] [Diplomacy] Colonial Expansion. Begin to attract and gather people looking for a fresh start. Back their efforts and begin to slowly immigrate them to a new system, funneling resources to them while they get setup. Begin to found a colony on a new system. Requires eight (8) progress, time may increase based on system size and potential other claims.
-----[ ] Requires System

Spoiler: Stewardship Tasks

--[ ] [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

Spoiler: Building Chains

----[ ] 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.

----[ ] Solarium Forge. A monastery-forge that orbits around the local star, the only place in which the secret alloy of the Helmsmen may be created by skilled Prisms. It is both a place of worship and a place of industry at the same time, producing sacred solarium for use across the stars. Increases Resources and Influence by five (5).

----[ ] 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 two (2). 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

Spoiler: Troop Costs

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

Spoiler: Drydock Costs

Destroyers: Increases Military by four (4). Decrease Resources and Wealth by four (4). Requires four (4) progress.
Cruisers: Increases Military by six (6). Decrease Resources and Wealth by six (6). Requires six (6) progress.

----[ ] Plane Factory. Erect massive and large warehouses, then fill them with the necessary specialist equipment for building jet aircraft. Each plane is laboriously worked on as an individual product with a dedicated team, every feature given only the best attention and focus as possible. After all, it is the trainee pilots in the adjacent airfield that will soon be entrusting their lives to these planes, so no mistakes or skips can be tolerated. Increases Military by four (4). Decrease Resources and Wealth by four (4). Requires six (6) progress. This may be taken multiple times with different specializations.
-----[ ] Requires Named Aircraft Chassis

-----[ ] 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.

-----[ ] Space Terminal. Flatten out a large lot of land, reducing hills and mountains into plains if need be. Then build upon it, putting together a grand airport with multiple airstrips for both military and civilian craft. It is from here that one arrives to this part of space, and then catches a flight to elsewhere in the system. Increases Military by six (6). Decreases Wealth and Influence by six (6). Housing for one (1) regiment. Berth for one (1) destroyer. Basing for three (3) wings. 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

Spoiler: Building Posts

----[ ] Sunrise Bank. Accounts now guaranteed under government-subsidized insurance! Open an account today, withdraw your money a galaxy away! Increases Wealth by three (3). Decreases Resources by one (1). 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.

----[ ] City Airport. There exists a flourishing market for private single-seat aircraft, for either recreational purposes or a little bit of personal safety. Just be sure to have the IFF on in civilized space, or else. Increases Military by two (2). Decreases Wealth and Influence by two (2). Berth for one (1) wing. Requires four (4) progress.

Spoiler: Intrigue Tasks

--[ ] [Intrigue] Infiltrate Spies. Send in covert agents to infiltrate a faction's bureaucracy or hierarchy, either individual spies or teams of operatives working together to begin a plot. Increases Spy count in target faction by two (2). Requires four (4) progress.
---[ ] Requires Target Faction

--[ ] [Intrigue] Establish Cells. Establish contact with discontented parties and begin to discretely send them support, from plain and generic assets to subject experts willing to train sympathizers. Increase Cell count in target faction by two (2). Requires four (4) progress.
---[ ] Requires Target Faction

--[ ] [Intrigue] Reveal Orders. Have spies quietly break into private offices and servers to obtain top-secret orders of a specific power. Grants knowledge of a faction's planned actions based on operational success. Minimum one (1) Spy. Each additional Spy assigned increases operational success. Requires four (4) progress.
---[ ] Requires Target Faction
----[ ] Number of Spies Committed

--[ ] [Intrigue] Incite Unrest. Agitate the local dissidents into making their voices heard in a more direct manner, conveniently providing targets of opportunity for them to lash out against. Faction's planned actions will be inflicted a negative modifier depending on operational success. Minimum one (1) Cell. Each additional Cell assigned increases operational success. Requires four (4) progress.
---[ ] Requires Target Faction
----[ ] Number of Cells Committed

--[ ] [Intrigue] Military Salvage. Have some of the more volatile troublemakers start rattling military targets, forcing deployment and perhaps even conflict. From there, have your spies discretely observe their operations while also paying handsomely for recovered salvage to study back home. Gain insight into a power's military structure and doctrines based on operational success. Minimum one (1) Spy and two (2) Cells. Each additional Spy and Cell assigned increases operational success. Requires six (6) progress.
---[ ] Requires Target Faction
----[ ] Number of Spies and Cells Committed

--[ ] [Intrigue] Disillusion Voters. Stir up a storm of sour feelings and negative attitudes towards the current regime through infiltrated agents spreading misinformation. Add in a spice of chaos from political violence, and suddenly the people don't feel like supporting their current government. Reduce a power's Senate votes depending operational success. Minimum (2) Spies and one (1) Cell. Each additional Spy and Cell assigned increases operational success. Requires six (6) progress.
---[ ] Requires Target Faction
----[ ] Number of Spies and Cells Committed

--[ ] [Intrigue] Diplomatic Incident. Plot and conspire a significant diplomatic incident to occur under this power's jurisdiction, perhaps even souring relations between them and another. If it gets large enough, it could even be the spark for open conflict! Sabotage relationships between two factions based on operational success. Minimum (2) Spies and two (2) Cells. Every additional two (2) Spies and Cells assigned increases operational success. Requires eight (8) progress.
---[ ] Requires Target Faction (and other Faction)
----[ ] Number of Spies and Cells Committed

Spoiler: Learning Tasks

--[ ] [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

Spoiler: Troop Units

---[ ] 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.

--[ ] [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 Type

Spoiler: 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.
---[ ] Warship. Humongous and heavily armed voidships that are not subtle in the very least. It is said that calling one to arms is all but a declaration of war. Requires eight (8) 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.

--[ ] [Learning] Consecrate Order. Begin to gather Brilliance Knights under the formation of a new Order to add them to your active forces. Once supplied properly with a planned selection equipment and recruits, they will enthusiastically take on their sworn roles and fight in your name. Requires eight (8) progress.

--[ ] [Learning] System Expedition. Organize a research and scout team to travel afar and study a system beyond your current borders. They will conduct a full survey and report back anything of interest. Requires minimum two (2) progress, time may increase based on system size.
-----[ ] Requires System

--[ ] [Learning] Visit the Academies. Send somebody to go to the Imperial Academies and peruse their records or listen in on lectures to gain insights on the general progress of technology around the United Empire. Then see if you can't perhaps bring some of that back and adopt it to your people. Research option. Cost varies.
-----[ ] Requires Civic or Military focus.

--[ ] [Learning] Awaken Solarium. The unique material of your people has strong cultural and religious significance owing to its empowering nature. Work with it now to unlock more of its potential for exploitation. Research option. Cost varies.
-----[ ] Requires Civic or Military focus.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------​

- You will note that you actually have two flavors of research options. This is so that if you wanted, you could assign multiple characters to different research paths at the same time.
- Imperial Technology will lean towards more standardized and regular improvements that would always be pretty straightforward. Meanwhile, Solarium Technology is much more experimental and flavorful to make your people truly more unique. Pick whatever one you like, along with either a civic or military focus.

14 hour moratorium to make a cycle plan ​

 

[Lukepop]

Thank you very much for the update Celeshiro, it always makes my day more interesting!

Spoiler: Questions

Does "Visit the Imperial Academies" count as always being in our capital or is it like a diplo-mission?

Related, does "Awaken Solarium" always cou as being in our capital?

We have several options here. I'd like to start the Lycoris Sanctuary now so we can see what it does, but that will cap our max Wealth at 23 until we start getting trade routes or removing factories from the Andernia system. Without the Sanctuary our max possible Wealth is 27 at the moment.

Building enough Goodwill for a trade route and colonising both take a really long time so I'd kinda like to have Radana just stick to diplomacy from here on out. If we assume she's on diplomacy then we have three agents left to work with. Maybe Violet can explore whilst Kat builds a bank, and Dorothea builds the Sanctuary?

If we do that I'm still really split on what exactly Kat should do diplomatically. I want to build Goodwill with our neighbours but us settling near them might cause them to start getting unfriendly with us. It's worth noting that since they are a regular house they will be the easiest to build a trade route with - great houses cost twice as much Goodwill for any with a Goodwill cost.

It might also be good to colonise Calenwyrm - it's gonna have something like 14.5 Wealth once the first city goes down, and before any banks or anything are built. Might be enough to pass the Wealth checks for the second issue. And the more systems that pass the better for House Sol's Wealth stat - which is better for us.

Like I said I'm very split so I'd appreciate other people's thoughts on the plan for this cycle - even more so than usual.

 

[Celeshiro]

You know what? I think I'm going to shake things a bit by changing how Wealth works outside of systems. Old method of "first bonus/situational" is a bit too wonky for me, and seeing how as ya'll are building it high, let's buff it a bit more. Let's have this adjustment going on:

Character actions have a wealth bonus from the closest system related to the task at hand at all times. It'll be the highest if distance is tied between two systems. It means that generally unless you build them up, the actions should still take some time but not so long. It'll also help motivate to further develop intermediary systems instead of just leaving them be if wealth is only one-time.

Does "Visit the Imperial Academies" count as always being in our capital or is it like a diplo-mission?

Related, does "Awaken Solarium" always cou as being in our capital?

Click to shrink...

All Research options will get bonus from the capital.

 

[SCPAIC]

i think we should begin to clam the newly explored system and prepare a colonial expansion, ohh! and tech alll of the tech

 

[Thule]

Before we start doing colonial expansion, we should make sure all the worlds in our system are in a good state, and if they are, then we start doing it

 

[Lukepop]

[ ] Plan P1P2: Who dares, wins.
-[ ] [Character] Violet d'Iris, Solar
--[ ] [Learning] System Expedition. Organize a research and scout team to travel afar and study a system beyond your current borders. They will conduct a full survey and report back anything of interest. Requires minimum two (2) progress, time may increase based on system size.
-----[ ] Asenmach
-[ ] [Character] Radana, Chrysathenum Knight
--[ ] [Diplomacy] Colonial Expansion. Begin to attract and gather people looking for a fresh start. Back their efforts and begin to slowly immigrate them to a new system, funneling resources to them while they get setup. Begin to found a colony on a new system. Requires eight (8) progress, time may increase based on system size and potential other claims.
-----[ ] Calenwyrm
-[ ] [Character] Kat, Hyacinth Prism
--[ ] [Stewardship] Construct Post.
---[ ] Bastion
----[ ] Sunrise Bank. Accounts now guaranteed under government-subsidized insurance! Open an account today, withdraw your money a galaxy away! Increases Wealth by three (3). Decreases Resources by one (1). Requires four (4) progress.
-[ ] [Character] Dorothea, Lycoris Knight
--[ ] [Stewardship] Construct Chain.
---[ ] Bastion
----[ ] 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.

Spoiler: Notes

So this is a bit of a gamble, that Radana won't finish the colony before the council vote. Or that if she does that Calenwyrm (with about 14.5 Wealth) will still pass the check. If we want to be more conservative we can put Radana onto building Goodwill with someone - probably our neighbours.

I just don't want to use our characters inefficiently. With Violet, and particularly Dorothea, thats kinda tough, but Radana has a ton of diplo-work to do.

Spoiler: Dorothea and Learning/Stewardship Aides

I do like Dorothea a decent bit as a character but I really, really wish the original questers had picked a learning or a 2nd Stewardship aide over her. Intrigue is cool but it's always a gamble. Stewardship and Learning are basically just good. Learning is always good!

It would be all good if we had a learning or Stewardship Aide *and* Dorothea, but our action economy just doesn't feel like it has the space for her and Violet to both do intrigue stuff at the same time. I'm guessing the future is going to be a lot of Dorothea doing intrigue/Martial whilst Violet is the backup Stewardship/Learning character. I know that's probably not how the quest would be most fun given our characters but I just can't see how we can progress where we need to otherwise. Giving away two out of 4 characters at a time to intrigue is... its a lot.

Honestly Im not complaining, despite how it might sound. This is a consequence of the choices the questers made early on, and it does leave us with two good battlegroup leaders and a lot of flexibility and power when it does come to intrigue. Dorothea isn't a bad character by any means. She's not as good as Kat or Violet but she's not bad. She just does not fit what we need her to do most of the time.

[ ] Plan P1P2: Besties in-system
-[ ] [Character] Dorothea, Lycoris Knight
--[ ] [Learning] System Expedition.
-----[ ] Asenmach
-[ ] [Character] Kat, Hyacinth Prism
--[ ] [Stewardship] Construct Post.
---[ ] Bastion
----[ ] Sunrise Bank.
-[ ] [Character] Radana, Chrysathenum Knight
--[ ] [Stewardship] Construct Post.
---[ ] Bastion
----[ ] Sunrise Bank.
-[ ] [Character] Violet d'Iris, Solar Queen
--[ ] [Stewardship] Construct Chain.
---[ ] Bastion
----[ ] Lycoris Sanctuary.

Spoiler: Notes

This plan is more about what will be mentally good for the characters than about their specific skills. Violet needs Radana around for a while - so this plan puts them together in the same city. Outside of that, this plan does finish off all the civilian development for Andernia, which is good, but doesn't have Radana doing what she's good at.

Dorothea is also slightly better at Stewardship than she is at learning so she should really be building. Violet had a decent score at Stewardship and Learning, and Kat is two points better at Stewardship than she is at Learning but shes very good at both.

Beyond it being mechanically sub-optimal I also don't like this plan because it conflicts with our characters values. In their culture, they are in power because they are the best choices for it and have taken on the responsibility. This plan is them shirking responsibility, to an extent, for their own desires.

In regards to the development of the system, civilian development will basically be maxed out once we build a bank post in Bastion and The Marquisate, as well as a Lycoris Sanctuary chain in one of our cities with a free spot. I think Bastion is a good spot because it has many open building slots.
If you have any criticisms, questions, thoughts or alternate plans - please share! I really enjoy engaging with this thread.

 

[Celeshiro]

As a heads-up, the "Wealth check" from the bill (if it passes) will take the average of House Iris wealth across all systems. It's only if you fail that then will I roll against each system to see where the issues for you personally have arisen.

 

[Lukepop]

[X] Plan P1P2: Broad spectrum work.
-[X] [Character] Violet d'Iris, Solar
--[X] [Learning] System Expedition.
-----[X] Asenmach
-[X] [Character] Radana, Chrysathenum Knight
--[X] [Diplomacy] Goodwill Mission. Send diplomats armed and equipped with some expensive gifts to another in hopes of improving a positive relationship with them. Generate five (5) Goodwill with another faction. Requires four (4) progress.
---[X] House Archon
-[X] [Character] Kat, Hyacinth Prism
--[X] [Stewardship] Construct Post.
---[X] Bastion
----[X] Sunrise Bank.
-[X] [Character] Dorothea, Lycoris Knight
--[X] [Stewardship] Construct Chain.
---[X] Bastion
----[X] Lycoris Sanctuary.

Since Celeshiro mentioned the Wealth checks would take an average I personally think we should temporarily delay the colonization effort until cycle 18 or 19.

Because of that I believe we should put Radana onto generating Goodwill with our neighbour so that we can, hopefully, eventually get a trade deal and a non-aggression pact with them. I'm still unsure if they will hate us because of their desire to be left alone - but I also don't want to cause a war with them when we settle Asenmach. I think/hope they will understand the necessity of diplomacy but maybe not.

Celeshiro, if I may ask, can we make pacts with House Sol and what "rate" do we spend Goodwill with them? x2 like a Great House?

 

[Thule]

[X] Plan P1P2: Broad spectrum work.

 

[KingCrimson1081]

[X] Plan P1P2: Broad spectrum work.

 

[SCPAIC]

[X] Plan P1P2: Broad spectrum work.

may i suggest switching out system exploration with civ tech?