For a moment, Radana was sorely tempted. What diplomat wasn't? After all, it was definitely far easier to convince others when you had a warship or two in your pocket. Fielding those was every little girl's dream, to be able to feel the weight of war in space itself from its overwhelming presence. There was a good reason why they were a declaration of power in themselves.
But in the end, she managed to catch herself and typed out a strong suggestion of reconsideration to the ruling city council. While they clearly had grand ambitions for being the jewel of House Iris, at some point they had to stop simply looking pretty and actually begin using it to draw it tourists for money. Partnering with even more military production companies wasn't going to cut the trick when the quality itself was questionable.
Yes, that was how she'd frame it. To work with already existing infrastructure, the grand jaw-dropping Coral Parade, and make it even better. Humanity could only refine so much when there was an abundance of natural beauty about on the planet, eternal hurricane notwithstanding. Hm, perhaps she'd take a page of her best friend's book and slip some aspiring artist a casual suggestion to work that into whatever mascot redesign they settle on.
"Good evening everybody! This is Sundown News, broadcasting live from Mars! Your number one trusted news source for occurrences across the stars, covering everything everyday! We're glad to have you with us, so settle in and get ready to hear what's going on about the galaxy today.
No More Acquisitions, Says Archon!
"Following up on our previous piece regarding the ongoing trade conflict between Great House Tyto and Ababil, there has been a shocking development. A new party has joined the party, in the form of Great House York announcing they have uncovered and revealed a shocking conspiracy by Ababil to sabotage the economic development of House Archon, Tyto's vassal state! Almost instantly, Archon announced widespread arrests being carried out with positive identification and confirmation of these saboteurs.
"But that didn't seem to be enough, according to a joint statement between Tyto, Archon, and York. In a shocking show of unity, spurred on perhaps by the attempt, they have announced a total economic embargo of Great House Ababil and invite all those displeased with the 'greed and hunger of the vulture' to join them so. This is a frankly shocking development, and we are pleased to capture the moment of this rare cooperation between such powerful members of the United Empire. Listen to the representative from House York now."
"We are aware that there are a great many things that our Houses don't see eye to eye on. But we do it openly and honestly! This cowardly subversion on the part of Ababil is unbecoming of a Great House, especially when they dare to harm that under other's aegis! We stand in solidarity with friends across the stars against this terrorism, and insist all who feel similarly to consider standing with us so."
"A fiery declaration for sure, but one wonders how effective it'll actually be. Expert economists from Pluto are predicting only the slightest of dips for stocks based in Great House Ababil, citing their considerable accumulated hoard. Here's one of them now."
"While we cannot deny that what has happened is disgraceful, one really has to wonder if this reaction will accomplish much. It's almost akin to whining to the teachers about bullying, and them giving a sternly worded warning in response. The dip does exist but it seems more conciliatory than anything significant. I expect that if the matter does not escalate, the affair should be forgotten soon."
"Bold words, but I trust in our analysts' expertise. We'll keep you updated if it does escalate, so do make sure you are subscribed to our StarNet Alerts as well. Now onto our next feature piece."
Orochi Militants: A Growing Threat?
"To the average viewer at home, the strong warrior culture of Great House Orochi needs no introduction. But what if we were to say that it's now become a potential source of downfall for them? We have received worrying news from affiliate stations based in their territory that there has been an uptick in discontent within their borders. Various militia groups have declared themselves new blocs of power that are trying to amass enough strength to make a difference internally across Orochi's planets.
"While internal discontent and struggle is hardly new with Orochi's culture, what is more concerning is a seeming lack of effective control and response on the part of the government. The videos you are seeing now are showing the aftermath of these militia attacks on factories and banks affiliated with the ruling power, and they are not pretty. Each attack has multiple groups stepping up to proudly take responsibility over media channels, eventually inciting an official response from a representative of Great House Orochi."
"These attacks are on defenseless targets who have no means of protection. This is not a trial of strength as our tradition claims- it is slaughter! We will not show any hesitation in severe prosecution of these groups, and pursue further action against whoever supports them! This is what true strength means!"
"We here at Sundown News can only wish them and their victims the best, but even we must ask: is this what their culture means, or is this cannibalism? This leads into our next piece, stay tuned."
Opinion Piece: Orochi, The Strong Rule
"With the upcoming potential military action against the Free States, it is expected that Orochi will spearhead the campaign with their continued support for House Kelon. It is rare for a Great House and their vassal to be so closely aligned, but it seems to be that with Kelon even being granted the honor of working with Orochi's genetic machines, one of their people's greatest discoveries. This brings us to tonight's debate: what is the purpose of this seeming obsession with strength? Our guests are anonymous, as always, so let's begin the discussion."
"Ah, ah, is this on? It is! Okay, I am- oh, I can't say that, can I? Well, let's just say I'm somebody whose served with House Orochi mercenaries on the field. I can say that, right? Guess so. Right, let me begin by saying that this pursuit of 'strength' is massively, massively oversimplified for those outside their culture. What they say in reference to their dedication to the craft has so many layers of context that you can only learn after serving with them on the battlefield after many years."
"What do you mean? Could you explain?"
"I can try to, but you'll have to bear with a bit of rambling. It all has to do with how they survived the Age of Troubles, see? Their capital planet, their home, it's located in a nasty place where pirates would come and pillage them often. They could barely go a few cycles without getting what must be a pirate armada coming by to shake them up for all they've got, and killing those who fight back. But here's the thing, if you've ever known anybody from there- Orochi's awfully stubborn bastards. Oh, oops."
"We'll advise view discretion due to strong language. Continue on."
"Sorry. But yeah, so they stop getting angry and start getting clever. Instead of giving up when they lose, they stew on it. Start reviewing what went wrong, how they can get stronger. Each and every time those pirates came around for an annual teeth kicking, they still met them on, then limped away spitting blood. They realize, cleverly, they're getting closer with every iteration, the line coming closer to the day of reckoning. All they need is to keep pushing that edge, chasing more advantages, finding that little bit of extra strength where it matters, from genes, machine, or weapons.
"It doesn't matter, if it can help them win, they'll learn it and master it, those mad folk. Talking and forming alliances between the families, engineering to rig up bigger guns, shadow work to learn when the pirates are weakest, everything. They get so busy that they can't even bother having kids and start using machines to do it for them, repurposed tech from their decadent founders. Man, it was really weird when I tried hitting up some of them for the first time and they were genuinely confused about what 'going to your room' really meant- oh, I'm getting distracted!
"So the day finally comes and the pirates show up, filled to the brim with loot and wanting to do a little hunting to blow things off. Then here comes House Orochi, striking even before these raiders realize, and taking their armada. You'd think it was the end of it, but it wasn't. Because the way they see it, they aren't done. They've only won this time, but what about the next time? If they get sloppy and complacent like their ancestors back in the Age of Expansion, it'll happen again, a new Age of Troubles for them! So they're determined to keep honing their edge, now with experience, for whatever awaits them next."
"I see. So this pursuit of strength is not necessarily just a martial aspect, but in everything that surrounds the battle itself. This does tie into many wondering why some genetic manipulations and cybernetics seem to focus on other areas other than power. Thank you for this insight. Now then, our next speaker."
"MURDERERS! KILLERS!"
"W-what? Please keep your tone down!"
"House Orochi are nothing but a bunch of butchers! They'll cut up anything that doesn't fit with their model of the ideal warrior! Ethics, society, bodies, it'll all carve up one and the same! See how their vassals 'shift' to better fucking fit their ideals over time through their manipulation!"
"Calm down-"
"Oh, you wanna have a fucking go? How many of those lesser Houses were mired so deep in corruption and up their own arse to speak in shit? How many did Orochi forcibly rip from their idiot isolation to face the wider galaxy?!"
"Not as many I'm sure they kill regularly in their own laboratories because they weren't 'ideal!'"
"THAT'S A FUCKING DISGUSTING MYTH BY YORK, YOU RACIST-"
"Ahem. I apologize to all our viewers for that outburst. As per Sundown News policy, I will inform you that Orochi's latest self-reported laboratory terminations average less than 5% of all successful embryos. More importantly, they were almost always done in compliance of local laws that excluded certain 'unstable genes' from forming that could induce premature early cell instability and degradation. Let's cut to commercial break now to let that stew on and cool our heads."
"Hey. Discount Daniel here. You ever hear about that solarium stuff and want a sniff? Well I've got the next best thing, it's called danium, and it's even better! What, did you think it was weaker? Fuck you, who's asking? Anyway, how it works is that you give me your credits, all your credits, then I'll send you a black suitcase with the stuff in it. Totally not suspicious, absolutely legit. You should hear our customer testimonies once they're done riding the high, and totally not in the ICU for overdose! If you're interested, hit me up at this number here, and worry not. I will always take your credits, guaranteed!"
- Let's try making colored text for the news segment speakers to make them a bit more legible. Hope they are.
- I'll put up a Calenwyrm System Sheet soon, congratulations on your first expansion! Here's hoping it won't be your last.
- Also to clarify, all those militants definitely weren't yours. Violet would definitely know, but seems like she's not the only one with a similar idea.
Calenywrm I
A dry and planet mostly devoid of water, due to its sister planet constantly sucking it up via a natural hydrophillic pull. Even so, the natural flora has adapted to it by trapping what little water they can obtain to feed themselves. It's not recommended to try and build a pool though.
Industry
Resources
Wealth
Influence
Military
0
16
8
0
0
Calenwyrm II
A lush and tropical island world that is only slightly spoiled by an eternal hurricane that travels the equator. It is a unique phenomenon born of the unique water-attraction mechanics of the atmosphere that pull all moisture from its sister planet to drown in here. Thankfully flooding is not as common when one gets further away, so paradise can still be built.
Industry
Resources
Wealth
Influence
Military
10
7
6.5
13
0
Kingsdream: A rich capital city said to be modeled after the idyllic dream of many a monarch over the years. Though their visions may differ, the luxury presented to tourists certainly must come close to whatever they had wished for. Industry: 5 Max Buildings: 3
Prydwen Serol: The sister city for those less inclined to amuse foreigners from afar. Instead, they look to amuse themselves with different sorts of pursuits.
We need to jump the opportunity we been handed in regards to Archon. If we're quick we might we get them as allies and if we're lucky we might get them to leave Ababil , if we're very lucky they might join us, and if we are extremely extremely we be able to outright annex them without any fuss.
With that in mind I propose that Violet and Radana are to be turned towards Archon, with the intent to sabotage their relations ship with Ababil and better ours with theirs. Kat and Dorothea will continue with Callenwyrm, with Dorothea maybe pulling double duty.
We need to jump the opportunity we been handed in regards to Archon. If we're quick we might we get them as allies and if we're lucky we might get them to leave Ababil , if we're very lucky they might join us, and if we are extremely extremely we be able to outright annex them without any fuss.
Wrong Great House, Tyto are Archon's protectors. Ababil was the one who stirred up the mess with them last time, and York's getting involved in a move to back the small folk.
Wrong Great House, Tyto are Archon's protectors. Ababil was the one who stirred up the mess with them last time, and York's getting involved in a move to back the small folk.
You closed your eyes while the commercial from Discount Daniel played over the news network. Radana moved for you instead, her fingers shutting down the broadcast playing on your desk to give you some quiet. It was a welcomed and comfortable silence where you could hear yourself think. Perhaps a bit literally with all the different voices carefully dissecting and analyzing the situation to figure out what was really going on, and how to manipulate it so.
After a few minutes, your eyes opened and you glanced at your trusted aide. Radana recognized the prompt and cleared her throat, her own opinions likely bouncing about in her head. She opened with a careful neutral statement to test the waters. "That was way too messy to be you."
"Absolutely. While you could argue there to be purpose to sabotaging industrial and wealth facilities, doing so directly is juvenile and amateur." You sniffed and shook your head. "An unrefined operation smashes the tools, then leaves. A deeper conspiracy steals the tools, and frames the toolmaker."
"The militia groups are still active, so they could wreck more trouble."
"But they've already overplayed their hand and revealed themselves. Orochi has taken notice," you bluntly declared. "They undoubtedly will begin to crack down now that it's become such a mess in public. You heard them, they aren't playing about anymore, not after how sloppy it all was. They'll destroy those militias."
"I see." The diplomat put a hand to her chin in thought. "What are the odds they'll figure out who was behind them? Will they announce it?"
"It'll depend on how they pursue destroying these groups. Outright military action is likely, but it's also the least likely to truly unearth the groups' backers." You drummed your fingers against your desk. "Not that they'll care either way, to be quite honest. The damage is already done and tensions are heating up. It's also already plain who caused these."
That caught Radana by surprise and her head snapped to yours with wide eyes. "Really?"
You frowned, confused. "It is. Did you not catch it?"
Your best friend stared and shook her head. You clucked your tongue and brought up a recording of the news broadcast, rewinding the footage. Then you paused exactly on a single frame and pointed. "There, right there. That's our culprits."
Radana leaned in and gave a slow blink. "That's the press conference between Archon, Tyto, and York." A moment's pause, then her jaw dropped. "Wait, surely you're not implying-"
"But it's obviously so," you repeated, still befuddled by how it wasn't plain to anybody with a modicum of dabbling in the shadows. "A sponsored attack on this scale requires more than just the efforts of a single Great House. Even I'd be hard pressed to orchestra so many at once. So naturally, we must look for a pair of suspects and what better than the ones who just formed a brief friendship?"
She hissed, looking properly riled up now. Her fingers began to match yours, beating a pattern into the desk while her diplomatic skills came in. "An alliance between Tyto and York is dangerous. Ababil and Orochi would be inclined to ally together in response, and that's the United Empire split horrifically in half. If it escalates from there, forget the Free States campaigns. We'd have the Great Houses tearing at one another in a schism!"
"Yes," you calmly agreed and held up a hand. "But that depends on if the situation develops further. As I mentioned, this is currently looking to just be a quick and dirty fling, bonding over defending House Archon. We'd have to see if they want to go in for a repeat performance.
"More to the point, Ababil and Orochi don't have great ties yet. Though if the two pressure them so, they might drift together without intervention." You exhaled noisily through your nose. "This could be a chance ourselves to spark something if we want to isolate one of the two. I'm not quite sure it's a good idea though on the cusp of a campaign."
Radana winced and nodded wordlessly. Then she jabbed a finger at the final party involved in all this. "What about Archon? Do you think they had a part to play?"
You hummed, then tilted your head. "No. They focused entirely against Ababil, so they wouldn't have the energies to also tackle Orochi at the same time," you concluded after some consideration. "Though at the same time, I do have to put a pin on their behavior on the boards. York's definitely earned some degree of gratitude from them by helping them out, so they might be swayed in their direction."
"Much to Tyto's dismay if they care," murmured the Camellia Knight. "Which could also be something that drives the friendship apart, and even more if Archon decides they'd like a new liege who actually helped them out."
"I wouldn't count on it yet, but again. Pin on the board." You leaned back in your office chair and sighed deeply. "We're on the cusp of a possible campaign against the Free States, and everybody's already at each other's throats. I suppose this is ever a constant regardless of whatever United Empire we find ourselves in."
"It's enough to make me want to drink. Some blossom tea?"
"Please. We have a lot of work to do."
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.
--[ ] [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)
-----[ ] 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
---[ ] 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 name or Existing Battlegroup name.
--[ ] [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
---[ ] 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
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 four (4) 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 six (6) 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 four (4) 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 four (4) 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 four (4) 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
--[ ] [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
----[ ] 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). Requires five (5) 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 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
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. 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.
----[ ] Stellar Archive. To preserve and safeguard sacred knowledge in this chaotic times, the librarians must take up arms themselves to defend them so. So are the Brilliance Knights charged with this holy duty, gathering and training in these hallowed halls to serve. Increases Influence and Military by two (2). Decreases Resources and Wealth by six (6). Requires eight (8) progress. Housing for two (2) elites (Brilliance Knights). Berth for one (1) destroyer. -----[ ] Requires Named Order
--[ ] [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 three (3). Decreases Resources by one (1). Requires four (4) progress.
----[ ] Stellar Mall. Groceries, clothes, electronics, firearms, ships, and so much more from across the galaxy! If something's not in stock, just place an order and we'll ship it for pickup to your nearest location- for a small fee. Increases Influence by four (4). Decreases Resources by one (1) and Wealth 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.
----[ ] 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.
--[ ] [Stewardship] Upgrade Building. Commence extensive renovations and extensively remodel existing structures into augmented versions of themselves. Cost varies. ---[ ] Requires Target City
----[ ] Requires Upgrade Choice
----[ ] Solar Drydock. Ornately decorated shrines made of solarium batteries now provide the energy necessary for zero-g construction, greatly reducing operation costs while adding a sense of ceremony to ship-building. Upgrade for Void Drydock. Increases Resources by half of Resources consumption. Decreases Influence by half of Resources consumption. Requires six (6) progress.
----[ ] Riluo Bank. Low on credits? No problem, Riluo Bank has the best loan deals this side of the galaxy! Talk to us now and get a new account interest discount! Upgrade for Sunrise Bank. Decreases Resources by one (1). Increases Wealth by two (2). Requires six (6) progress.
--[ ] [Stewardship] Production Retool. Instead of building entirely new factories, spend time reworking existing production lines to refit to new kits. Cost varies. Will be more time-consuming the more different the swap is. ---[ ] Requires Target City
----[ ] Requires Target Building (and Rework)
--[ ] [Stewardship] Abandon Building. Foreclose and bulldoze over occupied land to ready it for fresh projects. Cost is equal to half the construction time, minimum two (2). ---[ ] Requires Target City
----[ ] Requires Target Building
--[ ] [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 four (4) 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 six (6) progress. ---[ ] Requires Target Faction (and other Faction)
----[ ] Number of Spies and Cells Committed
--[ ] [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
---[ ] 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
---[ ] 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.
- So as a reminder, these are only just the sparks of anything. It could develop into something, it could fizzle into nothing. It all depends on the dice and whatever happens before the next set of faction orders pops. I think it's an interesting and exciting dynamic that a webmaker like Violet would delight in.
- No, House Iris can't send a Cease and Desist to Discount Daniel. He's too powerful.
Ah yes, The True Villain of the quest - copyright infringement.
I have two plans. Unsure which I prefer. I am curious how folks feel, or if people want to pursue a different direction.
[ ] Plan P3P1: Cruiser Concerns
-[ ] [Character] Dorothea, Lycoris Knight
--[ ] [Stewardship] Production Retool. Instead of building entirely new factories, spend time reworking existing production lines to refit to new kits. Cost varies. Will be more time-consuming the more different the swap is. ---[ ] New Helm
----[ ] Solar Drydock (Wisteria-class Destroyer) --> Solar Drydock (Corona-Class Cruiser)
-[ ] [Character] Radana, Chrysanthemum Knight
--[ ] [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. ---[ ] House Archon
[ ] Plan P3P1: Duty and
-[ ] [Character] Dorothea, Lycoris Knight
--[ ] [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. ---[ ] Kingsdream
----[ ] 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. -[ ] [Character] Radana, Chrysanthemum Knight
--[ ] [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. ---[ ] House Archon
I wonder if we could send out people to buy examples of all the houses ships. So we can use those and tear them apart to reverse engineer anything we don't have.
Well with that misunderstanding my plan went straight out the window. But worry not, i have a new plan, a most ingenious plan.
[ ]Plan: Hort hears a who?
-[ ] [Character] Radana, Chrysanthemum Knight
--[ ] [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. ---[ ] Kingsdream
----[ ] 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 -[ ] [Character] Dorothea, Lycoris Knight
--[ ] [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. ---[ ] House Archon
I wonder if we could send out people to buy examples of all the houses ships. So we can use those and tear them apart to reverse engineer anything we don't have.
The versions that get sold on the public market are definitely tuned down a bit from the military versions, probably by several marks compared to what you are using. There's also civilian modules in place of others, they don't really need the military hanger bay options. And remember that cruisers are usually the highest range for consumer options, hence why it's considered "luxurious" to own a hull that size.
[X] Plan P3P1: Duty and Respect
-[X] [Character] Dorothea, Lycoris Knight
--[X] [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. ---[X] Kingsdream
----[X] 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. -[X] [Character] Radana, Chrysanthemum 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
Kat is going to finish the bank upgrade this cycle, and Dorothea has a very good (but not guaranteed) chance of finishing the Reliquary in one cycle. I'm assuming we'll have at least two cycles to prepare for the war. If we have two characters work on it, like Dorothea and Kat then maybe Dorothea and Violet, we'll finish the cruiser by the time cycle 32 finishes. If we have Kat work on Calenwyrm's economy/military basing during that time, we should also be building the first chain basing in the system - if not already recruiting the units for it.
[X]Plan: Hort hears a who?
-[X] [Character] Radana, Chrysanthemum Knight
--[X] [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. ---[X] Kingsdream
----[X] 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 -[X] [Character] Dorothea, Lycoris Knight
--[X] [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. ---[X] House Archon
Mostly because we've already got spies out so I'm interested in seeing the friendship chain possibilities. May put us in the middle of a political tug of war though.
Great House Orochi- Champion Aspirant
As expected for a martial culture, Orochi elects to lean more into the warrior leadership so demonstrated throughout human history. A curious quirk here though is the insistent on the continued "Aspirant" suffix so prevalent through their echelons of leadership. Expert opinions suggest that this focus indicates an expectation that their own leadership be considered still learning in the ways of war- that even being the top fighter is just not enough to rest on laurels forever.
Great House Ababil- Executive Director
Ababil's obsession with their technologies shines solidly through with how their leadership styles itself like that of a research institution. It does help that their people's elites already adopt a laboratory culture, treating their specialized power suits as just another tool of science. Speculation is rife if this presentation aids in the blunt simplification of various details into raw resources, to be gained and spent and directed so.
Great House Tyto- Silent Paragon
It should be noted that unlike any of the other titles discussed here, Tyto's is of questionable accuracy due to lack of clear translation. This is owing to how their people's leadership ranks have "transcended" the need for clumsy and inaccurate words, instead insisting on the true clarity of transmitted blessed thought. It is said that the higher up one goes, the less they audibly speak and so, the one at the very top is expected to be fully mute. It is unknown how they would feel about thought to speech devices.
Great House York- Grand Mayor
Grand Mayor here refers to the actual elected individual who leads York, not any of the other self-appointed titles among them that include the same label. It is an admittedly confusing rhetoric that leaves others befuddled despite the difference being apparently perfectly clear to their native people. That is before the mention of other leadership titles such as "King Mayor," "Pope Mayor," and "House Mayor."
Please don't use Radana for a Stewardship job. Please. She's our only decent Diplomat and Diplomacy takes so long to do.
It's probably only going to be one cycle, sure, but it's still a waste.
I'm afraid I also really don't understand why people think we should be spying on Archon now, as opposed to all the other chances we had to spy on them. To be fair, I also don't understand why people think spying on Archon is an interesting or efficient action to begin with. I can only read it as paranoia.
These people have been nothing but mildly open and pleasant with us. They're also probably not even that strong considering they seem to control one (1) system.
Scheduled vote count started by Celeshiro on Oct 30, 2024 at 11:18 AM, finished with 9 posts and 6 votes.
[X] Plan P3P1: Duty and Respect -[X] [Character] Dorothea, Lycoris Knight --[X] [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. ---[X] Kingsdream ----[X] 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. -[X] [Character] Radana, Chrysanthemum 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]Plan: Hort hears a who? -[X] [Character] Radana, Chrysanthemum Knight --[X] [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. ---[X] Kingsdream ----[X] 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. -[X] [Character] Dorothea, Lycoris Knight --[X] [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. ---[X] House Archon
I'll take it, P3P1 wins this vote. Thank you all for voting though, I'm encouraged that people care enough to be divided on issues about steering the ship of House Iris.
