I mean we don't know how powerful their tech is, and based on the fact their leader is an A.I. I'd rather err on the side of caution, plus they could be completely incompatible with us on a cultural level, like Orrochi is.
Hm, let's make this fun. Tossing a die here for the success chance of your first rework operation, remember that you do have a +30 from your bonus agents.
Data Reliquary has been built in Kingsdream, increasing Influence by ten (10).
Dorothea looked over at the opening ceremony for the Data Reliquary, which was taking place just across the street. Then she pushed up her sunglasses and took a sip of her King's Tea, soaking in the rhythmic crashing of waves nearby. It was mixed with the joyful laughter of her friends she had brought over, all of them indulging in some private recreation off the books. "Mmh. A vacation is good now and then," she idly declared before ordering another drink. "Hopefully everybody have things well in hand back home."
Sunrise Bank has been upgraded into Riluo Bank in Pendragon, increasing Resources by one (1) and Wealth by three (3).
Hacking was, at this point of human history, a rather old profession ever since the first dataflow was conceived. It has at times changed and adapted to ever-evolving digital security, an eternal arms race between law and crime. It can even take different forms, with an especially popular one being a direct site breach through immediate connection. It was paradoxically the riskiest and easiest option, exposing one's self directly to danger while bypassing most innate external blocks via personal upload of viruses.
On the other hand, a far safer and more reliable method was remote breaching, done usually at a computer terminal far away and using nothing but pure data to force one's way through. It was this method that was employed by most hackers starting out, trying to find exploits in bank systems to steal a few errant credits. While outwardly these financial institutions would denounce such methods and insist on pursing the harshest possible punishment per the law, it was also common for them to subtly approach identified hackers and offer them deals. Sometimes, it was information on how they were breached to quietly patch up exploits. Rarer but not unheard of were some banks putting quiet bounties on rival firewalls, wishing to create scandals for their competition to gain an edge.
So when the primary culprit of the ongoing hack against Riluo Banks had been identified, the individual in question expected a quiet knock on the door with some deniable corporate agents making deals. They, however, did not expect there to be Brilliance Knights there with a single question: compliance, or resistance?
Wisely, the hacker surrendered themselves to the Lycoris Knights. Not long after, the news broke and the people breathed a sigh of relief to hear that their banking accounts were safe thanks to the efforts of their ruling government. More than a few once again praised the reign of the Solar Queen, feeling more reassured than ever that she truly watched over all of them.
House Iris has gained five (5) Goodwill with House Archon. (Total Goodwill: +20)
"Another gift from the knights? What's inside?"
"I haven't the slightest idea," the trader sullenly informed with a grumble. "They didn't tell me anything this time, that smiling lady just saying I'm now a 'trusted courier' for them! What a bother, doesn't she know I'm a merchant?"
"Yet you still delivered."
"Because she paid me some credits," they admitted. "And well, I guess it's on my way, I might as well. It's basically covering the price of fuel."
"I see." The chosen human representative decided to open the package and have a look inside, to make sure it was safe. "Oh goodness, the fine lady definitely has met the Gale. What a thoughtful gift for them."
"What is it?"
"It seems to be a feather fan, but one made with a very colorful assortment of feathers. I wonder- ah, yes, right here. Taken and assembled from an assorted number of avian species found across the United Empire." He hummed before giving a solid nod. "Yes, I believe my master would gratefully accept this, especially since it seems tailored to them."
The trader frowned. "I recall last time the gift of rare computer chips being given off because Gale Valya didn't need them so. Is this perhaps an adjustment from that?"
"Perhaps so! Either way, would you be perhaps interested in making some credits on the way back to House Iris? I daresay Valya would like a chance to pass on a message back, with a gift in return."
United Correspondence- War Room A Not so Small Disaster! OSS Mino Lost to Militants!
In a stunning reversal, it seems that the militia isn't all bark without bite.
As of part of a first wave counterinsurgency effort, the destroyer OSS Mino was sent to provide orbital reconnaissance support for troops belonging to House Orochi. However, it is reported that shortly after the start of operations, the destroyer began to suffer mysterious engine failures. These then began to compound into a serious loss of function across all stations, possibly leading to the crew being stranded in orbit without life support.
Acting Captain Vice-Lieutenant Ajto then made the unorthodox decision to take the destroyer out of orbit and into the planet's cloud layer. However, the cascading power shutdowns continued and against orders, Ajito ordered the destroyer to make an emergency landing in a nearby mountainous region. According to recovered logs, it is speculated that the Vice-Captain believed it possible to repair the ship's systems using a local specialty ore that the region supposedly features.
Contact was lost with OSS Mino after they entered the mountains, the signals being lost in the peaks. Hours later, a panicked distress beacon was picked up and House Orochi attempted to mobilize an emergency response team from present army troops. However, fierce militia resistance on the way slowed their efforts and when they arrived at the area, there was no trace of OSS Mino.
As of now, there is no further information on the whereabouts of OSS Mino. However given the heavy militia presence, it has to be assumed the worst. The latest statement by House Orochi insists the ship is not struck from their lists until proof is presented otherwise. However, the loss of a destroyer represents a significant escalation in militant ability that has been otherwise mundane. It is expected by our expert panel that House Orochi will send reinforcements to suppress the growing uprising.
Operation Small Bite: 40 +30 (More Agents) = 70. Success.
- Unfortunately, the die gave you nothing back in terms of Spies/Cells. But you definitely got the information and while Orochi is aware something is up, they can't pinpoint it on anybody. I'll drop the Minow stats at the start of the next update so Violet can have fun dissecting it.
The loss of one of their ships to mere militants must be an embarrassment for Houde Orochi. How did the militants even board and I assume take over the ship?
The loss of one of their ships to mere militants must be an embarrassment for Houde Orochi. How did the militants even board and I assume take over the ship?
You did. As in, Violet orchestrated everything to domino effect fall perfectly. From training up the militia group in close quarters combat (ideal for storming ships) to subtly giving the captain a bad case of food poisoning (leading to his inexperienced and overeager substitute to panic) to leading a local hacking group to discover Orochi access codes (with relatives in the militia who would surely call upon their expertise).
As for the ship itself, well, the militia group would have realized they don't have the actual know-how on how to use it, nor a purpose for it if they intend to remain local. Not to mention if Orochi found it, they'd sure as hell throw everything to retake it as a matter of pride. On the other hand, the militia also do happen to have a cash debt to the benefactor who sold them the weapons though, and they just so happen to take payment in full wreck salvage.
We're not. This whole organisation was just to get some Intel on their milspecs. Now, we want info on their specs because we - or at least I - reckon that we will come into conflict. Orochi, along with York and Ababil, are warmongers, and I've made it something of a personal mission to bring them down from the heights of their power. Violet also had a talk with the Stellarch about the Great Houses - however long ago.
It did affect what dice I rolled on how many spies/cells you lost (and so what was retained). If it had been a great success, it would have been a d4 loss. This time was a d6 and both just happened to be super high.
As Solar Queen, you did officially have a mailbox for receiving correspondence from your subjects. It wasn't something you recalled advertising, yet that annoyingly didn't stop it from filling up with regular frequency over and over again. There was some actual business sometimes in there, but most of the time it was meaningless stuff like classroom group doodling or little good luck trinkets, that which you couldn't bear to throw away. At best, you resigned yourself to sending it back with a signature or a personal touch like a stamp of House Iris, something to indicate your gratitude for their gifts. Keeping it sadly wasn't an option if you didn't want to start renting warehouses.
However, for gifts that happened to go beyond the mailbox, that certainly warranted something special. And for you to be given two of them in such a short period of time! Though really, there was only one gift from another power. The other was something you more just gave to yourself.
Hm. That came a bit too close to awarding medals to yourself.
"Presenting," announced Radana, deliberately not allowing you time to indulge your brooding, "a gift delivered via trade courier from Gale Valya of House Archon to Violet d'Iris."
You returned your attention back to the moment and rolled your eyes, but there was undeniable interest in your gaze when you looked at the box on your desk. You knew your best friend had obviously taken a peek before to make sure it wasn't anything dangerous and glanced at her for a hint. Frustratingly, her masterful poker face so emblematic of a trained diplomat didn't give away anything, just like it had in the little spy recording you had captured of her checking it. It was truly a surprise to you.
What a rare occurrence.
Deciding you had delayed for long enough, you carefully lifted the lid off the box and beheld what was inside with a raised eyebrow. "My. This looks expensive," you remarked and gingerly lifted a single feather that was laying on the cushion within. A bit of energy channeled through your solarium circuits allowed you to dexterously twirl it about, showing off its surprisingly lightness with little air resistance. "This is obviously synthetic, but there is a quality to it, one that indicates not inconsiderable effort put into its creation. They actually went so far as to add semi-random burrs to make it look natural."
"According to what the courier mentioned, it likely was created by Gale Valya themselves," your aide revealed with a measured nod. "You'll find a letter enclosed in the gift as well, but if you would allow me to summarize both it and its meaning?"
You picked up on the eagerness in her voice and smiled. "By all means."
"According to their own testimony, this feather was one taken from the plumage that Gale Valya's true body is adorned with. It is no simple and thoughtless decoration either- each and every one of them is created according to Valya's own logic pattern, mapping out a complete set with each and every feather perfectly visualized," she eagerly detailed. "Only then is its manufacture ordered and then further personalized. It is even said that Valya makes sure to imbue an essence of wind within each creation, allowing the gusts to settle the final shape.
"Needless to say, my lady, this is a very deeply personal and valuable gift. It is akin to an expensive good luck charm among the people of House Archon, who would view such items as divine gifts."
"Something not unlike solarium then," you considered with a furrowed brow. "How curious, when there's not much energy actually in this one."
"Individually, likely not. It is only combined in great number- like that of Valya's true body- where its potential is manifest." Radana began to pace about, an unseemly indication that she was getting excited about a discussion. "However, more to the point, this is good. Very good, an escalation in diplomatic exchange between us and them."
You blinked, genuinely confused while you set down the gift. "How so? I know for a fact we spent quite a fair bit on those rare chips and feather fan we purchased through House Sol. But while I understand this is an expensive gift in return, it really can't compare. Right?"
"No, it's in fact said to be a form of self fundraising given that Valya can make it themselves whenever they have time. But that's the point!" She emphasized with a wave of the hand. "It's a personal and dedicated gift to reciprocate our generic approaches so far! It is a strong push back to us, subtly suggesting that it's now our turn."
"I really don't get any of this," you complained with a frown. "So what, are they expecting an ingot of solarium made by me in return? I don't think Kat would take kindly to me clumsily forging one such thing, nor would any Prism take it well if I start sharing our people's secrets like that."
"No, obviously not. But there are other things that you surely can gift out, things that could be considered good luck charms by our own people as well." She strode to your desk and placed a finger onto its surface. "Think, about how many gifts you receive, and how often the people think themselves blessed when you acknowledge them. It's the same concept."
"So I should send back the gift with something else?" You dryly retorted before pausing, an idea striking. "Actually, that's not a bad idea." You picked up the feather again and examined the tip carefully. You had an idea, one that surprisingly wouldn't take much effort on your part. Just a quick chat with Kat, who could probably make it half-asleep, then forward the result to Radana to work with.
Just to be sure, you explained your plan to your friend who smiled warmly. "I think that would be a wonderful way to show our people wishing to perhaps grow closer together, one way or another. I look forward to writing the letter to accompany it so."
"Sounds like a plan," you chirped and set aside the gift. Then you waved a hand to summon forth the other gift you had been blessed with as of late. This one definitely wasn't given quite as freely or willingly, given that its corridors were painted with the blood of those who tried to resist its capture.
OSS Mino, the lost destroyer of House Orochi, now sitting smugly in a salvage yard owned by scrappers you financed through a shell company. Radana took in the reveal before glancing your way, a question on her lips, "How many died?"
"Surprisingly, not too many. I did compromise the chief of security by having secret mail leak about their successful conception with their partner's genetic material, so they were torn between dying in glory or living to see their child." You sighed and shook your head. "Then the vice-captain didn't like that and shot them. It was a little nasty quarrel that the militia actually stormed through to break up. Still, the militia captured the vice-captain for their troubles, so they'll have a tidy little ransom to help justify their spending while we take the ship and leave them be."
"I see. Was it worth the trouble?"
"A bit. Here, the initial surveys of what House Orochi's primary destroyers are like."
Radana gaped at the breakdown. "No defenses whatsoever?" She muttered in a disbelieving tone. "Everything committed to war, and not an iota for what comes after!"
"Not just that, but specifically war where glory can be won individually through the efforts of daring pilots." It was a daring concept, one you could actually understand. Though it wasn't yet all-in on being a pure aircraft carrier, given the presence of advanced ballistics. Still, it was tempting and you were half convinced to discretely send a livestream of the ship's vivisection over to Kat to have a crack at. "It's quite a daring reliance on their air power to win in orbit, so that it can also contribute down below."
"It does make me fret though. If this is what their troop ships are like, then for those actually devoted to battles in space, what is their doctrine?"
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.
- First, it's just sending feathers back and forth, then we start tossing trade at one another. Truly, human-AI friendship!
- I'll actually give you an opportunity to 'steal' inspiration from the destroyer being dismantled if you're interested. Perform a Visit the Academy action with a character and some of the options will be taken directly from that.
I have a questions in regards to the stats on these, if I may.
Does the hull have identical stats to our destroyers, except with a defensive system swapped for a hangar? If not, what are it's stats?
What are the stats on the sword cannon mk. 2? Does recovering it give us any new options or buffs to researching better kinetics of our own? Or is this part of what you meant by visiting the academies? Do we have to take that action this turn to get better kinetics, or can we put it on "layby"?
Does this mean it is possible to, maybe eventually, design a cruiser that has 2 offensive modules and 2 defensive modules by sacrificing the hangar? Alternatively, could we make a destroyer with 2 defensive modules?
What are the stats on the sword cannon mk. 2? Does recovering it give us any new options or buffs to researching better kinetics of our own? Or is this part of what you meant by visiting the academies? Do we have to take that action this turn to get better kinetics, or can we put it on "layby"?
Just a +5 to Attack for a total of +15. Again, standard pattern that isn't crazy faction-specific. Orochi are surprisingly less hard on that, according to the die. Choosing to research it would give you the Mk2 for the Sword Cannon.
Does this mean it is possible to, maybe eventually, design a cruiser that has 2 offensive modules and 2 defensive modules by sacrificing the hangar? Alternatively, could we make a destroyer with 2 defensive modules?
All of those are probable, but it does depend on how you want to approach it. A standard pattern found across the United Empire would probably just do the job, but when you throw solarium into the mix, things could get interesting and experimental configurations. Whether or not it's good, we'll see.
[X] Plan: Gift of Spies -[X] [Character] Violet d'Iris, Solar Princess
--[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 -[X] [Character] Radana, Camellia 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 Orochi -[X] [Character] Kat, Hyacinth Prism
--[X] [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. -----[X] Civic -[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 Orochi
MANDATORY PARANOIA: THEY ARE TRYING TO TAKE OUR SECRETS KIIIIIIL THEM!!! (sorry couldn't help my self)
in short: Archon has a bio-mechanical elemental and we only found out due to contexts clues, i knew we should have sent spies there sooner rather than later.
Orrochi
in shot: more reasons why Orrochi should be torn down root and stem.
and finally my vote
[X] Plan: Gift of Spies -[X] [Character] Violet d'Iris, Solar Princess
--[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 -[X] [Character] Radana, Camellia 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 Orochi -[X] [Character] Kat, Hyacinth Prism
--[X] [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. -----[X] Civic -[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 Orochi
So it does make sense to get some in there just to round us out, as for Orochi diplo stuff that is so they don't see us as enemies as we slowly infiltrate them.
The Andernia Informational says that the Riluo Bank in Pendragon costs no Resources, rather than the two (2) it should cost. I don't know if this error was carried forwards into other calculations.
I'm advocating that we develop our systems and build up our military and trade ties. But that is an entirely valid choice, and I encourage you to make a plan that involves it.
in short: Archon has a bio-mechanical elemental and we only found out due to contexts clues, i knew we should have sent spies there sooner rather than later.
Counterpoint - building a diplomatic relationship also allowed us to learn this.
Plan "Slow Roll" is an efficient use of characters - the kind that I pledged to support however long ago - but probably won't let us get a cruiser out in time for the campaign. There is a very real chance it might, it just depends on how the dice fall and how long we have to prepare after the vote. I debated sending Dorothea to build the city and Violet to research those mk. 2 ballistics but I decided that I wanted to be efficient with how we build out Calenwyrm, rather than building up a backlog of banks to build.
"Prydwen" is an old name for a ship of King Arthur. According to google translate - serol is "stellar" in modern welsh, and the correct ordering appears to be that serol should go after the noun. If any Welsh speakers are in the thread, please, please correct me.
[X] Plan P3P2: Slow Roll
-[X] [Character] Radana, Camellia Knight
--[X] [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. ---[X] House Archon
----[X] 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. -----[X] Bastion
-[X] [Character] Kat, Hyacinth Prism
--[X] [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. ---[X] New Helm
----[X] Solar Drydock (Wisteria-Class) -> Solar Drydock (Corona-Class) -[X] [Character] Violet d'Iris, Solar Queen
--[X] [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. ---[X] Calenwyrm II C
---[X] Prydwen Serol -[X] [Character] Dorothea, Lycoris Knight
--[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] Kingsdream
----[X] 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.
This is the plan where we put two characters on creating the port, and plan to put two onto building the cruiser. This guarantees that we'll have a cruiser by the start of cycle 32 - assuming cruisers don't take more than eight (8) progress to build.
[ ] Plan P3P2: Cruiser Rush
-[ ] [Character] Radana, Camellia Knight
--[ ] [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. ---[ ] House Archon
----[ ] 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. -----[ ] Bastion
-[ ] [Character] Kat, Hyacinth Prism
--[ ] [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) -> Solar Drydock (Corona-Class) -[ ] [Officer] 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) -> Solar Drydock (Corona-Class) -[ ] [Character] Violet d'Iris, Solar Queen.
--[ ] [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. ---[ ] Calenwyrm II C
---[ ] Prydwen Serol
First up, I'm actually really quite happy that KingCrimson made a plan, and I don't want my critique to discourage you whatsoever from doing so again in the future. Please keep cooking.
I've argued against sending spies to Archon for a long time now. I just don't think it's an efficient use of our characters. Even though sending spies gives us information on their culture.
Please correct me if I'm wrong, but it seems like you don't actually have an action in mind that you want to use these spies on. You're just sending them there to "round us out". I think that's a fundamentally flawed approach. It's best to at least have an idea of what you're building towards when you support or create a plan.
So first up, I understand this idea, but I don't think it has much merit. I can't speak for the rest of the thread, but I had no intention of infiltrating Orochi again for the near-future. I just wanted some idea of what their military looked like. We got that. But it was... quite slow. Slow enough that I think just out-teching our enemies might be superior to doing any kind of military salvage. Even with us having two Intrigue characters and only one Learning character. So I don't intend to do military salvage on York or Ababil either.
Secondly, even if you support this idea, why not get the trade agreement (or some other benefit) with Archon first? We've got the 20 Goodwill now. We might as well use it - particularly since we might lose some if we vote against them in the second senate.
Thirdly, I just don't think this is worth it compared to building up further relations with Archon or building up to a trade post with Tyto. It's just opportunity cost. Every action you take costs you the many that you didn't take - or at least it costs you the benefits of having taken them earlier on.
Also this plan entirely ignores building up Calenwyrm. Or further upgrading Andernia. I really want to build up Calenwyrm to at least the point where we can start making more military units. That's largely a safety thing - our military right now is pretty pathetic.
To my mind, you research Civic upgrades when you're out of things you can do to upgrade your economy and you've only got situationally good options. The Riluo bank is a straight upgrade to our economy. A pretty good one too. Why would we ignore it?
I'm sorry I didn't say much earlier - I just had a lot to say and I wanted to say it all at once lol.
The Andernia Informational says that the Riluo Bank in Pendragon costs no Resources, rather than the two (2) it should cost. I don't know if this error was carried forwards into other calculations.
I'll just emphasize this part so that this misunderstanding doesn't go any further. Not to say it could have been an interesting idea, but that wasn't my angle on what House Archon is like.
"This is obviously synthetic, but there is a quality to it, one that indicates not inconsiderable effort put into its creation. They actually went so far as to add semi-random burrs to make it look natural."
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