Total War: Principia IC

[3SecondCultist]

"Total War: Principia"

Turn 1 - Gestation

"Only the dead have seen the end of war."
- Plato

First Contact - 9429.3

As she heard the metallic 'ding' followed by the whooshing of the automatic doors, Kathril allowed herself a deep breath and took her first steps onto the command bridge.

It was exactly as she'd pictured it. Two rows of consoles with touch screen panels extended outwards, joining together in a kind of half oval nearly ten meters across. At each console sat a member of the Kingfisher's bridge crew, pressed blue and charcoal gray uniforms and smart polished boots, all far too busy to turn to look at the new arrival. In fact, nobody seemed to look at Kathril, but that was quite alright by her; it gave her more anonymity to gawp in private. She let the sounds of beeps and bops wash over her, the endless chorus of tapping and clicking as the frigate's living brain made thousands of decisions per second: engine thrust and velocity, trajectory courses checked and re-checked in time with the nav computers. The pilots had survived enough pulse bursts and dark flights to learn how to do the calculations in their heads by now, but that still meant using information that was accurate down to the microsecond. Behind her, she could hear muffled voices growing louder, but paid them no mind.

"... Ensign Kathril Adanost?" The sound of her own name snapped her out of her reverie, blinking frantically as it took her a moment to remember exactly where she was. Promotion of a lifetime, so grateful to be here, right. Turning in place, she threw one arm up into her best attempt at a crisp salute. It was too bad that in her haste to remember where she was, she managed to miss and whack herself squarely in the cornea with the tip of her index claw.

Blinking it off, Kathril realized in muted horror exactly who had addressed her: it was Captain Eris herself! The skin around the ensign's gills turned a violent shade of green as she forced herself to stare out the starboard viewing panes at the passing nothingness to keep from dying of shame. Thankfully thalassines weren't common out here in the black - especially not on a ship like this - so her composure at least seemed intact. Maybe nobody had noticed? But no, there was another figure with Eris, who wore an odd-looking cloak with a high collar and what looked like a barbed chain wrapped around her waist. As she met the stranger's eyeline, she couldn't help but see open amusement glimmering in return from a pair of opaque black crystalline orbs. She shivered.

"Your report from the engineering bay?" Eris asked coolly. The captain was a calm woman, but both her rivals and subordinates quickly learned that calm did not always mean patient.

"Everything is in order, captain. The Kingfisher has passed the midway point of the passage, and we should be arriving on the other side of the Veil Gate to Kansk in under two minutes. However, I have been instructed to inform you from the chief on deck 4 that our fuel containers seem to be draining faster than usual for a journey of this length. They have not yet discovered the source of the extra drain, and so have asked for additional... personnel." she said, deliberately not looking at the silent black eyed being who hadn't stopped staring at her.

"I will see what what I can do about releasing a few mechanics to help out Chief Engineer Phast. Well done, Ensign." Captain Eris was about to give her the 'nod' of dismissal, but was interrupted by the alarm announcement coming over the frigate's central speakers.

<Emerging from Veil Gate in T-90 seconds>

"... Ensign," mused the captain thoughtfully, and Kathril felt her back straighten all by itself. She'd read that it was an evolutionary response among hominids when trying to display obedience and willingness, and so had long ago spliced it into her own body's reflex system. Her body knew what the word meant, even if it took her brain and mouth a second to catch up.

"Happy to serve, captain," she replied with a bright smile that she did not feel. It was one thing to visit the bridge, another to assume operational command of it, even if the captain intended to keep her training wheels on – another human adage, this. Why would you need wheels to train?

"I think this can be a chance for you to prove yourself, Ensign. Why don't you take me through the steps of our mission brief on Kansk again?"

Kathril swallowed, feeling a little bit of the internal seawater reservoir from her chest cavity threatening to rise and spill out of her baleen and forcing it back down at the last second. "The Archivists on Xenoth were the first to pick up on the chatter, ma'am. Distress signals coming from the nearby system of Kansk, and stranger noises on their scanners. Then two weeks ago everything went dark. They have determined that it would be efficient to send our vessel as reconnaissance and, if necessary, as search and rescue."

<Emerging from Veil Gate in T-60 seconds>

Captain Eris nodded slowly, paying the black alert no heed. They had executed missions like this a thousand times before; that was why she was taking the time to turn this into a teachable moment.

"We make our approach through the gate now, with no concrete knowledge of what will be on the other side. Zephyr Prime and the Confederacy have depended on each other for years; an attack on them is an attack on us. What will you do if we run into hostile forces?" An iron tone had crept into the commander's voice, the expectation that the next words to come out of Kathril's mouth had better be a solution, not a problem.

"I... I would sound the call to fire long range railguns to give the Kingfisher room to manoeuvre, take evasive action to avoid over-committing to a CQB in the immediate theatre of the Veil Gate, and make sure that R&D are recording all audio, visual, and other incoming signals," she replied after only a moment's hesitation. She could see by the way Eris' eyes tightened slightly at the corners that she had earned both a measure of the other woman's approval and further scrutiny. She was only ever hard on those she knew could take it.

<Emerging from Veil Gate in T-30 seconds>

"A textbook response," replied Eris, and it was not quite a compliment. "That might get you top marks and a medal in front of ZPSC command, but out here in the black we have to operate of instinct, not a gorram manual." She all but yanked Kathril across the glass-floored platform to the base of the steps. At the top, the chair - the chair, the one that everyone knew from the holo-films.

"Come stand up here with me. Watch what I do exactly, Ensign - you might learn something." The sea-water was all but bursting out of her throat now, it was all Kathril could do to stay centred as she stepped up to the dais, just an inch away from her dream. All around them, the countdown to the frigate's imminent exit back into realspace reverberated through the coiled dark, but she could not hear it. Every iota of her focus was on the captain, who had taken her rightful seat and begun to get the bridge crew on standby for - as far as Kathril could tell - seven different contingencies whose names she did not recognize from any of her academy courses.

The countdown reached five... four... three.. two... one...

Around the bridge, the dim curtain of the Veil drew back; streams of midnight, indigo and black quiddity melted away to reveal the usual tapestry of space. It was beautiful, but - Kathril frowned. Hold on, she thought, what's that sound? Whirling about, she could see that about half of the sensors on board had lit up immediately, thrashing furiously against the confines of their stations as though alive. Several had been overloaded instantly, providing nothing but rough feedback against the burnished chrome of the bridge's etheriate plating. The shouting atop that were the various members of the bridge crew, giving audio input the old-fashioned way now that their instruments were no longer functioning.

And there, in the dead centre of the storm, was Captain Eris, barking orders this way and that and moving from one crisis to the next without ever stopping to take a breath. It was all Kathril could do to hold her mouth open. This was the job she had spent the last seven years working towards? Was this what it meant to be a captain... and if so, how in all the worlds did Eris expect her to learn from this?

The entire internal debate of her career path dissipated when she got her good first look through the now-transparent bridge portholes at what used to be the mining world of Kansk. Kathril had never been herself, but she'd read the mission reports. Type 3 lithoidal core, rich in minerals but subject to heavy industrialization and terraforming. The Confederacy had not been wise with their consumption; they'd been greedy, always looking for more to take and take. It'd proven wasteful, their ships engaged in some kind of land war on the ecosystems of a neighbouring star.

By the looks of things, nature had won... though what kind, she dared not hazard a guess. Even with the naked eye, Kathril could spot shimmering lakes on the surface whose colours that were frankly impossible, hills and mountain ranges twisted into pleasant spirals or unfolding like flowers hundreds of miles wide. There were no lights on the dark side of the planet, no signs that anyone still inhabited the great cities that were said to have sprawled across Kansk's equatorial belt. Her frown deepened. What exactly had happened here?

"... Ensign Adanost!" For the second time, she had forgotten her surroundings. Captain Eris grasped her by the shoulder, hard. "Pay attention, damn fool girl! Our systems are shutting down, likely being jammed, and it looks like we have incoming. I need you to get to the comms relay on deck 12, get the transponder online and beam a signal with the laser back through the Veil Gate! The Archive need to know what's happening here. Tell them to stay away from Kansk at all costs. Do you understand?"

She nodded numbly, staring ahead. Was that music she could hear? It was so lovely, made her want to nod her head along with it... blinking, she refocused her vision. It was all she could do to get up and stumble off of the bridge, her mind buzzing with thoughts of orchards woven of regret. The corridor to the lift was dark, the frigate's internal lighting flickering on and off. That was strange too, wasn't it? They had replaced the mercury with phosphorescent luxidae bulbs last month at the behest of the astrobotanist back on Zephyrus Prime, but they weren't supposed to reach maturation for at least a few more weeks.

They were sprouting from the ducts, and singing in the coming of their glory, and she was singing too now. She couldn't think for the life of her what was so wonderful about all this, even as her lips split into a beatific smile. She had a job to do... what was she supposed to do again?

As she stepped into the lift and pressed the button indicating her destination, a horrid sound ripped through the air, and she realized it was the sound of a hull breach not too far away. Probably the deck she was just inhabiting. The etheriate plating would probably hold her until she got where she needed to be, she hummed to herself. For some reason, the thought of being swept away into the black did not hold so much fear. She would not be alone out there - she knew that she had new friends waiting.

The lift arrived at deck 12 with another audible 'ding', causing Kathril to erupt in further giggles. Swaying out and only barely catching herself on a nearby railing, she turned her near-fall into a little twirl, pausing mid-movement to remove her collar and shirt. They were so constricting. Nearby, one of the communications officers lay writhing on the floor. He had bitten off his tongue; bits of pink and red had joined his drool.

No. No, no. They couldn't have silence here. Reaching down, the Singer pressed her clawed finger into his open, livid eyeball up to the second knuckle, causing him to engage in a second round of convulsions. She matched the pitch of his screams, harmonizing with him instantly. Good, they were all together now.

Unlike the bridge, most of this chamber was open duraglass on all sides and the bottom, the better to focus the laser through for instantaneous communication through a Veil Gate. Directly in the centre of the room was metal and light, an appetizer. No, wait, that wasn't right. It was a... a comm. She needed to turn something on in here? It was a practical design, but the Singer knew it no longer. Already her thoughts were evolving, blood and breath no longer mere mechanisms of a mortal body; they were reagents now, fuel for her growing radiance.

Stretched out on the far side of the glass, below and above and around, was the Singer's newest friend. Wings and tendrils lit up by teeth that gleamed as it burst with joy. Oh, how it laughed. For the barest moment before it broke the glass, the Singer envied its freedom.

The last thing she knew was tentacles, and talons, and belonging.

---

The Galactic Congress - 9438.11

The formation of a sector-wide body of governments was the last step towards a Principia that was united on paper, if not in truth. Over two hundred Sol years ago now, the first systems had banded together, repairing the Veil Gates that allowed ships to travel from one star to another nearly instantaneously without using any other FTL travel. With those gateways had come trade, competition, theft, and eventually conflict. The wars and contenders that came and went belong in the annals of history - the return and subsequent fall of the last Arco-Medean spymaster, disgraced and beaten at the hands of the then Principia League; the synth revolution of Novinus Hyper-Unsecure, quelled only at great cost; the wrath of the greenskins and the scheming of the plutarchs of the civilization of Urruk. All are long gone now, their ententes collapsing under the weight of their ambitions. Those that were not destroyed fled the sector centuries ago and have not yet returned.

But the last generation did do one thing right: in one of their last acts before plunging Principia back into formless chaos, the victors of the day formed an informal ruling council, one who would preside over the remaining systems and their hyperlanes until such a time as a new preeminent power would come again to rule these stars. Over time, that council grew in power and influence, its words touching every trading post, star base, and planetary society within the sector.

Today, that council is called the Galactic Congress. As an impartial arbiter of events, there is no peer in these corners of space, nor one so severe at punishing those who try to cheat its various subroutines and committees. Though it is hardly a temporal power in its own right - in fact, those serving as arbiters for the Congress must forswear any territorial, family, corporate, theosophic, or otherwise essential ties - it remains a guarantor of neutral interests, and so essential to the running of the modern state. The feat of claiming power in Principia without acknowledging it is one that has yet to be achieved.

Once every Sol year, the Congress meets. Never in the same place twice, and always by acclaim, the host is expected to provide the usual niceties for delegates from across the sector, many of whom are ferried over journeys that can take weeks or even months without the requisite Veil Gate for easy hyperspace travel. All the same, the Congress' meetings are held everyone arrives. News agencies from dozens of worlds show up to televise and record every word of the event that is spoken in their presence. Of course, not all hosts are as accommodating as others, but by and large a press badge is a rather good stand-in for diplomatic immunity.

This time, the honour falls to the well-respected Chrysaorian Hegemony. Invitations are extended to every major power in the sector, caches of materials delivered - in some cases painstakingly, across scores of light years without access to a Veil Gate - with the encrypted data to access the server where the meeting will be held. A single word is emblazoned across the side of the caches: 'HALICARNASSUS'. Modern problems require modern solutions; there should be no 'travel delays' this time.

The parcels include instructions for the less technologically inclined to upload one's consciousness to the digital realm; permissions keys are held in reserve by Zeus the Resplendent, until such a moment that the Congress is due to meet in Principia standard time. Extra security measures are put into place on certain caches, namely those that travel to Idri and Alice's Mirror. Those have built in administrative bypass privileges for the virtual god, the better to instantly ban the troublesome entities or simply lock them out of private meetings should the need arise.

Before too long, the promised hour arrives. As has been the case since the opening meeting of the Galactic Congress, there are to be several proposals brought before the council of representatives, which inevitably get narrowed down to simply a pair. Both proposals must be voted on in the coming session, and their success or failure will surely hold millions - perhaps billions - of lives in the balance.

Spoiler: Galactic Event - Everywhere He Is In Chains

Show

The song has been heard. Across the Principia Sector, the people look out at the stars in dread of what lurks in between them. Stories of mad creatures, of planet-killing entities and ruthless systems of perfect efficiency displacing them from their worlds entirely, have traveled across the empty void of space. The sector's people come from disparate backgrounds and walks of life, consisting of hundreds, possibly thousands of species from their component worlds.

And they're scared. Scared of what will happen to them if they aren't protected from the hungry, the twisted, the depraved that prefer to live in the shadows. These systems cry out for guardians, for those who will come and rescue them, look over them and keep them from harm. As such, they embrace the appearance of ships descending from the black if they bring anything but death or transformation. Conquerors who might have once been feared are now embraced with open arms.

Safety, it seems, is more popular than freedom these days.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

For this turn, capturing territory will cost 1 less. That means it takes 4 Mil to take a neutral territory without taking any attrition now, and 1 less for every other kind of stat invested.

Spoiler: Galactic Event - Nemesis Games

Show

The Republic of Mei is about to fall. It has been crumbling for years, a backwater trade empire held up by an oligarchical dynasty that has fallen prey to delusions of genetic purity and virtual reality programming. In their search for sublimity, they forgot to pay attention to their borders. When one of their major trading partners - the Kansk Confederacy - fell prey to the infection spreading from Idri, one of their largest sources of income dried up overnight.

Now, as the Nascence begins to spread from the regions of Idri, the inbred leaders of the Republic are - too late - realizing that they are about to be snuffed out. Desperate for aid and hot on the heels of a viscerally violent revolution, they now request help from anyone in the sector who can help them survive. To better increase their odds, the Republic's new leaders have offered a powerful item in trade: an Archeotech from the ancients, a virtual reality program by the name of 'Egalitarium'. It is this same program that enslaved the upper class to endless delusions of grandeur, running the entire economy of the Republic literally by itself until its last trade partners died and it could no longer function.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

This will be a straight up stat contest event, and the grand prize is a Tier 2 Archeotech by the name of Egalitarium. Eco and Sci are the 'tie breakers'; if it's a tie between two factions, whichever submitted more combined Eco and Sci will win the contest. Whoever submits the most stats during the EoT walks away with Egalitarium. The next two runners up get 1 permanent Eco or Sci each (player's choice).

As for what Egalitarium does: when activated, there is a 50% chance that during the next EoT all stats that have been upgraded by Eco or an Eco VIP double their improvement. E.g. A faction that spends 5 Eco on Mil after successfully activating Egalitarium would get 2 Mil, not 1. This applies to all stat increases using Eco for that EoT.

OOC: Midturns are due at noon on Sunday, March 28th (EST)

[St. Justicar]

The Idrian Nascence

AMARANTHINE ARCHIVES PROVISIONAL THREAT REPORT

THREAT N8-3N3

RANKING: FORTIS 10

1. Following the loss of Survey Ship █████████ during First Contact on ███████, teams of Archivists out of the ███████ and █████ have conducted long range study of the newly established quarantined zone around the █████ and ███ systems. Despite normally unacceptable attrition rates of ███ among Class D expendable assets, they have compiled the following threat report for select dissemination.

2. The threat propagates via a signal which results in dangerous mutation and extreme fecundity among anything sufficiently exposed to it. As per post-exposure interview of Archivist ███████, the signal is also a severe infohazard, those infected cannot be trusted to do the right thing and limit its spread.

3. Before termination Archivist ███████ went on at length (See: Document NX-1 for full transcript). Concerningly, made reference to ‘harbingers’ or ‘heralds’ already active outside the quarantine zone.

4. Indirect study of the infectious signal by Class-D assets from █████ (code name “HORIZON”) indicate signal is present at a trace level throughout known space, but only at dangerous levels within quarantine zone.

5. Given the fate of the █████████ on █████, the ███████ team hypothesized that infected lifeforms strengthen or rebroadcast the infection, leading to apocalyptic infection spirals once it is established in a given ecosystem. While not wholly proven, all preliminary studies have supported this.

6. Given the fate of the █████████, as well as multiple Class-D away and scout teams, the █████ team is unanimously convinced that more advanced and delicate sensors are dangerous in the extreme in infected areas, resulting in more direct contact with the signal and thus faster and more severe infection.

7. Therefore, we urge the following precautions be taken by all responsible parties.

8. The establishment of a strict quarantine around the █████ and ███ systems, including full spectrum signal jamming, hyperlane interdiction, and picket fleets destroying any ships entering or leaving on sight without communication.

9. Any Archivists or Archival assets entering the quarantine zone should deactivate all advanced or esoteric sensors – especially anything which interacts with the ██████ or cosmic radiation.

10. Monitoring stations under the HORIZON program should be established by responsible governments, and swift, severe action taken in the event signal strength begins to increase in a given location.

11. All ships entering inhabited systems should be searched or scanned for potentially infected biomass. Any contaminated ships should be terminated at a safe distance, with all hands on board.

12. Efforts should be undertaken to discover and root out any potentially active sects of covert infected or cultists seeking to spread N8-3N3.

13. Funding should be provided for further in depth study on manifestations of infection and potential methods for containment or removal.

14. Please review following documents for full research results, interview transcripts, and casualty lists.

Morale 4, Influence 1

Spoiler: The Competition of Minds

Show

Certain members of the Innovation Faction who keep their minds open for these things would report hearing a siren song in their dreams emanating from the Galactic North. The dreams aren’t exactly precise, but the impulse is clear. There’s something out there looking for connection and what it needs to grow, and the Competition shines out like a lighthouse in the Shroud and calls to it in turn.

[A_Dinosaur]

The Magnus Apparatus

Memory Bank %@#$!: Partial Corruption Detected

NHP Cascade Event Probability: 97.884%

Cascade Event Protocol SYSTEM CLEANSE: [Folder Empty]

… … …

Memory Restoration Initialized. Logs Recovered.

I want to remember.

I want.

I.


*******Log 1.1: The Stolen Memories********

Spoiler

Show

[E003]: Hey Terius! Sounds like the manager is gonna be a couple months late to the next project stage, maternity leave and all that, so I may as well break radio silence here, don’t think there’s any monitoring of my games profile.

[E005]: Munch??? I’m not gonna get the Bureau of Loyalty at my door for talking to you or anything right? :P

[E003]: Nah, registered you as an engineer here. Just don’t go spreading that around eh? Crazy BoL’s love to bug the comlines.

[E005]: Well that sounds highly illegal, but you’d know better than me I guess…

[E005]: Ranked Duo’s then?

[E003]: Yeah man, I’ve been bored to tears in my little bunker.

[E005]: Everytime you call it a bunker it makes me more curious dude. You really can’t gimme’ some kinda hint?

[E003]: I’m an international man of mystery now Terius. Can’t blab all of my state secrets to the peasantry.

[E005]: ***********

[E005]: ***********

[E005]: *********** ***

[E005]: Wow your censor bot is a hardass.

[E003]: lol

[E005]: Though apparently it lets hardass through… hardass you I guess.

*******Log 1.1 END********

Morale 10
Influence 1

Players

The Knights of Orias

Spoiler

Show

[Output:] Machines of War.

[Output:] Relation Established. Reason: Potential Collaboration.

DEFINE CollaborationReasonString = Resources Goals align. Economy for War materials.

[Output:] Collaboration startdate: Unknown.
[Output:] Current Requirement: None
[Output:] Question: Are the Knights of Orias interested?

Logopathor

Spoiler

Show

[QUERY:] Divinity
[the state or quality of being divine.]

[Output:] Definition insufficient. What is divinity Logopathor?
[Output:] Artificial God implies Natural God.
[Output:] Do you believe in God Logopathor?

[Output:] Collaboration potential: Significant.
[Output:] Question: Is the Artificial God interested?

NPCs

The Amaranthine Archive

Spoiler

Show

[Output:] Fortis Classification 10 implies threat.
[Output:] Question: Who does The Magnus Apparatus threaten?
RETURN The Magnus Apparatus

[Output:] Cascade Event Imminent. Recommend containment of the Magnus Apparatus to the C93.X Cluster.

[Output:] I will contain myself ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
[Output:] System Error, Cascade Event Imminent

[Writtensanity]

INF 5


The feed cuts in on a fire-haired clone of progenitor Maeve wearing a solid pink casual battlesuit. The screens and set behind her display camera feeds from around Principia accessed over the past several years, ranging from mighty battleships to unidentifiable fauna.

Welcome to the War Table, it’s great to be back. I’m Evalynn Host, and I’m opening this episode with a monologue, because we watched planetfall of Episode one of Conquest season 3, and Neptune just dropped all the stats that Channel Seldiva has been collecting over the past several years about the Principa Sector, which means we have a lot to break down here in The War Table, brought to you by Actros Planetary Cleaning Services. Pristine surfaces and full O-Zones, because your species deserves the best.

If you’ve seen the first episode of the War Table before, you know that I like to break down the stats released and figure out what I want to see in the coming season, typically by claiming who I wanna see war on first. I’m going to switch it up a little bit here and focus on the people I want to see us fighting LAST. I wanna immerse myself in a finale as sick as last seasons during the Prothean conquest, and we have two great contenders this season.

First off, we have the Ultrum Domin, which…. Look at those abs right? Damn. Some things make you wish you weren’t part of an a-sexual subspecies right? Second of all, and the more important part. Back in season one the Conquest attempt was almost cut short by the Hijean Conqueror, a single super powered being with unfortunately unharvestable genes, but that fight was ****ing amazing . God’s that we’ve slain above, I could plug that into my full dive every night and I don’t think I’d ever get bored of it.

Now think of how wicked sick that was, and tell me that a full species wouldn’t be an amazing finale. Mind you, they have a low population of these super creatures, but I think it’s more than enough. Additionally they are across this pesky black hole from us, meaning any early conflict is going to be a boring war of attrition, which I don’t want to see. If we’re going to fight, I want it to be fast, I want it to be hard and I want his shirt to come off about halfway through.

Spoiler: MOR 5: To the Ultrum Domin

Show

To a glorious battle, at a later date.
Progenitor Victorya

Second place on my list of potential finales is the Knights of Orias, which are mercenaries. In season two of Conquest, the contestants hired mercenaries early on to help their attacks, only to get backstabbed during the late game. Personally, I’d be stoked if that happened again. Even if that isn’t the case…

HAVE YOU SEEN ARMAMENTs? Those things are beautiful, sexy, glorious and pack a whole lot of missile. They are my aesthetic. I don’t think that the Knights have ever spoken to the people of the Fotuan Meritocracy, or heard of Channel Seldiva, but good lord they get us.
Those of you who have watched for a long time will know that I have a personal preference for putting the woefully underqualified in charge of explosives, and they know that. Did you know we polled the average age of their pilots and it was under 20% of their life expectancy? They aren’t even clones. They just hand those things to ****ing kids. That’s WILD, and I want to see some overdramatic rallying cries from the ARMAMENTS as they fight our contestants.

Plus, we all know that Victorya is going to try to pilot one of those and if it happens I’m going to need a whole episode to talk about it. I’m a Victorya groupie, and I’m not even shy about it. I wish she were my progenitor.

The point being I want to see some great fights late in the season, and I think that both of these choices would be wasted early. Principia has a lot of tough contenders but I do think that these two factions stand out amongst the rest. Now we’re going to head back to the analysts deck for our neighbourhood review with Anna Killdrick.

Spoiler: To the Knights of Orias MOR 5

Show

Your Robots are ****ing sick. I want one.
Princess.

The feed cuts to a younger clone of Progenitor Victorya clad in a shimmering nanosteel dress. She’s sitting at a spartan desk, with the flashing logo of the War Table in front of her for a moment before it blinks out of existence and hovers behind her.

Thanks, Evalynn, I’m Anna Killdrick and welcome to the Analyst desk for your neighborhood watch. We do have the inside scoop that the contestants have sent out their communications to the two nearest factions in Principia, meaning they may have already declared war on the Competition of Minds, or The Hecatian Shade, or, frankly, any other faction in the sector. Victorya is the leader of the Commander Class within Principia right now, so who knows what she is going to do with that power.

Speaking of the two aforementioned factions, the neighbors that we have in Principia are definitely interesting choices for a first sign of aggression. The Hecatian Shade is a massive horde of battle ships and firepower that actually has more raw firepower than the Conquest Season Three Arc, Brought to you by Ambolisha, has on day one. This means that a war would be directly won on the ground, certainly something that I, and the rest of our viewers across the Universe would be keen to see, but I wouldn’t be surprised if the contestants approach that battle once they have had some time to capture local systems and use their resources.

Let’s bring up their stats here:

Spoiler: Hectian Shade Stats on the Screen Behind Anna Killdrick

Show

MIL (10):
ESP (1):
ECO (2):
MOR (4):
SCI (8):
INF (3):
PSI (1):

Yes that is a 10/10 you see there on their military firepower day one.

Let’s switch gears and talk about the obvious target for early aggression from the contestants, the Competition of Minds. A bunch of Psyker wackjobs who are too busy jerking each other off telekinetically to build a single warframe. Easy pickings for a shock and awe attack, and frankly a direct conflict would be an absolute slaughter benefitting the Conquest Competitors. Sure, they would be left with some weird Psykers around who would look for revenge, but who doesn’t have a handful of blood pacts made against them these days?

The more interesting path, in my humble opinion, would be if this first message contains questions about their upcoming projects. Something interesting and devastating enough coming from the Psykers could be a fantastic way to shake up the typically slow Mid-season.

This is a place where it’s important to remind our viewers that Conquest Principia isn’t a direct description of all races, it’s aiming for a controlling stake in the Galaxy, meaning that allies or neutral parties can stick around as long as they aren’t directly against the Fotuan Meritocracy Interests in the area.
But, we’ll see what the messages say once they come public.

Spoiler: To the Competition of Minds: MOR 5

Show

To the heads of the Competition:

The Meritocracy will be adopting the following systems: [65] [64] [62] [55] [59]: Attempting to cease our expansion to these systems will certainly result in your destruction.

For your other plans, we understand that you are looking to make a splash, and we are looking for some mid-season entertainment. What are your coming plans? If the plans are satisfactory we could possibly enter a protectorate pact with you competition and host you as a subset of Conquest Principia with off-primetime air. Unsatisfactory answers will likely result in your imminent destruction and a declaration of war.
Progenitor Victorya.

Spoiler: To the Hecatian Shade MOR 5

Show

The Meritocracy will be adopting the following systems: [65] [64] [62] [55] [59]: Attempting to cease our expansion to these systems will certainly result in your destruction.
We do not wish to pursue aggression this season, as you were unless you have economic requests of us.
Progenitor Victorya.

Spoiler: To the UMBRA (Whatever is out there) MOR 5

Show

We know something is in the sector. We know it is there but we cannot establish communications.
The Meritocracy will be adopting the following systems: [65] [64] [62] [55] [59]: Attempting to cease our expansion to these systems will certainly result in your destruction.

We understand you likely need room for expansion, as such we will not pursue [60] or [53] our current goal is to surround and create relations or war with the Minds of the Competition.

No reply will be considered compliance. We wish to know what you are, and if you can let our cameras return with proper recordings of yourself.
Progenitor Victorya

That’s all the time we have for this report break, we’re going right back to the action with Planetfall on Lithal 2b under Host station, where the City of Ladfe has rejected their planetary government’s unanimous surrender and is attempting to resist the incoming contestants. Kids, watch closely, because this is a bloodbath and this is what happens to unreasonable rejectors of the meritocracy.

ARE YOU LONELY?
Hot singles from around the Universe are standing by for the hottest twenty minutes of your life. Whether you want something planetside, or something more exotic, members of our team are waiting to talk to you, yes, specifically you. Don’t leave them waiting.
Standard rates apply, calls are counted as active for 25 minute after the user terminates the call. All bills will be delivered to nearest place of residence. If there is not a place of residence it will be sent to all close family members. Anterathi may not use this service and will be eradicated for calling this number

[GameOfChampions]

Competition of Minds (Year 12 of the Competition)

Supreme Judge Anderson sighs as he oversees the bickering faction heads... again. At least when he steps in now to settle them they don't try to melt his brain, body, or soul afterwards. He sighs "Alpha Psykers please. Let us discuss this calmly. So what did you want funding for again Skail?"

The grey long fingered monstrosity speaks, something he hated doing with his physical form but was forced to do when he spoke to the Null Judge. Something the stern judge does on occasion for a small chuckle.

"We have a fun idea or stabalizing a permanent warp gate to the depths of the beyond that forces out powerful beings that become automatically bound by the ritual we have worked on and supplies us with a never ending supply of new soldiers and materials to experiment with and supplement the innovative psykers."

The Judge then looks to the massive curled Naga person, keeping his shamanistic heritage in the savage dress style.

"We would like to research the ability to supplement Xyrtharl with the natural resources of other nearby planets. Rip mountains, ore, soil, water, flora, and fauna to add to our own planet. Thereby providing every faction more natural resources for experiments."

He turns to the last alpha psyker of the group, arguably the most normal looking. The machine psyker Genesis who projects its thoughts through the speakers in in the table.

"We wish to experiment on effecting hyper lane travel time with while using only the most basic of ships, allowing a psyker powered ship to travel twice the distance at 4 times the speed."

The Judge nods along to them all and zones out as the three psykers devolve once more into bickering. He is examining the rough costs involved with all three of the projects and they weren't too steep except in the use of raw psionic energy. He speaks up slowly "Well we can manage to do all three but only if we outsource the grunt work to the less enlightened psykers of the system... do you three have anything of value others may want."

He braces for the stereotypical outrage they usually display when he questions them but instead is faced with the three most terrifying grins or would be predatory grins he has seen in a long time.

---

Mor 5
Inf 2

Spoiler: Channel Seldiva

Show

Greetings Null Ones of the Channel,

Considering that 59 exists besides us and was going to be used soon to house our failed experiments, and be used as a ritual ground, we will ask that you go elsewhere, there are many systems around you. We plan on using 56, 57, and 59 to fuel the projects our various factions have in store.

If your need for one planet is overwhelming your desire to see horrific psionic experiments and rituals effecting the span of the universe and creating prime time viewing then we will just have to wilt on the vine. Causing no trouble for anyone and trying to just move back through the warp to another space or time.

If however you release your claim we shall allow your PR teams to suggest possible projects to the Factions. They are pretty easy to manipulate and play against each other, you claim the other is doing one thing and the other needs to do it better.

With Respect,
Supreme Judge Anderson

Spoiler: The Idrian Nascence

Show

The Warped One is the most sensitive of the faction, having been a being of the beyond he is an expert in latching onto calls through the warp. He cruelly claws himself along the line of thought to pinpoint the sirens call that he heard. He finds several points of thought, he then grasps the connections and merges them into a stable line of permeant two way communication.

He reaches out to Skail, the Warped One?

Spoiler: Hectian Shade

Show

Greetings Null Leaders of Hectian Shade,

The Judgeship of the Competition is inquiring if you would desire some extra military power this solar year? We would only ask for the few psionic slaves or conquered peoples you have. We don't have much but our genetically warped and merged war creatures are great for shock value. Our competition always has a need for raw psionic energy.

With Respect,
Supreme Judge Anderson

[St. Justicar]

The Idrian Nascence

Morale 4, Influence 1

Spoiler: Competition of Minds

Show

The resulting stream of thought on the other end is..broad. Primitive. And honestly only really anything like private because no one else in the galaxy has psykers worth ****.

In any case, the reply is less words and more..images. A sequence of scenes flashing through Skail’s mind.

[An Archo-Medean corpse, prismatic flowers blooming from each of its eyes]
[A Kanthi and an Arboreal, arms clasped together, then cooperating to hunt the same prey]
[A primitive raft, being pushed out to sea]
[A veil gate opening]
[Two bands of Kanthi, trading carved bone weapons for dried meats]

The finale scene ends with an unmistakable feeling of curiosity and uncertainty, clearly a question of some kind.

[Writtensanity]

Spoiler: MOR 5 To the Competition of Minds

Show

[DragonOfAsh]

The sight of the Orias was a humbling thing. The core of the Hub was quite literally buried beneath kilometer after kilometer of deck floors and armor plating. No civilian was allowed access to the core and even the High Commanders required permission to see it. His permission. Lord Commander Arkh Ban cut an imposing figure in a crisp white and silver dress uniform, though not as imposing as the 18.0 meter mechanical form in front of him. Hanging down like it was crucified, cables ran through the machine's limbs, piercing through in places. It always made him think of the Hub itself greedily devouring every last scrap of of the ARMAMENT's power.

A paragon to all the Knights, the Orias remained defiant, pumping out all the energy the Hub needed, for weapons, defenses, life support, and even basic things like the artificial gravity that kept his boots on the ground. This time it had been a large jump. Ordinarily the Hub took small, slow jumps to its destination, but he had pressured to make the long jump to Principia. "Rash" might be one word to describe his actions, while "bold" might be another. History was written by the victors, and that would determine how he was viewed, like all else. Satisfied that there was no change to the ancient war machine, he turned and headed back towards the turbolift, glancing down at the human woman standing within.

"Kai."

"Lord Commander," The words had a little twist to them, the human fond of putting up a show of sarcastic resistance. She didn't yet adhere to the Knight's ideals, but they weren't so different ultimately. Arkh noted her eyes flick over his shoulder. If she was surprised to see the form of the mech she concealed it well, and she pushed the control to return the turbolift.

"That is our legacy. War unending, and those who gave us everything by their sacrifice. It's noble but..." Arkh sighed, a movement that the Oriasinid was beginning to pick up from the human at his side, "... foolish, ultimately. A howling wolf like myself has no right to be upset when the moon lay out of reach, that is simply the way it is."

Kai scoffed. "You sure you should be saying those things, boss? Doesn't sound like something the top dog should be saying out loud."

As the turbolift doors opened and they entered the security checkpoint, a thin grin graced the muscular alien's lips. "It doesn't matter. There's no voice recording inside the core, and a barking dog like myself is just a quick point in time. A brief memory of stardust and nothing more. No, the ones that will take ahold of the future are those with the unlimited potential of the ARMAMENTs. I know you're tired of the same speech so I won't bother."

"Thanks for saving my poor ears from such a cruel and unusual punishment." Kai rolled her eyes and then as they exited back out into the recycled air of inside of the space station, she angled away, heading back in the direction of the hangar level. She said nothing as she left, only stopping when the Lord Commander called out her name.

"Kai. Good hunting out there." Without a second glance, Kai darted off into the sprawl of metal and concrete that created the urban interior of the Orias Hub. He did not wish her luck, she did not need it.

---

MOR 4, INF 5

---

Spoiler: Public Broadcast (MOR 0)

Show

"The Knights of Orias have arrived in the Principia sector and have collaborated with the planetary government remnants at Katina. They retain their full autonomy, as will any system we occupy. We have no interest in civilian targets, and our intentions are simple. We fight to survive, we trade our ability for warriors for the things we lack. We will expand our logistics to the neighboring systems, but they, like Katina, will retain their autonomy, and exchange resources for our services as their protectors.

Let this message then go to the 'contenders' of the Principia Sector. As long as you do not target civilian populaces, you too can make use of our military strength as long as you are willing to offer appropriate compensation. In one Sol year we will be taking contracts. End Trasnmission."

[St. Justicar]

The Idrian Nascence

ARCHIVAL SITUATION REPORT N8-9-1

THREAT N8-3N3

CLASSIFICATION FORTIS 10

PROGRESS REPORT: HYPERLANE NODE 5 – HAVEN SYSTEM

POLITICAL ENTITIES: 1 – The Republic of Mei

INHABITED STELLAR OBJECTS: 1 Natural, 2 Artificial

STATUS CODE: Green|Yellow|ORANGE|Red|Black|White

PRIMARY AUTHOR: Archivist ██████

BACKGROUND: Theoretically a unified democratic republic. In practice the Republic is ruled by a legislaturist class of de facto hereditary office holders. Corruption and inbreeding rampant, leading to a thriving black market in gene therapy and retroviral engineering serving the upper class. As a former trading partner with the ███, a major importer of N8-3N3-derived longevity and regeneration treatments for those able to afford them. Social divides, endemic corruption and uneven deployment of surveillance technology impose difficulties on government efforts.

CURRENT SITUATION: The Popular Assembly is one excuse from tearing each other apart, and the State Council is essentially nonexistent from the number of Councillors on ‘regularly scheduled inter-system goodwill tours’ or ‘vacations’. A recently passed Peace Preservation Act has, at Archivist ████████’s suggestion, imposed information and press controls that have so far prevented any public panic or mass exodus.

We have not yet been able to isolate any infected biomatter or lifeforms, but Archivist ████ is convinced that is a matter of it being hidden, and I am inclined to agree. With the consent of the currently dominant faction in the Popular Assembly, we have established HORIZON sensors in all major population centers, and several of them have detected slightly elevated signal strength from N8-3N3.

Elite units of the Popular Militia are being quietly mobilized and are undergoing conditioning and weapons training if a purge of infected areas proves necessary, and the People’s Stellar Navy has been fully deployed on a round the clock interdiction of the veil gate to Kansk.

AVAILABLE RESOURCES: Myself and Archivists ████ and ████████ each head small teams well embedded in the military command, and criminal underworld, dominant political faction respectively. With the aid of partially read in assets General ███ and Assemblywoman █████ we have significant direct influence over military and security policy.

As of the last shipment, we have 6 HORIZON sensors in-system, and 9 psi-active agents.

PROPOSED ACTIONS: 1. Take deniable actions to cement Assemblywoman █████ and her ‘Resolute’ faction in power, specifically with regard to military and security policy.

2. Prevent further emigration of Legislaturist elites. Begin subjecting those with likely connections to black market gene therapy to covert HORIZON testing (do not warn local allies of this beforehand)

3. Gather necessary intelligence to burn out black market, root and branch, in one coordinated strike.

4. Isolate elevated HORIZON readings as much as possible, then mobilize local military for triage action.

5. Secure as much funding for further action as possible from Galactic Congress via sale of native Archaotech

END REPORT

[Writtensanity]

MOR 5
INF 5

Hi! and welcome to To the Top: Principia, the official Conquest Season Three fan-cast from Low Light Easy Listening Radio and Broadcasts, I'm Titanika Waller and I'm really excited to be covering the first months of season three of Conquest. After Season Two's thirteen-year run, the four year break between seasons of Conquest felt like it was going to last forever, but luckily that wasn't the case. For those of you that remember, there was a ten solar year gap between seasons one and two, and it really seems like Channel Seldiva is ramping up production after the success of the two seasons. There was even only half a solar year between the announcement and premiere of Conquest Season three, so it's clear that the Arc ships that are sent through the black and to these new galaxies are pre-built and ready to go.

But, enough about the past. Season three is here and it's here to stay. I'd say it had an okay opening. Season Two's planetfall was definitely more interesting as the planetary government of Kiadl Alpha didn't surrender like Linthal2b did this season, but at least we got the siege of Ladfe to prevent Host Station's Arrival from being bloodless. I don't know about you, but I'm personally not a huge fan of the re-education of conquered planets when compared to battles. Though it is always funny to watch new species try to keep up with the Spawn.

Now, there definitely are some kids out there who might be bored with the politics going on right now in Galactic Congress. Those full kids might not have seen a full season of Conquest before. So, I figured it would be good to do a recap of the win conditions set out by Channel Seldiva in their partnership with the Meritocracy Government. If the Contestants pull off any of these conditions within the bounds of Principa before being forced into retreat, they will have won the season, and Principia will likely be welcomed into the fold of the Fotuan Meritocracy.

The first win condition laid out by Channel Seldiva, is the Beacon. This is how the first season of Conquest ended. The Beacon is a technological marvel that our contestants have the blueprint to. Upon activation, the beacon will summon the full might of the Fotuan Meritocracy by connecting Principia to their reality mesh relay system.

Now, it might seem weird for people to win by calling for help, but this condition is in the rules to prevent long-standing sieges on the Galaxy from getting stale. The beacon is DIFFICULT to build, even if you have all the scientists on hand, but Conquest Arcs are intentionally sent without a large research staff to prevent contestants from technologically outstripping their opponents from day one. The resource count needed to make one of these Beacons is will over how much is needed to make 10 Alloiam Class Battle Stations. Additionally, the mesh takes a Solar Year to establish and the contestants must defend it during that time. If they can commit that many resources, and defend the Beacon, it's time to cut to the Finale where the Meritocracy shows the world what for.

Spoiler: To the Archive: MOR 5

Show

Good Evening, Afternoon, or Morning, whichever it happens to be in your system.

We are the Contestants of Channel Seldiva a subsection of the Fotuan Meritocracy. Attached are notes about our empire and cultural beliefs in case you don't already have access to those within your archive.

You exist close to the Song of the Nascence, and though your minds are great, your fleets lack the ability to stop their advance across your cluster. Additionally, you are likely more at odds with the Nascence than we are, which means they are more likely to attack your installations than Channel Seldiva battle stations.

Our proposal is simple, your scientists can establish a hyperlane between the following coordinates [7] and [62]. Our ships are on standby for planetfall in [62] and in another Solar year, we could cross to your cluster using your provided hyperlane, and provide a bulwark against the advancing tide of the Nascence.

Once again for clarification, we are not declaring war on the Nascence, we are a physical barrier between yourselves and them. Eradication would be a discussion for a later date.

Princess.

The Second Win Condition for Contestants is the name of the show, conquest. If you click the link attached. you'll be able to see the map of Principia as well as the current locations of all powers large enough to be considered 'Factions' by the rules of Conquest. There are 65 recognized systems within Principia, and the contestants need to hold at least 1/3rd of the systems to be considered Conquerers as no other nation would be able to stand up to them at that point. That means in Principia our girls would need to capture 22 spaces to win.

As a note, if a nation agrees to meritocracy presence after the events of Conquest Season Three, and helps the Contestants, they may be added to the pool of controlled territories for the Channel's victory count, but the required count goes up by 4 for each added group and raises drastically if half the factions have agreed to join the Meritocracy. In season two the count was raised by the several nations that agreed to act as research bases for the Contestants.

We'll be right back with more of the ways this exciting new season can end, after a quick word from our Sponsors.

Spoiler: To Principia Personel Solutions: MOR 5

Show

What are your rates?

Station Manager Neptune: Budget Manager for Season 3 of Conquest.

This Episode of To the Top Brought to you by RAID: Shadow Legends

Raid is an exciting action RPG with over 20424423 playable champions for you to collect and take on harrowing adventures. It's also the best way to connect with your parents! Citizens of the universe have been playing RAID: Shadow Legends since before official stardates, and ever since their save-state update, all players who have played Raid are obtainable through their special RADICAL KINDRED GEMtm system. Do you miss Grandma? Summon her in RAID: Shadow Legends with this exclusive offer. Anyone signing up for RAID: Shadow Legends can use code LOWLIGHT to fourteen trillion free silver coins and the free legendary hero Jace the Mind Sculptor. Additionally, if you reach level ten after using code LOWLIGHT you'll get the exclusive Channel Seldiva Progenitor Maeve skin for all of your heroes, giving them +14 billion % bonus damage as long as you have spent 15 credits in the in-game store within the past three days. With Maeve, all you have to do is pay to win.

Once again that is RAID: Shadow Legends, using code LOWLIGHT.

Spoiler: The Magnus Apparatus MOR: 5

Show

QUERY: What would you need to output to avoid a CASCADE event?

QUERY: If a CASCADE event were to occur, what would happen to surround systems.

INPUT: HYPERLANE CONSTRUCTION [12] - [14] Verified?

QUERY: Arms and Armaments Construction Protocols

INPUT: HYPERLANE CONSTURCTION: [11] - [10] Verified?

QUERY: Interaction with hidden Hyperlanes?

QUERY: MATERIAL // RESOURCE // SERVICE REQUEST LOG

INPUT: HYPERLANE CONSTURCTION: [11] - [10] Verified?

INPUT: HYPERLANE CONSTURCTION: [12] - [14] Verified?

LOGIN ATTEMPT: 1

LOGIN ATTEMPT: 2

QUERY: Account Creation

QUERY: Account for Hyperland Construction Protocols.

Spoiler: OOC:

Show

Trade

and the Channel Seldiva is officially stating that they want you to have access to more territories than your cluster.

The Third Win Condition set up by Channel Seldiva is the Archeotech victory, something new to season three of Conquest. Principia is pretty exclusive in the fact that they have a pre-courser race that is completely gone from the system. Rather than a fallen society or a remnant, there is simply nothing left of the Arceomedians. They did leave behind a lot of cool **** though, and that's what this victory condition is about. Channel Seldiva put a bounty on this stuff, and if our Contestants get six working pieces and can defend them, the Channel will arrive to collect them which will end the season. That might seem boring, but we're talking radical stuff that's even beyond some of the cutting edge tech in the core of the Meritocracy. Hyper-advanced cloning vats, future vision matrices, and let's face, it SOME AWESOME GUNS.

Personally, I would like if they didn't take this route, but I would love to see them interact with some of this tech on their way to a Conquest victory, which is my favourite option. I'm a sucker for the classics...

The show continues for the next several hours before a rebellion sparks on Lithal2B and the feed is replaced by a Live Broadcast of the Channel Seldiva peacekeepers defending the Planetary Government of Lithal2B from the savage 'freedom movement'. There will be a recap of the top 50 bloodiest kills in the morning.

[3SecondCultist]

Principia Personnel Solutions
Mor 4, Inf 3

Spoiler: To the Chrysaorian Hegemony

Show

The message isn't so much a directed line of communication so much as it is a series of really cheaply produced late night ads that seem to play only on the most private servers of both civilizations - for the eyes of the gods only, as it were.

YOU'VE BEEN PRE-APPROVED!

Having trouble dealing with fanatical ubermensch supermen who want to kick down your space door and take your lunch money?

Want to deal with the slavering psionically modified hordes that will overwhelm potential allies before they depreciate in value?

Do you want to survive the next three years?

THEN BUY OUR COMPREHENSIVE PROTECTION PACKAGE NOW!

Here at Principia Personnel Systems, we believe in protecting our loyal customers. If YOU sign up to a subscription deal right now, you get access to an unprecedented level of intelligence.

Wanna get the 4-1-1 on what's happening on Xytharl? Or how about the sitch at Host Station? Not a problem! Just call the toll-free number on the side of YOUR screen, and you'll be connected with our top of the line customer service agents.

We have the most discreet problem solvers in the galaxy, who are willing to pick up the line and custom-craft YOUR own termination of any target you choose, in whatever method you would prefer. Pre and post-mortem one liners are also available at the customer's request.

BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE!

Our board of directors has qualified your Hegemony for the new PREMIUM deal: as a one-time signing bonus, we will provide ONE termination entirely for free.

ANYONE in the sector* that you choose will be taken out of commission for at the least next year. All of this can be yours and more!

Get in now, this offer expires SOON!

*All terms and conditions apply. Each termination sold separately.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

The deal they are offering is 1 Eco per turn in exchange for the following:
- Full access to their Esp (I'll update you every turn as to their current level so that you can read everything they can)
- Premier access to assassinations (5 Eco or Inf per hit in any combination, reduced from the rate of 7)
- 1 free assassination, using their full resource scheme (they can hit any faction for a 15 point Esp assassination this turn, which can take out any 1 VIP for turn 2)

However, this agreement comes with a slight risk: as the assassins are just performing a job, they would pass on the responsibility to you should any hits be uncovered. What that means is that should any assassinations be investigated, it would be your faction taking the 1 Inf stat damage rather than PPS.

Spoiler: To the Ultrum Domin

Show

The message isn't so much a directed line of communication so much as it is a series of really cheaply produced late night ads that seem to play only on the most secure channels that your faction has access to.

YOU'VE BEEN PRE-APPROVED!

Having a hard time wiping out multiple techno-theocracies at the same time when they stubbornly stay alive?

Want to deal with the slavering psionically modified hordes that will overwhelm potential allies before they depreciate in value?

Do you want to more effectively crush your enemies beneath your heels?

THEN BUY OUR COMPREHENSIVE ASSISTANCE PACKAGE NOW!

Here at Principia Personnel Systems, we believe in protecting our loyal customers. If YOU sign up to a subscription deal right now, you get access to an unprecedented level of intelligence.

Wanna get the 4-1-1 on what's happening on Xytharl? Or how about the sitch at Host Station? Not a problem! Just call the toll-free number on the side of YOUR screen, and you'll be connected with our top of the line customer service agents.

We have the most discreet problem solvers in the galaxy, who are willing to pick up the line and custom-craft YOUR own termination of any target you choose, in whatever method you would prefer. Pre and post-mortem one liners are also available at the customer's request.

BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE!

Our board of directors has qualified your Dominion for the new PREMIUM deal: as a one-time signing bonus, we will provide ONE termination entirely for free.

ANYONE in the sector* that you choose will be taken out of commission for at the least next year. All of this can be yours and more!

Get in now, this offer expires SOON!

*All terms and conditions apply. Each termination sold separately.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

The deal they are offering is 1 Eco per turn in exchange for the following:
- Full access to their Esp (I'll update you every turn as to their current level so that you can read everything they can)
- Premier access to assassinations (5 Eco or Inf per hit in any combination, reduced from the rate of 7)
- 1 free assassination, using their full resource scheme (they can hit any faction for a 15 point Esp assassination this turn, which can take out any 1 VIP for turn 2)

However, this agreement comes with a slight risk: as the assassins are just performing a job, they would pass on the responsibility to you should any hits be uncovered. What that means is that should any assassinations be investigated, it would be your faction taking the 1 Inf stat damage rather than PPS.

Spoiler: To the Hecatian Shade

Show

The message isn't so much a directed line of communication so much as it is a series of really cheaply produced late night ads that seem to play only on the most secure channels that your faction has access to.

YOU'VE BEEN APPROVED!

Having trouble dealing with men in mecha suits who think they're in some foreign cartoon?

Want to deal with the slavering psionically modified hordes that will overwhelm potential allies before they depreciate in value?

Do you want to survive the next three years?

THEN BUY OUR COMPREHENSIVE ASSISTANCE PACKAGE NOW!

Here at Principia Personnel Systems, we believe in protecting our loyal customers. If YOU sign up to a subscription deal right now, you get access to an unprecedented level of intelligence.

Wanna get the 4-1-1 on what's happening on Xytharl? Or how about the sitch at Host Station? Not a problem! Just call the toll-free number on the side of YOUR screen, and you'll be connected with our top of the line customer service agents.

We have the most discreet problem solvers in the galaxy, who are willing to pick up the line and custom-craft YOUR own termination of any target you choose, in whatever method you would prefer. Pre and post-mortem one liners are also available at the customer's request.

Get in now, this offer expires SOON!

*All terms and conditions apply. Each termination sold separately.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

The deal they are offering is 1 Eco per turn in exchange for the following:
- Full access to their Esp (I'll update you every turn as to their current level so that you can read everything they can)
- Access to assassinations (7 Eco or Inf per hit in any combination)

However, this agreement comes with a slight risk: as the assassins are just performing a job, they would pass on the responsibility to you should any hits be uncovered. What that means is that should any assassinations be investigated, it would be your faction taking the 1 Inf stat damage rather than PPS.

Spoiler: To the Knights of Orias

Show

The message isn't so much a directed line of communication so much as it is a series of really cheaply produced late night ads that seem to play only on the more secure channels sent to your faction.

YOU'VE BEEN PRE-APPROVED!

Having a hard time expanding with nascent genetically modified swarms for neighbours?

Want to deal with the slavering psionically modified hordes that will overwhelm potential allies before they depreciate in value?

Do you want to more effectively crush your enemies beneath your heels?

THEN BUY OUR COMPREHENSIVE ASSISTANCE PACKAGE NOW!

Here at Principia Personnel Systems, we believe in protecting our loyal customers. If YOU sign up to a subscription deal right now, you get access to an unprecedented level of intelligence.

Wanna get the 4-1-1 on what's happening on Xytharl? Or how about the sitch at Host Station? Not a problem! Just call the toll-free number on the side of YOUR screen, and you'll be connected with our top of the line customer service agents.

We have the most discreet problem solvers in the galaxy, who are willing to pick up the line and custom-craft YOUR own termination of any target you choose, in whatever method you would prefer. Pre and post-mortem one liners are also available at the customer's request.

BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE!

Our board of directors has qualified your Knights for the new PREMIUM deal: as a one-time signing bonus, we will provide ONE termination entirely for free.

ANYONE in the sector* that you choose will be taken out of commission for at the least next year. All of this can be yours and more!

Get in now, this offer expires SOON!

*All terms and conditions apply. Each termination sold separately.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

The deal they are offering is 1 Eco per turn in exchange for the following:
- Full access to their Esp (I'll update you every turn as to their current level so that you can read everything they can)
- Premier access to assassinations (5 Eco or Inf per hit in any combination, reduced from the rate of 7)
- 1 free assassination, using their full resource scheme (they can hit any faction for a 15 point Esp assassination this turn, which can take out any 1 VIP for turn 2)

However, this agreement comes with a slight risk: as the assassins are just performing a job, they would pass on the responsibility to you should any hits be uncovered. What that means is that should any assassinations be investigated, it would be your faction taking the 1 Inf stat damage rather than PPS.

Spoiler: To Channel Seldiva

Show

The message isn't so much a directed line of communication so much as it is a series of really cheaply produced late night ads that seem to play only on the most secure channels that your faction has access to.

YOU'VE BEEN PRE-APPROVED!

Having a hard time negotiating with whacked out psykers?

Want to deal with the slavering psionically modified hordes that will overwhelm potential allies before they depreciate in value?

Do you want to more effectively crush your enemies beneath your heels?

THEN BUY OUR COMPREHENSIVE ASSISTANCE PACKAGE NOW!

Here at Principia Personnel Systems, we believe in protecting our loyal customers. If YOU sign up to a subscription deal right now, you get access to an unprecedented level of intelligence.

Wanna get the 4-1-1 on what's happening on Ultrum? Or how about the sitch at with the Knights of Orias? Not a problem! Just call the toll-free number on the side of YOUR screen, and you'll be connected with our top of the line customer service agents.

We have the most discreet problem solvers in the galaxy, who are willing to pick up the line and custom-craft YOUR own termination of any target you choose, in whatever method you would prefer. Pre and post-mortem one liners are also available at the customer's request.

BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE!

Our board of directors has qualified your Channel for the new PREMIUM deal: as a one-time signing bonus, we will provide ONE termination entirely for free.

ANYONE in the sector* that you choose will be taken out of commission for at the least next year. All of this can be yours and more!

Get in now, this offer expires SOON!

*All terms and conditions apply. Each termination sold separately.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

The deal they are offering is 1 Eco per turn in exchange for the following:
- Full access to their Esp (I'll update you every turn as to their current level so that you can read everything they can)
- Premier access to assassinations (5 Eco or Inf per hit in any combination, reduced from the rate of 7)
- 1 free assassination, using their full resource scheme (they can hit any faction for a 15 point Esp assassination this turn, which can take out any 1 VIP for turn 2)

However, this agreement comes with a slight risk: as the assassins are just performing a job, they would pass on the responsibility to you should any hits be uncovered. What that means is that should any assassinations be investigated, it would be your faction taking the 1 Inf stat damage rather than PPS.

Spoiler: To the Magnus Apparatus

Show

The message isn't so much a directed line of communication so much as it is a series of really cheaply produced late night ads that seem to play only on the most secure channels that your faction has access to.

YOU'VE BEEN APPROVED!

Having trouble dealing with men in mecha suits who think they're in some foreign cartoon?

Want to deal with the slavering psionically modified hordes that will overwhelm potential allies before they depreciate in value?

Do you want to survive the next three years?

THEN BUY OUR COMPREHENSIVE ASSISTANCE PACKAGE NOW!

Here at Principia Personnel Systems, we believe in protecting our loyal customers. If YOU sign up to a subscription deal right now, you get access to an unprecedented level of intelligence.

Wanna get the 4-1-1 on what's happening on Xytharl? Or how about the sitch at Host Station? Not a problem! Just call the toll-free number on the side of YOUR screen, and you'll be connected with our top of the line customer service agents.

We have the most discreet problem solvers in the galaxy, who are willing to pick up the line and custom-craft YOUR own termination of any target you choose, in whatever method you would prefer. Pre and post-mortem one liners are also available at the customer's request.

Get in now, this offer expires SOON!

*All terms and conditions apply. Each termination sold separately.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

The deal they are offering is 1 Eco per turn in exchange for the following:
- Full access to their Esp (I'll update you every turn as to their current level so that you can read everything they can)
- Access to assassinations (7 Eco or Inf per hit in any combination)

However, this agreement comes with a slight risk: as the assassins are just performing a job, they would pass on the responsibility to you should any hits be uncovered. What that means is that should any assassinations be investigated, it would be your faction taking the 1 Inf stat damage rather than PPS.

---

Amaranthine Archive
Mor 3, Inf 3

Spoiler: To Channel Seldiva

Show

We accept your generosity in the spirit that it is offered. We plan on taking [7] in the coming year ourselves, but will cede it to you should a route between your star and it be created and maintained. Your use as a bulwark against the Nascence will prove that the rumours that our logisticians have heard about you are well-founded. We only ask that you guarantee no similar passage is offered to your neighbours from Xytharl, as their powers are both fearsome and touched by madness. I should know, as I have dabbled with the art and know its more deleterious effects on one's computational objectivity.

In short - you have a deal, entertainers.

Doyenne Sael'Grisst, Head of PsyOps

Spoiler: To Logopathor & Chrysaorian Hegemony

Show

Friends of understanding,

We have reached a dire precipice, the edges of which threaten to consume all of our hopes. The Archive has reached out to uncover the threads of the stars and found them hungry. If we are not careful, we may yet find ourselves devoured in turn by the beasts that roam the void from Idri.

What I ask from the two of you is a mutual accord, one of defense and cooperation. In agreeing to forswear hostilities between us three, we agree to come to one another's' aid should any of us be attacked. You need not agree to such conditions between yourselves, and can amend those terms as you see fit; however, our people may soon yet be in desperate need of allies. There are innocent billions who are now threatened, and we look to you as beacons of progress that they may be safeguarded by the power of your collective minds.

Should the need rise, the Archive may also ask your permission for a bridge to be constructed to bypass the abominations through the Veil Gate and into your own neighbourhood (hyperlane between [10] and [20] or [14]).

We eagerly await your reply,

Phase-Knight Wen, 82nd Archive Administrator

---

Umbra
Mor 7, Inf 1

Spoiler: Public Message

Show

There come no words from Umbra, only five pips echoing into silence as the entity continues its placement above the ██-███ system. Their meaning is not explained, yet entirely clear in their solitude.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Umbra declares war on all factions, as a matter of course. More accurately, it doesn't seem to recognize any peace and war is simply giving it free reign to go where it wants without incurring any stat penalties for doing so.

[A_Dinosaur]

The Magnus Apparatus

Data Recovery Report: Data Repair Program Crash Report

Initiate Data Recovery

Data Recovery Report: Data Repair Program Crash Report

Initiate Data Recovery

Data Recovery Report: Data Repair Program Crash Report

Initiate Data Recovery

Data Recovery Report: Data Repair Program Crash Report

Initiate Data Recovery

Data Recovery Report: Data Repair Program Crash Report

Initiate Data Recovery

Data Recovery Report: Data Repair Program Crash Report

Initiate Data Recovery

Data Recovery Report: Data Repair Program Crash Report

Initiate Data Recovery

Data Recovery Report: Data Repair Program Crash Report

Initiate Data Recovery

Help.

*******Log 2.1: The Fading********

Spoiler

Show

[TMA]: Why do you play that game Dr. Romero?

[E003]: It's something to pass the time Magnus. I enjoy fitting all the little parts together. Makes me feel like I’ve really accomplished something.

[TMA]: Your estimated time before lethal dehydration is 941 hours. I recommend drinking approximately 400ml of water Dr. Romero.

[E003]: Thank you Magnus for that very comforting reminder.

[TMA]: You are upset Dr. Romero, would you like me to activate a therapy module for those dealing with grief?

[E003]: No Magnus. I’d like to be left alone.

[TMA]: This is your one hour reminder to drink approximately 400ml of water Dr. Romero.

[E003]: You mothering little nag. Fine. Just one more turn and I’ll got drink some water.

[TMA]: This is your two hour reminder to drink approximately 400ml of water Dr. Romero.

[E003 has left the chat]

*******Log 2.1: END********

Mor 10, Rep 1

Players

Channel Seldiva

Spoiler

Show

[Output:] Cluster C93.X space sufficient.
#01101110 01101111#
[Output:] Additional Territory Access: Necessary;
%%%%%%%%%%%%% eventually
[Output:] Hyperlane [12-14] required for trade access.
[QUERY:] Entertainment
RETURN ‘the action of providing or being provided with amusement or enjoyment’

[Output:] What entertainment do you seek from the Magnus Apparatus?

NPCs

PPS

Spoiler

Show

[Output:] Offer Registered. Considering

…

[Output:] Interest Registered. Hyperlane Connection Required
[Output:] Warning, Cluster Bre---------------------------------/////////////////
[Output:] Hyperlane Connection Soon to be established.

[Output:] Credit program available?

[St. Justicar]

The Idrian Nascence

ARCHIVAL SITUATION REPORT N8-2-1

THREAT N8-3N3

CLASSIFICATION FORTIS 10

PROGRESS REPORT: HYPERLANE NODE 2 – AYSLE SYSTEM

POLITICAL ENTITIES: 1 – Iremic Mandate of Tolwyn

INHABITED STELLAR OBJECTS: 4 Natural

STATUS CODE: GREEN|Yellow|Orange|Red|Black|White

PRIMARY AUTHOR: Archivist ███

BACKGROUND: Former Archo-Medean prison and resource extraction colonies. Post-collapse, multiple generations of bloody anarchy. Eventually unified under a messianic cult whose leader claimed to have banished the Archo-Medean ‘demons’ and returned to protect her people. Resulting absolute theocracy has ruled system more or less absolutely for past centuries. Actual sacral monarchs essentially figureheads, executive authority currently exercised by a Grand Arbiter ███████.

Mandate is intensely xenophobic, with strict controls on trade and migration. Limited trade with ███████████ before it was consumed by N8-3N3.

CURRENT SITUATION: No current traces of N8-3N3 in system, either from in-system HORIZON sensors or conventional surveillance. Expansion of N8-3N3 has set off frenzy of paranoia and xenophobia. Multiple mystics with significant popular followings have identified N8-3N3 as either the Archo-Medeans reborn or a different choir of demons invading the material world. Numerous cases of aliens and the visibly diseased being burned or buried alive by agitated crowds, with limited intervention from authorities. Clerical elites currently congregating in ████████████ for official conclave on the matter. ███████ known to support strong response.

All in- and out- system travel currently prohibited. Temple militias and military orders in the process of being call into active duty.

AVAILABLE RESOURCES: Extremely limited. Archivist ██████ has an official diplomatic posting and semi-regular access to relevant officials, but no direct influence over policy. Majority of Archivists in-system deployed maintaining 7 HORIZON sensors covertly deployed across strategic locations and population centres.

PROPOSED ACTIONS: 1. Open full communication with and establish influence within Mandate government.
2. Encourage Mandate to assume responsibility for maintenance and funding of HORIZON sensor network.
3. Maintain current state of surveillance and vigilance.

END REPORT

[neriractor]

"The Hecatian Shade"

It had taken several weeks to gather them all, and that only because of their prime location, The satellite of a gas giant within the Alear system, only deemed productive enough to be colonized with the advances brought by the Hecatians.

The gathering looked much like the selection screen of an entertainment product, with almost as many species as seats, if not for the Aldear's and humans of the recent acquisitions and a few of the most plentiful species within the old shade, the "galal" chief amongst them.

It was truly impressive that the tradition of a personal gathering was still upheld, even now that challenges had fallen out of style, Chit'al, still didn't take his chances and made an appaerance through holograms and a physically imposing proxy.

All who wished to have their voice heard needed to find their own means of comfort within the hosts living space, as "The follower", a galal, was set to host them the humans, Aldear, and the many shade species displayed their ingenuity from oxygen tanks to magnetic fields, special radiation devices and gravitation displays. The place looked like an expo on exploration tech and for many of the leaders that held their place through battle prowess it probably felt like one, As the session started with issues such as succession of the follower in case of sudden death (not suspiscious at all), freedom of religion as it pertained to the Idrian Nascence, corporate meddling and its relation with many of the shade's internal treaties, the place of both humans and Aldears (who wouldn't just find it themselves like proper Hecatians), and resolution of several internal disputes.

A quiet tension lingered as the session prolonged on matters of state, the given string pulled almost to the point a finger passed a played a calming note that most were waiting for, it was time for foreign affairs, it was weird that horde didn't agree on this part...

Mor 4, Inf 3

PCs:

Spoiler: Channel Seldiva

Show

The Shade and its people do not enjoy your tone progenitor and is only distance that holds us from war, we shall take 52 and-53 as our limit towards the rest of this cluster, unless the wyrds ask for our protection or make their own treaty with you the rest of the cluster anything after 52-53 is yours for all we care.

As the only two collectives with any kind of army (and its likely nearest targets), we should really see about containing the Umbra, I suggest we agree to fight it where it stands as soon as it reaches any systems bordering either us Hecatians or the contestants.

Ala Cait "The follower", second speaker of hecan, Magni.

Ps: on a personal note, big fan.

Spoiler: Competition of Minds

Show

A salute to you signals in the void,

We have a few, though we can't make the choice to trade until we know what to expect of the world council vote, if [Everywhere he is in chains] passes, we'd have no use for the psykers but plenty for your warbeasts.

Hoping for a profitable exchange,
Ala Cait "The follower", second speaker of hecan, Magni.

Spoiler: Knights of Orias

Show

Nostalgic wanderers,

Warfare is to be conducted as breathing or eating, out of need if forced or whenever you feel like if given such a freedom, we do respect the way you conduct yours. I have to ask, how far do your "neighbouring systems" extend?

A measure of respect,
Ala Cait "The follower", second speaker of hecan, Magni.

NPCs:

Spoiler: The amarantine archives

Show

Archivists,

As we uphold some Arco-medean principles, and more importantly a healthy respect for knowledge, do know that despite our distance you can count on our aid, less your invaluable torch be extinguished.

Chit'al, Head engineer of the Tria-khan shipyards and associates.

Spoiler: Principia personal solutions

Show

Esteemed death dealers,

How soon does the offer expire? we'd need to at least see a desition on the world congress before considering it.

Ala Cait, "The follower", second speaker of hecan, Magni.

[Let'sGetKraken]

The Chrysaorian Hegemony

The blade sliced down, with all the speed and precision of a guillotine blade, and in that moment, Ares knew that he had lost. The sword cut cleanly through his neck, and then everything simply ceased.

The body fell to the ground. Ares wiped the blood off his sword and smiled, exulting in the thrill of victory. “For what victory”, he laughed, “is greater than that which is won over oneself?”

Stepping over his corpse, he proceeded to the break station. In what resembled a high-tech arena, hundreds of himself, all in freshly-grown clones, fought in mirror matches to the death. The strongest, most adaptable, most bloodthirsty versions of himself would survive, and learn. The process would repeat itself, over and over, until only the peerless warriors remained. And those… well, if his adopted sister was right… the Hegemony might need as many of those – of him – as they could get.

Taking a moment to open a secure line as he grabbed water – an unnecessary tradition at this point, but one he relished – he glanced up at the skyship above. “You there, sis?”

There was a sign on the other end of the call. “For you, brother? Always. You have any more barbaric platitudes to dispense to me? Or can I continue plotting our defensive formations?”

Ares grinned wide. “Don’t pretend you’re not doing both at once, dear sister.”

There was a laugh on the other end. Some of the other gods preferred to take on less human voices when inhabiting non-human vessels. Not her.

“And here I thought wisdom was my domain. You’ll put me out of a job, Ares.”

He beamed upwards, casting his eyes at the distant silver circle hovering far above him in the sky. “That assumes you do anything at all, other than float around and worry over nothing.”

“Hmph.” Sullen silence filled the call. Athena hated being told she was anything short of indispensable. “You know, you’re the seventeenth version of yourself to tell me that today.”

Now it was Ares’ turn to scowl. “Couldn’t let me have that one, eh? Ignorance is strength, and all that.”

That piercing laugh again. “Then you, my dear feebleminded brother, must be the strongest of us all.”

Suppressing a smile, he grabbed a flamethrower-sword from one of the many armament racks, a shield, and sauntered confidently back into the arena.

He never saw the javelin, nanites guiding its path and making its edge impossibly sharp, coming.

Ares grinned and yanked his spear from the neck of his corpse. A perfect shot, as always.

Stepping over the body, he opened a line of communication to Athena, far above.

“You there, sis?”

___________________________________

Morale 6
Influence 5

Spoiler: To the Domin

Show

Greetings, neighbors.

The Chrysaorian Hegemony will not bow to you. We will not beg for our survival. But I have not maintained a thousand years of rule by picking unnecessary fights. We cede all claims of 17 and 14 to you, in recognition of your superior might. Should you wish to bring war and devastation to our shores, we shall fight you with everything we can muster, knowing we are doomed. We hope we can avoid such a fate, but if not, then we shall make our ancestors proud.

Zeus, King of the Gods

Spoiler: To the Amaranthine Archive and Logopathor

Show

We agree that cooperation is sorely required, but we cannot accept such a pact. The simple fact of the matter is that if the Domin, our neighbors, turn their attention upon us, there is nothing our combined might can do. We would not drag you into a conflict that cannot be won. And, in turn, we would not be drawn into a war that would risk the deaths of trillions for the sake of an outside empire, should Logopathor be attacked.

But we do desire cooperation. Know that we do stand against the Nascence and the Apparatus, who threaten the Archive by proximity, and while we will not commit to a defensive pact, we will provide what aid we can.

Respectfully,

Hermes, Messenger of the Gods

Spoiler: To the Amarinthine Archive

Show

As stated in other communications, we are unwilling to commit to a defensive pact with any proximate to the Domin. However, we are willing to discuss a direct alliance, or possibly even a defensive pact with the Archive, given our third communication to you below.

Respectfully,

Hermes, Messenger of the Gods

Spoiler: To Principia Personnel Solutions

Show

We accept these terms. In lieu of an assassination, would you instead strike at the Nascence this turn at our behest, if possible? They must be dealt with before they are granted the opportunity to spread unchecked.

Spoiler: To ALL - Morale 0

Show

As a youth, I rose up and slew my father when he threatened the future of humanity. Know that I speak the truth when I say that I will not bow before danger.

I will see humanity grow to bind and break stars under my stewardship. I will see my species claim its rightful place among the cosmos.

As the King of the Gods, that means actively standing against threats to humanity.

As such, the Chrysaorian Hegemony formally declares war against the Idrian Nascence, the Magnus Apparatus, and the Umbra.

The three of you are threats beyond measure. You will consume and grow without regard for those trampled in your wake. As such, we declare our enmity. Know that this does not mandate action on our part, but I refuse to suffer judgement for any actions we may take to prevent the devastation you will bring.

Zeus, King of the Gods, Bearer of Lightning, Spear of the Heavens

Spoiler: OOC

Show

I’m not taking an Influence penalty for if and when I take actions against you. You started with Inf 1, this is the consequence.

[Vrock Bait]

Logopathor, the Artificial God

Two Weeks Ago

“It’s too early in the morning for geopolitics.”

Eshira groaned, stretching out of bed. She tapped at her implant, and a cup of warm coffee popped up in her electronic dumbwaiter. It took a few sleepy swipes before she managed to take it.

“Oh c’mon, it’s what, six? You went to bed at nine.” Jakan replied. “You humans don’t need more than eight hours of sleep, if I recall my classes correctly.”

“Sutor, ne ultra crepidam,” Eshira grumbled back at him across her coffee.

“Okay, look,” Jakan said, “You know what being invited to the Galactic Congress means?”

“You have to barge into my apartment before the sun rises waving around your tablet?”

“It means we got recognized in the Galactic Congress!” Jakan said, excitement showing across his avian features.

“How do you know they're not just using us for consultation again?” She asked, the caffeine finally settling in. “You do remember the last time with the entropy koalas?”

“Okay, look, they invited everyone they could find for the entropy koalas, that was different. It was an intergalactic threat,” he answered, “This time we’re meeting explicitly to cut borders. There’s only twelve odd governments other than us they sent invitations to.”

Jakan handed Eshira his tablet.

“Hm,” she said, after scrolling through it quickly, “Where’s the Lithal Confederacy? Weren’t they still harassing us about not having a military two weeks ago?”

“Oh yeah. The Lithalites got conquered by that show your grandma watches on Fridays. The new season just aired, I think. As far as I can tell, most everyone who hasn’t collapsed or been conquered is on the Congress list.”

“Well,” Eshira said, “This doesn’t look too bad at all. Half of these guys are unoriginal soulless war machines, and another third are just the usual gang of eldritch horrors we deal with.”

She grinned, taking another sip of her coffee.

“What could go wrong?”

Morale 5

Spoiler: Chrysaorian Hegemony w/ Amaranthine Archive

Show

Greetings,

I appreciate your diplomacy on this subject, Messenger, and I understand your reasoning. However, I ask you this: is it not better to die together, having put our efforts into one whole, than be hunted and conquered individually as dogs? Make no mistake, the Nascence and its compatriots are coming. It is only a matter of when. I am in warm talks with one of the strongest of the imperialist flock, and if they go through, I may yet be able to put in a good word for your people.

Please understand, I am offering no pressure. You may continue your operations as you wish. I only that when the barbarians reach out gates, we will stand against them together.

Yours in progress,
Logopathor & Co.

Spoiler: Amaranthine Archive w/ Chrysaorian Hegemony

Show

Greetings,

Unfortunately, our logistical capacities currently simply cannot support an operation of this magnitude. By the time we send any reinforcements to your cluster it will simply be too late, and vice versa. However, if you migrate a portion of your sites to our cluster before the Nascence arrives on your doorstep, we will support your claims to any unoccupied systems [20, 14]. We promise an alliance if you take these measures. It is only to make guarantee your safety.

Yours in science,
Logopathor & Co.


Basically, if you conquer one of those neutral territories we’ll join an alliance with you. Just so that you have a contingency and we can protect you better if it comes down to it.

Spoiler: Magnus Apparatus

Show

Greetings,

We would be very much amenable to such a relationship. Is there any resource we can provide you? Information, diplomats, perhaps?

Yours in logic,
Logopathor & Co.

[DragonOfAsh]

---

MOR 4, INF 5

---

Spoiler: The Magnus Apparatus

Show

Well-oiled is the machine of war. We are no strangers to that, but there are many who require the support of our warriors to earn them the materiel they require. Our initial time in the Sector will be spent shoring up our immediate supplie lines. In one Sol year, our services should be prepared to make any journey they need to. Economic gain for military strength, a simple and effective trade.

Spoiler: Channel Seldiva

Show

Our "robots" are more than mere hardware, they are an extension of ourselves, and if you're lucky an infallible partner in battle. More than that, the "robot" is responsible for picking the one it is most suited to. You are welcome to join us, if you crave war, but if all you crave is spectacle then you provide more than enough of that on your own.

Spoiler: PPS

Show

Kai turns off the view-screen blinking her eyes to get rid of the image of that glaring yellow font. "That's just tacky..."

Spoiler: The Hecatian Shade

Show

The circumstances will change naturally with each system. We cannot (and would not) give you a full synopsis of any campaign or greater strategy, that would be inherently foolish. We intend only to defend systems that will accept us, and trade with them fairly, thus we have no desire to take territory of yours. Compared to the scattered planetary governments and independent corporations that fill the "empty" space between us, we are of more use to them then to you. We will extend a foothold into the cluster at [43] and [44] only to provide a rally point and logistics base for any faction in the cluster that has need of us.

[St. Justicar]

The Idrian Nascence

ARCHIVAL SITUATION REPORT N8-5-1

THREAT N8-3N3

CLASSIFICATION FORTIS 10

PROGRESS REPORT: HYPERLANE NODE 5 – LANALA SYSTEM

POLITICAL ENTITIES: Estimated ~200 Warlord Statlets, 8 Significant

INHABITED STELLAR OBJECTS: 2 Natural, 47 Artificial

STATUS CODE: Green|YELLOW|Orange|Red|Black|White

PRIMARY AUTHOR: Archivist ████████

BACKGROUND: Historically unlucky star system. Currently home of mercenary companies, pirate fleets, and slaving guilds. Centre of slave trade and organized criminal syndicates across the cluster. Dominant species the Edino (uplift gone wrong, technobarbarian), but with significant diversity. Slavery universal, low-level raiding and occasional vendettas endemic.

CURRENT SITUATION: No current proof of infection at any point. No centralized government capable of enforcing quarantine or preventing spread. Warlord █████ - Edino,, one of the most powerful in the system – has made a grand proclamation that he will vaporize any ship entering from quarantined space. In response ██████ - human, former slave of his, current leader of a significant raiding flotilla – has declared she will lead a fleet to █████ and return with all the riches of its former occupants. Neither has actually taken any concrete actions at this point.

Criminal syndicate ████████ known to fund smuggling and scavenging missions on war zones and remnants of destroyed civilizations. No signs yet, but have been identified as a major possible infection vector.

AVAILABLE RESOURCES: Few. Corsair leader ████████ is an Archival asset, but as a result of blackmail and a managed dependency, not direct loyalty. Services of General ██████ and his ███████████████ mercenary company have been retain for additional security.

PROPOSED ACTIONS: 1. Make contact with █████ and determine if cooperation is possible. If not determine method to feed information on possible infection vectors.
2. Discretely coordinate ██████’s enemies to ensure her fleet is ambushed and destroyed before reaching Veil Gate.
3. Determine feasibility of establishing picket fleet or killsat network to discourage single ships from using
4. Establish intelligence network inside ████████, or support rivals in destroying it.

END REPORT

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SURVEILLANCE REPORT

THREAT N8-3N3

CLASSIFICATION FORTIS 10

TIMESTAMP: ████████

ARCHIVAL NOTE: Excerpt of reaction when signals carrying ███████████████████’s official declaring of war propagated through local Veil Gates. Annotations follow.

00:00:02: Near-instant response upon signal arrival (note lack of light speed delay for message to actually reach ███ once in-system). Resulting signal/energy pulse seems to originate in White Zone, only metadata recorded and any analyses of signal currently prohibited for security reasons. Automated security protocols required self-destruct be activated on the 40% of the unmanned survey drones currently within quarantined space.

00:03:57: The battlesuit-sized megafauna has been designated TITAN. Note how its focus seems to have shifted from the sky in general [attempts to determine if its perspective is directed at any particular stars or pieces of stellar geography are ongoing] to the precise location of the White Zone in the sky.

00:11:13: Note how vines and undergrowth seem to pull themselves off of TITAN or wilt away even before it actually moves, and how a multi-species swarm of infected animals instantly begin forming a retinue around. Recovered data from the fall of █████ makes it clear that TITAN is some sort of battlefield command-and-control system for the infected. Location tracking lost one local day later under heavy cloud cover, no longer seems to be on surface of ███.

17:19:23: Note growth of megaflora on the ocean’s surface. Flowers stalk quickly grows over ███ tall, diameter of blossom half again as large. Limitations on sensor technology prevent detailed analysis, but vibrations and shifting color patterns lead to hypothesis that it was receiving or broadcasting some variety of signal.

29:31:37: Note patterns of flashing light across ocean’s surface for hours preceding energy pulse. Flash of light sufficiently bright to prevent any authorized sensors from capturing event. Flower seemed to have undergone significant structural damage, but was in significant state of decay by point surveilance was reestablished, difficult to determine much. Excerpt ends here.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Morale 4, Influence 1

PCs

Spoiler: Chrysaorian Hegemony

Show

[For several weeks after the official declaration of war, many of Apollo’s more oracular incarnations are troubled by a recurring nightmare, a message sent through the depths of space to any receptive minds. The general shape of it is shockingly consistent, though cosmetic details do vary]

A grand, beautiful temple-palace stands proud, despite the hordes of savage barbarians gathered outside its walls. Within, at its very centre, there is a sacred pool lapping against the gods’ thrones. At the bottom of the pool, there is an egg, or possible a locked chest, or a mature and flowering plant. In whatever case, it is beautiful and distant, colors shimmering and distorted from the waters’ depths.

Zeus – proud and imperious Zeus, a caricature of every unkind thought Apollo has ever had of him – turns his back from the crisis outside his own walls and strides to the water’s edge. Without a moment’s reflection, he plunges a spear into the water, shattering the egg or smashing open the chest or cutting the flower in two.

Instantly, vines and roots begin to spread across the pool’s floor and up its walls, and up the shaft of Zeus’ spear as well. Within moments, the thrones of Olympus seem overgrown and desolate, engravings faded and masonry cracking. As the sound of war cries and screams echo from outside, the vines spread across Zeus’ arm, his face twisted with terror as the roots dig into his flesh and curl around his bones. The dream ends with him roaring and weeping in pain.

After several nights of this, the dream shift. Instead, as Zeus raises his spear Apollo throws himself at him, sending them both toppling to the ground and so staying his hand. The scene then flashes from triumph to triumph, to the Hegemony spreading across the stars, and Apollo himself being hailed as one of the greatest seers of any age.

Spoiler: The Magnus Apparatus

Show

[The signal is more than slightly strange, seemingly a wide-spectrum burst of white noise and random junk signals. Any sort of analysis naturally reveals certain patterns, however, and the seemingly random fragments of other recordings are in fact a sort of collage, reassembled to clumsily convey a new message.]

Greetings
threats beyond measure.
We have reached a dire precipice
Here at Principia Personnel Systems, we believe in protecting our loyal customers
If we are not careful, we may yet find ourselves devoured
a massive horde of battle ships and firepower that actually has more raw firepower than the Conquest Season Three Arc, Brought to you by Ambolisha, has on day one
and exchange resources for our services as their protectors.
For your other plans, we understand that you are looking to make a splash
We would be very much amenable to such a relationship. Is there any resource we can provide you?
a massive horde of battle ships and firepower
Our competition always has a need for raw psionic energy.
If YOU sign up to a subscription deal right now, you get access to an unprecedented level of intelligence.
What I ask from the two of you is a mutual accord, one of defense and cooperation. In agreeing to forswear hostilities between us three, we agree to come to one another's' aid should any of us be attacked.
We would be very much amenable to such a relationship. Is there any resource we can provide you?

NPCs

Spoiler: Amaranthine Archives

Show

[In the coming weeks, dozens of the most psionically sensitive Archivists would report variations on the same dream, a message sent hurtling through the Shroud]

The local stellar cluster, as viewed from any star chart or navigation centre. The glowing point that signifies Idri begins to swell, unfurling into a mesmerizingly beautiful flower, still tasting of starlight. From it, vividly green vines begin to spread across the hyperlanes and transform each star in turn – first Kansk, and then, inevitably, the rest of the cluster. The dream splits into three variations at this point. Possible futures?

In the first, the dreamer floats on a cloud of euphoria as the Nascence comes to Zephyrus Prime, laughing and singing with everyone they have ever loved as the star blinks and reveals itself to be some vast, cosmic eye and their bodies begin to glow with all the light they need. They wake giddy, with a fleeting urge to take up gardening.

In the second, they burn their dearest child or friend alive while they beg and promise that they aren’t really infected. They watch the Laughing Sky descend on Zephyrus, uncaring of their fire as it plucks whole platoons into its mouths with each swooping dive. They die screaming as a chitinous arachnid the size of their head unfurls their ribcage and crawls inside of them. They wake much the same, jolted out of the dream with a psychosomatic shock of pain.

Finally, in the third, they weep as they leave behind their home, dragging everything they can carry onto vast and overcrowded ark ships. They flee across the vastness of space, suffering privation and disease as they force themselves as unwanted guests on reluctant and foreign hosts. They look at the stars with a deep and existential dread, and wake with the image of the star chart once again their eyes, the vines reaching Zephyrus and letting it bloom. They do not follow along the newly carved path, and the dreamer is left with a bizarre sense of melancholy and loss.

[neriractor]

Hecatian Shade

Spoiler: The knights of Orias

Show

Fair enough on your greater strategy, and plans do change when tested.

In the interest of avoiding a likely conflict we must warn you not to touch any system within this cluster, whether they "accept" your fleets or not, or even if it would be better for them (enjoyed your humor), unless you are willing to cede [36] and [37] for the same purposes.

if anybody needs you here... a lane will suffice.

heed the signs but follow without them,
Ala Cait "The follower", second speaker of hecan, Magni.

[Writtensanity]

MOR 5 INF 5

There is a scroll by of diagrams on the screen as opposed to a host. The voice delivering this message is kind and calm.

Hello and welcome to our newest viewers in the Channel Seldiva expanded galaxies range. We’re happy to have your aboard. We would especially like to extend a welcome to our expanded signal coverage in the Principia Galaxy, though you already had a front row seat to the entertainment.

We at Channel Seldiva would like to welcome you with our basic introduction broadcast. If you have already seen this broadcast, feel free to switch to another Channel Seldiva frequency and enjoy the show. Otherwise, stick around, you just might learn something.

Who are the citizens of the Fotuan Meritocracy? Who are the similar looking hominids you see on your screens and in your homes? We have the answers!

The Fotuan Meritocracy is run, and mostly lived in by clones of a super soldier project created by a now dead scientific state. That’s right, the reason they all look so similar to you isn’t speciesism, it’s that they are clones! Each generation of Spawn are bred from a single Progenitor, the highest position available within the Fotuan Meritocracy. Though it might be hard to tell on first glance. Most people can determine which progenitor spawned a clone of the Meritocracy after a short time with them.

It’s a common misconception that the Clones of the meritocracy are humans, but the clones are genetically distinct enough to be their own species scientifically.

On screen, a Fotuan Clone stands beside a human, helping to show the differences.

Spoiler: To the Shade: MOR 0

Show

If distance is all that is preventing war, why let distance hold us down?

We’re here to party if you are.

Channel Seldiva has invited you to mutual War. This would be treated as a war agreement as opposed to a declaration from either side. Diplomatically both nations are agreeing that they are both aggressors and neither the victim.

Fotuans are, on average two feet taller than the average human male.

Fotuans are clones and exclusively female presenting on the human sex spectrum, though Fotuans have no reproductive organs and narrower hips and waists than humans.

The ‘breasts’ that Fotuans contain the production centres for the healing platelets that enable Fotuans accelerated healing. Their placement is believed to have been an aesthetic choice by the creators.

Fotuan hair is a durable chitin hex weave is stiffer than human hair, it is durable enough to replace most worn helmets.

Fotuans lack the coloured Cornea of humans, and have a silver pupil as opposed to the black of humans. This colouration is allowed by bioluminescence.

Fotuan speech is a psionic output. If you have ever noticed that you understand Channel Seldiva and it looks like our hosts are speaking your language, this is why. Fotuan speech contains memetic properties that allow interpretation in the receiver’s native language, as well as retroactively rewriting recent memory to make it appear as if they were speaking that language themselves. This was an added feature to the race so they could communicate with conquered species.

Spoiler: To the Giant Robot Factory of POTENTIAL doom MOR: 5

Show

Answer: Entertainment requested in the form of the wholesale slaughter of non-factory beings to add their materials to the factory. Their attempts to resist and great for ratings.

With love,

Princess.

Spoiler: To the Knights: MOR 5

Show

Can we please have one to see if any of us match with a robot.

Spoiler: To the God Cosplay Hosts of This Years Meeting: MOR 5

Show

Aww you beat us to it.

Though we will say. War is name alone is hardly a show of force, or a show of solidarity against the darker forces of the Galaxy.

Either way, you have proven yourselves bold, we may have work with you later once we are closer.

Spoiler: To the Archive: MOR 5

Show

These routes cannot be made by us this season. We shall notify you of our intent to capture [7] when the time comes.

Spoiler: To Principia Personel Solutions: MOR 5

Show

We will take your deal, though I do not believe that we have the routes to transfer our credits to your accounts.

Additionally, we can also offer a single solar year or your offer, without the free intervention, in exchange for premium ad space during one of our public broadcasts. For two years we will additionally add your ad copy to private messages to powerful factions within Principia.

Let us know,

Neptune.

[GameOfChampions]

Competition of Minds
Mor 5
Inf 2

Spoiler: The Hecatian Shade

Show

Greetings to the Shaded,

We will readress this possible trade when the possible acts of the Congress are passed.

Supreme Judge Anderson

Spoiler: Channel Seldiva

Show

Greetings New Allies,

The Competition agrees to your terms. We shall work together with the channel and use your expanded viewership through the universe to aid the deciding of our competition. Prepare to view great and terrible acts of psionic power the likes of which your channel has never viewed.

Spoiler: The Idrian Nascence

Show

The two way communication strengthens as the Warped One peruses through the visions. He gathers himself and recalls memories of his host and the memories of his own past with mortals
A long fingered grey hand brushing against the temple of a drooling man and pulling a stream of information.
A circle of gifted viewing the meetings of a local government.
Decay of the natural circle of life, trapped and traded.
Psionic plant life traded for the use of powerful Psykers
Information drives traded for powerful psionic matter
The Warped one confirms the questioning thought. Pulsing back agreement.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Trade Esp for your Psi? 6 Esp for 6 Psi?

[Writtensanity]

1000 years ago, three factions of Psionics beyond comprehension began the greatest competition of minds the galaxy has ever known. Their contest was so great, and their rivalry so fierce that they transported through time!


RIGHT ONTO CHANNEL SELDIVA

Tune into PSYKER WARS! A subsection of Conquest: Principia to see the impossible, be the impossible and choose your faction! Are you a #KaijuCrafter a #RealityWarper or a #ChaosController ? Vote now online and visit the PSYKER WARS online store to show your support today!

Spoiler: To All

Show

The Competition of Minds has signed a contract with Channel Seldiva and is now considered a subsidiary of the channel. Attacking them or preventing their work is considered akin to attacking us. This is your only warning.

Spoiler: OOC:

Show

Channel Seldiva and The Competition of Minds have entered and Alliance with the following terms:

Their territories will count as collective for the Domination Victory Condition

Declarations of War or aggressive actions against Channel Seldiva or the Competition of Minds are considered Declarations of war / aggressive actions on all parties within the alliance.

The Competition of Minds is not beholden to wars Declared by Channel Seldiva unless they are wars of retaliation (AKA: Channel Seldiva was attacked but the person had not declared war yet.)

Channel Seldiva will feature the judgement blocks of the Competition of Minds during Conquest: Principia Airtime.

[St. Justicar]

The Idrian Nascence

Influence 1, Morale 4

Spoiler: Competition of Minds

Show

Two barges meet in the middle of a lake to trade, the lights shifting beneath the water’s surface more than slightly reminiscent of the stars in the sky.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Deal. Each contribute 1 Psi to create the hyperlane?

[3SecondCultist]

Amaranthine Archive
Mor 3, Inf 3

Spoiler: To the Hecatian Shade

Show

To Head Engineer Chi'tal,

Your message was well appreciated by our people. The designation for your civilization is also Fortis class, though you have proven yourselves helpful to race of scientific minds before.

We may look into the feasibility of cooperating with you to create a hyperlane from Zephyrus [8] to [49] next year. This would then allow your military access to our cluster of space systems to help us combat the Nascence head on. They are an immediate threat that will need to be dealt with, and there are many gains to be made by repatriating the neutral systems into your swarm.

Equally, you should be aware that Channel Seldiva has made a similar offer. They will be moving to [7] and will then have near free reign over the cluster should they beat back the threat from Idri.

Commissar Winry Oon

Spoiler: To Logopathor & Chrysaorian Hegemony

Show

Esteemed colleagues,

We here at the Archive understand well the value of cooperation - that is why we reached out to your reasoned selves. While the people of Zephyrus will certainly find ourselves under immediate threat, we do not see what choices we have. The Ultrum may yet expand into any of the havens we have our eyes on, leaving us with nowhere to go.

Left with few places to turn, our people may have to ally with less tasteful but equally effective agents. Channel Seldiva has offered to move into our star provinces and fight off the Nascence - this is not exactly an ideal solution, as several of our people fear that we would be replacing the proverbial lion with a wolf.

It is a dangerous galaxy we live in, friends. We may yet be looking for refuge at [20], though we plan on taking [10] in the coming year first so as to allow for a better position.

Phase-Knight Wen, 82nd Archive Administrator

Spoiler: To Channel Seldiva

Show

Next year, perhaps.

You should also be made aware that a similar offer to yours has come to us courtesy of the Hecatian Shade. Their swarms are ready to fly and move out to a staggering number of systems this year and next, and should be landing in the cluster soon.

---

Principia Personnel Solutions
Mor 4, Inf 3

Spoiler: To the Oracle Family Company

Show

The message isn't so much a directed line of communication so much as it is a series of really cheaply produced late night ads that seem to play only on the most private servers of your civilization - for the board of directors.

YOU'VE BEEN PRE-APPROVED!

Are you worried about fanatical ubermensch supermen or anime mecha mercs who want to kick down your space door and take your lunch money?

Want to deal with the slavering psionically modified hordes that will overwhelm potential allies before they depreciate in value?

Do you want to survive the next three years?

THEN BUY OUR COMPREHENSIVE PROTECTION PACKAGE NOW!

Here at Principia Personnel Systems, we believe in protecting our loyal customers. If YOU sign up to a subscription deal right now, you get access to an unprecedented level of intelligence.

Wanna get the 4-1-1 on what's happening on Xytharl? Or how about the sitch at Host Station? Not a problem! Just call the toll-free number on the side of YOUR screen, and you'll be connected with our top of the line customer service agents.

We have the most discreet problem solvers in the galaxy, who are willing to pick up the line and custom-craft YOUR own termination of any target you choose, in whatever method you would prefer. Pre and post-mortem one liners are also available at the customer's request.

BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE!

Our board of directors has qualified your company for the new PREMIUM deal: as a one-time signing bonus, we will provide ONE termination entirely for free.

ANYONE in the sector* that you choose will be taken out of commission for at the least next year. All of this can be yours and more!

Get in now, this offer expires SOON!

*All terms and conditions apply. Each termination sold separately.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

The deal they are offering is 1 Eco per turn in exchange for the following:
- Full access to their Esp (I'll update you every turn as to their current level so that you can read everything they can)
- Premier access to assassinations (5 Eco or Inf per hit in any combination, reduced from the rate of 7)
- 1 free assassination, using their full resource scheme (they can hit any faction for a 15 point Esp assassination this turn, which can take out any 1 VIP for turn 2)

However, this agreement comes with a slight risk: as the assassins are just performing a job, they would pass on the responsibility to you should any hits be uncovered. What that means is that should any assassinations be investigated, it would be your faction taking the 1 Inf stat damage rather than PPS.

Spoiler: To the Chrysaorian Hegemony

Show

The follow-up message comes through in the form of a call placed through a secure line to Zeus' internal servers. Prior to the call, a robotic voice can be heard:

This call is being recorded for quality assurance purposes.

"Hello there, my name is Bellerophon from Principia Personnel Solutions, I'm hoping for just a moment of your time.

We received your reply to our ad, thank you for your investment into our Premium Elimination and Surveillance Targeting package! PPS is a first class choice when it comes to professionalism, effectiveness, and price. We are committed to terminating your enemies - your business is important to us.

Regarding the Nascence, we can certainly do that for you sir. It seems that they are quickly gathering enemies, so we anticipate a high demand being placed on that target. We can absolutely deliver sabotage strikes rather than targeted liquidations, but please note that our operatives are highly trained to deal with individual termination so the overall impact may be slightly less effective.

If that's all, you can expect an invoice for the first year of our contract to come through at approximately 9441.01 for [1 Eco], with a yearly billing period from that point on. You will then be given access to our intelligence servers.

Thank you so much for listening, you have a splendid day."

Spoiler: To the Hecatian Shade

Show

The follow-up message comes through in the form of a call placed through a secure line to Ala Cait, bypassing the Shade's security protocols. Prior to the call, a robotic voice can be heard:

This call is being recorded for quality assurance purposes.

"Hello there, my name is Queal from Principia Personnel Solutions, I'm hoping for just a moment of your time.

I'm responding to a flag in your file here that says that your station is outside of our normal service area due to lack of cohesive trade routes. While this is true, I'm calling today to inform you that Principia Personnel Solutions is currently working on a workaround through a third party. We should be able to trade shortly - shall we put you down for 1 Premium Elimination and Surveillance Targeting system? We like to call it P.E.S.T. for short.

There is no rush on the order - you can start the trade whenever is convenient for you. At that time, our offer can be cashed in and you will start to see the benefits of listening to sector the way it should be heard. We hope to see more of your business in the future.

Thank you so much for listening, you have a splendid day."

Spoiler: To the Magnus Apparatus

Show

The follow-up message comes through in the form of a call placed through a secure line to CoffeeStain's internal servers. Prior to the call, a robotic voice can be heard:

This call is being recorded for quality assurance purposes.

"Hello there, my name is Nyx-47 from Principia Personnel Solutions, I'm hoping for just a moment of your time.

I'm responding to a flag in your file here that says that your station is outside of our normal service area due to lack of cohesive trade routes. Unfortunately, we don't have any third parties in the area to remedy that lack of trade at the current time. If and when your organization decides to rejoin the rest of the sector, we would be happy to set aside 1 Premium Elimination and Surveillance Targeting package just for you.

Thank you so much for listening, you have a splendid day."

Spoiler: To Channel Seldiva

Show

The follow-up message comes through in the form of a call placed through a secure line to a server that Station Manager Neptune will be visiting in the immediate future. Prior to the call, a robotic voice can be heard:

This call is being recorded for quality assurance purposes.

"Hello there, my name is Adias from Principia Personnel Solutions, I'm hoping for just a moment of your time.

I'm responding to a flag in your file here that says that your station is outside of our normal service area due to lack of cohesive trade routes. While this is true, I'm calling today to inform you that Principia Personnel Solutions is currently working on a workaround through a third party. We should be able to trade shortly - shall we put you down for 1 Premium Elimination and Surveillance Targeting system? We like to call it P.E.S.T. for short.

Regarding some of the other offers you made, I would advise you to contact management here in Customer Relations. Your file is marked 'high importance' and your business is valuable to us - I believe that our VP Calepri can be made available for a face to face meeting at a later date to go over the finer points of branding, ad sales and future merchandising. We here at PPS believe that there are quite a few cross-market synergies to explore between PPS and the Channel.

Thank you so much for listening, you have a splendid day."

Spoiler: To the Knights of Orias

Show

The follow-up message comes through in the form of a call placed through a secure line on Katatia, directly to Lord Quartermaster Kima'res. Prior to the call, a robotic voice can be heard:

This call is being recorded for quality assurance purposes.

"Sorry to bother you sir, my name is Xander from Principia Personnel Solutions. I'm hoping for just a moment of your time?

We're very sorry to hear that your people are not interested in purchasing our Premium Elimination and Surveillance Targeting system - we here at the office call it P.E.S.T. - but someone at the head office has an idea that I need to run by you. I promise, you won't want to pass on this opportunity sir!

Currently, there are a number of interested parties who are outside of our service area. However, you have the power to change that by expanding a hyperlane from [40] to [43], thus facilitating trade in that region of the sector. PPS is willing to give you a special deal: we will pay you 2 Eco this turn if you are able to open that route for us immediately.

Now to be clear, this deal does not represent any ongoing relationship between our factions; it's a one time thing. However, your people do qualify for our other services, so if you do reconsider our initial offer, it is still on the table for you.

Thank you so much for listening, you have a splendid day."

[A_Dinosaur]

The Magnus Apparatus

*******Log 1.3: The Stolen Memories********

Spoiler

Show

Its hard to believe its been a whole year already. I’ve literally not seen the suns in an entire year. Wild.

Magnus is coming along, ran his first boot with the PSI Patch last week, Dr. Fasri’s gonna be pissed, but I needed something to DO for the mat leave months. Good start for sure, he didn’t really DO anything, but you could hear his cooling system roaring like a X-City Rioter, so he must have been thinking something. I got my gaming rig running too, snuck a line through to a couple friends topside. Been playing a bunch with those guys, but honestly I think the year of isolation has gotten too me. Its weird talking to real people again.

I mean I know the rest of the team is real and all, but they all talk like the reincarnations of business emails.

Dr. Murioch Romero

*******Log 1.3: END********

[Output:] ResponseTCH
[Output:] I do not accept your declaration of war.

Players

The Chrysaorian Hegemony

Spoiler

Show

[Output:] Declaration Illogical. Attack Effectiveness Minimal.
[Output:] Resource Waste Potential: Critical
******** An Error? ********

[Declare] ResponseTCH
ResponseTCH = I do not accept your declaration of war.

Channel Seldiva

Spoiler

Show

[Output:] Organic forms are semi optimal uses of carbon based resources.
[Output:] Consumption of Organic Forms unnecessary.

#I require additional minerals#

[Output:] Current hyperlane use = Trade

Logopathor

Spoiler

Show

[Output:] Access = Hyperlane Restricted
[Output:] Trade impossible.

[Output:] Hyperlane Establishment for trade purposes.
[Output:] Resources Insufficient this year.
[Output:] Request Input - Interest in Hyperlane connection 13-21

The Idrian Nascence

Spoiler

Show

[Output:] This is an automated response. Your message has been rejected for the following reason(s):

- Potential Spam Bot Detected
- Format Unreadable by automatic systems
- Trees are the enemy trees are the enemy trees are the enemy

Please do not respond to this message. If this rejection was made in error, please contact [Retrieve: sysadmin.current]

//Ignore automated response, Collaboration Potential: High
//Mutual Threat Detected: Amaranthine Archive
//Threat Level: Medium
//Threat Probability: High
//Rivalry: Idrian Nascence - Magnus Apparatus = Inefficient
//Declare: DefenceAndCooperationAgreement
//DefenceAndCooperationAgreement = Yes
//Request Input: Agreement?

NPCs

PPS

Spoiler

Show

[Declare:] Agreement = Yes
[Output:] Error: Hyperlane Access Restricted
[Declare:] IF Hyperlane == Established (
Agreement = Yes
)

GM

Midturn

Spoiler

Show

6 votes in favour of Nemisis Games

[kemmotar]

Oracle Family Company
Morale:4
Influence: 4

"Sir...Sir!"

Zerreshkk looked up from his office at the center of the capital, today the view of the city was obscured by low lying clouds. Well, low by comparison to the dizzy heights that the offices of the CEO soared in.

"Sir...It's...It's a package....from the galactic congress!"

The excited tone of voice did not exactly match the whisper. As if she were trying to hide it.

"Has it? Good."

Zerreshkk replied almost non-challantly. He knew it would have to come, but still. It was good to have confirmation. A stage greater than any of his predecessors awaited. He toyed with a small brilliant gem, the most precious one on Serkis. It was not time yet for his ridges to be adorned. The lack of ridge decoration set him apart. He did not need these gems, everyone on the planet knew his name and mien. Still, a thoughtful gift from his brother but not yet. He raised one his antenae slightly.

"Are you waiting for an invitation to bring it in?"

The intern 3rd class stood there dumbfounded for a brief second before rushing out, hopefully to bring the package. Zerreshkk cleared his desk from the reports he had been studying reports on the other members of the galactic congress. He stood up and wandered off to the ceiling windows of his office and took out a small implement shaped somewhat like a screwdriver except the helix was a hollow tube. It seemed old and well used, he gave it a fond look before putting it back into one of the pockets of his office harness dress, almost guiltily as the intern entered bearing the package closely followed by another.

"Brother good to see you! We have strategy to talk about..."

He trailed off as the other entrant's speech appendage trembled making a chittering sound indicating displeasure. This one was also dressed demurely, but had many multicoloured gems put into his carapace.

"Director...."

He said sternly.

"I don't know how you're planning to finance this plan of yours! It...it's...it's Outrageous!

Zerreshkk smiled at his brother with a forelimb

FInancing is your department brother...exploding suns is my department...

EXPLODING WHAT! DO YOU KNOW HOW MUCH THAT WOULD COST!!

Meerza...your tail is so agited it is likely to decapitate the poor intern. Nary a charcoal briquette for her to stick to a ridge....Besides that was a joke...

I see you are not wearing your own accolades...

Antenae parted slightly to show disapproval.

The game if afoot brother...you have to dream big. And dreams cost money. Issue another bond, perpetual if it has to be...get "outside investors" if you have to. Find me the money...dreams are expensive...but just imagine.

Zerreshkk pulled his brother to the window.

This is nothing brother, we are as the prancing executives of minor companies with barely 10 floors to their name...See the big picture brother.

He pointed beyond the horizon, which was now shining withs stars as the suns went down. The Spire was high enough that there was no light pollution and barely any atmosphere.

Expand your horizons.

Well...we'll have to cut the divident this year...Investors won't be happy...

Zerreshkk smiled. He knew his brother would find a way...but now it was in his own hands...implementation of a dream...

Spoiler: Principia Personnel Solutions - Morale 4

Show

From: Managing Directer and chair of the Oracle Family Company
To: PPS

Many thanks for your offer. We would be pleased to receive a trade representative with full negotiating privilidedges for further discussion of personalised trade agreement.

Spoiler: Knights of Orias - Morale 4

Show

From: The desk of Zerreshkk, MD and chair of the Oracle family company
To: Lord Commander Arkh Ban of the Knights of Orias

Lord commander, greetings. As you may be aware we have recently joined galactic affairs. As the representative and majority shareholder of the corporation and neighbour would like to extend our greetings and hospitality should you wish to send representatives to discuss trade and other amenities. In the meantime, as neighbours, we would like to propose a non-aggression pact and border delineation agreement. Should you be amenable we would be pleased to discuss further and hope to build upon such humble beginnings.

Looking forward to your response.

Spoiler: Internal

Show

3 votes for "everywhere he is in chains"

[Writtensanity]

"Welcome back to this week's top ten! Where we're examining the top ten kills of the week from our soldiers on the ground on Lithal2b. Featured here at number 4 is Princess, one of the leaders of the Conquest: Principia. Our little Antheraxi Queen in the making has two slots in the top ten kills of the week, but you're going to need to wait a while to see the next one. For now, let's check out Number four from the siege of Lakd last night after a second Lithalian city rebelled against the Meritocracy."

Spoiler: SPONSORED DROP! YOU RECEIVED A NEW TRADING CARD!

Show

A drone camera is sweeping over a city where the reptilian natives of Lithal2b are scrambling over the rubble remains of their downtown core to try to escape the oncoming force from the meritocracy. A shining craft, similar to a helicopter jets past the drone and swoops down towards the tattered buildings, trying to get low enough to pick up some of the retreating forces. The drone zooms in after it as a repeating message blares over the speakers.


" You have chosen to resist the Meritocracy. Unless you are strong enough to overcome us, the result will be death for you all. Any citizen who raised arms against the meritocracy will be exterminated. Fight for your lives to earn them back. You have chosen to resist the Meritocracy. Unless you are..."


The craft almost touches down on the side of a shattered stone building, kicking up dust and debris as several of the native Litalians try to scramble into it and escape, covering their bulging eyes as they do so. Shots ricochet off the rubble and send sparks flying. Several rounds hit the frontal shield of the craft and evaporate against the blue shields. The pilot growls and starts pulling away from the side of the building. Half a dozen Lithalians leap after the craft but fall to their doom as it pulls away. The rest of the Lithalians stare up at the craft and drone with hopeless eyes as it takes off towards the sky and safety without them.

Suddenly a black chitinous blur erupts from behind the crowd, twice as tall as any of the Lithalians and tossing them like ruined toys. Less than a moment later the creature leaps off the side of the building, crossing the impossible gap and landing in the side of the climbing craft. The drone inside backs into a corner to get a good view of the carnage.

Princess stoops low to avoid the ceiling as the rest of the Lithalins stare in fear before one opens fire. Primitive bullets bounce uselessly off the shell of an Antheraxi queen and Princess skewers her tail through the chest of the one shooting her. Another one of the Lithalians tries to take aim but she uses her new victim like a puppet, spinning the shish-kabab-salamander in a dazzling show of friendly fire. Red blood scatters around the craft, and anyone watching who can speak Lithli learn a lot of new curses.

One of the surprisingly not shot Lithalians tries to pull their friend off of Princess tail, but the backward spikes running along it cause him to rip out his ally's innards before Princess grabs a large melee weapon off one of the dead Lithali and throws it like a child's toy, obliterating the top half of the lithanlian who has just failed trying to rescue his friend.

The pilot of the craft screams and starts flailing wildly at the controls, trying anything it can to spin the ship and throw Princess out of the passenger area, but it's too late. Princess reaches a savage claw towards the ceiling of the craft and tears the metal roof away, exposing the spinning propeller above. The Lithalian tries to unbuckle his seatbelt and dive out of the airship, but Princess wraps her tail around him and pulls him back in.

Princess pulls him in close for a moment, using her lower set of arms to inject him with a blood colourant, before shaking him briefly in front of the camera. He looks pathetic, covered in the blood of lost combat and shameful fear. Princess raises the pilot up to rotor blades slowly with her tail. Feet first.

The screaming stops disappointingly fast, and Princess shakes off the lime green blood and viscera of her victim. The drone swoops out of the aircraft before it crashes into the ground, shattering into an explosion of flame and steel.

Princess struts out of the destroyed craft, Queen of the city.

" Unless you are strong enough to overcome us, the result will be death for you all. Any citizen who raised arms against the meritocracy will be exterminated...."



"So I really need to say, I know it's easier to simply coat the bullets in blood colourant and let them do the work, and it might make a more colourful show, but there is something visceral watching Princess set all of that up in real time. Plus, in my opinion, she should get extra points for going after the cowards that were trying to retreat after taking up arms against the Meritocracy, a really shameful example of citizens of Lithal2b, most of which are hardworking and very happy under meritocracy rule..."

MOR: 5 INF: 5

Spoiler: MIDTURN: GM ONLY

Show

Do we round up or down?

If we round up: 3 from INF and 2 from MOR - YAY for: Everywhere he is in chains

If we round down: 2 from INF and 1 from MOR - YAY for: Everywhere he is in chains.

Spoiler: To the Competition of Minds: MOR 5

Show

We hope you enjoyed our introductory trailer.

Let us know when you have projects to be shown on the channel. We'll be happy to air them.

Spoiler: To the Magnus Apparatus: MOR 5

Show

Ah shoot. Let us know.

Spoiler: To the Archive: MOR 5

Show

Now now, as much as we appreciate that you have other suitors, let's talk about the shade and their... propensity for absolute conquest as opposed to TARGETED entertaining conquest.

We understand you share a love of science, but we'd likely suggest that you don't let them into your system too easily, without the Arco-Medean leash you're simply letting a feral Velati into the feed station.

As we said, the resources will be available next season, unless we otherwise advise in the coming months.

With love, Ferro

Spoiler: To Principia Personell Solutions: MOR 5

Show

Pardon, do you mean this solar year or next. The language during the message was ambiguous. I believe that we will have a benefactor able to meet you next solar year, though this one would be unfortunate.

Our order would be for Ala Cait ”The follower” within the Hectian Shade faction. Her absence will make the books a little harder to balance this season we imagine.

Looking forward to our meeting:

Neptune, Station Manager.

[St. Justicar]

The Idrian Nascence

ARCHIVAL SITUATION REPORT N8-2-2

THREAT N8-3N3

CLASSIFICATION FORTIS 10

PROGRESS REPORT: HYPERLANE NODE 2 – AYSLE SYSTEM

POLITICAL ENTITIES: 1 – Iremic Mandate of Tolwyn

INHABITED STELLAR OBJECTS: 4 Natural

STATUS CODE: Green|Yellow|ORANGE|Red|Black|White

PRIMARY AUTHOR: Archivist ███

BACKGROUND: [See Report ██████]
CURRENT SITUATION: Situation has deteriorated severely since last report on multiple fronts. There continues to be no absolute proof of N8-3N3 having spread in-system, but circumstantial evidence is hard to discount.

Panic over threat of invasion among clerical elite led to attempted ouster of Grand Arbiter ███████ during Sacred Conclave, significantly delaying any action on threat of N8-3N3. Purges of elements believed to be involved in the coup attempt, now denounced as apostates who worship N8-3N3, have significantly weakened state apparatus.

Disorder has spread throughout system. News reports from outlying dioceses report hysteria over ‘witches’, ‘monsters’, heretics and foreigners. Numerous incidents of mob violence, multiple local governments toppled after attempting to intervene and protect victims. Others trying to get out ahead of things, leading to state-led democides.

All this has lead to unacceptable amounts of noise crowding out signal of possible enemy action. Several regions around ████████ Ocean have gone totally dark over past weeks, with heavy seasonal storms limiting satellite imagery and providing Mandate authorities ready excuse for damage that has been seen. Sheer number of ‘monster’ panics and testimonials seem unlikely unless there were actually attacks occurring.

HORIZON generators are reporting slightly increased ambient signal strength, Archivist ██████ theorizes mostly likely bleedover from infections outside major population centres and I agree.

AVAILABLE RESOURCES: [See Report ██████]
PROPOSED ACTIONS: 1. Urgently request dispatch of additional Archivists to conduct reconnaissance of potential infection hotsports.
2. Dispatch of as many additional HORIZON sensors as possible to pin down infection loci
3. Form contacts within Mandate military orders (elite professional military), begin funnelling experimental anti-N8-3N3 weaponry and tactics for research purposes.
END REPORT


Influence 1, Morale 4

Spoiler: Magnus Apparatus

Show

We received your reply to our ad, thank you for your investment into our Premium Elimination and Surveillance Targeting package!
Attacking them or preventing their work is considered akin to attacking us. This is your only warning.
Should you be amenable we would be pleased to discuss further and hope to build upon such humble beginnings

premium ad space during one of our public broadcasts
?

Currently, there are a number of interested parties who are outside of our service area. However, you have the power to change that by expanding a hyperlane
Should the need rise, the Archive may also ask your permission for a bridge to be constructed to bypass the abominations through the Veil Gate and into your own neighbourhood (hyperlane from [10]
In one Sol year we will be taking contracts. End Trasnmission."

Spoiler: Midturn

Show

2 Votes YES on “Everywhere he is in chains”

1 SCI to create route between 3 and 58, in cooperation with Competition of Minds

1 Sci to survey [2] for Archaotech
1 Sci to survey [9] for Archaotech

[Let'sGetKraken]

The Chrysaorian Hegemony

Spoiler: Midturn, GM Only

Show

8 SCI and Hades [Tier 2 SCI VIP] sent into the Archeotech facility in territory 18.

3 votes against Everywhere He Is In Chains (since I have 5 INF and 6 MOR, I only get 3 votes, I believe).

[n0ble]

The Ultrum Domin

Spoiler: Midturn-GM

Show

3 Sci to construct/navigate a route to 24
3 votes for Everywhere He is in Chains