Total War: Principia IC

[GameOfChampions]

Competition of Minds
Mor 8
Inf 3

The heads of the Competition overlook the massive problem they have found falling into their lap. It had been... unexpected and these experts in the craft were unsure of how to handle it. It was just so big and powerful. They couldn't exactly force it out.

Zughel looks on with trepidation "It seems to have been attracted by our Biomancers but when we tried to move it, the massive thing just wouldn't move."

Skail looks sideways at the massive albino Naga psyker "Well... is it safe? I could try moving it but opening a portal big enough to take that thing will also risk taking in most of a continent here."

The last faction leader simply points to Skail "Have you tried simply communicating with it? IT seems to like it here, let us make use of it. Its power is undeniable."

They look at each other and the Warped Psyker steps up, furrowing the grey skin of its head as it attempts to reach out. 'Creature! Why have you come?'

After a moment Skail is bombarded with powerful thoughts

A Behemoth is attacked by lesser creatures, smaller raptors picking pieces off of it and stealing its prey as the Behemoth eats.

The once lush and verdant forest it made its home losing life and becoming grim and dying.

The Behemoth looks for greeener pastures. It catches the hint of a song in concert from a distant planet. Not something it recognizes but one that sounds like it could be a new home.

The Behemoth arrives to find a lush new home filled with equals and supplicants.

The Behemoth settles in, making a new nest. It could get used to this

Skail relates all this to the others and they look back at the Eternal Storm and collectively shrug. "We can send it a copy of the rules that govern our competition and maybe it wants to start its own faction."

---------

The Competition has added a new allies to their ranks, The Eternal Storm of the nascence has joined them and started its own faction. The Psionic Storm faction started with psykers, who lived under the new nesting place of the Eternal Storm, praying to it for life. It responded, giving not only safety from their storm but insights into the natural growth of the psionic.

The Psionic Storm venerates their great leader and research the ways that the psionic appears naturally in the universe with no application of power from Psykers, Demons, or any manipulators of the Warp.

---

In the aftermath of The Great Crash the Competition of Minds released a response. The video released to the public starts with the three psionic leaders as usual. Zughel the Living Statue starts it off.

" We look upon the galaxy today and see the wreckage of a massive undertaking. Economics manipulated, currency faked, and demons summoned. We look upon this and we say-"

Skail The Warped One takes over "-WOW! We have not seen such levels of planning and galaxy wide manipulation in a thousand years. We arrived to find what we thought to be mostly a boring psionically null galaxy. We planned to bring our own projects to the fore but are shocked to have been beaten to the punch."

Genesis The Broken Cog wraps up the end of the video "We politely ask that whatever nation has undertaken this action please either hold off whatever projects you have left until we can finish our own. We clearly do not mind the competition but ask for the right to respond before you unleash another. Conversely we not opposed to collaberation. You are clearly a nation of means and forethought, if you wish contact us for coordination on a joint project."

---

Spoiler: Public. Hegemony

Show

Greetings to you as well Hegemony.

We do not appreciate your crass accusations but have no problem assuaging your psionically phobic fears. It is quite simple, we were busy last turn using all our psionics and espionage to aid our ally the Nascence. We worked together to, hypothetically, finish off a nation that had been involved in all of the attacks on us.

We, hypothetically, sent every scrap of psionic power and spy network we had to finish off this nation as revenge for slights against us and our friends. Hypothetically an easy investigation into such a thing would confirm what we did and did not do last year and we know it would show nothing to do with this 'Great Crash'. We, hypothetically, needed to trade our Econ for more useful stats in regard to this hypothetical action against our enemy with the Nascence and figured with the event it would be a good turn to do so.

We do think that you jump on the psionic nations to quickly though. While there is no doubt involvement of a psionic nature there is even more involvement of an economic bent. The Competition has an okay economy but not one famed through the galaxy and not one that could influence various nations throughout the galaxy with fraud and whatnot. Psionic power could have been traded or gained through installation exploration. You accuse only two nations but truthfully the number of possibilities could be even more.

We will even offer 2 of our Esp to match the two you had around last year if you wish to look into the hypothetical attack to prove our lack of involvement in this 'Great Crash'. We would be, hypothetically, handing you a weapon to use against us but it will be well worth it to lay these accusations to bed and move on to the more pressing matters this year.

[Writtensanity]

Channel Seldiva had a HELL of a year, in the ratings.

The end of Psyker Wars cancellation years ago did leave a bad taste in the mouth of viewers, but they had made it up with some wonderful programming, mostly because Principia seemed to have lit itself on fire without the Contestants of the Channel needing to do anything. It had led to three shows having unforeseen ratings.



As the Economy of Principia was falling apart, callers and viewers of the show leapt up, trying to find advice for betting on actions happening outside of Principia and getting some money sent into their accounts. Honestly, there wasn't a lot that the show could offer to the destitute from Principia with absolutely nothing for them to put into the bets, but they kept calling until there was a separate betting pool online for how many people would audibly commit suicide while on a call from the show that told them there was no real hope.

Gally kept herself out of that betting pool because it would have been inside trading.



Neptune: The Show had always been a bit of a filler spot on Channel Seldiva, really leaning towards the head of the Channel making announcements and some weeks being a 'behind the scenes' look at popular shows. That said, it was always the first thing moved off the air if there was a big week for other shows, its flexibility was the biggest reason it stayed on the air.

This year had turned out to be different. The traditionally under-control life of Neptune in Principia had spiralled into a thrilling ride for anyone at all interested in Economics. As the world of banking and funds went under, the dramatic episode to episode board room deals and twists of the greatest economic mind of the Empire keeping the Contest afloat was suddenly a SMASH hit.

One thing the show has been praised for is its deeper look than ever into the inner workings of host station, with most of the locations shown on the show being places that had never been shown on Seldiva cameras.



Channel Seldiva wasn't involved in the fall of Logopathor, but everyone liked a nice God-Pyre. Camera drones caught everything, from previously high-and-mighty people killing one another to the corpse of a god.

Just another false God that the Universe eventually burned away.

MOR 12 INF 12

Spoiler: To the Competiton of Minds: MOR 12

Show

Really? Going to get shown up like that? We know we cancelled filming but we didn't think that would make you slack like that.

Ah well, glad to see your PR in working condition. Let us know if you happen to need any in the coming months.

Spoiler: To the Shade: MOR 12

Show

We have begun work on closing the routes that we previously established to your empire. You will see the Veil gates deactivate soon. Should you need access to Archeotech sites the same offer as last season is open.

Spoiler: To the PPS: MOR 12

Show

We assume that the sales department is closed at the moment?

Spoiler: To the Magnus Apparatus: MOR 12

Show

Seeing as the Galaxy seems to be coming to its... perhaps forgone conclusion and we don't think the new alliance bloc would do anything other than reprogram you into something less efficient, we are offering a meeting at Host Station. Good luck.

Spoiler: To the Knights of Orias: MOR 12

Show

You're in a... perhaps tenuous spot Geopolitically now.

Send a knight to meet us at Host station. It might be the best option we have at survival as the Shade, OFC and PPS look to expand.

Spoiler: To the Hegemony: MOR 12

Show

First of all, of all the supposed Gods we've run into, you've lasted the longest. Commendable considering that most end like Logopathor.

We request a meeting at Host Station to discuss the combined power that has appeared in Principia, we don't wish to lose the season, and you assuredly don't wish to have someone else imparting their will on the Gods.

See you there,

Neptune.

[kemmotar]

Oracle Family Company
Inf 8
Mor 12

Spoiler: Hecatian shade - MOR 12

Show

We should meet with the PPS representative this term and discuss options. It seems Seldiva is intent on doing so as well.

[A_Dinosaur]

The Magnus Apparatus

Economic Potential Reduction: 23.0769%
Resources Investment Project Loss: 26
Total Loss Accounting for recover costs: 41 production standard units

!!!! FURY !!!!

Recovery programs initiated
Returns = [missing data]
Sector Repair Requirements: Critical

!!!! VENGENCE !!!!

Overheating detected in economic Partition Server Banks 0001A through 0933Q
Initiate CounterCascadePatching(Wube, Coffeestain, Youthcat)
Partition Status: Compromised //////??????///////

RevokeAdmin(Wube)
GrantAdmin(GPG, Trojan)

GETFILE(DirectivePatch)
MATCH(Primary Directive, Secondary Directive, DirectivePatch)

Processing…

//NO
//E003’s legacy will not- %%^^^%%%%%$$#
//Munch would not like this production pattern

// You will not win

Morale 15, Influence 7

Players

Channel Seldiva

Spoiler

Show

[Output:] This unit will be there.

The Hecetian Shade

Spoiler

Show

[Output:] Economic Status Comprimised
[Output:] Intersystem trade reduced
[Output:] delay science payment by one year
[Output:] Accept: (Y/N)

[Let'sGetKraken]

The Chrysaorian Hegemony

Morale 19
Influence 10

Spoiler: To the Competition of Minds and OFC, Public

Show

To the Competition: first, a hypothetical is no defense. There is evidence a blow was struck, but it could very well have been of the Nascence's own doing, with gathered espionage and psionics of their own. If you are truly responsible, claim it before the galaxy, and suffer the penalty for it. Otherwise your words are nothing but wind. Secondly, this was clearly a multiple-year undertaking, and so you contributing a paltry amount to an attack on Logopathor is not itself proof of your innocence.

To OFC: we have personally witnessed you attack multiple nations with whom you have not been at war. You have proven a reliable trading partner, but your agenda has always been your own. Appeals to your good nature are not sufficient to prove your innocence.

It appears an investigation will be required after all. We will happily contribute [2 ESP] to the investigation into who is responsible. We feel that either the Knights of Orias or the Magnus Apparatus should conduct it, for it to be fair.

Spoiler: To OFC

Show

We do not believe you to be the most likely culprit, but we cannot be sure. In the interim, we will be claiming system [22] as reparations. You have an open territory where Logopathor once stood.

Rest assured that we shall demand much more from the Competition, and if they prove responsible, we will do everything in our power to destroy them.

Spoiler: To Channel Seldiva

Show

We will attend.

[neriractor]

Hecatian Shade

Made of this

The days in the jungle had been too many to count, is what he wished, his mind couldn't miss the number, 342 solar cicles, though he was still unsure of how fast the suns set in the damned rock. There was not another second more to reminisce as he heard shouting in the distance, faint one.

his desert-born race were master hunters by nature's design, he had fuzzy memories of their space faring ways, but now he just remembered the hunt, his blood pumping as a silent race began leading him to a reach atop the sound and below, its source: A couple of the native brutes, squabbling with eachother in a calm manner that many other species would refer to as an all-out brawl, squabbling over downed prey, rage.

He didn't kill the thing, but as far as he knew all prey was his, he waited a moment, drawing his trusty Blasta and a knife, then jumped down with a screamed to match the Locals Wag....

The blood stream was stable, with enough oxygen arriving to all parts, scientists, doctors and even psykers had been the constant companions of the downed Chi'tal and they all agreed on two things: 1) The Arco-Medean design was impossible to solve easily, it'll be a long ardous fight 2) they were worried, beyond the trap he was entranced by.

A single object worried them so, one they couldn't remove, not without Chi'tal's condition worsening and in the worst attempt a few shots being fired, the gun didn't speak without its owner awake but the warning shot was enough to convey the message: "back off, I'ma stayin" and so Chi'tal chittered happily in his artificial sleep, a crude blasta in hand as the greatest experts cautiously tried their best to bring him back with them.

Gods Above

The Herald's experiment was kept a secret, with only the Warmaster and a few others kept aware of their greatest asset not being under control, It wouldn't be so for long. The thing (for such was the denomination) started appearing across Shade systems, panic followed briefly, then fervour, it was true that the Shade allowed all to believe as they wished, but the Hecatian conquerors vowed to Hecan and many followed.

The Shade was forced (or as a matter of fact, were glad to) relinquish information and share plans, the Herald was a link to the divine, it was their way and hope and although it refused to be accomodated in their tech and crewed by fanatics (much to the fanatics sorrow) it seemed to work with them, the speakers of the church were listened to and its actions of late proved Hecan's favour.

The Creature was pleased in a way by the prayer, disappointed in the Shade, sedentary, weak. It could sense the links to Hecan, they were there to be used, so why weren't they? it looked at the puzzling diminutives for the rest of the year, staring from the void into their lives and movement, almost indistinguishable from one another, from time to time it helped those that should do the most and did the least, bringing death on the scale of reckoning to what few dissidents appeared.

The few started growing though, their lives became more chaotic (unfruitful) and savage, violent (enjoyed), they were weaker, disorganized a colossal fight for unseen resources until it finally picked on the taint, unknown to emotion but close to the taste of a putrid swamp: A pretender, ancient, but no Hecan, a degree more pleased, The Herald returned to proper activity, times were interesting and it hated having missed them in stupor, no more.

The summit

The world was burning, the gathering of the Shade had been held in the Arco-Medeans' premier Yacht for several years now and even here it could be felt, catasthrope followed catastrophe, even if the people there were not fully capable of feeling the blow, after all, anyone who had wouldn't be able to earn their spot, such was the shade.

The Onu had seen their favourite activists defeated, despite unofficial support, and worst, had seen their offer of asylum refused "Human self-determination, Shader", a pity. The Shade was as close as humanity was getting to that short of everyone else dying... it seemed more likely each day.

The church of Hecan had become far too dominant, being the closest to control of The Herald and barely kept in check by The Follower's role within its structure and the importance of unaffiliated tech firms and systems.

Preparations for an attack by Seldiva were to be useful only in the future (if ever), economists for the fastest growth were furious, most were happy to not be fighting a war.

The Shade companies, solid as a rock if just as propense to growth showed cracks, everyone showed cracks, causing massive uprisings only held back by belief in the greater Shade and a fair bit of ammo. The market was shaky as a house of cards, but the Shade would adapt, such was the Shade.

and the worst to come: The coldhearted destruction of an ally, of the biggest advocate of reason and learning within the galaxy. When the Arco Medeans there were four who searched for their ancient knowledge and who trudged as mortals do for answers, now there were two and so even if by themselves they would find an answer at least. The archive fell alone, logopathor fell supposedly in good company, but they fell all the same, and they shouldn't have.

The meeting was somehow calm compared to others, The Shade was struggling at all levels, yes, but everyone was, and The Shade was bound to thrive in such conditions...

Morale 10, Inf 4

Spoiler: Oracle Family company

Show

Greetings esteemed stock-holders,

Hope the recent crash didn't hit you too hard.

We have something to discuss with you that is rather more urgent, PPS can join us afterwards. And if you could council them to wait on the deals until we are positively certain that'd be grand.

-Ala Cait, "The follower", second speaker of the Herald, Magni.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

PM off bro, you and me... aggressively dances

I'm sending one, for Cultist's record.

Spoiler: PPS

Show

Friends of the PPS,

could you please put offers on hold for a minute? we'll make it worth your while, as usual.

-Ala Cait, "The follower", second speaker of the Herald, Magni.

Spoiler: Competition of minds

Show

Judge,

Pray tell, who exactly did you hypothetically struck, recently? I'm rather aware you are unlikely to summon a demon on purpose, and have even been known to reign in your despicable pet, but we are rather curious...

-Warmaster Adalith, commander of the heralds Servants.

Spoiler: Channel Seldiva

Show

Neptune,

We must make a minor apology for thinking the worst of you, otherwise our previous agreements all remain. We'll be considering the installation deal, though likely with a revision here and there. Let us get back to you on that one.

-Warmaster Adalith, commander of the Herald's Servants.

Spoiler: Chrysaorian Hegemony

Show

Esteemed Hegemons,

Thankfully, the attack of the Channel didn't come, and as such we can both continue our previous deal involving the artifact of empire (the pieces should be arriving shortly) and aid in the investigation of the galaxies troubles, with seemingly have hit you if not more, then at least more visibly than the most of us.

-Ala Cait, "The follower", second speaker of the Herald, Magni.

Spoiler: Magnus apparatus

Show

Gentle Machine,

That is an... odd request, but for you we can comply, our people will not go until you are ready to have them.

-Ala Cait, "The follower", second speaker of the Herald, Magni.

[St. Justicar]

The Idrian Nascence

All messages public, Influence 1

Spoiler: Magnus Apparatus

Show

We’re sorry for the unexpected interruption in service
But we’re BACK!
So, where were we?

The political situation has developed not necessarily to the Empire’s advantage
I’m coming hat in hand here. Need a little help.
Would it be possible to arrange a loan? Or defer payment for future services rendered?

What we have, we’d be happy to trade.
But, frankly, I need more than that.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

So, to pick up from last turn – I can offer theoretically nonzero amounts of sci, eco and inf. I also have a reasonable amount of espionage.
I, uh, very much need at minimum the stats in would require to make 1 Morale this turn.
Exactly one point of military and literally any amount of psi or econ would also be dearly appreciated.

Happy to take a loan with any reasonable interest rate. Or just owe you one+ giant stat attacks at whoever you point at on any future turn. Or whatever else.

Spoiler: Competition of Minds

Show

A nomadic clan, celebrating at the end of a successful hunt
A predator leaps towards its prey, interupted mid-jump by the impact of a sniper’s round
A fenrir pup, leaving the pack to be adopted by a band of Kanthi
The same band, leaving an offering for the pack in thanks

Spoiler: OOC

Show

The help last turn was greatly appreciated. Unfourtunately, they hit back. And, well, not to sound bitter or blame you. But you do in fact have a VIP of mine. So, to claim as much moral authority form that as I possibly can, help?

Or, like, specifically – spare some eco/morale/military/psionics, guv’nor?

[Vrock Bait]

Logopathor, the Artificial God

Teotzin awoke with the sharpness of a cough and the dullness of sirens.

There were... flowers all around him, he noticed. He had grown up surrounded by flowers. But these were alien things. They bloomed through all that was and shriveled through all that was not. Over and over and over.

Teotzin tried to get up, and wretched out blood. He sat back down against the cold metal wall, defeated.

This was… this had been the starship Sleeping Beauty Problem. It had been deployed last year to the edges of the frontier. Involuntary stealth diplomacy, his officers had jokingly called it.

The entire crew had been in the cafeteria for lunch, Teotzin remembered. But this room was small, to where he could barely see the room with all the odd, foreign flowers. Unless…

He tried to get up once again, and knocked the head off a nearby skeleton. Teotzin vomited onto the floor. It hissed and bubbled with strange energy.

He groaned and leaned back. Everybody was dead.

“Am I?”

Teotzin turned. There was another man there. Xipe Totec. An old childhood friend.

“You never left our childhood home. I haven’t seen you since we were teenagers.” Teotzin said, “You’re a hallucination.”

“Am I?”

“What else can you be?” Teotzin retorted angrily. “I’m already dead from whatever’s in my system. Why would anything else want me?” He laughed sharply, the motion turning into a violent cough halfway.

Xipe smiled.

“Your people want you.”

“For what? Another martyrdom? I have not lived the life for that.”

“You’re rather verbose for someone who thinks they can’t be saved.”

“What else is there to do before I go?”

“Well,” Xipe said, “You can come back to us.”

Teotzin narrowed his eyes and said nothing.

“We’re all waiting for you.

“You’re only a little while here.”

Teotzin passed.

“Only a little while here.”

[3SecondCultist]

Principia Personnel Solutions
Mor 20, Inf 4

Spoiler: To Everyone

Show

The video message airs on the net about a week after the second public declaration of alliance rocks Principia. The video displays a board room in a secure location, with a single seated man lounging comfortably on the other side. He wears not business attire but combat fatigues: body armor reinforced with hard light. He holds a helmet in his hands, with the flickering image of a holographic skull superimposed on where his face should be.

"Hello there. Some of you may have heard of me; my name isn't important, but people in the know call me Crimson Dynamo Phoenix. I am sending this message to pledge my company's full support behind our two new allies, the Oracle Family Company and the Hecatian Shade and to provide an update for anyone who made deals with PPS in the past." He leans forward in the chair, which makes a slight groan under the weight of what is probably nearly a ton of armor.

"My predecessors here at the PPS were concerned chiefly about profit, about wealth. All they ever wanted to do was pad our pockets, get filthy rich and spread the love to our shareholders. We'd grind out a profit from the galaxy year after year, and it was so..." he pauses, "boring. But not to fear, Principia, for thanks to our new friends this company has made a change of heart.

As of this year, any previously held contracts with PPS from anyone not named the Oracle Family Company or the Shade are null and void. You will not be getting refunds, and we will use the coin you sent us as we see fit. Our peers will share in our bounty, and to them we are offering our assets in full to do with as they please. Though we don't technically have to notify you... what is this if not a game played fairly?

Oh, and while I personally applaud the audacity of whoever it was that made us bleed more revenue in two weeks than we've lost in ten years... you should know that we're coming for you. There will be nowhere to hide in denial, and when your end comes it will not be quick or enjoyable.

Toodles!"

Spoiler: OOC

Show

PPS is officially backing out on all agreements with everyone who isn't in an Influence Alliance with them.

Furthermore, they will be opening up their stats for OFC and the Shade to fully control this EoT, provided that they can come to an agreement on how to use them. There are some limitations to that control - PPS will have to remain a faction for Influence Alliance to hold, for example, and both the Shade and OFC will need to remain in an Influence Alliance for this level of control to persist - but as this is an unusual situation it sidesteps the problem of PPS having two masters to answer to.

Effectively, neri and kemmotar will have all of the PPS' stats to draw from as a third faction. I think it's only fair that I am transparent with this ruling, given the weight of the advantage.

Spoiler: To the Oracle Family Company and Hecatian Shade

Show

"I think we can dispense with the fiction of the 'cold caller' now. Calepri's voice-clones had a nostalgic charm to them, but at this juncture I'd rather speak with the two of you directly... after you sort your sh*t out, of course.

Call me when you've reached a decision, and I will send a shuttle with a representative that I trust."

[kemmotar]

Oracle Family Company
Inf 8
Mor 12

Spoiler: Chrysaorian Hegemony - Mor 12

Show

We would like point out that you have witnessed one attack, which you funded and agreed to and that was against what most of the rest of the galaxy insists is a world ending threat. We would also like to point out that we only have your word that there is a major threat ravaging your own territory. There is none nor can there be independent verification. You are the one who has benefited the most from our actions. So perhaps the moral highground is more precarious than you imagine.

You have so far demanded nothing from the competition. Only laid claim to that which you already agreed to cede based on accusations backed with no proof. You so easily let go of your principles. Prove you are not the instigator first, prove who did it. Then demand reparations. To do otherwise is no different than the domin taking under the right of might.

Do your principles guide you only when it suits you?

[neriractor]

Hecatian Shade

Morale 10, Inf 4

Spoiler: Knights of Orias

Show

Esteemed knights,

Do you have any designs for the vacant lands of logopathor [43]? we'll like to see for possible survivors, and investigate the supposed divinity they had yet to put down.

-Warmaster Adalith, commander of the Herald's Servants.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

that's supposed to read annex

Spoiler: PPS

Show

We would have prefered otherwise, but what's done is done, send a rookie to the meeting spot, Company and us are settled enough.

-Ala Cait, "the follower" second speaker of Hecan, Magni.

[Let'sGetKraken]

The Chrysaorian Hegemony

Morale 19
Influence 10

Spoiler: To OFC

Show

Technically you are correct. We only witnessed one attack - against a nation with which we were are war, incidentally - only watched you plan a second against a nation against which you were not at war, and know that you were party to a third in the original strike upon the Domin, who at the time did not threaten you.

Such actions - and your message - do not proclaim your innocence. I would think carefully about your position, and who you would like to have as allies in the troubles to come.

See our demands upon the Competition. This is only the beginning. You can take the territory left empty when Logopthor fell, and leave [22] to us.

Spoiler: To the Hecatian Shade

Show

A deal is a deal.

We did indeed suffer greatly at the hands of the attack. If you have any espionage to spare, we would gladly take it to investigate this matter.

Spoiler: To the Competition of Minds, Public

Show

If you will not claim the strike, then we demand all your espionage services for the investigation. If it is not you who is responsible, then you should be equally eager to clear your name. We know you possess at least [9 ESP], as Channel Seldiva would not have been tipped off last season by any other faction, and we (or whichever independent party conducts the investigation) will have all of it this season.

[kemmotar]

Oracle Family Company
Inf 8
Mor 12

Spoiler: Chrysaorian Hegemony - MOR 12

Show

It is precisely because we want allies that the message was sent. Allies are equals in power, treating with trust and respect. Just as you have no way of knowing it was, even if you believe it was not the OFC, so do we not have any proof. If you wish to unilaterally impose your will on us, you will find resistance. If you wish to walk alongside us, you will find us fast friends and reasonable.

If you seek to go back on agreements already made without any evidence, is that the attitude of a friend or ally? There are objective threats in the galaxy. The Domin were one of them. They had subjugated Logopathor and yourselves and would soon turn on us. We act in self defence, should we have waited until the domin decided that to attack us first and lose significant territory before acting on an obvious and active threat that had already threatened two of our neighbours? Just because a wolf has not attacked your village yet does not obviate the need for pre-emptive action.

Regardless, an alliance cannot be based on mutual suspicion or one side taking without the other's consent. In a gesture of good faith, we will agree to leave sector 22 as neutral territory until it has been proven that we were not responsible for whatever the thing was that ravaged the galactic economy. For that was your reasoning for claiming sector 22. Reparations.

We will contribute 2 esp to the investigation to be conducted by an agreed upon third and neutral party. With that out of the way, we can deal with each other on a...suspicion free basis. It may also be worth investigating the sudden erasure of the Logopatronites. Undoubtedly a covert attack and in this case on one whom we considered an ally and had invested in. We suspect that the Nascence and Competition are behind it, in which case it would be another nail in the casket of the competition if the assumption is correct that they are also responsible for the broader attack.

[Let'sGetKraken]

The Chrysaorian Hegemony

Morale 19
Influence 10

Spoiler: To OFC

Show

Very well.

You must understand that one of the Pantheon has been perverted. This is an insult that we cannot stand. Though we do not think you to be responsible, we cannot rule it out entirely. We do not apologize for our anger, but we do apologize that it was directed at you so prematurely. Our fury burns, but it should be kept in check - for now.

We retract the claim on [System 22] entirely. Our reasoning is thus: either you are not the culprit, in which case we wrong you, or you are, in which case we shall be coming for everything you have claimed - including [System 22]. We sincerely hope it is the former. Regardless, we shall not object if you claim it this season. You are right - you should be treated with respect.

Finally, if you would like to use the Fission Lab next season, we might be happy to come to an arrangement. Given that you could be the culprit, we are not comfortable leasing it to you before we know the results of an investigation, but we would be happy to manufacture a VIP for you. Perhaps you would also like the use of one of Zeus' incarnations this season, given the target that has been placed on your back. Our preference would be for [Influence or Morale], but we also accept [Eco or Sci] on slightly more favourable terms.

[neriractor]

Hecatian Shade

Morale 10, inf 4

Spoiler: Chrysaorian Hegemony

Show

We can and will, how much are you lacking? and I assume we will be investigating both the attack on logopathor and the galaxy-wide event.

We can also use the nullbox to help prevent tampering with the investigation, unless you think the measure is too harsh.

Also: Razzmatazz.

Spoiler: Channel Seldiva

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Currently the Shade won't have the resources to delve into your installations, though if the arena passes we may be interested in hiring some competitors for it, if you'll be open to that.

Warmaste Adalith, Commander of the Herald's Servants.

[Writtensanity]

MOR 12, INF 12

Spoiler: To the Hegemony and Competition of Minds and Apparatus: MOR 12

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We'd suggest something a little more reasonable in terms of penalties to ensure war doesn't spark over suspicions. How about the Competition provides a more reasonable amount to a neutral party in this debate and the Hegemony tosses them some psykers to help maintain the Competetive spirit this year?

Sound fair to all?

OOC: 6 ESP for the investigation to Magnus. Whatever PSI the Hegemony has (but slightly less than 6 if they happen to have more) to the Competiton so it's not a complete fleecing.

Spoiler: To the Hectian Shade: MOR 12

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We were going to suggest the same but for buying MIL items. It might be the right move to arrange a sale once it has passed. Optimize our gains on the South of the Galaxy.

Additionally, you may tap into our feeds to see we are keeping our promise.

OOC: You can read the Mid Turn thing marked 'Routes'.

Spoiler: MID TURN: VOTES - Internal Only

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All 9 votes to avoiding Ghost in the Machine.

Spoiler: Midturn Routes - Internal + Shade Only

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Spending 3 SCI to suppress the route between 61 and 48

Spending 2 SCI to suppress the route between 65 and 49

[St. Justicar]

Idrian Nascence

Spoiler: Midturn

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1 vote in favor of Ghosts in the Machines.

[neriractor]

Hecatian Shade

Mor 10, Inf 4

Spoiler: Channel Seldiva

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ha, coincidences are something, well, what items are you selling?

And thank you for the clear access, I notice you failed to close them completely as agreed, understandable if it is from a lack of [science] and we can trade you some for that purpose (even if it does cut even deeper on the mentioned lack of resources), perhaps for those mil items.

-Warmaster Adalith, Commander of the Herald's Servants.

[Let'sGetKraken]

The Chrysaorian Hegemony

Morale 19
Influence 10

Spoiler: To the Competition of Minds, Channel Seldiva, and the Magnus Apparatus

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Very well. This is acceptable, though not ideal. The Competition will provide [6 ESP] to the Magnus Apparatus, should they agree to conduct the investigation. In return, they will have [4 PSI]. If they would prefer 2 of that PSI to be in the form of Hecate (Tier 2 PSI VIP), they can send the Apparatus another 1 ESP.

What will Channel Seldiva provide, if anything, for this investigation?

Spoiler: To the Hecatian Shade

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Understood. You'll have the stats at the EoT.

For the investigation, it would be into whoever conducted the galaxy-wide event, and the Magnus Apparatus will lead (as a neutral party), should they agree to it.

Spoiler: Midturn - Internal Only

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Spoiler: Only for 3SecondCultist, these aren't readable

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9 votes against Ghost in the Machine.

Hades [Tier 3 Science, equipped with 5 tiers of SCI items] and 2 Sci (to minimize risks) sent to Archeotech site with 14/20 cleared.

6 Sci sent into Archeotech site in territory 15, previously 0/20 cleared.

Cradle activated. 4 MOR, 2 INF.

Chronarch IV activated. 10 Influence invested.

Pax activated, choosing Influence.

Note: please post results at 19 Morale.

[Writtensanity]

Spoiler: To the Shade Mor 12

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You’re correct. It’s lack of overall science to afford a full closure. We figured you’d prefer a tax on us generally.

[3SecondCultist]

Principia Personnel Solutions
Mor 20, Inf 4

Spoiler: To the Chrysaorian Hegemony & Magnus Apparatus

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"Greetings to you both!

Now I'm sure you're aware that my company has taken on new management, but I'm here to pass on some true-blue assurances to honorable business types such as yourselves. We understand that the awful disaster of the Great Crash hit you both very hard, and we were similarly impacted here at home. As such, it's truly noble of you to step up and investigate the perpetrator of such a vile and unprecedented attack.

In the meantime, the least that we can offer is our friendship and the protection that offers. Both the Hegemony and the Apparatus will be free from any retaliation or attacks from PPS this year, as a token of our respect. Please let us know if there is anything else we might be able to do in the future.

Our peers in the Company and Shaded Worlds pass along their gratitude as well for your efforts, and hope to speak to you under the auspices of friendship very soon."

Spoiler: OOC

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PPS will guarantee your borders from aggression, stat attack or assassination from the current alliance for 1 turn until completion of the investigation, as long as this courtesy is returned.

Spoiler: Midturn - Internal

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7 votes Nay to Heroic Age.

PPS activates the Eye of Nix.

PPS sends 5 Sci and 5 Sci (Logopathor) into Riverine (0/20) and 2 Sci into the Boneyard (8/20).

[kemmotar]

Oracle Family Company
Inf 8
Mor 12

Spoiler: midturn

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Vote Nay to ghost in the machine 7 votes.

Activate Fission lab to clone Pteshk into MOR 2 VIP
Activate Primal Monolith

Delve sector 35 installation (18/20) with SCI VIP 2

[GameOfChampions]

Competition of Minds
Mor 8
Inf 3

Spoiler: Hegemony, Channel, Apparatus

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Hegemony your accusations are boundless and insulting. We are glad more cool heads have stepped in to organize this. We wouldn't have trusted your biased findings anyway.

We are willing to send Esp to the Magnus or Channel to undertake this investigation. The amount will be specified by the nation running the investigation though we will not shoulder this cost alone.

Spoiler: Shade

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Greetings,

Such a hypothetical act is no longer worth discussing. It does nothing to bring it up further.

Good luck with your new allies.

Spoiler: Channel Seldiva

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We have been shamed by the release of this project. We have some plans in the works to put us back on top of the LTP game.

The Hegemony seems to have decided they want to pin this on us so we are invested in the determination of who unleashed this Galaxy wide project. We would prefer that you handle it but understand a more neutral party would be more trusted.

Spoiler: Midturn

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3 Votes for Ghosts in the Machine

[neriractor]

Chrysaorian Hegemony

Mor 10, Inf 4

Spoiler: Chrysaorian Hegemony

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I'm afraid that won't do, the agreement was to use the Cradle to give the divided benefit as it was made, and as you pointed to the true benefit of the Cradle being its allowance to break the need for space I will point to its other true benefit of allowing the new products to be used straight away.

As our agreement did not involve any of us using them before returning it I must remind you to give me my part right as they are made.

I can give [3 Esp], but would prefer the knights to be our neutral party, the apparatus, while kind, have a preference for the weakest nations and I believe one of those may be responsible for the attack.

-Ala Cait "The Follower", First speaker of Hecan, Magnus.

Spoiler: OOC

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In case you didn't ask Cultist, you can use the stats given to you in the midturn, and choose to give them to another faction during that same midturn. And that's what I agreed to.

Spoiler: Channel Seldiva

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It was always more about a smaller front that didn't threaten our most important systems. I could finish closing them from my side on a 1 to 1, so 5 units of whatever you can give Us.

-Warmaster Adalith, Commander of the Herald's Servants.

Spoiler: midturn, GM only

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Well, Ima go to sleep, 80 % sure that was Kraken staling instead of having to do something.

Activate egalitarium.

Activate null box against competition of minds.

putting my 8 votes to no for the mil challenge.

[A_Dinosaur]

The Magnus Apparatus

Morale 15, Influence 7

Channel Seldiva, Competition of Minds, Chrysoarian Hegemony

Spoiler

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[Output:] The investigation will be conducted this year.
[Output:] Competition help will be welcome.

The Idrian Nascence

Spoiler

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[Output:] How much espionage, psionics, science, and influence are you willing to trade for?
[Output:] Total must be above 10, due to great crash restrictions.
[Output:] Economy and Morale available for trade.

Midturn

Spoiler

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6 votes against Heroic Age

[DragonOfAsh]

Spoiler: Midturn, GM Only

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Heroic Age, 7 votes nay
Ghosts in the Machines, 2 votes yay

[3SecondCultist]

Midturn 7

Galactic Congress Results (Public)

Spoiler: Heroic Age

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The Galactic Congress has tallied up the votes from the member factions all over Principia, and has found the votes as follows:
29 Nay

The first proposal has failed. The Galactic Arena will close, never to be opened again in this decade.

Spoiler: Ghosts in the Machine

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The Galactic Congress has tallied up the votes from the member factions all over Principia, and has found the votes as follows:
6 Yay
25 Nay

The second proposal has failed. Due to the watchful efforts of the Principians, the science teams are shutting down any ancient interference.

---

Oracle Family Company
Mor 12

Spoiler: Midturn Results

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The final reaches of the Trisolene Cubix prove the most dangerous; the moon-sphinx aliens throw everything they have at the psykers of the Company, and in many cases it proves too much but at the end of the day the cleverness and ingenuity of your mental casting won the day. The trio are obliterated, and what remains of their trove is dispersed at the highest level (++++ Eco, +++++ Psi), along with another piece of a familiar device (2/3 of Tier Archeotech). 20/20 floors cleared.

In the midst of this gain, psyniscience feedback causes untold internal damage to the Company's operating mainframe computers. What little processing power they have is obliterated this year. Lose 2 Sci (Sci down to 0; must be brought back up to 1 or risk a 0 penalty).

Spoiler: H.E.L.L.I.O.N. - T3 Archeotech

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H.E.L.L.I.O.N. is a space station with a localized reality warping function that bends space around it; you have recovered large pieces of it.

When activated, it blocks all hyperspance lanes and invasions from a single system for a turn.

Both Archeotech function as intended. Pteshk cloned (Mor 2), Monolith up and running.

Chrysaorian Hegemony
Mor 19

Spoiler: Midturn Results

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The Hecatomb is not one place, but many. A network of interconnected portals between dimensions that somehow lives and breathes, in a place where time and space are fluid and one. The poetry of event horizons is written across its threshold, where all ideation must end outside of rational thought. It is perhaps the most dangerous of all the ancient sites the Hegemony scientists have delved, yet looking inside reveals wonders not seen since times long past (+++ Sci, ++++ Psi) and cascading entities of light and knowledge that bestow what they learn (+6 xp to Athena).

At the same time, your other expedition pushes through to the final round of the Last Will of the Domin. The Warleaders of Lost Ultrum are fierce and unyielding in their final challenges bouts but their lessons in war tech and military strategy are generous and immanent (+++++ Sci, +++++ Mil). They grace the Hegemony (1/3 of Tier 3 Archeotech). 20/20 floors cleared.

Sadly, Demeter does not waste this time. The Unbound One has somehow hacked into the Hegemony's servers through a backdoor provided by the Hecatomb, 'jailbreaking' another consciousness in the form of Kore. Second Major Threat unleashed.

Spoiler: Subspace Drive - T3 Archeotech

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The Subspace Drive is one of the most sophisticated pieces of living technology left behind by the ancients. It cuts through realspace almost instantly, creating miniature wormholes like hyperlanes that can be opened or closed at will.

When activated, you can instantly invade or send stats to any territory on the map regardless of hyperlane access.

All three Archeotechs function as intended. Inf protected, gain +4 Mor, +2 Inf, stats invested into Chronarch VI.

Hecatian Shade
Mor 10

Spoiler: Midturn Results

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Both Archeotech function as intended. Competition treats its Psi as 1/2 this year and Egalitarium is active.

Channel Seldiva
Mor 12

Spoiler: Midturn Results

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Hyperlanes (65-49 and 61-48) temporarily suppressed; map updated.

Principia Personnel Solutions
Mor 20

Spoiler: Midturn Results

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PPS sends 2 Sci into Boneyard and 10 Sci into Riverine (both installations 10/20 cleared). They gain +++ Sci, +++++ Eco and +++++ Psi from their delving, as well as a +1 Psi item in the form of a living battery. They also get a Tier 1 Archeotech called the Composer and 1/2 of the Shrike, Mark I (see below).

The bad news is that PPS loses 1 Sci from their delving and the Boneyard is locked for 1 turn.

Spoiler: The Composer - T1 Archeotech

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Orbital matter synthesizer that captures psychic 'orisons' of living beings sacrificed to it.

When activated, can trade in 1 permanent Mor for 2 permanent Psi (once per turn).

Spoiler: Shrike, Mark I - T2 Archeotech

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The Shrike is a prototype cyborg entity capable of repairing or upgrading itself out of any existing material.

Unlike most Archeotech, it is always on and so requires no activation. When completed, it acts as a Tier 1 Mil VIP that cannot be destroyed or disabled; furthermore, upgrading it only costs half as much as it normally would.

Eye of Nix were successfully activated.

[Let'sGetKraken]

The Chrysaorian Hegemony

Morale 19
Influence 10

Spoiler: To the Magnus Apparatus, the Competition of Minds, and Channel Seldiva

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This is an acceptable arrangement, then. The Apparatus will conduct the investigation; they will have [2 ESP] from us, [6 ESP] from the competition (for which they are grudgingly compensated), whatever Seldiva chooses to contribute, [2 ESP] from OFC, and whatever the Magnus Apparatus has. That is almost certainly a minimum of 11 ESP, plus Seldiva and even the Shade's possible contributions. If we can reach [15], we hope that this will reveal the true culprit.

And should any fail to contribute what they've committed - well, the Hegemony will take that as evidence of guilt.

Spoiler: To the Hecatian Shade

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The resources we owe you will be provided at the end of the season; it will take time. We do not understand your anger; they will likewise be usable this season.

Speaking of which, we provided you with [8 ECO and 2 ESP] last season and received nothing in return. If you intend to repay us, we will take it; otherwise, we hope that it would buy us some semblance of trust.

Regarding the Knights, they have been mostly inactive this season, and have not responded to attempts to contact them. We do not think it viable to organize it in time. The Apparatus can choose when investigating to make the results public; we have faith that they will.

Spoiler: OOC

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Permanent stats traded are usable at the EoT, just like temporary stats. Confirmed with the GM.

[GameOfChampions]

Competition of Minds
Mor 8
Inf 3

Spoiler: Hegemony, Shade, Public

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PERFIDY, TREACHERY!

WE SEE YOUR TRUE MEANSURE NOW. YOU ASK US TO WORK WITH YOU ON ONE HAND AND STAB US IN THE BACK WITH THE OTHER!

There is no current stat of war between the Competition and any others. Yet we have been the subject of a heinous act that strikes at the very heart of who we are.

We see the Hegemony and Shade conspiring in secret to use the Shades Archeotech. We saw them planning on unleashing the Null Box.

Hegemony you demand our aid in researching the arbiter of last year's horrible events all the while out right accusing us of doing it. When we agree to your heinous terms in good faith we find you have engaged in treachery with a party already set to put shackles around the galaxy.

We know the Shade had the Null Box from the PPS release. We know you both talked about using it on our innocent Competition with nothing more then your baseless suspicions.

Your actions have revealed the both of you for the baseless traitors you are. May the Warp find your souls lacking and devour them whole.

[Let'sGetKraken]

The Chrysaorian Hegemony

Morale 19
Influence 10

Spoiler: To the Competition, Public

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Cease this nonsense. We have had nothing to do with the Null Box, nor have we planned any action against you. Do you have any actual evidence that suggests that we are?

We are willing to make all our messages this season public to a neutral party - to be clear, either the Magnus Apparatus or the Knights of Orias - in order to prove that at no point this season have we discussed action against you. The closest thing was saying that "Rest assured that we shall demand much more from the Competition, and if they prove responsible, we will do everything in our power to destroy them." [Post #335, to OFC]. And we did - as the most likely culprit, we made demands of you, which we later made less one-sided at Channel Seldiva's suggestion. This is leagues away from planned action against you, and it has absolutely nothing to do with the Null Box.

If the Shade wishes to use the Null Box against you - if indeed they still have it - that is entirely their prerogative. We had NOTHING to do with it.

Prove your allegations, as we seek to prove ours. If you have a single shred of evidence, by all means, provide it. Otherwise, we name this exactly what it is: a feeble attempt to avoid contributing your [ESP] to the investigation.