ImmacuNES II B- Emperor of the Fading Heavens [Archive] - Page 5

thomas.berubeg

Jan 25, 2011, 10:44 AM

House Bossheaim feels the need to side with Cathrinn Naprous in this disagreement. We find the demands of House Klorin to be disrespectful and unrealistic (50% interest - seriously?).

We are also worried that our friend Cathrinn has reacted in too great haste in proposing to duel the Lady Embra. Therefore, as we consider our relations with both houses as being good, we will volounteer to mediate between the two sides of this disagreement.

We are suggesting the following solution to the current dispute:

I: The Child Carma During her upbringing, Carma will spend every other year with her mother, Cathrinn Naprous, but will enter the House Klorin upon reaching maturity, to secure the Kawalen lineage.
II: The Yacht / Financial recompensation: House Bossheaim will hand over their personal yacht to House Klorin immidiately, on the condition that both House Naprous and House Klorin will help them gather the funds to afford a new yacht within four years.
III: The Duel: There is to be no duel to solve this case, as death only breeds stronger animosity. Cathrinn Naprous will retract her challenge and apologize to Lady Embra in person for insulting her honour, and in return, she will live.

We consider this fair on both parts and would like to know the opinions of the implicated parts.

---In Other News---

We fully support House Hyppean's claims; The Imperial Ressources should first and foremost be directed towards the military efforts against the Symbiote Threat.

From House Texier on the issues of the Garrison and the Klorin Yacht
Attn Houses Bossheaim, Hyppean, Naprous, Klorin

We agree with this, and, if elected, it is our intention to ensure that making up deficits in the budgets of the Fleet and Garrison will be one of the main purposes of the Regent's budget.

On the issue of the yacht, we feel that House Naprous owes the money to House Klorin and would do well to pay the sum required, but we also feel that the concept of 50% interest is unreasonable and extortionate, as is the concept of a duel.

We urge House Naprous to offer to pay most if not all of the debt, but we believe it might also be reasonable for House Klorin to offer to allow part of it not to be paid on account of the two facts that,

1) House Naprous is willing to grant you the guardianship of the boy.
2) It behooves everyone to behave with compassion when the entire issue is revolving around such a dreadful tragedy as a fatal pirate attack.

We also feel that it would be good if House Klorin agreed that the debt could be paid within three years without incurring any interest.

We suggest Naprous pay 13MF and Klorin pay 9MF for the new yacht, and, if you accept this suggestion, if we are elected, we shall be willing to build a new yacht with Regency facilities (at no profit or loss to the Regency) for the requisite sum of 22MF, because, of course, neither of your Houses has the necessary technology to build a new yacht.

We commend House Bossheaim's attempt at a compromise but we feel that it is unrealistic as it fails to address the key problem of precisely who will pay for the yacht.

We thank both of yours Houses for the Attempt to help the compromise, and, in Light of the recent Heretical charge that has befallen your house, we will allow you to put off payment for the 3 years agreed, without Charge. We thank House Bossheim for their willingness to put up their yacht as collateral, but, do not believe that will be necessary.
On the Matter of Karma, we beleive that the Naprous environment would be very unhealthy for her, but would allow her to stay, as she is now first in the line of succession for your leading noble house, as long as she has house Klorin tutors to educate her properly and a Naprous regent until she becomes of age.

Yours,
Anthony Callier

To: The Inquisitorial Synod:
We are glad to see that you are making progress in your investigation, and promise you full access to House Klorin, it's Labs, and the Elf Skin.

Edit:

Also, House Killgore, you can go suck on it. :)

spryllino

Jan 25, 2011, 10:46 AM

To Cardinal Philip Crent
From House Texier

You already have our statement on the matter:

We certainly do feel that an Inquisitorial investigation is necessary, and Inquisitors shall have full access to Texier fiefs and will be admitted to visit the locked-down person who attempted to place vaccine in my food.

We assure you that we cannot possibly have tried to vaccinate ourselves, because if we had foreknowledge of the plague, we would not have needed to use a spy to do it, and we would not have reported it, and we would have taken action beforehand to exclude the plague from our fiefdoms; so any suspicion along those lines is absurd. We have no idea why someone would want to do something like that though.

We should add that we suspect that the vaccination was presumably undertaken by Houses Naprous and the Regent so that they could have us as allies when they tried to attack the Authority. Naprous did in fact approach us when they were trying to dismantle the Authority, as desribed here:

As such we ask houses to pressure Duscha Sehyri and Karreem to acknowledge free merchant activities on E2s oceans. Duscha Sehyri has signed (and will be pressured to follow) its agreement with House Naprous to allow it access to oceans, but with the modification that ALL Imperial entities will have full naval and merchant access to the oceans, and that we should also all pressure Karreem to accept this. The remainder of the treaty we have signed with Duscha is merely that she will transfer most military technologies held by the Authority to Naprous, from which we will share the Jet Fighter technology with all for free (it'd be more but she's already unhappy about the Jet Fighter tech sharing), and secondly preferential trade with her and thirdly that the Eastern Continent fief and Klorin fief would be given to the Regency, the central continent fief to Naprous, and the two remaining fiefs as independent Authority guilds split from each other. Karreem could be further compensated by House Klorin reperations to the Authority as well as everyone else. This will strengthen the Regency on E2 and allow for one strong faction each on the northern (Karreem), western (Duscha), central (Naprous) and Eastern (Regency) continent and avoid the monopolization of Authority power in the past while keeping the still healthy Authority continents under Authority control and avoiding conflict with the League.

We, of course, felt that legal channels were more appropriate, and we told them that we would take no action on the matter, certainly not until I knew whether I was Regent or not.

We congratulate the Cardinal and Inquisitorial Synod for their rapid action.

Signed, Jyut Texier

OOC: Can you answer my questions from the post three above please and my PM when you have time, immac? :)

Adrogans

Jan 25, 2011, 10:51 AM

In Regards to the child Karma we of The Query are willing to shelter her from both yours and Naprous's current convictions as having heretics. We would of course allow whatever tutors and guards you wished, while maintaing her as a guest of The Query. This would allow the child to grow up at least for a time without the taint of Heresy hanging over her head directly while still being in the Noble courts of her birthright.

We could have her housed on Clarke, Arrakis, or E2 at the moment. We would reccomend Clarke as it is the safest environment for her.

Alex Black, The Query, Scepter Holder

To The Authority
cc Everyone Else on E2

You must see that your dispute is going to lead to yet more suffering at the hands of the residents of E2. You both want to take control of your guild and yet you both offer rewards and penalties should anyone side against either of you. One of you threatens using nuclear weapons on E2 and the other threatens starvation and war with all guilds.

You are both acting like petulant children who want the same toy and would rather destroy it than let the other have it. Should either of you be willing to walk away and spare the people of E2 from another disaster and more suffering we would be willing to accept you into The Query and find a respectable post for one of your skills and accomplishments. This is the best we have figured to prevent disaster.

If you both continue on this course of mutual destruction along with the destruction of the remaining population on E2 the Nobility and possibly the Church will have to act against you either individually or both. You have put the rest of the population of E2 on notice that both of you are willing to kill them all rather than compromise and obviously that will lead to only expanding the dispute possibly until it is out of control.

I hope that either both of you or at least one of you is willing to step aside and take our offer to spare the residents of E2 from more pain.

Guy Fye, The Query , Scepter Holder

Toteone

Jan 25, 2011, 12:21 PM

----- what the meaning was, was 'sorry for rant if it went overboard anywhere, all good 'n happy with everyone' ^^

Diamondeye

Jan 25, 2011, 12:51 PM

OOC: Woah I can't understand that, Toteone :p

IC: While I am deeply sorry for my trusted friend Cathrinn, there is no going against the Will of the Pancreator. I will look forward to spending these her last days in her company before the trial, to try and comfort her.

Furthermore, in the spirit of House Query, I offer to raise the child Carma as my ward should both Houses Naprous and Klorin for some reason be considered out of the picture. We figure that, with the Lady Cathrinn's life forfeit, Carma would have little reason to stay with House Naprous, but on the other hand, her Klorin father is also passed away, so the argument works both ways.

I am worried about the child's future as an orphaned kid, but I am willing to do my best to raise her in the absence of her biological parents, should it be required.

Sincerely,
Tebryn Arbandi XII.

Toteone

Jan 25, 2011, 01:09 PM

OK well, so apparently the Inquisition wants to burn me for saving E2.
Normal logic would mean legal recourse against this burning and defending myself against any 'reveals' Klorin might have made or I might have made and relying on friends and allies to back me up. But I'm too tired for the legal part (I'm too tired even to reveal other minor things of what Klorin's done), so I'll just do a summary and statement of intent.

I have mentioned the facts... mad Klorin tells me its started the plague, wants me to help cover it up. I reluctantly agree to help out, figuring there's nothing good to be gained from spilling the facts when he's leaving power soon and when he tells me about agents being immune because I don't know about medicine. Diviners can work out that this is true. Then he tells of new plans which I can actually stop. I decide to stop them.
The Inquisition wants to burn me, without a trial, for not nailing Klorin immediately for the disasters it would've wrought on the Regency, or didn't plan to do it later because we were hoping things might pass for the better?
It seems they just want to burn someone sans Dain Kawalen to satisfy their need for vengeance.

There's plenty of minors who might support my right to legal recourse to a great extent and maybe a couple of majors who will support our legal right to a trial, with diviners.
An Empire without justice but that of a Church sect's judicial branch running wild through the meadows and not even bothering with gathering evidence is silly.

I have done everything in my power to save serfs, and to minimize the damage done to E2 and Errovus Secundus. I did everything in my power while able to be loyal to Klorin within limits, to the degree I offered a merging of houses. When someone mentioned giving me Duscha's scepter I said no, we should just all have peace.
But there is a limit to everything. I'm not going to burned for saving people, not without a trial. A secular trial, possibly with some sort of mix between guild votes, church votes, house votes (with small and major houses balanced evenly I hope), the exact details set by whomever the new regent is.
I'll gladly go into the custody of the next Regent to be elected, to be judged as such this Regent deems fit.
If the Imperial Community at large wants me to burn that's fine. But I demand a trial, and a truth test, I think that's a fair demand considering I've had nothing but the betterment of the Empire foremost in mind. (yes I'm rabidly for loyalty, the status quo and profit, but it's always secondary)

At any rate I am tired and would really appreciate no communications from our political opponents till the election is over. I'm sure the next Regent can organize some sort of trial I will accept and then I can be burned or not after downing some serious painkillers (if that's allowed, or at least it'd be nice if the fire was strong enough to incinerate bones, like a furnace, which would be nice, but I guess one can't decide on these things so nvm) or not. I think I value myself as much as the rest of my house alltogether plus Carma, but may the Empire flourish if it desires a burning.

~ Cathrinn Mellhurst Naprous

PS. All of House Klorin was guilty, I just remembered, by my impression. It needs to be dismantled.

To Bossheim: Thank you, that would be nice, I'll stop by a couple of times if allowed. Otherwise I'd prefer to spend it at the gunnery range and you cane come over if you want. Also I'm sure my brother can teach Carma to be like her mommy, but we're very grateful for your offer.

PPS. I actually read the pronouncement further up now. I did not hide the information to not save people. I've already told you, Dear Church, that I don't know about medicine. I hid the information because it was my belief the Imperium would be better off without a scapegoat in order to minimize casualties. Your facts are wrong and you need to have diviners confirm this.
Why would I run to Holy Gate and the Eye immediately upon hearing of more killings? To stop them... you need to consider basic motives.
I stopped what I can and I will not accede to poor inadequate judicial methods. But neither will I risk my fiefs to defend myself as that'd mean more hardship for E2, so I will compromise with an Imperial court's justice as if the Empire thinks I need to die to satiate your need for a scapegoat then that's fine I guess.

I'm need the gunnery range now. Please do not disturb unless it's friendly or contacted.
- CMN

Immaculate

Jan 25, 2011, 01:13 PM

Toteone

Jan 25, 2011, 01:36 PM

Philip Crent disagrees with CN's assessment that not saying anything was the best option. One should always unburden oneself of guilt by confession to the church. CN's silence, effectively, was the sin that cost her her life.

Regardless of if it feels fair or not, its the goddamn inquisition. It should be scary and unapologeticly overzealous.

Fine. But this will pay for all the 'sins' of my house (well actually the 'sins' I really believe I committed were those of trying to work the majors and minors towards each other) and we ask that you apply this judgment to all the House Klorin scepter holders except the new one (or maybe him too I hope for his callous neglect of mentioning reperations to the Imperial Community immediately). Also, as a dying request please support House Naprous peacekeeping suggestions on E2.
And for selfish reasons I demand a high temperature for the flames because I want to be nothing but microscopic ash to be scattered over the Albrino marshes (on both sides of our fief). Bones do not leave a pretty corpse.

PS. Would it be acceptable, Inquisition, if I have a year to set successors and various affairs in order? I still do need to help with the E2 peace effort, and designs if they survived all of this. Decapitating our leadership immediately would plunge the central continent into chaos and I'm currently unreasonable busy feeding and watering 17 million people I saved. Please send our house a wire as to whether that is asking within reasonable limits... dear Sect office whose brethren sects bravely sallied forth to save hundreds of thousands of people while it burnt one girl.
~ CN

(Dude, awesome surename. Its crinkly with a cut! Reminds me of Jolly Blackburn. Oh and this is really the last post now for a couple of days. I need a break, I don't handle gaming intensity well. ;P my brain is melting)

hbar

Jan 25, 2011, 01:54 PM

...A secular trial, possibly with some sort of mix between guild votes, church votes, house votes...

To be judged before the Pancreator is the only form of justice. Justice before God is absolute, while justice before man is destined to be flawed.

Fear not, Catherine, for if you are judged and found innocent, you will spend eternity in the Pancreator's graces. We should all be so lucky to be granted the purifying fire of the inquisitors.

mgsmuhammad

Jan 25, 2011, 01:58 PM

Diamondeye

Jan 25, 2011, 02:40 PM

To Archbishop Yetr Usten of Hubbard and The College of Cardinals
From House Bossheaim

Honored Cardinals, Illuminated Servants of the Pancreator,

We appeal to your enlightened wisdom in the case of Cathrinn Naprous, as she is a close friend of ours. While we do not hope to convince you of her innocence in the crimes she has been convicted of, for The Pancreator surely has illuminated this case already in an extent that allows us mortals to see for ourselves that she is guilty, we plead on behalf of the Lady Cathrinn that she be granted, as a gesture of the infinite Mercy of the Church of Holy Light, an eight-month timeframe to put in place the line of succession in House Naprous and resolve the issue of the daughter of the late Regent and her orphaned upbringing.

We concede however that there can be no doubt as to the unsound judgment of Lady Cathrinn herself, and as such, we can understand if it is decided that she must step back from her position as the financial and political head of House Naprous immidiately.

Furthermore, concerning the coming inquisitional investigation, it has come to our attention that among the institutions that are to be ransacked and looked through are the Apothecary labs on Assimov. We have been made aware that these labs are the main suppliers of the combat drugs that are being put in use by our troops on Stigmata, amongst others. We hope that, despite the arguably hubris of the existance of these drugs, the race of Man must not be brought in further danger from the Symbiote threat by the destruction of these facilities.

We reiterate that we do not hope to command the Church, but merely to confirm indeed that all details are taken into consideration when meting out the judgment of the Pancreator.

Walk in Eternal Light,
House Bossheaim.

thomas.berubeg

Jan 25, 2011, 02:52 PM

To Archbishop Yetr Usten of Hubbard and The College of Cardinals
From: Lady Embra

While the power and justice of the Pancreator is absolute, we ask that, though Catherinn Naprous is clearly guilty, that her execution be pushed back a year to allow for her to Secure the succession of House Naprous. We do not want the Ancient House Naprous to collapse and disappear, as would likely happen should Catherinn naprous die now. House Naprous, for better or for worse, is currently the largest stabilizing force on E2, and removing it will cause even more suffering on E2.

Additionally, House Klorin has repeatedly stated that it's communication logs are open to the inquisition of investigate. This will prove that no other member of the house Knew about the plague. Finally, house klorin will help pay for the rebuilding of E2.

Adrogans

Jan 25, 2011, 02:53 PM

Darksaber1

Jan 25, 2011, 03:00 PM

To Cathrinn Naprous:
We are so very sorry, for all your losses. While I have know not enough, nor would ever deem myself worthy of judging you, we believe that you believe your innocence. And, though it is empty support, remember that though the Judgment of Man can, and is flawed, if you are truly innocent, the Ever Dawn* will forgive you.

May you Ever Be in Light
-Rodwen Thana.

*Ever Dawn, a south Incillian name for thePancreator

Adrogans

Jan 25, 2011, 03:11 PM

I would hope the Church in its infinate wisdom would accept the request of the rightfully condemned to set her heir or heirs up properly before going to the purifying fires. While I agree with most of the statement and feelings of Guy Fye, I must ask for this slight mercy to be granted reather than simply not let my feelings on this matter be known.

While I am usually content to simply let my fellow Query scepter holders deal with these issues the violence already perpetrated by the release of the plague, the violence to himself caused by the late Regent, and the violent end promised to Catherine Naprous I hope puts paid to the situation as much as possible because violence should not be the first answer.

I will now go and pray for the souls of both the victims and the criminals as we should all be judged by the Pancreator fairly and that they all get what they deserve in the afterlife.

Ichabod Sterling, The Query, Scepter Holder

LDiCesare

Jan 25, 2011, 03:23 PM

A Witch?!
Burn! Burn! Burn!

hbar

Jan 25, 2011, 03:27 PM

To those who would see the Inquisition suspended,

Swift justice often brings righteous change; my house is a prime example. If my ancestors were given time to ensure an unbroken lineage and culture, we may never have changed our heretical ways. Without the purification of the fire, the infection will spread. Catherine is a loving wife and a shrewd noble, but she has been judged in the eyes of the Lord and been found wanting. To allow her to guide the remainder of House Naprous would risk spreading the taint of her heresy to the heir of her sceptre. His justice is absolute, and waits for no man.

Belgit'Al of the Sanctious'Als

Adrogans

Jan 25, 2011, 03:29 PM

OOC: She has no Scepter.

Kentharu

Jan 25, 2011, 03:29 PM

House Kilgore eagerly awaits the burning of the sinner. May she suffer for eternity.

Immaculate

Jan 25, 2011, 03:44 PM

Remi Remillard of House Remillard (from the land of Remillard and the Remillard fiefdoms) wishes to formally protest against these extremist measures taken by the Inquisition.

Catherine Naprous has, admittedly, been an accomplice in the late Regent's sins.

However, she has shown extreme bravery in leading her House, undisputeably the smallest Noble house, against the regency itself to save the peoples of Errovus Secundus from nuclear catastrophe.

I feel that she does not require execution for her actions. True, I expect her to stand and be tried for her assistance to the cover-up of the Regency's plague-bearing antics, however we believe that she is still saveable in the Pancreator's eyes without having to be forcibly ripped from her mortal coil.

While we do not presume to pass judgement in such a case, if I were responsible for her punishment I would reach the conclusion that several years (perhaps a decade?) spent in religious exile would be suitable penance.

However, although we dare not decide her fate, we do demand a trial among her peers. If we were to deny her this right, how would we be better than common bandits?

Is that the message the church's official inquisition wishes to send? That their justice is common banditry?

I sincerely hope the orthodoxy of Incellia shall open their views on the matter to the public as soon as possible.

Your words sound perilously close to heresy. The Omega Gospels are very clear what the punishments are to be regarding a crime of this magnitude and to question them is to question the words of the Pancreator as revealed by the Prophet Zebulon.

I remember not so long ago when my predecessor was examining your own laboratories for evidence of heresy. Off the top of my head, i do not recall what we had concluded. Perhaps it is best that we revisit the issue and come to a definitive conclusions. What say you Remi?

(words of Cardinal Philip Crent)

We are concerned that you would try to use rational arguments regarding this issue to argue with the grace of the Pancreator. Rationality is the work of demons. Demons can make anything seem rational; look only at the thoughts of the late Regency. No, instead one must put one's trust in the teachings of the gospels. To question them is to question the Pancreator and to invite the demons of rationality into one's mind.

Remember, "For reason is the greatest enemy that faith has; it never comes to the aid of spiritual things." These are the words of our prophet and you best heed them.

The language many noble houses are using, words such at 'banditry' and 'ransacking' leave little doubt in our minds where the stain of sin lies. To clear one's tongue and mind of vile heresy, one must strive to remember one's place both in these worlds and in the hereafter.

(words of High Inquisitor David Ghul)

mgsmuhammad

Jan 25, 2011, 03:51 PM

That is interesting, how can you say the Pancreator's judgement is flawed? How can you say that helping to coverup one of the most despicable acts caused by the hand of humanity and the punishment of death is harsh?

She admitted by her own word that she aided in covering up the incident. I fail to see how this is not conclusive evidence? I understand being loyal to one's spouse, but everything has a limit and I would say intentionally releasing a plague upon humanity would certainly have been over that limit.

As to staying the execution for a time...The Query leave that in the hands of the Church to decide.

Guy Fye, The Query, Scepter Holder

No, Guy, I have not once called into question the Pancreator's judgement.

I have, however, called into question the judgement and apparent lust for the spilling of noble blood exhibited by the representatives of House Sanctious'Als, House Kilgore and the Inquisition itself.

Nor have I called into question the conclusiveness of the evidence.

Though I have stated my view that, in the light of her exposition of the regency's conspiracy to unleash nuclear devastation upon innocent people, her sentence should be reduced.

If one person, as reward for the act of saving millions (possibly even billions, dependant on the size of the nuclear stockpile) is sentenced to execution, then who honestly will dare step forward if they find themselves in a similar position in the future?

In your haste to enact swift vengeance, you have allowed your vision to be clouded and seemingly blocked out the potential consequences from your minds.

Sparing her life now may lead to the safeguarding of untold numbers later through other Houses confessing whatever sins they may accumulate to save others.

Execution will surely set a precedent of witholding potentially incriminating information from other Houses of the Imperium and, as a direct result, lead to inconceivable levels of suffering.

Besides.. Not all Houses are popular with their followers.

If the lords of one are found at the stake, might that not.. "stimulate" the serfs to relieve their woes through morally bankrupt methods?

With the current threat level across the known worlds, I fear we cannot risk the lower classes developing a taste for blue blood.

- Remi Remillard

spryllino

Jan 25, 2011, 03:52 PM

ooc @ Immac's post: :lol:

To the Inquisition
From House Texier

While you are, of course, extremely welcome to investigate, we wonder what precisely you are thinking you might find by investigating House Texier's fiefdom on E2, which was on your list of things to investigate. Please enlighten us on this matter; for if we know what you are investigating, we may be able to help you, but if not, we clearly can't do so so efficaciously.

Seon

Jan 25, 2011, 04:00 PM

No, Guy, I have not once called into question the Pancreator's judgement.

I have, however, called into question the judgement and apparent lust for the spilling of noble blood exhibited by the representatives of House Sanctious'Als, House Kilgore and the Inquisition itself.

Nor have I called into question the conclusiveness of the evidence.

Though I have stated my view that, in the light of her exposition of the regency's conspiracy to unleash nuclear devastation upon innocent people, her sentence should be reduced.

If one person, as reward for the act of saving millions (possibly even billions, dependant on the size of the nuclear stockpile) is sentenced to execution, then who honestly will dare step forward if they find themselves in a similar position in the future?

In your haste to enact swift vengeance, you have allowed your vision to be clouded and seemingly blocked out the potential consequences from your minds.

Sparing her life now may lead to the safeguarding of untold numbers later through other Houses confessing whatever sins they may accumulate to save others.

Execution will surely set a precedent of witholding potentially incriminating information from other Houses of the Imperium and, as a direct result, lead to inconceivable levels of suffering.

Besides.. Not all Houses are popular with their followers.

If the lords of one are found at the stake, might that not.. "stimulate" the serfs to relieve their woes through morally bankrupt methods?

With the current threat level across the known worlds, I fear we cannot risk the lower classes developing a taste for blue blood.

- Remi Remillard

Hold your tongue, Remi Remillard...

Adrogans

Jan 25, 2011, 04:20 PM

Again the sin she is to rightfully be burned for is not stopping the untold deaths by the plague. At the first hint of such madness she should have called upon at the very least the Eye to warn them to action. Then hundreds of millions of souls would not have gone through such a disgusting end.

I do not understand why there should be leniency for this. Had she reported right away she would have been spared not only from the sentence, but most appropriately praised for coming forward and preventing or at the very least warning of the plague so all of us would have been prepared better.

Guy Fye, The Query, Scepter Holder

mgsmuhammad

Jan 25, 2011, 04:28 PM

Seon

Jan 25, 2011, 04:33 PM

To Cardinal Quelus Heventi, College of Cardinals, and all who care to listen.
From Duke Akatas of the Koriate

Your Holiness,

Let it be known that the Church's Judgement is sound. Let it be known that the inquisition is to be congratulated in their hasty conviction of both the insane Dain Kawallen and the silent Catherine Naprous.

While I believe that the judgement is sound, and if it is appropriate for I to speak thusly, I would like to plead the Naprous woman's sentence.

Although Catherine Naprous, by her silence, had become an accomplice to the Regent's sins of mass murder, it must be reminded that she had begone her road for redemption. She had, after all, risked herself much by choosing to tell when she could have probably escaped by staying silent. Without her, the madman responsible for so many deaths, many of which were my own loyal serfs, may have gone unpunished. In addition, she may have been instrumental in stopping the Regent's final mad plan of unleashing atomic weapons upon the people of Errovus Secundus. While she is clearly guilty, of this, at least, we must be grateful of.

And to those whom I feel grateful, the Omega Gospel is clear in that I must repay their kindness. The best way to repay her kindness, I believe, is to allow her a last chance of earning forgiveness.

I do not ask you to change your judgement. Catherine Naprous is guilty of being an accomplice to mass murder.

But I beseech you to refrain from burning her with the sacred flames, not when her sins are still fresh in our memories and still unforgiven by so many of us. If she is burnt immediately, I fear that her sins are so great that even the greatest pyre of the Avestites may not be enough to bring her redemption, for the Pancreator could not be that lenient, and that she will be consigned to the lowest pits of hell along with her insane husband, and her good deeds gone unrewarded.

Therefore, I propose an alternative punishment. She must be stripped of her noble rank. She must then pledge herself to eternally assist those in Errovus Secundus who are in need, not because she deserves her punishment to be lessened, but because she deserves a chance at earning forgiveness. Perhaps when our and her minds are at peace, and when this madness is all but a bad memory in the mind, she may yet face the purifying flames of Avestites.

Thank you for all those who may have listened, and paid attention.

-Your Servant, the Duke Akatas.

Adrogans

Jan 25, 2011, 04:35 PM

Oh do not misunderstand me, I do not condone going after Naprous and those in the fief and family who are innocent. I simply see no reason to be leinient with the guilty. If their goal is to try and take over Naprous fiefdom it will be contested.

Guy Fye, The Query, Scepter Holder

Immaculate

Jan 25, 2011, 05:41 PM

To Reiterate,

You don't need to submit full-size orders for awhile. The way this turn will work is that it will only encompass 15 days instead of 1 year. You can spend only 1 ACC (btu then it will not be available for new actions January 15-December 31s - though it can continue what it started in early January).

Anything you use in the miniturn orders will not be available for the full turn orders (money, ACC, etc)

The important thing to send for this mini-turn order set is your VOTE.

Darksaber1

Jan 25, 2011, 05:52 PM

Shock [and time compression]:

Alhian Thana strolled easily through the twilight, the electric lights providing clear illumination. His currently mission was one he had been doing months, that of going and retrieving his mother from her study. Rodwen Thana had been eating less than most since bonding, but the last year had been especially rough on her, requiring Alhian or someone else to go and remind her to eat.

Today as he entered, however, he saw his mother seated on the floor in the corner of the room, clutching her sceptre, muttering.

“Mother!” he shouted, running over, “Mother, are you alright? What’s wrong?”

His mother pause briefly, looked at him, then went back to muttering.

“He... he’s dead.”
Alhian felt a jolt of fear, immediately a cold jolt of concern for his cousin, escorting Ghilda on Aasimov. “Who? Mother, who’s dead.”

“Alhian? What’s wrong?” Mindra, his sister, asked as she hurried into the room.

“I don’t know. She said something about a man being dead.”

“Hrm, maybe that obnoxious Kilgore fellow?” Mindra asked dryly. Alhian shot her a sharp look.

“The Regent... is dead.”

“WHAT!”

“The Plague?”

“No...he’s killed himself, he was to responsible.” Rodwen said, a look of horro on her face.

“Well, if he offed himself, he’d have to be responsible, non?” Mindra said quitly.

“No,” Rodwen said sternly, looking at her daughter. “For the Plague.”

Alhian felt his jaw drop, hear gasps from his sister and a people collected at the door. “W..wha...?”

“He has been reviled responsible for the Plague, which, in a fit of madness, seemed justified, so killed himself.... and now Cathrinn will burn for keeping his secrets...” With that, Rodwen stood a silently left the room.

Alhian turned to his sister. “Get a message to Ghilda, tell her to get to Errovus Secundus ASAP.”

Kentharu

Jan 25, 2011, 06:02 PM

Kilgore, if I recall correctly, raided and plundered Naprous's Incellian holdings before the passing of our former regent, Vladimir Eekin.

Uh I don't have any holdings on Incellia, how the hell would I raid anything?

mgsmuhammad

Jan 25, 2011, 06:08 PM

Really?

Shame.. The census says otherwise...

Fishing is also abundant and commercial fisheries are run near the equator while smaller scale projects are popular in colder climes.

Mineral wealth is good though the relative youth of the planet precludes the existence of massive oil fields.

Incillia is accessible via Errovus Secondus, Leageheim and Clarke.

Spoiler:

Major Fiefdoms:

Noble House Koriate: Serf population of 19,300,000
Cappricidia (pop 800,000)
Ludenard (pop 400,000)
Lodos (90,000)
Wei (pop 85,000)
Noble House Klorin: Serf population of 16,100,000
Falkirk (pop 1,800,000)
Inverary (pop 700,000)
Arbroath (pop 60,000)
Dornach (pop 620,000)
Noble House Holy Gate: Serf population of 28,700,000
Palakkad (pop 1,200,000)
Palghat (pop 900,000)
Poona (pop 1,200,000)
Bezwada (pop 720,000)
Vasai (pop 80,000)
Ooty (pop 70,000)
Noble House Thana: Serf population of 2,200,000
Caseri (pop 230,000)
Azriel (pop 70,000)

Noble House Kilgore: Serf population of 900,000

Noble House Remillard: Serf population of 3,300,000
Nouveau Jubilee (pop 220,000)
Neigeville(pop 180,000)
Rivière Blanche(pop 140,000)
Le Grand Moncton (pop 125,000)
Mont Ventgris (pop 105,000)
Saint Donat (pop 80,000)
Imperium Regent: Serf population of 7,100,000
Tofairy (pop 2,200,000)
Alice (pop 1,700,000)
Imperium Garrison: Serf population of 1,200,000
Courage (pop 520,000)

Are you lieing, General Iferius Bliel?

There's an inquisition on. I don't believe such false statements would be particularly helpful for their investigation..

Do you?

- Remi

Kentharu

Jan 25, 2011, 06:36 PM

Holy crap I do. My bad, I never noticed it. In any case I don't have any troops or really any interest in Incellia.

Want to buy my fief?

Adrogans

Jan 25, 2011, 06:37 PM

We might. Sadly cannot this upcoming turn but can the one after.

hbar

Jan 25, 2011, 06:46 PM

Very well.

I shall stand down in this matter.

But I implore you to look behind the words.

Why are Sanctious'Als and Kilgore so desperate to see the end of Naprous?

Kilgore, if I recall correctly, raided and plundered Naprous's Incellian holdings before the passing of our former regent, Vladimir Eekin.

This incident invited Sanctious'Als to completely annex Naprous lands on Arrakis.

What have they to gain from this?

I can only assume they expect the ensuing chaos within Naprous caused by the loss of their Matriarch to leave them vulnerable to a second wave of attacks.

Is it not ironic, that those who side most vehemently with the Inquisition are guilty themselves of that cardinal sin, Greed, which so easily spawns a host of others?

I could not allow myself to stand back and simply watch while such vultures exploit Inquisitorial justice and Imperial politics, despite the Symbiotes posing such a real and ever-present threat.

We of Remillard lost our homeworld to those beasts. Let it not be forgotten.

Countless good Remillardians died under the chitinous tooth and claw.

Is it so wrong that we do not wish such a fate upon others? Chaos and killing at this juncture is something that can only serve towards the fulfillment of the Symbiote goal.
We need every man, child and woman to keep them at bay. Everyone is an invaluable commodity in this war.

Nonetheless, if my belief that the Pancreator would not wish the suffering of his servants while the xenos threaten the very existence of our species is heretical, then so be it.

Rather die a missionary of unity and survival than provide silent endorsements to madness and destruction.

- Remi Remillard

Watch your tongue, Remi. If your accusation is that I stand too close to the Church, then I am proudly guilty. If you accuse me of greed, then I believe the freemen of Errovus Secondus may take issue with that. Where were you hiding when the plague struck? If you accuse me of vengeance, then where is my call for repartitions? Why have I not called for the heads of the remaining Klorin nobles?

I have lost more to the plague and the inquisitors than any noble here. My ancestors, my legacy, and my inheiritance lie at the bottom of a glassy crater on Clarke. It is through the swift and terrible sword of the Avesites that I was guided to my salvation.

I do not call for blood. I call for fire, pure and holy, in accordance with His will.

To Catherine Naprous:

If you would be so kind as to ask your husband to provide my brother, Ophit, with a year's time to get his house in order and secure an heir, I will gladly support you in the face of the inquisition.

Belgit'Al, sole heir of the Sanctious'Als

Immaculate

Jan 25, 2011, 07:41 PM

HA!
(i had to smile at that one)

thomas.berubeg

Jan 25, 2011, 07:52 PM

To Catherine Naprous:

If you would be so kind as to ask your husband to provide my brother, Ophit, with a year's time to get his house in order and secure an heir, I will gladly support you in the face of the inquisition.

Belgit'Al, sole heir of the Sanctious'Als

OOC: Hahahahahaha. amusing.

Terrance888

Jan 25, 2011, 08:07 PM

We must listen to reason.

Narprous will be burned from saving us from losing the Second Home, Errovus Secundus, to a nuclear holocause where we will ALL burn. She has kept quiet to prevent crusade of the dying freedman and to hopfully keep it settle. She has spoken only when a plan of the future, not which has happened already, has been shared to her. She has no opportunity to speak beforehand that will actually help the known worlds.

Thus, she has never hidden information, as this information that was 'hidden' would have done more damage if released then than if now.

How will the pancreator view us, if we burn those who save us? Who did their best to keep the Known Worlds on the right side of the line between order and chaos?

Only he knows.

Since the time of the Cleansing, the House Vanari has stood with the church for the common goodof the souls of the people. As we shall stand now, with the church, searching for the pancreator's light for the common good...

For the souls of all the known worlds.

thomas.berubeg

Jan 25, 2011, 08:16 PM

We must remember, though, that the Church and the inquisition exist here on earth only through the will of the Pancreator. We know that, should they stray from the path of light, the response from the heavens would be quick and absolute. As the Inquisition is still working at full strength, we must beleive that they are enacting the Justice of the Heavens perfectly.

-Brother Cabil

thomas.berubeg

Jan 25, 2011, 09:07 PM

For the perusal of the Inquisition and other Noble houses, here is a relevant entry from the Journal of the Former Regent.

Journal of Dain Kawalen, New Regent to the Imperial Throne.

Well, news has just come in, and I've won the regency. I do have big plans, and I know my reign will leave this universe a better place. The world I go to, E2, is the first of my concerns. Disease and crime and starvation threaten that world with an apocalypse, but my solution to that lies in the baggage I have ready for shipment to E2, where my Wife awaits. It is Ironic, though that my gift to this world is also my greatest wedding present to her. For, down in my bags, I have a sample I smuggled from the elf skin. Couldn't tell Embra, though she is in charge of the investigation of the skin. Wouldn't understand, poor soul. This needs to be done... A plague of a magnitude not seen since the Walking dead on ancient Errovus itself. And, once it burns itself out, left on the ground of Errovus Secundus will be a fertile world, ripe for a new and organized life. The Regency labs should be more than up for the task, and house Naprous will be left to clean up the mess. A great present for a great woman, I think

Darksaber1

Jan 25, 2011, 09:40 PM

On the subject of the Imperial Garrison and it's replacements, I have a question: while the equipment and training of a Grimson Soldiers undeniable, i this time of trouble, I am forced to enquire why the only Grimson Soldiers are recruited? For the price of 120 Grimson, you could purchase 20,000 Infantry Grade IV. While far worse equiped, does not the fact that is 166 times as many guns make a diffrence?

Seon

Jan 25, 2011, 09:45 PM

Infantry IV gets ripped apart by symbiotes. Grimson doesn't.

germanicus12

Jan 25, 2011, 10:42 PM

Not to mention that most Grimson's are Eekin warriors who excel at fighting the Symbiots. Personally I would prefer a more expensive class of 120 troops who have veteran experience against a tough enemy than 20,000 inexperienced and untested troops. Most Grimson Legions, being formed by Vladimir Eekin himself and transferred from our command to those of the Fleet and Garrison still have Eekin warriors who served in the last Symbiot war and will prove invaluable in training and leading new Grimson Legion soldiers.

Northen Wolf

Jan 25, 2011, 11:06 PM

Want to buy my fief?

Out of habit: "How much?"

On the subject of the Imperial Garrison and it's replacements, I have a question: while the equipment and training of a Grimson Soldiers undeniable, i this time of trouble, I am forced to enquire why the only Grimson Soldiers are recruited? For the price of 120 Grimson, you could purchase 20,000 Infantry Grade IV. While far worse equiped, does not the fact that is 166 times as many guns make a diffrence?

Dear nobles from House Thana,
I'm glad to see that your house, that has so little of experience in the art of war, is brave enough to ask questions, when questions arise.

OOC: Symbiots are bugs that take control of any life form Plants/animals/whatever and hence why going with sheer numbers is not going to help us, as they'll use our own troops against us. And there are flippin many symbiots. Think of Starship Troopers.

IC: Infantry is good for holding the line, for manning the tools and weapons, for cleaning up mess that is left on the battlefield. A single symbiot, in theory, can kill more than 100 infantry soldiers, before being successfully put down. Even then, Symbiots that rip through infantry, "assimiliate" them, make our fallen to turn into symbiots. Should a platoon go down, we have 20 000 more symbiots to deal with in exchange of measly few of Grimson Legionairs (as most die instead of being assimilated). Infantry Platoons are good for guarding, cleaning up mess and fighting single and separated symbiots.

While Grimson legion are the elite warriors, their training, their armor, their weapons are expensive. But expenses on them are well worth the price. A "Grimson squad" is diciplined enough to go through mass of Symbiots, with losing only few soldiers, trained be to be able to survive even direct onslaughts. Grimson guards are the elite with experience - they do not run when Infantry does; there are few of them, meaning, if they fall and fail to activate fail-safe(OOC: BOO-OOM!), symbiots will not gain many new soldiers. And Finally Grimson guards, are able to turn their weapons on their mates and finally on themselves, taking as many enemies with them as possible. And I'm not even going to mention how more effective their weapons are in destroying symbiot life forms in comparision to granades and bullets.

In conclusion, We do use infantry to protect our holdings and hold the line, but we use Grimson guards to advance the line, to do the hard work to risk their lives and clear tight spaces. Ever troop who falls in battle is one more recruit for symbiots. Besides having half a billion infantry units on Stigimata is not good for neither supplies, moral nor escape (should need to evacuate arise).

I hope I have explained the situation to you. Thank you for being interested in your own well-fare.

Signed
Garik Harnoth,
Current Commander of Imperial Garrison,
House of Hyppean

Immaculate

Jan 26, 2011, 08:12 AM

From Jason Avivies of the Guild of Reeves
To the Nobles standing for Election as Regent

For us, it would make this so much more clear if you would enumerate your priorities, specifically detailing which ones will take precedence over others if there is a shortage of man-power or money.

Let’s be honest, the reconstruction of Errovus Secondus, the Symbiot threat, hunting pirates, new development as needed, new RKVs to destroy the symbiots, are all going to be competing for a limited budget. So, when that budget is limited, which projects will take precedence?

Also, what is your specific long-term plan vis-à-vis the Symbiots? Do you intend to continue constructing the Relativistic Kill Vehicles? Our first unit will be completed soon and we need to know if you will be ordering the construction of more. If not, what IS your long-term plan. Many have spoken of the rate of attrition inflicted upon Imperium forces by the Symbiots being unsustainable in the long-run. The late regent’s plague unleashed upon the Imperium fiefdoms of Errovus Secondus as well as the disruption of trade between Imperium fiefdoms have only exasperated that situation. How will you tip that balance back in the favor of humanity?

What are your plans vis-à-vis the Inquisitional Synod’s investigations? It is all too probable that many of the upper echelons in both the intelligence and scientific divisions of the Regency will be found to have colluded with late Regent’s plan to unleash plague upon Errovus Secondus. If the inquisition moves to dismantle these institutions, how will you react? If the Imperium Eye, House Quin, or Apothecaries are found to have been involved, what actions will the Regency take?

Regarding the issue of pirates, what is your plan? Do you continue to have the Eekin spearhead the operation? Regardless of if you do or not, what is the plan?

Finally, who will you appoint as Imperium commanders of the Garrison, Fleet and Eye and what will their short and long-term goals be?

Thank you,
I know I am very curious to hear your answers before I cast my vote and I am sure others are also.

Darksaber1

Jan 26, 2011, 08:30 AM

Out of habit: "How much?"

Dear nobles from House Thana,
I'm glad to see that your house, that has so little of experience in the art of war, is brave enough to ask questions, when questions arise.

OOC: Symbiots are bugs that take control of any life form Plants/animals/whatever and hence why going with sheer numbers is not going to help us, as they'll use our own troops against us. And there are flippin many symbiots. Think of Starship Troopers.

IC: Infantry is good for holding the line, for manning the tools and weapons, for cleaning up mess that is left on the battlefield. A single symbiot, in theory, can kill more than 100 infantry soldiers, before being successfully put down. Even then, Symbiots that rip through infantry, "assimiliate" them, make our fallen to turn into symbiots. Should a platoon go down, we have 20 000 more symbiots to deal with in exchange of measly few of Grimson Legionairs (as most die instead of being assimilated). Infantry Platoons are good for guarding, cleaning up mess and fighting single and separated symbiots.

While Grimson legion are the elite warriors, their training, their armor, their weapons are expensive. But expenses on them are well worth the price. A "Grimson squad" is diciplined enough to go through mass of Symbiots, with losing only few soldiers, trained be to be able to survive even direct onslaughts. Grimson guards are the elite with experience - they do not run when Infantry does; there are few of them, meaning, if they fall and fail to activate fail-safe(OOC: BOO-OOM!), symbiots will not gain many new soldiers. And Finally Grimson guards, are able to turn their weapons on their mates and finally on themselves, taking as many enemies with them as possible. And I'm not even going to mention how more effective their weapons are in destroying symbiot life forms in comparision to granades and bullets.

In conclusion, We do use infantry to protect our holdings and hold the line, but we use Grimson guards to advance the line, to do the hard work to risk their lives and clear tight spaces. Ever troop who falls in battle is one more recruit for symbiots. Besides having half a billion infantry units on Stigimata is not good for neither supplies, moral nor escape (should need to evacuate arise).

I hope I have explained the situation to you. Thank you for being interested in your own well-fare.

Signed
Garik Harnoth,
Current Commander of Imperial Garrison,
House of Hyppean

OC: Makes sense. I just wanted to insure that only Grimson's were being trained simply because that's how it had always been. As long as theres a good reason.

spryllino

Jan 26, 2011, 09:08 AM

To the Inquisition
From House Texier

While you are, of course, extremely welcome to investigate, we wonder what precisely you are thinking you might find by investigating House Texier's fiefdom on E2, which was on your list of things to investigate. Please enlighten us on this matter; for if we know what you are investigating, we may be able to help you, but if not, we clearly can't do so so efficaciously.

OOC: Immac: I need a reply to this and to my email please. And with regard to the RKVs... is the idea that one of them would be fired at Stigmata and that would destroy the planet? And if so, why would I need more than one?

I can't possibly reply to Jason Avives until I know all that.

Also, Adrogans, I have offered you command of the Garrison. Are you taking my offer or not? I really need to know if you are willing to serve in this capacity but don't really mind much, or if you actually want to, or if you would refuse!

Once I have all that information, I believe I will be able to compile a fairly comprehensive manifesto.

IC: To all Houses, Guilds and Cardinals: We welcome any input into what we should do if elected.

Adrogans

Jan 26, 2011, 10:06 AM

The Query's position on appointment to an Imperial post is simple, we will of course do whatever the current regent asks us to do. If the elected regent feels our skills are needed for one of the posts we will of course step in and do our utmost to perform said duty in the best interests of Humanity. As we stated when we thought running for the regeant was a good idea we were going to appoint posts based not on votes or loyalty or bribery but only based on their skills and what was needed for the post at the time. This is how we feel it should be done.

We will however vote as each of us feels based on the platform of the various candidates.

(i.e. my scepter holders are each an individual personality who will vote based on their own beliefs and desires as they are indivudals and while generally they have similar beliefs they do differ).

Alex Black, Guy Fye, Ichabod Sterling

spryllino

Jan 26, 2011, 10:08 AM

Ah excellent. We have a prospective competent Garrison Commander then in Guy Fye.

That means here are our probable choices of Commanders:

Guy Fye as Garrison Commander
Dante Labis as Fleet Commander
Tebryn Arbandi XII as Eye Commander

Immaculate

Jan 26, 2011, 12:49 PM

OOC:

To Anyone Who is Awaiting an Answer from The Inquisitional Synod Regarding Philip Crent’s Judicial Ruling,

Please do not expect any sort of response. Your court priests and fiefdom bishops inform you that he is not interested in explaining himself, that his authority is absolute and that by arguing with him you are likely to only attract his attention. The way he sees it, this is an ecclesial matter and for you to even involve yourselves is an insult to the manner in which the division of noble and church power has traditionally been divided and a disrespect to his clerical office and authority.

Remember that entire houses have been destroyed for heresy. The inquisition is meant to be a SCARY tool to fill out the game-world. Not only do they have guns but ultimately the majority of serfs are more loyal to the chuch and their souls then they are to the nobility. If the church starts preaching that the nobles they serve are disrespecting the pancreator and agitate for them to stop paying taxes or to throw stones at your nobles, or whatever else, they can cause considerabe damage without actually engaging in ‘war’ with you.

The Thana got off lightly when they tried to work with genetically modifying fish early on because i didn't think they fully appreciated the gravity of their 'heresy'.

But honestly, as the moderator, please be careful with the Inquisition. They will wipe you out and they can do it easily. The point is that if you are conducting heretical research or maggicks or cultism, you should be hiding it as best as you can.

If you insult them openly, they will destroy you without a second thought. I hope that isn't 'not fun' for you. individual noble houses are not meant to be a threat to the guilds or church. Only when you work together with the imperium should you be able to threaten them. And thats game-design.

spryllino

Jan 26, 2011, 01:07 PM

OOC: Immy, if they won't reply, can't they at least tell me whether I'm suspected of something in particular or not? I mean, this listing of House Texier on the list of things to investigate is freaking me out. I suppose it's meant to, but it would still be nice to have a little more information on how I'm meant to interpret that; I'm sure I'd find it a lot easier to judge IC than I can in my present OOC position.

Is Jyut Texier at this precise moment meant to be thinking:

a) Oh no the Inquisition is going to investigate me under suspicion of I'm-not-quite-sure-what and they'll probably find something bad even if there's nothing relevant to find;
or
b) The Inquisition wants to investigate my fief for the sake of thoroughness and completing their investigation, and we want the mystery solved so that's fine then

?

Seon

Jan 26, 2011, 01:12 PM

Whatever you want to play, spry :D

Northen Wolf

Jan 26, 2011, 01:15 PM

Let them do what they do best. As Honest and faithful house you should have nothing to be afraid of.

Immaculate

Jan 26, 2011, 01:16 PM

spryllino

Jan 26, 2011, 01:21 PM

OOC: I'm glad to hear it; I was getting a bit scared when "House Texier" popped up on the list of things to investigate.

A question about the RKVs: if one was fired at Stigmata, can we be sure it would destroy the jumpgate, and if it didn't destroy the jumpgate, would that likely mean that Symbiot ships from planets beyond Stigmata would be able to pass through the jumpgate onto Hubbard? Also, is there any known way of sealing jumpgates? If not, did the Kappa leave any trace of how they did it?

Adrogans

Jan 26, 2011, 01:22 PM

RKV's were never meant to destroy the jumpgate IIRC. They are intended to decimate the planet to the point of making it lifeless and thus deprive the symbiotes of even one world to occupy in known space.

thomas.berubeg

Jan 26, 2011, 01:56 PM

individual noble houses are not meant to be a threat to the guilds or church. Only when you work together with the imperium should you be able to threaten them.

OOC: so, theoretically, if we played this right, the church and the League could be set up into actually fighting each other, leaving us nice and free in the middle?

hbar

Jan 26, 2011, 02:02 PM

OOC: so, theoretically, if we played this right, the church and the League could be set up into actually fighting each other, leaving us nice and free in the middle?

http://forums.civfanatics.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=280439&d=1296075675
Warning! Heresy alert!

Seon

Jan 26, 2011, 02:04 PM

I call that gauge rigged!

Adrogans

Jan 26, 2011, 02:05 PM

OOC: Hahaha. I need that humor.

LDiCesare

Jan 26, 2011, 02:10 PM

She has kept quiet to prevent crusade of the dying freedman and to hopfully keep it settle. She has spoken only when a plan of the future, not which has happened already, has been shared to her. She has no opportunity to speak beforehand that will actually help the known worlds.

Thus, she has never hidden information, as this information that was 'hidden' would have done more damage if released then than if now.
She had opportunity before to talk to people who would have understood the value of the vaccine.
She didn't know it, but those who knew more about medicine could have been warned and would have saved millions of lives.
For this reason she has been found guilty: She didn't tell those who knew better what they needed to know in order to save lives and souls.

In all friendship, we advisr you to be be careful, and avoid telling those who know better how souls should be saved, lest they think you are a heretic yourself.

thomas.berubeg

Jan 26, 2011, 02:13 PM

http://forums.civfanatics.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=280439&d=1296075675
Warning! Heresy alert!

OOC: Hey, it was a humorous ooc comment! :p

Edit: Sorry to post non-relevant content:

this is beautiful (http://foreversnotsolong.com/)

Diamondeye

Jan 26, 2011, 02:35 PM

http://forums.civfanatics.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=280439&d=1296075675
Warning! Heresy alert!

OOC: This is amazing. I like that the other end just says the same in lowercase letters.

Darksaber1

Jan 26, 2011, 03:17 PM

Warning, Dead Horse Beating
OOC:

The Thana got off lightly when they tried to work with genetically modifying fish early on because i didn't think they fully appreciated the gravity of their 'heresy'.

Of course, I never did order any genetic experiments, or even normal fish breeding:
Copied directly from the orders:

Research more efficient fish farming (things like fish that are more resistant to parasites and disease, larger and fast growing. Stuff to solve these sorts of issues. A commercially viable fish farm will be built later, this is just the research for it.

I intended that such characteristics be logged for conventional breeding, not that any fish be created. That turn, atleast.

Immaculate

Jan 26, 2011, 03:35 PM

OH- wow- i totally misunderstood what you meant.

Adrogans

Jan 26, 2011, 03:47 PM

Fleet in Transit to E2

Alex Black sat back down after checking the precious cargo once more. There was nothing in known space more important than these vials and samples at the moment. She was intensely personal when it came to the cure for the plague for many reasons, but chief among them though was simply the amount of time and energy she had put into this project. She had dabbled in the bio sciences before, but it had been a passing interest long ago. This however would be no mere passing interest.

Ales sighed as she sat back letting all the emotions she had pent up over the last several weeks spill through her so she could examine them properly now that she was alone. The first was the intense pleasure at having helped to create and now to distribute the cure. She had allotted it for where it was most important and imagined that the distribution would go smoothly since no one wanted to destroy or damage anything in her care.

The next emotion was regret. She never could have imagined the man she called friend and voted to be regent was capable of creating the very plague Alex had just spent her time, energy, and some of The Query’s fortune to create a cure for. She was disgusted by his actions and also somewhat disgusted by his suicide. The coward’s way. Alex never thought him capable of doing such a thing. That his wife had helped cover it up as well. The tale just kept getting worse.

She called for her personal maid, and another gorgeous specimen of creation walked in and curtsied. “Yes, my Lady?”

Alex Black looked up at her maid, “Please get me another I have a serious need to try and empty my mind for a while.” The maid curtsied again and went about her duty. She returned quickly with the clear liquid, handed it to Alex Black and walked back out of the private compartment.

Then her mood took a curious turn when she began to think of the child, Karma. The poor child not only has lost both her parents, they are mass murderers and heretics now. Alex was not against their punishment, it was justly deserved, but she felt pity for little Karma. She was to grow up knowing and putting up with what others said about her family, yet she was innocent. Alex had done all she could by offering her a home to grow up in away from the taint of heresy as much as possible. All she could do now was wait and hope the offer was taken.

Alex leaned over and drew her deep crimson blade. She slowly led her hand up and down the exquisite weapon and made a vow to herself to do all she could to help little Karma, yet another victim and of the victims living possibly the most tragic one.

Darksaber1

Jan 26, 2011, 04:31 PM

OH- wow- i totally misunderstood what you meant.

Poor comunication kills... or gets you burnt for Heresy.

Immaculate

Jan 26, 2011, 09:50 PM

Some of the new maps are up.

I think there were only changes to Clarke and Arrakis and E2? Correct me if i am wrong.

And here is a really horrible new map of E2:

http://i52.tinypic.com/243rort.jpg

thomas.berubeg

Jan 26, 2011, 10:13 PM

That Authority Holdings south of the Klorin holdings gone?

Adrogans

Jan 26, 2011, 10:36 PM

No, simply miscolored.

thomas.berubeg

Jan 27, 2011, 12:43 AM

Reply to Diplo on the Child and the Yacht

OOC: OK, maybe I shouldn't say this OOC. But I was willing to give up the girl (Carma) before my house became IC convinced Klorin's house is either overly vengeful or lunatic. Secondly, while he has some claim on the girl he has absolutely no claim whatsoever on a Yacht. It is pure loansharking vengeance, except the loansharking bit is incorrect, because Klorin is trying to loanshark something that never belonged to him in the first place. Actually he technically owed me money until we decided to put a cross over it (I did not in any way shape or form ask him to suicide his yacht on pirates. I sold him my old yacht, borrowed his yacht without guarantees of use and it was smacked by pirates, so technically he hadn't paid me half yet! But I let go of that. Yes that's right, except Naprous still isn't bitter enough to try and claim it, but now I'm thinking maybe I will.
So please don't be taken in by House Klorin mentioning us owing them money, they are insane, trust us we have three years of experience with them!

House Klorin Payed you fully, but we are willing to Wait for the Election of the next regent and bring the Case before him, and abide by his decision, on the Matter of the yacht. Should House Naprous be willing to do the same, this question will be rendered resolved by the next Regent.

Toteone

Jan 27, 2011, 12:52 AM

Splendid... we never saw more than half the payment, but we believe we will be able to find the money forgotten in some coffers somewhere.

thomas.berubeg

Jan 27, 2011, 02:19 AM

OOC:

So, apparently some people were secretly sent some info by someone I was talking too that was highly OOC, and actually impossible for them to know, as the only relevant character, namely the regent, Is dead, and therefor unable to pass on the information in the game. So, a bunch of you have some information that you couldn't possibly have, and the motivations of a dead character... Sorry for the misunderstanding.

spryllino

Jan 27, 2011, 08:33 AM

No, simply miscolored.

I think the implication is that the Authority has lost control there, just as they have lost control of their fief on the central continent.

Anyway, Immac, are we postponing the elections until Ekolite reappears?

Also, does the fact that the Texier fiefdom is fully coloured mean that we have fully restored order and health to the whole area now, or very nearly done so?

Also, what is the estimated strength and quality of the armies of the warlords on the Authority fief on the central continent?

IC:

To the Orthodoxy
From House Texier

We see that your fief immediately to the south of ours is in a state of considerable disorder, and, as we are, regardless of the election, probably more capable of bringing it to order, we wonder if you might be interested in selling this fief to House Texier for a reasonable price? We are also more than willing to provide you with help if requested in moving goods as necessary from that fiefdom to your other one or to the newly purchased one formerly belonging to House Koriate. If you agree to this, please suggest what price you are willing to sell it at.

Immaculate

Jan 27, 2011, 09:21 AM

That Authority Holdings south of the Klorin holdings gone?

No, simply miscolored.

Spryllino is correct.

Immaculate

Jan 27, 2011, 09:46 AM

OOC:
@Toteone: Despite all your protests for why Catherine Naprous is being burned, the reason is simple. She kept her mouth shut when she should have confessed to the Church. Its really that simple.

We will not be fast-tracking her execution because the execution will be part of the update (or mini-update). No actions take place between updates, only diplomacy.

Again OOC: Duscha and you were hammering out an agreement and she feels (and as i a player, not a mod, i would agree) that she did not pull out of the agreement. the more you protest to the otherwise, the more you distance yourself diplomatically from her allies and others. I'm not going to IC diplo between her and you regarding the issue because i simply don't have the energy or inclination to. Simply said, "no- we didn't break any agreement".

Regarding Ekolite's Absence:
yeah, i guess we can wait to vote on a new regent.

Regarding the warlords:
Most have just infantry I or sometimes, very rarely infantry II. One at least has the captured Koriate/Authority aircraft and tanks, etc.

From Orthodoxy to Texier:

No, we don't want to sell those lands. We are in the process of rebuilding and very soon we should have recovered the souls of those who have, in a panic, given themselves to the temptation of looting and violence.

Adrogans

Jan 27, 2011, 10:42 AM

To House Klorin, House Naprous

I implore both of you one last time to take me up on the offer of providing Karma with a home away from all of these issues at least for a time. As she is caught between both of your houses I already see a dispute that could quickly become violent to 'posess' her. By allowing her to stay with The Query we can diffuse the situation and she could be given the change to grow into a Noble in her own right without the taint of heresy and conflict over loyalties.

I again offer this for no other reason than sympathy for the child.

Alex Black, The Query, Scepter Holder

thomas.berubeg

Jan 27, 2011, 11:04 AM

House Klorin agrees to set Karma Naprous Kawalen Klorin up as a ward of Alex Black Query, provided she be treated as the child of a the Noble Lineage from which she descends.

Edit: OCC: And toteone: if you want to beleive you were chatting with the dead regent's ghost, then, sure, it was IC... because he was the only one to know the stuff we were talking about.

Adrogans

Jan 27, 2011, 03:37 PM

E2 – Query Fiefdom, Central Construction Office

Zip sat there in his office, he missed working out in the field, but he had a knack for managing so they stuck him in the construction office. Oh well he supposed it was for the best, it kept his wife and kids happy he wasn’t working on the wall the last few years with all the fighting that has been taking place with those poor souls trying to force their way in to the fief. He understood, but nevertheless he was glad they failed. He thankfully could only imagine what it had been like out there. And in the end as he often thought he was damn glad he had sworn to The Query.

He sat and made small changes to the current draft of the area for the Orthodoxy to stage from. They were being given the use of a small complex near the western gates so they could go out there and deliver their mission of mercy to the Freemen. Even though all he was doing was making sure the area was ready for them to move in and use he was glad to help those poor souls as he could. He glanced at the minor modifications needed to make the complex fit for the Orthodox mission and finally satisfied signed off on the revisions.

He dropped the plans off with the runner who was about to head out there and then proceeded to go and speak with his manager, an actual noble of the Holden Clan. Only the members and higher serfs of The Query could parse the very tangled web of their clan structure, but this noble, Lord Mikal Holden, was by Zip’s reckoning anyway, an up and comer among the Fye Clan Tree. Zip arrived in front of the secretary, quite the looker actually as one strangely encountered often in The Query fiefs, and she motioned him to enter as she answered another call. Zip went in past the ever present guard and began to bow.

“No need for that Mr. Crandall,” Lord Mikal never used his nickname, “You have been on my staff since I first began this trip up the ladder and you know I don’t stand on ceremony from my staffers. Wastes valuable time, sit.” The last very obviously a command so Zip did settling as always in the overly comfy armchair in front of the ornate desk. Zip thought it was funny how a noble so unconcerned with the deference his position demanded certainly enjoyed the physical comforts it elicited.

“Yes, my lord. What can I do for you?” Zip asked politely.

“Well it seems you are a victim of your skill.” Zip nodded somewhat confusedly. “As you know we have been making preparations for a new fiefdom and they want you on the team. Well I should say us as I will be moving my entire team once a suitable site has been found. You may not know this, but two sites have already fallen through, but a third is now up and hopefully it will work out. If not there will always be another to find.” Lord Mikal Holden paused for a minute obviously considering his next words. “It will still be a while yet what with all the issues here and elsewhere, but sooner then you imagine we will find a site and begin sending in the first teams of which you and I will be part of. We will be responsible for setting it all up for the incoming waves.”

“Milord are we talking a matter of days, weeks?” Zip asked concerned since his eldest daughter had just been betrothed to a good son of a family friend.

“Oh no, we are still talking year or more, but I wanted you to know well ahead to make the plans you need to.” Lord Mikal Holden then reached inside a drawer and pulled out a long thin box while he was talking. “You should know by now how very meticulous we are in planning ahead.” He handed the box over to Zip and waited for him to look at it. It was a woman’s necklace made of gold and inlaid with several small precious stones in the red and black colors of The Query in the center with two green stones of the Holden’s Clans on the sides. “Please accept this gift to your recently betrothed, may she have a wonderful marriage and life.” Zip went to give his thanks and Lord Mikal Holden simply waved them down and smiled then went back to work after a polite but obvious dismissal nod to Zip.

Zip rode all the way home wondering just how many years or possibly lifetimes he would have had to work to give such a gift. He opened it again along the way a noticed the small note tucked in the box. He read it and was amazed that Lord Mikal had placed it in telling Zip to give it to his daughter as if he had bought it and not to mention him at all.

Immaculate

Jan 27, 2011, 03:47 PM

Lord Mikal sat back, pondering his plans for the new fiefdom. As he did a figure stepped into the office, "I heard what you said to that serf. You're too easy on them and much too generous. The serfs will forget their place." The women placed a laced glove on his shoulder but to Lord Mikal, who knew her, it felt like an iron gauntlet.

Seon

Jan 27, 2011, 03:50 PM

Who's Mikal...

spryllino

Jan 27, 2011, 04:05 PM

One of the warlords in Authority territory perhaps? Or some other new noble house? Or even whoever's got the Naprous sceptre?

Edit: Oh I see; I didn't read Adrogans's story first. That was dumb of me.

Immaculate

Jan 27, 2011, 04:08 PM

My understanding is that he is one of the thousands of minor nobles from a non-dominant branch of the Query nobility.

Adrogans

Jan 27, 2011, 04:48 PM

Yup, The Query are a collection of clans that are all subordinate to another clan inside The Query except for the large clans of the council. Who are the ones who actually run The Query.

Edit - As I like to describe it think of The Query as a feudal kingdom inside a feudal kingdom.

Immaculate

Jan 27, 2011, 07:11 PM

http://i52.tinypic.com/2mw9so7.jpg

CELEBRATION!

Kyzarc Fotjage

Jan 27, 2011, 07:19 PM

1 down, 21 to go

Northen Wolf

Jan 27, 2011, 10:47 PM

http://i52.tinypic.com/2mw9so7.jpg

CELEBRATION!

Ossim!

Northen Wolf

Jan 27, 2011, 10:48 PM

Update on Tech Research & Design: The Musters have finalized their agreement. They will design the Artillery I design next year, with an ACC of their own, and will contribute 5mf to the current development package (Infantry V, Artillery I and NBC Infantry). In some bad news however it appears we will need an entity with Physics 4 to design Infantry V (and that production of Infantry IV and V also need be from houses with Physics 4), however a single house for the purposes of design should be easy to get a hold of, and as most houses are transitioning over to Physics 4 we expect there will only be a few houses with this problem which can purchase units from neighboring houses with Physics 4.

I thought there was not supposed to be any tech trade?

thomas.berubeg

Jan 27, 2011, 10:51 PM

O
Ideally, I'd prefer to send her to another minor House but it occurs to me that any such minor house that Klorin would be fine with would automatically be suspect to me. Also, I have deep respect for the Eskatonic Order or the Blossoms so might normally consider them, but due to the religious condemnation of her mother and the fact that her father for some reason chose the Orthodox fief as the starting point for the plague she might grow up warped by religious condemnation by proxy. This leaves the Guilders and Bossheim... we have dealings with the Musters, but we do not wish for her to become engaged in wars and believe they may have dealings with all sorts of houses anyways, so insulation would be impossible.
The Reeves would be a good choice, but we currently have sold them bonds and while repayment is planned who knows what might happen. This leaves Bossheim and the Society of Engineers. We trust Bossheim implicitly and have been able to communicate with them properly and frequently, and would be fine with them even if Klorin is. Otoh if given to the SoE, she will learn a useful trade, disappear from politics, nobility and so forth and be able to lead a happy life. That is all I wish.

To Klorin: Bossheim or SoE
~CN

We would rather she grow up with her Legacy intact. While we completly respect the SoE and the other guilds, as well as the Blossoms and the Eskatonic order, she, as first born heir of the Kawalen line MUST grow up to her Noble Education. House Query has promised her the education a girl of her stature must have. We, however, must also Thank House Bossheim for thier offer of Takeing Karma as a ward, and inform them that they should not take our refusal as an insult to thier house, but rather a conscious weighing of priorities. We trust that a solid friendship continues between our houses.

Anthony Callier

Edit: OOC: I'm going to be rather Incomunicado for rest of the weekend, as I am helping run a crisis at the Mcgill model UN.

Toteone

Jan 27, 2011, 11:12 PM

I thought there was not supposed to be any tech trade?

This is an independent research program. It is unrelated to the failed tech trade with the Western Authority.
I was just coincidentally planning to give some of what Duscha would've given me away for PR and tech proliferation reasons (and because of the sheer lack of ACCs to respond to the huge interest in joint tech development).

OOC: Good luck with the UN Thomas. : )

LDiCesare

Jan 28, 2011, 12:49 AM

I thought there was not supposed to be any tech trade?

From page 1:
You may trade or gift designs (or steel them with covert operations). A nation cannot learn/receive the design for a unique unit if it does not possess the necessary technology ranks.
This means house Naprous for instance
* Physics: 3 (21/40, +5)
* Biotech: 3 (22/40, +6)
* Society: 3 (21/40, +5)

cannot trade/learn/receive this:
Infantry IV
Cost: 3MF for 1 division
Tech Requirements: 4 physics, 3 biotech, 4 social
Developed In: n/a
Developed By: n/a
Usable By: Imperium (all), Reeves, Society of Engineers, Charioteers
Light Weapons: 3
Unit size: 10,000 Soldiers
So Infantry IV requiring 4 in physics and social, I think Infantry V would require at least as much.

However, it is permitted to trade designs, but not techs.

I think Naprous is more like spending money in order to be able to purchase units from others, which is not forbidden.
(Although I must say that the whole tech trading thing sucks as it revolves to who has most RL time to spend on such stuff whereas ACC limits actions IC, RL time becomes the biggest limit on what one can manage in the NES).

Adrogans

Jan 28, 2011, 09:17 AM

IC:
I sincerly hope that you would not give over the last scion of such a noble lineage, regardless of what her parents did, to any non-noble institution. While we would normally be fine with sending nobles to the Church and her orders, not in the case of the heir of any noble line let alone two. We also have respect for the guilds and what they accomplish, but they are not Nobles and thus cannot educate her as she deserves. They might teach her all their secrets but then she would be a part of the guild and would never be accepted as the Noble she is.

Again reconsider this.

Alex Black, The Query, Scepter Holder

OOC:
Um...We are all already swearing fealty to the regency so personally I would imagine to become even more subservient to the regency House Naprous would disappear and become part of the regency. in reality if you wanted to maintain yourself and still be protected then you would need to ally/swear fealty to a larger house (which no offense is pretty much just about everyone). Of course you might mean to the house of whoever is regent that would be different.

Not only that but you would want to choose one of them who have signifigant force/presence on E2.

Toteone

Jan 28, 2011, 09:39 AM

Dear Query, we'll consider you as a ward for Carma Naprous Klorin. As long as you can assure us by honour that she will be allowed a free choice of whether to join Klorin later or not, and that she won't be educated in the vileness that is that major house.

OOC: I was thinking I would be willing to disappear into the Regency, if I still had my ACCs, it'd be a lot more relaxed to just serve the Empire, especially when coordinating tech research, but if you think that's a stupid idea I'll think about it more critically. Well, Immac says no, so nevermind.

Adrogans

Jan 28, 2011, 09:43 AM

As I have stated she will be raised as my ward if The Query take her in. She will be accepted as one of my family.

Alex Black

OOC: I just do not see how that would work is all, Immac could say for sure.

Toteone

Jan 28, 2011, 09:51 AM

Dear Royal House Query,
We accept your most gracious offer, and entrust the child Carma Naprous Klorin to your Royal House Query.
As stated in this guardianship contract, the child will (1) be given a free choice as to her future at the age of sixteen, and (2) no preference is to be shown to either House Klorin or House Naprous. (3) Both houses are to be allowed visitation rights and to send this child educators, (3b) except in the fields of ethics and religion.
Yours most Sincerely with Regards,
- House Naprous

Rhodes Bertrand Naprous: Slovenly, Workaholic, Perverted, Mind For Profit, Friends in the League, Honest, Loyal

Rhodes is a man descended from a long line of Errovus Secundus clerks. Once hundreds of years ago his family migrated with one of the last colony ships with seats won from cheap raffle tickets, and were deposited squarely in the marshes. For the next few centuries life sucked, with varying spans of Republican dole to invigorate their relatively impoverished lifestyles in the Albrino marshes. Sometime around when the Naprous company was founded the Bertrand family had basically become furniture in the regional office supplies company HQ, mindless drones compensating for their empty lives with acts of perversion in the red light district and reading in manga cafees. Eventually the main office contracted with the Naprous company and the family continued on with free donuts and a coffee machine. A few decades later after a particularily horrid act of corruption Naprous investigators struck on Christmas eve penthouse party in an act of corporate house-cleaning that saw two weeks of the entire management staff office under house arrest in their office quarters and the 150 meters snail mail chute subsequently utilized for execution.
All higher management was gone. Only the sole Bertrand member was left, he had been too honest to be trusted in the universal corruption among the executive levels of the company, and too myopic and cumbersome to be a threat. Despite this his honesty impressed where there had been none other and he was made the new CEO in charge of the daughter company.
When the Republic fell and Naprous become nobles in the new monarchical system the Bertrand family was staunchly corporatist in its attitudes, even for Naprous House, and merely adapted by adopting longer working hours.
Rhodes is a derivate of this staple stapler lineage. He is meticulate, hard working to a fault and not as stupid as his predecessors thanks to late Republic genehack programs. Unfortunately he is also an avid peruser of (Eekin (German?)) late night videos and will frequently get up at 6AM in the morning and do Sudoku next to his coffee and Seifuku tankobon before his morning jog.
Like most Naprous members he is slightly embittered with recent events.

Adrogans

Jan 28, 2011, 09:57 AM

She will be given the education and chances such a child of Nobility deserves. In the end her choices will be her own, but we will guard her and give her the environment so she can make those choices for herself.

Alex Black

Ekolite

Jan 28, 2011, 02:41 PM

I'm back, and my election manifesto is on its way.

Ekolite

Jan 28, 2011, 04:14 PM

Election Platform for Archibald Tarsenusis, Holy Gate

In the coming years we will face many threats, but of course our budget and manpower will be limited. For this reason there must be clear priorities and a distinct division of labour between the Imperial Offices. We can't do everything, but under my leadership we shall attempt to tackle the most important ones as effectively and efficiently as possible.

Main Priorities:

1. The Symbiot threat
2. Errovus Seccundus Reconstruction

Secondary Priorities:

1. Vaccination
2. Piracy

First I will come to the threat from the Symbiot menace. On the whole, the previous leadership of the Garrison has done a good job in regaining land on Stigmata. The new leader of the Garrison will be responsible for continuing this effort, with the support of the Fleet.

The Errovus Seccundus Reconstruction is our second major priority, and will be funded directly by the Regency. We will appoint Carindal Claude Remillard to manage this redevelopment. E2 is the centre of this great Empire, and will remain so under my leadership. It is necessary that we restore order and end the free for all that has developed. We must also strive to stimulate economic recovery on this exhausted world. Due to the lack of resources on the planet, this cannot be done in isolation. Therefore trade with the other worlds will be of paramount importance, and the blockade of E2 will be lifted. We will be working closely with the charioteers to bring necessary goods into the capital.

The vaccinations we have already produced have done much to contain and diminish the grip of the Plague of Klorin. It is important that we continue to manufacture and distribute this vaccine, and this will remain the responsibility of the Imperial Eye. They will also be asked to help the Regent with the reconstruction of Errovus Seccundus. Once this is no longer necessary, the Eye will be tasked with observing the Jump Gates. There have been several anomalies noticed whereby a gate has been activated but no ship has noticeably left them, and there are many disconcerting theories regarding this issue.

Piracy is a dangerous threat to our Empire, however it is not one that I feel the Regency can spear-head due to more pressing priorities on Seccundus. For this matter, I will ask the Fleet to take charge of the operation. This can be done in consort with the House of Eekin or other parties if these parties are willing. Meanwhile, the Eye is to investigate the pirates, with particular attention to the Assimov jump gate. The previous commander of the Eye has uncovered that the pirates are likely to have entered the known worlds through this portal, and are likely to be elven in nature.

Other Matters:

RKVs: It is my belief that the RKV project was used as a smoke screen by the previous Regent. It was a public project, who's funding was highly secretive. This allowed the Regent to divert funds to his own foul enterprises. Holy Gate, some may know, has never been a supporter of the RKV programme. We are highly doubtful of its effectiveness, and cost-efficiency. We have one RKV. This will be placed in storage, and the project shelved. Instead, the Regency will plough more funds into working with the Garrison to develop new weapons to use against the Symbiots. The RKV will remain as a weapon of last resort.

Inquisition: The church is asked to continue its investigation with full gusto. It's inquisitors will be granted full access to all Imperial offices, labs and staff.

Regent Freighter: This was used by the last Regent to further his own gains by attempting to support the stillborn ''Klorinhein''. This has wide reaching implications, including starvation on Hubbard and the increase in poverty levels on E2 due to lack of resources causing price inflation. Under Holy Gate, it will be used to bring resources to E2, in association with the Charioteers.

Preferred candidates for Office: (should they accept)

Garrison: Dante Labis, House Koriate
Fleet: Sir Hellwind Eekin, House Eekin
Eye: Choice of the Council of Minors*

A note on offices. Under my government I will consider corruption an act of treason against this Empire. All Imperial spending is to be declared to the Regent. Clear results will be expected in the fields to which the Imperial Offices are employed. The Regent reserves the right to fire Commanders who do not fulfil their duties to the best of their abilities

*I ask the Council of Minors to choose their candidate carefully. It is an important role and it must be given to someone with relevent experience. The Regency has no preference for whether this role goes to a Major or Minor house, so long as it goes to a strong candidate.

spryllino

Jan 28, 2011, 04:54 PM

The Manifesto of Jyut Texier for his election to the Regency of the Phoenix Throne

1. We intend to rule by consent and with consultation with the other Houses, and not to act in ways that provoke large amounts of opposition.

2. We do not intend to interfere in the freedom of the Imperial Officers to carry out and organise their jobs as they see fit. The Garrison and Fleet will devise their own strategy (with the help of us and of other Houses) but I will not overrule it.

3. The goal of the Garrison and Fleet will be to vanquish the Symbiots and the Pirates, however long that takes.

4. We will not alter the Imperial Constitution.

5. We intend to behave with openness and declare the finances of the Regency publicly so it can be seen that I am acting with honesty. All finances of all offices will be declared to the Regent and, with the possible exception of the Eye, whose secrecy must be obtained, revealed to the Cabinet.

6. The Regency will make it the foremost use of Regency funds to make up losses in the Garrison and Fleet so that we cannot succumb to the Symbiots.

7. The Regency will energetically carry out reconstruction on Errovus Secundus in a joint operation commanded jointly by a Cardinal Claude Remillard and by a suitable, probably Minor, noble appointed by the Regency for the purpose. The operation will be centred on Orthodox and Regency fiefdoms, and House Texier’s arms will also be available to restore order on the northern continent if necessary.

8. Guy Fye of Query for the Garrison, Dante Labis of Koriate for the Fleet, and Helena van Hersula of Holy Gate for the Eye. The latter choice is one we have considered deeply and with great difficulty, but we nevertheless feel that, in these pressing times in the context of the Inquisitorial investigation and given the clear skill of House Holy Gate at the job, we have reverted to our original promise on this issue.

9. We have full confidence in the Inquisitorial Synod's investigations and we have no doubt that they will not come to any rulings to the detriment of the Empire. The Inquisition shall have full access to all they wish to investigate.

10. The policy against the pirates is as follows: we intend to continue to fight them to the utmost ability, and Sir Hellwind Eekin will remain in charge of these operations, provided no-one objects to this. The Eye shall also deploy some investigators into pirate matters and into any clues that we come across. We shall take account of any clues we find, and keep laying ambushes as necessary.

11. We are highly suspicious that the Evvis may be behind the piratical activities seen recently, and we will be setting the Eye to open a distinct investigation into elfin activity in the known worlds. We fervently feel that any opportunity to rid ourselves of these pestilential traitors should be seized with both hands, and we shall be looking out for them.

12. The policy towards the Symbiots is to shelve the RKVs for the moment. They are too risky, and we hold the same concerns as Holy Gate on the issue. We will ensure victory against the Symbiots by conventional warfare (as much as you can call any warfare against biological weaponry “conventional”). We know that the present losses are unsustainable, so we will make up for this by subsidising the deficit from the Regency budget, and we can see this will be expensive, and so we will find the Garrison a new fiefdom. We see that House Naprous, in all its wisdom and altruism, and not acting in a spirit of profiteering at all, has already begun this process by subduing a very reasonable area on Errovus Secundus, which will be requisitioned for the Garrison.

13. The Regency freighter shall be redeployed for turn-by-turn purposes and emergencies and contracts will be entered into with the Charioteers to fulfil the need for regular trade between the known worlds. Regency freighters are a gross waste of Regency funds, and the Charioteers are a much more efficient way of managing the matter.

14. The Eye shall continue to monitor jump-gates for abnormal activity, and to continue to produce vaccine as necessary. If excess funds are still present in the Eye they may well be transferred to the Garrison or Fleet which are so short of funding after the latest assault.

Diamondeye

Jan 28, 2011, 05:14 PM

Should House Holy Gate be elected Regent, Tebryn Arbandi XII of House Bossheaim would be honored to fulfill the role as commander of the Imperial Eye, taking advice from its previous commander Helena Van Hersula.

This has not been voted on yet in the Council of Minors, but we are of the impression that a general consensus is behind the decision, as several of the other Minor Houses (including Texier) has at one point or another declared this their preference.

If any other Minor Houses consider themselves as fit for the position, we would very much like them to speak up so this can be discussed properly before the election.

Toteone

Jan 28, 2011, 05:27 PM

House Texier... regarding the financial details of the operation you sarcastically criticise...: House Naprous is in investment/debt to support the ongoing operations on Errovus Secundus (to the tune of about 40+mf, these 40mf are in private expenditure, loans, donations), which according to our estimates have saved 13 million lives (We estimate by the size of the grey area relative to the rest of E2s freedmen areas e the +17 million pop. we covered would otherwise be 4 million).
It is true that in the long term, about ten years from now, these losses will be recouped, although infrastructure will be in need of repairs along with matching income though we've much more ambitious plans than that and as such probably won't make back the money in two decades (though the profit would be great in the third).
As such, while we do not in any way wish to do so, if you are elected we would kindly request, but would even withdraw without payment if ordered, that our expenses, sans the donated amount would be returned. Your failure to even consider these elements astounds us.

We ask that you retract your sarcasm. You suspected us a few days ago even in the light of Klorin, who then and still have very bad relations with us said we were innocent, before even the Inquisitional Synod has finished, and now that we are out to profiteer? We would ask you to look at my spreadsheets (5mf for a biolock gate to supply people outside, 5mf for biohazard modified trucks, several (3-7) unspecified mfs worth of food stored up since round 1, the biohazard modifications worth 7mf, 22mfs worth of raising units, 30,000 casualties of units worth 13.5mf, 2,400 casualties of units worth 6.5mf, destruction of 30 tanks worth 2,33 mf). In view of this blatant disrespect and lack of research we encourage our noble friends not to vote for House Texier, but for Holy Gate. We will be contacting our guilder friends as well with our opinions.

To put it in more organized terms:

Our Income last year was 19. We invested a further 15 in the Dams, Dikes and Drainage Project. We seized some freeman lands. Our income rose to 24. We expect the dams provided 2mf of that growth (2 the last year and probably 4 the next when it finishes) and the freeman lands 3mf.

So for this 3mf we were given 3 in donations by Vanari, 2 from Tsedeq, 2 from Remillard (through a kindly sale, though actually given average interest on the maturing value of produced commercial ships in particular it was probably more like 1) and 15 through Bossheim through the Regency Relief Funds, alltogether totaling 22mf.
Let's, before we go onto the expenses, consider for a moment that this secured the wellbeing of 17 million serfs, 14 million of whom I guesstimate (need to ask Immac) based roughly on the geographical size of the freeman lands compared to their population would have died.
The expenses tally 5 for biolock gate (not necessary unless moving out), 5 for modifications for trucks (which won't be useful later), 7 for modification of units (same), and 22mfs worth of units for a total of 39mf. Granted, we now have a surplus of units worth 18mf, but at the same time lost 22,33 mf through the two years in casualties (19,33 in the last year during alleviation operations). So the total cost comes out to 43,33. But let's also count the loan I had to take to do this which means another 3mf in interest in another year's time. Alltogether this totals 46,66. But let it not be said that biomodifications are not useful on our six remaining biomodded Infantry IV units even though the design for our basic modifications should be cheap and easy to replicate and we chose to go the expensive route to SAVE PEOPLE (0,5*6 = 3mf), outdated tanks (0,25*5 = 1.25) and glass scalpel units (more useful so 66% of cost to value at 0,33*3 = 1) as well as the biolockwall (1mf) and the Trucks mods (1mf) for a total of 6,25. Subtracting 46,66 with 6,25 yields 40,41mf.
Then, we have expended 40,41mf to gain 3mf per round (or more later when things calm down). It might be higher than 3mf this year though, I have to ask Immac. But even if it is 4 that just means I'll earn it back in roughly 10,1 years rather than 13,4 years.[/I
This is of course assuming that the costs to improve the infrastructure, if it turns out to be say 15mf is matched by a rise in income of say 1,5 from these slums. Of course this would be a false assumption, we intend to strive to bring our areas of E2 up to the FULL STANDARD OF NAPROUS FIEFS over time, meaning that our investment will probably take TWO DECADES to recoup, but be even more profitably by the third decade. [I]Of course if the GARRISON took over its desperate need for funds would no doubt mean LESS INVESTMENT than even those paltry 15mf I mentioned (for 17 million people). Don't believe I didn't plan it? Here's some proof, I've spent exactly 50mf on dams, drainage and desalting of my existing fiefs, and didn't mobilize at all in 2301 or 2302, though this policy saw reversing because of the need for saviors in different parts of E2.
So as we hope you see, there were more profitable options available (though also more risky) like taking advantage of a guild that offered me to become a subguild, but which I didn't do, out of fear, out of a desire to avoid war, but most of all because I wanted to be a hero and rescue millions of people. (And Immac told me my new subjects would be happy about things, which they were, since he said the serfs were happy and these 17 million people were listed as serfs (its the people outside the wall whom I couldn't protect as well who're angry, but a little anger and PR loss is the cost of saving lives as I've well discovered)... it certainly makes sense since he said IC my intelligence guessed they'd be receptive to leadership and protection.)
And y'know, like you're just gonna shoosh me out like that w/out looking over papers, without preparing a takeout time, without considering that maybe they want to remain under me coz they're grateful? Without considering what of all things would happen if the Garrison was put in charge needing money rather than someone willing to invest in their communities the way we've invested 50mf these last three rounds in our dams. This is just more of the witchhunt, even our worst prosecutors (Klorin) didn't accuse us of knowing of the plague and our intention has been noble, and also to eventually profit from a long-term humanitarian investment.)

So yes, I like profits, maximised profits in the long run, but I like saving people more because it is the right thing and saves everyone in the very long run.

On another in fact unrelated note (as it just came up), we are paying back Vanari and Remillard their donation this round as they need to modify infantry. With what we have learnt from modifications of course. The reason is merely because they need the money and expertise, and we were happy to have their help and to give it back. So we'll actually make back our investment in 11.5 to 14.5 years, not 10-13, possibly 12.5-15.5 if it becomes necessary to help anyone who has helped us in the past or someone in particular need.

General Opinions on the Candidates
More importantly to the Empire other than the completely and absolutely unreasonable sarcastic charge to which we rebut with numerous details of our house's spending above we support Holy Gate because they have more ACCs, a better structured manifesto, they are our friends and very communicable and reasonable, honest and they are allowing two minors to take office. Texier's proposal otoh seems to have precluded any other power-sharing with minors other than the Regency, though we like the bit about leaving Holy Gate in charge of the Imperial Eye.
We're disappointed neither side intends to use the RKV against its target though, it seems to us it is worth a shot. While he never explained anything about funding to us the Massacre Regent's private conversations with Cathrinn indicated he truly believed the RKV would work. He was a closed man but very honest in some ways, as we've mentioned for a long time here and there.
We suggest contacting the SoE to ask whether the design and ship being built will in fact work properly, they should know.

hbar

Jan 28, 2011, 08:24 PM

A new challenger approaches:

Bishop Miral Akbar'Al
Demagogue, fervently devout, narcissistic, paranoid, former theurgic monk

Miral studied his appearance while adjusting his robes. An announcement of this magnitude must be accompanied by a grand appearance. After all, he thought, the trappings of ceremony have power too. As a man, I am powerless, but as an image, I can move mountains. He adjusted his collar again, then nodded to show his approval. I am an image no serf can ignore, no noble can disobey.

He walked to the balcony. Below, hundreds of serfs and freemen had gathered, awaiting the announcement they knew was coming.

"People of this house, most Sanctious of all nobles, most pious of all peasantry, it is with a heavy heart I come before you. Your leader - my brother, Saint Ophit of the Al's, gave his life in a most noble cause. He lived a life of servitude, only to be cut down in his prime. His legacy is absolute, but his work is unfinished. I have chosen, and been chosen, to continue this work in his place. With the divine blessing of our Pancreator, I will guide you, my flock, to his promised land. With His light, I will illuminate our path. With His fire, I will eliminate our enemies. And with His word, I will gain us allies, so that we may usher in a new era of righteousness, a Holy Empire that will place mankind back at the right hand of the Pancreator."

The crowd roared as he returned to his suite. With one last glance at the mirror, he loosened his collar and admired the reflection. Could there be anyone more suited to do God's will?

Darksaber1

Jan 28, 2011, 09:14 PM

To all:

House of Thana has considered the issues carefully, and I have decided to cast my vote for Archibald Tarsenusis, of the House of Holy Gate.
We hope his term be peaceful.

-Rodwen Thana, House of Thana

[OOC: did you also recuire an e-mail order, Immy?]

germanicus12

Jan 28, 2011, 09:34 PM

House Eekin feels both candidates are capable of assuming the duties of the Regency, this will make our decision difficult. House Eekin will think on this matter more thoroughly.

If Archibald Tarsenusis, of the House of Holy Gate is elected, Sir Hellwin Eekin will do what he must to achieve the upper hand against the Symbiots, but he has different ideas to handle the situation than what Archibald Tarsenusis proposed for the Fleet's job. If Archibald Tarsenusis can find some free time during his campaigning Sir Hellwin Eekin would like to discuss this matter in more depth.
OOC: Do you have AIM or MSN Messenger? Preferably AIM.

Also how is it that the Eye (or the Fleet if they are aware) failed to inform Sir Hellwin Eekin of their discovery concerning the Assimov Gate? As Commander of the task force charged with hunting down the Pirates as authorized by the Fleet, I believe we should be privy to such information. If I am to assume command of the Fleet this information could also be useful. We now await this information as it may answer some questions and may even help us figure out their tactics.

Our report is close to being finalized, after our investigation of the Pirate Frigate that crashed in the jungles of Assimov, the Fleet and Regency will both receive our report and copies will be sent to all other Imperial offices.

LDiCesare

Jan 29, 2011, 03:10 AM

From House Tsedeq
To House Texier, House Holy Gate
Cc All noble houses, guilds, sects

The following:
The Regency freighter shall be redeployed for turn-by-turn purposes and emergencies and contracts will be entered into with the Charioteers to fulfil the need for regular trade between the known worlds. Regency freighters are a gross waste of Regency funds, and the Charioteers are a much more efficient way of managing the matter.
we strongly disagree with.
The proposal from Holy Gate doesn't seem very precise either but looks more promising.
We know freighters are not a waste of funds. They are, on the contrary, a way of making money. If they were used to trade between for instance E2 and Hubbard, Hubbard could send raw resources to E2 where they could be assembled and manufactured into products that could then be sent back to Hubbard to equip the Garrison. The Garrison needs money, and trade is one way of making money.
This freighter should, in House Tsedeq opinion, be used to help both the Garrison and E2. It can be used to that end, and not doing so would indeed be a waste of the Regency funds and energy. When one tool can be used to help achieve the two main goals of the Regency (fight Symbiots and restore E2), it would be almost criminal not to use the tool this way.

Northen Wolf

Jan 29, 2011, 03:53 AM

We are Shepherds. We are the Sword of the Pancreator and the Shield of The Empire. And You are my brothers

We are Shepherds. [pause] Weapons you hold, swords you carry with you, flame throwers over there and yes, even the explosives on your body - are, what make up our Shepherd's crooks. We, the Imperial Soldiers, are, what makes up this Shepherds body, we are his muscles, his skin, his hair and his eyes, his fingers and his strength. His mind is focused, strategical, calm and ready to battle whatever threats his flocks may encounter. He is always awake, always ready to protect his subjects, just like the Church is, in our everyday life. But what makes this shepherd stronger than others, is Our will, Our Belief in PANCREATOR, our readiness to sacrifice usselves, to throw us into the holy flames of PANCREATOR, so others could live. So they would have a future. Yes, that is what his soul is made of. And this Shepherd has a strong Soul. Believe me, I've seen you guys - my brothers and sisters, in combat. Your selfishness, your unimaginable focus, your utmost care for your brother in arms, your willfulness to obey orders, whatever these orders might be and your loyalty to PANCREATOR. Indeed, this Shepherd truley has a strong soul and no house, not minor nor major can disagree with this.

We have lost many, from our families - brothers- and sisters-in-arms have fallen to the jaws of our everyday enemy, The Symbiots. Many of our relatives died during the Plague of Errovus Secondus. And even those, who do not blood relate to us, have had their lives taken by hunger, bandits, accidents and other minor conflicts. But we still stand strong, Our heads held high, our trigger fingers ready to do the work of PANCREATOR. To release the Holy Flames, to Cover our enemy in barrage of Artillery, to release a swarm of deadly bullets, to cut through the bodies of our enemy and penetrate to their very soul. We fight, because that is what we must do. And that is, what we do best. We are the Swords of the PANCREATOR and the Shield that protects every single citizen of The Empire.

[pause]

Our belief is our strength, it is what gives us the will to fight. Yet, some of the sheep, especially smaller ones, that we are supposed to protect, quarell among themselves. They fight, roar and screech through out their entire existence and refuse to provide us, their shepherds, their protectors and care keepers, with even basic supplies of milk, meat and wool. But you shalt not worry, aslong as there are still houses like House of Hyppean, that care for you, that see for your needs, that grant you supplies from their own stores and granaries [slight pause] and who fight besides you, go into battles together with you and lead you against our common enemy, there is still hope.

Hope.

I ask you, who I dare now to call my brothers, not to lose hope. Not to ever give it away, however bad would the situation may seem. Why do I ask you not to lose hope? Reasons behind this are simple, but allow me to start from the beginning. You all know what happened on Errovus Secondus. You all know the deeds of crazed patriarch Dain Kawalen and his snake-wife Cathrinn Naprous of Klorin. You all know, that the crazed regent died by his own sword. He died in a non honorable fashion and whatever his actions were just or not and punishments he'll get are now up to PANCREATOR to decide on, as any court held by us, his subjects, is prone to be flawed. But PANCREATOR is not flawed. Chaos and disorder that was release among the Empire before and that followed, has lead this Empire closer to destruction, than I wish it were. As in, right now, even minor houses dare to candidate onto place of the Regency or should I say, Emperor? They believe, that they are fit to lead the Empire. To guide our hand towards hard path that lies ahead of us. They believe, that they are capable in assigning imperial positions, but their actions prove, that they are not. They assign leader positions to those, who have no leader experience. [pause] To the ones, who have done them "favors" in the past or simply "Liked" currently.

Both House of Hyppean and Battle Brothers, have proven their capability to lead this garrison in the times of need. I dare to believe, that we have proven to you, and to everyone else in the Empire, that we are capable leaders, with wide experience and good tactics, that is necessary for Empires survival. House of Hyppean has put much of its own funds in to the cause of defending our world, as have Battle Brothers. Yet, only few of the minor houses, are willing to sacrifice their own funds, even for the sake of everyone survival - to aid our cause in defeating these vile creatures, that we are forced to fight daily. And I am thankful to them, who dare to give away little that they have.

So, both me and Tenith will pray, that the houses come on their senses and understand where they belong. That the minors, who do not support the church or even truly follow PANCREATOR's will; who are not capable in leading the Empire due to lack of their Nobles and experience, shalt not receive this throne. I also pray, That ones with experience, shall be assigned to lead you garrison, the ones like Judy Sleeping and not the ones like Dante Labis or Guy Fye, who have not enough martial experience that is needed for this task. As you all know, Judy is a strong follower of PANCREATOR and has fought by our side daily, her Shepherds crook has crushed many symbiots and her will, even more. She has seen more hardships, than I ever have and I believe, that she is a capable leader. These last years, have been hard to us all. But I believe, that I have fought hard enough to take a little rest. As those who candidate to be Regents, believe I'm nor House of Hyppean are not capable enough to be leading you. [Sounds of Disappointed and "boo-oo"s coming from the crowd]. Yes, that is true, they Believe, that I am not capable in leading you. They believe house of Hyppean dislike for most minors, is enough for us to be not "worthy" enough to command you. Or maybe they just believe that their friends should be rewarded. But whatever it is true or not, I'll leave up to you to decide. I will do as much as I can for you, for the Empire and in the name of PANCREATOR, in short time I have left as your leader and I expect similar actions from my own House of Hyppean.

But all is not as bad as it seems. There is always something good in bad events. As I am one of the House of Hyppean Nobles, I can finally to go back to home, back to Arrakis and oversee doings of my house and to see my family again. And I need time to practice the arts, which Battle Brothers have thought me, while doing my best to aid the political struggle against those, who care not enough of future, to fund you or even say good words about you. And Once I'm done with my personal issues, I'll return to you, being even more powerful and capable in defeating this vile menace of enemies. And we shall again, fight side by side on battlefield and you can then again trust your lives in my hands, as I currently trust my own life, into your hands. As we are brothers and nothing can change that. And when ever possible, Any noble from House of Hyppean, for an example, Tenith, shall continue fighting on your side, as House of Hyppean cares for the future. As the future, shall belong to Us all and PANCREATOR himself shall guide us.

But I shall not leave you, my brothers, with empty hands. As you are shepherds. And we, from House of Hyppean, are just mere sheep clinging to your protecting hands. We shall provide you with source of milk and meat from our own herds, that shall be small at first, but that'll eventually feed most of you. And within less than a Year from now, you shall have your first bite from your own grown meat. As of right now, You probably won't understand, what I am referring to, but you will, when the time is right.

The time I spent among you, my brothers, has thought invaluable lessons to me. It has thought me Honor and power of Will. It has thought me need to be ruthless and certain in my decisions, just to succeed in our tasks with as little losses to manpower - to my brother lives, as possible. And I'm certain, that when the time comes and you'll Face PANCREATOR himself, you shall face him, with your heads held high and he shall greet you with open hands being proud for your actions. As You are the Sword of the Church and the Shield of every subject of the Empire. Your will is strong and your spirit is guided by PANCREATOR himself. I'm glad that, I may call you my brothers and I do not regret leaving Arrakis and coming here, this forsaken rock of Stigimata, as time I spent here, has thought me much, now I just need to master what I've learned so far [Garrik rises sword in hand above his head, this sword has runic encryptions on it. As the sword rises above his head, it begins to emit red glow]. But know this, Where ever I am, I am still with with you. As You are my brothers! And together, WE ARE THE SWORD AND SHIELD OF THE PANCREATORS HOLY WILL.

--Speech of Garik Harnoth. Speech held to imperial Garrison soldiers, on stigimata in the last days of 2303, just before the elections. A taped version of the speech was passed onwards to the soldiers of Imperial Garrison, who we were unable to attend the gathering, but still wished to hear to the speech.

OOC This is to show my discontent with both proposed garrison leaders.

Northen Wolf

Jan 29, 2011, 06:18 AM

From House Tsedeq
To House Texier, House Holy Gate
Cc All noble houses, guilds, sects

The following:

we strongly disagree with.
The proposal from Holy Gate doesn't seem very precise either but looks more promising.
We know freighters are not a waste of funds. They are, on the contrary, a way of making money. If they were used to trade between for instance E2 and Hubbard, Hubbard could send raw resources to E2 where they could be assembled and manufactured into products that could then be sent back to Hubbard to equip the Garrison. The Garrison needs money, and trade is one way of making money.
This freighter should, in House Tsedeq opinion, be used to help both the Garrison and E2. It can be used to that end, and not doing so would indeed be a waste of the Regency funds and energy. When one tool can be used to help achieve the two main goals of the Regency (fight Symbiots and restore E2), it would be almost criminal not to use the tool this way.

From: House of Hyppean

House of Hyppean agrees with House Tsedeq views, as freighters should be constructed and managed by Regency as a tool of improving peoples lives. We propose that this freighter would be used in transporting food from surrounding areas (Arrakis?) to E2 and once E2 is able to feed it self, put into servicing Garrison needs in increasing funding (A trade route from Incelia to E2 perhaps).

We are proud to see that House Tsedeq is showing great care for the Empire and find us selves to be more and more inclined to view your house more than a worthless and raving minor house, as many of them are.

From: House of Hyppean
To:Cardinal Miral Akbar'Al of Sanctious’Als

We, from house of Hyppean, welcome your rise to power. We hope that Pancreator will lead you well on your travels and that you do not steer away from his guidance. May his holy light shine upon your actions. As your great care for the church and inhabitants of the E2 has greatly impressed both me and house of Hyppean. However I feel slight concern for freemen like among your house and urge you to teach them that their position is below noble houses not above them.

Signed,
Tenith Erona

Diamondeye

Jan 29, 2011, 06:36 AM

House Bossheaim agrees with the opinions brought forht by House Tsedeq on the Imperial Freigther.

Ekolite

Jan 29, 2011, 08:54 AM

Darksaber1

Jan 29, 2011, 08:54 AM

House of Thana supports the opinion that the Freighter remain under Regency control, and be usd to supply the Fleet and Garrison.

hbar

Jan 29, 2011, 10:13 AM

[B]From: House of Hyppean
To:Cardinal Miral Akbar'Al of Sanctious’Als

We, from house of Hyppean, welcome your rise to power. We hope that Pancreator will lead you well on your travels and that you do not steer away from his guidance. May his holy light shine upon your actions. As your great care for the church and inhabitants of the E2 has greatly impressed both me and house of Hyppean. However I feel slight concern for freemen like among your house and urge you to teach them that their position is below noble houses not above them.

Signed,
Tenith Erona

My dear Hyppeans,

I am truly sorry you got the impression that we hold freemen above their positions. They are lost sheep in a storm, panicked and unruly. If we are to bring them into the fold of both His love and our protection, they need to be taught how to heed the crook and staff. Have no doubt - they are the closest to heretics that one can be while still being forgivable. A man with no master is a man with no god. A serf looks to his noble, a noble to his lord. A lord serves the Regent and the Church, and both serve the Pancreator. Outside of this divine hierarchy lies temptation, sin, and heresy.

If we appear to be lavishing attention on the freemen, it is only from a sense of mercy. If we do not save them, they will be condemned to a life of sin, followed by eternal despair in the pits of Hell. If they are to be brought back into the fold, they must necessarily begin at the bottom. All redemption begins with sackcloth and ashes.

Bishop Akbar'Al

Immaculate

Jan 29, 2011, 10:16 AM

Hbar- you are not a cardinal but a bishop. Sorry.

Immaculate

Jan 29, 2011, 10:17 AM

hbar

Jan 29, 2011, 10:17 AM

Hbar- you are not a cardinal but a bishop. Sorry.

Fixed - sorry 'bout that. I never did learn the orthodox hierarchy.

Immaculate

Jan 29, 2011, 10:30 AM

Fixed - sorry 'bout that. I never did learn the orthodox hierarchy.

I have it all written up but i am not releasing it to peeps without a reason for them to know. Ekolite knows.

Those with rising Piety are getting dribs and drabs of the information. Sanctious'Als is opening the doors to the Church hierarchy bit by bit. Politicing for an archbishopric, and winning, will provide them with a position on the Curia.

Darksaber1

Jan 29, 2011, 10:32 AM

Oh, and would my Yacht from Aasimov be reaching Errouvus Secundus during the mini-turn?

Immaculate

Jan 29, 2011, 10:33 AM

yes. same for querry and killgore.

Darksaber1

Jan 29, 2011, 10:59 AM

Ok, then I'll need to decide who to give my Vaccine to... hmm.

Toteone

Jan 29, 2011, 11:13 AM

I have it all written up but i am not releasing it to peeps without a reason for them to know. Ekolite knows.

Those with rising Piety are getting dribs and drabs of the information. Sanctious'Als is opening the doors to the Church hierarchy bit by bit. Politicing for an archbishopric, and winning, will provide them with a position on the Curia.

You Sir, are awesome!

I didn't even know there was this layer to the game. : )
Ummm, is the Thursday Deadline for the vote and single action or the orders?

Darksaber1

Jan 29, 2011, 11:35 AM

Quick question: when two (or more) Houses are wotking on a Mutiual project, only 1 ACC is required and others Houses just just suppl cash, correct?

Immaculate

Jan 29, 2011, 11:36 AM

You Sir, are awesome!

I didn't even know there was this layer to the game. : )
Ummm, is the Thursday Deadline for the vote and single action or the orders?

vote and single action. i unofficially extended it a bit to accommodate ekolite's computer virus.

Quick question: when two (or more) Houses are wotking on a Mutiual project, only 1 ACC is required and others Houses just just suppl cash, correct?

Yeah, that would usually be fine.

Ekolite

Jan 29, 2011, 11:50 AM

germanicus12

Jan 29, 2011, 11:55 AM

To all,

This turn while I still control the Eye, my actions will be as follows:

1. Continue to produce vaccine, and deliver what's needed to E2. We will also need an excess of vaccine on standby in case the disease spreads to other planets. This will receive the majority of our funding. There is no need for more donations for its production. Distribution once it arrives on E2 will be the responsibility of the Naporous and the Church.

2. Investigate the pirates. There is so evidence to suggest that the pirates are elven, and are entering the known worlds via the Assimov jump gate. Assimov is where the current Commander of the Eye is based. If Archibald Tarsenusis of Holy Gate is elected Regent, the next Commander of the Eye will be expected to continue with this programme.

I would suggest that we try to capture a pirate ship at some point, because in doing so we might capture the jump co-ordinates leading to the elven planet, assuming really does exist.

Helena van Hersula, Imperial Eye, Holy Gate

As we speak Eekin Grimson Legions are searching for the crashed landed Pirate Frigate using helpful Assimov Guides. As soon as it is discovered its location will be turned over o the Garrison so they can investigate it and hope the navigation system still works.

Immaculate

Jan 29, 2011, 11:59 AM

LDiCesare

Jan 29, 2011, 12:11 PM

The Past:
Sinking Rock is situated a few leagues off Refugee on Clarke. The most optimistic monks call it an island. The average fisherman calls it a reef. It is a small, rain-beaten, rock protrudring out of the seas.
On top of the rock, a monastery has been built.

It is old, and it shows. Some say it is the oldest monastery on Clarke, built by a sect before Refuge was built. It may be true, but if the monastery held any archive, they have long been lost.
The oldest buildings on Sinking Rock are made of stone. Ancient marble slabs have been assembled in an improbable structure, and compose a big cellar and the chapel. Wind and rain howl and seep through the cracks between the slabs, and masses held in the monastery are cold, windy and wet.
Newer buildings are made of wood. The wood is either imported from larger islands or retrieved from shipwrecks. The planks are assembled with nails and adjusted with saws. Other tools are forbidden, as they provide unnecessary luxuries, which soften teh body and weaken the mind.

Of course, wood rots. Which means it must be replaced often.
As a consequence, several of the less pious nobles, along with a few monks from other monasteries, mock Sinking Rock, saying it's not a monastery but a mad carpenters' guild. Wiser nobles and less jealous monks refrain from such comments. If the really wise emit doubts about Sinking Rock monks, they don't talk of the buildings, the lack of tools and poor carpentry. They don't even make snide remarks about the most experienced monks building purposefully the shabbiest huts. They just, sometimes, wonder if the founders of the monastery were faithful followers of the Orthodox Church. They say some of the philosophies taught in the monastery are... werid. The word 'heretic' has been whispered once or twice, but no proof has ever been found. The avestites have visited the monastery several times, and have always been impressed with the piety of the monks. Which may explain why other monks find Sinking Rock weird. Impressing an avestite with one's faith is weird indeed.

The Present:

Boris landed on the rock. He was at once exalted and unhappy.
He would rather have joined the Orthodoxy than the monastery, but his father, lord Liam Ivani Mensueh Arbandi Tsedeq, couldn't pay for his fourth son to get a position worthy of his rank. Boris had reluctantly had to abandon his dreams of bishopry, and agreed to become a monk. At least, Sinking Rock was renowned as one of the holiest monasteries. One where philosophical and theological discoveries were regularly made.
Boris looked up as he stood on the shore, and the wind sent rain into his face. He knew he must learn humility. Noble-born, Boris was too proud, and he knew it, but he couldn't help.
He started towards the stairs cut in the rock, which circled around it and eventually reached the top of the islet and its wooden... huts? Slums looked like the better word.
Boris hadn't brought much with him. Only the strict necessary. He knew he was going to live a simple life, and wasn't very rich to begin with, so he didn't carry much.
His first bag contained his various clothes. Simple stuff only: Silk pajamas, silk tunics, a yellow fisherman cloak to protect from rain, three pairs of boots, a ceremonial robe, spare trousers. No jewel or fancy stuff.
The second bag was heavier. It held blank scrolls, ink, pens, and books. Extracts of the Omega Gospels, theological treaties, philosophical treaties, science books. Letters from his sister and mother that he wanted to keep. And the letter from the bishop to the abbot.

A small man in rags waited for him near the steps. An old, wrinkled man.
He bowed slightly and joined hands in front of Boris.
-Welcome, lord, may I know why you honour us with your presence?
-I am Boris Liami Mensueh Arbandi Tsedeq. Bishop Hertul vonArst sent me to join the monastery.
-Ah, a new monk.
-Yes. Will you carry my bags and lead me to the abbot?
The small man paused, shrug, and trotted to the shore, where he lifted the heavy bags as if they weighted nothing. He then ran to the steps and began ascending.
Boris called him and ordered him to wait, but he ran up the stairs without listening. When the young noble reached the top of the islet, panting and drenched, the small man stood there, smiling.
-Didn't you hear me? Why did you have to run? You should have waited for me. Can't you recognize orders when you hear them?
-It is many questions that you ask.
-The insolence! Bring me to the abbot. I will talk to him about your attitude. This place is one for respect, and it looks like you need to learn the meaning of this word!
-The abbot is here.
Boris looked around. He saw the wooden slums and the marble walls of the chapel beyond. Noone was to be seen in the rain.
-What do you mean? I can't see anyone.
The small man sighed.
-I am so sorry. You didn't say you were blind.
-I am not...
Boris stopped as he suddenly realised.
-What's in the bags? asked the abbot.
-Clothing. And books.
-You won't need these here. We make our own clothes.
At this, the small wrinkled monk hurled one bag into the sea.
-And we don't need books either. We work from memory. We learn the Gospels by heart, and we build our minds by thinking, not by reading.
The second bag soon joined the first into the dark waves.
-Now follow me. I will show you where to build your new home.

LDiCesare

Jan 29, 2011, 12:17 PM

Distribution once it arrives on E2 will be the responsibility of the Naporous and the Church.
We very strongly question these distribution channels.
The Church are busy saving souls and lack the infrastructure to ferry goods.
Naprous is simply unable to provide the vaccine outside their continent, and even there they would have problems doing so since the roads are not under anyone's control. Reaching the western and southern parts of the continent will be extremely difficult.
It would be much more intelligent to use ships to move the vaccine around, in particular to the relatively spared fiefdoms like Query or Tsedeq, which means relying on the Authority of Kareem Kelter, who is the only one with both ships and the legal right to use them.

Immaculate

Jan 29, 2011, 12:19 PM

REmoved

Ekolite

Jan 29, 2011, 12:20 PM

Northen Wolf

Jan 29, 2011, 12:42 PM

spryllino

Jan 29, 2011, 12:44 PM

We are amenable to using the freighter to help with the transport of goods for the aid of the Garrison as necessary, provided there is no emergency use for it.

On the matter of Naprous, (ooc: haven't read your diplo fully because I'm in an awful hurry) basically the garrison needs the land more than you do and it was pretty awful of you to snatch it on the basis of the plague if you did it for the sake of profit. If you did it out of good will, you can jolly well hand it over to the garrison. This is not a punishment but the logical conclusion of your altrusitic and good-minded plan.

OOC: I will give more of a reply later if necessary.

LDiCesare

Jan 29, 2011, 12:46 PM

The Church has asked me to bestow the task upon them, and are already leading the efforts for rebuilding Inceilla. It's a specific Cardinal, possbly Claude Remmilard although I'd have to check that. I am delivering the vaccine to these places, and once it arrives they have agreed to take up the responsibility for distribution. I expect this probably will rely on the Authority.

I suppose you mean E2, not Incellia. I still disagree. The Church doesn't have the infrastructure for distribution, neither has Naprous outside their fiefdom. Providing vaccine to middlemen, even as holy as the church, will not be helpful. Providing it directly to the Authority would be way more efficient.

Darksaber1

Jan 29, 2011, 12:47 PM

mini-orders sent.

And I mean placer mines (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Placer_mine), if it's unclear.

Ekolite

Jan 29, 2011, 01:08 PM

The distribution point is moot now if I'm elected as Regent. There won't be enough time in the miniupdate to begin the distribution. It will be up to the new commander.

Immaculate

Jan 29, 2011, 01:17 PM

The New Regent is Archbishop Archibald Tarsenusis of Holy Gate.

There were 30 votes, 3 abstentions (or late players) and the votes were 18 for Holy Gate and 12 for Texier.

Congrats Eko.
Please assign your imperial positions then i will write up a mini-update.

NOTE: Imperial commanders can still submit orders for their command for the miniupdate but will be replaced (or not) at the end of the miniupdate (jan 15th 2304)

Ekolite

Jan 29, 2011, 01:39 PM

Thank you all very kindly for your votes.

The Offices are as follows:

Garrison: Dante Labis, House Koriate
Fleet: Sir Hellwind Eekin, House Eekin
Eye: Choice of the Council of Minors*

*I'd like an official vote in the Council of Minors to be done asap.

Seon

Jan 29, 2011, 02:05 PM

NOTE: Imperial commanders can still submit orders for their command for the miniupdate but will be replaced (or not) at the end of the miniupdate (jan 15th 2304)

...WHAT.

germanicus! To the batcave strategy room! Now!

Northen Wolf

Jan 29, 2011, 02:36 PM

...WHAT.

germanicus! To the batcave strategy room! Now!

OOC:
I too, thought we have one more turn at being commanders, but guess not :(

Well, good luck to you in leading Imperial Garrison.

spryllino

Jan 29, 2011, 02:55 PM

We congratulate Archbishop Archibald Tarsenusis for his elevation to the Regency and assure House Holy Gate that they have our every support in their term of office. Our platforms were very similar, and so we have complete confidence that the Empire will continue to prosper for the next five years.

Darksaber1

Jan 29, 2011, 04:30 PM

Shock Trooper:

During the Palgue:
A tall figure moved quietly down the dimly lit on the eastern side of the city on the main continue, an area known as City 17, for some unclear reason. The sun was setting on this area of Errovus Secondus, but the angry, shouting crowd the square the ally let into didn’t care.

As the figure reached the end of the ally, it stopped to gesture behind it, to the others similarly dress figures. All wore mostly no-descript clothing that marked then as soldiers of some sort, but they could have been mercs, Authority, Imperial, Eiken, or well-dress gang members. Well, the uniforms identified them as soldiers... as did the assault rifles. One feature did provide a clue as to their identity, but one would need and understanding of Thanan Head-wear to spot it.

Miaden Meeril peered out alley towards the mob. According to informants, a rumour had been started that the owners of the besieged compound were in possession of cure for the disease. Ridiculous, but the desperate Freemen were willing to believe anything. So far, the mob was just shouting, with a few rocks being thrown at the large doors. At the sound of a match striking behind her, Miaden whirled on the culprit.

“Adien, put that out this instant!” she snapped, t be met with a bored expression and a raised eyebrow.

“See, I thought we were trying to avoid trouble.” the shorter woman responded, dropping the match into a puddle and shifting the cigarette in her mouth. “So, I figure tha’ a good way to avoid trouble in a charming place like this is ta’ look confident, like ya know what ya doing, see.” She paused to scratch beside her eye, then continued. “An’ a good way ta’ do that is smoke, makes ya look secure like, see? If ya ain’t afraid to light one-up, ya nervous, see?”

Miaden glared at her for a moment, then growled.

“Fine!” she snapped, “What ever! Just put that thing out when we start moving, ok?”

“Sure thing, gov.”

Miaden sighed and looked back over the crowd. She would have preferred doing recon herself, but that was too dangerous. If she was caught alone by someone who looked at her too closely, there was no telling what might happen. Better to let the normal humans do it.

After a few minutes, a long coated scout appeared and approached Miaden.

“So, according to our contacts, that,” she said, pointing to the increasingly angry mob, “was caused by our target, to eliminate some opposition. Better for use, Moashid has sent most of his soldiers to attack weakened rivals, leaving his compound mostly undefended.”

Miaden nodded curtly. “Good. Alright, let’s move out!”

She had a full section of 12 under her command, and another two sections of Huntress were rendezvousing at the compound of Moashid Benviadiar, a local warlord that had been causing trouble for both Thana and Eiken, and so was a priority target. With most of his men away, Miaden didn’t like his odds.

Four teams of six approached the compound, two more waiting in reserve, most with sniper and marksmen rifles to provide fire-support. The compound was pretty typical: thick brick walls, doors made from roughly welded metal sheets. The first door let into a large courtyard, to access the main building, one needed to go through another courtyard, all designed to maximise the ability for defence. On the downside, the doors may have been strong enough to stop a truck, but they weren’t proof against a high-explosive anti-fortification rocket.

With the sound of the blast still echoing from the buildings, Miaden and Adien’s teams charged through, rounds tearing into startled thugs before they even knew what was happening.

“Hostiles inner wall, cover!” Aiden shouted, prompting the squads to run into a smaller building set against the wall of the courtyard.

“Oh, hello!” Aiden said brightly to the two surprised mechanics in the building, both holding wrenches.

“Was that really necessary?” Miaden asked as both corpses slumped to the ground.

“You saw them! They a had wrenches!”

“They’d already dropped them. Before you shot them.”

“They could have picked them back up.” Aiden said, moving to stand beside the door. “Besides, I don’t want to potential hostiles at my back while I’m distracted.”

“Mentioning that, when’s teams 3 and 4 supposed to make their entran-” another Huntress asked, before getting cut-off a deafening blast from the second courtyard. “Never mind.”

“Hostiles left!”

“Got them!” Marie, one of the newer Huntress said, stepping out to bring the six thugs in line with her flamer. “You will be baked,” she said cheerfully before releasing a screaming jet of fire that almost drowned-out the screams, and when she stopped, finished, “And then there will be cake!”

“Gotta keep an eye on ‘er.” Aiden muttered as the squad ran to the now unprotected ladder to the walkway that ran around the top of the wall.

“Oh, like your much better.” Miaden replied.

“She calls her gun ‘ASHPoD’.”

“Oh. What does that me-”

“Dunno.”

Upon reaching the ramparts, Miaden hurried to a small set of stairs pushed against the inner wall, followed by the rest of her team, Aiden’s positioning to fire into the courtyard. Miaden successfully vaulted onto the inner-ramparts, but the next two, Liala and Nius, too try were met by withering fire, with Nius taking several rounds, forcing them to cover behind a hefty metal plate, the other Huntress covering behind the wall. As Liala tended to Nius, Miaden peered down into the courtyard, and activated her radio.

“31 Delta Sierra-6, 31 Bravo Sierra-7, do you copy, over.”

“ 31 Bravo Sierra-7, 31 Delta Sierra-6, copy, over.”

“31 Delta, 31 Bravo, what’s your sit-rep, over.”

“31 Bravo, 31 Delta, we are pinned but stable, two-times wounded; one-times T0, one-times T3, over.”

Miaden glanced quickly into the courtyard. Yep, there’s the T0, she thought, noticing the corpse in to middle of the area, then thumbed her radio.

“31 Delta, 31 Bravo, we have,” she glanced at Liala, who held up four fingers “one-times wounded, ones-times T4. We will move to cover, and call fire-support, over.”

“31 Bravo, 31 Delta, confirmed. Out.”

“31 Romeo Sierra-6, 31 Bravo Sierra-7, do you copy, over.”

“31 Bravo Sierra-7, 31 Romeo Sierra-6, copy, over.”

“31-damn!” Miaden interrupted herself as a round deflected near her head. Forget radio proper communications “ Romeo, we need an air-burst just by the door, can you do it, over?”

“3-, yeah, we got it, over.”

Miaden waited a moment, and sure enough a shell whistled down to detonate just by the door, clearing most of the enemy. In a flash, the rest of her and Aiden’s squads were across the wall and moving toward the main entrance on this level, Delta and Echo down below breaking for the lower entrance.

Miaden made it to the door and burst through to find herself in a single large room, which seemed to be a barracks. A few shots later, and there weren’t any of Moashid’s thugs left.

“Dead end?” Aiden asked, looking around.

“Here, I think there’s something here.” Laura, one of Aiden’s troops, said from by a shelving unit. The orc had no trouble tipping the unit to reveal a boarded-up door. “They even left us they key!” she said, grabbing a sledgehammer from nearby.

A moment later, the door was smashed in to reveal a much larger room, with a sort of throne at one end. Several thugs were spaced around the room, and there was a man on the “throne”. Unfortunately for Moashid, his forced where facing the other way, were Delta and Echo could be heard through the door. As such, it was the work of seconds for the Huntress to clear the room and hostiles.

“Moashid Benviadiar, I presume?” Miaden asked casually, striding over to the “throne”.

“Please, I, I have lots a’ drugs, take em! Take what you want, just leave me!” the man on the throne spluttered, gesturing to a table laden with boxes and bins.

“At’s not ‘im.” Aiden said. “Moashid’s a lot older than that.”

Miaden glared at him. “Where’s Moashid?”

The man hesitated, but only for the time it took Aiden to press her gun against his head. “THERE! There’s a door behind the curtain! He’s in there!”

“Thant you!” Aiden said, before pulling the trigger. As the man flopped out of the chair, Miaden was already pulling the curtain aside. It took only one swing of the hammer for Laura to open the door, revealing a small room with a fat, fairly old man hiding in the back.

“PLEASE, not hurt me!” Moashid screamed, holding his hands in front of his face.

“Don’t move, and this will be too quick to hurt.” Miaden responded, firing one quick burst into his head.

30 minutes later, the task-force was on their way back through the streets, the flames from Moashid’s compound lighting the sky.

“Well, one down, only about nine-hundred thousand to go.” Aiden said dryly.

“Yeah, maybe.” Miaden said distantly, looking over to where the crowd from early changed from shouting to screaming as a machine-gun opened up on it, people scattering. Would it really end?

That... that become way longer than I planned. Oh, and ASHPoD? it means Armament Science Human PerfOrating Device. Armament Science, do what you must, because, you can!

Terrance888

Jan 29, 2011, 05:13 PM

http://euobserver.com/onm/media/file3/f698f7cb8a35.png

The Vanari walls are falling down, falling down, falling down!
Oh, the walls of Vanari are falling down, My dear lady!
They are attacking with swords and guns, swords and guns, swords and guns!
Oh, they are attacking with Swords and guns my dear lady!
Fight them back with cannon and shell, cannon and shell, cannon and shell
fight them back with cannon and shell... Yes Ma'am, my lady!
Soldiers are sick and dying like fies, dying like flies, dying like flies.
Our soliders can't fight and are dying like flies, my dear lady!
Send them Naprous Biohazard suits, Biohazard Suits, Biohazard suits
Take care of the serfs with biohazard troops? Fine, my lady
We'll recapture the land block by block, block by block, block by block
Capture the land block by block, my dear lady
They will fight until, they die, until they die, until they die!
they will fight until they die of hunger or disease!
We shall feed them algae paste, algae paste, algae paste.
Yes, that disgusting palpable algae pasta? Yes, my lady.

http://www.barefootfloor.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/biofuelarray350.jpg

An Ode to Errovus Secundus.

Diamondeye

Jan 29, 2011, 05:18 PM

We are glad to see House Holy gate as the inners of the election, even if both candidates has our deepest respects. We have great hopes for the following four years. We are happy to see that our vote has made an impact.

hbar

Jan 29, 2011, 06:39 PM

When are real orders due?

Immaculate

Jan 29, 2011, 08:01 PM

don't know yet- i'll put it up when i do the mini-update.

thomas.berubeg

Jan 29, 2011, 08:19 PM

The potential link between the Jump Gate annomolies, the Piracy and the Elves is a very recent revelation. Had we known previously we would have passed the information on to you.

House Klorin would just like to Note that we had proposed the link between the Jump Gate anomalies and the pirates years ago and were scoffed at by most houses we approached with this theory.

Ekolite

Jan 29, 2011, 08:57 PM

Well now there is evidence for it. I'm sure people would have scoffed at the idea of Kaswellan being a madman not so long ago..

Immaculate

Jan 29, 2011, 09:15 PM

OKay; I just realized that not all peeps know this:
YOU CAN GET LOANS FROM THE REEVES.

so sorry that wasn't clear.

Darksaber1

Jan 29, 2011, 09:16 PM

If your on the Council of Minors, kindly get overthere to choose the holder of the Eye post, please.

thomas.berubeg

Jan 29, 2011, 09:47 PM

Well now there is evidence for it. I'm sure people would have scoffed at the idea of Kaswellan being a madman not so long ago..

There is no more evidence now than there was before.

The Gates opened seemingly without exit/entry points.
Pirates have been raiding us with ships, which cannot land, which indicate a planet we do not know.

Therefor........ Perhaps a bit more realistic than the idea of a Mad Regent was 2 turns ago.

Also, Congratulations on your election. may it not drive you mad as well.

OOC: sorry if I'm being short with anyone. I had a total of 5hours maximum of sleep in the past 62 hours... I'm not functioning well at all.

Toteone

Jan 30, 2011, 12:16 AM

Due to some advice I think I'll be playing things in a much more simple style from now on. Sorry to anyone whom I might've annoyed.
I'm having some posts containing OOC whines and/or IC chatlogs deleted and reducing my post precense. This is a nice game and I've made some aquaintances and some friends through it, so this is just my way of scaling back hard to allow everyone to enjoy it fully.
edit: + its a good way of avoiding crass, untrue accusations made in private in the future

spryllino

Jan 30, 2011, 07:47 AM

The Council of Minors has reached a decision to appoint Bossheaim to the Eye.

Immaculate

Jan 30, 2011, 10:18 AM

Orders for miniupdate are now OVERDUE.
If you want to get any plans in, get them in quick.

Diamondeye

Jan 30, 2011, 10:37 AM

((I am not doing anything in the miniupdate, so I didn't feel the need to send in orders. I hope you're not waiting for me))

hbar

Jan 30, 2011, 10:40 AM

Likewise. No sceptre = no vote = winter vacation for my ACCs

Kyzarc Fotjage

Jan 30, 2011, 10:42 AM

ditto as DE

Immaculate

Jan 30, 2011, 10:48 AM

thats cool
its a voluntary orders update... its also going to be short.

Seon

Jan 30, 2011, 11:12 AM

Fitting Music (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGzwir0Yezk)

There was a knock on the door. The blond haired woman quickly glanced at the clock and rushed towards the door. When she opened, a familiar smirking face greeted her.

“Hey, Alex,” Ludenard said. He was hiding something behind his back. “May I come in?”

“We-ll,” Alexia said. Smiling and throwing her head back coquettishly. “I don’t know, my house is a mess, you see.”

“I brought your favorite drink,” Ludenard’s hands emerged from the back and revealed a small green bottle of absinthe. “Come right in,” Alexia said, grinning.

Ludenard stepped through the door. “I do wonder how you can stomach this stuff, however.”

“Hey, I can beat YOU in arm wrestling,” Alexia said. “Come, I’ll show you to the living room. I just bought a new table, which I am sure you will like.”

“I expect even a strict bachelorette such as you have two glasses?” They both giggled as they walked into the kitchen.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………...

The emerald liquid flowed from the bottle into the glass. Hades Jomon silently placed it next to Ludenard. “Your usual drink, sir.”

Ludenard’s Study was like a small house of its own. A row of books lined one wall, and through another room you could visit a small laboratory filled with variety of chemicals. On one side of the room was a chessboard, where the pieces stood untouched for so many years and in another corner stood a grandfather clock, ticking away for all eternity.

Sitting like a statue in front of a large table was Ludenard, who didn’t even look at the cup. He was almost lifeless here staring blankly at the pages of the books around him. Sometimes, he would take a sip from the cup or turn a page of a book. And sometimes, when Hades left him and returned, he noticed that the books were in different positions from where he remembered it.

Hades gave Ludenard a bow, left the study, and heard the auto-locks immediately engage, cutting the study off from the rest of the mansion. It was best to disturb the master as little as possible when he was in this condition. Eventually his master would come out of the study. He might crawl out of it, dance out of it, storm out of it, walk out of it, run out of it, but he would come out of it. Until then, he would simply have to persevere.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………..

“Why the hell did you move it that way, Alexia?” Ludenard mumbled.

“Nothing,” Alexia said smiling.

“That move left your queen vulnerable,” Ludenard said. “To things like this,” Ludenard took the queen with the knight.

“Ah yes,” Alexia said.”But see here,” she moved her rook. “Check. Mate in two.”

Ludenard’s eyes widened in surprise. He stared at the board for 10 full seconds. “Looks like I win. Again,” Alexia said, smiling.

Ludenard groaned. “Yes. Yes you do,” he tipped over the king.

Ludenard’s eyes opened. Just another silly dream. How long was he in the study? He got up from the chair and reached for a book on the desk.

There was a clattering noise as his sleeves knocked over various pieces laid upon the chessboard. Ludenard let out a gasp and surged out of the chair, nearly knocking over the table that the chessboard was situated upon. He trembled as he picked up a fallen piece of the king. Hades burst through the doors.

“Hades…” Ludenard said. “Your Excellency,” Hades sighed in relief. “I apologize for disturbing you, but I have heard a disturbance, and wondered if…”

“No…no it’s alright,” Ludenard said. “Did anyone visit me while I was…”

“No sir. Nobody.”

“Who the hell was I playing chess with then?!” Ludenard yelled. He pointed at the chessboard. Hades blinked. “Sir, should I call the doctor?”

Ludenard dropped the chess piece. “No,” he said. “No, no it’s alright. It’s alright,” he shivered a little. “Get out of here Hades… I will call you when I need something.”

“Of course sir,” Hades replied. “Please remember that I am always nearby.”

“Yes,” Ludenard replied. “Yes, I know.” Hades curtsied and walked out of the room. Ludenard stumbled his way onto the desk and flipped through the pages of the book rapidly. He needed more time, just a bit more time. He was losing it. He was certain of that. It was not fair. He came to study the tomes without any guarantee that he would ever find an answer that he had longed for. It was like searching for a lost city of the Elves on the planet Assimov, without there ever being a guarantee that elves ever lived on Assimov. At times like these, when he despaired that he would never find the answer that he hoped for, he stared at the idiot and deaf grandfather clock tic-toc through the night. It was all too much. Ludenard angrily threw the book at the clock and stormed out of the room. “Hades, get me my coat NOW! I am going out. Don’t you DARE follow me. Don’t you DARE stop me.”

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………
Sonne's Theme (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ev012avGFb0&feature=related)

She walked briskly through the night. The night of the city did not give her much comfort either. It was all monotone bricks and boring stones and some goddamn dead trees. And don’t even get started about the goddamn shanty towns, consequence of a rapid urban growth. And then there were the goddamn bare open fields. Development had been planned there, but for whatever reasons, the plans just did not go through. There were always some goddamn somethings, and there were always these last changes of plans that made things more profitable. The city had offered so much variation in geography; the city had mountains to climb in form of foreboding masonry, volcanoes to avoid in forms of factories, deserts to explore in forms of the neglected fields. There were plenty of raiders to fight too. No adventure would be complete without them. She shuddered as she saw a couple of shadows lurking in a dark alley.

But then there were cemeteries too. A holy place upon which you could conduct your pilgrimage to and cry to your heart’s content or perhaps even die. Sometimes, however, the novels were not even kind enough to provide some people with that last courtesy.

She walked around a corner and realized that there was somebody moving towards her, and stopped to let the man walk by her. The man did not even seem to notice her, however, and he crashed into her, making both of them fall down onto the ground.

She blinked as she struggled to get up. Just her luck. The man was a nobleman. The nobleman also struggled to get up on his feet, but seemed to be having some difficulty with it for whatever reason. “Watch it…” he mumbled. Something in her snapped. “What?! You crashed into me! I was just standing there!”

The nobleman grumbled something along the line of him not having enough time for this and began to stumble away into the night. “Yeah, you go ahead and walk away.”

The nobleman stopped, and slowly drew something from his coat sleeve. Something metallic glinted in the moonlight. “Excuse me?” the nobleman said in a frightening voice. She crossed her arms. “What am I, your doormat or something? Some cogs in a machine that turn until broken like my parents? Industrial accident, they officially called it. They bloody lost their arms when the machine exploded. And the others just moved them to another room until they died bleeding out.”

The nobleman, who had been walking towards her, suddenly hesitated. She threw up her arms in disgust. “Don’t tell me you don’t know something like that. Sure, you all blabber on about you having right to rule or something, but then comes guys like Kawalen.”

“How do you know about that?” the nobleman snapped.

“Why look so surprised? I can listen in on you nobility’s conversations too. I have some goddamn ears. And eyes too. Do you know that my friend Jen made fun of a noble’s weight? He happened to be passing by and slit his throat right there and then. He was just lying there, dying and clutching at his throat,”she sat down, crossed her legs and glowered at him. “Like what you are about to do to me too. Chivalry, I guess, only applies to noble ladies.” That’s it, she thought. I just killed myself.

The man made a couple of steps towards her. She shut her eyes, and awaited the end to come. When she opened her eyes after what seemed like an eternity, she found the noble leaning against the wall next to her. Close up, she noticed that the noble had an unusually pale face and sunken eyes. “Was this man, Jen…” he said. “Somebody close to you?” She nodded. “Since childhood. Then just killed. Right in front of my face,” she said. “Don’t you dare pity me. What are you doing?”

“I don’t pity you,” the nobleman replied. He buried his face in his palms. “I was merely thinking of something.”

“Oh?” she said. “What were you thinking of?”

The nobleman did not answer. He seemed to have recovered slightly. “I am sorry, where were my manners? It’s dangerous for a young woman to be out here in the streets alone. Where were you going?”

She chuckled. “Just going to the cemetery… to visit my parents.”

“I’m sorry to hear that,” the nobleman said. “Do you want me to accompany you?”

“No, it will be alright,” she said. “I can do it alone,” she walked briskly away into the darkness as the nobleman watched her disappear.

It was strange. Everything that had happened so far in her life had driven her to going to the cemetery, yet now it seemed to have been trying to stop her by sending her that nobleman. She wouldn’t let it stop her now. As mentioned before, cemeteries were plentiful. They were located all in the east side of the city, where there were hills with actual grass growing upon it.

She was not going there.

Instead, she hurried over to one of the bridges across the wide river of Koriate. She leaned over the railings and into the clear surface of the water below. “It really is over, isn’t it?” she wondered. She clicked off her shoes.

Somebody suddenly grabbed her from the behinds and threw her away from the railings. It was the same nobleman from before. She chuckled weakly. It was ridiculous. She came here because of the nobles, and now one of them was standing in her way. “You AGAIN?” she said whilst laughing. “How did you know that I would be here?”

“Your behavior intrigued me, and you were going in the wrong direction. So I decided to follow you some distance,” the nobleman said.

She laughed weakly. “Why didn’t you just let me die?” the nobleman didn’t answer. “ You didn’t ask me why I knew you were going in the wrong direction,” he said.

“How did you know?”

“I was going to the cemetery myself. To nobleman’s cemetery, of course, but I knew they were in the same general direction. But you ran into me.” She sensed that it was the noble within the nobleman talking. There was that sense of smug superiority, but she also sensed a certain amount of deception. “Listen,” the nobleman said. “Don’t give up yet, alright?”

“And what do you know?” she muttered. She looked up at him. She noticed that all of the smugness inherent in all nobility was gone, and was replaced by an aura of desperation and pain. “Are you alright?” she said. “Yes I’m fine,” the noble replied hurriedly. The aura was dispelled as if it never existed in the first place. “I just can’t stop thinking.” He suddenly grabbed onto her arm. “Come on, you are coming with me.”

“Fine, fine,” she said, still laughing and chuckling like a maniac. She leaned on him as they walked away from the bridge. “Thank you,” she said. “I think I can go home now,”

“I don’t think so,” the nobleman said. “You’ll just try to kill yourself again. You’re coming with me.”

She laughed out loud, and pointed towards something in the ground on the side of the street. “See that?” she said. The nobleman examined it. It was a small plant, which had been stepped upon. “You know what that is?”

“Of course,” the nobleman said. “Inceillian Raskolin. A flowering plant that can grow even in harsh conditions. How did it find itself here of all places?”

“Oh, so you do know about it,” she said. She sounded slightly impressed. “I’m like that. All my life, you nobles have been stomping on me, trying to get me to die without actually meaning to. Now you think you can just waltz in and save me or something? I don’t think so,” she said. The nobleman suddenly knelt by the flower. “What are you trying to do now?” she said. “It’s just a goddamn metaphor. Leave the da-“

A sudden blue glow emanated from the nobleman’s hands and surrounded the plant, which seemed to be regaining its vitality. She stood agape. “What did you do?” she said, rushing towards the plant. It was real. It wasn’t even damaged. She heard coughing from behind her. She looked behind her to see that the nobleman was lying sprawled on the ground. “Are you alright?” she yelled, rushing to his side. “Just a little bit of magic…” he said without answering. “to heal what’s broken…”

“Who are you?” she said. The nobleman gestured to her to help him up. “Right now,” the nobleman said. “I need your help with something.”

“What?” she said.

“The flower’s just going to get trampled upon again if we let it here. Let’s move it to somewhere else.” He began to dig the flower out. “I mostly only lived with my father during my childhood. He was one of those cheerful carefree type.”

“Did you enjoy living like that?” she asked. The nobleman paused. “Yes. It was heartless for me to think of it, but I sometimes liked the fact that my mother died when I was young. I never got to truly know her, so I do not really feel sad. My father was one of the more cheerful, carefree types. But he was also dreadfully busy. He left me alone to my device and servants most of the time. It was liberating, you might say.” He finally finished pulling out the plant. “Come on,” he said. “Do you know any place that we might be able to plant this back in?”

She nodded. “Follow me.” She led him towards one of the barren fields of Cappriciada. The nobleman kept talking about some things, things such as philosophies, current events, and names that had not been uttered in ages. Fact that she did not understand or know most of those things did not seem to be a deterrent for the nobleman. When they arrived at one field, he kept on making excuses for them to walk further. Eventually she began to talk too. How her parents were originally a nobleman’s servants, and how they sometimes stole or picked up thrown books for her to read. The nobleman paused and leaned against wall whenever she spoke (“Have you no respect for that expensive coat of yours?” “None”).

They finally stopped before a field. “Yes,” the noble said. “This place seems to be fine.”

She suddenly broke into a laugh. “Don’t you recognize this place?”

The nobleman cringed. “You led me into a circle, didn’t you?”

“Yes, I was hoping you would get tired and leave me alone, but I can’t believe that you didn’t even notice,” she said. “Thank you anyways. For not leaving me.”

“You’re welcome,” the nobleman muttered. He gestured for her to help him with digging a hole in the ground. “Listen,” he said. “One of my friends has been begging me to get myself an assistant. I was wondering…”

“Sure,” she said hurriedly. “Of course. Do I have to call you sir?”

“Sometimes,” the nobleman admitted. “Politics wrench my guts out. There’s at least a couple of dozen people who will try to cut my head off if they knew what happened today.”

“Understandably,” she said. The nobleman lowered the plant into the hole they dug and began to replant it. “About what I was thinking,” the nobleman said. “Yes?”

“Nevermind,” the nobleman said. “I will talk to you about it later, when I have time. Ah, by the way, what is your name? I can’t believe I forgot to ask that.”

“Sonne,” she said. “Well, Sonne,” he said. It was getting lighter outside. Sonne gasped. “Wait a minute, I know you.”

“Did you really?” the nobleman said. “That means I don’t need to tell you my address either, I assume. Here, take this.” He handed her a handkerchief. “My guards will let me through if they see that. Pack your belongings and come to me as soon as possible. I will see you again.”

There was something in the nobleman that made it very hard to not to accept. Sonne nodded.

Diamondeye

Jan 30, 2011, 12:05 PM

Really interesting story, Seon. Two things.
1: Is that Alexis? ;)
2: Sonne of all the names in the world.

thomas.berubeg

Jan 30, 2011, 12:08 PM

do you smell werewolves?

Seon

Jan 30, 2011, 12:13 PM

...maybe.

...Alexis, Alexia, names are too confusing.

About Sonne, You know, after watching her die horribly mutilated and eaten for like, couple of dozen times now I feel sorry for her :,(

Still would get her later. *raises fist into air*

germanicus12

Jan 30, 2011, 01:13 PM

I was under the impression orders were due this Thursday as per the first page. If you can give me another 8-9 hours to get my stuff organized and some questions that I am sending to you through PM answered I will have my Fleet and Eekin orders in tonight.

Seon

Jan 30, 2011, 01:48 PM

Seon

Jan 30, 2011, 02:40 PM

Note: Ludenard's Theme added to the story.

Seon

Jan 30, 2011, 03:01 PM

Triple Post. Why the Hell not? I am on a roll.

Proposal VIII

Recent events in Errovus Secundus made transporting food to the people of E2 an extremely high priority, but they are not the only ones that require food. The soldiers in Stigmata also requires food, something that almost all of us seemed to have forgotten.

In addition, there is the problem of reinforcements and wounded soldiers. The wounded soldiers cannot contribute properly to the war efforts and are, in fact, detrimental due to the Symbiote's ability to infect soldiers. I cannot imagine what the consequence would be if even one symbiote creature manages to enter a hospital.

Therefore, the Garrison suggests that...

A trade route be formed that will bring much needed food to Hubbard

and that logistics be planned out for the large freighter, currently in Erebus Secundus and in Garrison control, be made to constantly ferry troops between Stigmata and Hubbard. I AM LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS FOR SOMEONE TO DO THIS.

spryllino

Jan 30, 2011, 03:07 PM

^ I think the planet's under blockade for another year.

Immaculate

Jan 30, 2011, 04:04 PM

Germanicus 12- only mini-orders are due; basically if you want to do anything new from jan 1st to jan 15 of 2304.

Most peeps can probably ignore the miniupdate order deadline.

Terrance888

Jan 30, 2011, 04:29 PM

Well, I am sending a large division of Biomod and vaccinated troops, tanks and relief workers to e2, and need transports for that. Darn the Blockade!

Food and food production machines are also on the way. but we need the troops to protect them the ever-growing warbands.

Kentharu

Jan 30, 2011, 05:18 PM

Why is Hubbard under blockade?

Could you please explain what you need in greater detail Seon, or just talk to me on msn. This is regarding Hubbard.

Seon

Jan 30, 2011, 05:45 PM

^ I think the planet's under blockade for another year.

Was I mistaken in thinking that it was blockaded for only two more months?

Darksaber1

Jan 30, 2011, 06:21 PM

...Biomod...

Now, what's that, and should they make-room for two a Cathrinn's burning?

Immaculate

Jan 30, 2011, 08:59 PM

From Cardinal Leonid Mirmah
To the Tsedeq

We will allow your frigate to leave the quarantine on the following conditions. You provide yourself with food and water to survive several months in orbit without landing, you wait in orbit for two months and if after two months there is no indication of contamination, you may leave.

We will allow the delivery of food and trade goods to Errovus Secondus but the export of people or trade goods will have to await the New Year on Holy Errovus (2305). This includes the soldiers bound for Stigmata. The danger of spreading disease to our first and primary defense against the Demons of Stigmata cannot be endangered for any reason.

Walk in celestial light.

Here is the rules for the quarantine.

Northen Wolf

Jan 30, 2011, 10:34 PM

Why is Hubbard under blockade?

Could you please explain what you need in greater detail Seon, or just talk to me on msn. This is regarding Hubbard.

Not hubbard, E2, church does not want plague to spread. We can enter but not exit from E2.

Toteone

Jan 30, 2011, 11:59 PM

About the turn proper:
I don't know about medicine, but aren't vaccines quite small? From what I remember I only got these tiny shots in the doctors office when I was a kid. How much equipment comes with them? How much weight and space does 0,5 million vaccines take? A ship or a plane? I can't be responsible for freighting to the northern and wester authority continents if someone is right that it takes a navy (though I think that navy will be occupied in a civil war), and it'd have to be landed directly with aerospace units or freighters or perhaps some sort of athmospheric parachute?

///

(most of a large post of small text wiped) Summary:
I am not an OOC liar. My problem was NOT Thomas (he's really nice) or Ekolite, they're both great. Let's not assume who said I was an OOC liar, it could be anyone as I don't want to mention names.
Here's some proof my Hard Disk was damaged:
I don't expect an apology, or anyone to help me or anything, I'd just like for the accusation not to be repeated over IC matters. I could also get medical documents if I absolutely have to, proving that I am fairly honest.

Lenovo1.pdf (too big)...
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Immaculate

Jan 31, 2011, 07:24 AM

OKay,

Toteone, i am sure that no one feels that a public examination of your harddrive is necessary nor do we need you to post your orders or calculations publicly. If you have a problem with a particular player or feel it necessary to discuss something, like whether you are honest or not, with them, then please do so by PM.

Lets keep this thread for 'IN-GAME' diplomacy. You (and every other player as well as the NPC factions) are EXPECTED to lie and cheat and weasel your way through the diplomatic landscape. Thats what makes NESes fun. But what we should not do is post our orders or an OOC financial analysis in thread to try and convince other players of anything at all. Instead, lets just post what our characters say to each other. And you can lie your socks off or you can be honest but ultimately that shouldn't be clear.

So anyway, as a group, lets not look back. I think we can move forward. As an example, the affair of the moneys owed (or not owed) for the yacht exchange between houses Naprous and Klorin. Any confusions regarding payment should not require 'receipt orders'. Just diplo your opinions.

Okay, so to summarize: lets move forward. Lets let bygones be bygones. and lets cut the OOC discussions involving orders or stats or stuff like that right out completely.

.

Diamondeye

Jan 31, 2011, 08:25 AM

Yes please. The last five pages on this were wordy enough for me.

It's a game of deceit, lies and all that goes with it. Roll with it :)

Toteone

Jan 31, 2011, 08:27 AM

Sure. I hope people will assume anything they want to assume about me IC in any quantity.
Please just don't assume OOC qualities about me as a person, due to a game.

I apologize for the OOC stuff I've let slip in general (side note: The above were merely harddisk repair receipts, I'm not sure if the above posts refer to my having been OOC about what I used to think was IC proof being used in an OOC manner in the past or whether it refers to right now though I guess it doesn't matter as I've mentioned far too much above), I did it because I felt those things would've been possible to prove IC if I'd still had my hard disk, but I should've just waited for the Inquisition to finish up and endured the IC hetz. I will endeavour to endure in the future. I also now understand that IC chatlogs and scans are not IC evidence.

The reason for my above post though is because of a completely OOC accusation of my OOC qualities by the Other Party over perfectly IC stuff and some of the OOC claims I made about having IC evidence I'd lost due to OOC reasons (NOT Thomas, he's an angel), which I didn't feel I could let lie. But I am sorry I let it taint your thread.
Regarding the OOC mix with IC which I feel is largely unrelated to the OOC accusation of OOC values I once again apologize (though in the case of the financial and other orders it though it would be a good IC innovation due to the Regent's fudging of such, it'd be an atavistic throwback to the corporatism of the Republic and I titled them as IC and not necessarily the same as actual financial orders), but I understand now it is too close to OOC... but I know anyway that this exception is not what you're talking about in general, and as I said I understand now it is too close to OOC to run transparent semi-corporate logs.
Anyway I don't care about all that, whatever people think of me IC or whatever happens to my faction IC, as long as I have proven I am not an OOC liar, which I think I've done.

Anyway I will change my style to high roleplay due to your advice so that it is perfectly clear when I am OOC or IC. I am glad and happy to move on. I thank you for your advice and will follow it fully.

Thank You.
I feel so much better now, this is a wonderful game. Oh and in case any of my OOC scrabbling over IC stuff I felt was unfair I didn't have coz my hard disk was wiped coz it was damaged has benefited me I will make sure to handicap myself considerably (though I think it's only been of minor benefit at best, possibly negative) to make up for it.
(I am not an OOC liar. On another note from now on I will make an extraordinary effort to post almost exclusively IC content, answers and questions.)

Northen Wolf

Jan 31, 2011, 08:55 AM

Pages from Diary of Tenith Erona

Tenith Erona, a sceptre holder of Hyppean House. Personal Thoughts.
Chosen Sections from her personal diary.

-1 days after reclaiming the Space Port from Symbiots
Just recently I fought my first major battle. Hmph, other than duels,
general Hyppean Noble training programme, few bar fights and matches
of chess and glondra (OOC: A board game that Hyppean nobles like to
play. One match takes roughly 4-8 hours), I've had not seen any real
battle in my life. It was an amazing experience. When I was on the
space station, for several times I thought, that I was surely 'a
goner' and every time, I was saved from the jaws of symbiots by some
of the veteran legionaries. The way and the care they fought against
symbiots, I'll never forget. Grimson Legionaries would chuckle, should
I ever tell them how terrified I was, when I boarded the Space
station, afterall I was one of the last to enter onto the "floating
fortress of Doom". I can't imagine, what the first few waves of
Garrison troops had to go through, when breaching the fortress. When I
walked through the entrance, towards my designed guard area (I was
given 'hold the line' duty, due to my inexperience and the fact that
someone needed to do this and more experienced soldiers were busy
cleaning out spacestation), I saw many Symbiot. Some of them were
alive, some dead and some "in-between" of the two. They were scattered
around everywhere - they reached down the ceilings, rose from the
floor and jumped out from corpses, from inside of the walls. In my
opinion they were, literally, in every ship system and I can't imagine
what the first few waves had to go through. Never the less, I did what
I was told and obeyed my orders as well as I could. I killed many
symbiots that day. True, I killed far less than Imperial Garrison
members, who were cleaning up the station and taking it back
room-by-room, meter by meter, but I did my share and held my post near
perfectly. Despite of being in already 'secured area', our group was
under constant attack of still living symbiots, thankfully only two of
us fell in battle. I learned a lot that day and I thank Pancreator for
letting me and so many of the soldiers to live after this battle.
After the battle, I held my second religious speech to resting
Garrison members and this time, there were many times more
participants, compared to the last time. I should have thought, that
they'd rather listen to The Word of Pancreator from one of brothers in
arms, than from a complete Stranger, well now I at least earned some
respect to myself among these, rather amazing, men and women.

- 3 Days after reclaiming Space Port from Symbiots

I guess, I have Garrik to thank for gaining garrison soldiers trust in
Hyppean Nobles, otherwise I probably would not have as many soldiers
to preach to as I currently have. Nevertheless, My preaching seems to
have even greater Effect on the soldiers moral, than it had before we
took back the spaceport, I just hope I can keep it up. There is not
much to do here, on one of the space ships of the fleet. Well, Other
than fulfilling your duty and cleaning out remains of symbiots from
this spacestation. Proper repairs of this place will take years, even
my, non techincian eyes can see that. And I have no idea when We'll be
landing, so I could see Garrik personally and tell him of my plan, I
don't trust sceptres enough to contact him over them. Besides,
Pancreator favors those who act in his name and what better way would
it to prove my plans worth to Garrik, than to help in his hard task of
defending us all from symbiots. Afterall, equal deed for an equal deed
is the way of Hyppean.

[missing fragments]

-Some time after taking Back Space Port, few hours after landing on Stigimata

I finally landed. It has been several weeks since I arrived into this
forsaken system. I have held 7 religious speeches so far and have had
about hundred semi-private conversations with Imperial soldiers, who
lost their loved ones on E2. It has been mentally straining on me and
I am tired, but not enough to forget my Duty, duty that Pancreator
himself put into my head. I must convince Garrik to support my plan.
Oh, I think I should mention: I've heard great things being talked
about Garrik by his subjects, soldiers hold him in high regards,
despite occassionally 'whining' over he being too "harsh". I booked
myself a meeting with Garrik, it is in 3 days from now, quite a
lengthy waiting period, but I did mark that it is not very important
and could take some time. I wonder, why so much time, as even when he
has to lead the empire against symbiot, he should have free time
before 3 days. Or am I underestimating his workload?

Edit: My orders arrived, I've been assigned to work together with a
group of sergants and assist them in any way possible, guess I'll head
into local command outpost to see what I can do to help. I hope I'll
not be disgarded as "useless noble" and be used as messenger for non
important messages. But if That is the Will of Pancreator.

- 3 days after landing on Stigimata

I've never been as busy as this, there are hundreds of tasks here,
that are need to fulfill - from as simple tasks, as carrying orders,
to even strategical planning of guard post locations and timetables.
I've come to understanding, that I've taken everything that I have
(had?) in my life, as granted, never thought how hard it must be for
my servants to fulfill my tasks. But I'll not be worse than a peasant,
as I am one step above them and I'll fulfill my tasks.

Edit:
I Met Garrik today and talked to him about my visions, what they
meant and what I think I should do. He was reluctant, at best, to
support my plan. Never the less, he agreed to meet with me again. He
also thanked me for doing so much good work and assigned me into
better quarters. The fact, that he complimented me, means he did pay
attention to what I am doing, which is good to know. I requested
myself to be allowed to set up a "preaching area" and, to my surprise,
Garrik agreed. I did not think he has enough guts to do that. I'm now
in my private quarters, on a proper bed. I’m happy as there is a
section of semi-private showers nearby, true, their shared by several
sergeants and commanders, but I did manage get a quick warm shower and
that made me very happy... I miss my luxurious life, soft bed and
clean clothes that I have back on Arrakis.

[missing fragments]

- 2 months and 3 days after landing on Stigimata

I had another conversation with Garrik and he seemed to be more
interested in agreeing to be part of my plans, he even pointed out
several major flaws that I, with only a little military experience,
have failed to notice so far. I try to convince myself that my arrival
here was Pancreators will, so I could learn, yet it is difficult to
convince myself, fulfill my tasks and hold religious ceremonies with
only 5 hours of sleep. Garrik is happy with my actions, as average
moral rating has increased by 4 points from the day I started
preaching on. He expects more to be further increased, as I continue
my preaching. He even held a minor speech himself although he is
noticeably uncomfortable in speaking of Pancreator and prefers to
compare soldiers to Pancreators Sword and Shield instead of speaking
directly of Pancreator, I can understand his behavior and I cannot
disagree with him on the matter of comparing Garrison to Sword and
Shield of Pancreator. I'm glad that he understands the need and aid
the soldiers and sees benefits that Belief in Pancreator creates in
these soldiers.

-4 Months after landing on Stigimata

My (or should I say 'Our'?) preaching has been very effective, as
moral of troops has increased about 30 % from what it was before I
arrived. Garrik seems to be happy with me too. But this has made my
life very busy, yesterday I asked for coffeein pills, as without them,
I'd fall asleep during the ceremons, that I still have to hold,
thankfully few Garrison soldiers have volunteered to preach in my
place and help me out. It is hard to preach as many times as I do, to
varying number of participants. I Have not sleep more than 6 hours per
day for a month already. As whenever I'm not doing something (my tasks
vary from preaching to helping in strategy to (even!) guarding the
fortress against an attack).

-4 months and 10 days after landing on Stigimata
I think I've not mentioned this before, but I've succesfully been
part of defensive forces that repelled three minor attacks on outposts
by these bug-like symbiots. I've also been meeting with Garrik on
regural basis and he seems to agree with my views, he also points out
many mistakes and oversights with my plans, as we discuss them more
thoroughly now. He has been a great asset in helping me to build up
the plan, and I thank Pancreator himself for giving me my visions and
knowledge that I must come to Stigimiata. It saddens me, that Garrik,
despite of all the help he has given, has not yet confirmed, that
he'll support me. I need his support, as by the time I face the nobles
and wrath of the council, I need as many noble families to support me,
as possible.

4 Months and 17 days after landing on Stigimata
News just reached over Sceptre network, that Emperor has just killed
himself and taken full blame for plague on Errovus Secondus. I'm
stunned, that man of so high position, could simply kill so many
inncocent people but I have to stay calm and focused. All three of us,
the sceptre holders of Hyppean, have been proposed in creation of
'commonal fields' on Errovus Seconds by council. I must say, that this
idea might pay off, Yannis does not realy seem to be against this plan
either and many of the smaller clans agree, I don't know what is
Garriks personal opinion. I dare not to ask from Garrik as he is
unhappy and very worried - he had ordered some troops,
re-enforcements, to come from Errovus Secondus, but they were not
allowed to exit Orbit of E2. He said that "Church is afraid that the
plague will spread", I think, they should have allowed Imperial fleet
to pass, as there are much worse things than this plague. Besides, If
it is Pancreators will to let this plague spread, we can not stop it
from spreading.

Edit: After long strategical talks with most of the local commanders,
Judy Sleeping and Garrik, we agreed, that we must attack symbiots
without waiting for arrival of E2 soldiers. I convinced Garrik to let
these soldiers to stay in space, so new commander of the Garrison
could decide what he does with them.

4 Months and 19 days
Today was the day of attack, on the hive. I was assigned to stay back
home despite being part of tacticans squad that, under the lead of
Garrik himself, designed plan to attack it in the first place. I've
heard rumors that Attack on the Hive went great and that the hive was
completely wiped out and that our strategy worked great.
Unfortunately, we were attacked by medium sized swarm of Bug-symbiots
and Garrik was forced to pull his forces back, before 100% destruction
of hive, but 90% should be enough. I have not mentioned, but At one
point, During the guard duty of one of the Fortress guard outposts
(Despite being tactican, I still have to participate guard duty as our
men require some rest), I found myself being completely separated and
cut off from other squads. Only 2 grimson legionairs - Pertha nad
Small Bob were still alive from my squad of 25, in total there were
four squads stationed in the outpost. I managed to drag Small Bob
into closed holding room but one of the bugs got Pertha. Sight of
symbiot taking over a person, whom you called "Your friend" and
promised to return for her, a second ago, is terrifying. I used my
last granade and took out that filthy bug. Together with Pertha. I
hope Pancreator will welcome her with open hands, she has deserved it.
Thankfully, we were rescued before symbiots could brake through the
quickly constructed blockade. After making sure that Little Bob got
medical help he needed, I helped in clearing out few of the remaining
"infected" outpost rooms. Only I and Little Bob had survived the
attack. 2 survivors out of 50 … This is Stigimatas true face. I now
understand, why Garrik is so supportive of Imperial Garrison and
demands all of the houses to aid their struggle. We can't let these
creatures to reach Hubbard or any other inhabited planet.

4 Months and 32 days

Today is the election day, Holy Gate had gained the power of Emperor
and new leaders to Imperial Posts were chosen. Not to my surprise, but
yet bit irritating fact is that House of Hyppean did not remain in
control of The Garrison. I'm very disipointed in Holy Gate forgetting
how well Garrik has lead this garrison. But it'll help me in the long
run, as now Garrik Can return to Arrakis and openly support me.

Edit: I am helping Garrik in transferring over control to Dante, the
previous commander of Imperial Fleet. I dislike Dante and he has no ,
he said he'll support me in front of the Council, if I do one last
task for him. He also mentioned my task in his speech, where he
compared Imperial Garrison to Shepherds. Only those, whom we trust
from the Garrison, understand what he was reffering to, when speaking
about sheep and their meat. I find his reference rather funny and his
care for these soldiers great. I'm one hundred precentage certain,
that Garrik is man of his word and will keep up to his promise and
will support me infront of council, when time arrives. He has to, or
I'll reveal his actions to council. Now I just need to head to Hubbard
to complete Garriks task. I've been holding many ceremons during past
few days to soldiers and appointed some of the more religious of them
to continue with preaching once I'm gone. Altho I don't think they
will be as successful as me, it's the only move I can make. I
personally dislike this forsaken rock, but I find Pancreators will
itself lead me here, to guide these poor wretched souls and to give
them hope. And to teach me, to become more stronger, more experienced,
more tactical. And I have.

4 Months and 33 Days

Garrik said he'll stay until end of year and I'd better go and head to
Hubbard without him. And when I return, I'll pick him up. Now there's
just his last task left for me to complete and then I can finally head
back to home, to Arrakis. The land of the sand storms and floodplains,
my sweet home. Once I get there, I have to convince Yannis to support
my plan. He will probably be even tougher nut to crack than Garrik,
being a popular among 'fun loving' and more "liberal" youth... I've
had reports of him holding "private parties" to rich kids. A disgrace
of a man, is my personal opinion of him, but he'll probably come
around when he gets older. I've met Yannis in my life for several
times and I know, that he hides his true nature well underneath his
skin, hes good at it, as he's been doing it ever since he reached
"teenage" status. He has always loved to pose as an inexperienced
young noble and to show himself as "weak", sometimes even "a bit
foolish", but he is usually very well educated and knowledgable of
facts and opponent flaws and weaknesses. Many underestimate Yannis, I
know that, but I won't make that mistake. And once he supports me,
visions that Pancreator himself has given me, shall become true. I
pray more often, in hopes that Pancreator gives me more visions and
guides me through tough times that are ahead of me.

4 Months and 37 days
Ship began dialing to Hubbard. Now there's just 3 months left to wait,
I'll spend this time praying, preaching and reading books, when I am
unable to gather Information about my Hubbard task. I think I'll begin
with re reading "How to influence masses" and "7 pillars of Faith".
Those are good books. Good news is, that there is a board of glador on
board, so I can practice my tactical skills at this complex strategy
game.

Warning: My story writing skill, nor vocabulary are nowhere near as good as you guys have.

Ekolite

Jan 31, 2011, 09:28 AM

The person Toteone is referring to isn't me (I don't think it is anyway), but I think some things should be clarified.

Everyone makes out of character judgements about other players. This is a game after all, and when there's a lot of diplomacy involved its important to know who you're talking to. I consider some people to be generally trustworthy, and some to be untrustworthy. I also make judgements about people's reliability, attitude and scale amongst other things.

These are judgements are generally about people's playstyle, particularly with regards to honesty. They are not relevent to any other aspect of their lives. There are some players who lie and betray people at every turn. This is just their playstyle, they do so in this game and in others they play in, but it doesn't mean that in real life they do so. It certainly doesn't make them bad people or anything either.

Just my 2 cents.

Anyway, I agree with immac, let's just move on.

Seon

Jan 31, 2011, 10:47 AM

Dante Labis sipped on a hard liquor as the hologram of Ludenard flickered. Ludenard was reading some crazy crazy book on thaumaturgy and horticulture, a recent hobbey that he found. He was holding a bottle of absinthe.

As always.

It was the one bad thing about being a sceptreholder that Dante Labis disliked. The sceptre was capable of neutralizing almost every kind of poison in this world, and that included alcohol. That meant that no matter how much he drank, the liquor had the same effect on his mind as water did. "He's late," Dante Labis grumbled.

Ludenard didn't even stir. "It's only been exactly 1 minute and 47 seconds from the appointed time, Mr. Labis," he said. A woman's hand appeared on the hologram and handed him a rather large stack of papers. Ludenard stared at the stack for a couple of seconds before burying his face in his palms and moaning something about damn logistics. A man's hand appeared on the hologram and handed him another glass of absinthe.

Dante Labis chuckled. "Having problem with paperwork?"

Ludenard grimaced, "What do YOU think?"

"Sorry I am late," another hologram appeared. The new man was wearing a large trench coat and a hat. "I had to finalize some plans."

"Ah-ah-ah," Dante Labis said. "No business in this chat, please."

Ludenard hurriedly nodded. "Yes, of course," he handed the stack of papers back to the woman's hands and smiled as he leaned forwards in his chair. There were some grumbling noises in the background.

"Was that your new assistant?" Ubertino Mercator asked. Ludenard nodded. "Very nice work of art, she," Ubertino said. "It's difficult to find an assistant smart as her. Must have been very expensive. A bit rude though. I heard that she hit a nobleman in the head with a brick when..."

"Really?" Ludenard raised an eyebrow. "I am sorry that I am out on the loop. I had been neglecting some reports lately, and was trying to get on track by reading the old ones fir-"

"Ah, so you have not heard about that yet."

"No, I have not. But I assure you that I will find the cause of the disturbance immediately and bring forth my judgement in the matter."

"Hey Sonne." "Yes?" "Good work." "Thanks."

"Enough grim talk," Dante Labis waved his hands. "How's my granddaughter?"

"Ah, her," Ubertino Mercator said. "She had grown into a fine but shy woman. So much grace, unlike you."

"...I only went to the forest to hunt wolves with a submachinegun ONCE, Ubertino. ONCE. It was a misspent youth."

Ubertino smiled. "Of course."

"Weren't you there too, actually?" Dante said. Ubertino stopped smiling. Ludenard raised another eyebrow. "One moment you were there, and the next moment there were wolves and then you were gone. No trace except for bunch of footprints leading in the opposite direction from the wolves," Dante said.

"...no comment."

"Last I heard of her," Ludenard said rubbing his chin. "She was in the mountains near Lodos. I can't think of a single reason why she would be there, though."

A woman ran through the forests, laughing. She seemed to be having fun, hiking like that. She then entered a clearing and paused.

There were eyes on her. Dozens of them. A pack of man-eating Inceillian Snow cats were eyeing her hungrily. They began to circle around her, taunting her helplessness.

She pulled out a submachinegun from her backpack. "Found you," she grinned. "YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH-".

"Probably thinking of a mine to buy," Ubertino said. "She's got an eye for profit, I say."

"Really?..." Dante Labis said. "Shy? Graceful? My granddaughter? Eye for profit?"

"Well," Ludenard said. "Compared to you, I guess."

"Man," Dante said, leaning back on his chair. "I guess it's her mother's side."

"Excuse me dear sirs," Ubertino said. "But an urgent matter has come up that I must attend to."

"That's ridiculous," Dante said. "It's been less than five minutes!"

"Well, I have heard that Mr. Mercator's involved in organizing a rather large business. I guess even this had been painfully extracted from his work time."

"Oh fine."

Ubertino nodded once. His hologram vanished a second later.

"Hey baby," "Hey, Lord Mercator"

"Ah well," Dante said. "This have been gettin rather awkward anyways. Hologram meeting sucks."

"I personally think it is a rather interesting piece of technolo-"

"YOU WHAT?!"

"Sorry?"

"I'm sorry. One of the garrison soldiers accidentally cut off a support staff's arms. I must tend to that matter immediately."

"Oh, that is sad," Ludenard said. His hologram blinked off as well. Dante Labis sighed and rose from the seat. He picked up his flamer pistol and kicked open the door. "Alright, so which one of you bastards want to explain to me what the **** just happened?"

Toteone

Jan 31, 2011, 11:56 AM

Long Live the Patriarch!

The young man saluted to the corpulent robed form sitting on the throne in front of him. At closer inspection it was more like a highly decorated office chair.
"At ease..." Rhodes drawled in a monotone voice.
The soldier, who had recently been promoted Military Attache of the Army as his predecessor had been sent to accompany the Expedition Force, was to deliver his first report to the new Patriarch in front of him, because the young woman who had ruled for two short years was now gone as well.
"Sir, yes Sir!" he replied out of habit. The squidgy form in front of him squeezed its face a bit together, something like a frown. He'd have to drop that habit.
"Your... report... Colonel Luke Papadopoulos." the man seemed disinterested, yet his gaze was squarely on Luke.

"Yes Sir, I eh... The Army has taken severe casualties, but the Immune militias have swelled our ranks considerably and the Infantry III regiments are ready to take over security duties while the biomod forces continue expanding the Special Economic Zone. All non Bioforce officers have received the vaccine, and we have reserves to continue down a few divisions of general infantry."
"However..." he continued "There have been some concerns. My political attache informed me one of the other noble houses has raised concerns over our receiving the vaccine first along with Query and the Holy Church. Rest assured we have followed Cathrinn Naprous' instructions that initial air freights would be taken from part of our supplies and be delivered to the Church and then charity organizations and friendly houses, but this has not deterred criticism from the house, nor has our general success endeared us to others."
Rhodes Bertrand sighed. "It will be all right Officer. Some houses will always resent efficiency or be suspicious of charity, especially when it flows from the barrel of a gun and enriches the giver. But we cannot be cut loose. We are the paperclip that staple the 17 million souls we've saved together with their bodies. "Combined..." the man drew his breath tiredly. "... combined with our 2.1 million serfs we now have 19.1 million loyal servants thankful for our protection, our shelter, our food and water. And they expect... comforts... from our promises." He drew his breath again. "But I do not mean to lecture you Colonel... merely to allay your fears... hahh... We have the best distribution system on the central continent which makes up half the population. We have biohazard convoys as you so well know, we ... will deliver to all. On this continent."
"Sir, you needn't speak so much..."
"I-... AM FINE! The house you speak of need not worry. *koff* my medical expert (the Pancreator) just told me all we need to ship is little airtight syringes to the medical centres."
"*HARK*" the Patriarch spit into a small silver bowl next to him decorated with the enameling of a white cat wearing a ribbon. "*kaakh*... *koff*... that is better... It will be difficult but you will take care of shipments of relief centers and vaccines to the north, center and south of this continent. The Authority North and West must sadly ready their own relief centers for air freight, not that Kelter deserves better though his people do."
"But Sir! We will most definitely take severe casualties. All operations will be tied up. I estimate three more divisions will be destroyed, it will set back our-"
"But it must be done."
"Very well Patriarch, does this mean we are ordered to deliver to the Authority North? They will wage war on Duscha."
"Yes Colonel Sergeant Papadopoulos, as soon as you have arranged free passage..."
"But Sir, he told Cathrinn Naprous to bugger herself at first contact and could only agree indirectly with her that he would only speak with the Regent."
"Keep hailing them. They will respond sometime."
"It might take a few days Sir." ... At that moment a telephone rang a beautiful little tidbit Luke recalled vaguely from his childhood.
"It's the Regent Sir~" a lovely young woman handed him the cellphone, she was obviously his- secretary...? Her clothing indicated that she might be more of a consort.
Rhodes listened and for a moment the young lass smiled at him until her attention was fully back to the Naprous as he handed her the phone... a sort of weird consort, wearing what looked like a little... sailor outfit?
"Nevermind Colonel, inform the General Staff to continue planning Operation Starlight and discard our distribution plans. As you know Bossheim is in control of the eye... *cough* The Regent informs me to speak with them on distribution operations. But they wish rely on the Authority North..."
"I... thought they were our friends Sir, they wish to immunize those greedy, rude bastards first?"
"Colonel... did you not just complain of the difficulty of our charity?"
"..."
"The Pancreator cares for those who do good. Just like he cares... for me." the old man waved weakly in the direction of the Seifukuu wearing female striding away.
Luke had never seen pink hair before.

spryllino

Jan 31, 2011, 01:03 PM

OOC: one more go... :p

IC:

To Duscha Sehryi and Kareem Kelter
From House Texier

We have a final compromise to propose to you that we, in our role as a clan of diplomats and chamberlains, presume to implore you to accept. Why can Sehryi not be sceptre-holder and reside securely in Leagueheim, and then return the sceptre to the Guildmaster when she dies, while Kelter takes full command of operations on Errovus Secundus? We feel that this is an obvious solution that avoids the dreadful turmoil of war.

We find it very difficult, nay, impossible, to believe that such a guild as yours, intended for profit, should bring about its own weakening so easily and willingly. (ooc: and I do too to be honest.)

To Kareem Kelter alone

We see that Duscha Sehryi is almost certain to lose in the impending struggle, but we feel that even if you are successful, there is a large chance of Sehryi disappearing with the sceptre. Can you not see that this would only lose your entire guild the sceptre for ever? What if Sehryi chooses to fire the ICBMs? She would surely gain the hatred of all the Empire, but it wouldn't do you much good. Even though you will likely win, can you not admit that you would get all the profit out of peace and allowing Sehryi just the sceptre and a role and premises in Leagueheim or elsewhere?

To Duscha Sehryi alone

We truly do not think you can win; your forces are far inferior. We see no real reason why you should not be very willing to safeguard your own future by accepting a deal that secures you the political power without the money that is, without doubt, all that Kelter wants?

Immaculate

Jan 31, 2011, 02:00 PM

From Duscha Sehryi
To House Texier

You realize now that the pretender Kareem Kelter is a madman and a barbarian devoted to the destruction of Errovus Secondus. If only he could be forced to recognize my authority as Guild-Master of the Authority, we could avoid so much war.

Perhaps he could be persuaded to act as some sort of undersecretary to myself in a united guild. He has but to surrender command of the Authority military to myself and i am sure we can find him a place in our government.

If not, certainly you can see that while Kareem is a violent gangster, i myself am a very reasonable women and certainly willing to cooperate with the nobles and Imperium. House Texier, if you were but to send a small fraction of your military or to convince the Imperium to intervene in our defense, i am sure that we could come to some very lucrative cooperative agreement.

spryllino

Jan 31, 2011, 02:11 PM

Sehryi, even if Kelter were a lunatic, then you would still be going to lose. Compromise more and save the world all this trouble and chaos. Why can you not just be sceptre-holder? You have no realistic hope of complete victory.

This crisis has so many possible resolutions for your mutual profit if only you two would just be reasonable! It makes no sense for either of you to continue it. Another possibility would be to split off the two fiefdoms that are currently overrun as a fiefdom for Sehryi and to leave the two main continents and the fleet to the united Authority guild.

Are you truly so filled with greed that you will not yield an inch to your opponent, but instead each desire for the whole? Will voices of reason merely echo vainly beneath the heavens while you fight and slay each other in the name of profit and power while you destroy that very same power that you possess? Are we wasting our breath?

OOC: what does Kelter say?

LDiCesare

Jan 31, 2011, 02:34 PM

Why (...) and then return the sceptre to the Guildmaster when she dies
Because the sceptre makes her immortal?

spryllino

Jan 31, 2011, 02:36 PM

Erp. true. Oh well. Ignore that bit then. :p

Toteone

Jan 31, 2011, 02:42 PM

Rhodes Bertrand Naprous thought House Texier meant she would keep the scepter until some sort of natural accident occured. Most humans will have a fatal accident within 200 years, and though medical services and the attention of servants can extend that political intrigue tend to make for much shorter lifespans, not that we in any way insinuate that Kelter would take such action.

Regardless there have been four scepter deaths in three years out of a population of 37. While four deaths are unusually much, and while Lady Duscha would probably not be as exposed as the average house leaders the three year time period nevertheless averages a life expectancy of 27,75 years (in other words Cathrinn considered the hope of getting one to be anti-wrinkle cream ^^). Non-scepter holding noble house leaders on the other hand have an average lifespan of 36 years (based on 1 death in 3 years, that of Cathrinn Naprous). No doubt however arrangements could be made to make her life very safe, but it would depend on the integrity of the parties in question and the political system at large.
As such that specific detail of the proposal was both reasonable and unreasonable.

OOC: Immac, you said on instant messaging a couple of days ago that Query, Naprous, the Church, have only a bit of vaccine. How much roughly do we have? Thank you. OKiez, I got the answer. Thanks. : )

thomas.berubeg

Jan 31, 2011, 03:27 PM

To: The Imperial Regent
Re: House Klorin Yacht

As per the Agreement between house Klorin and Naprous, we ask the regent to decide a solution on the matter of the House Klorin yacht lent to and lost by House Naprous.

Immaculate

Jan 31, 2011, 03:28 PM

OOC: what does Kelter say?

Nothing. He feels he knows what he’s doing.

In regards to why these two can’t just step back, think of it this way:
I have worked my whole life, struggled and plotted to be where I am now. Now someone is in my way. I am a proud, ambitious (wo)man; I’ve risen this high on the merits of my various qualities. I can certainly overcome this one last hurdle. Especially when I have all these (various assets).

For Kareem: I have the army, the loyalty of my people and food to win the hearts and minds of the noble’s serfs and thus the nobles. I can win this. Duscha is bluffing. She doesn’t have the nukes and if she does she would never pull the trigger. This will be easy.

For Duscha: I have this (X). Kareem thinks he can push me around but he’ll soon learn a lesson he won’t soon forget. The scepter and spaceport, THE symbols of the authority are mine. Soon it shall all be mine.

Toteone

Jan 31, 2011, 03:38 PM

Rhodes Bertrand Naprous thinks Cathrinn Naprous' earlier advocated policy of forced detente was wise, but everyone seems so intent on siding with Kelter...

Adrogans

Jan 31, 2011, 03:47 PM

Good for you...on an OOC note I do not believe their is a 'news network' it would be the Promoters.

Immaculate

Jan 31, 2011, 03:58 PM

Your suggestions are fine. The only limit is basically the history of the sceptres themselves (See history and scepter concepts on first page)

Yeah, thats the problem, perhaps I am blind but I cannot see where the scepters come from/appear in the history. I also assume they existed before that instance as well so perhaps a few bonded ahead of the rest? Nope check again still see no clear date. I see where they were 'issued' by the Emperor but I cannot help some were out before that. get your fuqing act together immac and straigten this sh1te up!

ok. sorry- don't hit me again.

The history and concepts sections have been edited to reveal the history of the scepters.

To summarize: they've been around since about 2178 but maybe 2-3 years before that. They are probably but not known for sure, to be gifts from the Transcendentals.

That means that if you are making a story/history for your house, you could conceivably have a character that is 150y+ old.

Adrogans

Jan 31, 2011, 04:56 PM

I'd imagine due to infighting and such that it would be rare to be that old though. I know only one of my 3 is that old. Hell, Guy Fye is only mid 30's even with his sceptre, inherited it at 25.

mgsmuhammad

Jan 31, 2011, 05:15 PM

That means that if you are making a story/history for your house, you could conceivably have a character that is 150y+ old.

OOC: Unless you are part of the Glorious House Remillard... :mischief:

Adrogans

Jan 31, 2011, 05:16 PM

OOC: Yeah we all know you are young clones. Sure you have 'lived' for 100's of years, but the body is only like 10 years old. Clones I say!

hbar

Jan 31, 2011, 05:25 PM

OOC: Remillard? More like Tessier-Ashpool.

Adrogans

Jan 31, 2011, 05:26 PM

OOC: Heh.

Okay work on next story.

Immaculate

Jan 31, 2011, 09:26 PM

Twenty-Three Hundred and Four: January 1st to January 15th ( http://www.ilovemetric.com/)

Archibald Tarsenusis Declared Regent

On January 14th, 2304, Archibal Tarsenusis became the second Regent to follow Vladimir Eekin. He was voted in after an emergency session was convened in response to the suicide of the previous regent.

Catherine Naprous Executed by the Inquisition

On January 3rd, Orthodox Priests of the Inquisitional Synod arrive at the Naprous fiefdom by yacht. It takes a full three days for Catherine to present herself but when she does she is calm and collected, ready to meet her fate.

On January 7th, Catherin Naprous is removed to the market court in front of the Saint Cleary cathedral where she was not so long ago married. The symbolism is not lost on many. She is tied to a giant circle, the symbol of the Jumpgates and of the eternity of the Pancreator. As night falls, the executioner, Avestite deacon robed in red, arrives with his flame-gun. A request to hear her confessions is unanswered and so the torch is lit and soon liquid fire engulfs the woman who was once the wife of the greatest mass-murderer in modern history. The masses are split; while most cheer at the spectacle of the downfall of such a high-ranking noble, her family and serfs wail in grief and anger, or in shame.

Her body burns brighter and hotter then any had expected and some whisper that her sin was particularly vile and the white flame is the mark of the Pancreator’s anger while others whisper that she had been unjustly slain and that the bright white fires are the mark of the Pancreator’s grace.

Regency Officers, Nobles Surrender to Inquisition

When the outgoing regent admits his culpability in the construction and release of the Demon’s Cough plague and the new regent, an archbishop no less, openly invites the inquisition to examine the regency fiefdom, there are more than a few men and women who look to each other with absolute panic and terror. For three days they confer between themselves. Some will flee. Some will hide. But many, the vast majority, seem to calculate that their best chances at survival are to simply surrender to the Inquisition before their Inquisitors even arrive, hoping for mercy and clemency. None the less, over nineteen men and women join Catherine Naprous on the pyre. But nearly a hundred others are admitted to the Penitential Order so that they might make penance for their sins.

For the regency, it results in a huge loss of their best and brightest, especially intelligence agents but also scientists and administrators. What effects it will have for the Penitential Order of the Holy Flame remains to be seen.

Inquisition Ships Sail for Assimov

In addition to the inquisitional priests of both orthodox and avestite sects that begin their investigations of the Naprous, Klorin, Texier, Imperium Regency and Imperium Eye sects on Errovus Secondus, the Inquisition sends ships under the command of Archdeacon Hal Laplante to Assimov. They are due to arrive in March.

Avestite Friers Preach Against Klorin, Remillard

In the wake of the monstrosities committed by Dain Kawalen and the accusations leveled against the Church by Remi Remillard, the Avestites are in no mood to forgive and forget. The word gets out to the local friars, street preachers and even deacons of small churches throughout the fiefdoms of these two noble houses. Avestites are never ones to give a calm peaceful sermon; its always fire and brimstone, damnation and desperate penitence but now they step it up, accusing the nobles of both houses, within their very fiefdoms, of blasphemy, heresy and lacking proper obedience and respect to the Omega gospels. And the people lap it up. No matter how much a noble may be beloved by his serfs, it is rare that a serf doesn’t secretly long to see them fall from grace, to see them receive their rightful comeuppance. And when the Church tells them that God has turned from that noble, then so too do the serfs.

Additionally, a single sermon of this type is delivered at the great church of the Bossheim fiefdom. A warning perhaps?

Throughout the Klorin and Remillard fiefdoms, nobles report serfs ignoring or pretending to not hear orders, forgetting to bow, and even forgetting to pay taxes.

The message is clear: The nobles best remember their place; they rule by the mercy and grace of the Church.

Cult of Dain Kawelan Grows on Errovus Secondus

Though the Orthodoxy, Avestites and the entire Church of Universal Light call it heresy, a small cult is born on Errovus Secondus. Forced by the papal bulls against them to flee into hiding, they remain, none-the-less, dedicated in their conviction, “Dain Kawelan was a Saint, A tool of the Pancreator, Sent to Save Errovus Secondus from Itself that we might Flourish.”

The Avesites warn everyone that cooperation or providing sanctuary to the Kawelan cultists is a crime and invites heresy, a sin for which there can be only one penitence.

Rise of the Illborne

Breson Illborne isn’t sure what he is. He was born a freeman, a poor street kid quickly orphaned by a mother who knew she could not feed both herself and him. Breson grew up hard, learned to defend himself, to protect himself with fellow men and women who had hardened in the urban warzone that was Errovus Secondus freemen lands. In his twenties he had organized his followers into a sort of semi-governmental authority. They did business with the Authority under Garren Grimkill, with the churches, even with the noble houses and imperium, acting to transport goods across the violent and unpredictable urban landscape, ensuring themselves a ready meal in the process.

When the plague came, suddenly there was no one to do business with. Breson was very near to point zero when the plague first struck and his followers were some of the first to fall. And fall they did. Within 2-3 days of contracting the Demon Cough you were already sputtering blood. Breson should know; he spewed his share of frothy pink. By day 5 or 6 you were dead. Or… like Breson… you recovered. And so Breson did the only thing he knew to do, he hardened his spine, organized his resources, and rebuilt. With the fall of the food and water distribution facilities, men and women needed protection from their neighbors, needed to know they could get some food and water for themselves. Many just wanted protection from the surging rat populations who proved incredibly aggressive with the sick or weak. Breson did what he could and when the typhus struck and his reserves were almost depleted, he knew what he had to do. With some of his followers, those who somehow retain a small shred of humanity, he had to explain himself, ‘Grimkill owes us the food, water, medicine- there was that transport operation to the Koriates that he never paid for yet’. For most the prospect of food and medicine, water-purification devices was all it took.

And so Breson, who was nothing if not resourceful, called upon all those who had joined him, his followers who had survived the Plague and the Great Panic and all the men and women who were just desperate for his people to protec them and forced them to swear feudal loyalty to him and provided them with as many weapons as he could. Some were modern, some where little more then spears. But this is what he had and this is what he used. With these he marched his forced on the Authority fiefdom. Their cause was just, their battle-cry simple, “BREAD NOW!” When he came to the Authority’s fiefdom he had expected walls and guns. Instead he saw running street battles between minor warlords and remnants of the Authority army. Many of the army were fighting each other as were the warlords. It was chaos. And if Breson knew something, it was how to carve order from chaos. Taking advantage of his previous contacts with the authority, he knew where to find the great fortress, the stocks of food and medicine.

The walls were high, over a hundred feet of ferocrete, and crowned with towers he knew had machine gun nests and anti-air flak. But the place was deserted. He could see lights inside; it was one of the rare places the authority had power for and it was obviously functioning. Breson had felt encouraged. Saying a prayer to the Pancreator, he had led his forces over the wall. There was no one to stop them and so, while it took a long time to climb the thin black synthetic rope, he had managed to insert a team of twenty. And he had waited. There was no gunshots, no screams. Only silence and then suddenly the doors swung open. Breson walked his people in and closed the gates. NOW the walls would be manned, the guns ready. But where was the authority forces. They found evidence of them on the third day as they were taking stock of the resources, careful not to gorge themselves on the food left behind. The entire staff had fled, thinking the plague was only affecting the central continent, they had evacuated and went west, across the sea. Breson didn’t know if they had ever even reached the coast. It didn’t matter. Now he had food, water, medicine and high walls to protect himself.

On the fourth day, to jubilant applause, he declared the birth of House Illborne. Born of the ills of the great plague, the self-styled nobles of the warlord’s fiefdom where not blood relations and family but petty enforcers and ‘specialists’ organized not as a traditional noble family but as some sort of cross between para-military survivalists and street gang.

But with their fortress and their supplies, they proved resilient. As the plague continued to claim millions of lives and they acted as a bastion of safety and refuge amongst the seas of chaos, the Illborne attracted more and more serfs. Many died inside the fortress walls; the plague overran the place early. But Breson did not throw out the sick; he nurtured them, knowing that some few, like he and his remaining followers, would recover. And these were the core of his new army. The weapons of the Authority fortress were of great help now. Assault rifles, mortars, rocket-propelled grenade launchers, surface to air missiles, rifles, submachine guns; he had a modern army. And so, to provide a home for his serfs, his army ventured forth and secured the buildings and ghettos of the surrounding area. As more resources were uncovered, the were soon able to turn bulldozers and cranes upon the landscape, creating fortifications and areas to project their force from, effectively the birth of minor noble fiefdoms.

His ears were not stopped, Breson soon heard of the affairs of the Koriate fiefdoms, of men and women desperate for food and protection who overran the fiefdom of a major house. Was it possible? Had this really happened? His agents told him it was… and what was more… minor gangs were looking to sell an air force for a bit of food and medicine.

Within a month House Illborne had an airforce. With an army, an airforce and the know-how of the streets, when the Penitent legions appeared in January 4th, 2304, to ‘save’ them from the violence and the plague, it was not the Illborne who needed saving. Indeed their structure and contacts made them an invaluable tool to the Penitents.

On January 14th, Breson Illborne and his wife Jessica Illborne, the self-recognized heads of the newest noble house met with Cardinal Claude Remillard in person. Would they help distribute medicine and resources? Yes. Would they support the Penitents in their quest to reclaim lost church lands. Yes. Would they allow them use of their water-purifiers? Yes. What did they want in return? Absolution.

Absolution, now there was an interesting request. It wasn’t merely a matter of soul. It was political. Did the church want to align itself with a warlord officially? Absolution of their past sins meant they needn’t worry of the church, or most probably others, demanding restitution for their often murderous actions. It also meant that the church would not support the Koriate or Authority in demanding restitutions form the Illborne. Was their help in distribution really that important? Well… some might argue yes; these men and women knew these streets like no other- they had been raised there. But probably one could overlook that. Their support in reclaiming church land? Useful, probably very useful, but ultimately not a deal-clincher. And so it came to the water purifiers. Cardinal Remillard had brought 4000 units. They had all been deployed as early as November of the previous year. He had thought 4000 units would have been adequate. But then there was the cholera. And the raids that damaged or stole units. And the sheer volume of people that needed clean water. No… that was the deciding factor. They needed the Illborne water purification plants, massive factories several stories tall able to slack the thirst of millions.

On January 14th, 2304, Cardinal Claude Remillard personally heard the confessions of Breson and his wife Jessica and absolved them. It remains to be seen how the divided Authority or League of Guilds will respond.
House Illborne (Matt0088)

Economics:
Treasury: 25 MF
Income: +15 MF
Technology:
Physics: 2 (25/30, +5)
Biotech: 2 (25/30, +8)
Society: 3 (15/40, +10)
Military Quality
Army corps: 4
Air corps: 2
Navy corps: 0
Space corps: 0
Maggicks: 1 (life)
Intrigue: 3
Reputation:
Popularity: 5
Noblesse: 4
Piety: 4
Profitability: 2
Policy
(implement a policy)
Fiefdoms
Great Fortress (once owned by the Authority guild, the Great Fortress is a massive sprawling complex with 100’ tall walls with armories, barracks, a small airstrip, extensive offices and even a hospital (errovus secondus)
Water Purification Factory (once owned by the Authority guild, the water purification factory purified enough water for a couple million people. It also pumps water throughout the nearby urban areas though these pipes are often broken or sabotaged by people who want to steal and sell the water themselves) (errovus secondus)
Power Plant (fission powered and almost fully automatic, provides enough power for 250,000 households)

Unit Groups
Fortress Guard (E2) (guard fiefdom)
2 divisions infantry I, 2 divisions infantry III, 4 divisions infantry IV, 2 fighter squadrons, 1 bomber squadron
Relief Force (E2) (assist Penitents in providing relief to mases)
1 division infantry I, 2 divisions infantry III, 3 divisions infantry IV, 2 battalions Authority Reapers armored vehicles
Action-Capable Characters:
Breson Illborne; organizational mastermind, tough from the streets, un-empathetic, political, friend of the Penitents, hated by the Authority (errovus secondus)
Jessica Illbore: tough from the streets, callous, needlessly cruel, gorgeous, personal combat experience (errovus secondus)

Expected Civil War Amongst Authority Fails to Materialize

Perhaps the two self-styled Guild-Masters of the Authority have found some common ground, perhaps they have agreed to peace, or perhaps they are just maneuvering for the right first strike, but no war has broken out between them yet.

Guild Fleet on the Move

Throughout Leagueheim and in all the press there, a Guild Armada is in the news. Reeves, and Muster ships, even the outdated Prospector ships were too part. The people of Leagueheim saw the swirling milky light of the Jumpgate activated above them and on January 3rd, 2304, those with keen eyes or telescopes saw the small armada pass into the gate one by one.

Perhaps what drove speculation and rumor fastest was that no one seemed to know where the ships were bound for.

Yachts Carrying Vaccine Arrive at Errovus Secondus

Thana, Killgore and Querry yachts arrive from Assimov on January 13th, 2304. All are held up by the Patriarchal Fleet under Cardina Mirmah so that they might be properly be appraised of the situation on E2 before they land anywhere.

On January 14th, they are released and allowed to distribute their much needed vaccine. It is said that each one carried enough to vaccine three million people.

On Assimov, Helena Van Hersula orders the construction of 12.5 million more units before ascending her yacht and heading for home.

In Other News

House Thana begins development of alluvial placer mines.
Carma Klorin adopted by House Querry, “I miss Mommy”.

Rewards

Hyppean engineers design new ships (+2 physics)
Alex Black wields the Crimson Dawn (Gains “wields Crimson Dawn” trait)
Renee-anne comforts Remi, provides ‘emotional distance’ (+1 MF)
Jyut Texier considers being poisoned by a vaccine (+2 biotech)
Bossheim discuss politics (+2 social)
Mortimer Tormah Tsedeq brooch provides minor air maggicks (gains ‘Air mana trinket’ trait)
Vanari Alage-Food doesn’t induce vomiting (+2 biotech)
Klorin soldiers dream of space-battles (+2 physics)
Tsedeq artists capture beauty of spaceships (+1 physics, +1 social)
Dain Kawelen Klorin dies with Dignity (+4 social)
House Bossheim comforts Catherine Naprous (+1 social)
Thana React to Regent’s Death (+2 social)
House Sanctious’Als Quantify Heresy (it involves capitalizing) (+1 social)
Alex Black examines vaccines (+1 biotech)
Lord Mikal’s Generosity pleases the serfs (+2 social)
Rhodes Bertrand Naprous rises to lead the Naprous (+1 social)
Bishop Miral Akbar'Al rises to lead the Sanctious’Als (+1 social)
Garik Harnoth delivers speech (+1 MF)
Shining Rock Monastery Beacon of Tsedeq Faith (+2 social)
Thana Soldiers Just Plain Awesome (+2 physics)
Vanarii algae-rations inspire song (+1 social)
House Koriate gain new assistants (+1 MF)
Tenith Erona Delivers Oratory (+2 social)
Dante Labis drinks taste absinthe and wishes he could get ‘breezy’ (+2 biotech)
Luke sees pink hair (+2 social)

New Trade Routes:

No New Trade Routes

New Designs:

NBC Infantry III
Cost: 2MF for 1 division
Tech Requirements: 2 physics, 3 biotech, 2 social
Developed In: 2304
Developed By: House Naprous
Usable By: House Naprous
Light Weapons: 2
Unit size: 6,500 Soldiers

World-war II era infantry division equipped with gas masks, independent air supply, and an air-tight suit (removable) as well as a variety of anti-chemical and anti-biological agents. These soldiers are meant to be deployed to areas where biological or chemical attacks are highly likely.

Authority Reapers
Cost: 10 MF for 1 Brigade
Tech Requirements: 5 physics, 5 biotech, 5 social
Developed In: 2286
Developed By: Society of Engineers
Usable By: Society of Engineers, Authority
Heavy Weapons: 2
Light Weapons: 5
Armor: 5
Speed: 5
Sensors: 2
Unit Size: 30 units

Ceramasteel armor, two 30mm revolving cannons with rates of fire of 10,000 rounds per minute. Cuts wide swathes through lightly armored or unarmored infantry. Capacity for 24hrs of independent recycled air for operation under toxic conditions.

House Illborne can design these for half price.

Notes:

Orders

Please submit orders exactly as outlined on the first page.

Importantly, you should provide a point by point review with limited text to describe your spending. This is different then the specifics of your spending which can be explained in your ‘actions’ section. Also, please don’t forget to write the costs of everything. If you are buying a white sky cruiser or some other units, I should not have to look up the price of the unit- that should be listed in your spending break-down.

Consider the Goals aa the ‘What’ of your orders. The Spending is the ‘How much” of your orders. The Actions are the ‘How’ of your orders.

Please also note that providing orders, even standing orders, to an army group, or redeploying forces from one area to another requires a character action (though it can be part of a greater action that encompasses several efforts within a cooperative theatre of action).

Orders are to be submitted, whenever possible by e-mail to philgob(at)hotmail(dot)com.

Additionally, there are twelve months in the year, please try to provide me with some time within the year that the events you are undertaking start and finish in.

Maps

No changes

Stats

Almost done

NPC Diplo

None really yet. The authority is going to wanna talk to the Illborne but they seem busy.

thomas.berubeg

Jan 31, 2011, 09:41 PM

ooc: Unless house Illborn wants to be destroyed for Heresy, thier character list should probably Not Include Catherinn Naprous, unless, of course, they Necromanced her :p AND THAT would be heresy.

IC:

Anthony Callier, as the Representative of House Klorin on E2, welcomes Breson Illborne and his Wife to the Imperial Community, and hope to live in friendship and peace with them.

Additionally, We are sorry to hear that some misguided serfs, despite the instruction of the Church and the Clear will of the Pancreator, are worshiping Dain Kawalen the Mad as a saint. The horrors he vested on E2 are enough to prove his heretical taint.

was also wondering: what are Authority Reapers? Tanks? Mechs?

Immaculate

Jan 31, 2011, 10:01 PM

tanks but instead of a single heavy cannon for use against armored targets on the turret, they have two huge rotating guns, sort of like gattling guns but only the loading mechanism revolves, not the whole barrel. Fire explosive flechette rounds (like mini-grenades) at rates of 10,000 per minute. Not great against other tanks or heavy weapons but against infantry and lightly armored targets, its pretty much a cutting laser.

Immaculate

Jan 31, 2011, 10:03 PM

Orders are due Thursday, February 10th

EDIT: Thanks thomas- fixed.

Northen Wolf

Jan 31, 2011, 10:47 PM

Orders are due Thursday, February 10th

EDIT: Thanks thomas- fixed.

Could you please change your signature too? Would be great help :)

-------
Welcome aboard Matt! This does not mean I'll spare your life if church decides not to like you.

thomas.berubeg

Feb 01, 2011, 01:25 AM

The stench of Blood was thick in the air, a heavy scent, melding with the dense smoke of the burning city. She stood on the top of the central pyramid, glaring at the collapse of her life's work. Once she'd deposed of her father, she'd assumed that all would be easier, but... The Bannor had a habit of making life difficult for all.

She glanced downards. A heavily armored Orc sprinted up the steps and knelt before her.

“My lady, the wards have fallen, and the walls will be down soon after. The Amurite Mages are too powerful for our own. Our archer manage to pick a few off, but they keep coming.”

“And as soon as the walls are down, the Bannor and Hippus will be marching through the city.” she muttered to herself.

“Your orders, my lady?”

“Light the fires.” She said, softly.

“My Lady?” her lieutenant asked.

“Yes, Light the Fires.” She repeated “I will not have Jarv, Crown Jewel of Bhall, fall into the hands of the Sabellites.”

“So, this is how it ends?”

“Yes, But what and end! We will fight to the very end. They could only destroy us by outnumbering us a hundred to one, by treachery.”

“It was an Honor to serve under you, Lady Ember.”

“And I am proud to have served with you, Lorkus Halfbeard.”

Together, The heavily armed Orc champion, grasping a heavy battle axe, and the Lady, around whose hands an aureola of flames burned, descended the steps, to join the battle that was nearing the square at the center base of the pyramid. Drawing her sword, she raised it high.

"To me, Clan of Ember! To me Proud Orcs! Here, we will Stand, here we will show the Humans what we are made of. Here, we MAKE OUR GODDESS PROUD"

A legion of orcish spearmen formed a square around her. Behind her fluttered in the wind the Banners of the Clan, proud flames burning in the darkness. A column of Hippus knights rode into the square, breaking through the last defenses, lowering their lances they charged at the Phalanx of Orcs. Behind them poured in a number of Bannor footmen and the infamous Sheild of Klorin, magics blazing and swords flashing.

Then Chaos.

Noise and sight combining into an incomprehensible whirl, but little by little, the Orcs were pushed back, one brave orc hero dying after another. With a Shock, she realized Lorkus was not longer next to her, but was in-fact lying prone back in the center of the square. With a shock of rage she roared, Feeling her connection to Bhall channel fire into the square. A number of enemy soldiers as well as the of surviving orc champions were incinerated in seconds.

She took a deep breath, and fell to her knees, crying in rage and despair, for already more of the enemy were pouring into the square. And then she felt a prick at the base of her neck, and collapsed. Through the haze she could make out the face of Evavi Gahun, her must trusted advisor – and her most useful assassin.

“Forgive me, my lady, but the Bannor would have killed you. Sleep, and you will be safe. I watch over you, and when you wake, we will meet with someone who can save us and the orcs.” And in that moment, she could see the shape of her goddess Bhall inhabiting that of her servant. She let herself fade, knowing she was in safe hands. The darkness closed over her as she closed her eyes gratefully.

With a Gasp, Lady Embra Klorin woke. She took a moment to place herself. She was in a small room, lit only by a fluttering fire and the shine of the Fadeing winter sun through the slit that served as a window. The Library. That's where she was. She was reading about the history of the Empire, remembering the history of the house.

Glancing down at the ancient tome she had fallen asleep reading, she gasped, for there on the page was an ancient engraving of a woman with wings and hair of flame, holding in her hand a sword engraved with a dialect from Old Errovus itself.

“You are the Ember from which my Flame shall spring again. You are the purging flame, sent to burn away corruption. You are the mouth through which my word is heard.”

Darksaber1

Feb 01, 2011, 07:18 AM

House of Thana sends a greeting to House Illborne. Maybe you can bring stability to that region.

Toteone

Feb 01, 2011, 08:32 AM

WIRE TO H. ILLBORNE FROM N.H. NAPROUS "Dear House Illborne. I, Rhodes Bertrand Naprous, see that you have arrived in a place that we had intended to seize because we hated the Old Authority (and are variably suspicious towards the new ones), and wished to bring peace and order to the region as well as profit to our coffers.
Now you are there instead. Congratulations, we hope you enjoy the land, weapons and resources and we no longer have any interest in it. We will be willing to discuss an MPP if you need it against the Authority as well as mutually beneficial trade and cooperation. As you are a newborn house we eagerly await your absolution and ascendance to the status of noble house that we may offer a mild favor in these desperate times."

OOC: Phil, I assume the NBC Infantry came out to 10mf? Is it nuclear as well?

Immaculate

Feb 01, 2011, 08:33 AM

It came out to 5. The reason you have so much money is that the Remillard payed you and you only spent 5MF on the infantry. your stats are up to date.

Toteone

Feb 01, 2011, 08:45 AM

OOC: Great, thanks for switching it to nuclear (it says removable radiation suits on page 1 w/ Geiger counters guys : )). And it still costs 5mf, wv00t!

House Naprous is pleased to announce it has undercut expected target costs thanks to its experience with biomod infantry. It will be transmitted fortwith to all participants while we keep licensing rights to further Imperial entities (we plan to use the funds for further research design as mentioned). The design and research collaboration can splurge ahead now with its two remaining designs before redistributing any leftover funds, as soon as we find another willing ACC. ^^ The Musters will handle Artillery next year.
To Vanari: Do you wish to go forward with your idea? Also, we have transferred our biomod knowledge to you, but if the design makes it in time we believe it will be much preferable and cost efficient to you.

*looks at others' science stats (wondering who will have problems with the more advanced designs). ... OOOOK... my science is the problem, not others'...*

To NH Remillard and the Orthodox Church: Please enjoy the respective ownership and use of the passenger liner!
While there has been some unimportant misunderstanding as to the extent of our price deduction, in light of the kindness and great venture cooperation Remillard has shown us we happily agree the sale is finished.
We look forward to working with you in the future!
- Naprous House

spryllino

Feb 01, 2011, 09:19 AM

Welcome to the community of nobles, House Ilborne. Authority, see what damage you have already done yourselves.

House Ilborne, we hope you can prove yourselves noble in spirit as well as in name and can show yourself less willing than some to seize anything that meets your eyes. We too would like to come to some sort of agreement of friendship or alliance with you in due course.

House Texier reiterates its previous proposal to Kareem Kelter (I'm not logged into email at the moment) and asks him if the change in circumstances might alter his reply.

Adrogans

Feb 01, 2011, 12:16 PM

“So there are is a new House.” Lady Elizabeth of the Clan Tate finished speaking to the chamber and went to resume her seat. She waved at a hand servant who quickly fetched some wine. She then proceeded to ignore him.

“Yes, well all we can see is the Authority has lost a fief to the control of local warlords during this trying time.” Lord Geoff of the Clan White stated simply. “So why are we legitimizing them? Why do we not continue dealing with the devil we know in the Authority?” He placed his glass down on the mirror shine of the table top. Examined himself in the reflection for a moment and smiled.

“It is simple, they may actually be viable if we do not take them now. And by we I mean as many Houses on E2 as would mobilize against them.” Personally with them in control of the Authority base itself I am willing to bet they could bleed any force sent at them dry for a significant time.” Lord Guy of the Clan Fye looked around the table. “Besides can we honestly say the other nobles did not arise from similar circumstances? Did we not all come from a Republic and thus have no tradition of Nobility before then?” Lord Guy swirled the fine brandy in its snifter before taking a deep breath of it and a small sip to savor its rich flavor properly. He waved for the discussion to continue.

“Personally,” began Lady Sarah of the Clan Fye, “I am with my brother in this situation. We should take what good the plague can bring and see this new House Illbourne as an opportunity for a new friend.” She paused and glanced out of the corner of her eye at her brother…how she envied him the sceptre. She was two years younger yet he looked much younger than she.

“But if we deal with the The Authority will complain and possibly do more.” Spoke Lord Geoff. “We have tried to remain neutral or at least relatively non-active in the situation due to its multitude of complexities. The fact remains though that this new house is a rabble at the moment, but what will they become? If we want them gone we must strike now and hard, but do we really have the resources to do so at this moment?”

Lord Guy looked up as he always did when presented with a military situation. “Yes we could do it, but I really see no point as the cost would be high and I would love dearly to get the other projects we have going completed so we can move on.” The other three looked at him and the silence stretched into the uncomfortable. Finally someone spoke.

“Well I guess the best solution then is to simply accept they exist and move forward with the premise we are accepting of the fact and in fact welcome them as we can.” Lady Elizabeth drew a breath as if steadying herself for the next suggestion, “In that vein I propose to go myself to visit these new nobles and welcome them and entreat them to be good friends with us.” Everyone else sat back surprised. The haughty Lady Elizabeth was offering to go to another noble’s residence? And a new noble at that?

“Well if you really wish too then by all means.” Lord Guy smiled, “But we insist you let treat them with courtesy which we all know sometimes you can be…dismissive of others, even nobility if they do not rise to your stature.”

“I will contain myself Lord Guy.” Lady Elizabeth bowed deeply, that had been a command and she knew he would brook no insult given to the new house since they decided to welcome it.

“Good then stop by my office at 1200 and we will discuss the specifics of what to deliver to this new house as a message and gesture of friendship.” Lord Guy stood and proceeded to leave the conference room without so much as a glance back. He knew his orders would be obeyed.

spryllino

Feb 01, 2011, 12:31 PM

House Texier desires to clarify its above statement. We affirm that our present policy is one of maintaining our traditional neutrality and we do not recognise any of the conflicting Authority factions any more than any other, even if we feel that the Authority is making a lot of dreadful mistakes at the moment, and even if one or more Authority factions may be getting on our nerves. We apologise for any confusion caused on this issue.

Nevertheless, we are still willing to stretch out our hand in friendship to House Illborne as mentioned above.

mgsmuhammad

Feb 01, 2011, 12:32 PM

Salutations, House Illborne!

I see Cardinal Claude has already recognised you..

Well, we won't be left behind in the dust!

On behalf of all of House Remillard, I would like to thank you and your House for your actions for the betterment of the peoples of Errovus Secundus.

Feel free to contact us at any time if you wish business.

- Remi

LDiCesare

Feb 01, 2011, 01:17 PM

ooc: Unless house Illborn wants to be destroyed for Heresy, thier character list should probably Not Include Catherinn Naprous, unless, of course, they Necromanced her :p AND THAT would be heresy.
OOC: Necromancy heretic? You do realise the leader of the Church is BARBATOS?
You know, the immortal mage master of death magic, whose books, by the way, allowed some half-mad Grigori soldier to help wreck a continent even more when zombies walked the streets.

Seon

Feb 01, 2011, 01:27 PM

OOC: my heresy-o-meter's tingling.

Matt0088

Feb 01, 2011, 01:54 PM

Wow, lots of responses plus 6 PMs. I'm still getting up to speed with what exactly has happened so far, sorry for the delay. I'm hoping to give everyone a formal reply within 2 days. :)

thomas.berubeg

Feb 01, 2011, 02:34 PM

OOC: Necromancy heretic? You do realise the leader of the Church is BARBATOS?
You know, the immortal mage master of death magic, whose books, by the way, allowed some half-mad Grigori soldier to help wreck a continent even more when zombies walked the streets.

As far as I know, that's not proven... The church would NEVER condone raising the dead...

ooc: Yeah, I know, but the official church stance is that necromancy = heresy.

Ekolite

Feb 01, 2011, 02:38 PM

The Holy Gate questions the attitude many of the Houses' attitudes towards this so-called Noble House Illborne. These are nothing more then warlords and brigands. While they may claim to be a ''House'' they are certainly not Noble. Their lack of even a single sceptre shows that they have no place in the governing of this aristocracy. They are a gang of opportunistic thieves, and not noblemen at all.

thomas.berubeg

Feb 01, 2011, 02:53 PM

Seon

Feb 01, 2011, 02:55 PM

By that definition, House Naprous should be stripped of thier status as a Noble House, as they no longer have a scepter, and yet no one is suggesting that. We will see how House Illborne handles itself in the cuthroat environment of Nobility.

The Naprous are not bunch of warlords and brigands who took the opportunity of the confusion of the plague to cease territory, structure, and weapons from others and place upon their brows the title of a noble.

Ekolite

Feb 01, 2011, 02:57 PM

House Naporous is an established Noble House. This upstart little faction is nothing but a gang of criminals and should not be asociated with the nobility.

OOC: What kind of aristocrats are you people anyway? :rolleyes: First it was no duels, then accepting gangs as noble houses. What will you do next? Give your serfs the vote? :p

thomas.berubeg

Feb 01, 2011, 02:59 PM

In the eyes of House Klorin, though, it is rather a question of keeping order in the chaotic freemen lands... If someone didn't, who knows what would have popped up... Freeman Republics?

Kentharu

Feb 01, 2011, 03:10 PM

From House Kilgore
To Warlord Illborne

We should hang out and do manly things.

Adrogans

Feb 01, 2011, 03:12 PM

*Shudder* Freeman Republics...

Seon

Feb 01, 2011, 05:56 PM

Everywhere I look,

Is a life which they took.

And as the dead begins to rise,

Something in me dies.

There’s screams and flesh and fangs all around.

There are blood and gore and bodies on the ground.

Flowers of flame blossom in the distance

More to add for my list of nuisance.

Entire planet’s a shade of red.

Field’s covered in fire and lead.

Life’s so precious!

Yet they are so obnoxious!

No more forgiveness, no more mercy.

Everyone’s feeling a bit more dicey.

Nobody cries

When everyone dies.

But if you feel afraid as you lie,

I will sing you a lullaby as you die.

germanicus12

Feb 01, 2011, 07:23 PM

To Jason Bird and Jason Avivies

We have discovered that you have formed a Guild Armada and have activated a Jump-Gate. The only thing we are unaware of is your destination and the meaning of forming this Armada. As Commander of the Imperial Fleet charged with protecting the Imperium against all threats, we request that you provide the nearest Imperial Agent your destination and the reason for the formation of your Armada. Failure to respond will be taken as a threat against the Government. You have 2 weeks (2 RL days) to respond.

To Archdeacon Hal Laplante, Commander of the Inquisition Fleet

If there is anything the Fleet can do to assist do not hesitate to ask. As you may be aware we have several ships in the area searching for Pirates, they have been informed of your pending arrival and will be prepared to escort you should you require protection from Pirates.

Sir Hellwind Eekin, Admiral of the Imperial Fleet.

Immaculate

Feb 01, 2011, 07:56 PM

From Cardinal Mirmah and Archdeacon Hal Laplante to
Sir Hellwind Eekin, Admiral of the Imperial Fleet.

We thank you for your offer. If we should come under attack by pirates and brigands during our investigation of the Assimovian fiefdoms, we would ask that you intervene to assist us should we require it.

From Jason Avivies
to Sir Hellwind Eekin, Admiral of the Imperial Fleet

Our destination is Clarke. We are preparing an exploratory expedition. Many of the ships partaking in the armada are not warships (though some are- a necessary protection i am sure you understand).

We appreciate your concern and hope that you will provide the same level of concern when the guilds are endangered.

You have our word that no nobles, church sects, guilds, or imperium should feel threatened by our small armada.

Toteone

Feb 01, 2011, 10:36 PM

To the Imperial Community:
It is with great pride and satisfaction that we hereby announce that in the two past weeks we have sent our biomod experience to all Imperial entities. Should you not be a collaborator and recipient of the NBC Infantry III design know that your biomodding of existing troops may now be less expensive and more effective.

The Naprous are not bunch of warlords and brigands who took the opportunity of the confusion of the plague to cease territory, structure, and weapons from others and place upon their brows the title of a noble.

Thank you for recognizing our expensive rescue, supply and slum development effort for what it is.

House Texier desires to clarify its above statement. We affirm that our present policy is one of maintaining our traditional neutrality and we do not recognise any of the conflicting Authority factions any more than any other, even if we feel that the Authority is making a lot of dreadful mistakes at the moment, and even if one or more Authority factions may be getting on our nerves. We apologise for any confusion caused on this issue.

Nevertheless, we are still willing to stretch out our hand in friendship to House Illborne as mentioned above.

To NH Texier, H Illborne and the Imperial Community
House Naprous also wishes to reaffirm its current neutrality in the Authority civil war, and that it was merely offering a consideration for an MPP with House Illborne, not that it necessarily desires to be involved in a conflict. We do not, we simply are variable suspicious of the Authority forces and considering the possibility of defending the new House Illborne and helping them with their chance for prosperity and security, especially if they are absolved and declared noble.

To NH Texier and H Illborne
We would be interested in joining the encrypted E2 comms channel you proposed, in order to organize the clutter that are our current communications and in order to provide a proper comms archive. However we note that while strings of encrypted messages do not raise as much concern to others as dedicated channels.
We also wish to propose that if we go forward with this we might as well go the full mile and create an E2 security and tariffs union, though we warn the high number of Naprous and Illborne serfs may overrun Texier in terms of cheap products and as such some tariffs may be necessary.

To H Illborne from NH's Rhodes Bertrand Naprous
We need to speak ASAP regarding the situation on the central continent (Toteone@gmail.com) in order to protect the large mass of freemen still on their own, as our two houses are the only ones with a sufficient local base to provide security as well as charity. The benefits are also immense of course in terms of loyal serfs, though we warn that if you plan a similar path (and we would like to speak so that any such similar path does not collide as there is plenty of free space to help protect) not to overreach (I'm not sure how many you can feed and water, but going by your stats its 2 million, maybe more if you expand, but not commensurate to how many you will then include (expelling populations is of course not acceptable, though I suspect this is strongly your position anyway).
I'd also like to speak with you regarding a number of very legitimate options.

OOC: I'm fixing my age-old email for CFC, please don't mail me, it's defunct and the webhost website is dead.
*looks at others' science stats. ... OOOOK... my science is the problem, not others'...*

To the Inquisition: We anxiously await the completion of your report on our House, as we expect Cathrinn Naprous and the two radiomen who were burnt/punished to be proven innocent of knowing off the Plague till the Year 2302. Sometimes the testimonial of a madman and his diary is insufficient.

thomas.berubeg

Feb 01, 2011, 10:57 PM

The Ship streaked through the sky, leaving a contrail of torn clouds bisecting the sky in half. Two young boys stared in awe.

“Where do reckon it's going?” The younger of the two brothers asked.

Confident in his age granted wisdom, the eldest answered “That's a Garrison Ship. It's full of soldiers gone to fight the Symbiots.”

“Are you sure?”

“Of course I'm sure. I'm going to Join them in a few years, and Kill a lot of Symbiots, then get rich and marry pretty woman.”

“I don't want you to leave, Jona, I want you to stay with me forever!”

“Herus, I'm going to be 14 in two months! I can't be stuck here Minding Sheep forever!”

“But Jona...” whined the younger one.

“As soon as I'm 15, I'm going to go over to the Garrison and Join up! I wanna Kick Symbiot Ass!” He picked a long stalk of grass up, and twirled and jabbed with it, slaughtering one imaginary Symbiot after another. Soon, though, he tired of this and fell to the ground, smiling at the Sky. “That's going to be the Life! And when I make officer, I'll get you in as my assistant, Herus, and we can See the stars Together.”

“but I can see the stars at night. I don't want to leave. I don't want to leave Mama and Papa.”

“When I'm rich, we'll come back and take them with us on our spaceship. Now go to the top of the hill and make sure none of the sheep have gone too far. We need to head home.”

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

Dinner was the usual meal of Cheese, bread, Onion, and a Thick Dark Beer that, rumor told, was the staple drink of Serfs throughout Klorin Holdings. The house was crude, a Trullo style hut built of stone, and Dinner was eaten by the family around the fire in the center.

The Burly man drained the mug and set it down heavily, turning towards his eldest son. “So, Jona, I hear your looking to go to the Garrison?”

Surprised, the boy looked up “Yes, Da, Seeing as I'm getting too old, I thought it were Time I were learning a trade.”

“No.” The Man turned back to gaze at the fire.

“What? But Da...! I can't live here forever.”

“No, but you'll not be going to die on another Planet. I can set you up with the Smith, if it's a trade you want, boy.”

“I want to leave this Planet. We've been working so hard, here. It has to be better somewhere else.”

“Boy, there is no place better. You don't remember what it was like on Errovus Secondus. No work, no way to get food but to buy from the authority or the black market. You don't remember how hungry we were. The first few years here were bad, yes, but not so bad as that.”

“But, Dad, I want to go.”

“Why you arguing what's already been decided, boy?”

Angrily, Jona pushed his stool back and stormed out of the house. With a sigh, his father got up and followed him into the darkness. He found his son sitting hunched on top of the stone wall of the Sheep's nighttime pastures, and sat by his side.

“Listen, Jona. I know you want to leave. I was like you, once. I thought I was meant for greater things. I learned better. I know you want to fight in the service of the Empire. But I can't let you do that. You'll die. You're just a poor serf from the poorest holding of the poorest of the Major Houses of the Empire. You're better off here.”

“I know, dad. It's just... Klorinheim is so Small! I remember the streets of E2, Dad. That was so big, so many people. I miss it. Herus was too young, he's happy here. I miss people.”

“Tell you what. You stay here till you're 16, and I'll talk to the Klorin Guards, see what I can do to get you into those forces.”

An incredulous smile broke out on the boy's face. “You will? Thanks Dad!”

Diamondeye

Feb 02, 2011, 06:44 AM

((Nice story. It looks like you posted it twice, though))

Toteone

Feb 02, 2011, 07:19 AM

(Yeah, I hope to see the continuation of this story in 2 years. I'm not sure if his dad was being truthful with him (in fact I thought the second part was the continuation for a sec before I noticed the tell-tale signs of a mistake in pasting.)

Immac, a few questions: Has the Inquisition finalized its findings of hard physical evidence on our house yet (I expect chat logs, a couple of radio folk since no scepter)? Either way, will they make it public soon? As per orders I was hoping for a financial audit as well (did they want one?), coz of the complete and total lack of prep. Thnx.

Ekolite

Feb 02, 2011, 08:18 AM

Out of interest, how is diplomacy carried out? I know communication can be made between sceptres, but some factions have no sceptres so how do they communicate with us?

hbar

Feb 02, 2011, 09:33 AM

Magic.

Actually, I've assumed that there is some sort of MacGuffin (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MacGuffin)-network that can transmit, but can't encrypt or hide the transmissions. I made that up after I wrote a story where my two ACCs were talking, despite only having one sceptre.

Immaculate

Feb 02, 2011, 10:03 AM

To the Inquisition: We anxiously await the completion of your report on our House, as we expect Cathrinn Naprous and the two radiomen who were burnt/punished to be proven innocent of knowing off the Plague till the Year 2302. Sometimes the testimonial of a madman and his diary is insufficient.

We remind House Naprous that the charges were not that complex. She knew of the Plague and failed to inform anyone. That is why she was burned.

We demand that you cease to doubt our authority or judgement.

Ultimately the inquisitional investigation will take all the time it requires. You cannot expect us to finish an investigation in 15 days.

EDIT:
Has the Inquisition finalized its findings of hard physical evidence on our house yet (I expect chat logs, a couple of radio folk since no scepter)? Either way, will they make it public soon? As per orders I was hoping for a financial audit as well (did they want one?), coz of the complete and total lack of prep.

No.

Respected Inquisition, we do not doubt your judgement on the primary charge and have agreed with your ruling. There are simply some houses that never believed Cathrinn's statement she didn't know until 2302 and we were hoping you would have evidence to disprove these slanderous thoughts, rumours and sayings.
We understand it will take as long as you need.
~ Channoe Proparsic Naprous

Your dispute with the other houses is none of our concern. We are here to judge souls and deliver the Pancreator's holy purifying flame.

Toteone

Feb 02, 2011, 10:06 AM

(this was responded to above)
Respected Inquisition, we do not doubt your judgement on the primary charge and have agreed with your ruling. There are simply some houses that never believed Cathrinn's statement she didn't know until 2302 and we were hoping you would have evidence to disprove these slanderous thoughts, rumours and sayings.
We understand it will take as long as you need.
~ Channaoe Proparsic Naprous

Announcement to Imperial Community
In light of a private financial audit of our own house's financial situation, we have come to the conclusion we have made NO profit from expanding into the freeman lands, and that our increased income was a result of our first grain harvest. As such while the freeman lands we have protected/conquered/enserfed represent both a market for selling our goods as well as an area for future development we will be expanding no further. Thank you very much.

To The Imperial Eye
In light of the Inquisition's stance we hereby, if it is not already part of the investigation underway, respectfully request a full and complete evaluation of Cathrinn Naprous' and Noble House Naprous' actions in the Years of 2301 to 2303. We will offer our complete and total cooperation of course.

To the Noble Houses who would think Cathrinn's denial of her involvement before 2302 an untruth
The Massacre Regent's testimonial. The Massacre Regent's Diary... all this despite House Klorin's negative relationship and attempts to punish House Naprous after the exposure. No denial as to his nuclear plans from Dain or Klorin house, not a single denial from Klorin house off Naprous' ignorance before 2302.
No preperation of any kind whatsover, quite the opposite, selling off units!
No designs of any kind, no modifications, not even investment into biology.
No profit whatsoever, the lands are only potential profit!
The exposure of the Regent mere minutes after his talk of nuclear weapons!!
No rumours or sightings of Cathrinn in any contact whatsover before 2303.
No proof, no smoking gun, no gun, no location, no motive, no reason, no coherence!
Merely attempts to nail an ambitious and slightly greedy yet good and noble house to the wall post for its service to the Empire, for which Cathrinn Naprous paid the ultimate price, only to have her grave spat upon.

If this is the quality of noble judgment in these fading times, then perhaps the Illborne House are the Pancreator's judgment on some nobles' jealousy and intellects. For it is said that he does not need man, nor their haughty nobility, and that indeed he could raise sons of nobles out of ashes if he so required! It is the Pancreator who searches the kidneys and livers of nobles who chooses to humble those haughty and disbelieving nobles before his eyes...
But we have many who do believe us, and we believe trust, goodwill, planning and friendship between houses will ultimately win out over cutthroat suspicion, megalomania and obfuscation.

PS. We admit to slight greed and flattering the truth (not lies) at times, and that is all we will ever admit to, until the suns extinguish completely or the Pancreator returns. We WILL prove our words with astounding hard physical evidence and soft circumstantial evidence and when that day comes we WILL sue for noble libel*.
~ Channaoe Proparsic Naprous
*ominous thunder

(No OOC hard feelings if the above post is a bit intense. She's merely railing on points she thinks are salient and ignored. edit~ wow hey that came out pretty good after a few edits, hope it falls under story : D)

thomas.berubeg

Feb 02, 2011, 11:04 AM

((Nice story. It looks like you posted it twice, though))

Thanks, fixed. don't know how that happened

Ekolite

Feb 02, 2011, 11:15 AM

This government will not involve itself in the Investigation of the Church, Naporous. The Eye has far more important things to be doing at present then carrying out redundant parallel investigations.

I do not believe there is any evidence linking Catherine Naporous to the genocide committed by Kaswellan. It may be that the investigation of the church has the side-effect of uncovering evidence suggesting there was a link, but until then it is not our place to do anything when there are so many more important issues for us to deal with at the moment.

Toteone

Feb 02, 2011, 11:18 AM

Channaoe Proparsic Naprous
Age: 16

Dry ice tight in a fist. When Naprous' leadership was decapitated and decapitated once again one girl stood up to claim the second rains of day to day leadership as Rhodes Bertrand secluded himself with advisors, attaches and harem cosplay. Where Rhodes was the backbone and mind Channaoe became the sword and hand.
Dedicated to her soul from the age of six Channaoe volounteered for grueling monkish training in an obscure sect located deep in the Albrino marshes. Trained to be emotional yet analytical she succeeded beyond expectations and was given the name Proparsic at the graduation ceremony at 12, 6 years early. Volounteering to a charity organization in the E2 freedlands she was at the forefront, commanding Monks assigned as security and personally distributing food and water, rehabilitating petty criminals and killing the worse ones.
Life was fun. She enjoyed killing murderers when ordered to as much as she did carpentry for the homeless and nursing for the sick. A 1% heroine naturally able to kill and empathize even before the psychological training; temperament honed to a sharp edge by the witty banter of timeless monks.
When the Plague came she rushed to join the army, slipping in at 15 years of age and was issued bioarmor. Vigorously punishing those evil enough to forget the common good for enough to endanger others she was quickly promoted in field and led her squad to securing hundreds of immune refugees.
Two months later she was a Captain, but while this was of no consequence to her, her fiery demagoguery attracted the attention of serfs who disagreed with her. While the serfs inside the new zone were generally grateful and happy and would back her up there were no such crowds to stop anyone who disagreed with her outside from devolving into a fight. And fight she did.
Eventually one of these fights involved a few junior Authority guildsmen left behind in the freedlands and a pious young theology scholar who united against her in opinion. With three counts of severe injury and two counts of manslaughter under provocation she railed at the judge for a corrupt heart.
Indeed this would've been the end of her in a jail to rot for twentyfour years, were it not for a ruricon Patriarch.
Unable to contain his appetites Rhodes Bertrand had followed her news in the promoter stories.
Impressed that she was of distant noble birth he quickly married the young lady and by next month had promoted her to his field representative.
Not too confused by the recent events Channaoe decided she would change the world.
The next day she was told to build a physics lab. Then she vomited.
By the end of the year there had been offspring between the two and Channaoe returned to the field to her true passion.

... fairly similar portrait, credits to ZeroQDimension: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZQDMnbNBOA&feature=related

(hey, they delete a lot of videos ok)

Channaoe Proparsic Naprous, wife of Rhodes Bertrand Naprous, age 16 anno 2304 by the Grace of Our Pancreator
Intense, Combat Butler, Extensive Combat Experience, Military Command Experience, Monochrome*, Do or Die

*black and white view on certain issues

thomas.berubeg

Feb 02, 2011, 11:47 AM

hbar, I want to send in my orders soon. do you mind answering my PM? thanks alot.

spryllino

Feb 02, 2011, 12:35 PM

To House Naprous
From House Texier

We agree thoroughly that expanding further into the freemen lands would be foolish, not least because they might resist you ferociously, and we congratulate your wise decision on the matter not to expand further.

We do not desire a customs union. We have just established the proposed social group so we nobles of E2 can discuss matters concerning the nobility of E2, and invited you, but we desire to exchange nothing more through it than ideas. We remind you that a customs union is, of course, superfluous when we are on different continents and the Authority controls all the sea in between. :)

Toteone

Feb 02, 2011, 12:43 PM

Texier, from Naprous
Even Kelter the uncooperative decided to unilaterally allow universal maritime access of a commercial nature. Plus there's also air freight, but we suggest building trade ships. Duscha, when the offer was bilateral, offered only us the right to subfleet under them though it was our plan to loophole a sub-sub fleet for all the E2 community. But she does not have a navy or the power to stop trade except with aerospace fighters or, theoretically, if she has or reaches the ICBMs.
Regardless, if you do not desire a customs union w/ favorable restrictions this remains a mere reminder of Kareem's gift towards perfection.
Perhaps later.
~ Proparsic Naprous.

Diamondeye

Feb 02, 2011, 01:16 PM

To House Naprous
From The Imperial Eye

We are confirming that the Regent is indeed speaking the truth; We of the Imperial Eye know better than to try and muddle the affairs of the Holy Inquisition. Whatever truth should be cast on this case, it will be revealed by the light of the Pancreator.

We suggest that your Noble House members immidiately distangle themselves from speculating as to what the Inquisition may uncover, for it will only draw connections between yourselves and the justly executed heathen, Cathrinn Naprous. Instead, it would be proper of you to pray for the whole truth to reveal itself by His grace, for then the truth will be revealed without doubt.

Walk in Eternal Light,
Tebryn Arbandi XII, Commander of the Imperial Eye.

Terrance888

Feb 02, 2011, 01:27 PM

Gordden van Gar breathed slowly: a Lugar in one hand and a sword in another. Infront is a long corridor: behind are the only remains of his brigade. 30 men, two armoured, wielding their ceremonial weapons.

The battle ahead would be nothing ceremonial. The house he was defending was taken, and the corridor below is going to be assaulted soon. He can hear the wheeze of those still sick, and the trampling of unsoled foot above.

Suddenly, his scout fall into view. He was bleeding through too many places to count, and seemed to be missing much more than a few limbs. Gordden whispered, “May the Pancreator smile upon you” as the warlords and his men ran down the steps. The hair was thick on the freedmen’s head, and he was holding a battle axe in one hand and his own pistol, undoubtedly stolen in another raid. His lackeys followed: they were all thin and gaunt, holding pieces of wood and metal as clubs. A few seemed be protected by strapped metal plates and wielding actual weapons. The warlord sized up the corridor and his men, then charged, yelling an incomprehensible war cry, roughened by disease and famine.

Grimacing, Gordden van Gar rose his Lugar and fired. Men after men fell with a hole in his head. Behind, his remaining crossbowmen launched their payload into the swarm. However, all too soon, the battle was joined.

The hulking Warlord have survived the barrage, and swing his axe at Gordden. He expertly chopped off the axe from the handle with a flick of his wrist, and downed his last bullet in his preultimate clip into the head of the warlord. The giant of a man, no doubt once a laborer for some noble or another, fell with a thump. Behind him, however, more men still pressed on. He stabbed his sword into the face of another bandit, mashing through the eyes as he dodged a thrown shiv. Another bandit pulled his stuck comrade off the sword in time to receive a piece of lead in his face.

Beside him, his armoured guards swing their maces, mashing faces in and bones to bits. Men-at-arms swing their swords in arcs at the concentrated madness, but soon they began to fall, chewed on by the starving freedmen or hacked to pieces by the weapons.

Gordden suddenly noticed a button, shinging in the light of a fallen toarch. Hoping to activate a Vanari defense system, he pressed it as he blocked another flying shiv from hitting a comrade,

A thump announced that the far end of the corridor closed. The men looked as a scream pierced the air: a man had been crushed. A shining portcullis swung from above and bisected a man about to stab between the eye slits of one of his guards, His body separated as it fell.

A slow rumbling filled the room. Toarches are extinquished as the bandits realized that they have charged into their own prison. They cried for the mercy of the Pancreator as they scrabbled at the walls or the portcullis. However, it fell upon them. Screams filled the air as the survivers tried to hold it up or breath, but soon, it was silent but for the dripping of blood.

It suddenly rose up again, and the door was unblocked, leaving no sign of the bandits but some stains of blood and powdery brown of bone mixed with marrow. Gordden closed the ceiling again: permanently, and continued his march to the new Vanari center of command with his survivors.

He can’t wait to get his Tompson and his Combat Suit.

spryllino

Feb 02, 2011, 03:48 PM

The conservatory was dark again, but this time, in a cloudless sky, the moon bathed the dining-table in a white glow, as the Patriarch laid back again with his right elbow resting on the table. The magnificent clock, an age-old thing of gold-plated wood, hung on the wall opposite. It had had magical properties once, he had been told when a small boy. But did it? Clarke, in the days of the Armadas and the Amicable Appropriations, had been a place of magic for the Kings of the Texier. But these times were distant; now, only the names remained; all that remained for a Texier was to talk and negotiate, while the magic had drained away, as the rain in Asimov runs away from the jungle-tops. Does the rain in Asimov even flow to the sea? Who knows? What river in Asimov has had its entire path tracked from the highest peak to the estuary? Just like those rivers are maggicks flowing from nowhere to nowhere, or perhaps somewhere. Who knows? The clock was but a memory of Texier centuries of fame on Clarke, a drop of water in the tide of that estuary, as powerful as any other drop of water until it was lost, lost in a century of isolation in this plague-ridden world of thieves and monopolists.

So, what are we as impoverished descendants of a Royal House? We are neutral, which is to say we are lucky. We repelled the plague with the force of our men and we have more men than the Authority, probably. We have a sceptre; Ragel floats in space, his sceptre as lost as the Elves. We have a yacht; we didn’t marry a mass murderer. Perhaps neutrality is sometimes just a source of opportunity to gain relative to other people while they blow themselves up, rather than anything diplomatic or for the safeguarding of our own safety. It is a concept apt for weaklings, but a concept apt for the strong too. For is not the Regent neutral, and the supreme arbitrator of the Empire?

Can not a neutral intervene in the events around him? I can. I know I can. For neutrality for me is that I will not intervene in a conflict where it is to favour one party over another; we value neutrality only to the extent that we do not antagonise people conflicting over some issue by siding with one side over the other, do we not? In a situation where there is no merit or dispute of principle or rights or laws, but simply a struggle between two equally just causes where there is no difference between the two causes, is there any reason not to intervene? All our neutrality is for, truly, is not simply to gain advantages from the chaos of others: it is to preserve our power to negotiate by not having an established bias on any given principle. We trust and believe in the Pancreator through His Church; we draw profit from the Guilds; to associate with profit over piety or piety over profit would certainly harm our neutrality. But to help bring stability by helping one greedy guilder to pay back another? No, certainly, that is no abuse of neutrality, but a mere maintenance of the peace that we may get on more easily with the whole Guild better later.

So, is our neutrality what neutrality normally is? Who else has been neutral before us? No, we are the very definition of neutral.

So the Patriarch’s tired mind was frustrated by his thoughts. That was good enough. Whatever he did would be neutral if he intervened because it was not a dispute between multiple organisations. In fact, if we did not intervene, perhaps we would just be cowardly, not neutral, as this is a mindless conflict without the possibility for negotiation anyway, and there are no matters of honour or principle at stake as in true wars. Ugh, thought Jyut. That took me ages to think up, and I thought at great length too. I really need to sleep.

He dozed off, and his mind bathed serenely in the power of the silver moonlight, imagined as the light of the glow of a thaumaturgical magical lamp, brought up, like an ghost recalled suddenly from the dead of endless history, into Jyut’s night-time fantasy from his childhood stories of the ancient Texiers, and his slumbering spirit danced and reclined at once in the golden flickering of the candle before the ancient clock.

germanicus12

Feb 02, 2011, 05:30 PM

Finally found some time to post a story:

The small ship appeared dwarfed by the larger cruiser occupying the entire visual background, but still the small but courageous ship plows on, radio chatter audible from the cockpit. A female sitting next to him spoke, "Sir, the matter of the blockade still needs to be addressed, as well as the issue of piracy."
With a wave of his hand Admiral Eekin silenced her, this is his moment, he was finally about to assume command of a fleet that has been in his family for years up until the last few years when it formed the core of the Imperial Fleet. Sir Hellwind Eekin still resents his father for taking his ships for the formation of such a fleet, but he also realizes why and accepts the fact. This fleet has expanded since it last left his command, but it is still primarily an Eekin majority fleet, many of the ships are still commanded by Eekin officers and crewed by Eekin sailors and warriors. Sir Hellwind Eekin looked back at his memories of these same officers that served under him in the past and wondered if any of them are still here.

As the small ship continues towards the large Cruiser in the Assimov system, Eekin heard the pilots speaking, the radio crackling with the replies, docking procedures and general flight checkups. It bored Sir Hellwind and he tuned them out, instead looking towards his assistant, who was busy shuffling the large amount of paperwork that came with running a fleet for the Regency. Again Eekin thought back to the old days when Eekin was the most powerful house around, with his large fleet and Vladimir's excellent leadership skills they defeated.... or stopped? Sir Hellwind was not certain, but either way the Symbiots simply left and they were hailed as saviors and the protector of the Pancreator and the various Noble houses that were left. It was then his father, Vladimir rose to become Emperor on the popularity of the houses and their people. It was then Sir Hellwind's world came crashing down. His beloved ships and crews were taken to form the Imperial Fleet, his status as a Noble fell from top of the world to near rock bottom in just days. As if that were not enough, Sir Hellwind suffered an even greater tragedy, one that he fears he would never recover from, the death of his father by assassination. It was only through the loving support and embrace of his wife, Ysyrin that Sir Hellwind himself did not succumb to suicide and join his father in the afterlife.

The radio crackled loudly, startling Sir Hellwind, the pilots glanced at one another then behind them at Sir Hellwind and gave the thumbs up. The hangar doors were opening, Sir Hellwind Eekin would be home soon. As he waited for the doors to open he though of his wife, now traveling to meet him at Assimov with their first child, a new born just only a year old. Eekin was too busy fighting the pirates that he never saw his new son or held him in his arms. Unfortunately his duties as Fleet commander will keep him away from home for longer than expected, thankfully though, his wife was coming to him, bringing the boy with her. They would have a small reunion for the day before he took the cruiser and headed back to Errovus Secondus to rejoin the main fleet while his wife will in all propibility remain behind to command Eekin's personal Fleet which still has to patrol Assimov and protect local freight and passage.

A sudden jolt brought Sir Hellwind from his daydream, the pilots were unbuckling and the rear door was opening, as light filled the room, Sir Hellwind stood up and glanced around, the Grimson Legion, filled with Eekin warriors were standing at attention while the officers stood in front, the Cruiser's own captain and officers stood in front of their own crew and saluted, the captain approached Sir Hellwind and saluted before shaking his hand, "Welcome old friend." Sir Hellwind smiled, he remembered Captain Vaskaya from the old fleet and replied, "Glad to be here, I cannot believe you are still alive." Both men laughed as they marched down the aisle to the elevators. The two men were suddenly flanked by 2 Grimson warriors. When the elevator doors opened on the bridge, everyone was already at attention forcing Sir Hellwind to ask them to sit down and continue with what they were doing. The bridge suddenly sprang to life as screens beeped and officers spoke. The captain gestured to his chair for Sir Hellwind to sit, another chair was brought over for the Captain, the two began to talk about the last few years and what changes have occurred during the crew's transition from Eekin command to Imperial command.

Several hours later:

The conversation had shifted to modern events and discussions when a radio officer reported an Eekin yacht was requesting a berth, which was granted in the same hangar the dropship ferrying Sir Hellwind landed in. Sir Hellwind and Captain Vaskaya both headed down to the hangar to meet the visitors. When the elevator doors were opening Sir Hellwind saw the yacht just outside the huge doors, slowly entering, as a rapid entrance may endanger the spacecraft and those inside due to the change in atmosphere. After what appeared to be months, the yacht finally landed and the door opened, Sir Hellwind's heart leap for joy as he spotted his wife moving down the steps, she was followed by a servant who carried baby Eekin. Sir Hellwind swept them both up into his arms as the hangar crew cheered. With the yacht secured the couple and their baby went towards Sir Hellwind's chambers, which was the Captain's stateroom to meet and mingle. The Cruiser began its leisurely patrol, its last before leaving the Assimov system tomorrow.