Choices and Chances

On The Empire's Religious Policy

The Basilea Konstantina has a somewhat unique religious policy, developed from it's close proximity to the heathen Cults. In everyday life, the mere mention of one of these cults (especially the "Great Cult" to the east, which most of the Empire belives to be made up of Hellspawn) often sends a shiver down someone's spine, considering the two cults' persecution of Christians. This fear was (and still is) used by the government to justify abandoning secularism in favor of a state religion, but not in the way you'd expect. While the Empire is technically Orthodox Christian, people of other Christian branches are accepted as near-equals (with the only downsides of being a heretic being rejection of the highest government positions and 2.5% more income tax), allowing some religious flexibility within the Empire between Christian denominations.

Those who reject Christ completely, however, are not so lucky. Non-christian temples are not allowed within the Empire, and existing ones in conquered lands are completely burned to the ground. Jews and Muslims are treated poorly (10% more income tax and being unable to attain any government positions), but they have it better than the Cultists. Any man who is caught worshiping the "Great Old Ones" vanishes the next day, never to be seen again. Many believe they are burned at the stake, while others think they are thrown in a modern equivalent of an Oubliette. Followers of the Oracles have it a little better (though not by much, 20% more income tax and denial of government positions), but quality of life for them is generally very poor as well. The empire has had mixed feelings about Atheists, but they (for now) are treated the same as non-Orthodox Christians.

This has made the empire a haven for those Chrisitans persecuted by the the heathens to the north and east but may draw the ire of said heathens who dislike the intolerance of their faith. Some question if this policy is truly Godly, but they are quickly silenced by the great many refugees fleeing the heathen nations. The Patriarch of Constantinople has not yet made an official statement on the matter but seems relatively ambivalent about it. The people themselves are actually relived that the Imperial government has made this choice, feeling the government understands their desires and protected from foreign cults.

 

The Force Alliance






This was not the galaxy that they knew. Coruscant, Corellia, Korriban, these planets were all lost in a sea of unfamiliar stars. As the Sith and Republic ships entered the atmosphere of an uncharted planet, desperation set it.



Although fighting had broken out between the Sith and the Republic, eventually truce was held between the Republic and Sith. Beset on all sides by ambushes by the planetary locals, it was clear that survival was more important than their rivalries. An uneasy alliance has been formed between the two castaway factions, but the scheming between the two factions in the background certainly has not stopped.



Leading this new alliance is a Duarchy between the two most skilled force wielders. Darth Revan of the Sith and Meetra Surik, an elusive force wielder and an apparent grey Jedi. Tensions between the two are high but as their people scavenge for food, they find themselves unlikely comrades.



Now as the Alliance consolidates it's defenses, many of it's soldiers trust in the force to preserve them.

Heroes

Darth Revan: A master of the dark side of the force, he leads the Force Alliance's military to shield their lands from any threat foolish enough to trespass.

Strength: 50
Durability: 25
Intelligence: 0
Health: 25
Diligence: 0

Meetra Surik: A grey Jedi with an almost supernatural ability to persuade and lead, she leads the Alliance's diplomacy corps.

Strength: 20
Durability: 20
Intelligence: 30
Health: 10
Diligence: 10

Kreia : A sinister yet wise old woman, she's the Alliance's leader in espionage.

Strength: 0
Durability: 0
Intelligence: 75
Health: 0
Diligence: 5

Lana Beniko : Calm and studious, she handles the Alliance's domestic affairs

Strength: 0
Durability: 30
Intelligence: 10
Health: 10
Diligence: 20

Darth Marr : Calculative and pragmatic, he leads the Alliance in development and research. ensuring all resources are used effectively. He also serves as backup for Revan's military in tougher campaigns.
Strength: 50
Durability: 0
Intelligence: 0
Health: 10
Diligence: 0

 

Native Earthlings be like:

 

You are right to be afraid...but alas, there is nothing that can save you from Her wrath. If the Gatcha favours her, not even God can stop her.

 

There is still time.

 

"The Force is what gives the Jedi [their] power. It's an energy field created by all living things; it surrounds us, penetrates us, and binds the galaxy together" - Obi-Wan Kenobi

In the known galaxy, no religion is as prevalent as belief in the Force. The Force is many things; it is the energy of life that all aspects of reality are attuned to. The understanding of the connection is divided into four spheres: the Living Force, the Unifying Force, the Cosmic Force, and the Physical Force. The Living Force is the connection all living beings have with one another. It is the cyclic nature of nature; of an organism's life from birth (or sprouting) until death, and every step in between. It is the personal connections one forges in their life, the bonds of both blood and water. The Unifying Force, meanwhile, is represented as the Force as it pertains to the stars, which serves as an anchor to the rest of existence. It is the sense of the Force as the ultimate power which binds through both space and time, creating destiny. The Cosmic Force is the relation between an individual and the Force, and how they fit in the wider gestalt it creates*. It is said that those most attuned to this aspect of the Force will live after death, as a manifestation and being of the Force itself. The final aspect, the least important in theological aspects but by far the most famous by laymen, is the Physical Force. The Physical Force allows an individual to tap into the energy of life to manipulate objects, organisms, and even fate itself. The Physical Force is the Jedi Mind Trick, it is the Force Choke, it is the Sith Lightning, etc.

The Force is often, but not always, concurrently divided into two dichotomous aspects: the Light and Dark Sides of the Force. In the traditional, Orthodox interpretation of the Force, the Light Side relies on a person's peace and tranquility with the universe. A typical Light Side devotee would attempt to subordinate their emotions and sense of self to the universe at large, trying to find a greater purpose in life and death. The Dark Side, on the other hand, is derived from the individual's passion and inner strength. The typical Dark Side acolyte would attempt to exert themselves on the four aspects of the Force, using their power to subordinate them to their own will. Traditionally, individuals will attach themselves to one understanding of the Force, considering one the "true" connection one can have with the Force while considering the other an perversion. Indeed, most of recorded galactic history is based on the conflicts between the Light Side Jedi and the Dark Side Sith for ultimate control of the galaxy. Typically in galactic culture, the Light Side is considered "good" while the Dark Side is considered "evil", and there is a strong correlation of those embracing the Dark Side to eventually be consumed by the very inner demons that gives them strength**. However, the Sith would argue that the Force is simply above human (and alien) conceptions of morality; it is neither good nor bad, but simply is. To make matters more complicated in the Confederacy, the prominence of the Grey Jedi Reflet has led to the heresy known as Potentium to return to forefront. In the Potentist understanding of the Force, the Light and Dark Sides simply do not exist. There is only one, indivisible aspect of the Force, which is inherently good. The Dark Side is "evil" only in the sense that evil people are naturally inclined to tap into the "Dark Side"; their intent to do evil is what creates the perversion rather than their source of power.***

As everyone is born within the reality of the Force, everyone has a connection with the Force. Theoretically, anyone may be trained in the ways of the Force, to become a member of the Jedi, the Sith, or any other order devoted to the Force. However, in practice, select individuals are born with a far more advanced connection with the Force than the population at large. These individuals, known as "Force-sensitives", make up the vast majority of all Force users, for training non-sensitives is exponentially harder and requires more specialized regimens to unlock the base potential that sensitives are inately born as. No one is sure exactly why some are born more sensitive to the Force than others; some species like the Red Sith and Dathimorians were completely force sensitive without fail, while others such as Wookies and Hutts have little to no recorded Force-sensitives in their entire history.**** It is suspected that there is a genetic component to Force sensitivity, as being the child to even a single sensitive parent is generally the best indicator to sensitivity. However, it can show up anywhere, or not show up for that matter.

The Force, as a religion, is extremely decentralized. Although the Jedi Order has traditionally been the "face" of Force worship in the galaxy for millennia, it was, even at its height, nothing more than a particularly prevalent monastic order. Anyone who believes in the Force can be said to be a member of the Force religion. That is to say nothing of the situation in the Confederacy itself, in which only an ex-sith, his apprentice, and a heretical Jedi are the only currently known Force sensitives in the entire country. That being said, the easily demonstrable power of the Force has led to a rapid rate of conversion of Earthling natives to Force worship, with many communities erecting temples (the preferred nomenclature of both the Jedi and the Sith) dedicated to the worship and study of the Force. Without the baggage of thousands of years of Jedi control, temples of both Light and Dark Side study have propped up, although given that Reflet is the only one of the three actively trying to spread the faith (With Dooku too busy leading and completely disillussioned by both branches, and Asajj trying to figure herself out before trying to spread her word), there is a significant slant towards establish Light Side communities that follows Potentist thought.

Due to the significant presence of Christianity in the region before the arrival of the Confederacy, a syncretic faith combining aspects of the Force and Christian thought together. The prophets, including Jesus, were actually a line of extremely Force-sensitive humans; so sensitive that their ability to tap into the Force came naturally to them even without formal training. Their miracles, such as Moses's ten plagues, Joshua's destruction of Jericho's walls, and the entire New Testament was simply them using the Force. Jesus in particular was able to master the Cosmic Force, and achieved life after death by becoming one with the Force. Meanwhile, God is simply a personifciation of the Force, while the Holy Spirit is another name for the same concept. Some extraterrestials in the Confederacy who have studied Earthling culture approve of this interpretation of Earth history, but also (due to not understanding the history and animosity of the Abrahamic faiths in general, and looking at purely the worldwide prevalence of Islam as proof that it is equally as valid) wish to include Muhammad in the list of prophets as well. Most however, just find Earthling history quaint and really don't care either way; they understand there is multiple paths towards greater understanding of the Force, and that how the Earthlings find their path is their own business.

The Confederacy of Independent Systems formally does not have a policy towards religion. Since the government came from a different conceptualization of how faith is organized, where religion is extremely decentralized and personal, the need to protect free religion is just as foreign as having a state religion. Effectively, this means that the CIS has free, open practice of all religions in its borders. Even if one refuses to put faith in the Force, it doesn't really affect one's standing in the eyes of the extraterrestials. They'd only see a problem if one denies the Force exists as a literal concept, given how easily observable the Force is. In Confederate academia, the Force is just as much part of scientific study as biology or chemistry; a Force denier would be the equivalent of a biologist who denies evolution or a geocentric astronomist.

*No, I didn't get the two mixed up. Yes, it makes more sense if Unifying and Cosmic as terminologies were swapped. I didn't choose these names, however.
**The modern names for both sides of the Force even reflect that way of thought, using the traditional conceptions of light=good and darkness=evil in naming each aspect. Hence, some may prefer to use their ancient Thythonian names, Ashla and Bogan, respectively. This removes the baggage of morality in the names. However, these names predate the establishment of the Old Republic by over 20,000 years, in which by then "Light Side" and "Dark Side" has completely displaced their ancient names. They are extremely ancient terms that even most Force-sensitives would have never heard of, making their reintroduction unlikely.
***This does not mean that Potentists are gung-ho on using traditional Dark Side techniques. Some, including Reflet herself, consider what is traditionally referred to as the Dark Side as something best avoided altogether. However, they would argue the Dark Side is within themselves, rather than in the Force itself; it is man's corruption of the Force that allows such techniques to be even possible. In that aspect, Potentium could be considered to actually be two related yet distinct heresies that the Orthodox Jedi Order lumped together. Given as the heresey had only existed for about a century prior to the formation of the Confederacy, compared to the tens of thousands of years the Orthodox view has existed, the exact Potentist orthodoxy has never been settled (OOC: There's two different groups that are referred to as Potentist in Legends canon, and they couldn't be any different in terms of practical philosophy. One were chill bros and gals who ended up using the Force to create a biopunk society and just wanted to be left alone, and the other literally ended up reviving the Sith in the New Republic era. Other Potentist groups likely existed in the Legends canon but were never featured in a particular work. So I'm kind of making my own stuff up to fill holes here)
****The only Hutt Jedi in recorded history was during the New Republic era; as far as the Confederacy is aware, there has been exactly zero Force-sensitive Hutts.

(By the way, did you know there was a Banite Sith who was a Light Side user?. No way I could fit this in that mess of a post, but I just found that really cool.)

 

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Civil Flag

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Warflag

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History: The Nationalist Republic of Dorado originally started out with an uprising lead by Los Muertos against President and CEO of LumériCo Guillermo Portero. With the stated goal of unseating Guillermo Portero. Sombra leaked numerous sensitive information related to LumériCo and Guillermo Porteo with the goal of politically discrediting the president and the energy company. A series of blackouts orchestrated by Sombra attracted the attention of the wayward Nationalist Coruscantis aboard the Imperial-Class Star Destroyer NNS Valdez. The Valdez had not only a complement of soldiers and equipment to overtake a Banana Republic, but also a select inner council. The Valdez's mission was to be the first star ship to make a jump through a stargate to Earth, only to find themselves ending up in a different reality. The crew of the Valdez found themselves in a different version of Earth, The Force Alliance in the Pacific harkens back to the days of the Old Republic in the Republic of Coruscant's history. Ponies establishing themselves in England, yet aren't like The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem they've encountered prior. The only familiar face, was that of Stan Pines of the Pacific Empire.

​

With the arrival of the Valdez, the inner council made quick work to get into touch with Los Muertos and backing them with arms, supplies, and support. Grand General Radec and Sgt. Arch Dornan did most of the foot work on the side with Los Muertos, protecting the Mexican Gang from Guillermo Portero and his security team in LumériCo. The Valdez supplied surplus power to the citizens of Dorado while Sombra continues her rolling blackouts against LumériCo. Eventually, Sombra leaked more sensitive and politically damaging information on Guillermo. Leading to a greater support for the Nationalist and the crew of the Valdez. Both Grand Admiral Orlock and Los Muertos came out as supporters of Sombra, with Orlock calling for immediate resignation of President Guillermo Portero and his co-conspirators, and reparation to citizens effected by LumériCo's policies.

Within a week of Sombra's cyberhacks and the arrival of the Valdez. President Guillermo Portero resigned his position as president and CEO of LumériCo. Poseidon Energy's CEO immediately bought out LumériCo and Grand Admiral Orlock becoming the Defacto provisional leader of the remnants of the Mexican states untouched by the cataclysm that presently happens at the beginning of each IOT games. Grand Admiral Orlock recognized that they and the crew of the Valdez are stranded in this reality. Instead of reusing "Coruscant" and "Nova Terra", they've opted to stick locally and take up the "Nationalist Republic of Dorado". Orlock also recognized the need for new leadership and sought out Olivia Colomar, more commonly referred to as Sombra. To be the leader of the newly formed Nationalist Republic of Dorado.

​

Sombra's administration was radically different to Connie Marshall's, being a leader with fresh eyes. Under her leadership, the country moved towards more emphasis on technological development and industrial productivity, yet still retains the big brother aspect.

Name: Nationalist Republic of Dorado
Government: Technocratic Fascist Disctatorship
Capital City: Dorado
National Strength: Cyberhacking (Espionage)

Heroes:

Autarch Olivia "Sombra" Colomar - One of the world's infamous hackers, Sombra utilizes information to manipulate those in power.

Strength: 10
Durability: 10
Intelligence: 30
Health: 25
Diligence: 25


Grand General Mael Radec -
Strength: 30
Durability: 10
Intelligence: 10
Health: 20
Diligence: 10


Grand Admiral Orlock - One of the few surviving naval officers
Strength: 25
Durability: 10
Intelligence: 45
Health: 5
Diligence: 5


First Sargent Arch Dornan -
Strength: 50
Durability: 10
Intelligence: 0
Health: 10
Diligence: 25


Amélie "Widowmaker" Lacroix -
Strength: 20
Durability: 5
Intelligence: 20
Health: 5
Diligence: 20

 

Signups locked for the first turn, with exceptions for Terran Empress and KaiserElectric.

 

Vancouver Hierarchy







In the year 2186 CE, in a universe far from this one, the galaxy is waging a desperate war against the Reapers, synthetic-organic machines bent on purging sentient life from the galaxy.
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While the alien empires of this distant galaxy attempted to unite to assemble a super-weapon to combat this threat to the galaxy (a story for another day sadly, which I'm SURE will result in a perfectly satisfying and serviceable ending for all involved), others fought smaller wars against the machine menace. One of these warriors was Heretia Surnus, a Turian and an agent of an elite special forces group tasked with defending the stability of the galaxy known as the Spectres. Heretia and her team were escorting a small fleet of Turian refugees when they were ambushed at the Mass Relay (a massive superstructure in space that can transport star-ships through space instantaneously) by one of the Reapers, desperate to wipe out the survivors of their latest harvest. Driven to desperation, the Turian refugees deployed an experimental energy weapon to finish off the Reaper, annihilating it but triggering a chain reaction with the nearby Mass Relay that tore a hole open in spacetime, launching Heretia's ship and the remnants of the refugees into this universe, where they crash landed outside of Vancouver.

Heretia and her team reunited with the Refugees to assess the situation, confirming that they had landed not just on Earth, but an Earth radically different from the one from their universe. What little information they could pick up from their scans confirmed that they were not alone, as others groups had also traveled from separate universes to land on this discordant Earth. And by all accounts, there was no way back; the ships that were still working were restrained by unknown forces, and even the best scanning tech couldn't pick up anything beyond the sky of this new world, friend or foe. The Spectre stepped in before panic set in among the survivors, establishing her and her team as the defacto leadership of the group and led them to Vancouver to establish a base of operations, impressing on the local population of humans that they would be better off working for them as clients.

With their technology and military discipline, the Turian survivors led by the Spectre and her crew managed to annex into their territory what is now regarded as the Vancouver Hierarchy, a state run in the style of the Turian meritocracy back home, populated by a substantial amount of Turians and Humans as well as a few handfuls of other races from their native universe. The state has one goal as of now; return home and defeat the Reaper menace once and for all. It won't be easy, and it may take the resources and effort of every living being trapped on this schizo-earth, but the Hierarchy is determined to unite the nations under this noble goal, and with some of the strange new powers found here, they might just have a chance.

The future will be saved...but at what cost?

Starting Tech: Navy

Heroes:

Heretia Surnus



A Turian marine turned Spectre, highly trained in military combat and battlefield tactics as well as the use of biotics. At this point more then used to being cast out of her home, Heretia spearheads the Vancouver Hierarchy's goal to recruit or subjugate allies and return home to battle the Reapers, and with a strong nation at her back and a loyal team by her side she is willing and able to resort to anything to complete her mission.

Strength: 30
Durability: 15
Intelligence: 20
Health: 10
Diligence: 25

Taniretia "Trickster" Numotis



Heretia's childhood friend turned second in command and partner in crime. While her skills as a pilot are not as relevant as before given the conditions of the planet, she is still a capable and crafty fighter with a penchant for causing mischief and a talent for being in the right place at the right time.

Strength: 30
Durability: 10
Intelligence: 25
Health: 15
Diligence: 10

Laan'Shemin vas Ophelia



The long-suffering Quarian tech-head of Heretia's crew. While often coming across as cantankerous and irritable, especially when clearing up the damage that Heretia and Trickster leave in their wake, there's no one with more heart in the entire Hierarchy then him and he'll sooner take off his helmet and jump in the ocean then let his commander down. Always eager to explore new tech, he's excited to see what exactly the other nations have in their inventories.

Strength: 10
Durability: 10
Intelligence: 30
Health: 10
Diligence: 20

Briksar Stranak



One of the more recent members to Heretia's team, the one-eyed Krogan called Briksar who happened to be hanging out on the Turian colony that Heretia helped to evacuate who in turn offered his services to the Spectre in exchange for a hefty paycheck. Needless to say he's a little miffed about the whole spacetime thing, but he's willing to work with this Hierarchy until he gets back home. While he's still only doing it for a paycheck, he has to admit that these Turians have style, and he's eager to see what these other weirdos on this Earth are made of.

Strength: 30
Durability: 10
Intelligence: 10
Health: 10
Diligence: 10

Kira Shepard



A police detective from Vancouver and a leader of the native humans who was accepted onto Heretia's team in exchange for the humans agreeing to join the Hierarchy. Unbeknownst to her, she shares a startling resemblance in name, appearance, and mannerisms to the Commander Shepard from Heretia's neighboring universe, and the fact that she turned out to be a valuable teammate and addition to the crew makes the resemblance even more uncanny.

Strength: 10
Durability: 15
Intelligence: 10
Health: 10
Diligence: 25

 

The Tankie Gang!


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Map:


Lore:

85 millions years after the transpiration of the West Virginian' town of Grantville back to the year 1632 the Assiti decided that they would pull off their magnum opus of artistic spacetime manipulation. Combining multiple realities, and throwing rivals and alternate histories all together into a singular timeline mishmash. While truly their magnum opus, this timeline shift would be so drastic that it would become the spark that would eventually lead to the Assati's extermination by the hands of the Fta Tei, who had warned them countless times about the consequences of messing with space time. This absolute disrespect for spacetime could no longer go unchecked, and the Fta Tei concluded that the Assati can no longer be left to muck up the universe, lest their paradoxes eventually destroy the universe. However, this is not the story that we shall tell, for now we will look to to the product of the Assati's final work of art, The Tankie Gang.

***​

Comrade Trotsky was just returning home from a long day of training his penguin army, Karl Marx by his side he was about to retire to his cabin, relax reread some theory from the great Communists and Syndicalists of both the past and the present, as well as continue work on his own book - "The Revolution Betrayed: Totalism, what it is and how to fight it" - he would hope that one day he would be judged for this work, rather than his failure in the October Revolution, but for now he was content to build his Penguin Red Army. However today would be different, for he had some surprise guests, and some old friends to meet with.

***
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Comrade Stalin was sitting in his office when "the event" happened, stressed from the task of leading the Soviet Union he decided he would retire to his quarters and sleep, the Soviet Union had won - with the help of the western capitalists - against the forces of the Nazi empire that had ravaged Eastern Europe half a decade before. As Stalin opened the door to his office he stepped not into the hallway, but into a small ramshackle shack, stunned and surprised Stalin looked around, he had no idea where he was, but a sharp chill went up his body. No one was there, but he knew it was extremely cold, colder than any of the winters in Russia. Stalin explored the shack, he found many books he recognized, Karl Marx's Communist Manifesto, Lenin's What is to be Done? and of course Kapital. However there were quite a few other works he did not recognize, but the most striking was the Totalist Charter authored by Oswald Mosely, Georges Valois, Benito Mussolini, and... Lavrentiy Beria? Why would Beria work with these Fascists? He's a creeper, but he's devoted to Communism. And what in God's Name is Totalism? However Stalin would not get the answers to these questions yet, as the owner of the shack had returned home, as the door opened Stalin's eyes widened with shock at who had arrived.

***
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"Comrade Jughashvili!?" Trotsky exclaimed in surprise as he rushed to hug is former comrade.
"It's been so long since I have seen another person, I had given up hope on ever having human contact again, let alone one of my old comrades from the revolution, I thought they had all given up on me after my failures in the civil war."

Stalin was utterly shocked and confused. Why was Trotsky alive? Why was Trotsky happy to see him? What did Trotsky mean by failures, despite Stalin's own disagreements with him Trotsky had performed very well in leading the Red Army for the most part, against all odds they did win the Civil War ultimately.

"So, Comrade Jughashvili, how is Georgia by the way? Please don't tell me that Savinkov has overrun it, it was the last bastion of the Russian Social Democratic Labour Party, and the only state where it was in power."

Stalin barely understood anything that Trotsky said, who is Savinkov? And what did he mean that Georgia was the last bastion of the RSDLP? "Ummm... The Gerogian SSR is doing well enough, It wasn't invaded if that is what you're asking. Please Trotsky, slow down a bit, where are we, what are you doing here? And why do you keep calling me Jughashvili?"

"Oh I'm sorry, Jughashvili is your name right? Is there something else you'd like me to call you? Joseph perhaps?"

"No, Jughashvili is fine, just um... forget about it for now."

"Alright Jughashvili, well sorry for not bringing you up to speed, I guess I forget that no one knows where I am. Right now we are on the content of Antarctica, I have been hiding out here rebuilding the Red Army from the native penguin population since 1920 when the Civil War ended."

"But the civil war didn't end until 192...."

Stalin was interrupted by a flash of light and the appearance of another Bolshevik.

"Khruschev?" both Stalin and Trotsky questioned as he appeared out of no where.

"CORN!" Khrushchev shouted.

Heroes:


Joseph Vissarionovich Stalin (Jughashvili)
The current General Secretary of the Communist party of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (consisting of currently 3 members including himself) as well as the Chairman of the Council of Ministers (again, consisting of only 3 actual people at the moment). Comrade Stalin is still very confused as to what is happening, but he can certainly tell that this is no longer his own timeline, and it is certainly not 1945, at least he can sleep relatively well knowing that the Nazi threat to the Soviet Union has been dealt with, and at least Trotsky supports him - to an extent- now.

Strength: 25

Durability: 0

Intelligence: 25

Health: 25

Diligence: 25



Leon "Ice Pick", "The reason the October Revolution failed" Trotsky
Antic-Master of the Tankie Gang. For the past couple years after the failure of the October Revolution, disgraced he has been hiding out in Antarctica building a Red Penguin Army to revive the revolution. So far they have succeeded in taking Patagonia from La Plata, and hopes to spread the revolution further and meet with his Syndicalist Comrades. He is extremely happy to finally see another Bolshevik - even if it is Jughashvili, as his penguins are not all that conversational. Even if the communists failed, he is quite happy that the Syndicalist revolutions in France, Britain and Italy have had a significant degree of success.

Strength: 15

Durability: 0

Intelligence: 40

Health: 10

Diligence: 25




Karl Marx - (Trotsky's Piplup)
Karl Marx is Trotsky's personal pet Piplup, from yet another alternate universe, Karl was Trotsky's first friend in Antartica and has stuck by his side from day one when no one else would. Trotsky loves Karl with all his heart, and would be devastated if anything were to happen to his little friend. He even believes he can understand Karl (Like some Pokemon trainers he actually can), however Stalin dismisses this as just Trotsky going crazy from all the time he has spent alone in Antarctica.

Strength: 25

Durability: 25

Intelligence: 10

Health: 20

Diligence: 0




Comrade "I will make Stalin look like a f**king Anarchist" Pingu
Comrade Pingu is what is known as a Leftist "meme" having somehow transcended time, space, and even fiction to join the Tankie Gang. Pingu is well known for his radical support of anything that Stalin does, but will often pressure him to go even further. Pingu absolutely hates Khrushchev however. For now he has proven himself to be a useful member of Trotsky's Penguin army, but he is a wild card that will have to be watched.

Strength: 50

Durability: 10

Intelligence: 0

Health: 10

Diligence: 0


Nikita "Cornlord" "Revisionist" Khrushchev
The time jump seems to have warped Khrushchev's mind, at the moment all he seems to be able to comprehend is corn, revisionism, and has a strange desire to invade Hungary for some reason. Despite his... less than competent disposition at the moment, he does make a good yes-man... for both Stalin and Trotsky.

Strength: 25

Durability: 25

Intelligence: 10

Health: 20

Diligence: 0


Tech Specialization: Military

 

The Magi Empire is pleased to declare we set have a official list of diplomats with which nation they have been send as our emissary to. We send them to help ensure good communications. By the serene grace of Her Imperial Majesty and by the decree of Her Majesty's Chancellor we have set that the Imperial Ministry of Diplomatic Affairs has released hence the following:

 

The Empire welcomes the Magi Ambassador and will send one of our own in short time.

In adminstrative news, the Emperor finally got around to uploading sprites, so we guess that's something.

 

It's been quiet so I figured I'd give an update.

Between moving and figuring out finances I didn't have much time to get this really up and running. Hoping to have it up by this weekend! Most of the spreadsheet is complete, I largely just need to fill out the Champions/Heroes section and save any unit sprites.

 

Turn 1

Spoiler map :

Stats

The world may have burned, but sentient civilization has emerged from the ashes as with any other calamity. Humanity finds itself joined by non-human Earthlings, aliens from far away in the universe, and some groups that are just downright weird, but all of the groups share a common attribute of intelligent life. 16 civilizations have established regional prominence in particular, with analysts expecting global prominence to follow shortly.

As these states inevitably use everything in their toolkits to grow their power and influence, they will inevitably end up rivaling each other. Whether these rivalries result in peaceful coexistence or a catastrophic war remains to be seen.

But these states’ distinction from minor powers goes beyond their mere ability to project power. Each one is blessed with a cadre of talented individuals (or lower hive minds), possessing abilities far beyond that of a normal human. Whether the unbelievably brilliant polymaths of states like the Basilea Konstantina or those with the ability to use poorly-understood science in Pavetterra or the Confederacy of Independent Systems, there is a group of intelligent life forms who can be said to be the cream of the crop, those who are truly blessed by nature or some higher power. As world politics unfolds, these individuals will be the ones the world has eyes on, not just for the sake of consuming celebrity gossip, but the strangest feeling something terrible will happen should enough of them perish.

The world is entering a new stage in its life. Like a liberal arts major graduating from university and entering the workforce, the new stage is both exciting and strangely anxiety-inducing.

***

For this turn, all Champion units are hidden. Starting next turn, less intelligent Heroes will have their locations publicly visible on the map.

I have given an extra 10 XP to all Champion categories, having not expected anyone would pick 0 XP for a category. Note the extra XP you have to spend each turn on the far right of your Hero tab. This is to be distributed among all your heroes.

A quick overview of the map key: in the lower left you can see several unit types and numbers. I use these for quick copy/paste. The leftmost item, looking like a clump of buildings, indicates a city. The next one that looks vaguely like an aircraft carrier represents a navy, and the one that looks like a flag represents an Army; Navy and Army pieces will have a number next to them indicating their presence, and will have a color to indicate allegiance. Finally, the triangle, meant to invoke a pyramid, represents a wonder.

There are several provinces on the map shaded in gray. These are “cradles of civilization,” well-developed provinces that were once at the heart of greater states that have long since declined. While they remain wealthy and well-guarded, they are not the powerful states they were. They are run by the same rules as any other one province minor, keeping to themselves and not conducting any foreign campaigns (barring a horrible backfire if a Champion unit tries something on them). If you capture one of these cradles, lush in cities and possessing a wonder, you will receive a huge boost in power; if you somehow capture two or three Cradles, you will become extremely powerful, due to the exponential gains from having more wonders. The quest to conquer (or keep others from conquering) the Cradles is likely to shape much of the early game. Bear in mind that due to their heavy urbanization, they are difficult to seize.

Besides the Cradles, there are 30 provinces around the world (most of them in close proximity to a particular player) with a city in them. Capturing cities will yield more population than provinces without, but they also tend to be better defended. Asia and Africa in particular are rich in urban centers.

Everyone has received a bonus 15 EP in each tech category (100 EP in Trade), while people who have something as their specialty have received an extra 5 EP (33 EP for Trade, for balance purposes) in their specialization category. In essence, even if you don’t invest in any tech this turn, you’ll have a chance of earning it next turn.

Re: sneak attacks. Due to the fact armies have to physically move between provinces and the ability of Navies to block a landing force, there is no “early warning system” as in prior IOTs I have run. You should use your better judgment in how poorly defended you leave any borders or coastlines. Remember that even a single army is very powerful on the defense if the defense bonuses are all applicable.

On the subject of multiple players attacking the same province: if you don’t have orders specifying to eliminate any rival power’s forces in your orders, and the territory falls, the territory will fall into disputed status between you. Benefits will be split proportionate to how large your force is versus the other rival’s force. This is not a problem if you have intelligence on the rival attacker, as you can specify to have your forces attack after theirs in this case.

GM’s strategy notes for this turn:

All civilizations should make a point to build another city. As you can only build one city per turn, it is logical to emphasize finishing one whenever you have a spare one. City placement can be strategic: while they are the heart of your economy, they also bolster a province’s defense, so it can be beneficial to place them on your borders/coasts (though this carries the risk of losing much of your economy if they fall; it’s a risk/reward situation).

Everyone has 5 Navies, which are currently in port. As neutrals do not field navies, it is possible to fully load your fleet and send it anywhere in the world to take neutral territory. There are several poorly-guarded coastal neutral territories around the world (it is worth noting which weak coastlines are close to weakly-defended interiors). Global imperialism will allow you to quickly build up your economic base, but it will also require you to pay closer attention to world affairs to ward off possible threats to your colonies; a strong navy is a must to maintain a colonial empire.

Here's a cheatsheet to determine the best attack zones for neutral territory (cities not accounted for); the second number is their battle score, all else being equal.

Attacking a 1 unit province overland: 1.1 (you get a +20% to your side if the province is coastal)

Attacking a 2 unit province overland: 2.2 (you also get 20% to your side if the province is coastal)

Attacking a 1 unit province overseas: 1.3 (and you would get an automatic +20% to your side due to naval superiority)

The best strategy for expansion is to attack neutrals defended by 1 Army on your border, but if you don’t have any, it is better to look for one-army provinces overseas instead.

Now let’s account for cities. If your options are throwing everything at a coastal city guarded by 5 units or spreading your forces over 5 overseas territories defended by 1 unit each…

Coastal City attacked overland: 12 vs. 7.25; increase of about 15 Pop and 2 Infra, or 13 EP. Pop growth increased by 1 per turn.

Coastal countryside attacked overseas: 2.4 vs. 1.3. All victories gives about 12 Pop and 2 Infra, or 4 EP. Pop growth increased by 5 per turn.

If you are close to a coastal zone you want to keep people from taking, you can direct your navy to guard it. Just bear in mind the more coastline your navy guards, the weaker it gets in each battle due to being spread out.

Beyond those general guidelines, move to press your advantages. Engineering states should focus on wonders and infrastructure. Army, Tactics, and Mobility states should try to increase how many troops they can field. Espionage states should begin spy recruitment. Trade states have no particular strategy, as they get rich off everyone else’s expanding economies; you have the benefit of going in whatever direction you choose, though you should keep your Navy respectable to prevent a blockade down the road. Regardless of your specialty, remember the ability to balance risk and reward; you could try for 40 armies with 1 EP per Army and possibly win them all, or none. Or you could simply spend 5 EP per army and get 8 guaranteed. The choice is yours!

Remember that each turn, you receive 1 CP if you get orders in on time, 1 CP for your first diplomacy post, and 1 CP for your first roleplay post.

 

The Emperor and his Bureau have established a formal diplomatic stance on the other powers of the world, and in their wisdom have released the following information:

The American Powers all are considered neutral and the Empire does not currently have any issues with any of them. So long as they leave the Empire alone and do not attack any local Faithful, no hostilities shall be declared, but the Emperor states he has no interest in helping the states there either.

Equestria as well is mostly neutral. So long as they do not attempt to claim the Mediterranean, there will be no hostilities.

Belgium is a respectable state, and the Empire will not attempt to provoke them or make any acts of aggression on them for the time being. Perhaps a formal non-aggression pact could be pursued if they desire.

The Oracular Domain is not considered friendly for the time being, and the Emperor has made hostile statements towards all the "new cults" (including the Domain, though he never mentions it). However, the Emperor has not made any threats towards the Domain directly, although most likely he is focusing on another front...

The Grand Cult. The very name sends a wave of terror down any Imperial citizen's spine, and the Emperor desires nothing less than it's complete and utter annihilation. The Empire considers the cult to be demonic, and unless things change dramatically, the Empire will never coexist peacefully beside them.

Not much is known to the Empire of the Chaldean Security Organization other than vague rumors that it is just as demonic as the Cult. Chaldea is hard to reach, however, and so nothing else is really known to the Empire about it.

Myxlomyleza is currently regarded with caution by the Empire. Whatever it does, the Empire will try to keep as close of an eye on it as possible.

the Pacific Empire and Force Alliance are both considered neutral like the American powers.

Hangzhou reminds the Empire of the Venetians which helped sack Constantinople in 1204, so the Empire has a wary attitude towards them. The Empire might pay them off if tensions escalate, remembering the disaster, or it might simply invest in a powerful navy. The Emperor has remained silent on this matter.

Attached is a map of territories that the Empire claims are its rightful territories. Opposing or disputing Imperial claims is a very bad idea.

 

Note on Turn 0 RP that was outside the signup post:

I will count that as RP for this turn, for everyone's convenience.

Note that if one posts additional RP this turn, it will not count towards next turn. Every turn onward's posts will only carry bonuses for that turn.

 

To: Everyone
From: Gudako

I was talking to my good friend Attila the Hun the other day, as she told me about a hilarious prank she pulled back in the day. Sometimes she would make people pay her tribute in form of giving her all their stuff in exchange for her not burning down their bad civilisations. I thought that was hilarious, so I am going to implement a similar policy.

If you give me tribute I will be more inclined to delay your inevitable destruction. The more tribute, the more likely that will be. And perhaps if you send me really good amounts of tributes, I might even be convinced to prank your enemies for you. Would that be the best? Send your tributes in today!

 

Attention: we would like to declare that we the mark first new members that be joining us...

We show our plans to avoid a contest with other powers over them.

Bless the Empress!

 

The Imperial Foreign Office hereby declares the following as the natural borders of the empire. We politely ask that this sphere of influence be respected but will make it known that incursions into this area without prior discussion will invoke diplomatic penalties.

Furthermore, in the interests of avoiding unnessesary clashes, the Empire intends to send forces into Queensland, Tasmania and New Zealand's South Island in the near future.

Thank you.

​

(full RP post coming shortly)

 

In the past, long before Myxomyleza filled every ditch & choked every river in its domain, it had been confused by the actions of human traders it had observed; why would these things exchange items? Furthermore, why would some exchange items for worthless scraps of plant material? Clearly, some new Understanding was needed.

One Understood trader later, and it all made sense- these humans could not produce everything they needed by themselves, and many lacked essential survival skills. This 'trading' was simply a way for two specialized humans to support one another. What's more, the scraps of cotton fiber & wood pulp apparently served as an exchange medium of some kind- if one human had no use for the skills or products of another, but the second had use for them, they could substitute this medium for actual useful things, and use it to trade for a third party's products or labor. How resourceful of these humans- it's simply genius!

Myxomyleza quickly decided that humans might by more receptive to Understanding if it was a 'trading partner' instead of friendly observer, but what did the gestalt slime have that the humans might want? The great being went on a journey through the memories of already Understood humans, speedily determining that there were numerous items which many humans prized, and that it could synthesize rather easily.

Sadly, the first human that Myxo tried to trade with reacted much the same way that non-trading humans had, and Myxo was forced to Understand the being without their consent. The singlemind's memories did provide a solution to the slime mold's problem, though: even when approached as a prospective trader instead of a friend seeking Understanding, the humans remained fearful of Myxomyleza's form.

Several experiments & forced Understandings later, Myxomyleza had its solution- leaving the body intact following Understanding allowed the slime to pilot it, and while humans were a bit put off by Myxo's new traders, none fled in an emotion that resembled abject terror (but couldn't possibly be, for how could one be terrified of something that only wishes Understanding?) or got violent (how rude, attacking a friend like that!).

Myxomyleza's products, custom-designed to be irresistible to humans, were soon spreading like wildfire between the villages; the humans couldn't get enough of the slimy concoction Myxomyleza was hawking, and given enough time, most trading partners were more than willing to be Understood, so long as continued trade was promised. That condition mystified Myxomyleza- didn't they know that they would be unable to use the substance once they'd been Understood?- but the slime was not one to turn down willing partners.

As time passed, word of the slime's products travelled far & wide, and Myxomyleza began to encounter humans who rebuffed the trading attempts- the cruel, jealous beings accused the kindly slime of being a 'heartless drug dealer,' a 'predatory destroyer of communities,' and other mean, false things. Myxomyleza was simply providing a product that humans enjoyed & that facilitated Understanding- how could anyone be opposed to that? What's worse, these slanderers had convinced all the remaining surrounding villages to turn away the slime's traders!

Naturally, these naysayers had to be forcefully Understood, to see what could make them spread such lies around. Weirdly, all their memories seemed to indicate that they were opposed to any product that could make a human crave Understanding. Resigning itself to the fact that it would never learn what made these humans act so hurtful, Myxomyleza began designing alternate trade goods to get around the misinformation. These new goods did not bring such a great desire for Understanding, but Myxomyleza judged that an acceptable trade-off for a lesser chance of future lying alarmists turning humans against it.

These efforts were wildly successful, and soon Myxomyleza's goods were in consumption across not just Africa, but the globe. What's more, some traders began approaching the slime of their own accord- having never heard the falsehoods spread by those who so evilly sought to prevent Understanding, their minds were fair & untainted, and they saw only a trading partner (many of them had become accustomed to weirdness in their travels around the globe). What's more, these traders brought products of their own- most were utterly useless, but a select few radiated delicious magic like a bonfire, and these were eagerly snapped up. Trade routes were quickly set up, and- much faster than the slime had anticipated- its goods had reached a wider audience than ever before, and it was considered a foremost trading power of the world.