Galactic Dreams(Stellaris, Interactive/Community)

[chesapeake]

Standard response: Praise be to Boojie! (option #2).

I must hear from the other leaders of the Collective before making a decision on our foreign policy approach over the long term.

[Brian Swartz]

2204, Part I

Due to the importance of the system, the Laggasch popped back over to Impal Tov to see if the Betas were still around. Arriving on the final day 2203, They were, so leaving back the way they came, they proceeded past Chergamore to the red M-class star Wollaeus. One final thing on the archaeological find on Chergamore IV:




2004.01.12 -- An interlude of investment in the military is now completed. Adm. SirFozzie has five corvettes, and Gen. Eusrim a second army with which to defend our homeworld. All resources are now shifted back to the primary goal of expanding the economy. there are yet a couple more stations to be built in Maghama.

02.? -- A ton of stuff in the first few days of February. Dr. Coffee Warlord is now up to a ** researcher. Secondly, Deesh, upon arriving in Wollaeus, reports sensor contact with not one, but two new species. One, classified Delta, is in this system while the other, Epsilon, is in the system beyond, called Benzar. Both are classified as hostile.

He will move on to Wexellia, a bluish class-A star system. It seems our ability to decipher ways to communications with these new species and, hopefully, subequent diplomatic efforts, will be the key to exploring this part of the galaxy. The Deltas have three ships near some kind of station over a gas giant in the Wollaeus system, while the Epsilons in Benzar are probably best descriped as simply a white, intensely energetic mass.








02.18 -- Dr. Perj reports a primitive proto-civilization has been discovered on Rimdur III. Apparently they have mastered fire and have a spoken language, but no metallurgy and/or written communications. He is now up to *** as well.

03.07 -- Arriving in Wexellia, there are no other ships but a space station in orbit over one of the planets. The Laggasch investigates cautiously, with Fleet Intelligence having classified this as a neutral contact ...




04.01 -- Having waited longer than anticipated, the Mildrosch begins a new energy station in Maghama. The next day, Dr. David Corperial announces the completion of New Worlds Protocol. With this, it's time for new orders from a variety of officials. Before we get to that, here's an updated map of our part of the galaxy. The Kroll Star Commonwealth is 'below' us, with their home system of Krolldar and the boundaries of their territory shown.

[Brian Swartz]

So before I get to the next set of briefings, we have some reaction to our first interaction with the Kroll, having communicated the Inquisitor's message. The common trout in the sea has reacted with mixed feelings. This confirms that there is other advanced life in the galaxy; that we are not only not alone, but there are other species with similar capabilities and intelligence to our own. It is believed that the Kroll present both an opportunity and a potential threat, and that we must be wary.

It appears they have the same attitude towards us at this early stage. To the best of our knowledge they have similar capabilities to us in every aspect, a true equal in that regard. They have a slightly positive opinion of us due to our intervention on behalf of their crew, which will dissipate gradually over the next few years. We will counteract that by overcoming the initial natural distrust, so any slide in our relations is expected to be minimal.

Other factors will have a more long-term impact though. The main thing in our favor is that they xenophiles, leading them to value and desire positive relations with all species. They operate as a military junta internally, but value all forms of sentient life and seek to form positive interstellar bonds. The primary causes of strife between our two empires appear to be a couple of our policies. They don't like the fact that we allow slavery, but they hate the fact we reserve the right to purge any undesirable elements within our society, even though this has not yet come up. The purge factor is triple that of the slavery factor in their eyes, and completely neutralizes their earnestness to greet all races in a positive manner. Combining these factors makes our relationships the current 'wash' that they are.

[Coffee Warlord]

Boojie demands the nonbelievers be purged!

[Brian Swartz]

Research Director's Briefing: Dr. David Corperial

With the completion of New Worlds Protocol, you have some issues to attend, to put it mildly. The next primary research path will come from one of these:

** Doctrine: Space Combat(Military Theory, 240) -- Our naval capacity will increase by 10%, allowing a larger navy that we can currently support.
** Genome Mapping(Biology, 240) -- The lifespan of all of our leaders will increase by 10 years. Additionally, our increased understanding of our own biological needs will allow a 10% increase in food production.
** Orbital Hydroponics(Biology, 240) -- Unlocks Orbital Hydroponics Farms, a module for our spaceports that will produce enough food to feed three additional pops on any spaceport that builds one.

In addition to this, we now have four alien species awaiting study from your department. Alpha are the species that caused a stir but ultimately bypassed us and left our territory. The Betas has been in Impal Tov for years, the green crystalline things. Delta has the ships and orbital station of some kind in Wollaeus, and Epsilon are those we saw in Benzar on long-range scans, the white energetic blobs of whatever.

If you wish, Dr. Corperial, you may choose to study all, none, or any amount in between of these races before taking on whatever new research path you choose. What path shall we take, and will we take time now to study any of these aliens? You are now on the clock.


Governor's Briefing: JIMGA

Things are going smoothly on Humboldt. In a year or so you will probably be given funds to expand operations in a couple of provinces, but right now expanding our off-world mining operations takes precedence by order of Inquisitor Laren. The latest research advance does give you one more tool in your toolbox though. A new Planetary Edict. Which you can't use, because all planetary edicts require 150 influence, lasting over ten years. We presently have 127.

So basically I'm just here to tell you that there's another option that you can't use or do anything about :P.


Inquisitor's Briefing: Roe Laren

It's been quite the year for you, hasn't it? At this point there is an opportunity to revisit our economic priorities. The Collective now has the possibility of considering investing in a colony ship, now that Dr. Corperial has provided the plans for what would be a huge step -- going forth into space and settling a new world!

It would not be cheap. At present our monthly mineral surplus stands at 17.7, and building a ship with all the required materials for settling another planet would cost 315 -- the production of nearly 18 months, a year and a half. It would also take just under a full year to build. The expense would not end there -- setting up a new colony takes a full year once the ship arrives, at a considerable cost of 8 energy a month. We would likely dip into our reserve a bit during this time, we have a monthly surplus right now but it's not that high. After things are up and running, the new colony would need periodic investment to build and upgrade provincial structures as well. For many years, the economic contribution of a new colony is very minimal, until it has time to build up.

On the other hand, it's the only way to both grow our numbers and expand our territory at the same time. It's not a question of whether we do this, it's a question of when and how urgent it is. We have plenty of options for getting more energy -- there are a couple of good places for stations in Solaris Troutentis, we're building one more in Maghama, we've found some in Swur ... but minerals are more limited. We could build a couple stations and add 4 more from Norgon, build another mine on Humboldt for a couple more, but that's about it.

There's a couple questions here. First and most pressing, how quickly should we try to get a new colony up and running? A few proposed courses of action:

** Stations first. Get the mining stations going in Norgon and get enough energy to support the colony without going into our reserve. This means 2-3 years, maybe a hair more, investing in stations before we start saving up, but we could save up somewhat faster at that point which would eat into that delay a little bit.

** Save for the colony ship immediately. Only vital needs will interrupt this priority.

** Middle ground. Split the difference by adding a couple stations, a new bit of infrastructure or two on Humboldt, then going for the colony ship.

The second question is where do we go? There are three options in three different systems. May I suggest that the Inquisitor would be well served to peruse the map and refamiliarize herself with the locatons of these systems. I would also suggest that the feedback of other officials might be particularly useful in this. It certainly doesn't need an immediate answer; it just needs one by the time the colony ship is finished. Every planet is different; none of these is quite going to feel the same as Humboldt(80% habitability) but they are all ocean worlds and as close as we are going to get.

** Maghama II. A size 18 world, though we can access only 13 with current technology. Surface resources bonuses of 6(4) food, 2(1)energy, 8 minerals, and 5(4) research. Number in parentheses there is what we can access with current abilities, if less than the full total. This would expand our territory down, in the direction of the Kroll, but would not give us any more star systems in that direction until it grew quite a bit due to the distances involved.

** Norgon III, a size 20(14) world. With the right technology, it could be as productive as Humboldt itself. Bonuses of 3 food, 2 energy, 7(5) minerals, and 9(6) research. As can be seen clearly, our population would not grow as fast here as on Maghama, but it could be a real haven of scientific advancement. This would extend our range 'up' and to the right, allowing us to develop mining stations in Leesak before too long and Hodranus probably later. It might be close enough to Leesak to extend sensor range there in case anyone crosses the galactic arm in this direction, but it might not. We aren't sure on this matter.

** Leesak IIb is the largest of three significant moons surrounding it's planet, yet it is still of considerable size at 19(13). Lots of toxic kelp, so our ability to get the most out of it would hinge on finding a way to deal with that. 5(3) food, 3(2) energy, 9 minerals, 7(4) research. Lots of building materials here, and Corperial would love it -- six of the seven research are things that would benefit the Society Dept. Strategically, the main value of this system is that it would provide constant surveilance as an early-warning area on the edge of the nebula by the galactic arm. Additionally, it would also allow us to develop more off-world resources. Aside from the colony itself, there are recommended locations for six stations totalling 6 energy and 7 minerals. Until our territory encompasses Leesak however, we can't develop it and we don't yet have the resources to place an outpost here. Norgon would eventually allow us to claim them, but colonizing Leesak directly would get that done sooner.

Inquisitor Laren, you are on the clock. Again. I'll pause here to give the Collective's leadership some time to ponder these matters.

[chesapeake]

Have we made any interior investments? What is the current state of play on the ground on the home planet?

I am also interested in receiving input from the Collective on colonization targets.

[Brian Swartz]

Here's our homeworld:



The two 'empty' provinces are probably going to become mines at some point -- either that or power plants, but mines look they'll be needed more. So we could take care of those. Also needed eventually are more hypdroponic farms. We've +3.4 in food right now so building them right away would be of marginal benefit in terms of growth. So far we've built the power plant(top row, third column) and a mine(bottom row, also third column).

We have two mining stations in Solar Troutentis, two more in Maghama, with an energy station also there and another one being built. We've been doing mostly interior development actually as ordered.

[DavidCorperial]

We Will Research Genome Mapping, but before that, we will research all 4 aliens.

[JonInMiddleGA]

The governor takes a moment from his busy schedule of grinding the populace to a bloody stump with their work schedules to respectfully suggest that Norgon III appears to be the most promising of the current candidates for eventual colonization.

While the governor appreciates the rapid growth (more workers, yay) potential of Maghama II, the suitable environment & location of Norgon III makes it a stronger candidate.

[SirFozzie]

I know that I am but a mere Admiral, as opposed to the Inquisitor, but while I praise Boojie that all of our contacts so far have not led to conflict, I am worried that there will be contact with those who do not praise our divine one as we see fit. That is why we were given the gift of the stars, to spread the Divine Word everywhere. Either peacefully... or not so much. While it would be.. regrettable, it is still best to be prepared for whatever hardships Boojie has prepared for us, and we can not, no MUST not be found lacking militarily.

[chesapeake]

I choose continued moderate infrastructure development while saving for the colony ship - the so-called middle ground. And I'm leaning towards colonizing Maghama so that we can begin to stake our claim to the space between us and our nearest neighbors. But we do not need to make a final decision on colonization until the ship is built.

[Brian Swartz]

I was just about to advance the game anyway -- your timing is quite good Inquisitor.

[Brian Swartz]

We are now a couple years 'behind' which is no problem at all -- an ill-considered choice is often a bad choice -- but it does mean that I'll be continuing the timeline as quickly as orders permit for a bit here.

2004, Part 2

06.15 -- Another anomaly to investigate for Dr. Aslik Deesh. Apparently some debris from fleet action, 22% risk factor.

06.22 -- Rimdur survey complete. Dr. Tellis Perj reports that there are no resources to be found, but some matters of interest to the physics dept. He continues sweeping the area, moving on the class-M star Ferathon.

Meanwhile, we have now finished surveying enough habitable worlds to satify Society Dept. Director David Corperial. Here is the department's take on what we have uncovered:




Both the Society and Engineering departments will benefit considerably here, accelerating their efforts for about two years each.

7.10 -- Ferathon has a single arctic world, nothing that we can settle.

7.17 -- The second energy station is ready in Maghama. Much to Dr. Corperial's chagrin, the Mildrosch will now journey to Norgon to build a pair of mining stations there without getting a research station up and running yet. After that, by the word of Inquisitor Laren, all building materials other than what is needed on Humboldt will be set aside for building a colony ship to send to unknown destinations.

8.21 -- Deesh reports in on the anomaly in Wexellia. His report follows, but I note here for the record that we have been quite fortunate. Most of them have been low-risk, but Boojie smiles on our efforts to research anomalies for certain. By the law of averages we ought to have failed at least one by now.




Pursuant to Dr. Warlord's standing orders, Deesh was givfen prompt funding approval, and began investigating the wreckage immediately.

9.23 -- Having arrived in the Norgon system about a week earlier, the constructor begins work on the first mining station.

10.2 -- The Society Dept. has finished analyzing the readouts from the Alpha aliens, and moves on to the Betas. They have been named the 'Tiyanki', and the recommendation is simply that we maintain a respectful distance should they again journey to our part of space.

2004 comes to a close with no further news of significance. The fifth year of our journey is complete.

[Brian Swartz]

01.02 -- We ring in the new year with Dr. Frank Justyce moving up to ** in skill.

01.04 -- Another two days, and the first mining station has been finished in Norgon. One more to go.

02.05 -- Ferathon has been fully surveyed, revealing modest amounts of energy and minerals. The yellowish star Joinum is next up for Perj.

2.24 -- Dr. Aslik Deesh reports that the damaged ships on Wexelia I were too degraded to yield any immediately useful technologies. A permanent research station might still yield productive results to the Engineering Dept. however. Of course, we lack both the funding to do so and with Wexellia out of our territory, the logistical ability as well. Deesh returns to his sweep of the system, having learned a considerable amount from the process, while Dr. Warlord will continue his study of the Troutstones.

2.25 -- Arriving at Joinum, Perj reports only one desert planet and the rest completely devoid of life.

4.02 -- The Beta report is finished, and Dr. Corperial moves on to the Deltas, halfway through with analyzing the alien species. The next day, the very busy Deesh has another report from Wexellia. The mysterious space station has been investigated, and on the moon it orbits a species that appears to be on a similar path but just a little behind us and the Kroll has been discovered. They call themselves the Shantari, and have early space-age technology as evidenced by the orbital station. Aslik is quite excited by this and urges an observation post be constructed in the system, before he remembers that like the earlier find in this system, it is beyond our current reach to support such an endeavor. Still, it is worth noting that in his estimation it is only a matter of time before the Shantari venture beyond their world and join the galactic community ...

04.07 -- After a few days, the following report from Dr. David Corperial demanded the Inquisitor's attention ...




Inquisitor's Briefing: Roe Laren

For clarification, these are the greenish crystalline thingamajigs that have prevented us from surveying Impal Tov multiple times. How shall we react here?

** Authorize the remote study
** Send in the fleet

The constantly bothered Inquisitor Roe Laren is now on the clock again.

[chesapeake]

Study them remotely

[Brian Swartz]

So ordered. And now the ball goes to ...

Research Director's Briefing: Dr. Frank Justyce

Remote study of the crystals has been indicated. It is a three-month task, with your current study of Deflectors having 16 months remaining.

** Study the crystals now
** Finish with the Deflectors. This issue can be revisited at that time.

Dr. Frank Justyce, you are now on the clock. What direction will the Physics Dept. take?

[muns]

Still good stuff. Boojie continues to provide for us

[mrkilla22]

Let's Study the crystals now.

We can finish the deflectors afterwards.

[Brian Swartz]

Sounds good. Editing previous post as I forgot to mention that you are now up to ** skill as of earlier in the year.

[Brian Swartz]

2005, Part 2

05.20 -- The Mildrosch completes the final mining station in the Norgon system, and is headed home. It will evenutally receive its thruster upgrade, but that's on the back burner right now.

Having tapped all available mineral resources within our territory at the moment, we are now a little over 21 in surplus per month. At that rate it will take a little under a year before the colony ship is ready, though in actuality it's going to be a bit longer due to the needs of Humboldt. Still, time is running short for a decision on where we go, with one voice having been raised in favor of each of Norgon and Maghama so far ...

6.26 -- Wexellia survey is finally finished. The Laggasch has been in the system for nearly 17 months. They will move on to Liram, a yellow star that is the closest to Kroll space that we have access to. Almost certainly it will eventually be swallowed up by the Star Commonwealth, making it a priority to find out what's there before that happens.

7.07 -- Dr. Justyce presents the Engineering Department's report on the crystals. It's rather lengthy, but here's a summary. It seems, lacking a better alternative, that they will be known henceforth simply as the Crystalline Entities.




Our gathered knowledge in this area has allowed us to master the technique of Crystal Sonar. Due to our increased understanding of them, any system they occupy can be surveyed instantly for a cost of 30 energy credits. We may put this to use soon in Impal Tov, if indeed they are still there ...

7.12 -- Deesh reports Liram has another new species, designated the 'Eta'. Dr. Corperial's list of work grows once more ...




A 'blind jump' to another yellowish star, K-class, which is beyond our sensor range on the edge of Kroll space is next up for him.

8.8 -- The new system is designated Sarack, and has multiple habitable worlds though none fit for a marine species such as ourselves. Still it is very much worth investigating.

09.? -- The Mildrosch is back in orbit at Humboldt, allowing us to save a small amount of energy that went to it's upkeep.

10.1 -- We are over halfway to saving up the materials needed for the colony ship, but as mentioned our homeworld is in need of some investment first. It is time to build another hydroponics farm to ensure we stay ahead of the curve on keeping our numbers growing. The next day, the study of the Deltas is completed, and the Society Dept. moves on to Epsilon.

10.7 -- The Delta report reveals that this particular contact are drones. Ancient mining drones, to be exact, serving and protecting an automated mining station that, incredibly, dates to millenia ago, though it has been long abandoned. Observation clearly indicates their operative protocol is to respond aggressively to any approach. In keeping with established policy we will study them from Humboldt. This matter will occupy the Engineering Dept. for a few months, further delaying the Troutstone studies.


The rest of the year passes without anything notable. It is expected that construction of the colony ship will begin sometime in the second half of this year, with Humboldt needed another provincial construction project in the interim. Still, the time to make a decision on that front is not all that far off now ...

[AnalBumCover]

My vote would be to colonize Norgon.

[Brian Swartz]

2206

01.07 -- Mining drone study completed. It turned out to be somewhat dull, what with the constant montonous optimizing of production from the mining station, but still informative. There were a couple of interesting discoveries. The drones are not completely silent, emitting signal pings at periodic intervals. There is no evidence than anyone is listening or responding, but they are clearly still trying to communicate with someone or something.

The second thing is that we learned quite a bit about the likelihood of various systems to contain substantial mineral deposits from this study. There are five regions of the galaxy that we are now more interested in as a result of this. Unfortunately they are considerable distances away -- it is quite possible that no Architreuthis alive today will live to see them exploited. Nonetheless it is worth keeping these locations in mind as our explorations continue. The locations are marked on the map below:




2.22 -- Aslik Deesh has discovered another civilization on the continental planet Jallida, fourth orbit in the Sarack system. A species calling themselves the Qell'Nudar, not nearly as advanced as the Shantari, has all the markings of an Iron Age achievement and has spread over most of the surface of the planet.

3.06 -- The Joinum system has been surveyed, revealing a moderate amount of minerals. The Odolss moves on to the bluish system Vermillion, an important chokepoint system leading further out in our arm of the galaxy. The next day, it is reported that Sarack has been fully swept as well with some mineral deposits found there as well. The Laggasch will backtrack some, moving three jumps to eventually reach Siccon as it sweeps around the right side of Kroll territory.

3.23 -- The initial report on Vermillion is that it is devoid of any form of life despite several small planets in orbit.

4.02 -- Initial research into the Epsilons from Benzar has been finished, and Dr. Corperial moves on to the Eta. At least for now, they are the last species his team needs to investigate ...

4.07 -- Epsilons identified as 'Void Clouds'. This seems a matter for Dr. Justyce and the Physics Dept. The initial report states that they are 'like a cloud of luminous star-stuff, billowing in the dark.' Luminous star-stuff. If that's the best our brightest minds can come up with ...

It continues. Apparently the Priests of Boojie are completely convinced these are divine heralds of some time. Whether or not that is the case, it is clear they are immensely powerful and deserving of respect.

4.? -- Hydroponics farm finished on Humboldt and a new mining network is begun. This should be sufficient for our homeworld for a while, and all efforts return to the colony ship.

4.28 -- The Siccon system has a single desert planet, nothing habitable. Other than the three systems nearby in the Grasping Claw Nebula, we still have yet to find a single planet that we could potentially settle ...

6.24 -- Deesh reports readings indicating ruins of an ancient precursor civilization on Siccon III, and will investigate. Risk factor of 15%.

07.07 -- Report on the Void Clouds is complete. We have concluded that they are stewards of the cosmos. After some analysis, Dr. Justyce's astronomers found traces of them almost everywhere. His summary is rather emphatic:

"Formed at the dawn of creation, they stood watch as stars were lit and planets formed. Now they drift, quasi-conscious agglomerations of inanimate matter from the earliest hours of time itself, afloat between dying stars and breaking worlds. They are a constant reminder that we all are but small parts of something greater."

I particularly like 'quasi-conscious agglomerations of inanimate matter'. I doubt very much that Frank Justyce even knows what that really means himself. What is certain is that this discovery has delighted our citizens, and given the Collective a permanent +5% happiness bonus.

09.01 -- Deesh reports that the ruins on Siccon III are apparently from a mining base that was once operated by the Vultaum Star Assembly. This is our first chance to learn more about the Vultaum, but unfortunately we lack anyone with the requisite to skill to properly investigate this in more detail. It will have to be revisited at another time. Here's an artists rendition:




Apparently the remnants were found at the bottom of a large crater, and apparently it was once used for helium-3 production. The most curious part of it is that the crater blast originated from inside the facility, yet it does not seem likely that it was equipment failure or an accident ...

10.01 -- The colony ship is finally in production at our spaceport in Solaris Troutentis. It will be just under a year before it is finished.

10.02 -- The Eta have been researched, and termed 'Space Amoebas'. This will require the continued attention of the Society Dept. for another few months. About all we know is that they are large, ornery creatures, bigger than our typical corvettes.

11.02 -- Deflectors research completed. It's time once again to seek a new direction.

[Brian Swartz]

Right now we need to hear from a couple of scientists.

Research Director's Briefing: Dr. Frank Justyce

** Global Energy Management(Industry, 240) -- Energy capacity increased by 500, and the Power Hub I is unlocked. Power Hub I is a building that can be built on each planet, producing 3 energy and also increasing the entire planets energy output by 10%. As such, it's a thing best used on developed worlds with multiple power plants already operating.

** Administrative AI(Computing, 240) -- Increases research speed in all three fields by 5%.

** Gravitic Sensors(Voidcraft, 240) -- Increases survey speed by 15%. Additionally, stations or ships can mount the new gravitic sensors, which cost 10 and have a range of 25. Current ship-mounted radar has a cost of 5, and a range of 20.

Frank Justyce, you are on the clock. A trio of fairly quick studies are available.


Research Director's Briefing: Dr. David Corperial

As it stands right now, the Society Dept. is a couple of months away from finishing it's findings on the Space Amoebas in the Benzar system. The reason for this briefing is the Vultaum station found on Siccon III. It requires a **** scientist; Aslik Deesh is just *** but is in the system and likely to level up within months. When he does so, what direction will the Society Dept. take?

** Go ahead with Genome Mapping. Perhaps we've spent enough time on these side projects and alien studies for now and should work on something that has more practical use.

** Coordinate with Dr. Deesh and investigate the Vultaum Mining Station. The nearby Shantari may join the galactic community at any time, and would likely claim the system. In that event, we may not be able to negotiate access. Also, if we wait, there may be a delay in our exploratory surveys while a scientist reroutes back to the Siccon system.

Dr. David Corperial, you are on the clock. Is the opportunity to study the Vultaum Star Assembly worth a further diversion?

[muns]

My vote would be Maghama. Faster we get there, the more defenses we can put out there.

[DavidCorperial]

I think it will be worth the diversion to investigate the Mining Station.

[chesapeake]

The High Inquisitor demands an updated star chart before decreeing which planet we shall colonize first. She would also like to know what kind of planets are preferred by our nearby neighbor and whether there are any planets like that in the frontier between us and them.

Praise be to Boojie!

[mrkilla22]

Let's start research on Administrative AI.

[mrkilla22]

My vote would be to colonize Maghama. I think it's in our best interest militarily and economically.

[Brian Swartz]

Inquistor Roe Laren, this is the latest intelligence as of the eleventh month of the year of Boojie, 2206. The Kroll Star Commonwealth prefers ocean planets, the same kind that we are looking for. There are no known such planets in the unclaimed space between our empires. We know of only three, the previously mentioned worlds in the Maghama, Norgon, and Leesak systems.

Having said that, most of the systems in that area have not been fully explored. It is a hotbed of alien activity. The Space Amoebas in Benzar, Void Clouds in Liram, and mining drones in Wollaeus have prevented full accountings of these systems. Ambisla, Dastamon, and everything past them to the lower right have not yet been visited.

Impal Tov to the left is in the same boat with the Crystalline Entities, yet we have no contacts whatsoever 'above' our territory where exploration has gone a lot less eventfully ...

[Tellistto]

Dr. Tellis Perj would like to lodge an argument for the colonization of Lessak IIb.

Maghama and Norgon systems are within the sway of the great Boojie. The only place that the Kroll could colonize a planet is indeed, Leesak IIb ahead of us. While colonizing Norgon possible expands our sway to control the Leesak system, this is by no means a certainty before the Kroll could colozine Leesak IIb.

My vote, Leesak IIb.

Dr. Tellis Perj

[Brian Swartz]

2006-2007

2206.11.11 -- Mining network completed on Humboldt. We now have full employment on the homeworld. Governor JIMGA will be slightly less aggravated than usual to know that every possible avenue to improve the productivity of our planet has now been exploited. It will be well over two years before we have enough workers to warrant further investment.

Meanwhile, efforts are underway to upgrade the Nautilus Squadron to include a deflector in each of the corvettes. Unfortunately, the power requirements preclude more than a single one in each ship at this time, but an increase in survivability is still anticipated. Even more unfortunately, it will be some time before the operation can be completed, with the spaceport fully occupied with the colony ship. Eventually another army will be added as well, but for the time being the Mildrosch is off to Maghama. The research sector has long been denied additional resources and funding, and at the moment there is no other viable competition for our resources.

2207.01.07 -- Space Amoebas research finished.




With the application of this, Admiral SirFozzie reports that the navy is 5% better at evading enemy fire.

02.01 -- Work begins on the first of two research stations in Maghama. The benefit in this system will go, in both cases, to Dr. Corperial's Society Dept.

03.29 -- Dr. Aslik Deesh is the first to reach **** status, and has been cleared to begin excavations relating to the Vultaum Mining Station on Soccin III.

04.09 -- Dr. Tellis Perj will investigate unusual surface scarring on one of the moons in Vermillion. Risk factor is a mere 15%.

05.13 -- First research station completed in Maghama.

06.19 -- Perj has finished his investigations of the Vermillion moon, and recommends a permanent research station at some point. This is yet another location that would come under the purview of the Society Dept.

07.14 -- It seems all is not well in certain corners of the Collective ...




A careful perusal of all sensor readouts gave no sign of their location.

9.04 -- having moved on to the Fijjon system, Perj has found something new that is strange. This one is more dangerous, invoking a 30% risk factor. It seems there is a small, metallic, rectangular object on the surface of a planet that is reflecting all of our scans. We cannot even nail down it's composition.

However, before he can do anything else, a quartet of the afore-mentioned Silver Fangs jump in. Protocol in this case calls for an immediate retreat, as the Odolss is not equipped for combat.




This is a matter for High Command.

[Brian Swartz]

Ok, a few things here. First of all, we are caught up in terms of the timeline. Secondly, we have an issue to attend to here clearly. Note that they were spotted well 'above' our territory, so they are not an imminent threat to anything really at this point. Unless they advance ...

Military Briefing: Admiral SirFozzie

It seems we have a couple options here. At present, it is estimated that the Nautilus Squadron is about one-third stronger in terms of combat capability than the Silver Fangs.

** Defend Humboldt. Stay here in Solaris Troutentis and hope the Silver Fangs go away.
** Pursuit. Send the Nautilus Squadron to deal with this new threat, now that it has been located.
** Wait for upgrades. It will only be weeks until the spaceport is free for the Squadron to be upgraded with the new deflectors. Of course, every day lost is a day the pirates are free to do what they will.

Admiral SirFozzie, which option do you choose, or do you have a different idea? You are on the clock.


Also, Inquisitor Roe Laren, the time has come to make a decision on the colonization question. The ship will be finished in less than three weeks. There have been votes for all three candidate systems, but Maghama and Nogron have the most support right now. Ultimately, the choice is yours. And it is time to make it. You are also on the clock.

[SirFozzie]

... Normally I would seek every advantage for our fleet in battle, but I cannot let the cries of our citizens go unheard and unanswered. Launch the Fleet. It is time to defang the Silver Fangs. They will be trophies for Boojie!

[muns]

Originally Posted by SirFozzie

... Normally I would seek every advantage for our fleet in battle, but I cannot let the cries of our citizens go unheard and unanswered. Launch the Fleet. It is time to defang the Silver Fangs. They will be trophies for Boojie!

BOOM..... Here we go!!!

Looking forward to your victory Admiral

[chesapeake]

The High Inquisitor decrees that Maghama will be the destination of our first colony ship. She further directs the head of our navies and armies to determine the strength of the alien forces in Impal Tov and Wollaeus and, if feasible, to devise a building plan to clear those systems within existing resources and recognizing that infrastructure development remains our top priority.

All praise to Boojie.

[Brian Swartz]

On a technical note, there is another beta hotfix out right now and they've announced the beta of the first big patch(Clarke) will be out late next week. I'm not going to mess with any beta patches for this dynasty. When they are 'complete' or 'go live' or whatever terminology you may choose to use, then they'll get added in. This way we don't risk any mess-ups with untested stuff.

[Brian Swartz]

9.21.2206 -- Perj retreated to the Joinum system, but the Silver Fangs got their first and ambushed his ship. Suddenly, it was not at all a sure thing he would escape their grasp. He'd need to buy time with the Nautilus Squadron en route to Impal Tov, after which they'd still be two jumps away. Meanwhile, the colony ship was christened the Schalgor, and headed out to Maghama II.

10.02 -- The Betharian ... I mean, Troutstone ... research has been finished.

10.05 -- The 'Odolss' is gone, destroyed while attempting to jump out of the Joinum system and escape the Silver Fangs. Outnumbered and surprised, they were powering up their hyperspace drive but had no chance to escape in time. Dr. Tellis Perj perished along with his crew -- they were murdered without provocation. It's shattered remains are still there, and who knows what the Nautilus Squadron will find when it arrives.




This dastardly deed, and those sacrificed to it, will not be forgotten by the Oncorhynchus Collective. The Nautilus Squadron prepares to leave Impal Tov, with renewed vigor now attached to their orders to hunt down the Silver Fangs without mercy. If they are not found in Joinum when the squadron arrives, they will be pursued to the ends of known space if need be. The squadron notes that the crystalline entities have not yet left the system, but that is a matter they will turn to later.

When practicable, a new science vessel will be built to take on the role of those just lost.


Research Director's Briefing: Dr. Coffee Warlord
While nobody relishes the concept of trying to keep their minds on work given this tragedy, especially to one within the scientific community, it is time to choose a new research path nonetheless.

** Nanomechanics(Industry, 240) -- Unlocks Engineering Facility I, a lab which upgrades from our basic labs in that it produces additional engineering data.
** Coilguns(Materials, 480) -- A small upgrade over our present mass drivers, these proposed weapons have the same range, accuracy, and fire rate, but inflict 16% more damage on average(4-17 as compared to 3-15 per burst). Naturally the Navy is lobbying hard for these given the present circumstances, but of course they would not be ready in time to matter for the here and now.
** Deep Space Outposts(Voidcraft, 240) -- Unlocks defense platforms, allowing us to construct more substantive orbital fixed defenses.

Dr. Coffee Warlord, you are now on the clock as the representative of the Engineering Department. I will proceed forward a bit but not very far until I have your new instructions.

Dr. Tellis Perj, my condolences on your untimely and unfortunately useless demise. As much as you provided some much-needed drama for the narrative, it is still unfortunate. You may of course re-join if you wish to.

This goes for anyone else out there as well -- we will soon be needing a survey captain scientist, and a governor for the new colony.

[SirFozzie]

Remember the Odolss! The dead cry out for vengenace.

The battlecry: "Avenge Dr Tellis Perj! May Boojie have mercy on their souls, for we shall not!"

[chesapeake]

The High Inquisitor is saddened to hear of the loss of the Odolss. When the science ship is replaced, it is hereby decreed that it shall be named the Tellis Perj, in honor of the esteemed captain of the lost vessel. The accomplishments of this ship will stand as a testament to the courage and sacrifice of the crew aboard the Odolss.

No true child of Boojie would ever kill one of her own people. The High Inquisitor declares these so-called "Silver Fangs," and any and all who would grant them succor, anathema. Their lives and property are now forfeit to the Collective. All true Architreuthis are hereby directed to slay any and all Silver Fangs for the greater glory of Boojie.

So it is declared, so it shall be done. Praise be to Boojie.

[AnalBumCover]

Dr. Aslik Deesh has ordered the crew of the Laggasch to cease all research for a day cycle in honor of Dr. Tellis Perj, confrère and true friend. Your discoveries will forever hold its place in Architeuthiskind.

Praise be to Boojie!

[chesapeake]

Although the destruction of the pirates is assured, it will not be without casualties. The High Inquisitor has determined that two corvettes should be commissioned over the next year or two to replace any losses and supplement the forces of Admiral SirFozzie.

[Coffee Warlord]

Clearly our current weapons are insufficient to combat these unbelievers. Boojie demands our weapons improve. Coilguns.

[Brian Swartz]

Just a word of warning -- this is kind of a big update ...

2207-2208


2207.10.11 -- The Nautilus Squadron reaches Swur, just a couple days after the Schalgor arrives in Maghama. Sensor range is not long enough to determine if the pirates have remained in Joinum. There's only one way to find out ...

10.19 -- The second research station in Maghama is completed. The Mildrosch will move out on a longer journey now to the pulsar Chergamore, which could yield data of considerable interest to the Engineering Dept.

10.20 -- A new army, the first assault force, is finished on Humboldt.

10.28 -- Arriving in Joinum, the Nautilus Squadron finds it clear.

11.8 -- The search brings us to Ferathon, but again the Silver Fangs are gone before we arrive. It seems clear they know they are now the hunted, but the Nautilus Squadron is still on their trail ...

12.1 -- Nautilus Squadron arrives in Hodranus, just as they discover the Silver Fangs have been spotted in Norgon. Just one jump or a little more ahead of us, but it's far too close to home for comfort ...

12.12 -- The Norgon II mining station reports it is under attack by the Silver Fang raiders. So that's what they are after. The question is, how long can the station hold out ... and will the Nautilus Squadron get there in time?

12.22 -- Explosions have rocked the station the last few days, but our fleet is in the system and inbound. They should get here in plenty of time ...




12.29 -- Colony established in the Maghama system, named Bakangi. Nobody is in too much of a celebratory mood though, awaiting word from nearby Norgon. The Collective is very busy with all the goings-on right now.




2208.1.1 -- Hull integrity is down to less than 80% on the mining station as the Nautilus Squadron reaches engagment range. Ironic that it's on the celebration of a New Year. The ambitious turncoat Shurglem, commander of the Silver Fang fleet, turns to face Admiral SirFozzie's forces. The first battle we have ever faced is about to begin ...

01.04 -- We have finished the dig site relating to the Vultaum. This would be momentous news on any other occasion. As it is, we still need to find a lot more out about them and most of the data was corrupted, but we have discovered that their basic unit of time measurement was called the 'korga'. Additionally, some miscellaneous information will be of use to the Engineering Dept.

1.16 -- By the time the ships converge, one of the pirate corvettes is nearly down. It's looking good so far.

1.23 -- One of our ships is down. We still have the upper hand, but this is not going to be an easy victory.




3.12 -- The battle in Norgon is finally over. The reports indicate that despite the loss of two of his five corvettes, Admiral SirFozzie acquitted himself well. Facing four ships more heavily armored than our own, his squadron manages a hit ratio of 73 to 56%. The Silver Fang raiders have been destroyed, albeit at considerable price.

One Schlurgga and one Dorsal was lost. The remainder will return to Humboldt for upgrading and eventually reinforcements. The recently commissioned science ship Korgasch, meanwhile, heads to Norgon to see what may be ascertained from the wreckage. It is clear to everyone that we must be vigilant against any future incursions.

5.25 -- Nautilus Squadron return to Humboldt to begin repairs.

6.18 -- Research Station in Chergamore finished. That's the last one for now due to the needs of the fleet.

07.08 -- The three remaining corvettes have been fully repaired and are fit for combat duty. Upgrading them to add deflectors is the next order of business. The lone Dorsal comes first.

07.24 -- Dorsal upgrade finished, with exercises indicating a 6% increase in combat proficiency. The pair of Sschlurgas are up next.

8.20 -- Analysis of the debris from the battle in Norgon has been completed, and survey operations will now resume. There will be some minor benefit to Physics, and a little more to Engineering. Additionally, analysis of the battle damage is expected to specifically increase our ability to develop Nanocomposite Materials.

8.27 -- Fleet upgrade completed.

9.02 -- Genome Mapping research completed by the Society Dept, improving lifespan and food production. Also, it has been noticed that the Kroll Star Commonwealth has built an outpost to extend their territory. This effectively blocks us off from the inner half of this arm of the galaxy, at least for the time being. However, the Kroll still have not moved beyond their homeworld, which can no longer be said of us. The latest intel states that their fleet is now stronger than ours in light of our casualties in Norgon which are in the process of being recouped; technologically and logistically they are still considered to be on the same level as us.

[Brian Swartz]

A couple of things here: one informational, the other requiring new orders. Having requested information on the aliens in Wollaeus and Impal Tov, Inquisitor Roe Laren will likely be interested to know that the Crystalline Entities in the latter system have an effective combat strength equal to 4-5 of our corvettes, probably more like four. They are a slightly more powerful foe than the Silver Fangs were, and based on our experience so far we will need about eight total corvettes to clear them out without significant casualties. The mining drones in Wollaeus are stronger still, due to the support of the mining station they serve. Combined, this force is the equal of at least five of our latest corvettes. The recommendation at this time is to clear Impal Tov first should the Inquisitor order it. There are several reasons for this: Impal Tov is just one jump from Solaris Troutentis, it's an easier task, and our borders have expanded just barely enough over the past year or so to add the system to our claimed space. The Crystalline Entities are now denying us access to resources that Architreuthis lays direct claim to.


Research Director's Briefing: Dr. David Corperial

With Genome Mapping completed, there are new options now available.

** Centralized Command(Military Theory, 240) -- Army upkeep reduced by 10%. Military Academy is also unlocked. Any planet that builds this facility will have it's armies increase their damage against the enemy by 10%, and recruit armies 25% faster.
** Planetary Unification(Statecraft, 240) -- +1 to monthly influence. Also, the planetary edict Propaganda Broadcasts is unlocked, which increases happiness by 10%.
** Galactic Ambitions(Statecraft, 600) -- Extends our borders 20% further due to increased patrols. Our intelligence agents will also gain the ability to learn survey data from from other empires on systems within their borders.

Dr. David Corperial, you are now on the clock. As the Society Department currently has nearly a year and a half's worth of accelerated research banked -- even having doubled it's output with the Maghama research outposts -- the timeline will not be progressed until the Collective has heard from you.

[SirFozzie]

High Inquisitor, I would like to commend my captains for their valor in prosecuting the fight against the Silver Fangs. I would like to recommend the Captains of the fallen corvettes for the Golden Star of Boojie, and the other captains the Silver Star.

Our military has taken serious compromises however. The ongoing research on Coilguns will help some, but as we have seen, Boojie helps those who help themselves. I request that the shipyards be fully activated, not only with the two corvettes you previously ordered (which will bring us back to pre-Silver Fang numbers), but I would request another 3-5 corvettes to give us a strength to take out the Crystals, and expand our empire.

In a perfect world, I would ask for a big enough fleet to take out the mining drones, think of the manufacturing bonus we could get.. but I do understand that you must balance priorities. Still, it is something to think about.

[chesapeake]

Originally Posted by SirFozzie

High Inquisitor, I would like to commend my captains for their valor in prosecuting the fight against the Silver Fangs. I would like to recommend the Captains of the fallen corvettes for the Golden Star of Boojie, and the other captains the Silver Star.

So ordered, with official condolences to the schools of those who were lost and our hearty congratulations to all the victors of the Battle of Norgon II.

Originally Posted by SirFozzie

In a perfect world, I would ask for a big enough fleet to take out the mining drones, think of the manufacturing bonus we could get.. but I do understand that you must balance priorities. Still, it is something to think about.

The High Inquisitor orders a balanced build to nine vessels, interspersed with continued infrastructure development.

[DavidCorperial]

Galactic Ambitions will be the targeted research

[Brian Swartz]

Originally Posted by Chesapeake

The High Inquisitor orders a balanced build to nine vessels, interspersed with continued infrastructure development.

So it is written, so it shall be done. VIR wishes to note for the record that the 1.03 hotfix is now live, mostly with late-game performance issues, the transport design bug and a couple of other fixes that won't really affect us. Also, everyone is doing great with quick and timely instructions, which is invaluable in the efforts to keep things moving.

[chesapeake]

When the star map is shown in the forum in the future, the High Inquisitor requests that the toggle allowing for all the resources available in all systems be on so that the Collective can make the most informed strategic decisions.

Boojie be praised!

[Brian Swartz]

2008-2009


10.01 -- Humboldt begins construction under the watchful eyes of Governor JIMGA of another Mining Network. This is the last one that will be built on the homeworld in the forseeable future, as there is just the one remaining province that is not more suitable for other things. With the growing needs of the fleet in light of the recent unpleasantness and our expanding neighbor below us, every last bit of of available mining possible will be squeezed out by JIMGA's iron fist, to the glory of Boojie and the Collective.

10.26 -- A new Dorsal-class is finished, leaving the fleet with four of the desired nine corvettes. In other words, combat strength is up to a somewhat less inadequate level than it was, but still lacking.

11.16 -- The Korgasch arrives in Fijjon, which has no habitable planets but is where the Odolss left off. Glorim reports a mining station, hostile and believed to be affiliated with the Silver Fang, in orbit around the gas giant Fijjon VII. Observing from a distance -- a long, safe distance -- the science ship awaits the Nautilus Squadron, which departs immediately to ensure the system is cleared of all remnants of pirate presence. A mere orbital station should prove no match for them. Thankfully the station is not near any other bodies in the system, allowing survey operations to commence, with the utmost caution, during the interim.

2009.01.01 -- The Bakangi colony is now fully operational. The new governor, Alorig, will advance the development with a keen architectural interest, allowing him to reduce construction times and costs by a full fifth of the usual requirements. In a decade or so, Bakangi is expected to be a considerable contributor to the manufacturing capacity of the Collective, but for now it will produce nothing except what it needs to grow, and that slowly. We will have to be patient.




Meanwhile, Wollaeus now lies within our space, leaving us two uncharted systems that will need surveying and possible investment -- once the fleet manages to deal with their present occupants.

02.30 -- Admiral SirFozzie reports that the Nautilus Squadron has engaged the pirate station in Fijjon, with no sign of any reinforcements.

03.23 -- Aslik Deesh reports that Ambisia has been fully surveyed, and that it is the most mineral-rich system known to the Collective. It has some research value as well. There are yet two more systems that can be reached on this side of Kroll space.

05.25 -- The mining station in Fijjon has been destroyed, with minimal damage only to one corvette. It was a lengthy fight due to the size of the station, but not a real threat. The fleet will now return home for the minor repairs required.

06.29 -- It seems there is always a new matter demanding attention. The latest issue is forthcoming.