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[Il Palazzo]

Voting.

[Margrave]

...the news of the newly kindled Church-League war passed almost unnoticed by most. /i]

Really?
Not again. Everyone gird your loins.

[Kebooo]

Turn sent, and 10k sent to the church for another holding on De Moley.

[Margrave]

Turn Sent

It warms the dark recesses of my heart to see the League and Church not only fighting each other, but also separately declaring war on the Rebels. Does this mean they were working together all along? Is there a Galaxy spanning conspiracy against the Nobility especially when it comes to ruins loot? (I HATE Monopols!!!) Whatever the truth, the Vau are behind it.

[joulupunikki]

My two Firebirds: if they were military units I'd be okay with it. If an enemy House wanted to scout your planet they'd probably just leave the spy in the lander and hot drop into the general area and see most of what they want anyway. Also the game doesn't show you a combat log for unescorted pods that are attacked nor empty cities.

My biggest concern is that an enemy can't land on your units to invade and I'm not sure if pods/civilian units can be bombarded.

When the Church/League war began I'd surround agoras with a militia and pods combo so neither side would walk into my units accidentally and start a war with me. Fat lot of good that did.

My understanding is that you can land on non-combatants. The idea was to use them as tripwire to tell if an enemy is approaching. But I'll refrain from doing that. Another slightly cheesy tactic is using non-combatants with good spot to explore (clergy !) If they run into hostiles, they will simply refuse to enter the hex, and thus you know someone is there. Of course, on opponent turn lone clergy may be simply captured.

In Kish military academy, professor of strategy, general Hanzo Itosai, was looking at the latest essays on war by aspiring young cadets.

"... Pandemonium is like a ripe plum waiting to be harvested ... The downside is that we would have to wage war on two fronts, and Kish is just next door to Malignatius while Severus is three jumps from any Li-Halan stronghold ... The viability of a move therefore would be vastly improved by recruiting an ally who is shorter marching distance form Decados core ..."

Certainly a sound plan in theory. But such underhanded methods would surely be below Li-Halan standards, the professor thought.

[Gollor]

Turn sent.


- - - - - Al Malik Palace - - - Planet Istakhr - - - - -

At the stage an old man is standing. Being unknown to the most population of the Known World, he has got a great reputation among economists and traders as lore master. One of his arms was lost in battle many years ago and now is replaced with black metallic limb. With this artificial limb the lore master was holding a pad, while with the flash arm he was smoking a cigar, pausing only to say something. Today he was also wearing an monocular to enhance his vision and a small drone was orbiting his head ready to defend his life. To many people in the hall this made him looking even more wise.

- "The respected magnats of the Known Worlds. The situation is very unsteady and divergent with our plans. Using the strife among the Known Worlds the pragmatic Church has abused its trust and started the war against the trade League. Although the reasons are well known, for a long time there was no cause to start it.

As our reports show, the war started just a few weeks ago, when two survey parties of Church and League opened fire in the savage sector of the one bad secured planets. We assume this was one of Decados worlds, but it may be any another, including Criticorum, where the tension between this two fractions was always high. Unluckily medium-ranked officers of both sides decided that this was the sneak attack of the another side, and due to imperfection of war management this lead to numerous new conflicts on many other planets.

The Church heads have gathered only in a 3 days and decided to continue the war. So, at this moment, League have no other option but to accept the fight. Luckily, most Church worlds are separated from the main civilian routes, but they have already deployed very numerous battle units. Although war is only starting, it is clear it will be the war of attrition."

Right when lore master finished his speech, another figure came close to the stage. He was a young man with exceptionally pure flesh, without any connected devices or artificial amplifiers. Despite that he was wearing a very decorative and beautiful robe with buttons of volcanic glass.

- "Dear master, let me ask your the question. How long do you plan to survive?" - the voice of this unknown man was very soft, rarely met between guests of Al Malik.

The strange question, the soft voice and the strange appearance recalled something in the mind of lore master, but before he had a chance to do something he was suddenly blasted by the shockwave of a great power. The drone start to rapidly fire into the robed figure, but all projectiles missed and soon it was sliced by the blessed sword of Church agent. Four soldiers at the stage tried to stop assassin, but were killed in a few seconds.
Slowly assassin approached the wounded lore master. The old man was almost unconscious and could hardly understand what is going on, despite all his cyborg implants.
When space marines ran into the hall, they met only a frightened flock of traders, four dead soldiers and parts of destroyed drone.

- - - - - Al Malik War Control Room - - - Planet Criticorum - - - - -

- Here is the report, sir. It began when assassin attacked the League assembly in our palace. Few hours later we detected their war cruisers over our planets. Church marines are assaulting some of our cities. Our capital on Istakhr is under attack too. We have already lost nearly 5 battle units.
- So, no more trade, it is about warfare again. Right?

- - - - - Al Malik Inter Imperial Broadcast - - - - -

To the nobles of Empire:
The Ministry of Warfare of Al Malik declares the next statements:
1 - All battle ships should inform the purpose and destination when arriving at Al Malik worlds.
2 - Any battle ships that haven't revealed the purpose of their arrival may be subjects to destroy.
3 - League ship are allowed to move freely through Al Malik space.
4 - All Church ships are disallowed to use Al Malik space.
The end of transmission.

[Gollor]

Also, was someone else attacked by Church?

[joulupunikki]

In Kish military academy, professor of strategy, general Hanzo Itosai pondered on recent events ... well, that aspiring cadet better forget Pandemonium altogether for a while, it's bright red and dark green playground for now. That is, until they eventually start to attack Decados assets there ... buying from agoras is going to be interesting ... the keepers of faith, trade and technology have become like Stalin and Hitler of ancient Urth, destroying each other, and everything in between ... on worlds with populated areas between church and league strongholds some strategic contingency plans might be needed ... perhaps a plan for the whole galaxy.

Later the same day he read the official reports "... we are now at war with the League, although we suspect that that is an unfortunate result of one our missionaries being between the agora and the church on Pandemonium when the League started moving against the Church. Since then the former Li-Halan farm has changed ownership at least twice in one year. Fortunately, VIPs were evacuated before the battle. Attacks on House property on House controlled planets is a serious matter and must not go unpunished ... we are seeing heavy Church activity on multiple planets, although no hostility towards our House, yet. Since they are at war with the rebels they will presumably be attacking rebel forces and cities throughout the galaxy, and since the League is also at war with the rebels and all three have presence throughout the known worlds it is possible the whole galaxy will soon be renamed Pandemonium ..."

Any good news ? Well, it seems the regency is no longer vacant. Ministry forces under the Houses may be sorely needed ...

[joulupunikki]

turn sent

Rampart, League starport, bank managers office:

Worner Lang, chief banker of Rampart, was most worried. Outside, the sounds of battle approached. It had started with heavy orbital bombardment, and now vastly superior forces were conducting the final phase of their assault on the League stronghold. Lang was about to say something to his two equally worried bodyguards but was cut short by the shock wave of his office door exploding ... when he regained consciousness he was surrounded by Li-Halan troops. An officer smiled pleasantly at him and said "Ah, mister Lang! Awake at last. Well, let's cut to the chase. You have two options A and B. Choose A and your life goes on more or less like before, with the notable exception that you will pay taxes to us. Choose B and we will find another banker ..."

Kish Palace:

The High Advisor on military affairs gave an update: "We have first hand witness reports from Rampart that the Church is opening ruins. We have had fight awakened symbiot abominations. There is also evidence from other planets that ruins are being opened. Massive Hazat fleet spotted above Byzantium II. Cruisers, carriers and transports bearing unknown cargo." Flav Li-Sun was reminded of a five milennia old Li-Halan curse : "may you live in interesting times." Something interesting might happen soon.

[Il Palazzo]

Turn sent

As both the League and the Church stir their war machines and clash, the common man is filled with worry, uncertain of what the future might bring - will the war spill onto his land, ravage his property and his kin?

In such times as these, a strong, martial and decisive leadership must raise to hold reins of the empire and protect its subjects.
Such is the nature of this regency.

By the power entrusted in me by the senate I hereby declare the nominations for ministers.

Bror Fredrik of the able House Hawkwood shall head the Imperial Fleet forces. Ensconced in this office is the responsibility to keep the Symbiot spore ships at bay and guard against any future threats to the Empire. In order to fulfil those duties, the minister shall need to act immediately and resolutely.

As the commander of Imperial Garrison at Stigmata, Rockefeller al-Malik shall aid in the efforts to hold back the alien tide and work to eventually eradicate all traces of the xeno menace.

House Hazat shall take command of the Eye security forces and ensure the capital is safe from turmoil and strife.


All imperial forces are to be used wisely and for the greater good of the Empire. Any significant losses must be reported and promptly replaced. Ministry capabilities must be expanded. May no house disgrace itself with careless and wasteful management of imperial assets.


ooc: could we perhaps not do the hiding nobles on islands on Byzantium? That makes them completely invulnerable to assassinations, which seems a bit too cheesy after all that trouble we went through to make assassins relevant.
I'd say, as a rule of thumb, there should be at leas 'a way' for an assassin to get to a stack with a noble - even if it means getting through half a dozen other stacks blocking the way. Protecting nobles ought to be costly and resource-consuming, rather than just plopping them onto an island with a hooker and a priest for company.

[joulupunikki]

ooc: could we perhaps not do the hiding nobles on islands on Byzantium? That makes them completely invulnerable to assassinations, which seems a bit too cheesy after all that trouble we went through to make assassins relevant.
I'd say, as a rule of thumb, there should be at leas 'a way' for an assassin to get to a stack with a noble - even if it means getting through half a dozen other stacks blocking the way. Protecting nobles ought to be costly and resource-consuming, rather than just plopping them onto an island with a hooker and a priest for company.

I'm assuming you mean one hex islands, or small multihex islands with all hexes garrisoned, preventing shuttling of assassins there ... for one hex islands there are submarines, but I think they can't assassinate and all factions do not start with factories on ByzII so relying on submarines would be less effective and biased ... perhaps a house rule to make the matter official ?

[Kebooo]

Turn sent.

I'd agree to one hex islands, assuming there's no SEAL equivalent in this.

Maybe the same rule as labs? There has to be at least one land hex that can reach whatever cluster of soldiers may be guarding a noble.

We could extend it to something like "there must be an empty land hex contiguous within X hexes of a noble on Byzantium II" (doesn't apply elsewhere)

I don't like the idea of stacking row after row of guys in front of nobles. Maybe one row max?

[Margrave]

Turn Sent
=======================================================
Bravehurt

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

The glare of the star systems blood red sun cast its baleful gaze on the two armies assembled on the humid plains of Leminkainen. Proud blue and gold faced against the fierce banners of over a hundred chieftains of the Vuldrok Star-Nation. After a decade of preparation this final battle would see these barbarians scoured from the surface or witness the death of House Hawkwoods best and brightest.

The Vuldrok had finally been forced to battle after House hover-tanks had crippled the Ground to Space guns in a series of hit and run attacks. The invaders from beyond civilized space had only one chance, to defeat the Hawkwood in a decisive battle before orbiting battleships destroyed their army and their grounded raider transports.

The warbands followed the infamous Wullium the Wall Ace, a nickname earned at his skill in cracking the weakest point of his foes defenses. He and his savage band had just finished their traditional mooning of the Hawkwood army and were preparing to charge. Leading the Known Worlder battalions was Duke Bror Fredrik von Ivald Hawkwood himself, sitting on a horse in ceramsteel barding. he nodded to his lieutenants commanding from a mechanized half-track to begin the advance.

"Ordinance costs money. Use up the natives. The dead cost nothing."

A collection of local men-at-arms and mercenaries started across the field. Armed with nothing more complicated than sword and mail they marched in grim silence towards the enemy lines. The two sides quickly increased their pace, an enormous mass of humanity hurtling towards each other until moments away from a collision...both sides stopped.

Raucous laughter bellowed from the mercenaries and the barbarians, another trick played against the men of the Empire. Kinsmen to Wullium and his band, they took the Dukes coin, never intending to attack those they considered family after generations of Vuldrok settlement. Grinning ear to ear, Wullium shot into the air a bright green flare, signalling to his crude mortar teams to launch their bombs upon the confused Hawkwood front lines.

As the shells rained down upon his forces the Duke breathed deeply and muttered angrily, "Space Irish."

Seeing their chance in the chaos, the Vuldrok fired their muskets, crossbows and laser carbines into the panicked Known Worlder army. Expending their precious ammo, they charged and broke through the first ranks of the Hawkwood lines and killed a great number of soldiers and knights. To press his advantage, Wullium let loose a blue flare into the sky towards his cavalry, lead by the chieftains Mirniy and Luckland, a host of barbarians riding vicious sabrewolves. Victory was at hand.

It seemed however, for all his cunning Wullium did not factor in the resentment his leadership had bred over the years nor the greed of men. The chieftains cruelly laughed at their foul betrayal and rode towards their ships, free to leave Hawkwood space.

The Duke commented to his entourage, "I gave Mirniy double his lands in Leminkainen and matching estates on Ravenna, Luckland turned for much less."
He gestured triumphantly to his Staff and spoke, "Artillery."

An aide quickly replied, "I beg pardon mi'lord, won't we hit our own troops?"

The Duke responded, "Yes, but we'll hit theirs as well. We have reserves. Attack."

Gulping, the aide spoke into his squawker and ordered the artillery to fire, and they thundered their reply. Explosions tore through both lines, turning men into blood and smoke. Seeing his enemy crushed and demoralized the Duke commanded his reinforcements to enter the fray. The Battle of Springspock was over.

"Bring me the Wall Ace. Alive if possible, dead...just as good. Send us news of our victory. I will retire."

Spurring his horse away Bror Fredrik Hawkwood made it five steps before one of his captains cried out, "Sire! A courier ship from Delphi has brought word! The Patriarch has declared war on us!"

The Duke closed his eyes and muttered angrily, "Space Popes."

House Hawkwood can only express its disappointment in the Patriarch and vows that his cowardly sneak attack will be answered in full. We hope that once this war is over that the people of Holy Urth overthrow that madman.

We also announce four new settlements on the Imperial Fleet world of Tethys. These acquisitions are being paid for by commissioning the Charioteers Guild to refurbish two Dreadnoughts to serve as the Imperial Fleet's flagships. All Houses interested in expanding their estates on Tethys need only contact the Fleet Office on Byzantium.

[Gollor]

It looks like I have found the cause of a bug that allows to create >20 stacks. I hadn't vision over Stigmata orbit, and when I launched one ship with a pair of units on board I suddenly made the total number of units at orbit equal to 21. However, after that I wasn't able to launch any more ships until I reduced that number to 18.

[Gollor]

Turn Sent.

Let's cut it short. Church destroyed League agora on De Moley. All resources are still hold by League, but they are undefended now. League conquered most of Church holdings on Madoc and Leagueheim, including archbishops.

Duke Bror Fredrik, I request to open fire upon fiefs in the south continent of Stigmata. This whole chunk of land is full with symbiots. Stigmata has very limited transport capability and it will take a lot of time to cleanse this continent.

- Stigmata Garrison Commander Rockfeller of Al Malik