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[Talion]

Research: Condensed Algorithmic Neo-Translation (Enchantment)
When [We] purchased the information storage device known as Algernia’s Orb, [We] looked forward to being able to store our entire culture’s information thus far produced in one central accessible location. In fact, further analysis reveals that the Orb’s storage capability must far exceed [Our] imagination. What [We] did not expect was that the Orb is already full. Algernia’s Orb contains algorithms whose complexity is beyond even [Our] comprehension. [We] currently surmise that when combined with the light emitted by the Orb these algorithms can alter the laws of the universe in a local area using a method akin to <the fluttering of a butterfly’s wing (error imprecise)>.

Naturally creating such information-dense reality controllers is entirely beyond us, yet the Orb can teach those who seek its secrets the magical arts within to a level that allows them to recreate the spells with the right tools. [We] shall [Speak] the CAN-T and unlock its secrets. These accessible spells seem to be focused almost exclusively on temporarily improving [Ourselves] and [Our] materials. Although these effects aren’t directly applicable to the creation of lasting improvements, they can be used to give our warships and warriors temporary enhancements. Applications would include hardening armour, increasing reaction times, improving senses, granting additional damaging properties to [Our] weapons and protecting drones against fear.

[evictedSaint]

[OUR] (EBM) <Watcher> Gen A.2.1

Closer analysis of the particle bleed in the Watcher 2.0 reveals that this phenomenon is due to the plasma elements decaying when exposed to the harsh vacuum of space.  The random elements of interstellar space (varying radiation, light elements, debris, etc) can cause unpredictable compromises to the plasma's homogeneity, which weakens the psionic control and allows particles to bleed off.  We had initially believed that such contamination would be negligible and easily overcome by sufficient psionic influence, but field results show this not to be the case.  Indeed, this effect can also be seen by how the Watcher will obscure sensor data and impede bore calculations, despite the phase frequency of the plasma being a known element. 

By interposing a secondary and tertiary filter before and after self-bottling process, these trace contaminants can be selectively removed in order to maintain plasmatic purity.  In addition to preventing catastrophic particle bleed, preliminary calculations project that sensor and bore calculations may experience less overall interference.

(1) <Alate> Gen A.1.1: eS
(1) <Watcher> Gen A.2.1: eS

[Talion]

[OUR] (EBM) <Watcher> Gen A.2.2

Analysis of our drones focus during Watcher operation shows a disappointing lack of focus. To counter this problem [We] have constructed appropriate rituals to be associated with each crew guided operation (frequency matching, shield focusing, shield shaping, etc) for the Watcher. As the crew learns to chant the holy rites and anoint the Watcher's perfected controls in the proper manner, their psionic focus shall be absolute, thus preventing the particle bleed.

[NUKE9.13]

Alternate Watcher revision idea:

[OUR] (EBM) <Watcher> Gen A.2.1 (Smokebomb Mode):
Obviously, the excessive bleeding aspect of the Watcher needs to be fixed. Easily done; we need only re-calibrate the psionic controls. However, whilst we were experimenting with the calibration, someone turned a dial the wrong way, resulting in the psionic repulsion becoming way stronger for a brief moment, before the system automatically shut down. Naturally, this caused the entire shield to be blown away from the test unit, causing minor damage to testing equipment located nearby, and briefly blinding all sensors in the area. The prince responsible for this failure was duly punished, of course, but afterwards, the supervising princess suggested an intriguing possibility: it might be possible to replicate this accident deliberately during combat.

As we've seen, the psionic controls have the potential to be much stronger than needed, and need to be toned down for optimum shield performance. By keeping some of the excess power in reserve, we can expend it in a brief burst to explosively deactivate the shield. This has several advantages: it allows the shield to be deactivated much more quickly, and the rapidly expanding wave of plasma will briefly cause the same havoc to enemy sensors as a poorly optimised shield does to ours, disorienting them- both of which are very useful in situations where we need to quickly deactivate the shield in order to make a bore-manoeuvre during combat.

Performing this 'smokebomb' action would obviously deplete the particles active in the shield- however, the reactor itself should not be effected, allowing the shield to be regenerated. Fortunately, the defunct 'overdrive' system- that channels plasma from the ship's main reactor(s) into the Watcher reactor- can be used in this case to speed up regeneration.

For reference:

Ironically, the only thing that hasn't made it from the original design plans is the overdrive system, due to the fact that the primary reactor plasma is too cool to provide any significant improvement. If sustained fire has caused the <Watcher> shroud to bleed off enough plasma, then additional reaction gas can be channeled into the <Watcher> reactor for heating and use- but that's about it.

(2) <Alate> Gen A.1.1 (Blood Eagle): eS, NUKE9.13
(1) <Watcher> Gen A.2.1 (Interference Reduction): eS
(1) <Watcher> Gen A.2.1 (Smokebomb Mode): NUKE9.13

[Madman198237]

(3) <Alate> Gen A.1.1 (Blood Eagle): eS, NUKE9.13, Madman
(1) <Watcher> Gen A.2.1 (Interference Reduction): eS
(2) <Watcher> Gen A.2.1 (Smokebomb Mode): NUKE9.13, Madman

[evictedSaint]

(3) <Alate> Gen A.1.1 (Blood Eagle): eS, NUKE9.13, Madman
(0) <Watcher> Gen A.2.1 (Interference Reduction):
(3) <Watcher> Gen A.2.1 (Smokebomb Mode): NUKE9.13, Madman, eS

[Draignean]

You are tied for second place with a Black Market bid of 0.

[dgr11897]

Consisting simply of a casket sized capsule, this item is the one [We] believe to hold the most potential. You see, the capsule contains a gel like substance, which we call Ichor, composed of stem cells from an unknown species, viral seeming components, and a protein soup of sorts. With the unique ability to be given instructions for creating proteins, molecular scale machinery, or even full biological organs. The instruction process is, well, somewhat simple, requiring that we transmit properly formatted psionic instructions, and can wipe instructions by transmitting a copy of the original signal. Manufacturing is also relatively simple, mixing a sample of Ichor lacking instructions into a growth medium with the required building blocks will do it. There also appears to be an object or being suspended in the middle of the capsule, but for now we simply seek the liquid, for it has many potential applications. Shooting our nanotech ahead by thousands of years being only the first of many.

[evictedSaint]

Research: 4th Dimensional Parasites

Though we never met the Watchers directly during the dead-drop, we were provided with a word of warning regarding our recent purchase.

<Be careful! Much fire. Such wow. Many danger.>

Suitably, [We] sent a quarantined Drone tender to perform the pickup.  After observing how the technology breached containment and how the tender was lost with all hands, [We] were able to devise more thorough containment procedures.

Due to some translation errors, we initially believed the technology to be a powerful, compact, highy-efficient reactor.  While the drop did contain an impressively small power source, closer analysis revealed it to be nothing more than a simple low-tech Heavy Elements Fusion Battery.  It was only after the Drone tenders "Queen's Glory" fusion reactor began to suffer diminished power capacity did the true nature of our purchase become apparent.

No larger than a simple chitin louse, a 4th Dimensional Parasite seems like a horror straight out of a Liirian playbook.  When directly observed, the parasite will shift between all colors in the visible (and some parts of the non-visible) spectrum and writhe in difficult-to-track patterns, seeming to move in multiple directions at once.  They are shaped similarly to maggots, with numerous antenna of varying lengths and blunted mandibles.  Unlike traditional organic creatures, these parasites do not gain energy through sunlight, thermal activity, or the breakdown of organic material, but rather through leeching it off of higher-order power generators.  Fusion, fission, electrical batteries, even (surprisingly) simple Stirling engines are not safe from the parasites powerful appetites.

While the idea of infecting enemy systems with these parasites seems like a difficult and unworthwhile prospect (difficult containment, long incubation period, "why not just shoot them", etc), these maggots have a significantly more-remarkable property.  The phenomenon was discovered entirely by accident, but it appears that these parasites exist on a higher plane of reality than all other known organic life.  These parasites are able to view reality around themselves regardless of relativity, placing them on a 4th Dimensional Plane of Existence.  Though impressive, the applications of such a phenomenon may not be immediately obvious.  Simply put, while observing reality from the fourth dimension does not allow matter to travel FTL, it does allow information to travel FTL - and without the use of boreholes.

Successful technological application of these 4th dimensional creatures would grant us unparalleled sensor systems, allowing us to observe the universe around us in real time.  Such a feat was previously believed to be possible only with the extensive use of bore drones, which would not only be expensive, but also obvious and vulnerable to enemy action.  The parasite's unique ability to sap the energy from higher-order power systems - under the right conditions - could present an opportunity for more efficient and powerful reactors for our starships.  Remote analysis and instantaneous data transfer also represent the possibility of improved bore calculations, providing real-time feedback on terminus conditions. Our Princes also believe that further down the road the leap from 3 dimensions to 4 dimensions could allow us to expand into multiverse theory, possibly allowing us to observe results from different decision trees as (or possibly even before!) they happen.  Additionally, the ability to perceive the universe irrespective of light-speed poses some interesting possibilities for preeminent counter-measures, should we also chose to go down that route.

Our brief encounter with the Liir has demonstrated that branching into organic technologies is a feasible possibility.  The frightful introduction to the wordless, screaming, living suicide weapons has also demonstrated that it's possible for us to surpass them, should we choose to do so.  With the humble introduction of these loathsome parasites, [We] are poised to show them the true might of organic technology.

Updated my 4D Parasites, including a bit about possible technological applications.  Also, we should bid some humble amount, if for no other reason than to gauge our place on the bidding rank.

Revisions:
(3) <Alate> Gen A.1.1 (Blood Eagle): eS, NUKE9.13, Madman
(0) <Watcher> Gen A.2.1 (Interference Reduction):
(3) <Watcher> Gen A.2.1 (Smokebomb Mode): NUKE9.13, Madman, eS
Black Market:
(1) 4th Dimensional Parasites: eS
PP Bid:
(1) Bid 210 Production Points: eS

I bid 210 because I'd suspect the others of starting out around 100 (or incriminating to 100) and then bumping it up to 200 the next phase.  The extra 10 is to beat out anyone who did something like "200 and 1", etc.

[NUKE9.13]

Revisions:
(3) <Alate> Gen A.1.1 (Blood Eagle): eS, NUKE9.13, Madman
(0) <Watcher> Gen A.2.1 (Interference Reduction):
(3) <Watcher> Gen A.2.1 (Smokebomb Mode): NUKE9.13, Madman, eS
Black Market:
(1) 4th Dimensional Parasites: eS
PP Bid:
(1) Bid 210 Production Points:
(1) Bid 1010 PP: NUKE9.13, evictedSaint
Black Market Activities:
(1) WTS: 5000 Organics | 1 Metal per unit: NUKE9.13

Regarding our black market bid, 210 is not a lot. Like, at all. A single carrier costs 7835. Our PP income combined with carry-over PP from the previous turn would let us build 6 carriers this turn and still have about 4.5k left.
I'd consider a bid of 1000 to be a reasonable place to start. I wouldn't feel surprised if the winning bid was 10000.


E: Also, added a potential trade.

[Strider03]

Doing a little bit of a vote

Revisions:
(4) <Alate> Gen A.1.1 (Blood Eagle): eS, NUKE9.13, Madman, Strider
(0) <Watcher> Gen A.2.1 (Interference Reduction):
(4) <Watcher> Gen A.2.1 (Smokebomb Mode): NUKE9.13, Madman, eS, Strider
Black Market:
(1) 4th Dimensional Parasites: eS
PP Bid:
(1) Bid 210 Production Points:
(3) Bid 1010 PP: NUKE9.13, evictedSaint, Strider
Black Market Activities:
(1) WTS: 5000 Organics | 1 Metal per unit: NUKE9.13

Refraining from votiing on the options I feel that I know too little about to have an opinion, I trust you all to know what's best.

[joha4270]

Revisions:
(5) <Alate> Gen A.1.1 (Blood Eagle): eS, NUKE9.13, Madman, Strider, joha4270
(0) <Watcher> Gen A.2.1 (Interference Reduction):
(5) <Watcher> Gen A.2.1 (Smokebomb Mode): NUKE9.13, Madman, eS, Strider, joha4270
Black Market:
(1) 4th Dimensional Parasites: eS
PP Bid:
(1) Bid 210 Production Points:
(4) Bid 1010 PP: NUKE9.13, evictedSaint, Strider, joha4270
Black Market Activities:
(2) WTS: 5000 Organics | 1 Metal per unit: NUKE9.13, joha4270

[evictedSaint]

Revisions:
(5) <Alate> Gen A.1.1 (Blood Eagle): eS, NUKE9.13, Madman, Strider, joha4270
(0) <Watcher> Gen A.2.1 (Interference Reduction):
(5) <Watcher> Gen A.2.1 (Smokebomb Mode): NUKE9.13, Madman, eS, Strider, joha4270

Black Market Research:
(1) 4th Dimensional Parasites (evictedSaint): eS
(0) Whatever This Is Now (DGR):
(0) Condensed Algorithmic Neo-Translation (Talion):
(0) Ice-13 (Nuke):

PP Bid:
(0) Bid 210 Production Points:
(4) Bid 1010 PP: NUKE9.13, evictedSaint, Strider, joha4270

Black Market Activities:
(4) WTS: 5000 Organics | 1 Metal per unit: NUKE9.13, joha4270, Strider, eS

[NUKE9.13]

You know, something just occurred to me. By only putting up an offer aimed at the Liir, we might make the Gaians feel more threatened by us. It might make sense to also put up an offer for the Gaians- ie, offering Synthetics... but have the exchange rate be less favourable, so they're less likely to get an advantage from it. (Since the Gaians are a more serious threat right now, since we currently hold the planets on the Liir border, and can fortify them, meaning even if the Liir get round to dropping troops, they're unlikely to wrest away those worlds before we can reinforce them).

Revisions:
(5) <Alate> Gen A.1.1 (Blood Eagle): eS, NUKE9.13, Madman, Strider, joha4270
(0) <Watcher> Gen A.2.1 (Interference Reduction):
(5) <Watcher> Gen A.2.1 (Smokebomb Mode): NUKE9.13, Madman, eS, Strider, joha4270

Black Market Research:
(1) 4th Dimensional Parasites (evictedSaint): eS
(0) Whatever This Is Now (DGR):
(0) Condensed Algorithmic Neo-Translation (Talion):
(0) Ice-13 (Nuke):

PP Bid:
(0) Bid 210 Production Points:
(4) Bid 1010 PP: NUKE9.13, evictedSaint, Strider, joha4270

Black Market Activities:
(4) WTS: 5000 Organics | 1 Metal per unit: NUKE9.13, joha4270, Strider, eS
(1) WTS: 250 Synthetics | 20 Metal per unit: NUKE9.13

[Draignean]

[OUR] (CCL) <Alate> Gen A.1.1 (Blood Eagle)
[Efficacy: 4]
The challenges of creating a solid state explosive that is triggered by kinetic impact, powerful enough to be meaningful, and safe enough to be used as armor are far from trivial. Of course, if [We] were unable to solve challenges beyond the trivial, then [We] would never have ascended to the top of the food chain, or beyond the limits of Regalis. The new variant of Alate armor does not precisely 'fix' the issue present in earlier versions. While the sheet strain issue still exists, the strain fractures will now create a high energy rupture at the impact point rather than deep and spreading schism in the armor sheets. The rupture is forceful, and while it's unlikely to completely stop a high-velocity projectile such as a Liiran spine, it will slow and likely to tumble it to force a detonation at the armor layer before it reaches the hull.

Like most reactive armor, it is somewhat more vulnerable to being sandpapered by weaker kinetic threats, such as presented by the Gaian shattergun.

<Watcher> Gen A.2.1 (Smokebomb Mode)
[Efficacy: 1]
The issue with psionic control systems is in generalizing them. While one drone is much like another drone, one prince is not much like another prince. This is a needed genetic facet, without which the species would stagnate, yet it can create irksome issues. The prince in charge of fixing the bleeding issue with psionic controls, a virtuoso in his field, completed and demonstrated the work handily. Work then moved on to the 'Smokebomb' mode, and things began going truly wrong. Despite rigorous theoretical work that demonstrated that it should be possible and even straightforward, prototype modules would frequently only release incompletely or release the field symmetrically in a burst that burned the ship as much as its surroundings.

A lengthy investigation found that the prince's original modifications to the control devices had, inadvertently, custom tailored the control inputs to his own psionic fingerprint. While, in most cases, this wouldn't cause a major issue, here it seems to make it so that the system will only fully effectively respond to him. Naturally, these changes have been rolled back, but the only fruit from this attempt at fixing the bleed-off bug are the theoretical notes.


Your black market bid of 1010pp is in third place.

Tactics and Production Phase of Year 4
Resources
Dice: 0
T: 11218 + 3416
O: 32036 + 9077
M: 10387 + 10368
E: 7904 + 7227
S: 2671 + 500

Alate has auto-completed!

Spoiler: Projects (click to show/hide)

Belief Engine: 14/16 [2] | 150O  + 100M + 75E + 20S | Rushed 0 Times | Nothing Invested
Queen's Freedom: 6/14 [1] | 30T + 150M + 50E +15S | Rushed 0 Times | Nothing Invested
Amplified Credulity Lab: 10/16 [2] |  80O +80M + 40 Synthetic | Rushed 0 Times | Nothing Invested
Queen's Whisper: 6/16 [2] | 50T  + 125O + 60M+ 75E | Rushed 0 Times | Nothing Invested
Hivemine 2.0: 0/7 [3] | 0T + 175O + 100M + 50E +0S | Rushed 0 Times | Nothing Invested
Watcher Gen 2.0: 9/14 [3] | 120T + 70O + 100M + 150E | Rushed 1 Times | 1 Die + 120T + 70O + 100M + 150E
Cinder Spires: 3/12 [3] |  220O +150M + 25E| Rushed 0 Times | Nothing Invested

Spoiler: Active Market Deals (click to show/hide)

WTS: 5000 Organics | 1 Metal per unit
WTS: 250 Synthetics | 20 Metal per unit

[We] Technology List
[We] Empire Planner

Spoiler: Current Deployment (click to show/hide)

Echo
Fleets
- Fleet 1
3x Heavy Fighter Destroyer
1x Boreless Heavy Fighter Destroyer
1x Command Cruiser ("No Fair Fight") Very Heavily Damaged, 25% of ship cost to repair
Overall Issues: 22 Relentless Fighters over fleet capacity. Excess fighters will be destroyed at the end of this round. You can use these to reduce the cost of a new wing if brought home.

Ground - 10/10
8x Takers
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Oscar
Fleets
- Fleet 6
1x Boreless Heavy Fighter Destroyer  Heavily Damaged, 20% of ship cost to repair
1x Heavy Fighter Destroyer  Very Heavily Damaged, 25% of ship cost to repair

-Transport Fleet 3
1 Transport Destroyer [+2 Tremor Mount with bombardment caps]

Ground - 7/10 - 3/10 Gaian Regime
16x Takers
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Quebec
Fleets
- Fleet 5
3x Boreless Heavy Fighter Destroyer
3x Heavy Fighter Destroyer
1x Command Cruiser 

-Transport Fleet 1
1 Transport Destroyer [+2 Tremor Mount with bombardment caps]
Ground - 10/10
8x Takers
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Sierra
Fleets
- Fleet 3
4x Heavy Fighter Destroyer
2x Boreless Heavy Fighter Destroyer
1x Command Cruiser [+5 Alate Sections, + Belief Engine,  -All Small Tremors]
1x Combat Cruiser ('Pulsar')

-Transport Fleet 4
3 Transport Destroyer [+2 Tremor Mount with bombardment caps]

Ground - 4/10 Gaian Regime 6/10
12x Takers
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Bravo
Fleets

- Transport Fleet 2 [All Transports]
3 Transport Destroyer - 12x Takers

Ground - 10/10
3x Takers
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Charlie
Fleets

Ground - 10/10
3x Takers
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Papa
Fleets

Ground - 10/10
3x Takers
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Alpha
Fleets

- Fleet 2 [All Transports]
1 Transport Destroyer

Ground - 10/10
------