Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[Aqizzar]

In this post: Glowing rocks, warfare, and ass-covering.

So yes, I finished the battle with the old system.  Pull strings and made GM decisions I didn't like, but it's all irrelevant now, and the results seem fine to me, consistency being more important than actual math.  I'll repost this in the last results and here.  The List Post will be updated some time tomorrow.

Tuv - About what I expected.  I'll have some fun with it I'm sure.

I considered the Nahuantl to not actually be trying the conquer the Jhiar'd (they would have had the numbers anyway).  Came off about as I expected - crazy Aztec lizardmonkeys versus panicked bugs behind a big wall.  The bugs broke early and the lizards won the day, but their clannish nature left them unsupported for a long campaign.  Grizzly business all around.

War
Nahuantl V Jhiar'd Q-17
2000 Nahuantl (2000, equivalent strength 4000) from the fierce mountain clans of R-16 attack over the Jhiar'd wall into their homelands, which happen to be forest, just where the Nahuantl like to fight.  The Jhiar'd have faith Nevon and the Heads will lead them to victory, but the Nahauntl are paranoid, and eager to prove themselves before their fractured caste-leaders.  The Jhiar'd muster a defense of about a fifth of the 33000 active bugs (6800, equivalent strength 1700), and despite their advantages, range out to ambush the Nahuantl, slightly weakening them (-250 [500] N).  The Nahuantl reach the walls, and the true battle begins.

An initial stalemate and uncoordinated counter attack cost the Jhiar'd troops they can ill afford (-1720 [430] J).  The Nahuantl overrun the walls as the Jhiar'd scatter.  However, the primitive, tribal forces of the Nahuantl got the victory they came for.  With only foraging to support them and hostile Jhiar'd everywhere, over half the remaining Nahuantl head for home with what bugs they can grab (-1050 [2100] N; -320 [80] J).

The remaining Nahuantl continue to wreck havoc inside the Jhiar'd lands (-800 [200] J), but a resurgence of (invertebrate) spine whips up a vicious counter attack on the individualized warriors (-390 [780] N).  Their numbers vastly reduced and left far from home the remaining Nahuantl flee back into the mountains with their plunder and captives.

Dead
Nahuantl – 640  Jhiar'd – 2840
Captured
Nahuantle – 0  Jhiar'd - 500

[a1s]

you guys type more than the infinite monkey (it's half past 3 AM now that I've finished reading), I guess this comes with 14 players (or however many we still have).
anyway I'm back.

Plantwe 0.1
If this seems odd, a1s, I used a blend of Audrey II and an Ent as my brief for them, sorry.

wow. What I was thinking is more or less like Audrey II, but they can move, and have stalk-like *arms*. But I guess this works.

The following takes place in the last 2 turns (though I'll obviously only expect on batch of action resolutions):

Encounters of the Bugging kind.
a *Plantwe* hunting party encounters a group of Jhiar'd, escorting unknown Plantwe, on their territory, knowing them to be the creatures from the north (or suspecting them to be such) they are taken to the senile *Smartstalk* Bigtwig, who has established himself as the resident expert on *Bugplants*. Bigtwig at first wants to experiment on them (as the group contains a never beofre seen "head" Jhiar'd), helped by a young and prospective Leafroots, but just in time manages to establish contact through the help of a young, formerly captive, *Plant* Flowerpetal, and learns of their diplomatic mission. The trio then go before the chiefs of the local tribe (R24, I presume? which is mostly unbothered by the fungus) who feel no need to ward of fungus, but want peace with the Jhiard, so noone would be abducted anymore. (depending on the success, the Jhiar'd might learn of the U25 colony (plagued, as we know, with fungus... and unmarked on the map? why?), or even establish trade and relations)
credits are rolled, and a sequel is hinted at.

New Strategy

The Plantwe of the bordering regions (who by the way, if there is no U25, are exactly the ones mentioned in the previous event) are seeing a decrease in animal life, and a decrease in fungal activity. Many decide to move away from the daily fight fight the fungus (now strangely unneeded) and into proverbial greener pastures. Others see the reduced fungal activity as a sign of weakening, for the first time in decades the *Plantwe* deliberately go into the fungal depths to find the source of the fungus and destroy it (or die trying).

The Storm Before the Calm
There seem to be more an more storms every year. One rogue *Plant* suggests constructing mud structures to shield the *Plantsmall*s from the uprooting winds, a heretic idea borrowed from the *Bugplants*. At first he is cast out, but when the head chief is struck by lightening (this is a cue for any lightening god, BTW...), he is found and brought back to oversee the construction. Meanwhile the biggest storm is coming...

Spoiler: actions (click to show/hide)

Negotiations with Jhiar'd
Colonizing R27 with half the population of T26
moving from the T24 to R23,25 of 5-7'00 each
finally a joint expedition of both hexes totaling "a branch of branches" (300-400 no math, you see ) Plantwe into the Fungus supplied with state of the art Altatls and whatever antifungal remedy the *Smartstalks* cooked up.

Spoiler: EP (click to show/hide)

Coordination:5, The *plantwe* leran how to organize large events better.
Fungal resistance:2 Though trial and error, *Plantwe* gain some insight into surviving Fungus, this ability is mostly kept to the the Eastern Plantwe, but now that most colonies have some eastern refugees...
Toolmaking:6 (+1)
Weapons: 6 (+1)
Breeding:1 evolution, it is said, favours those most capable to leave offspring. (plus everyone has it)

Spoiler: comments (click to show/hide)

a sidenote on New Strategy: Being plants, the *Plantwe* are unafraid of pack carnivores, and now that I know they are like Ents, I guess they are not afraid of large herbivores either... I'm not even sure they have a real predator.

[Nonanonymous]

So...  No EP for the battle?

[penguinofhonor]

Kki had quite a few things on his mind. He was another Green chibor, one of the chibor that ordered the others. Over the several generations that had passed since Fiik, the first Green chibor, some Chibors had been taking a couple observations on life in general.

The first thing they noticed was that chibor parents tended to produce similar children. This could be useful. He ordered certain chibor to breed with certain other chibor. The intended result would be a chibor that was fat, slow, and dumb: perfect for food.

He also had to address the Eni, a growing concern for generations. He told the chibor to continue to fight them with all their strength. He didn't trust other species to be domesticated. He also told the chibor to see what they could do to live alongside the fungus.

And the Chibor's language became more specific, with more words.

Spoiler: EP (click to show/hide)

5EP into Domestication (Food), increasing it to 5
4EP into Language, increasing it to 4
3EP into Breeding, increasing it to 26

Spoiler: actions (click to show/hide)

1. They continue to attack the Eni. Something will happen eventually.
2. The chibor in the fungal forests also attempt to find ways to decrease the threat the fungus poses to them.
3. The chibor domesticate themselves to create more delicious breeds.

Spoiler: OOC (click to show/hide)

HAHAHA! You silly people might domesticate other races, but the Chibor are the only races to domesticate themselves.

[EuchreJack]

The Storm Before the Calm
There seem to be more an more storms every year. One rogue *Plant* suggests constructing mud structures to shield the *Plantsmall*s from the uprooting winds, a heretic idea borrowed from the *Bugplants*. At first he is cast out, but when the head chief is struck by lightening (this is a cue for any lightening god, BTW...), he is found and brought back to oversee the construction. Meanwhile the biggest storm is coming...

Ah, but I'm also the god of technology!  Strange how when the world is fine, nobody needs us gods.  BUT, when the storm clouds start to brew, it's suddenly, "Euchre, please save us!"

All kidding aside, I'll gladly throw you a PP in exchange for your worship.

[Aqizzar]

Hey, a1s is back.  Fantastic!

I'm not sure what you mean about U-25.  You didn't have a colony there when when I restarted the game (based on the newest map from Dwarmin's thread), and I didn't see anything about a colonization attempt in the Turn 0.5, just fighting fungus.  Sorry for any confusion, but I don't know what colony you're talking about.

Are you posting this as turn actions for the current Turn 2?  Or was this part of Turn 1?  (Which would kind of much things up.)  Since you came back, I can cut you some slack on missing Turn 1.

NonAnon - I wasn't sure whether to give EP for battles.  It's hard to say what's really a victory and what victory means, but you're right, there should be some incentive beyond a tiny decrease in populations.  Of course, you already got 16 freaking EP, but you did win a pitched battle, if a very small one.  Until I think of a better rule, you'll get +3EP and Nilocy gets +1.

RULE: Yes, warfare spurs development in all involved, just more so in the victor.  That means that attacking your enemy has a good chance of giving him a long term advantage unless you really kick ass.

penguin - The Chibor are... ranching themselves?  I'm going to have to consider that an action, but I'll honor the points spent.  Speaking of which-

RULE: You can make new skills at will by just spending points on them, but I will require at least an explanation.  Obviously, experimenting as an action has a chance of gaining free EP, in a new skill if applicable, but also a chance of being harmful.

Euchre - I can just picture a bunch of motile plants worshiping electric storms.
*lightningBigSpirit* *grant* *bigSpiritPower*
/Z/ I am summoned!  Tremble as I strike down the unimaginative! /Z/
*All* *Hail*
/Z/ What in My name is that smell? /Z/

This world is madness!  By the way, in case you're wondering, the thing with the Maelstrom was inconclusive, but it's pissed at you know and is trying to convince the Ahkarii to worship it more.

[Shikogan]

okay im back after my holiday. sorry about not answering your question about my communication EP point spending i put that into language sorry and i divest 4 more EP into wind manipulation, 5 into building better foundations and supports for my huts, and 4 into farming.

Actions and EP

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

The Ahkarii ask the maelstrom what it wants basically and try to invent some sort of reed/vine/fiber rope for ladders pulleys ect... from stuff they found hanging in the treetops (ill write an RP post for it later, too tired right now) I also send out a scouting party to try and make contact with other airgoing races to worship the maelstrom.

[penguinofhonor]

Okay, I also action-ed the self-domestication. Should I remove the EP spending now, or will having EP and an action work?

[Nilocy]

The Heads are angry. Very, very angry. They're losing bugs to this so called 'God' and they just lost their first cross species war. They call a meeting to discuss the future of the Jhiar'd. Heads representing every colony have come together to discuss the path that the Jhiar'd take. The Heads representing the colony with the magma in it tell tales of the new irrigation of the hot stuff and how it could help them win this war. They are confident that they'll defeat the Lizardbugs only if they can get the help of Nevon. So the vibration goes out, every colony must sacrifice 1500 bugs to the magma before the year is out.

Meanwhile at the barracks of an unspecified warrior troop the Heads have order them to begin extreme training of nothing else but fighting with the axes. They can so easily cut through the Lizardbugs that it was silly to have to not mass produced them. But the Jhiar'd will be prepared this time. They will have to be. They are charged with deforesting the whole colony at Q-17.

The wall was a complete failure, the Heads know this and plan to rectify it, theres word of a new way of creating hot stuff coming from some of the inner colonies. Large blocks of wood which are on fire are transported through the forests towards the wall bordering the Nahuantl. It's harder to do now that theres so much wetstuff, but the Jhiar'd Heads are hopeful that won't matter as Nevon should be watching over them this time.

Colonisation is halted this turn, with the emphasis put on producing alot more warrior bugs.

Spoiler:  My Turn (click to show/hide)

1. Training of the axes to such an extreme degree that these bugs will be given their own seperate 'division' within the Jhiar'd society. They will attempt to deforest all of Q-17. There is also a large movement of warriors to the borders of Q-17.
2. Large scale sacrifices to please the god of Hotstuff.
3. Mass construction of axes, every spare worker who can make parts will. Special dwellings will be constructed for the making of this tool.

Spoiler:  EP (click to show/hide)

2 EP into spirituality, recent miricals have made the Jhiar'd more firm in their belief theres something up there helping them.
6 EP into claws, bring it to 13 points I believe.
1 EP into weapon making.
1 EP into tactics, recent battles have made it clear that they need to control the ranks more efficiently.
1 EP into fire creation, inspired by the vast hotstuffs the Jhiar'd tried to make some for themselves, by carrying large blocks of wood set alight by the hot stuff, replenised with more wood as they go along until they eventually light up the whole wall. These massive blocks of wood are from the surround cut trees.

[a1s]

Hey, a1s is back.  Fantastic!
Are you posting this as turn actions for the current Turn 2?  Or was this part of Turn 1?  (Which would kind of much things up.)  Since you came back, I can cut you some slack on missing Turn 1.

"Encounters" and "Startegy" happen during turn 1. "The Calm" happens on turn 2.
I can figure out more thing to write for turn 2, if we separate them (the actions and the EP spending all correspond to stuff from turn 1).

[Asheron]

Alright, I change my action.

Nevon's anger could be felt by anyone in the lava colony. A defeat. A DEFEAT!

That night, a heavy storm gathered over the colony.
One of the J'hiard slept uneasily that night.
"Fight... for me...
Lead... your people...
Destroy... the Nahuantls!"

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Nevon uses all his EP to inspire one of the J'hiard.
He becomes very wise in the art of warfare ( as in formations, tactics,... ), and will immediately start learning his fellow ( believing ) bugs.

[Gantolandon]

It was a very educational process. Invigoration of Seers was a success, more permament than Lukut meaned it to be. It also seemed to gave them idea to attack the Blur. Not that it was entirely unwanted, as the insects were clearly agressive and mad. However, the decision was entirely theirs. In the future, they should be controlled more. They were meant to be its organs, its... nerves not rulers of Kadesh. It decided to be more cautious when giving them gifts. Losing control was not an option...

**

Well done, my children...
A lone Blur Head stands upon the bodies of its drones. It's exoskeleton is torn, bleeding with ichor.

But it's not the destruction you're meant to spread. Every spark of life is precious. Every cell...
Amorphous mass, with visible dots inside. It seems strange and familiar in the same moment. It begins to split in two. After a while, there are two identical amorphous masses.

...is valuable to our war with the oblivion.
One cell dies, but the second one splits again.

Next time I expect you not to waste such valuable resources. Instead...
Strange thing... a Blur worker seeming completely peaceful. A strangely mutated Seer says something to it... but it doesn't attack.

...assimilate.
There is a mental connection between the Blur and a Seer. Something, that leaves it completely docile.

You will learn. You will surpass yourselves. But now... there are another species you have to deal with.
A sea predator swims, not knowing it's observed. Something seems to occur with the water nearby. It smells... strange, like it's hit by a lightning.

Communicate with them. Learn. And... teach.

From the visions of Glarg!ghaa.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

LCL slowly influences Kadesh Seers to take care of negotiations with the Shrike. It tries to guide subtly both races - the more violent ones somehow doesn't seem to find the other species, instead getting lost in the strange waters. Some of them on impulse unknown wander off somewhat too deep and no one hears about them again. Those more peaceful ones manage with problems just fine...

[Draigh]

The Lanlar are proud on their expansions but slowly worry about the strange creatures north of them that breed so fast. The council decides to send a group of willing Lanlar towards their border and try to convince them to move away with illusions and other non-violent techniques.
Young Lanlar keep on expanding, but at a slower rate then before as there seems to be enough room in the current lands of the Lanlar. Some even dare to go to the stormswept mountains which were not succesfully inhabited before. Youthful hope and optimism that they can do better then their predecessors. Only time will tell if this is true.

As the storms sweep over the forests and through the mountains, the Lanlar adapt. They build better nests and harness their mental powers to protect themselves against the elements. As they keep on meeting new things so their language develops and their cooperation slowly forges them as one society. But still... old habits die hard.. and most are nomadic loners... still... change seems to be in the air... Like the tension right before lightning strikes...

Spoiler: EP (click to show/hide)

Psy Creativity +1
Psy Farsense +1
Psy Kinesis +2
Psy Coercion +1
Psy Redaction +1

Nest building +2
Language +2 ep

Effective metabolism: 3
The Lanlar adapt to get the most nutrients from the food they eat. Thus they need to eat less to survive and flourish.

Spoiler: Action (click to show/hide)

Expansion:
The Lanlar again try to expand towards the mountains (D-26) and to fresh forests (F-28)

Chibor:
A 'warrior' group of Lanlar are going to use their mindpowers to coerce the Chibor to expand away from the Lanlar (there is no food here, its dangerous here). If this does not work, they are going to use their creative mindpowers for simple illusions that might scare them. The Lanlar themselves are trying to remain invisible or at the least unimportant to the Chibor.
(didnt get done last turn, doing it now)

Next turn I'll start investing in society and cooperation. They might not really settle down yet, but at the least they will form an official leading council and some form of hierarchy and leadership.

[EuchreJack]

But still... old habits die hard.. and most are nomadic loners... still... change seems to be in the air... Like the tension right before lightning strikes...

Did somebody call for the Lightning God?  I'll be glad to add you to the worshipper list next turn, but I'm kinda busy this turn (what with my current chosen people at war and all, and another group wanting to start worshipping me, pp are gonna be pretty spread out.  Plus, that hurricane is just asking for it.)

[Duke 2.0]

 Time were growing harder. The Shrike still had plenty of food, but they were not as grand as their ancestors. Of course, the recent rains seemed to change things. Places previously devoid of life were growing puddles, with plants soon following. The Shrike, smelling the familiar scent of the sea from the North, started to dream of a land beyond the previously inaccessible desert.

 Soon, a group decided to go. To create a tribe that could harvest the greatness of their old homes. Like every couple of generations, they wanted to explore.

 Meanwhile, back at the main tribes, more work was done on the farms. They were more active, more intent on protecting the farms. They would NOT let some bugs take away their food. The were the Shrike, Electric Death!

 They also started to make some new buildings, different from the mud digs they made before. They tried out branches in he mud to make larger structures, trying to make more space for their families. With these storms, it was more important than ever to have shelters.

 

Spoiler:  Actions (click to show/hide)

 1. The Shrike make a colony to the north, beyond the desert. Hopefully they can colonize the whole area. Eventually.

 2. They still protect the farms with their shocks, trying again to drive away the bugs that take their crops.

 3. They start building new structures, trying for better shelter than their small one-shrike caves of mud.

Spoiler:  EP (click to show/hide)

4 EP towards Hunters Organ.
2 EP towards homes.
6 EP to Limbs, making them faster.

 This seems like a lazy post, but I just walked several miles home from work after I missed the bus. I think I'm gonna sleep now.