FOR SONIA & SALVAGE

>>45137463
FOR SHARKS AND SALVAGE! Why does work keep interfering with my happy quest fun time?

>>45137463
FOR HOUSE AND DOMINION

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>>45138043
>Why does work keep interfering with my happy quest fun time?
I know that feel.
Special Operations:

http://houseanddominion.wikia.com/wiki/Dominion_Civil_War_-_Special_Operations

>Highlander Burial
House: J-D / Phobos
Environment: [Ground]
Type: Diplomatic (Sonia Reynard)
Return to the Yineput system to negotiate with Baron Dante Zvonimir for high density armor. This powerful, if eccentric individual holds Walkers and similar armored vehicles in high esteem, along with those who have taken them into battle.
Deployment time: 3-5 days (Depends on ship), several days on location

Given how long the other special operations have required you may complete this one before the others your people carried out at the end of the last thread.

Fadila would like any negotiations for strategic materials to take place as soon as possible so that vehicle production will have time to catch up.

Do you want to deploy on this mission immediately or will you wait and deal with other projects and issues first?

>>45138297
>[x] Deploy on this mission immediately

>>45138297
Let's go. Daska becomes gets to be acting Sonia while we're gone.

>>45138297
[X] Deploy the Sonia immediately

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>>45138351
>>45138442
>>45138496
While you will obviously ride in style regardless of the ship taken some of those are much faster while others are much better armed.

What ship are you taking?

[ ] The Great Devourer (Maximum style)
[ ] Neeran Fast Medium (Greatest protection/firepower) (Did we actually agree to call it the AGRO? I was watching way too many SotC videos at the time.
[ ] Excalibur Battlecruiser (Highest FTL)
[ ] EC-K (Very high FTL and sublight)
[ ] Cloaked Battleship (Get in and out undetected)
[ ] Armed luxury liner (Max comfort for diplomatic team)

>>45138708
>[ ] The Great Devourer (Maximum style)

>>45138708
Can we take Darrow's gift ship out for a spin?

>>45138785
Yes but there isn't much extra room aboard for shuttles, marines or cargo. An LST could dock to the hull without problems, solving the Marine issue. Not really idea for the diplomatic mission.

You could still take it out for a test flight around the Run.

>>45138708
[X] The Great Devourer (Maximum style)

Considering who we are going to go see Maximum style is the way to go.

>>45138708
>[ ] The Great Devourer (Maximum style)
I'm okay with that. Would an escort be prudent?

>>45138708
What is the situation with Yineput and the surrounding relay?

I recall Bonrah snagged a sizable chunk of it, and I for one do not support moving our ass near Bonrah territory in the middle of a civil war.

[x] Cloaked Battleship

>>45138941
[x] Great Devourer in that case.

We can fly it another time.

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>>45138987
>Would an escort be prudent?
It may be a good idea considering the proximity to Bonrah held space.

>>45139000
Yineput and part of the relay are held by House Tho'ros.

Bonrah holds the largest chunk of the relay but there is a relatively safe if time consuming corridor passing through the space of other minor Houses. Those Houses have been suffering from piracy issues like your Relay was previously. Their proximity to South Reach has meant more SRL Mercenaries deployed by the Warlords to counter them.

Bonrah is making money holding the faster route through the Relay.

Will this change your plans?

>>45138708
>[ ] The Great Devourer (Maximum style)
Sonia has the most style of all!

>>45139593
Ehhh... Bring cloaked Battleships for escort? We got two of them as far as I remember.

>>45139661
>Bring cloaked Battleships for escort?
Supporting.

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>>45139593
Could we get an update on the J-D forces currently available to us?

>>45139661
>>45139748

We should just take one of the battleships. Anything that is deployed to intercept a battlecruiser likely will be able to cause crippling damage or outright destruction before two battleships can drive them off, assuming they are even adequate to drive off the attacking force.

Style is worthless if you arrive as someone else's salvage.

>>45139593
>Will this change your plans?
Would it be feasible to take the route through RH and Helios territory, and bring some forces to help with the pirate hunting while we're visiting the baron?

We wouldn't need much, maybe 1 ab squad, 2 corvette squads, and one those budget BBs we captured per territory?

Our new guys need training, and pirate activity seems down for the moment in drh1.

>>45139810
All losses have been replaced one way or another.
Shipyards are operating at maximum efficiency and you'll soon have access to fleet expansion options. I was hoping to wait until after this mission was over.

>>45139985
>bring some forces to help with the pirate hunting while we're visiting the baron?
Do you guys want to deploy some combat patrols to the region?

>>45140156
>Do you guys want to deploy some combat patrols to the region?
We should ask first. To see if the locals are okay with it.

>>45140156
>I was hoping to wait until after this mission was over.
kk. Just wanted to see if could bring a few squads without having to worry about the run too much.

>>45140156
I'll back some combat patrols in the region, so long as Helios/RH are willing to provide us with repair facilities.

Talking to the Ruling House Relios and Ber'helum representatives reveals that their supporters in the next relay would be more than happy for assistance. A few squadrons to help fight the pirates might not seem like much but they know what sort of difference they could make.

The RH diplomat warns that while all of the major houses with territory in the next Relay have hired South Reach Mercs, they have managed to hire Bernard Foss. The rest of his fleet that wasn't left behind to work on their new base are now in the region.
They're being paid with upgrades for their supers. The work of outfitting them should take long enough that they'll still be there when Bonrah drops all pretenses of neutrality. Hopefully.

You and your party load up on the Devourer with the pair of cloaked battleships and some attack squadrons accompanying you. It will take about five day to reach Yineput.

Part of you is worried about the prospect of going back there. The ball alone was one hell of a fight, let alone the system wide space battle between a few thousand ships.

Once the fleet has begun its long jump and you're left with nowhere to hide Fadila corners you to discuss plans for the mission.

"Baron Zvonimir is incredibly in favour of walker based military units, even with the obvious advantages repulsor based tanks have. Despite this he will try to impress you with the capabilities of the vehicles his people produce. There are reasons the Alliance has not supported his advanced gunship design or other projects.

While I admit it may not be possible I believe our ultimate objective should be to convince him to halt all production of such vehicles until the civil war is over."

"Are you against walkers that much?" you ask.

"From an economic standpoint? Yes. We need to acquire as much high density armor from him as possible. Stopping his vehicle production is the best way to do that. It will not be the easiest. "

"I've talked to the House Phobos diplomats and we would need to secure enough armor for 500 units per month minimum for them to sell to parties outside the Alliance.
The Ruling House and Beh'helum don't have ground vehicles that are quite as advanced but they'll be willing to sell us upgraded models provided we can get them enough for 400 units."

Overall that's not very much. Even a reduction to walker production could yield numbers far higher than that, though how much of it you'd be able to acquire is another story.

"Just please promise me Baron Reynard that you won't just go and buy a walker battalion?"

[ ] I promise.
[ ] I can't promise anything.
[ ] One battalion wouldn't hurt.
[ ] Other

>>45141664
>[ ] I promise.
As an aside: who are we selling our HAG to? I recall it ended up in the hands of Erid, which honestly surprised me a lot.

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>>45141582
>you're left with nowhere to hide Fadila corners you
Kek.

On one hand I like Walkers... On the other hand... Eh. Fine
>[ ] I promise.
But we won't promise we wont be sulky about it!

>>45141664
>[ ] I promise.
But they're fun. Maybe just one for me?

>>45141664
[x] Other "You're aware of the last diplomat from Helios that asked me to promise something?"
[x] Other: Evil Grin

>>45141664
>[x] I promise.
Based on the past performance of walkers. If he came up with a brilliant way to make them economically feasible, we'll consider buying them.
>[ ] Other
"I promise I'll buy at least 2 batallions."

>>45141744
nope

>>45141664
>[ ] I promise.
Fadila is no fun!

>>45141664
"If that is an attempt at reverse pcychology I will warn you now that it just might work."

>>45141706
Since its introduction most of been sold either to your House, the Alliance, or Houses sending fleets to the front lines. Some of those Houses have later gone on to gift them to allies.

>I recall it ended up in the hands of Erid, which honestly surprised me a lot.
Weren't those an Aries knockoff with less firepower? I guess not.
It shouldn't be a surprise if they'd bought a few of yours through intermediaries. They wanted to be prepared to go up against anything your House could field.

>>45141806
To which part? You guys did really screw that agreement with Helios.

>>45142286
>It shouldn't be a surprise if they'd bought a few of yours through intermediaries.
Didn't it look like relations were going to improve with Erid, at least for a while? A few of them might have been sold as a show of goodwill.

>>45142286
>Weren't those an Aries knockoff with less firepower? I guess not.
Some were one or two weren't. That said, we should totally be willing to offer access to them as a political tool to our and Ber'helium's allies.

"Well you're no fun."
She looks slightly hurt by this accusation. Or tired. You have a hard time reading her at times. Must be the whole diplomat thing.

"If that is an attempt at reverse pcychology I will warn you now that it just might work."

"Baron please. This is serious."

You give a reluctant sigh then promise her you won't "buy a walker battalion."

Looking through documents for things you could use when dealing with the Baron you're mainly left looking at Power armor. Nobody outside the Major Houses produce Recon Armor it seems. Matryoshka medium and the newer heavy power armor are both produced by House Tho'ros. They're not the only ones but they have the materials necessary.

Those same materials are used in much more limited amounts in power cell armor.


Any ideas you want to discuss with you diplomat before your arrival?

>>45143021
Maybe buy one for me to help ease any negotiations? Sell him some HAGs at a slight discount for some armour?

>>45143067
Yes only buy one it is not a battalion right?

>>45143187
It's to help negotiations and for the Baron. Every Baron needs a hobby. Sonia's is collecting military hardware. Or at least being gifted it.

>>45143021
>Any ideas you want to discuss with you diplomat before your arrival?

How are the other houses in the run alliance doing overall?
What's her opinion on the civil war so far?
Are any houses we had positive interactions with in the past in trouble?
How did she end up as sonia's leading diplomatic adviser?

>>45143280
>How are the other houses in the run alliance doing overall?
Quite well right now. J-D's economy and especially its shipyards have helped the others prosper. With its production DHI has been able to fill the gap left by other corps that might have caused them serious trouble in the short term.
Your experienced officers are helping with training allied units where possible. For now your strength is their strength and they know it.

Answering the rest of this when I've got time.

I'm stepping out for a bit. Hopefully no more than an hour. please suggest any plans you may have.

>>45143021
>Any ideas you want to discuss with you diplomat before your arrival?

>Had a bunch of political ideas I wanted to drop but forgot
The pain of H&D

>>45143636
>please suggest any plans you may have
Acquire the exclusive rights for non-militiary use of the wormhole gates in dominion space.

Convince the navigators' guild to allow us operate a specially equipped cruiser in the nav hazard zones in dominion space. The ship will need scanning equipment, whatever tech can minimize additional damage to subspace during ftl travel, loads of cargo space.

Secretly start looting/colonizing nav hazard zones by using that ship to build gates in said areas.

Try to find out if the Rovinar are willing to throw some help in our direction. Maybe they have finally come to the conclusion that the civil war might easily go on for years if they don't do something.

Versa is currently keeping idiots and their forces occupied. Maybe offer some very subtle help to keep the attackers distracted from the rest of that relay?

>>45143021
See if they're willing to set up an high-density armor manufactory on Rioja?

>>45144255
>Acquire the exclusive rights for non-militiary use of the wormhole gates in dominion space.
That brings up a good point as well, how's the stuff we donated being developed? Has it yielded any sweet upgrades or money from the Alliance yet?

>>45143280
>What's her opinion on the civil war so far?
"It should have happened decades ago. The last major conflict within the Dominion could have stabilized things had the Ruling House expanded the campaign then rather than calling for peace too early. Our House and many other minors might not have survived had they demanded more ships and troops from us but the Ruling House and the Dominion would have been stronger.
I hope that something positive comes out of this war."

>Are any houses we had positive interactions with in the past in trouble?
House Astalen are having a rough time of it from House Xygen supporters but the Ruling House is backing them up.

>How did she end up as sonia's leading diplomatic adviser?
"Trying to get onto the Council. Of course humans don't usually get onto the council. When the Earl saw your request he knew you would need someone capable that could handle what needed to be done.
There are worse jobs. I could have been made a planetary governor in South Reach if they wanted to keep me away from the House leadership."

>>45144255
>Secretly start looting/colonizing nav hazard zones by using that ship to build gates in said areas.
What makes you think you haven't already missed such an opportunity?

>Rovinar
They're incredibly reluctant to directly involve themselves. They have been conducting some passive assistance.

>House Veritas
>Maybe offer some very subtle help to keep the attackers distracted from the rest of that relay?
Did you want to involve Winifred? Most of South Reach is sort of in her sphere of influence as far as your House is concerned.

>>45145825
>What makes you think you haven't already missed such an opportunity?

Well, not like we can't make up for it now. And there never came anything of that norune bountyhunter log.

>>45145825
Could we help Astelan out at all? Helping out Veritas should only happen if the worlds we are getting from them are in trouble otherwise oh well sorry too busy.

>>45145825
Dear god we are not helping Veritas directly. That would endanger both an RSS facility and destroy what good relations we may have with the Houses that want Veritas destroyed.

And unlike Veritas, those Houses probably have fleets capable of visiting our worlds.

>>45145825
>Did you want to involve Winifred? Most of South Reach is sort of in her sphere of influence as far as your House is concerned.
It would be pretty rude if we didn't.

>>45145825
>What makes you think you haven't already missed such an opportunity?
Every thread I feel like we missed some game-changer opportunity somewhere to be honest.

>>45146053
There will be an opportunity for Daska to do so.

>>45146093
>It would be pretty rude if we didn't.
Also there's the whole thing with Bekka being in South Reach too.

>>45146066
>Dear god we are not helping Veritas directly.
I did anticipate a counterpoint and there it is.

>>45146429
Well now I just feel bad.
Though many of those would have resulted in not having something significant you now have. Like Rioja for instance, or your holdings in South Reach. Some may have placed you in a much worse position militarily.
>Marquess Sonia Reynard of the Ruling House
>Just about no ships
>Fighting off a Warlord fleet of 30 Super heavies.
>Cut off from the rest of the Dominion entirely.

Your fleet arrives in the the next relay none the worse for wear. The trip along the considerably less direct nav lane takes longer than your earlier flights throught he region. This route isn't one real lane but several with endpoints closer to each other but requiring a few small jumps in between.

Any one of them would be an ideal spot for an ambush.

"Sir, we're detecting what look like raiders closing in on our alignment point. We should be able to jump before they reach weapons range."

"How many of them?"

"Two Republic Battleships, two Kavarian Battlecruisers, and two mixed squadrons with Vultures, Smuggler Frigates and modified standard corvettes."

[ ] Move on
[ ] Put that pirate hunting force to good use
[ ] Escort to engage, head on to Yineput

>>45146965
>[ ] Put that pirate hunting force to good use
Though the moment enemy reinforcements arrive jump out.

>>45146965
>[ ] Put that pirate hunting force to good use

>>45146965
It really depends on how many ships we brought.

I'm okay with engaging them if our forces are sufficient.

>>45146965
>[ ] Put that pirate hunting force to good use
Also
>Marquess Sonia Reynard of the Ruling House
That was a possibility if we'd chosen Knights Errant all those threads ago, wasn't it?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltCbrDWGo68

"All ships, combat alert. Weapons to full, I'm taking the helm."

Spinning around in your chair, you initiate a quick systems check and give the weapons officer clearance for everything except the plasma cannon. Instead the targeting reticle for the main gun pops up on your display.

Soon you're coming about and accelerating towards the raider force. Displays soon read that the main gun is at full power and ready to fire.

Both of your escorting Battleships have readied weapons and shields, though they can cloak at a moment's notice if you would prefer it.

>Do you want to use the Holographic weapon charge effects for the main gun in an attempt to scare the opposition?
Y/N?

Roll 4d20

Rolled 12, 17, 4, 9 = 42 (4d20)

>>45147548
rollin bones

Rolled 19, 14, 8, 6 = 47 (4d20)

>>45147548
>>Do you want to use the Holographic weapon charge effects for the main gun in an attempt to scare the opposition?
Sure

Rolled 16 (1d20)

>>45147548
>Y/N?
N. Let's surprise them. Can the holo systems cover the charge effects instead?

>Roll 4d20
1

Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>45147577
2

>>45147577
>Can the holo systems cover the charge effects instead?
To a limited extent. Most modern sensors will still detect the power buildup.

>>45147482
>That was a possibility if we'd chosen Knights Errant all those threads ago, wasn't it?
That was one way. There was also an option to do a different mission when you helped bring Warlords into the Dominion as new Houses.

Rolled 7 (1d20)

>>45147600
3

>Random question:
Could an upgraded class dominion battleship work out as an alternative to the athena class?

Upgrade the ship's systems, install two module mounting points like we have on the neeran fast medium on the sides, and it should be an equal ship.

And people won't have to worry about some aries backdoor.

Rolled 20 (1d20)

>>45147657
4

Seriously what is up with the third roll and this quest?

Rolled 18, 8, 1, 10 = 37 (4d20)

>>45147548
Y

"Maybourne, activate the holographic charge effects for the main gun."

"It should be ready, just touch the trigger before firing."

You signal for all ships to launch torpedoes once they reach ideal range. A second later the numbers scroll down low enough that you open fire, your escorts doing the same. Then the phase cannon fire starts.

The Raiders must not be familiar with your IFF's because they don't immediately break off and run for it like most do when they see you. Their attack squadrons are expertly juking and making targeting difficult. They must think they're actually a bunch of aces.

It isn't until you light up your plasma cannon and fire that some of them seem to catch on that they're in trouble. Your first shot nearly takes down the shields of one marauder causing most of the larger ships to immediately turn tail and run. One battleship returns fire but your escort blocks the shot before pulling back for cover.

Your numerically superior attack squadrons engage like you would expect of the veteran units, though the third squadron comes under combined enemy fire.

"Our third squadron is taking damage." Mayborne informs you.

"Tell them to pull back. Let the other two take over until their shields have recharged."

Cutting your engines you swing the bow of the Devourer around toward the larger portion of the battle and fire off the plasma cannon a few times, destroying a frigate and crippling a Vulture. That was all the convincing that their attack squadrons needed, they're soon making a run for it like the others.

Heavy torpedo fire catches up with the marauder you damaged, battering down its shield, allowing phase cannon fire from the battleships to cripple its engines.

"They're jumping."

The remaining enemies micro jump out on any heading their ships were on, determined to avoid the fate of the others.

The third attack squadron is looking a bit beat up, though none were destroyed. It would probably be best if they head for nearby RH territory for repairs.

"Sir, do you want our cloaked battleships to pursue the raiders?" Ask coms

"We may be able to salvage most of the crippled enemy ships if we use the Battleships to help." Points out Maybourne.

1a) Track raiders
1b) Salvage ships

One of the members of your diplomatic party on board happen to be with your PR department. They want to immediately publicise footage of the battle with you personally taking down pirates.

"Return of the Pirate Hunter."

Will you do so, wait until your meeting with the Baron is settled, or just not publicise it?
2a) More publicity now!
2b) Wait so its not a distraction
2c) Other things are more important/ Other

>>45148683
>1a)
>2a) More publicity now!
It would fit into the Run alliance campaign against the priates we just finished. Maybe secretly hint slide in some hints that it was Nasidum and Bonrah that supported the pirates as well.

>>45148683
1b
2a
Salvage Sonia has returned.

>>45148683
>1a) Track raiders.

>2b) Wait so it's not a distraction.

>>45148683
1a
2b

>>45148683
1b) Salvage ships
2b) Wait so its not a distraction - However I will support 2a should people figure its the right thing to do.

>>45148683

1b

If we pull in these ships, we can strengthen our own forces as well as those of our local allies. Perhaps even Foss' forces.

And it would be a shame if any of these guys were able to be picked up and continue their mission after we left the ships behind.


2b
We're on a mission that extra publicity could endanger.

And if Foss' people are in the area, we should attempt to get some footage in of our forces working together. The SRL, despite their flaws and past, has been a rather important part of the Alliance. If we can show that we are returning to Pirate Hunting and the SRL is fighting on our side, it should lend to the position that these aren't legit pirates, but House (Bonrah) forces fighting without identification. Or at least show SOME of the SRL is on the right side of things.

How strained are our local logistics sources TSTG?

Given that all our fleets seem to be a mish-mash of different vessels, of different age, at different technology levels, I imagine it would be hell on coordinating our supplies. When/if/eventually we should try standardising ships across the entire fleet. Did we take the Ber'helum Medium shipyard or the Super Heavy Yard upgrade?

>>45148683
>1b) Salvage ships
>2b) Wait so its not a distraction

I like >>45149472 idea of trying to get footage of our forces and the SRL working together to crack down on piracy.

>>45148683
1a)

We are close to Bonrah space, we are underequipped, we are on a different mission, and we have a REPUTATION. Finally, our doctrine has always been overwhelming force, not "run and hope it isn't a trap".

We can impress/guilt that the Baron we're meeting was more important than salvage.

And we can afford to play it careful. Nothing that attacked us was particularly special, guys.

Track the damn ships, but eyes on the prize here. We're going to salvage a shit ton of armour instead.

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>>45148683
1a)
2a)

Goddamn guys, this is how we fucked up the last Helios job. Do you not want siege cannons? Because this is how you lose siege cannons.

>>45149472
re: number 2.

I just want the Baron we're meeting to see how fucking styling our ship is.

You politely inform your PR people that right this second isn't the best time for publicity. It can wait until negotiations have been concluded and so that it doesn't pose a distraction.

The Battleships are sent off to track the fleeting pirates. Maybe they can follow them back to a base or find evidence of them operating out of Bonrah space as you fully expect.

While you won't be able to haul the ships back for proper salvage your Marines do make sure any survivors are put in the brigs of those ships headed for friendly territory. Missiles, torpedoes and other munitions are also stripped from the wrecks.

You head on with a squadron and soon reach the Yineput system. It's seen changes since you were last here. Half the system isn't a free fire zone for starters. The gas giant has completed two thirds of an orbit and it looks like most of the fleet support infrastructure from farther in system has been moved to the outer rings to replace what was damaged in the fighting.

"System traffic control has acknowledged our presence and are sending us navigation data. They're also warning us not to start trouble with other Houses or we'll be escorted out of Tho'ros space."

While things look calm you can soon see the reason for the warning. Ships with IFF's from more than one hundred different Houses are present in system. A trio including an old Battleship from Bonrah is a few thousand km ahead of the parking orbit your party is assigned.

It looks like there may even be ships from Nasidum present, but so are those from Ber'helum and Kharbos. No Ruling House, though they could just as easily be operating under another IFF.

There are more than enough ships from the local defense fleet to keep the visitors under control should they get uppity, but probably not enough to stop everyone from making a run out of the system.

It looks like you've arrived with plenty of time to spare.

>See you in the morning!

>>45150122
Looks like it's become the local trade hub.

>>45150122
Disappointing people won't be able to see our styling holograph attack.

Melt down a drive plate and use it as plasma cannon ammo

>>45150122
Won't be able to post tomorrow so gonna give my idea now,,, propose a neuro interface for walkers, the best argument for walkers is its similarity to a humanoid body, if it can be controlled like one controls his body then maybe it can be more viable.

>>45151388
. . . . Walkers are always a retarded and inefficient option.

>>45151113
>>45150122

We could always show Baron Dante Zvonimir the combat. Use our own "quirks" to help get some common ground. Holograph attack setups and sharks ~!

>>45152734
We should give him some free plasma colouring

>>45146093
Are we still considered within her 'faction' inside the House?

Hmmm, as an aside has JD every commissioned a development study for their recently acquired DRH1 Relay territories? Possible locations for buildings standard or hidden logistic/military bases, currently unmarked exploitable resources, undeveloped colonizable/terraform able worlds (longshot, I know), that kind of thing?

>>45146965
You expected us to take over the fleet that SRL guy was trying to usurp, right?

>>45145825
>What makes you think you haven't already missed such an opportunity?
Does that mean we can't do it any more?
I kinda want to...

>>45154181
A good question.

Oh good, windows update closed all my shit.

>>45151228
Sell this as a super high priced mystery box ammo?

>>45151388
>propose a neuro interface for walkers
This is already a thing, at least to a limited extent. You were only able to use the walker previously on Yineput due to your training with power armor.

>>45154181
To a limited extent. You've gotten rid of a lot of your detractors back on the homeworlds by not implementing democratic systems on Rioja. Something the Terran refugees grumble about.

>>45154239
>has JD every commissioned a development study for their recently acquired DRH1 Relay territories?
Science teams are conducting surveys of the region in addition to the publicly available information.

>>45154283
>You expected us to take over the fleet that SRL guy was trying to usurp, right?

http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/36800743/#p36840381
>3)
>:3)

>>45154696
Well, that was... 1, or 2 in-game years ago. Probably. You stopped putting the current year in the OP at some point.

With that timeframe in mind we can probably still take a smaller slice of the territory for ourselves.

And I'd hope their lack of technical expertise, exodus after the SRL formation, and dickery by other factions has hampered their efforts something.

Even if the warlords managed ot find something, I doubt they set up shop in one of the drh relays or the centri cluster. And even if they managed to, we'd still have the warp gate advantage.

I mostly just want the galactic cores and the nav zones in the drh relays.

>>45154696
>Something the Terran refugees grumble about.
Well they can grumble all they want. This is the Dominion. If they just do what they are suppose to then life will be good. Benevolent dictator is best government system.

>Science teams are conducting surveys of the region in addition to the publicly available information.
I wonder if we will be able to conduct a terraforming project akin to the Outer Colonies back in the home territories? Just find a shitload of unpopulated systems and terraform everything we find.

>>45154824
>I wonder if we will be able to conduct a terraforming project akin to the Outer Colonies back in the home territories? Just find a shitload of unpopulated systems and terraform everything we find.
still want to turn Rioja into a duel planet system.

>>45154696
>Something the Terran refugees grumble about.
Doesn't J-D already use a democratic system for low level official positions? (Mayors, etc?)

>>45154958
We should probably check them to see if any are professional agitators, but I would imagine that Terrans grumble about pretty much everything.

Because we all know they're AMERICA! In Space!

>>45154696
>by not implementing democratic systems on Rioja
I still think we should go the Starship Troopers route for municipal elections.

File: angry2 toss screen.png (19 KB, 381x400)

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I am declaring Windows 10 to be Vista 2. Long angry rant goes here.

>>45154958
Plenty of worlds do but not all of them.

>>45155524
I'd back a limited democracy based on service = voting rights for Rioja.

It might help with Shallans, too?

After a long wait you're given clearance to micro jump in system. Once in orbit of the main world the ship is approached by an LST to shuttle your party to the surface.

There should be enough bodyguards with you to protect against most minor incidents. Just in case your suit of Recon Armor is brought along with your other cargo. It should provide some options if the situation turns.

The LST descends not towards the main spaceport but the former palace. From the air it's clear that a few things have changed. The hangers to the north east have been expanded and small landing pads and cargo lifts added to the space in front.

After tour ride touches down you step outside in time to see an honor guard snap to attention. Someone that looks to be Baron Zvonimir is just getting out of a limo and soon approaches.

"Baron Sonia Reynard, welcome to Yineput!" He greets you as he approaches. "I apologise for the wait but I'm a busy man and I wanted to set aside time to greet you appropriately. It's always a pleasure to meet another pilot, especially a skilled one. Why I must have watched the battles in your escape from the Lat'tham ball a hundred times.

I hope your trip here wasn't too difficult?"

>What say?

>>45156740
"No, infact it was quite fun. We ran into some pirates along the way and had some fun dispatching them. I guess they didn't fancy the idea of standing up to the Great Devourer. But then again, who can blame them? That ship has more kills than most squadrons do!"

>>45156740
"Some pirates tried to jump us. Worked out about as well as it usually does. Honestly, you'd think they'd learn"

>>45156740
"Not at all. Some of the excitement that is so common in the Dominion at the moment managed to catch up with my ships but fortunately things did not get out of hand."

>You now have to do two or three captchas before you can post anon :^)

>>45156740
>Why I must have watched the battles in your escape from the Lat'tham ball a hundred times.
That was with the borrowed Mecha, right?

>"Riding that mecha was quite fun. If the context hadn’t been so bad I would have liked to do the whole thing again."

"No, in fact it was quite fun. We ran into some pirates along the way but fortunately things did not get out of hand. Worked out about as well as it usually does for them. Honestly, you'd think they'd learn. I guess the rest didn't fancy the idea of standing up to the Great Devourer. But then again, who can blame them? That ship has more kills than most squadrons do!"

The other Baron shakes his head.
"Everyone hiring pirates as privateers these days. If they didn't have the potential to be well and truly dangerous I'd call the whole thing petty. Come, there are plenty of things to see and we can discuss matters on the way."

The two of you climb into the lead limo while others pick up the rest of your party. Soon you're headed for the palace along the same road as the last time.

You try to shake off any lingering bad memories by bringing up the battle the other Baron had mentioned.
"Riding that mecha was quite fun. If the context hadn’t been so bad I would have liked to do the whole thing again."

"Yes, nasty business having to run escort. Oh well, at least there were some positives to take out of the whole thing."


The limo passes over a section of roadway that's been replaced with armored glass. Below you can just make out what look to be apartment blocks arranged as though part of a canyon.

"Guest quarters. Much safer then having them up above and risking them obscuring sight lines and taking the occasional stray particle beam hit. The other buildings like the palace are fully shielded of course, they're been left untouched.

The limo comes to a halt and you step out onto the walkway approaching the palace. While there is still shrubbery present, sets of walkers have been parked on either side forming an open air gallery.

Some are familiar models you've seen elsewhere, others not. The last two flanking the entrance are a pair of enormous vehicles far bigger than the others, with legs that look more like the sublight engines from an LST.

>>45157922
> Get the Baron to geek out about them, specifically the legs

I'm kind of curious here.

>>45157922
>>Some are familiar models you've seen elsewhere, others not. The last two flanking the entrance are a pair of enormous vehicles far bigger than the others, with legs that look more like the sublight engines from an LST.
Sonia has earned a day or so of vacation at this point, right…? ’Cause I think we should check out those walkers and try out a few.

Diplomatically speaking, spending a while assuring the Baron that we truly like walkers (a rarity among those talking to him at the moment apparently) would probably lend our word far more weight when we ask him to scale down the walker production.

>>45157922
Mention that a dedicated CAS Patrol could wipe out the majority of the walkers for a fraction of the cost.
Gotta start weaning him off production now.

>>45158127
Autism. Appropriate for Sonia?

Because you know he hasn't heard that a million fucking times already. Maybe we should first find out why he prefers Walkers? Then all we have to do is poke holes in his argument / use the Socratic method instead of having to prove CAS will work in any situation ever.

You're really bad at diplomacy if the first thing you want to do is imply he's and idiot and shit on his babies.

>>45157922
Goodness gracious. What a gentleman, laying out such a gallery for us to see.

We should at least take the time to peruse the walkers.

File: Dante Gunship Mech.jpg (79 KB, 1049x599)

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"These are my pride and joy." Zvonimir tells you, spreading his arms to take in the two oversize vehicles.
"Display models of course. Planetary assault gunships with the firepower of a dozen tanks and starfighters, and with flight capability superior to even the best LST's. It pains me to admit it but your HAG quite effectively undercut my potential sales of it.
Though to be fair the older versions didn't have shields. It's why I needed to get my hands on so much armor."

Right, that's where it's all going, you think to yourself. That and all of the other types.

"It took time but I finally have shield generators that will fit on them. You'll have to take one for a test drive, I insist. Just don't steal it. People have been tempted, and in their defense I can understand why, but I had to kill them. It was tragic, tragic for everyone involved."

>What say?

>>45157922
>>45158127
Voting against this. It's just such a condescending dick move no matter how true it might be.

Didn't we just rock Bonrah in part because their diplomat was a dick? I mean he was right, but still a dick.

>>45158240
Oh I was going to ask for a test drive anyway. Maybe buy one for personal use to hurt stomp around Rioja.

>>45158257
Nasidum not Bonrah mate.

>>45158240
. . . .Can we get one painted like a Shark? We might not be able to justify the price or to be able to integrate it with our armed forces, but it definitely seems styling.

Regardless, I don't see how we could live with ourselves without taking a test drive.

We can discuss cost, maintenance, mobility etc. while doing that. Because I suspect that the main thing is we can have a more flexible force for cheaper that's easier to maintain and transport and train than these guys. But I'd like to boil the frog slowly here.

>>45158240
"I would be delighted to test drive one of them. I honestly couldn't even imagine how I would live with myself if I didn't!"

>>45158335
Agreed. Play along and have fun with the man. It will make him more friendly towards us I have no doubt and it gives Sonia the opportunity to play while at work. A mini vacation even!

>>45158240
"Impressive. How customizeable are they?"

>>45158240
Ask how logistics are. We remember putting a lot of effort into making our HAG easy to deploy with standard forces.

>>45158663
Yup. Stuff like this. Walkers might be bad-ass, but they just don't seem practical.

We should also ask about their performance in different environments.

File: Shark Tooth Launchers.gif (6 KB, 854x495)

6 KB GIF

For anyone not really getting what I was going for it looks a bit like some art of the King Crab.Except its legs can point backwards for better flight performance.

>>45158335
>Can we get one painted like a Shark?
I don't see why not. Already considered adding a row of missile launchers along the edge of the main body.

"I would be delighted to test drive one of them. I honestly couldn't even imagine how I would live with myself if I didn't!"

The other Baron leads the way into and through the palace.
"The vehicle bays are to the rear of the building. I merely expanded what was already present and upgraded the safety systems to reduce damage from any crashes."

"They seem impressive. How customizable are they?"

"Almost any type of missile and even torpedoes can be carried with some work. The weapon arms are designed to be quickly detached so that different weapon packages can be equipped in minutes. A few Barons and Knights have suggested the creation of a package that can carry the sixteen inch guns used by your HAG, but there is some ammunition difficulty with that."

You're about to ask about logistics when the two of you enter the ballroom, probably intended as a shortcut. Holographic displays have been set up making the set of rooms into a museum chronicling the events of the battle for the system and the one fought here on the surface.

You were shot here just a few rooms away. You almost got shot in the head in the hall you just passed through.

[ ] Everything's fine, you're not having a panic attack
[ ] Panic! Stop and look at the displays to mask panic attack

Roll 1d20

Rolled 17 (1d20)

>>45159290
>[ ] Everything's fine, you're not having a panic attack

Rolled 20 (1d20)

>>45159290
[x] Ask for a moment to calm down.
>Try to calm down.

Rolled 13 (1d20)

>>45159290
>[ ] Everything's fine, you're not having a panic attack
Last roll I guess not really needed though with the 20.

>>45159290
>[ ] Everything's fine, you're not having a panic attack
>[ ] Panic! Stop and look at the displays to mask panic attack

Something in-between? Ask for a few minutes as this place brings back really bad memories?

>Almost any type of missile and even torpedoes can be carried with some work.
Has he considered offering additional customization options, especially for things like interior layout and finishings? The design seems almost perfect for a command and combat vehicle for generals and nobles who have too much money and want to make a name for themselves in planetary combat.

Don't try to compete with the HAG, that one's designed with efficiency and little else in mind. Try to supply the other end of the buyers spectrum.

>>45159290
>[ ] Everything's fine, you're not having a panic attack
Ohgodohgodohgodohgodohgodohgodohgodohgodohgodohgodohgodohgodohgod

>>45159290
>Holographic displays have been set up making the set of rooms into a museum chronicling the events of the battle for the system and the one fought here on the surface.

Was the royal guard captain buried on the planet?

>>45156062
As long as it doesn't advance pass the municipal level, I'd back that too.

Anything more is just asking for disaster.

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Everything's fine, you're not having a panic attack. It's nothing like that incident on the parade route where you thought there were snipers everywhere. That time at least you were surrounded by friendlies instead of standing in the stronghold of another House.

Keep talking, maybe you won't have time to not panic. Because you're not, it's a thing that's not happening.

"Quite the display. Do you entertain enough nobles that this is necessary?"

"Oh rarely that many. Once a week will be a tour day allowing civilian groups through. Local schools are encouraged to sign up for one of them. It's good for them to learn some history."

"Speaking of history, was the royal guard captain buried on planet?"
"No, his remains were returned to the centri cluster. There is a small monument in the memorial closer to the city."

Your breathing is back under control by the time you leave through the back gate. Outside the surrounding vehicles bays seem to be quite active, with support skimmers zipping this way and that carrying cargo and ammunition.

A trio of lighter walkers are returning to one of the bays, slowly backing up until the techs can lock them in place.

"There is something I feel you should see before anything else." the Baron informs you, stepping into one of the bays to the north. It's one of the larger ones but far from the largest.
Inside is the damaged but still recognizable remains of what can only be the old skull you piloted in the battle.

"It wasn't easy to recover in the mad scramble for the system once the fleets had moved on, but once it was located I made sure to buy it off the noble who officially owned it.
As far as I'm concerned you're the only one who put it to real use. It's yours, if you want it that is."

[ ] Graciously accept it
[ ] Ask if it can be repaired
[ ] Donate it to the museum
[ ] Other

>>45159290
>>45159390
this

>>45160676
[x] Other
Let's get it repaired and upgraded if possible. It's a perfect way to butter him up for when we go to purchase the armor we need.

>>45160676
>[ ] Graciously accept it

>>45160676
>[ ] Other
Thank the baron for recovering it.

Can we have a closer look? I kinda want to touch the remains.

How much of the mech still remains?

>>45160676
>[x] Graciously accept it
>[x] Ask if it can be repaired

I’d like having another "museum piece" in our collection that is actually usable in an emergency.

>>45160676
>[ ] Donate it to the museum

>>45160676
>[ ] Other
Would it be possible to rent some storage space for the mech? I don't really feel comfortable with shipping this back to J-D territory while the civil war is going on.

>>45160676
>[ ] Graciously accept it

>>45160742
>Let's get it repaired and upgraded if possible.
That would count as Ask if it can be repaired.
Returning it to functional status would necessitate the basic upgrades to let it survive on the battlefield. Mostly focused around the missile launchers and sensors to keep the starfighters away.

>>45160863
>Can we have a closer look? I kinda want to touch the remains.
>How much of the mech still remains?
You take a quick look. There is damage to much of its armor, weapons, nearly anything on the exterior really. Aside from one missing arm it's still in one piece but but wouldn't be able to move in its current state.

>>45160952
>Would it be possible to rent some storage space for the mech?
Yes that's an option. It could be held until cessation of hostilities to be delivered to you or your heir.

>>45161259
>Yes that's an option. It could be held until cessation of hostilities to be delivered to you or your heir.
I feel like it would be best to keep it on the planet for now.

>>45160676
>old skull
What kind of mech type is that? How does it compare to regular tanks in combat?

>>45161466
>What kind of mech type is that?
The totallynotanatlas type.
>How does it compare to regular tanks in combat?
http://houseanddominion.wikia.com/wiki/Ground_Vehicles

More and better armor, twice as many guns as a Medium or Main battle tank. Generally more missile launchers as well.
Can be fitted with jump jets though they're very short range on this particular one and reduces the rear armor.

Its height of 16 meters allows better view and sensor range of the surrounding area but at the same time exposes it to longer ranged fire.

At closer range it should be possible to punch or step on other vehicles and could batter through obstructions like walls.

Fully repaired it could probably reach speeds of 140 kph. This is in stark contrast to repulsor vehicles as even heavy tanks can approach 300kph. Like other walkers the Skull is immune to Repulsor mines, though they may result in reduced speed.

>>45160676
After a few moments of all this running through your head you thank the Baron for recovering it and graciously accept the gift.

You also express your worries that you may not be able to spare cargo space on the return trip. The Baron agrees to hold it in storage for you until it is safe to deliver.

"I'm not certain if I will but out of curiosity can it be repaired?"
"Easily. Most of the problems are the result of minor damage accumulating in key areas. It could probably be operational within a week."

>>45162345
Has he considered developing super heavy power armor or mini mechs for the FA? Make the design small enough that it can traverse the corridors on neeran city ship, stuff that republic stasis shield into the the chassis, and presto.

Or is that tech still super classified?

Soon the two of you move on to the testing fields for the newest versions of the Barons Gunships. Test pilots are taking shots at targets out in the field but little in the way of sound is reaching you.

"Vibration dampening. It keeps the civilians in the surrounding townships from becoming uppity if they can't hear weapons fire at all hours."

You ask about logistics. Your engineers wanted to be certain that the HAG would be easy to deploy with standard forces.

"Many of the components were lifted from the highest quality Royal Drive Yards vehicles, including their LST as yours was. Resupply is easy. Field repairs are a bit more difficult requiring a repair bay of the sort used for Scarab light attack ships. I've had a smaller version designed to fit aboard existing Dominion Carriers."

Next up is performance.
"They perform well in space. The available movement of the legs allow manual thrust vectoring making them quite unpredictable to those who haven't seen them before. I've attempted to keep them away from battles in space if possible with the lack of shields. I have still deployed to the outer hulls of larger ships to help with point defense in the midst of a few of the large fleet battles against the Neeran.

As for in the atmosphere you should find out for yourself."

Heading up onto the catwalk of the hanger you're shown to the open topside hatch of the Gunship.

"One of my flight training instructors will be your back seat operations officer. Take good care of them Gerald."

You climb down the ladder and sit down in what seems like a fairly ordinary starfighter cockpit, if a bit larger than usual. A scanner quickly takes your bio metrics asking you to please stand by. A second later it shows ready and the officer hands you a helmet with integrated neural interface.

"Closing the hatch." He warns before the thick topside armor plate descends, sealing you inside.

>Cont.

"If you've used power armor before you should have no problems with the system. Just try to maintain a slight hover with the repulsor systems when walking until you get used to the gait."

Displays light up showing the hanger interior and the docking clamps detaching.

"You're clear for roll out Baron Reynard." Zvonimir informs you from the control tower.

Roll 2d20

Rolled 12, 7 = 19 (2d20)

>>45163287
rollin bones

Rolled 19, 4 = 23 (2d20)

>>45163287

Rolled 13, 5 = 18 (2d20)

>>45163287

>>45163142
Going to answer some of this after the test flight.

>>45163360
It's a good thing that second dice was just backup.

Should be the same as power armor you remind yourself and take a few experimental steps forward. Or more accurately you effortlessly stride across the hanger bay and out the doors to the practice field. Soon you're walking in circles or turning in place to check your mobility.

"That wasn't so hard." you state.

"Please try to remember the repulsors." The instructor reminds you.

"Handles quite well wouldn't you say?" Asks the other Baron. You spot him in the control tower overlooking the area.

At his instructions you march to one of the firing ranges. It has an armored backstop with a shield projected in front of it for added protection. Guess they don't want stray fire flying into the park land on the other side.

Particle beams and rotary micro phase cannon equipped to the arms take a bit of getting used to. Missiles are easy mode. The firepower seems adequate.

"Airspace above has been cleared of traffic if you want to take it up." you're informed.

>What is your flight plan to test this thing out? Additional firing ranges elsewhere on the planet can be made available.

>>45163959
>What is your flight plan to test this thing out?
Does it work underwater?

>>45163959
Stomp around in it for a bit. Go to the shooting range. Take it upstairs for a bit.

>>45163959
Do they have a simulated cityscape available? If I remember correctly, our hag has too much dakka for that kind of environment.

>>45164033
It probably could but you'll end up with a lot of boiling water.

>>45164061
>Take it upstairs for a bit.
Flying in general or into orbit?

>>45164112
Yes that can be arranged. You'll need to fly to another testing range but you could be there fairly quickly.

>>45164252
Flying in general didnt think we could get outta the atmo with it.

>>45163959
Definitely test that thing out in orbit. See if we can make a flyby of Devourer? Let him know our route of course, wouldn't want to be killed.

>>45164283
>See if we can make a flyby of Devourer?
That's a no. Test flights are restricted to low orbit at this time.

>>45164252
I'd rather not take it out of atmosphere. There are a horrible, horrible number of things that could go wrong.

That said, I would like to see if there are any simulators for this available. It might be worth running this thing through some simulator paces like hot drops as part of a pair/trio, and maybe even paired with HAGs.

And combat recordings, where possible. We owe this guy at least a proper review of his pet project.

Have they seen combat against those Neeran tanks we designed the HAG to combat?

>>45164577
>Have they seen combat against those Neeran tanks we designed the HAG to combat?
Yes. The Baron has worked out tactics where one or more Gunship would act as a distraction for its main weapons while another would close to within their shield perimeter.

"Do you happen to have simulated cityscape available?"

"Yes, we'll just need a few minutes to make it available."

While waiting for that you practice moving around the area a bit more and perform a few more weapon tests while on the move. Walking, running, then skimming past on repulsors. It's fun but most of these are things a starfighter can do with repulsors, though they would have far less protection.

With a flight plan prepared you're given the chance to hear for another area, lifting off and streaking skywards. While it might be nice to test this properly in low orbit the upper atmosphere will do well enough. Setting the gunship on a ballistic trajectory you practice basic maneuvers and turning in place.
At this altitude in freefall its similar to trying to operate power armor in a vacuum. Uisng active mass balancing with a vehicle this size is difficult enough that eventually you give up and let the computer take care of it.

"We're approaching the target range." Gerald informs you.

"All enemies in the active battle zone are holographic. Most structures are not. Weapons have been locked to simulated mode to prevent excessive damage. You may see defensive screens appear to protect the larger holographic projectors from damage."


Roll 3d20

Rolled 16 (1d20)

>>45165172
>Roll 3d20
1

Rolled 3 (1d20)

>>45165181
2

Rolled 3, 5, 18 = 26 (3d20)

>>45165172
Heres hoping!

Rolled 20 (1d20)

>>45165204
3

Rolled 15, 19, 8 = 42 (3d20)

>>45165172

>>45165283
Anon you saved it.

>>45165172
Wow, he's basically made a NEXT from Armored Core, right?

>>45165318
I only played Armored Core 4 Answer and was absolutely shit at it. I did eventually beat Spirit of Mother Will.

The first stage of the simulation is open air as you approach the cityscape. Tanks, fighters and point defense batteries open up, trying to hit you before you can reach cover.

"Holy shit." you mutter then begin firing missiles towards the more dangerous targets.

Shields and small pulse laser turrets protect you against most of the SAM and particle beam fire but many of your own missiles are also being taken out by point defense. You catch on and use your heavier direct fire weapons to take down turrets. Shields continue to soak off the worst of the damage from the tanks and fighters.

An attack bomber fires a missile warhead that looks almost as big around as a torpedo. Kicking the leg thrusters forward to change your course you just barely manage to get out of the way.

"What that hell was that?" you ask as you dive into the cover of buildings.

Dante laughs over the channel. "You must not have heard of them yet. The Republic has started building SP Missiles. I don't have any yet, but others may."

With the cover of buildings and the ability to skate around with the leg engines and repulsors you find that you're able to quickly overpower most opposition. The shields are a major advantage but make you a bigger target.

"I don't suppose you could acquire surface shields for one of these?"

"No, even the Terrans don't make generators of that type small enough to fit a ship this size yet."

In the last stage another Gunship comes after you and you're soon pushed to the limit trying to keep up with it. Eventually you get fed up with chasing each other through the maze of buildings and instead crash through one of them. The sensor systems had some trouble with the collision but what seemed to be additional shields activated when your mains failed to do anything for the low speed collision.

>>45166279
>The Republic has started building SP Missiles
The republic has sp tech at this point? When did that happen? I thought it was limited to rovinar and terrans?

Breaking out the other side you catch the other pilot by surprise and fire everything. The weapon impacts stagger the other vehicle as its pilot tries to come about. Enough time for you to close in and land on top of it, driving it to the ground.

The hologram fades out a few seconds later and the Baron declares the simulation over.
"Baron Reynard, please return to the hangar after your operations officer has conducted a systems and structure check of the vehicle."
He may have sounded a bit irritated.

The check turns out fine and after shaking out some debris you return to the main complex and dock.

"That was incredibly reckless... but very effective." Zvonimir admits once you've stepped out.
"This way please. I have some battle recordings from the Neeran wars to show you if you would like."

On the way you ask how the secondary shields were able to protect against such a low speed impact.

"Stasis shielding. There are gaps in the coverage and they balloon out quite far from the hull but I've decided to incorporate them now regardless."

As someone who has been pushing for such protective shields for years you think this is a good idea. This may also mean that some vehicles will need less armor in the future.

>What say? / comments to him on performance?

>>45166462
"I'm incredibly impressed with the performance, Baron. I imagine it wasn't easy to build, let alone get ahold of the various technologies to make it possible?"

"Do you have any plans for version in the future? Perhaps a version with only limited orbital capability, less armor, and directional repulsors?"

"Have you considered fitting it with a repulsor-based anti-missile system?" We were working on this for power armor at one point!

>>45166462
"Looks interesting. I doubt I'll be recommending my house switch from my Valkyrie HAG design, but I'd probably recommend it over Aries's cheap knockoff. How much does it cost anyway?"

>>45166462
>>What say?
Apologize for any damage inflicted on the other gunship and offer to pay for the repairs. Or was that a hologram too?

Ask how much damage to weapons on it tend to do to unshielded civilian buildings, we had problems with the damaged caused by the mass drivers on the hag in urban combat.

The vehicle seems to scale well with the pilot's ability. I doubt it would perform anywhere near as well when somebody not used to PA at the helm.

It would probably augment the HAG's weaknesses pretty well.

>"That was incredibly reckless... but very effective."
Do we have any recordings from that time we drove the shuttle into the parked frigate? While it wasn't a walker, it seems like something he might enjoy.

>>45166279
>>45166462
This was supposed to be 1 short post...

>>45163142
>Has he considered developing super heavy power armor or mini mechs for the FA? Make the design small enough that it can traverse the corridors on neeran city ship,
Yes. He has pressed for things of that nature and his own designs from multiple angles. Prototype "Mini Mechs" have been attempted but they had problems and were swiftly removed from combat field testing. They're also vulnerable to the same power drain problems.

The new heavy power armor is a compromise from the Alliance providing an infantry option closer in size to a Neeran soldier while still remaining somewhat viable.
Thanks to its reactive armor layer system it uses only slightly more high density armor than a medium suit does.

>stuff that republic stasis shield into the the chassis, and presto.
>Or is that tech still super classified?
People are getting their hands on it with enough money.

>>45166433
The Republic previously had limited SP weapon production but it was destroyed in their civil war. They've been trying to get a replacement facility from the Terrans and Rovinar for years.
With the Dominion now in a state of civil war the Terrans and Rovinar must have agreed to provide them some, though it would probably be conditional.

Sonia has not previously heard of this and the other Baron provides what information is available. It's little more than a fusion warhead with an SP coating. Anything that isn't the warhead itself is just a normal missile body.
Obviously those used within an atmosphere would have a less powerful yield.

>>45166659
>Do we have any recordings from that time we drove the shuttle into the parked frigate?
Yes. And the time you drove a heavy tank through a factory wall.

>>45166876
Does the SP coating work against stasis shields?

>Prototype "Mini Mechs" have been attempted but they had problems
Is he still trying to get around these problems, or has he given up on that idea?

>>45166560
>repulsor-based anti-missile system?" We were working on this for power armor at one point!
I remember a repulsor based palm grenade launcher quite clearly. I do not recall a dedicated anti-missile system based on repulsors.

>>45166659
>Or was that a hologram too?
Yes, that's why it faded away. Your gunship smashed its way through a building which could have caused damage. Want to apologize for that?

>>45166956
>Does the SP coating work against stasis shields?
They don't seem to. Unfortunately if it were a nuclear warhead the blast from it would generally still be quite deadly if it detonated within a few meters of you.

>Is he still trying to get around these problems, or has he given up on that idea?
"They weren't very good to be honest. I'm satisfied with the heavy power armor reaching general production for now. Have you seen them in action?"

Your team fought a pair of them and they were difficult to put down you inform him.

"Good news by the sounds of it. I can't afford to have all of the projects I support fail."

>>45167141
>Want to apologize for that?
Would't hurt, I guess.

>>45167141
Apologize and say we've made a career of doing reckless things.

>>45167141
>I do not recall a dedicated anti-missile system based on repulsors.
It was back when we were fighting pirates, way before the Neeran war. One of the things we were looking at was a system for shooting down projectiles.

It's listed on the Research & Development page as 'Soldier Scale Active Defense System' under House R&D

>>45167141
Yes we should Apologize and also show him the recordings of some of our recklessness. Its a hard habit to break.

>>45167339
>Soldier Scale Active Defense System
Now that I remember.

>>45166659
"I apologize for any damage I might have done to the gunship. I've made a career of doing reckless things."

"No, don't apologize. You improvised and won. I should apologize for being a sore loser."

You do insist and show him recordings of some of your recklessness. He seems to get a kick out of it.
"If you had been one of my soldiers I would have court-martialed and then promoted you."

>how much damage do weapons on it tend to do to unshielded civilian buildings, we had problems with the damaged caused by the mass drivers on the hag in urban combat.

"Particle beams will tend to over penetrate any light construction rather than exploding things on their own. There is less danger of that among stronger dominion construction. Government buildings or fortifications, things of that nature. Urban limitations are choice of weaponry so it would depend what else you equipped. High yield missiles would be a liability, as would mass drivers with larger explosive shells."

>The vehicle seems to scale well with the pilot's ability. I doubt it would perform anywhere near as well when somebody not used to PA at the helm.
"Ten years, even five years ago I may have agreed with you. The neural interface used by the helmet is becoming much more common these days. The newer assault corvettes all make use of an equivalent system now. It's a very exciting time."

>It would probably augment the HAG's weaknesses pretty well.
"That would be interesting to test up at the front. The Long range gunnery ship providing support to the closer range brawler. That I would like to see.
This civil war would be such a nuisance if it weren't causing as many collectors as possible to try and secure walkers before their blazing moment of glory arrives."

>>45168060
>>45166560
"I'm incredibly impressed with the performance, Baron. I imagine it wasn't easy to build, let alone get ahold of the various technologies to make it possible?"

"It was not. The advanced stasis technology is becoming easier to acquire but the costs keep escalating with demand. If I didn't own so much armor production these gunships wouldn't even be possible."

"Do you have any plans for versions in the future? Perhaps one with only limited orbital capability, less armor, and directional repulsors?"
"Its repulsor strength is adequate for now. You could even reach escape velocity but it would require more patience than most have.
At this point in time restricting its orbital capability would do little to reduce the price. If anything it would only serve to cripple its mobility.

>>45166620
>"I doubt I'll be recommending my house switch from my Valkyrie HAG design, but I'd probably recommend it over Aries's cheap knockoff."
This gets a laugh out of him.

"How much does it cost anyway?"

"You can't put a price on perfection!" He tells you in mock horror.

[ ] I can't, but my House can
[ ] I didn't become a Billionaire by skipping price points
[ ] You're right, money is no object
[ ] Other

>>45168091
>[ ] I can't, but my House can

>>45167141
Apologize, show him the recordings of our recklessness. Also, I really like his walkers, anons. More than I would a greater amount of heavy tanks.

>>45168091
>[ ] Other
"Believe me, there's always somebody willing to ruin your fun by doing that. Even my own House made me drag along some "diplomatic staff", just to ensure I don't spend taxpayer money on a batallion of something with legs."

>>45168091
>[ ] I can't, but my House can

>>45168091
[x] I do believe certain members of my staff would kill me if I didn't ask.

We have a stasis factory on Rioja yeah? Maybe we could expand that for these newer shields.

>>45168091
>[ ] I can't, but my House can
I still wonder how we're going to angle this towards him reducing his production of these things. We still need his armor supplies.

>>45168091
>[ ] I can't, but my House can
We should tell him the story of the Reynard Custom rifle. Brilliant design, but expensive, and slow to produce. It largely got axed in favor of a simpler more compact design.

>>45168430
Very good idea.

>>45168091
>[X] I can't, but my House can
I like this guy!

I know we have been warned about getting a ton of walkers but a few might not hurt to supplement our ground troops and tanks.

>>45168430
>So, I had this crazy idea.
>However, in order to make a lot of money, we had to make it less crazy
>But that's okay.
>With more money, the next idea can be even crazier.
>And if we have to make it less crazy again, it will still be crazier than it would have been if we hadn't had all that money form the less crazy first idea
>You see, yes?
>You have to slowly ramp up the crazy.

>>45168060
>Soldier Scale Active Defense System
>Now that I remember.
Did we get anywhere with it?

>>45168863
>Did I ever tell you about my idea to adjust planetary orbits using Ber'helium mass generators?
>I'm going to make a second inhabitable planet in rioja.
>Its going to be great
>Assuming the planet doesn't break in half.

"I can't, but my House can. They've done it before.

I had a powerful repulsor rifle built. Brilliant design, but expensive, and slow to produce. It largely got axed in favor of a simpler more compact design."

Zvonimir shakes his head. "These things never stop happening. The greatest inventions reduced to mass produced baubles for the peasantry." He punches his open palm.
"If it were up to me I'd rather that disagreements between Houses were settled with duels. But you know what they say about War, it can be the best for business or the worst for it."

The two of you walk in silence until he asks. "The redirection ploy isn't working is it?"

"I wanted to give you time."

"Inflation of the stasis tech costs and the "shortage" of my armor has diven up the price by an additional nine million per unit. At the moment I can't let the go for anything under twenty five million."

That's a bit steep. If the price inflation dropped it would be 16 million, which really you could have expected.

>>45159445
>Has he considered offering additional customization options, especially for things like interior layout and finishings?
That's most definitely a thing. Buyers may be required to provide rare woods they want if they're only available on their worlds.

>The design seems almost perfect for a command and combat vehicle for generals and nobles who have too much money and want to make a name for themselves in planetary combat.
A few have been interested in acquiring them for this purpose but hadn't been willing to go through with it until they had proper shields. Now the prices are too high for some.

>>45169016
Alternate medium power armor backpacks soon.

>>45168863
>>45169018
Do you guys want to approach this from that angle? Reduce the crazy to increase later potential crazy?

>>45169122
>Do you guys want to approach this from that angle? Reduce the crazy to increase later potential crazy?

That seems like it would be in our interests.

>>45169122
Efficient craziness? Efficient craziness sounds lovely.

>>45169122
>Do you guys want to approach this from that angle? Reduce the crazy to increase later potential crazy?
Sure. As an aside, how expensive are our HAGs for comparison? I figure they're less than 1 million each, but I don't actually know.

>>45169122
>Do you guys want to approach this from that angle?
It's definitely a good opener.

Can he put us in contact with the people he buys the Stasis tech from?

Maybe what we can do is work out a trading triangle. We get the Walkers at reduced price, the stasis shield tech place gets stasis parts from our factory, and he gets reduced price stasis units.

Also we shouldn't forget we're here to buy armor.

>>45168863
>>45169018
Kek, I like it. Psycho Sonia is creeping back guys.

>>45169122
>Do you guys want to approach this from that angle? Reduce the crazy to increase later potential crazy?
Yes! Do it! I mean I want a few of these things but with our current finances that really aint happening and it's not why we are here. We are here to get him to sell his armor and to scale back production of his walkers.

>>45169122
>Reduce the crazy to increase later potential crazy?
Isn't that the underlying reality of Sonia's entire career?

>Now the prices are too high for some.
Make the stasis shield generator optional? Milk the ones who are willing to pay even more by adding a teleporter capsule to the design?

Seems like there's already demand for something that's more exclusive than the hag, while still cheaper what he's currently producing.

Would he be interested in cooperating on a model with a price that's between the hag and his gunship?

>Inflation of the stasis tech costs
Can we build it if we expand our factory?

>>45169239
Good idea about bringing up out hand in stasis tech.

Also we need to buy that armor.

>>45169122
>Reduce the crazy to increase later potential crazy?
We should probably replace the word "crazy" with "innovation", or something similar but the basic idea seem sound.

>>45169122
Would it be possible to lower the cost by expanding or licensing out armor production?

The stasis tech will expand with time, but if he owns armor production expansion could be put toward other systems to reduce the "shortage". Sort of like how... Carnegie, was it? Became a mogul of steel to build that bridge that could only be built with steel, but steel was horribly expensive? He made steel cheaper.

>>45167141
>I'm satisfied with the heavy power armor reaching general production for now. Have you seen them in action?"
Would he have any training material for sale? He's probably the person who has access to the most experience with heavy PA in the dominion.

>>45168091
>[ ] I can't, but my House can

We need to win the war, not just battles, and the cost of attrition is a significant issue. As well, we regretfully need to be able to field our forces in multiple theaters at the same time.

If it costs too much, then we'll lose the war even if we win every battle we're able to participate in.

I would love to have some for my personal forces, at least one of the newer models since the Atlas has sentimental value and I wouldn't want to risk it.

Is there a Command & Control version for use as a mobile command post, EW, and long range support?

And seconding >>45168430

>45169122
> Do you guys want to approach this from that angle? Reduce the crazy to increase later potential crazy?

Absolutely. But maybe play down the crazy side and play up the "innovation" side. Sometimes society isn't ready for new things and they have to be introduced slowly.

We don't want him to stop making mechs, just to redirect his investments to make a bunch of money to fund further development.

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>>45169396
You sum up your financial development as having [innovative] ideas then making them less [innovative] enough to make money off them.
Which in turn allowed you to finance your next [innovative] idea and so on.

Really it's the underlying reality of your entire career.

"You've sacrificed much to stay in the game. It may be you've sacrificed too much." the Baron observes.

"Hardly. I'm working on a plan with House Ber'helum to use their gravity well generators to move planets. I could have two habitable worlds in my star system in a few decades.
Its going to be great, assuming the planet doesn't break in half that is."

The older Baron looks at you, observing you really before saying; "Perhaps I was too hasty in my judgement. We'll have to discuss business with your party tomorrow morning. I'm sure your diplomats will want to be present to restrain you from what they consider outlandish purchases. For now let's take a look at our respective combat footage.
Mayhap we shall discover which of us is more mad?"

You get to rewatch your old recordings, some of which were absolutely insane.

There are plenty from the Neeran front of Zvonimir engaged in ground battles with his earlier versions of Gunship, having to rely on tough armor to survive damage.
In one particular incident he faced off against a super heavy tank as it crested a ridge line then sidestepped fire from its main gun. Before long he'd forced the enemy crew to turn in a complete circle, nearly causing them to become stuck. It hadn't worked, but did buy time for his wingmen to close in and deal with it.

There's only enough time to watch an hours worth before your host is called away with other business.

Before your depart for the guest quarters he suggests spectating one of the walker duels while on planet.
"Wait, walker duels?"

"Have fun."

>Stopping here for the night. You'll have time to discuss things with the diplomatic team before making a formal business proposal.

>>45170044
I really like this Baron.

Although I would like to see if one of his walkers holds up against the Lightning gun. That thing seems to ruin heavier opponents.

>>45170098
So do I. We have possibly met someone who could challenge Sonia in the ways of madness. Challenge mind as he doesn't have anons yelling in his head.

>>45170044
>"Wait, walker duels?"
Two legged walkers.
Two legged walkers, riding heavy four legged walkers.
Two legged walkers, riding heavy four legged walkers. They are jousting.

>>45170098
I kind of want to GIVE a walker a lightning gun. They seem to be focused on short-range combat anyways.

Also, Dynamic Orbital Entry Walkers to deal with the short-comings of their transportation.

Like maybe a cheap hoverboard they could use for OLA (Orbital Low Altitude) drops, the "Hangmans Hello" we could call it both for the implied death coming, but also for the sudden deceleration at the end of the drop. Essentially the sleds provide some maneuverability and have repulsers/thrusters for the final drop. They could then be used as shields if we make them simple enough.

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>>45170173
>They are jousting.
I laughed.

>>45170294
>Dynamic Orbital Entry Walkers to deal with the short-comings of their transportation.
First thing that came to mind.

It would be easy enough to modify an LST into a dedicated lander for walkers. The Ruling House LST design you bought production rights for is a cross between the ATR-6 assault transport and the BT Broadsword and the latter can carry 5 mechs.

>hoverboard shield
There has got to be a gundam that does that somewhere I'm sure of it.

See you in the morning.

>>45170742
>hoverboard shield

>There has got to be a gundam that does that somewhere I'm sure of it.

That . . . may have been where I stole the idea from.

> The Ruling House LST design you bought production rights for is a cross between the ATR-6 assault transport and the BT Broadsword and the latter can carry 5 mechs.

It's just not as stylish though, is it?

We never really had any crazy ideas for ground stuff beyond our rifle did we?

>>45172078
> Repulsor based tank cannon, the most powerful we can make, designed to punch all the way through Neeran Superheavy Tanks with splinter rounds.

Only one I can find. So yes, I guess that's the result of us being so heavily space based until recently.

>>45172135
That page needs more stuff. No matter how outlandish ideas may be.

>>45172177
I'd rather not just go all random for the sake of it.

bump

I feel like shit today but we're making progress so I'm going to keep this rolling. And posting is back up!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BoaVF3dXAtA

There are plenty of vids up of previous matches between Knights and nobles of different houses. Most are simulated, especially free for all, but the occasional one on one duel is not. If there were any duels taking place in space this would have been the perfect place to bring that jackass Windsor along to.

>>45169918
>Heavy power armor
>Would he have any training material for sale?
Some. There have been a few duels and mock combat held here so training data from them is available. Most involve fighting versus the same kinds of PA but it could be of use especially in the current war.

>>45169568
>Would it be possible to lower the cost by expanding or licensing out armor production?
It could in time, but the materials resources needed ensures that for now the Baron's output is relatively fixed.

>>45168400
>We have a stasis factory on Rioja yeah? Maybe we could expand that for these newer shields.
Yes you do. It's a fairly large factory complex with possible room for expansion.

>>45175663
>the perfect place to bring that jackass Windsor along to.
Didn't we get along well enough with him last time we met?

Off topic note before I forget. Due to the Medium vs Super issue being a draw the Earl has talked with House Ber'helum and they've decided on a Medium cruiser yard.

>>45175732
Well enough because you're his superior officer. He's still a smug arrogant bastard when dealing with anyone who isn't.

After taking some time to enjoy the high class accommodations and rest up you call in your diplomatic team to discuss matters. Fadila is relieved to hear that you haven't tried to buy entire units worth of vehicles despite your assessment that the Baron's latest toy was fun.

"So let me get this straight, your plan is to reduce the crazyness of the Baron's designs and plans to increase the funding he has to work on other designs and schemes?"

You tell her you were promoting the key term as 'innovative' rather than crazy.

"The Earl warned me, but up until now I thought he was kidding."

Reducing the crazy:

Right now you have a proposal to sell or trade stasis technology in the hopes of reducing costs. Or perhaps just as payment for vehicles or material.

Cutting the Gunship's engine power would hurt its mobility and might reduce power for shields so Zvonimir is against it.

There have been suggestions for marketing it as an ECM equipped command vehicle for high ranking officers and generals. This might increase sales.

Any other ideas?

>>45176063
>Due to the Medium vs Super issue being a draw the Earl has talked with House Ber'helum and they've decided on a Medium cruiser yard.
RIP Salvage Sonia's Super Shipyard

>>45176063
>Off topic note before I forget. Due to the Medium vs Super issue being a draw the Earl has talked with House Ber'helum and they've decided on a Medium cruiser yard.
This makes me so sad but I understand. Better to have some QM fiat rather than redoing the vote. Suppose it will take some time but eventually we will get that Super yard.

>Well enough because you're his superior officer. He's still a smug arrogant bastard when dealing with anyone who isn't.
He can go eat a bag of dicks.

>Any other ideas?
Don't suppose some of the very high quality Royal Drive parts could be switched for something a bit more cheaper and a bit less high performance? To make it more available and easier to mass produce that is.

>>45176063
>Any other ideas?
Mount them on medium cruisers and larger ship as temporary PD turrets. Kinda like the Neeran do with their corvettes. That way you could get some use out of them while not engaged on a planet.

This might make their price somewhat more bearable as you investment would have less downtime.

>RIP Salvage Sonia's Super Shipyard
Well, just because Ber'helum won't give us one for free doesn't mean we can't build one ourselves eventually. If it costs the same as a level 3 cruiser yard, we're looking at a 2-3 billion investment.

Maybe the FA is offering low interest loans for that kind of infrastructure?

We have a team of skilled engineers who have designed a similar vehicle. Maybe have them look into ways to reduce production costs?

>Due to the Medium vs Super issue being a draw the Earl has talked with House Ber'helum and they've decided on a Medium cruiser yard.
I still think we should build a tech level 1 yard for shallan cruisers. We can give them to elite units, like the terrans do with that one hero ship. That way the 6 month production time won't really matter.

To make the license price bearable, offer them to hand them every second for free

>>45176063
I want him to go the direction of German industry. He shouldn't be focused on making cheap or plentiful walkers. That's why I was recommending the C&C role.

First, because his new walkers are beasts that can react from relatively close to front lines. Second, because nobles love that shit, especially when it not only looks cool but also is obviously expensive as well as deadly as fuck.

He should be focusing on making it so that one walker can turn the tide of Battle. Ideally without getting too shot up itself.

And then, since he'll be dropping more resources into relatively fewer walkers, he can sell them for less by supplementing his income with tanks and shit that are actually useful. We would be willing to help him sell said high end quality walkers as well as grabbing a few ourselves.

Hey, anyone want to design a walker sized Reynard Rifle?

But only if he puts money towards making money with supported projects - like tanks.

Who knows, maybe his walker designs will become so popular they'll receive official sanction down the road.

>>45176242
>>45176189
> All these people wanting to make more walkers

Did nobody pay attention? This is exactly the opposite of why we are here. We want to convince him to make tanks for Helios, not cheaper walkers. What are you guys freaking doing to us?

I want those Helios siege cannons damn it all. Get your shit together.

We're going to convince him that making tanks can contribute to his walker dreams. By Goddamn it he will make tanks.

>>45176346
>Did nobody pay attention? This is exactly the opposite of why we are here.
I'm trying to reduce the production costs and increase the appeal of his walkers so he'll do us the favor of handing us the armor we want. I'd guess the other anon is suggesting these for the same reason.

>We want to convince him to make tanks for Helios, not cheaper walkers.
We want him to supply our allies' tank production with armor for the run. This hasn't anything to do with helios. At least not primarily.

>>45176346
No, we're here to buy armor.

>>45176063
I definitely want to work in expanding our stasis factory so we can eventually build the shields.

>>45176189
>Don't suppose some of the very high quality Royal Drive parts could be switched for something a bit more cheaper and a bit less high performance? To make it more available and easier to mass produce that is.
DHI is an option but they may not be able to beat the price to quality ratio of LST parts as they mostly focus production on larger starship equipment. It is an option to look into.

>>45176242
>Mount them on medium cruisers and larger ship as temporary PD turrets.
>This might make their price somewhat more bearable as you investment would have less downtime.
That may increase advantages of its use.
If would still require suitable pilots and some downtime to maintain the armor.

>Maybe the FA is offering low interest loans for that kind of infrastructure?
Not while the shipyard is in the middle of the dominion war zone.

>>45176297
>He shouldn't be focused on making cheap or plentiful walkers.
He is not at present. He makes very few overly expensive ones that just about nobody can justify the cost of.

>He should be focusing on making it so that one walker can turn the tide of Battle. Ideally without getting too shot up itself.
It currently has that potential.

>Ideally without getting too shot up itself.
That's why the shields were added. It was expensive to repair as much armor as might be used on fifty suits of power armor or more.

>And then, since he'll be dropping more resources into relatively fewer walkers, he can sell them for less
He is already putting excessive amounts of resources into very few walkers. It is driving their prices up.

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>>45177027
Honestly, he should limit/discontinue production of his walkers and sell the armor, and use the funding to look into more practical ways of producing them. We do have a few ideas for a low cost mass production testbed that could help him work out weapons systems for when he returns to mass production.
Basically pic related, but no cloak and with high parts compatibility with the Z series fighters.

How many supermechs has he sold so far?

>>45176063
>Any other ideas?
An escape pod for the noble who already has all the upgrades for his castle that are currently available.

>>45177328
>Honestly, he should limit/discontinue production of his walkers and sell the armor
>>45176346
House Phobos
>We're going to convince him that making tanks can contribute to his walker dreams. By Goddamn it he will make tanks.
This is very much what Fadila wants. Well, really she wants the walker production stopped entirely but she'll settle for reduced production if it gets you what you need.

>>45176396
>reduce the production costs and increase the appeal

>>45176433
>No, we're here to buy armor.
>I definitely want to work in expanding our stasis factory so we can eventually build the shields.
Noted.

>>45177405
Maybe a dozen. Three or four of those were before they had shields. Client confidentiality on who bought them.

>>45177328
>We do have a few ideas for a low cost mass production testbed that could help him work out weapons systems for when he returns to mass production.
Your diplomat (and I) would like to hear more about these ideas.

>Basically pic related, but no cloak and with high parts compatibility with the Z series fighters.
A scaled down model using heavy starfighter parts? It would lose the ability to mount shields but could still equip the stasis shielding, though when active would make it a bigger target.
Would also reduce its firepower but it should still be able to carry particle beams.

>>45177027
Wait. So if he's only making a few walkers, then what is going on with the armour? It's just . . . Sitting there?

What resources exactly is he wasting then? Just money, production, the actual material?

>>45177790
Each walker costs a *huge* amount of armour, which also needs to be replaced for repairs. Basically, he is using the resources to make a hundreds of power armours to produce dozens of walkers from what I understand.

>>45170044
>There are plenty from the Neeran front of Zvonimir engaged in ground battles with his earlier versions of Gunship
What's ground combat against the Neeran empire like?

>>45177578
>Your diplomat (and I) would like to hear more about these ideas.
Okay. So basically, he (possibly with RSS help) would create what basically amounts to a modern incarnation of the helicopter gunship. It would use some combination of repulsors, and thrust vectored star-fighter engines and have missile packs and a modular main weapon.
He would effectively discontinue production of his mechs, while using this new helicopter gunship as an opportunity to test weapons and in atmosphere thrust vectoring.
Then, postwar, he could look into resuming production, armed with a bunch of new combat data, and a gunship that he can borrow mass produced parts and weapons for his mech, which would hopefully bring costs down to something rich nobles are willing to pay.

>>45177937
>He would effectively discontinue production of his mechs
I think that's asking too much. The baron is clearly very passionated about walkers and walker accessories, and it would be pretty impolite to ask him to give up on it. Even temporarily.

We've know him for a day, getting 500 or even more units of armor is enough for now.

>>45177668
You can get holographic camouflage up to just about any size it just gets more expensive.

If you mean a cloak, the smallest known to be seen in use would fit a corvette.

And the post is deleted.

>>45177790
He does have material he keeps in reserve for repairs and to build more of them on short notice. Like the older version that didn't have shields, the current one still has a ridiculous amount of armor. A necessity to survive the beam intensive environment on the ground in a Neeran invasion.

There are also the smaller walkers he helps to build or repair plenty of for enthusiasts.

>>45177905
Not something you usually want to take part in if you enjoy your life expectancy.

Most of their ground vehicles are more akin to light tanks, then there's your APC's and missile/artillery launchers. All fast and mobile. They do have some heavy repulsor tanks but they're rare, mostly used as command vehicles.
It's their super heavy tanks that are responsible for breaking through defensive lines and the heaviest fighting. They also provide powerful AA coverage with beam weapon emplacements along the spine of the tank.

If fortified positions can keep those tanks away and survive artillery bombardment they'll generally switch to airborne assaults.

Most ground campaigns will favour the Factions numerical superiority. When HAG's are unavailable engagement of super heavy tanks will normally revolve around providing cover to mine layer units.

The Republic may try to make use of their new SP Missiles with non-nuclear payloads to let their fighters weigh in now.

>>45178371
>And the post is deleted.
Sorry about that. I realized equipping that gunship with a cloak and covering it in SP torp resistant coating to have it take out gun turrets on the hull of neeran city ships might be a bit too much innovation.

Maybe offer an FA only version that's covered in SP coating so it can engage neeran super heavy tanks more easily by getting through their shields?

>>45178643
>SP torp resistant coating
And by that I mean SP coating.

Sorry guys, head's kind of fuzzy making difficult to think clearly.

>>45178709
>>45178643
>have it take out gun turrets on the hull of neeran city ships might be a bit too much innovation.
This could potentially work against Faction ships. It will not work against the thicker shields on Neeran Supers because, much like torpedoes, the ship would drag to a stop before it got all the way through.
That's why you need to detonate SP's inside their shield to create bubbles.

Would probably work against their Heavy Cruisers and smaller.

>>45178371
Fadila goes over the ideas so far.

"We can try to convince him to reduce production of his walker design in order to get more immediate sales progressing for thanks. There is also the suggestion for a scaled down heavy fighter version of his walker which would require less material resources.

We also have the potential stasis sales, either in trade for the armor or just to reduce overall inflation of his prices.

Would you like one of my people to approach the Barons advisers to see if they might have any ideas?"

>>45179094
>Would you like one of my people to approach the Barons advisers to see if they might have any ideas?"
That'd definitely be a good step, I think. See what they want out of this deal more than anything.

>>45179094
>Would you like one of my people to approach the Barons advisers to see if they might have any ideas?"
Is there any reason not to?

On an unrelated note, does anyone have the thread/s where the HAG's exact specifications were laid out? The wiki doesn't have the more specific details and going through the archives one by one is kinda slow.

>>45179346

>>35988975
>It has 4 double barrel turrets using 406mm guns. Multiple smaller turrets cover the ship using a mix of particle beams, 120mm mass drivers, micro phase cannons, and optional pulse lasers.
>It also has some small missile tubes.

Some thread with the hag being discussed:
33086513
33226992

>>45179094
>Would you like one of my people to approach the Barons advisers to see if they might have any ideas?"
The Baron is a visionary. It might prove useful to talk to somebody in charge of reality around here.

>>45179094
>Sorry guys, head's kind of fuzzy making difficult to think clearly.
Did you catch a cold?

>>45179459
Thanks mate.

It's kind of interesting to note how often some quest mechanics have fallen by the wayside, simply because we move up the ranks to much to be concerned with that stuff. Whatever happened to that Nai guy that was in charge of our R&D? We kind of just forgotten about him completely, is he doing anything right now?

>>45179892
>It's kind of interesting to note how often some quest mechanics have fallen by the wayside

Maybe we'll get to distribute RP once more when Bekka Quest happens.

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>>45179852
Yes, January 1st. It never fully went away. Though I suspect it's a problem with my medication that's been bothering me the past few days.

>>45179346
Created a page for it. Have not added the info box to the page yet.

>>45179892
Your Nai engineer has been working on perfecting the point defense ship you've been buying to help support your fleet.

Was also contracted to do some work on the Heavy Cruiser hull modifications.

>>45179459
>It might prove useful to talk to somebody in charge of reality around here.

Your people return with some of the design data on the Dante gunship along with what they've been trying to convince their superior of.

"He's slightly paranoid that people have been trying to get his advisers to shut down his gunship program."

Well that's understandable you guess.

"With the newer shield technology they've been trying to convince him to at least remove most of the high density armor from the design so they can sell it elsewhere."

Their proposal would be to remove the outer ten layers of high density armor used to protect most of the internal systems. This would leave only an armored ejection pod and the shield generators themselves with extra protection.
With the two types of shield they hope that the rest of the vehicle itself will be tough enough with conventional materials. Zvonimir is unconvinced. The heavy armor did save him on a few occasions before he had shields.

While the advisers are uncertain how he'd react to your reduced scale/starfighter version they wouldn't be against it.

Thoughts?

>>45180577
I'm guessing the entire thing is fully armored at the moment.

Has he considered doing a study/simulation to see what parts of the gunship are most often hit in combat, and then designing armor around those places? Like ablative armor, it only covers the necessary/high profile portions whilst keeping other places like.

>>45180577
Is this a cross section of the walker's head/main body? Or is there a second gunship I've missed?

>>45180577
>Thoughts?
Would it be possible to make the armor modular? The version without the outer layers becomes the production baseline, and the additional armor can be added as an upgrade or field modifaction.

Or just offer to sell a "Men-at-Arms" variant without the armor, and a "Knight" version with the additional layers.

>While the advisers are uncertain how he'd react to your reduced scale/starfighter version they wouldn't be against it.
We should probably wait with that until we see how the other suggestions are received.

Drinking tons of lemon juice usually helps me get through a cold quick enough. I don't react to most regular cold medicine too well either.

>>45180577
>Created a page for it. Have not added the info box to the page yet.
Thanks TSTG. Just how popular are the HAGs anyways, is it an integral part of Alliance armies? If so, how much have we made from it?

>That pic
Seems almost excessive, maybe he should cut it down for the productions models and offer upgrade packages like what >>45180741
has said.

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>Is this a cross section of the walker's head/main body?
>Yes

>>45180663
>I'm guessing the entire thing is fully armored at the moment.
Indeed. This one should give you guys a bit more information.

>Has he considered doing a study/simulation to see what parts of the gunship are most often hit in combat, and then designing armor around those places? Like ablative armor, it only covers the necessary/high profile portions whilst keeping other places like.
Most weapon impacts will tend to strike the forward portions of the main body, or the legs. The shields protect both.
Topside impacts while rare do happen as with any armored vehicle.

>>45181033
Would it be possible to build a teleporter capsule around the cockpit?

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>>45181102
You know, I think it might be possible. The teleporter systems and the extra capacitors would add a lot of mass. It certainly wouldn't help the price.

If you kept those extra capacitors and got rid of the teleporter you could mount FTL instead.

>>45181301
>It certainly wouldn't help the price.
>If you kept those extra capacitors and got rid of the teleporter you could mount FTL instead.

Neat. It was mostly an for the super-ultra-deluxe upgrade version. You've got to give people lots of upgrade options if you're charging that much.

>>45181033
Maybe remove a layer or two on the outer armor but keep the internal armoring?

>>45180577
Can we still ask him to manufacture us the star fighter version at least, i mean looking at these they would be pretty good intercepters in space.

>>45180577
>Yes, January 1st. It never fully went away. Though I suspect it's a problem with my medication that's been bothering me the past few days.
if you haven't yet, go and see a doctor, such a persistent cold can be very harmful to your internal organs, especially your heart and it wouldn't do for you to keel over before we're done here, would it?

>>45180663
>Like ablative armor, it only covers the necessary/high profile portions whilst keeping other places like.

>>45180741
>Would it be possible to make the armor modular?
It already is to some extent. Added as option d.

Probably going to be making up a survey. Let's see what approach is most popular with people for handling the Baron.

A) Switch to starfighter size, halt full size production
B) Switch to starfighter size, reduce full size production
C) Support the adviser's proposal
D) Advisors propsal, but sell armor module upgrades for Knights
E) Remove a portion of the outer armor
F) Reduce H.D. armor, add more ablative/reactive armor from Heavy Power armor
G) Offer to promote a Commander outfitted version
?) Another combination.

Lets find out so I can add some other options.

>>45182364
>D) Advisors propsal, but sell armor module upgrades for Knights

>>45182364
>D) Advisors propsal, but sell armor module upgrades for Knights
>G) Offer to promote a Commander outfitted version

>>45182364
>D) Advisors propsal, but sell armor module upgrades for Knights

>but sell armor module upgrades for Knights
I wouldn't necessarily limit it to knights. I just picked the name to indicate it's a more... "sophisticated" version.

It might be a better idea to call the two versions medium and heavy gunship.

>>45182364
Is there any downside to just showing him all the options? I mean, he can just pick and choose what he finds acceptable, and we can tailor our approach from there, right?

>>45182364
>D) Advisors propsal, but sell armor module upgrades for Knights
>F) Reduce H.D, armor, add more ablative/reactive armor
He could use some of the House Posat anti-torp armor, to be honest. Or any kind of reactive armor.

>>45182364
>D) Advisors propsal, but sell armor module upgrades for Knights

>>45182748
Is that a business opportunity I smell?

>>45182572
I suppose. But is it really best to show the person you're bargaining with all your cards?
Also there is what you're interested in getting. If for instance most players are for supporting the starfighter option it wouldn't make as much sense to propose a plan where you have no chance of that happening first.

Or maybe it would for some players of this quest, I really can't say.

>>45182543
>I wouldn't necessarily limit it to knights.
I know, just to people who are willing to pay more.

>It might be a better idea to call the two versions medium and heavy gunship.
I was thinking along the lines of advanced, which would probably be enough to get the point across.

>>45182748
Your House completed and began selling the upgraded mark 2 armor. House Posat never got the chance.

It should be noted that tritanium armor tends to be better against starship grade weapons than against smaller scale ones that aim for higher penetration but lower area damage.

>>45182364
>D) Advisors propsal, but sell armor module upgrades for Knights
F) Reduce H.D. armor, add more ablative/reactive armor from Heavy Power armor

>additional suggestions

It might be worth suggesting expansion/licensing of production and potentially a joint R&D look at some sort of hybrid high-density/anti-torp armor? End goal would be to find an armor layering that could provide improved protection for his walker, and potentially lighten it at the same time. That this armor could also potentially be used on power cell armor to LSTs/HAGs would just be a bonus.

>>45182364
>>45182523
>>45182541
>>45182543
>>45182748
>>45182828
>>45183638
Well then. Seems we got our choice.
>D) Advisors propsal, but sell armor module upgrades for Knights

>>45180577
>Your Nai engineer has been working on perfecting the point defense ship you've been buying to help support your fleet.

Did they manage to find a new planet?

>>45137463
So.. Do spaceships have keys? Y'know, to lock and unlock the doors, and start it up?

Looks like you're going to suggest the Baron sell a version with armor modules that can be switched out between different types. His advisers should be happy with this. You know yours are.

"Well, it's not perfect but it's a step in the right direction." Fadila looks over some more information. "I'm just worried that if the armor prices drop there will be an upswing in demand for the other walker types."

You can't fix everything, this will have to do.

"The Electronic warfare and command suite wouldn't be too much of an addition to bring up right?"

The diplomat, normally careful to avoid visible annoyance, rolls her eyes. "If it would help restrict its use to only command officers I think it isn't an excessive suggestion."

You're called to the Baron's offices early the next morning. They're on one of the upper floors of the palace, built with sets of windows overlooking the vehicle bays and testing areas below. The entire room looks like it was done up in filigree some time in the distant past, though parts of it has lost its luster.

Bodyguards stand in each corner of the room and by the doors. He's obviously less worried about you than your entourage.

"Baron Reynard, I've been considering what you said yesterday. That some times it's necessary to curtail the innovative nature of some things. At least enough to move on to another project. I once had that level of youthful enthusiasm to keep pressing forward, but it seems age has taken some of that from me without realising it.
I'm almost sixty. Family members have said that my efforts to develop the perfect gunship and walker rolled into one have been a midlife crisis. Maybe it has been.
It's clear that you are not quite so hindered by the ah... "reality" people people around us so often try to remind those of our station of. You do seem to appreciate what I'm working on, and that means a great deal to me.

"I'm willing to hear your suggestions on ways to move forward."

>What say?

>>45184730
>Cont.
You could also default to your diplomatic team providing the presentation. Just keep in mind he cares for your opinion as a fellow Baron, not necessarily those of your advisers.

>>45184162
They have security passcodes which are normally restricted to a particular individual. Some parts of the computer systems would require DNA scans for a proper start up. These can be hacked with sophisticated enough hacking modules and specialists.

>>45184133
They've secured a colony that falls within territory the Rovinar control in South Reach. Plenty of refugees still live in enclaves within Dominion space and are reluctant to risk spaceflight due to the war.

>>45184730
"It's rather simple really. Few are buying the Gunship, irregardless of how fun it is, due to it's high price. Why is that? The armor, it all comes down to the armor. My suggestion is therefore thus. Two Gunship types. One is as it is now. Shielded, well armored, lot's of firepower and all the omph any person of the Dominion could want. A Gunship suited for a Knight or so. The second type however? Think of it as the means for which the original can be allowed to exist. Strip down the armor of it for the most part to decrees that horrible price. Cheaper and mass produced. It'll be the Corvette of Gunships while the the armored one is the Cruiser. Then, when the situation in the Dominion stabilizes itself some. Then maybe you wont need to make the cheaper version anymore? Perhaps you'll have gained enough to improve the design even further."

Work is stressful, I can't think so I am just typing and hoping it sounds good!

"As I mentioned yesterday, Baron, the situation isn't too dissimilar to the one I faced when I had the Custom Rifle designed. I spared no expense in making it capable of taking down a Neeran soldier in combat after my own personal experiences. In-fact, the first prototype even saved my life."

"Although it was powerful and still sold, the same result could be accomplished by a much cheaper version but be put in the hands of exponentially more troops, something which a competitor seized upon."

"I suppose what I'm trying to recommend would be to simply offer more options. A mass-produced variant with off-the-shelf parts, but with the capacity for modular armor upgrades? I would very much think that would sell. You could even offer the original variant as an even rarer hand-built model, personalised for Barons and command staff, charging a premium."

>>45184730
>"I'm willing to hear your suggestions on ways to move forward."

"Thank you, Baron. I've spent the time since our meeting thinking about this project and ways to help it reach fruition.

I also involved my diplomatic team in the process, who in turn reached out to some of your advisors, to make sure any ideas are grounded in harsh "reality".

The gunship in its current form is without a doubt the most powerful combat vehicle the factions can currently field in planetary combat. Beyond that, it's a pleasure to use - the unique combination of these traits has the potential of making it the perfect vehicle for any noble involved in ground combat against our current enemy.

Unfortunately, it's widespread deployment is currently limited by two problems.

One of the major issues holding back the Zvonimir gunship is that few people are able to afford it, and even if they can, fielding even a squad of the design will be beyond the financial ability of anything smaller than a mid level house.

The lack of adaptability is another one. The current gunship is very much a one-size-fits-all machine. While customers can replace the weapons and pick the interior finishing, they cannot customize its role. The Zvonimir gunship will naturally always remain an excellent frontline combatant but some people will inevitably want to use it for other tasks as well. We were able to come up with several ideas to expand the range of tasks the vehicle can fulfill in ground combat, as well as finding a relatively easy way to have the design contribute to certain combat beyond planetary engagements.

Every bit of advanced technology that can be acquired and used in a design like this has been added. You did everything possible to make the Zvonimir gunship the best gunship possible.

>>45185795

The design has reached a stage in its development where it can most likely only be improved by continued and widespread production and combat deployment.

I feel like the implementing part of the plan your advisors have been suggesting should make this possible.

However, instead of switching production entirely to a less armored model, I would suggest to take the changes they have suggested, and use it as the baseline for a more modular production process.

The version with reduced armor becomes the basic model, this should help reduce costs signiciantly, and free up space and weight for different customization options. What's the current gunship design, would become an armor upgrade that can either be installed in the factory for the more affluent customer, or later on if necessary.

This would help to free resources that can be invested in additional research, different designs, other ways of gaining access to new developments and designs, or entirely different ventures to gain influence and wealth during these trying times."

>>45185160
>>45185536
>>45185795
>>45185819
Okay, now to figure out a way to put these together.

Unless people like one more than the others?

>>45185914
Good lord that's a lot of text. I uhhh.. I suppose I would pick
>>45185795
>>45185819
Or you could just make an update with the Baron commenting on what we've said? It all seems to boil down to the same points.

Could we buy Variants for fighter support where we supply the Armour i cannot Imagine what a menace a Fast moving shielded fighter would be when it is ressistant to Torps and missiles.

>>45186106
I'd rather have 4 assault corvettes for the same price.

>>45186261
We have yet to be told how expensive these things are, or how expensive they would be if we supplied the Armour. Also with these things Repulsor placement they can go straight one second and do a Hard jink to the left the next that shit would be crazy in a dogfight